Providing Natural Solutions for Male Sexual Health
There's not much we can count on in life, but if there's one guarantee, we can bet that our bodies change as we grow older. That's especially true for men as they age. One moment you're partying at the club, waking up refreshed, and hitting the gym. The next moment, getting out of bed is a chore. You're sore in places you never thought before, and hangovers don't just go away after a hot shower and a big breakfast.
And while sore joints and backaches can be treated with aspirin and ice, other signs of aging aren't as easy to treat. Of course, we're talking about challenges in getting and maintaining erections needed to satisfy your partner. At the extreme, we all know it as erectile dysfunction or ED for short but long before full ED, there are warning signs that things aren't working as they used to work. Hearing the ED word sends shivers down most men's spines. When you think about it, that makes sense - being unable to perform when you need to most is a scary thought.
If you're beginning to suffer from ED or male performance issues or you've been dealing with performance issues for some time, it may seem like nobody has any solutions or even really understands how these issues can impact your life and sense of well-being. However, ED of varying degrees is very common. More than 18 million men suffer from the condition in the U.S. Unfortunately, many of those men hide their performance issues without ever addressing them. If you're one of those men, and it feels like you're stuck in a rut with no help, we're here to tell you you're not alone. Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC is here to provide you with a long-lasting solution to help you regain confidence and perform like you used to.
Additionally, many men including the so-called "bio hackers" are using our treatments to PREVENT the performance decline in the first place. Why wait for the inevitable when you can implement strategies to prevent the decline in the first place.

The Proactive Wellness Center Difference
Our programs are all about reversing and slowing the aging process, preventing disease, and treating chronically ill patients. We utilize a three-pronged approach:
- 1. We equip patients with the knowledge required to take charge of their health and achieve optimal well-being.
- 2. We focus on disease prevention by providing a thorough evaluation using comprehensive diagnostics including the patient-supplied information.
- 3. We work with patients to implement a rejuvenation program consisting of various science-based treatments that reduce cellular degeneration, promote tissue regeneration and healing, and slow down the aging process.
We consider every individual as physiologically unique. As such, we don't subscribe to a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Instead, our programs focus on a customized approach, leveraging genetics and advanced testing, utilizing advanced therapeutics like Gainswave and addressing risk factors that, if avoided or modified, could have beneficial effects for reducing many chronic conditions that men suffer from year-round.
Our vision is to provide the latest in scientifically-validated therapies for reversing the aging process, preventing chronic disease, and optimizing health. For men whoare just starting to have challenges, or who have erectile dysfunction, or for the biohackers that just want everything optimized, one of those proven therapies is GAINSWave therapy in Great Falls, VA
Our Services
- Providing Natural Solutions for Male Sexual Health
- The Proactive Wellness Center Difference
- What is GAINSWave Therapy?
- What Makes GAINSWave Therapy in Great Falls, VA Work?
- Other Treatments and Programs from Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
- Achieve Your Wellness Goals at Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
Service Areas
What is GAINSWave Therapy?
If you have ED or even a minor decline in sexual performance, there's a good chance you've already seen your primary care doctor. You've talked to them about the issues you're facing. And, if they're like many doctors, they prescribed you some pills and sent you on your way. Unfortunately, going this route doesn't do much to solve erectile dysfunction - you're just putting a band-aid on the problem. Plus, you're putting strange chemicals in your body via a "little blue pill" that may cause adverse side effects.
At the end of the day, you need a real-deal solution to ED, not a quick fix. The good news? A safe, non-invasive, injection-free answer to your problems exists. It's called GAINSWave therapy, and according to recent studies, it has shown an 85-92% success rate for mild to moderate cases of erectile dysfunction.
Reports from men who have used GAINSWave therapy in Great Falls, VA report the following benefits:
- Stronger, Longer Lasting Erections
- Improved Sexual Pleasure
- More Blood Circulation and Flow
- Better Girth and Length
- Less Rest Needed Between Orgasms
- Enhanced Intimacy in the Bedroom

Unlike many ED treatments, you don't have to worry about surgery or drugs when you choose GAINSWave. This revolutionary treatment uses acoustic wave technology, also called pulse wave therapy, instead of surgery or pills, which helps to rebuild blood flow to the penile region, thereby boostings erectile strength and, by proxy, confidence.
