Lots of Bricks, a Zipper, and a Grand Opening

Getting to "Yes" on a new high school has been a priority throughout my City Council terms. Ensuring that the commercial development to pay for the school remains on track will be a priority for the next four years.

We've faced many decision points and snags along the way, and I started to refer to the process as a zipper. Each piece needs to fall into place at the right time, and it takes two sides working in perfect coordination to keep that zipper moving. When there's a hitch in the zipper it requires stopping, and carefully resetting the zipper to continue on. We need both finesse and force to keep moving.

On Saturday, October 2 Falls Church will celebrate the Grand Opening of Meridian High School and that zipper is moving pretty well. Here's a story of one small, but important piece of the project, one of thousands of details that have been attended to as we've forged ahead with this project.

Back in the 1990's the Business in Education (BIE) Partnership, led by Ellen Salsbury, started selling engraved bricks for a BIE brick pathway in front of George Mason High School. We added bricks to the original set for nearly 30 years, a daily reminder of people and events near and dear to Falls Church.

In 2005, when I started working for FCCPS, I took over the brick pathway project. Before the old school was demolished, the bricks were removed and stored, in preparation for their debut in the Meridian High School Legacy Grove.

On Friday, along with the school construction team, I started sorting and organizing the bricks, which will be installed this week.

I was prepared for the mud because the calendar invite said, "Wear boots. It will be muddy." I was prepared for sorting, lifting, and carrying hundreds of bricks. I was prepared for a hot day with sunscreen and water.

I wasn't prepared for the emotion that came along with this mundane task. There are nearly 1500 bricks, and as we separated them into sections, it felt like a visit with old friends. Every message was a heartfelt recognition of a special time and place. It was a journey through milestone moments and beloved people who made Falls Church what is today.

• We organized a whole section of bricks for the Class of 1959, who worked diligently to recognize every single class member.

• We saw bricks for those who left us too soon - Richard Marsh, Maria Elena Nudell, Nancy and Beth Sprague, and many more.

• We unwrapped newly engraved bricks anticipating graduations in 2031, 32, 33 and 34!

• We found bricks thanking FCCPS volunteers and advocates like Lou Olom, Jessie Thackrey, Roger Neighborgall.

• We saw bricks for honored employees - Jed Jackson, Maryel Barry, Marc Robarge, LaBryan Thomas, Nan Hof, Natalie Espinoza, Ken Siekman.

• We cheered for bricks commemorating historic teams - like the 2017 Girls Lacrosse State Championship.

• We found family bricks recognizing generations of Acostas, Thackreys, Clintons, and Martins.

This Legacy Grove is a physical monument to Falls Church moments and memories and people. It will be between the schools and the commercial development. The engraved bricks will connect school history and community history in this new location, bringing together all of the pieces that made this possible - kind of like a zipper.

The people recognized on these bricks, from our past, present and future, are the reason why we've gone to all this effort to build a new school. It makes all the challenges worthwhile. We’ve got far to go to get this zipper to its completion, but let’s celebrate how far we’ve come - together.

When you can, take time to walk through the Legacy Grove and visit with friends, old and new. If you can't make it there in person, we will soon have a map and directory on the Legacy Kiosk inside the school and also online at mustangs.touchpros.com. This was funded by the Falls Church Education Foundation so that our memories are collected and shared.

Acting Locally on International Women's Day

Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.” How right she is! In recent months, this quote has made the rounds on social media posts, t-shirts, mugs, and memes. 

On International Women’s Day, a day of big ideas and gestures, I’m thinking locally. The essential idea of the importance of women in leadership is in action every day, right here in Falls Church. In 2021, there are more women leading in Falls Church than ever before, in elected, appointed, employed, and volunteer positions. As Vice-Mayor of Falls Church, it’s an honor to serve in a community where women are in all the places where decisions are being made.

What follows is a long list of women - who are working in conjunction with another long list of men. Wherever decisions are being made, we need women and men. We need representation from all areas of the community. We need to tap into the life experiences of many people to lead our community to a brighter future.

We have the most women ever serving in elected office. Joining me on City Council are Letty Hardi and Debbie Hiscott. Our School Board includes Shannon Litton, Laura Downs, Susan Dimock, Sonia Ruiz-Bolanos (and up until recently Shawna Russell). Jody Acosta is our Treasurer. The Planning Commission includes Melissa Teates, Cory Firestone Weiss and Andrea Caumont.

