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

FOOD: Asian Imports — That Other Asian Supermarket

By JIMMY SCARANO
Falls Church Times Staff

March 19, 2010

There are so many incredible Asian food markets within a 10 mile radius of the City of Falls Church.

Great Wall off Gallows Rd. in Falls Church may be the craziest of the bunch.  On Saturday mornings the check-out lines are often ten people deep, comprised mostly of Chinese grandmothers stocking up on loads of fresh vegetables and fish straight out of the live tanks that line the back of the store.  The Korean-centric H Mart across the street is similarly chaotic, teeming with people at all hours of the day.

At Duangrats in Falls Church and Bangkok 54 Market in nearby Arlington homesick Thais shuffle in throughout the week for curry pastes, fresh rice noodles, kaffir lime leaves, and other hard-to-find items.  Every time I go to one of them I leave with a new treasure I’ve never tasted in my life.

And there are countless other places that get plenty of well-deserved business—the Grand Mart just outside the city; the Cho Saigon Supermarket at the Eden Center; the Happy Go Supermarket in Annandale.

But there is an overlooked gem amongst these popular Asian grocers — a place that sees far fewer people walk through its doors.  It’s called Asian Imports and it’s right here in the Little City.

Asian Imports (formerly known as Vietnam Imports) isn’t nearly as big or well-stocked as much of its brethren, and some of the products seem to have been untouched for years.  It doesn’t really carry any fresh produce, meats, or fish worth noting either.  Truthfully, the place doesn’t look like much at all on the surface.

Start perusing the shelves, though, and you’ll quickly realize this is no generic Asian market.  Even though you’ll find some of the same Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, and Korean items that other stores carry, Asian Imports specializes in Indonesian and Filipino imported foods, both of which are hard to come by around here.  There are dozens of products and brands at this cramped storefront that you simply can’t find elsewhere.  For that reason alone, this place is worth a trip.

In my recent visits I’ve been drawn to the astonishing selection of sambals, the fiery chili-based relishes loaded with garlic and aromatics that are the backbone of the cuisines of the Philippines, Indonesia, and other neighboring countries. Grab a jar and read the ingredients to get a better idea of what the flavor profile of a given type is, as there are many to choose from.  I generally avoid the shrimp paste-heavy ones because they are a tad funky for my Western palate, but any other choice will give you a versatile, spicy, assertive pantry staple that is a great addition to marinades and dips.

The ubiquitous Filipino and Indonesian table condiment kecap manis is another great find.  Most Asian markets carry one or two brands of this addictive palm sugar-sweetened soy sauce, but Asian Imports has several, including the preservative-free and well-regarded Bango brand that I haven’t seen anywhere else.  When the grilling season comes a bottle of kecap manis is a secret weapon.  Its sweet, salty, smoky, complex, caramel-like flavor is fantastic brushed on just about any meat before it hits the coals.

Those are the two most familiar, most Western friendly Filipino-Indonesian treats.  The vast majority of stuff on the shelves at Asian Imports I know nothing about.  There are bags of rice yeast and powdered purple yam.  There are pickled things and fermented things and canned exotic fruits.  There are frozen Filipino sausages, shrimp chips, and cassava crackers.  Much of it is cheap enough and small enough to justify trying a few mystery items.

The key is to read labels and avoid stuff with preservatives and weird additives, which are generally a sign of poor quality.  It also helps to enlist the help of whoever is working that day (there is usually just one person).  Everyone I have talked to in my visits has been nothing but nice and helpful, in spite of the language barrier.

On my last trip I played it pretty safe with a six-pack of deliciously tropical-tasting soursop juice from Indonesia.  I also splurged on some locally made Filipino cashew candies, a strange cardboard container of pure coconut cream, and needle-thin rice noodles.    Next time I’ll pick up some of the Dutch products, which Asian Imports has a substantial supply of thanks to the long-standing Dutch presence in Indonesia.

Frankly, I’m not sure how much longer this little shop will last.  The competition is fierce, and, in many ways, better.  But Asian Imports has products and family-owned charm that other places don’t.  That’s enough to keep me coming back.

Asian Imports is located on 922 W. Broad St., Falls Church, VA, 22046.  (703)- 534-9441.

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.

MARCH MADNESS: Last Chance to Join Pick’em Tourney

By JIMMY SCARANO
Falls Church Times Staff

March 17, 2010

The NCAA men’s basketball tournament tips off tomorrow, which means time is running out to sign up for the first ever Falls Church Times pick’em pool.