But the benefits of GAINSWave don't end there. This therapy also breaks up micro plaques and boosts nitric oxide, which forms new blood vessels and collagen. That's exciting news for men suffering from Peyronie's disease, which is another condition specific to male sexual health.
Contact Us For Services

What Makes GAINSWave Therapy in Great Falls, VA Work?
With time, men's blood flow decreases, sensitivity isn't what it once was, and blood vessels start to get thinner or even partially or fully blocked. With GAINSWave, high-frequency, low-intensity shockwaves rejuvenate areas of the penis that have suffered with age. For instance, micro plaques are removed, new blood vessels form, and blood flow increases. According to several clinical studies, enhanced blood flow from GAINSWave translates to more sustainable, rigid erections in 75% of men.
Though males in America are only beginning to realize the benefits of GAINSWave, it's a treatment that has been used for over a decade around the world. Backed by science and proven to rejuvenate vasculature in male erections, GAINSWave works without any pain or recovery time. In fact, it's possible to pop into Proactive Wellness Centers on your lunch break for a therapy session.
Proactive Wellness Centers' GAINSWave treatments feature:
- Low-Intensity Pulse or Shockwaves
- All Natural
- No Needles
- No Pills
- No Pain
- No Surgery
- No Recovery Time
- Quick Procedures
Because this procedure is needle, surgery, and drug-free, most men don't have to suffer through costly insurance claims or unsightly scarring. With GAINSWave and our comprehensive and personalized ED treatment plans, all you need to focus on is enjoying life, knowing your erectile dysfunction is a thing of the past.
Who Are the Best Candidates for Gainswave Therapy in Great Falls, VA?
If you're a man over the age of 30 and want to optimize your performance or if you are suffering a decline in this area, GAINSWave may be for you. That's even more true if other treatments never worked. For many men, those unsuccessful solutions include pills like Viagra. If prescription pills don't solve your ED problems, GAINSWave is a great option to consider. Academic studies show that shockwave therapy is successful where PDE5 inhibitors (like Viagra or Cialis) fall short.
In fact, many urologists now consider shockwave therapy the greatest revolution in ED treatment in over a decade. Even men without erectile dysfunction use GAINSWave as a preventative therapy to keep their bedroom performance strong and avoid compromised blood vessels.
Some of the key benefits of GAINSWave procedures over other ED treatments include:
- No Drugs
- Backed by Clinical Studies and Extensive Medical Research
- Vast Record of Success
- FDA-Approved for Enhanced Sexual Wellness
- Available at Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
What Should I Expect from GAINSWave Therapy at Proactive Wellness Centers?
If you're ready to begin your journey to a healthier, happier sex life, getting started at our wellness clinic is as easy as 1-2-3:
Make an Appointment: Give our office a call at 703-822-5003. One of our Clinical Intake Coordinators will answer any question you have and get you started. If you prefer, you can text "gainswave" to 833.341.0170, and our Clinical Intake Coordinator will get back to you personally and confidentially.
Prep: Once the intake process is complete, you'll schedule a time for GAINSWave therapy in Great Falls, VA. You'll arrive at our wellness center for treatment at least 30 minutes before your appointment time. Procedure time is usually no longer than 30 minutes and occurs in our wellness center.
Enjoy the Benefits: Once your GAINSWave therapy session is over, you can get right back to what you were doing beforehand. Studies show that approximately 75% of men enjoy positive results like stronger, longer-lasting erections after treatment. Most men only need 6-12 sessions for optimal results.
Other Treatments and Programs from Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
As the premier wellness clinic in Virginia and the metro D.C. area, we provide patients with a comprehensive list of treatments to slow the process of aging and treat chronic conditions. Our vision is to provide the latest in scientifically-validated therapies, like GAINSWave therapy in Great Falls, VA, for reversing the aging process, preventing chronic disease, and optimizing health.
Some of the most requested services we offer include:

Low-T Treatment for Men
While not as widely discussed as menopause is for women, andropause is very real for men just as menopause is significant for women. Our Low-T program for men focuses on the unique needs of men who are suffering from andropause or low testosterone. The Program Testosterone replacement when clinically indicated, optimization of DHEA and Pregenenolone, combined with nutritional guidance, nutritional supplementation recommendations to optimize your health. For men where Testosterone has declined, the Low-T program is a necessary complement to the Gainswave therapy.
Depending on lab results and patient goals, the program may also include peptides to help patients optimize their health and body composition. If you can identify with some of the symptoms below, you are likely experiencing low testosterone / andropause and are a candidate for laboratory testing to determine if BHRT is right for you.
Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased stamina
- Loss of physical agility
- Decreased mental sharpness
- Prostate problems
- Insomnia

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
Like men, women's bodies change as they grow older. Often referred to as menopause, this time in a woman's life can be stressful when the body uses energy differently, fat cells change, and hormones decline.
Many of the common symptoms and conditions associated with menopause are widely known and discussed, but there are many that are overlooked. At Proactive Wellness Centers, we've seen patients misdiagnosed with other illnesses that were actually caused by a decline in hormone levels. Our BHRT program for women focuses on the unique needs of women who are suffering from the common as well as the lesser-known symptoms of menopause.
Those symptoms may include:
- Hot Flashes
- Mood Swings
- Depression
- UTIs
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Indigestion
- Osteoporosis
- Vertigo
- Anxiety Attacks
- Vaginal Dryness
- Fatigue

What are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are also known as natural hormones. They are substances with the same chemical makeup as the hormones produced in your body. Hormones are not drugs - they occur naturally and are found in every human on earth. BHRT replaces hormones at a physiologic level that is not harmful to the body.
If you're suffering through the symptoms of menopause, taking Midol isn't going to solve any problems. Fortunately, our BHRT program for women is designed to eliminate many menopausal symptoms. That way, we give women a chance to recapture their energy levels and vitality with drugs or surgery. Contact our office today to learn more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and how it can help you recapture the joys of your youth.
Bredesen-Protocol Strategies for Improving Brain Health
We believe that a healthy brain is paramount to overall well-being. Unfortunately, little is known about promoting brain health, lowering the risk of dementia, or stabilizing symptoms for patients experiencing early signs.
After much research, however, Dr. Lawson from Proactive Wellness Centers determined that the Bredesen protocol provides the best evidence-based approach to diagnosing and treating cognitive decline.
The approach, created by Dr. Dale Bredesen, is called ReCODE. This protocol involves multiple strategies to pinpoint specific health issues contributing to Alzheimer's Disease. The results of each strategy are measured using blood tests, dementia tests, cognitive evaluations, and other signs of overall health improvement. Now a Bredesen Certified doctor, Dr. Lawson now offers patients the full Bredesen ReCODE protocol to help them recover from debilitating illnesses like Alzheimer's.
Through this exciting approach, patients have shown dramatic improvements in cognitive function. In some cases, they achieve a reversal of symptoms and have even returned to work.
Proactive Wellness Centers' ReCODE program uses significant functional medicine experience and includes:
- Lifestyle Interventions
- Targeted Nutrients
- Therapeutic Diets
We're thrilled to add this promising Alzheimer's disease treatment for qualifying patients at Proactive Wellness Centers.

Chronic Disease Treatment
Long-term diseases like Lyme disease and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) can ruin a person's life and often leave them afraid to leave the house. To make matters worse, these chronic diseases are often initially misdiagnosed, complicating treatment and leaving the patient depressed and hopeless. And while some medical prescriptions can help, many chronic disease sufferers live without finding true relief.
At Proactive Wellness Centers, our innovative doctors have developed a comprehensive treatment program to address chronic diseases like CIRS and Lyme disease. Generally, our Chronic Disease Treatment follows SSRP protocols as defined below:
- Stop the progression of the disease while strengthening the immune system
- Stabilize patients by balancing hormones and restoring energy
- Reverse cellular, mitochondrial, and other damages caused by chronic diseases, based on lab markers and/or symptomatic expression
- Prevent further development of the chronic disease processes
Our SSRP protocol provides patients with a promising program based largely on the emerging bodies of evidence in the chronic disease space. This evidence is supported by peer-reviewed medical journals, clinical studies, and even double-blind placebo-controlled studies.

When choosing chronic disease treatments for patients, our team of doctors and clinicians focus on safety and efficacy before anything else. Typical therapies associated with our chronic disease treatment programs include:
- IV Vitamin Therapy
- Targeted Nutritional Supplements
- Compassionate Care and Personalized Service from Qualified Doctors
As an integrative practice, we use conventional medications when indicated, especially in cases of underlying co-infections and other areas where traditional medication offers the best course of treatment.
If you're at your wit's end living with a chronic disease, call Proactive Wellness Centers today. Our innovative treatments and therapies may be the key you need to unlock a new, healthy life.