Many City departments are led by women, and we are in good hands with Assistant City Manager Cindy Mester, City Attorney Carol McCoskrie, City Clerk Celeste Heath, Police Chief Mary Gavin, CFO Kiran Bawa, Housing & Human Services Director Nancy Vincent, Library Director Jenny Carroll, Communications Director Susan Finarelli, and Becky Witsman in Economic Development. These leaders are backed up by dozens of women in important jobs who make great things happen for residents all over the City.

Board & Commissions led by women include Urban Forestry chaired by Kathy Philpott-Costa; Humans Service Advisory Committee chaired by Nicole Newman; the Library Board chaired by Stephanie Oppenheimer. Janis Johnson served as chair of the Police Use of Force Committee. Megan Dolan is the chair of the Electoral Board. Our environmental programs are led by women Sandy Tarpinian leads the Community Wildlife Habitat Program. Amy Crumpton leads the Habitat Restoration Task Group and Tina Ho took the reins this year on Operation Earthwatch. The membership of these committees generously share their lifelong expertise with the community.

In the FCCPS the schools benefit from the leadership of Chief Operating Officer Kristen Michael, Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School Principal Valerie Hardy, Jessie Thackrey Preschool Director Angela Atwater, Executive Director of Special Education Rebecca Sharp, TJ Assistant Principal Amanda Davis, Attorney Patricia Minson, School Board Clerk Marty Gadell, HR Director Amy Hall, Finance Director Mechelle Coppock, Transportation Director Nancy Hendrickson, Day Care Director Katie Clinton, Director of Equity and Excellence Jennifer Santiago, Academic Directors Julie Macrina and Jeanne Seabridge. Teacher leaders are far too many to be listed, and they are the heart of our community in classrooms, and this year, in living rooms, too.

The School Board relies on advice from Advisory Committees. Laura Gould chairs the Health & Wellness Advisory Committee; Leanne Berthiaume chairs the Day Care Advisory Board; Shilpa Satoskar chairs the Gifted Education Advisory Board; Jennifer York chairs the Special Education Advisory Committee. The School Renaming Committees are chaired by Jamie Argento-Rodriguez and Sherry Witt. The work of School Affiliated Organizations create essential partnerships every year, and we are grateful to HS PTSA president Mary Asel; Henderson PTA president Vikki Spencer Ehrlich; Elementary PTA President Jenn Beck; Athletic Boosters President Becki Creed; Band Boosters President Ari Autor; Choral Boosters President Becca Tice.

So many non-profit organizations in Falls Church are led by women - Creative Cauldron is the creation of Laura Hull; Falls Church Chamber of Commerce is synonymous with Sally Cole, and Barbara Benson is the Chair; Falls Church Education Foundation is led by Debbie Hiscott and Cecily Shea. Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation is led by Irene Chambers, Rebecca Tinner Stotts, and Nikki Graves Henderson; Tinner Hill Music Festival is led by Tori McKinney. Adena Williams & Suzanne Hladky created “Better Together” Falls Church to support businesses and families. Peg Willingham continues to chair the Falls Church Democratic Committee. Adriana Palacios is serving as president of the Volunteer Fire Department. Stacey Evers started Grow-A-Row Falls Church so that gardeners could donate excess produce to food pantries. . Nancy Brandon, Julie Krachman, and Lindy Hockenberry are leading the Citizens for a Better City Youth Representatives Initiative to prepare leaders of the future. The Women’s History Group, is led by Sally Ekfelt, with brilliant women on board, making sure to recognize those amazing women who came before us.

These are the women who make decisions, make things happen, make a difference. The whole community benefits because each of these women bring considerable expertise and true dedication to the places where decisions are being made. 

Happy International Women’s Day, Falls Church!

P.S. Despite my best efforts, I know I forgot someone, so if you know someone who belongs on this list, please let me know!

Here's Who I'm Voting For in 2019 Local Elections

Last week’s questions were “Did you see that homer?” “Can you believe Stras?” “Are you going to the Nats parade?”

This week’s question is “Who are you voting for?”

Last week I answered “Yes!”, “Amazing!”, “Absolutely!” 