Remember that it’s free to enter a bracket in the tournament and there are prizes available for the top two finishers!  The winner will win a $75 gift certificate to a restaurant in the City of Falls Church of his or her choice and the runner-up will win a hand-picked gift basket of Falls Church Farmers Market goodies.

The tournament is being run through yahoo.com.  If you wish to participate all you have to do is click here and press the “join a group” icon.  The group ID number is 50125 and the password is fallschurchtimes.com (if you are not already a yahoo member you will need to create an account—it takes only a minute and is free).

Let the madness begin.

Affordable Housing Project Moves Toward Approval

By GEORGE BROMLEY
Falls Church Times Staff

March 17, 2010

The Falls Church Planning Commission voted 5-2 on March 15 to recommend approval of a special exception for the construction of The Wilden at 350 South Washington Street.   The decision, which culminated the four hour session, clears the way for the City Council to approve the 66 unit senior affordable housing project on second reading next Monday, March 22.

Planning Commission Chair John Lawrence and Commissioner Rob Meeks voted against the exception and earlier were joined by Commissioner Ruth Rodgers in supporting a motion, introduced by Mr. Meeks and seconded by Ms. Rodgers, which would have recommended against Council approval of the project.  That proposal was defeated by a 4-3 vote.

Commissioner Lindy Hockenberry led the opposition to Meeks’ motion, saying it was a disservice to kill the project at the Planning Commission level.  She stated that she felt The Wilden is a very good project which in the long run would bring about many other development opportunities that would otherwise be lost.

Commissioner Michael Kearney concurred, stating he was comfortable with The Wilden’s financial model, although he expressed some skepticism that the project would come to fruition.  Commissioner Melissa Teates saw the building as essential to improving the streetscape along South Washington and two adjacent sites on nearby Annandale Road.  She noted that when the restaurant opens in the Tax Analysts building across the street from the project it would send a positive message for patrons to see the construction in progress.  “I’m ready to take a leap of faith to get construction started down there.”

Commissioner Russell Wodiska stated that he had come to the meeting thinking that he would vote against the project but that a lot of the questions he’d had had been answered.   Although expressing concern that the City was “putting all its affordable housing eggs in one basket”, he joined Ms. Hockenberry, Ms. Teates, and Mr. Kearney in voting down Mr. Meeks’ motion.

Following the vote, Falls Church Housing Corporation CEO Carol Jackson said, “We are obviously humbled and thrilled about the Planning Commission’s 5-2 vote.”

Much of the earlier discussion focused on the need to start work on the project by mid-summer.  If construction is delayed and the building has not received a certification for occupancy by December 31, 2011, essential tax credits will be lost.

However, occupancy will be contingent on 38 parking spaces being provided at 360 South Washington.  The adjacent building currently is owned by Thomas Sawner who has signed a non-binding letter of intent to sell the structure to developer Bob Young, who intends to build an office building with a parking garage on the site.  In effect, the two buildings will have to be constructed concurrently in order for the required parking to be available on schedule.

Mr. Lawrence asked the status of the $2 million dollar loan earlier advanced to Mr. Sawner.  Assistant City Manager stated that three quarters of the amount had been paid back to the General Fund.

Ira Kaylin, a candidate for City Council, spoke against the project’s loan arrangements, stating,  “Everyone seems to be taken care of here except the taxpayers.”  Mr. Kaylin estimated they would lose $1.4 million dollars and called the plan a very poor financial transaction for the City.

Ms. Hockenberry and Mr. Lawrence also are running for Council.

Relevant documents are available for review at the City’s website.

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.

Where’s the $2 Million? (Part IV)

By STAN FENDLEY
Falls Church Times Staff

March 16, 2010

Since July of last year, the Falls Church Times has followed the status of the City’s 2008 $2 million no-interest loan to Falls Church Housing Corporation for a purchase option on property at 360 S. Washington Street.  That purchase option expired unexercised in December 2009, triggering a repayment requirement by the property owner and the Housing Corporation by the end of January, 2010.

Presently, $531,174 of the $2 million loan remains outstanding.  City officials say they expect the balance to be paid later this month.

The purpose of the 2008 loan was to help the Housing Corporation purchase 360 S. Washington Street in order to make it part of a 174-unit affordable housing project covering 350, 360 and 370 S. Washington.  That plan died in 2009 for lack of adequate funding.

Now the Housing Corporation has reduced the size of the project, called “The Wilden,” focusing on a 66-unit facility for senior citizens.  The Housing Corporation requested another $2 million loan to support the smaller project, which the Falls Church City Council approved on March 8 on a 6-1 vote.  Councilman Nader Baroukh cast the lone opposing vote.

The City Council is expected to vote on final approval for The Wilden on March 22.

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