Achieve Your Wellness Goals at Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
From GAINSWave therapy in Great Falls, VA, to Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for women, our doctors are here to serve you with care, compassion, and a commitment to your health.
That's because, at Proactive Wellness Centers, we take a patient-first approach to every service we offer. Unlike some anti-aging clinics, we focus on your goals, your experiences, and how we can address your health and well-being needs. We believe with a full heart that your story matters, and we're ready and waiting to listen. If you're looking for personalized, functional, regenerative treatments that address root causes, you're only a phone call away from living a healthier life.

Hours Open Monday through Friday 9AM to 5PM

Latest News in Great Falls, VA
Glowing Reviews Continue for the Organic Pest Control Services that Backyard Bug Patrol Offers
Digital Journalhttps://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/news/glowing-reviews-continue-for-the-organic-pest-control-services-that-backyard-bug-patrol-offers
Great Falls, Virginia -Great Falls, VA-based Backyard Bug Patrol has been faithfully serving communities in the Southwestern DC and Northeastern Virginia areas for many years now. In that time it has become known as a pest control company that uses many innovative methods for controlling pests inside and outside of a home. This recognition has resulted in glowing reviews continuing to be the norm for the services backyard bug patrol offers.John Mitchell, the company owner, says, “We love it when a customer takes the time ...
Great Falls, Virginia -
Great Falls, VA-based Backyard Bug Patrol has been faithfully serving communities in the Southwestern DC and Northeastern Virginia areas for many years now. In that time it has become known as a pest control company that uses many innovative methods for controlling pests inside and outside of a home. This recognition has resulted in glowing reviews continuing to be the norm for the services backyard bug patrol offers.
John Mitchell, the company owner, says, “We love it when a customer takes the time to leave a review that speaks highly of the pest control services that we offer. Not only because it creates highly positive word of mouth for our company, but also because it shows that the great efforts that we go to in order to offer the absolute best pest control services are being appreciated by our customers.”
The reviews that have been recently received by the company can be simply stated such as this one by Joanne Rodman, which reads, “Very responsive and careful about the work they do.” Rodman's review can be seen on the company’s Google Business Profile. Or they can be lengthier 5-star reviews such as this one by Jessica Bernstein which states, “I’ve been using Backyard Bug Patrol for more than 5 years now. Their treatments are quite effective at reducing the number of mosquitoes in the yard. Used to be I couldn’t even step outside without getting bitten up. Now I can comfortably enjoy being outside. Their treatments also help eliminate fleas and ticks which makes me feel better when my dog is in the yard. They are reliable and the technicians are courteous.”
The company owner went on to say tick and mosquito control solutions are definitely among the company’s most popular services. They use treatments that are not only impactful but also fully guaranteed. He says that one of the best ways for their customers to protect themselves against tick and mosquito infestations is to take advantage of the barrier spray programs that they offer, which includes monthly applications of a non-toxic and all-organic solution that is pet and people friendly. He added that it has quite the opposite effect on yard pests such as ticks and mosquitoes.
The barrier spray programs have also generated many 5-star reviews for Backyard bug patrol. Rebecca Keiser proclaimed, “We purchased the Flower Power program to control mosquitos in our yard. We definitely saw a decrease in mosquitos and could enjoy being outside in our yard much more this past summer. We've purchased the same program again for this coming summer. Backyard Bug Patrol was easy to communicate with, responsive, and on time. They even came out after a big rain to spray again for ‘added protection’. I highly recommend them.” Jeff Sexton stated in a recent 5-star review, “Returning customer, have used them for multiple years to spray and eliminate mosquitoes from the yard. On time, consistent, quick, a great experience.”
The company owner pointed out that those who are interested in making their yards more people-friendly this summer can call and ask them about their ‘flower power’ tick and mosquito repelling spray applications.
In addition to offering reputable mosquito and tick control services, the company also has ways to rid customers of other common indoor and outdoor pests, including those that may have had rodents take up residence in their homes over the winter. A recent blog article the company posted on its website is titled ‘Beware of Rats’ Sneaky Behavior in The Colder Months’ and talked about the vast amount of unseen damage these critters can cause.
Backyard Bug Patrol also uses proven termite, ant, snake, and stink bug control methods and they also are happy to provide all their services to commercial customers too. More on the highly rated pest control services that Backyard Bug Patrol offers can be seen on its website or interested persons can also refer to its Facebook Page.