This week’s answer is for City Council, I’m voting for Phil Duncan, Letty Hardi, and Dave Tarter. For School Board, I’m voting for Susan Dimock, Laura Downs and Phil Reitinger.

These six candidates have proven that they can get things done in Falls Church. They know the community. They understand the issues. They’ve been involved for years, in a variety of ways, and gained experience in leadership roles in community organizations. Their resumes include a demonstrated commitment to working with community members for the good of the City.

The two first-time School Board candidates on my list are Susan Dimock and Laura Downs. Both are seasoned volunteer leaders. Laura was Elementary PTA president, which may be the toughest volunteer job in Falls Church. She collaborated with hundreds of volunteers on dozens of programs. She’s been on the Board of Falls Church Kiwanis Little League. Susan is currently chair of the School Board’s Health and Wellness Advisory Committee. She’s been a leader on the new Health & Wellness Speakers Series, bringing in meaningful speakers. Both Susan and Laura speak passionately about their dedication to continuous improvement of our schools. 

The candidates who are running for re-election: The Phils - Reitinger for School Board and Duncan for City Council, as well as Letty Hardi & Dave Tarter are all deserving of re-election. They are active participants in the most important and challenging project our City has ever undertaken. The new high school and the economic development project have been a consistent focus of the School Board and City Council, and these four candidates have been in the thick of years of decision-making. All have shown that they can work together and all are reliable sounding boards for community concerns.

The candidates I am not voting for, Douglass Stevens and Stewart Whitaker, are both newcomers, taking their first steps in the community leadership arena. While accomplished in their careers, neither was an active participant in the civic life of Falls Church before deciding to run for office. While I appreciate their willingness to throw their hats into the ring, I am not ready to vote for either of them because they don’t have a track record of leadership or decision-making in the City of Falls Church. There are lots of ways to participate in the City and build some experience - serving on City Boards & Commissions, School Board Advisory Committees, PTAs, Little League, Scouting. This kind of involvement and demonstrated commitment is, to me, a necessary step before earning my vote to one of our two governing bodies.

To recap - I’m voting for Susan Dimock, Laura Downs, Phil Reitinger for School Board and Phil Duncan, Letty Hardi, David Tarter for City Council.

And Nats Forever!

Wind and Rain. Nevertheless We Persisted

I'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Falls Church community for participating in last week's election. Thank you for your confidence in me and your vote to move the GMHS Campus project forward.

The election was important, but it is also just another day in the history of Falls Church - another day that helped to define what our City believes, and how the citizens want to go forward into the future. The essential work of being a community continues. We have a strong City because we are engaged and involved. We don't always agree, and that's a good thing. Now that the votes are tallied, we need to come together and get to work. 

I'm so grateful to all the people who volunteered throughout this election. First, to the candidates who stepped up to tun. It's not easy to put yourself out there, and you did it with great enthusiasm. Volunteers organized candidate forums, created voter guides, asked tough questions, joined campaign teams, knocked on doors, displayed signs, and posted comments. 

Now let's get to work - Together!

Have You Ever Loved an Old Car?

As I've been talking with people during this campaign about what is most important in Falls Church, sustainability is on a lot of minds. Is our tax rate sustainable? Is our school building sustainable? Is our city sustainable? 

One key question is "Why do you think we need a new school when the current building seems to be educating children very well?" That's a tough one to answer because everyone brings their own perspective to the question. It might help with decision-making if we think about the GMHS building like an old, beloved car.

Have you ever owned an old car? It's served you well, taken you on cross-country trips, gotten you to your first job, through storms, driven carpools. It's familiar, reliable and comfortable, and you know how to park it really well. And, even better, you've paid it off, so there are no monthly payments to squeeze into your budget.

And then the maintenance bills start pouring in. Brakes, sliding door motor, timing belt, transmission, window cracks. The expenses are fast and furious, and to make it fit the budget, you triage which expense is most urgent. You decide that the sliding door isn't top priority, so you let that wait for a while. You know your family is safe in the old car, but after a few big bills you realize that you are paying more to maintain the old car than you would on a new car payment. The mechanic who has been taking care of your car says he will keep finding the parts and maintaining it as long as you need it, so you put the decision off a little longer.

