Wednesday, February 26
News Brief: Applicants Sought For Planning Board
The Montgomery County Council is seeking applicants to fill a position on the Montgomery County Planning Board for the expiring term of Democrat Françoise Carrier. Her term will expire on June 14. Carrier, who serves as the Planning Board Chair, has indicated that she will not apply for reappointment. No more than three members of the Planning Board may be from the same political party, and each member must be a resident and registered voter of Montgomery County when appointed. Members serve four-year terms and are limited to two full terms. The position can be filled by a Democrat, Republican, a voter who declines to affiliate with a party, or a member of another party officially recognized by the Montgomery County Board of Elections.
Gals On and Off the Green Swings into Action
Women's golf is growing by leaps and bounds, particularly in the Potomac area with all its public and private golf courses. However, finding that perfect outfit, bag, shoes, socks — or gift items for a golfing buddy can be a challenge. A new store has opened in Chevy Chase to address just this need. Gals on and off the Green provides what every woman golfer needs to look smart while teeing off, putting and chipping. The store also carries tennis apparel as well as stylish comfortable fashions that transition from day to evening, resort wear, bags and accessories. Jackie Sorrenti, founder and owner said, "We want to help women look and feel better about themselves. We do not believe women should buy something simply because ‘it fits’ but rather because it fits well and is stylish and make you feel great when you wear it. We carry something for everyone. We offer conservative to fashion-forward clothing in sizes 0 - 22 from a variety of world-wide designers.” Sorrenti launched her first Gals on and off the Green store in Pittsburgh where she and her husband were residing. Formerly an information technology professional, she decided to listen to her entrepreneurial instincts and drew up business plans for a number of different types of retail stores. Once she settled on a women's golf store, she approached friends in business to read her business plan. With their advice, she re-wrote her plan, found funding and opened the doors of her shop in 2004.
Fifth Graders Create Animated Movie
While many movie lovers will be watching to see who wins the Oscars in Hollywood this weekend; a world premiere movie debuted here in Potomac. Ninety-eight Beverly Farms Elementary School fifth graders and their parents sat down to watch an animated film on Monday, Feb. 24. Their eyes were glued to the screen with good reason: they created the film themselves. The film is titled “The Extraordinary Fifth-Grade Field Trip," a 14-minute film composed of 6,438 drawings. Each second of the movie equals 10 drawings. Inspired by their reading of adventure stories and tall tales, the students gave free rein to their imagination as each came up with his or her own animated field trip adventure. Working with artist-in-residence Leila Cabib, each student designed a storyboard illustrating the key scenes of their animated segment and then created and filmed numerous sequential drawings to bring the story to life.
Fighting over Medicaid Expansion
This past week we began the process of amending the House budget proposal. I joined a number of my colleagues in objecting to cuts to public safety and economic development programs as well as to the proposal to spend $450 million on a new office for the General Assembly at a time when we are not adequately funding core state services.
A Purr-fect Marriage
Friends of Montgomery County Animals (FMCA) found the purr-fect marriage of volunteerism and the ardor to support the humane treatment of animals when the organization was founded in 1974. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, FMCA continues to live its motto, “Dignity for Animals.” In matrimony, the 40th is known as the Ruby Anniversary from the belief that the precious stone possesses an eternal inner flame and symbolizes passion. With the same zeal, FMCA’s volunteers devote hours of focus and care fostering animals until they can find their “forever homes.” The group also conducts cat adoption clinics on Saturdays at the Germantown PetSmart and operates a trap/neuter/return/place (TNR/TNP) initiative to help reduce animal overpopulation in feral colonies in Montgomery County.
Budget Process: Get Involved
Chairman gives blueprint for community engagement in Fairfax County budget process.
In Fairfax County, when we adopt the budget, we are investing in the priorities and needs of the community. At the center of this open and transparent process is community engagement. It is critical that we have the community at the table with us when we are considering changes to the budget that the County Executive released for advertisement at our Board Meeting on Feb. 25. Below are some opportunities to learn about the budget, ask questions and make suggestions during the months of March and April. I look forward to hearing from you.
High Five
I made it. It’s five years after receiving a terminal diagnosis on February 27, 2009 from my oncologist: stage IV non-small cell lung cancer, accompanied by a "13-month to two-year" prognosis. Let’s be honest, medical professionals don’t toss around the word "terminal" because you’re going to be treated at an airport. Presumably, they know their facts and figures as well as the patient’s present condition, confirmed by a variety of diagnostic results from X-Rays, CT Scans, P.E.T. Scans, lab work and of course the ever-popular biopsy, so their diagnosis/prognosis is a bit more than an educated guess. Nevertheless, there are exceptions to every rule and until proven otherwise, I was not about to succumb to their statistics. Still, based on the best medical knowledge available at the time, this patient (yours truly) was given a limited life expectancy and encouraged to take the vacation I had always dreamed of – for obvious you’re-life-is-now-shorter-than-you-ever-imagined-type reasons, and yet, five years hence, here I am.