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For more information about Backyard Bug Patrol, contact the company here:
Backyard Bug Patrol John Mitchell (703) 621-7116 john@backyardbugpatrol.com Backyard Bug Patrol Great Falls, VA 22066
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Reserve a Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner in Northern Virginia
Natalie Gontcharovahttps://northernvirginiamag.com/food/food-features/2023/02/03/valentines-day-dinner-northern-virginia/
Call ahead — these top NoVA restaurants are pulling out all the stops for Valentine’s Day.A special dinner with a loved one seems like a must no matter how you celebrate Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking to make this year’s holiday celebration even more memorable, book a table at one of Northern Virginia’s Best Restaurants for the perfect Valenti...
Call ahead — these top NoVA restaurants are pulling out all the stops for Valentine’s Day.
A special dinner with a loved one seems like a must no matter how you celebrate Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking to make this year’s holiday celebration even more memorable, book a table at one of Northern Virginia’s Best Restaurants for the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner.
A chocolate-themed restaurant is perfect for the holiday. For $140 per person, you can enjoy the Love at First Course menu, including items such as bacon-wrapped beef tenderloin drizzled with a ruby chocolate and port wine sauce. Complimentary extras include a Champagne toast and tipsy hot cocoa. 1605 Village Market Blvd. SE, Leesburg
This quaint spot has been so besieged with proposals on Valentine’s Days past that owner Youssef Eagle Essakl presented each ring as “dessert” at the end of the couple’s meal. A three-course menu for $95 per person is available. Last year’s included lobster bisque, pan-seared salmon, and a variety of desserts. 12724 Occoquan Rd., Woodbridge
Chef Jacques Haeringer has prepared a seven-course “musical celebration experience” in a romantic setting. Classical guitarist Jarrett Laskey will be strolling throughout the five dining rooms as you dine on aphrodisiacs including a lobster martini with ossetra caviar. 332 Springvale Rd., Great Falls
If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day getaway with a Shenandoah Valley view, take a drive to the historic Ashby Inn. Starting at $1,000, you can book a stay in any one of its rooms and enjoy a dinner for two with classic menu items (duck breast, wagyu strip loin), plus chocolate-dipped strawberries, Champagne, and a dozen red roses. 692 Federal St., Paris
Roberto’s is offering a four-course prix fixe menu for $100. Start with a prosecco toast, and move on to stuffed zucchini flowers with lobster; heart-shaped lobster ravioli; roasted herb-crusted lamb chop; or potato-crusted halibut with creamed leeks. 144 Church St. NW, Vienna
Feature image courtesy The Conche
This story originally ran in our February issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
Cyclones fall at home to West Virginia in Monday night thriller
ByNick Osenhttps://247sports.com/college/iowa-state/Article/Iowa-State-West-Virginia-full-game-recap-205453044/
247Sports Embed ResourceDot LoaderAMES- On a quick turnaround, Monday night brought one last opportunity for Iowa State to find success at home, as the West Virginia Mountaineers came to town on Senior Night. With Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark in the building, Iowa State and West Virginia delivered a classic, but the Mountaineers left Ames with the victory.At his final game at Hilton Coliseum, senior Gabe Kalscheur got off to a quick start offensively, scoring the first seven points for Iowa State. Kalscheur scored i...
247Sports Embed Resource
Dot Loader
AMES- On a quick turnaround, Monday night brought one last opportunity for Iowa State to find success at home, as the West Virginia Mountaineers came to town on Senior Night. With Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark in the building, Iowa State and West Virginia delivered a classic, but the Mountaineers left Ames with the victory.
At his final game at Hilton Coliseum, senior Gabe Kalscheur got off to a quick start offensively, scoring the first seven points for Iowa State. Kalscheur scored inside and out, but also picked up two early fouls before the first media timeout of the game.
Kalscheur was inserted back into the game after a couple minutes on the bench, and continued to hit, including a triple to give Iowa State the 13-11 lead, and bring the Hilton crowd to their feet.
On the other end, Erik Stevenson keyed the offense for West Virginia. Kalscheur continued to be aggressive for the Cyclones, generally a great sign, but was called for his third foul on a charge midway through the first half.
Iowa State’s defense made things difficult for West Virginia, especially shooting from two-point range, but the success that the Mountaineers found from deep keyed them to a 21-17 lead over the Cyclones in Ames. With less than seven minutes left in the first half, ISU trailed 21-17.