Then there's car capacity. Your car was great for 2 adults and 2 small children, but 2 adults and 3 larger children, plus friends, don't fit as well. A new car will have better gas mileage and more safety features. At some point you hit the breaking point, and decide that as much as you love the old chariot, it's time for a new Ford, so you bite the bullet, and start over again with a larger, new car.

A key point here is that the breaking point is different for each person. Some are willing to keep the old car at all costs, and others decide that $3,000 for the new transmission is the end of the line. 

Does it help to think about the state of George Mason High School in the same way? The GMHS building has served our citizens well for 65 years, and piece by piece, the systems are all coming to the end of their expected useful years. The HVAC, the roof, the wiring, the plumbing, all the windows. All are old, and all will keep being repaired as long as they are needed, but a cost-benefit analysis shows that fixing every last thing is not a long-term solution. Repair will get us through a few more years, but sooner or later the cost is going to outweigh the benefit. When do we hit the point that keeping the old school in service is not a sustainable solution?

Every car, every building has an expected lifetime, and George Mason, opened in 1952, renovated and expanded for decades, is at the end of its run. 

The FCCPS Facilities team takes admirable care of the building. It is well-maintained, but it is old, and the cost of maintaining it is going to keep increasing every year. There are some big expenses in the near future (like that dreaded transmission replacement), and decision time is here. A new building will allow the community to start from scratch and build in energy efficiencies and take advantage of new technology that will reduce operating expenses. A larger building will fit the increased number of students who are coming.

It has been a tough decision because a new school is so expensive, but then there's this: The cost of renovating GMHS and adding on to accommodate enrollment growth is almost the same as the cost of building new and reducing the cost by using land for commercial development.

So what do you say Falls Church? Are we ready for a new building?  I think it is time, and I'm voting YES on the bond referendum. How about you?

Seven Days in September

What a week!  This past seven days were jam-packed with a wide-range of events. 

Taken together these events weave a fascinating tapestry that makes Falls Church such a special place. It's an honor to represent you as a City Council member in so many ways.

Sunday started early with the Run for the Schools where 800 people had a great morning. Marybeth Connelly for City Council Campaign sponsored Mile 2 of the run - because I’m running for my second term. I got to hang out with my favorite school mascots and lots of friends.

Later Sunday morning as a guest at the 150th Anniversary and Homecoming of Galloway United Methodist Church I brought greetings from the City. What a beautiful celebration of a spiritual home and community for many families and individuals and I learned some fascinating history! Here’s the Galloway website to learn about their rich history.

Sunday afternoon was the League of Women & VPIS Voters Oxford Debate on the School Bond Referendum. It was packed with interested citizens.I hope you had your questions answered. If it raised even more questions on this important decision send them my way, I’m happy to answer them.

Monday evening was a City Council work session - with a wide-ranging agenda.

Tuesday’s Chamber of Commerce luncheon was another chance to connect with community members, learn about SCORE, a great program that supports small businesses, and share news about school partnerships.

Wednesday afternoon Governor Terry McAuliffe visited Falls Church to launch the I-66 Commuter Choice program. Many local and regional VIPS joined us for the ribbon cutting. Afterwards the Governor along with Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Lane and state officials met with city and school leaders to discuss the possibilities for developing 10 acres of land on the GMHS campus, if the referendum passes. This is part of the City’s ongoing outreach to make sure that we are working with our neighbors to bring great business and amenities to the Upper West Side. 

Thursday afternoon was the grand opening of a brand new Falls Church City business - Falls Church Distillers. What a fun place this is going to be to hang out with friends and enjoy their craft spirits and art shows!

Later Thursday night, along with the GMHS Field Hockey and Football teams, I was part of a greeting committee for an Honor Flight of WWII and Korean War Veterans at the Hilton Garden Inn. We gave them a rousing Falls Church welcome!

Friday started with an early meeting of the Budget & Finance Committee, where we heard good news about FY 2017. More on that at Monday’s City Council meeting.

Saturday morning the Concert Across America to End Gun Violence took place at the Farmer’s Market  and then we hosted a group of GM students before the Homecoming Dance tonight.

If we add another day to make it 8 - Sunday afternoon: I’m handed out teddy bears at the Teddy Bear 5K for Falls Church-McLean Children’s Center at Pimmit Hills Park

Monday: City Council Meeting.