Joe Toussaint provided a spark offensively for West Virginia as well, matching Stevenson with 11, as the two guards combined for 22 of West Virginia’s first 35 points in the game. Iowa State was missing Kalscheur’s defensive intensity on one end, and his scoring prowess on the other, as the team fought to get within single digits late in the half.
At the break, West Virginia held a 35-27 lead over the Cyclones, in a highly important game for both teams that could have major potential on the conference seedings.
Kalscheur continued to pour it on offensively when he returned in the second half, rattling in a triple, and then finding Osun Osunniyi for a slam to bring the Cyclones within five. Osunniyi may have had best stretch of the season for about three and a half minutes, which included the dunk, then a jumper, help forcing two turnovers on defense, finding Jaz Kunc for a triple that brought the crowd to its feet, and rattling in one more short jumper to bring the home team within just two. It was a moment that the team needed, and Osunniyi helped change the trajectory of the game with that three minute stretch.
ISU picked up the lead off a three from Jaren Holmes, and this game truly had the atmosphere of a game in late March, as each team traded blows on the court, bodies falling and diving on the floor to illustrate just how intense it really was.
Tre Mitchell was backing down a bit on Kunc, and caught the Cyclone in the face with an elbow, leading to a flagrant two foul and multiple technical fouls called. After that action and Mitchell's ejection, the Mountaineers ended up scoring five points on a free throw and a triple, cutting their deficit to just one.
Holmes then fully got into his rhythm offensively, quickly helping to get Iowa State's lead back up to seven, with just over eight minutes to play.
Robert Jones provided multiple timely buckets, as Iowa State held a 62-57 lead with just under five minutes left to play. The tension in the arena was palpable, as the fans clung to each possession by the second.
With the Mountaineers back within two, Kunc delivered a dime to a cutting Kalscheur for a layup, to help keep WVU at bay for the time being. But at nearly every opportunity, West Virginia answered. Kedrian Johnson hit one of two free throws, and it was a one point game with 2:50 to play.
Emmitt Matthews Jr. then went to the free throw line, and knocked down two shots to send the Mountaineers up by one point. Matthews followed that up with a slam dunk, and suddenly the road team was in control, with a three point lead and less than a minute to play at Hilton.
Kalscheur and ISU trailed by five points, and he hit yet another tough stepback three to keep the Cyclones in it, making the score 69-67 with 9.9 seconds on the clock. Stevenson would add one from the line, and the Mountaineers completed the late comeback, 72-69. ISU showed a lot of strong performances, including from seniors Kalscheur and Holmes, but in the end it was not quite enough to end the losing streak.
The Cyclones will wrap up the regular season on Saturday at Baylor at 11am.
T-Zone Proposal Heading To City Council After Planning Commission OKs
Emily Leaymanhttps://patch.com/virginia/fallschurch/t-zone-proposal-heading-city-council-after-planning-commission-oks
FALLS CHURCH, VA — After a Planning Commission recommendation on "T zones" between commercial districts and single-family homes, the proposed zoning changes next head to Falls Church City Council.In February 2021, City Council had asked planning staff to examine zoning tools allowing small residential project developments on infill sites to small for large commercial or mixed-use developments. City staff turned to T zone...
FALLS CHURCH, VA — After a Planning Commission recommendation on "T zones" between commercial districts and single-family homes, the proposed zoning changes next head to Falls Church City Council.
In February 2021, City Council had asked planning staff to examine zoning tools allowing small residential project developments on infill sites to small for large commercial or mixed-use developments. City staff turned to T zones, which are transition areas between commercial corridors and residential neighborhoods, for potential zoning updates. About 3 percent of the city's land is zoned as a transition area.
A key goal of the zoning changes are to allow more housing variety, particularly townhouse and multifamily development. Other goals of the T zone updates are to allow more neighborhood-serving retail and encourage reinvestment from larger builders.
According to a city staff report, 4 percent of the city's housing stock is townhouses, duplexes or quadplexes — 258 units. Multifamily buildings account for 54 percent of units — 3,110. Single-family homes make up the remaining 42 percent of the housing stock — 2,385.
Current T-1 zoning is mainly on North Washington Street and on Park Avenue with existing uses like Columbia Baptist Church, Christ-Crossman Methodist Church, Sunrise of Falls Church, single-family houses converted to commercial use and residential townhouses.
Find out what's happening in Falls Churchwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
T-2 zoning is on North Washington Street and Park Avenue near Maple Avenue and currently has the Kaiser Permanente facility and a small office building.
The Planning Commission recommendation to City Council calls for allowing the by-right use of triplexes and four-unit residential buildings one acre or less lots. Another recommended land use change would be not allowing residential uses in T-zones along North Washington Street north of Great Falls Street to promote commercial activity.
With Park Avenue being planned as a "Great Street" to promote multimodal transportation and more civic activities, the Planning Commission recommended making commercial uses conditional on Park Avenue For building and site design guidelines, the Planning Commission recommended a maximum height of 40 feet or three stories (the lesser of the two) for by-right buildings. However, a maximum height of 50 feet or four stories (the lesser of the two) could be requested through the special use permit process.
On affordable housing, the Planning Commission recommended an overlay taxing district to support the Affordable Housing Fund rather than a requirement for 10 percent of new residential units to be affordable.
Other building and site design guidelines and environmental guidelines were recommended by the Planning Commission.
City Council will review the Planning Commission's recommended zoning text amendments during a March 6 work session.
A Mooo-ving Portrayal in “Into the Woods”
Keith Loriahttps://districtfray.com/articles/into-the-woods-kennedy-center/
Last year, a critically acclaimed and much beloved revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony Award-winning “Into the Woods” hit Broadway, and the show was as big a hit as when it originally hit the stage in 1987.The musical intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales, with everyone from Little Red to Cinderella to Jack and the Beanstalk exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests as fairy tales go awry.A touring production of the show, directed by Lear deBess...
Last year, a critically acclaimed and much beloved revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony Award-winning “Into the Woods” hit Broadway, and the show was as big a hit as when it originally hit the stage in 1987.
The musical intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales, with everyone from Little Red to Cinderella to Jack and the Beanstalk exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests as fairy tales go awry.
A touring production of the show, directed by Lear deBessonet and with some of the big stars who played New York, is heading to the Kennedy Center from February 23 to March 19.
Tony winner Stephanie J. Block returns as The Baker’s Wife, and Montego Glover as The Witch, Sebastian Arcelus as The Baker and Gavin Creel as Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf all reprise their roles as well.
Another who made the transfer from Broadway to the tour is Kennedy Kanagawa, who “plays” Milky White, the famous cow Jack trades for beans in hopes of finding riches. Unlike past productions of the show, where the cow is represented by a person in a cow suit or a cow-type prop, this version uses a lifelike cardboard puppet that Kanagawa controls. And he gets some of the biggest applause in the show.
“It’s not like a sock puppet or a marionette where there is a set style and language, it’s just this unique puppet, with a handle on the head and a handle on the butt, and it’s my job to make her come to life,” Kanagawa says. “It’s so much fun to do and the audience response has been so special. I’m so grateful this has kept going.”
Kanagawa became involved with the show when his friend, James Ortiz, who had been hired to design the puppets, reached out to see if he would be available for the original two-week run planned, not knowing it would run for months and head out on a tour.
What’s surprising is that Kanagawa, a New York-based actor who grew up in Great Falls, Virginia, had no prior experience puppeteering.
“This is my first time, and it’s been a very fun, crazy whirlwind process, and a very interesting learning curve,” he says. “The most challenging aspect of this track has been the stamina and endurance needed — it’s so physically demanding and not something my body was used to. When we created the movement, we didn’t have in mind the long-term effects as it was only supposed to go two weeks.”
Milky White’s puppet was only supposed to last for two weeks also, so Ortiz needed to create a second version (called Milky White 2.0) to ensure it lasts throughout the tour.
“When we were trying to establish the movement vocabulary, James and I recognized early on that cows in real life are kind of boring,” Kanagawa says. “We thought it would be more interesting to model her physicality off dogs and cats to an extent. It was our goal to help endear Milky White to the audience so the stakes of Jack selling her and then reuniting paid off more.”
“Into the Woods” is a reimagining of favorite fairy tales with lots of twists, and that makes this a show with lots of surprises and laughs, Kanagawa says.
“We go from these light stories that have a moral to really raw, real messages that are deep about life,” he says. “There are some really beautiful and resonate messages in this story that are about community and coming together and moving forward through crisis and healing, that are really great to hear in times like now.”
Tickets for “Into the Woods” start at $45 and can be purchased here.
The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, DC; kennedy-center.org // @kennedycenter
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