Tuesday: Chamber of Commerce Mini-Golf Family Fun Night at Jefferson District Park (I’m sponsoring the family-friendly beverages) followed by the Joint PTA Meeting regarding the School Bond Referendum.

Wednesday: Community Issues Forum City Council Candidate Debate at American Legion on N. Oak St.

That's a colorful tapestry that makes up Falls Church!

It's Not Complicated: Thoughts on the School Bond Referendum

I've got a confession. I'm guilty of perpetuating the myth that the school bond referendum vote is complicated. Someone challenged me on that this week, and with the help of some friends, I peeled back all the layers to reveal six essentials that illustrate how simple this decision really is.

1. It is time for Falls Church to build a new high school. Our 1952-vintage building has served our city well and it’s worn out. The time has come for a new building. City Council and School Board studied this deeply for the past four years. We've left no stone unturned, and the result of all this study shows that the most cost-effective, long-term solution is to build a new high school.

2. In a community that prides itself on public education, our high school should reflect the values of our community. We need a facility that supports the superb instruction already happening at GMHS. 

3. Taxes will go up to pay for the school whether we vote yes or no on this referendum. A NO vote means we spend upwards of $70M to renovate, add on and keep the old building going. A YES vote means we authorize the spending of up to $120M on a brand new building. A YES vote means we build a new school that will serve our community and its students for generations. A NO vote sets the City up for a short-sighted patch job that will cost far more in the long run.

4. A YES vote means that we have the unprecedented opportunity to develop 10 acres of land where GMHS currently stands. We estimate it will bring in $43-45M in payments (which will be used to help pay for the school and mitigate the effect on taxes.) A NO vote means that we have no opportunity to reduce tax impact or spur place-making and community-enhancing economic revitalization in the West End.

5. A YES vote keeps home values high and our city independent. Home values in every community are tied to the quality of the public schools. A NO vote means that over time demand for our real estate may decrease when families are not willing to pay a premium for a second-rate high school facility. A NO vote calls into question our commitment to public education for the future.

6. The argument that we are not ready is penny-wise, pound-foolish. One thing that we’ve learned from the delays in the Mt. Daniel and City Hall construction is that construction costs keep going up. A NO vote with the intent of delaying a new high school to study it further means it will cost more when we finally get to it. City Council, School Board and the community have thoroughly vetted this project. As I mentioned above, we've left no stone unturned in the quest for the best value for the community at the lowest possible cost.

There are many other issues and concerns that people are sharing and discussing. While the School Bond Referendum decision is not complicated, the actual project is very complicated. A strong team of experienced general government and school staff is preparing for this project. They will be ready to make it happen if the voters say YES. The City of Falls Church website and the FCCPS website have further detailed information showing how much work and study has gone into this project. I encourage everyone who wants to know more to keep studying and asking questions. There were some excellent questions at Sunday's community meeting at GMHS.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2017: I'M RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION. HERE'S WHY

I've had the honor of serving on City Council since 2014, and its time for a re-election campaign. Those 4 years since my first campaign have gone quickly, haven't they?

In those four years my two sons graduated from George Mason High School and went off to college. My daughter (and her brothers) are all taller than me, and our dog still barks madly at anyone he perceives might injure his people.

For the past four years I've been part of a City Council that wants to get things done. As a group we all have different strengths, and some strong opinions. Despite differences, we've managed to work together to pass some important legislation.  We have had two successful referendum votes - for addition/renovation at Mt. Daniel Elementary School (2015)  and Mary Riley Styles Public Library (2016).

The sidewalks and bike lanes of Falls Church are bustling with people, out and about, enjoying the parks, businesses and gathering places. There's a liveliness and vitality that just keeps growing.

Dozens of small businesses opened, and I've been to more ribbon cuttings than I can count - Lucky Thai, Jumping Joey's, OneFit, Rare Bird Coffee, Falls Church Distillers, The Local Market, Hot & Juicy,  Botanologica, Super Cuts, Happy Tart, Kids First Swim School, Breakout Games, with many more to come.

City Council approved The Kensington Senior Living in 2014. It opened in 2017, and is providing care for the elderly on the upper floors. On street level, the sidewalk is wide and welcoming. Falls Church Arts gallery  (and soon to be Cafe) are exciting gathering places. The 301 W. Broad St. building opened with a flagship Harris Teeter last summer, and the Lincoln at Tinner Hill will open a Target Express next spring. 

We supplemented tax abatement and deferral programs for elderly and disabled citizens. These programs have helped dozens of individuals stay in their homes, and merit further review to see if they can be expanded.

There are a few new bike lanes, and traffic calming on busy streets, and we expect that there will be more soon.  

New park benches, bus shelters and bike racks are popping up all over town. Our parks are looking spiffy, and our sidewalks are improving (in some places).

And after four years of study, starts and stops, lots of information-gathering in cooperation with the School Board, the City Council approved a referendum for a new George Mason High School. It will be on the ballot for your input in November. This has been an arduous and thorough process because it is a multi-faceted, complex project. When the land transfer was approved by voter referendum in 2013, there was  a broad vision for how the City would be able to finance and build a new high school. Now are close to becoming a reality. I hope every voter will take some time to learn about what a "yes" vote or a "no" vote will mean. 

There are so many issues facing the City and I hope that my record over the past four years shows that I'm worthy of your vote. There's a lot of work to do to keep Falls Church City on the right track, and I'm ready to keep at it.

August 13, 2017 Thoughts After White Supremacists Marched in Charlottesville

This summer I've been immersed in the awe-inspiring wonder of America - shining seas...spacious skies...actual amber waves of grain...purple mountain majesty...jam-packed highways and wide open roads....New York skyline and Carolina beach... Utah parks crowded with international tourists eager to get a taste of America... U2 in Philadelphia and an oompah band in Falls Church... All kinds of inspirational sacred spaces ...Mormon temples... mosques... synagogues... cathedrals... ten commandments on homemade signs...national parks. This colorful tapestry of people and places makes America in 2017 unique, special, and great.

We were happy to get home to Virginia - and horrified to see terrorists marching in our state, spreading hate, harm and death.

We are part of a diverse and colorful, beautiful America, not a white supremacist nightmare. There is no place for hate or neo-nazis in this great country.

We've all got work to do. We need to look out for each other, respect differences, celebrate that this country is like no other. We need to stand up to protect the best of America. Diverse viewpoints and experiences make us strong. We can't take it for granted. We can make it even better. We've got work to do. 
#charlottesville #oneside

July 24, 2017: Why I Voted "Yes' on the GMHS/MEHMS Referendum

Four score and seven years ago…

Well, not really that long ago but close - 3 score and 10 years ago - the founders of Falls Church had a vision of an independent city with its own school division.

As I read through the history of our city as told by bond referendums and construction projects, two things are certain.

It’s never been easy...It’s always been worth it.

Building projects are expensive, risky, and necessary to maintain a community. There are many facets to every decision, reasons to be cautious and reasons to be bold. The citizens in 1951 and 1957  had almost the same concerns about a GMHS addition that many people do today as we consider a brand new school. Can we afford it? Are we building too much or not enough? What if it doesn’t work out the way we expect it to?

The volume of email and citizen comment that has come through in the past month is truly impressive. I am so pleased that so many people feel passionately about our this City - library, schools, tax rates, fields, safety, sustainability, risk.

While it may not always be easy...you’ve proven that it is worth it.

Four years ago the citizens approved a referendum to sell our water system to Fairfax in exchange for our campus land. They elected four of us the same day - Mr. Sze, Mr. Snyder, Ms. Oliver and me.

Our term on Council has included many important topics, and one constant has been our focus on the campus project. This Council is determined to do the right thing for our City.

We don’t always agree on the details... but we all agree that it is worth it.

Tonight’s votes on the CIP and school bond referendum are not the culmination of those four years. It’s more like the almost-halfway point, the next big step that our community has to take together.

There is still a lot of work left to do to make sure that the strategy for this ambitious CIP becomes a rock solid plan and a true reality.

I am supporting the full CIP because I want to do the best for our citizens, all of our citizens, enhance our community with a new high school, a modern, safe city hall, an ADA-accessible welcoming library and adequate playing fields and eventually, space for more elementary students.

In the past few months our city and school staff worked through many (possibly four score and seven) scenarios to explain how these models worked. Each time they are better, more airtight, less risky. Thanks to the input from consultants and citizens and the collaborative work of staff. Regardless, everyone I talk to is overwhelmed by the magnitude.

Two weeks ago I said that sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and just do it - but this is more than a leap of faith. We’ve got four years of work behind us, good data, solid strategy, strong advice, commitment to keep operating and capital costs as low as possible, and we are ready to take the next step for all of our citizens.

It is not going to be easy, but I am certain that it will be worth it.

“It’s never been easy...It’s always been worth it.”

March 2017: Invitation to Falls Church Women's History Walk

Sometimes an idea comes along that is so timely, so interesting, so right that everyone wants to be part of it. The upcoming Falls Church Women’s History Walk is one of those ideas. If you aren’t already involved, consider this your heartfelt invitation to be part of it. There are many reasons to gather to celebrate history-making women, focus on wellness, and build community right here in Falls Church.

On Sunday, March 26 the mile-long walk will kick-off at 2:00 p.m., but participants can start later and enjoy the walk as they wish. The “Herstory Stations” will be set up throughout the afternoon, and afterwards we will be gathering for a Community Resource Fair in the Community Center until 5:00 p.m.

Despite our small size, Falls Church looms large in American history. Some of our predecessors made history that is written “in the books.” Others provide a unique window into historic events. Some of the names on the Women’s History Walk will be familiar to Falls Church residents because streets, buildings and schools are named for them. Some aren’t as familiar, but they are worth getting to know!

Women have been making history in Falls Church since before the 1600s. The first European settlement at Big Chimneys dates to 1699. We don’t know exactly who lived at the inn/trading post but we have to assume that at least one woman lived in the log house with big chimneys. There was plenty of work to do at the important stop along the Rolling Road between Virginia tobacco plantations and the Alexandria port.

Falls Church has been home to noted abolitionists, educators, visionaries. Women who persisted. Women who made a difference. Here’s a snapshot of some of the women we will recognize.

• Harriet Foote Turner was a free woman of color who led 12 enslaved people to freedom in Canada by forging their papers and posing as their owner.

• Pioneering educator Nancy Sprague’s vision influences Falls Church and Fairfax educators today.

• Mary Ellen Henderson petitioned the Fairfax School Board for 20 years for a better school for her African American students. Her detailed study of the inadequacy of her facilities caught their attention.

• Mattie Gundry founded and ran the Virginia Training School, the only school in South for children with special needs.

• Alixa Naff, an immigrant from Lebanon, is considered the Mother of Arab-American Studies in the United States.

These are five of the 14 women whose stories we will tell.

There’s a big question that each of us has to answer: What are you doing, today, to carry on the legacy of these women? What are you doing to make a difference in our local community and the world? How are you bridging the divide and getting to know people who aren’t in your usual circles? How are you making life better for others?

Everyday life has a way of overwhelming our dreams of doing something big (or small), and our polarized society makes it difficult to bridge the gap between people. We hope that events like the Women’s History Walk will provide the opportunity to think about bravery, determination, health, purpose, community, sisterhood in a way that empowers each person to make a difference for others.

While we discover history, we will also celebrate health and wellness. Taking a walk is one of the best things you can do for your body and mind. We hope this walk puts a spring in your step and inspires you to make history.

Everyone is invited - old, young, women and men, visitors from afar and neighbors from around the corner.  People in strollers and wheelchairs, those using skates, scooters and canes are all welcome.

The Women’s History Walk is presented by the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation and its board members Nikki Graves Henderson, Dr. Beverly PIttman and Rebecca Stotts, as well as the six women elected to office in Falls Church: Jody Acosta, Marybeth Connelly, Erin Gill, Letty Hardi, Karen Oliver, Letty Hardi and Margaret Ward. It is sponsored by the American Council on Exercise and the Falls Church AAUW.

The Community Resource Fair will have refreshments, as well as information shared by your neighbors who are part of AAUW, Corepower Yoga, Cultural Care Au Pair, Fit4Mom, League of Women Voters, Lethbridge & Associates, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation, VPIS, We Support the Girls.  We are grateful to the City of Falls Church for logistical support.

We are adding exhibitors and sponsors every day, so if you want to participate, we’d love to have you. Contact me at mbdoncon@gmail.com for information on being part of the Women’s History Walk. Sign up on the Facebook Event Page: Falls Church Women’s History Walk, to get previews, updates, maps and more.