Bulova: ‘This Will Be a Challenging Budget’
Fairfax County average homeowner will see tax bill increase $330 under County Executive’s proposed $7 billion budget.
Fairfax County Executive Edward Long, Jr. unveiled a $7 billion budget proposal Tuesday that reflects his "cautious and deliberative approach to budgeting," a result, Long said, of continuing uncertainty over federal spending and sluggish commercial tax revenues.
Hollywood Comes to Fairfax
How to use Hollywood-style portrait techniques to photograph adoptable animals.
Animals at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter were given the celebrity treatment on Feb. 23 when a team from the non-profit Shelter Art Foundation taught shelter staff and volunteers how to use Hollywood-style portrait techniques to photograph their adoptable animals.
Giving Bianca a Second Chance
A Fairfax County Animal Shelter happy ending.
Bianca, a nine-year-old, female, German shepherd mix dog, had been living her life on the end of a chain in a rural part of Virginia. In late January, an unknown stray dog approached Bianca and attacked her. Bianca’s owner came outside and in an attempt to stop the attack he hit both dogs with a shovel, striking Bianca over the head and injuring her. Rather than pursue vet care, the owner drove Bianca to the local pound and surrendered her. For the next 36 hours, Bianca sat with no medical care, until a sympathetic staff person called the shelter’s rescue partner at the Highland County Humane Society in rural Virginia.
‘We Will Not Tolerate Unsafe Driving’
Police want motorists to get the message from their new cruiser.
There’s a new weapon in the Fairfax County Police Department’s arsenal, but this one has four tires and an engine. It’s a new cruiser covered with messages warning people not to drive impaired or distracted. It was unveiled on Friday, Feb. 21, at the Sully District Station, and the station’s commander, Capt. Ed O’Carroll, explained its significance.
Film ‘Sukkah City’ Comes to Area
Curiosity is an innate quality that drives Jason Hutt. Ever since he was a young child, he has been fascinated with figuring out how things work and understanding the world around him. This inquisitive streak has led him to select film subjects that grab him because they are intriguing and exciting. "With all my films, I am just trying to create a portrait and tell a story that other's haven't seen before," he said. The Potomac native has directed, filmed and produced three documentaries that portray "unique cultures and innovative individuals found within the contemporary Jewish landscape and beyond." His latest film, "Sukkah City" will screen on March 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the JCC of Greater Washington in Rockville, at noon at the Library of Congress on March 7 and also at noon at the DCJCC on March 9. Hutt's films have screened around the world and been broadcast on networks including PBS, BBC and YES, Israel.
Potomac Pets
’The Potomac Almanac presents it's winter/spring pet edition, featuring readers' pet photos.
Thursday, February 20
Potomac Home Sales: January, 2014
In January 2014, 26 Potomac homes sold between $2,675,000-$293,000.
Potomac Home Sales: January, 2014
Wednesday, February 19
News Brief: Election Judges Needed
Montgomery County’s Board of Elections is seeking registered voters to serve as election judges at polling places for the Gubernatorial Primary Election to be held on June 24. In accordance with the Election Code, to serve in this paid position on Election Day or during Early Voting, an election judge must be registered to vote in the State of Maryland. They must also be able to speak, read, and write the English language, and while acting as a judge must not hold, or be a candidate for, public or party office. In addition, election judges may not serve as a campaign manager for a candidate or as treasurer for any campaign financial entity.
Rolling with It
A new vision for the Potomac Community Center’s rink of dreams has been adopted, while plans to use the former roller hockey rink at Potomac Community Center for athletes with disabilities are being finalized. Programs could start by the summer camp season, according to council documents. Montgomery County Council held a public hearing Feb. 11 on a proposal to use $250,000 of General Obligation Bonds and community contributions to convert the dormant roller hockey rink at the Potomac Community Center into an adaptive sports court for athletes with disabilities. “The increase is needed to meet the increased demands for therapeutic recreation services for persons with disabilities,” according to County Executive Isiah Leggett. “I appreciate your prompt consideration of this action.”
Scholarship Supports Leadership Program
The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation is establishing a $100,000 scholarship endowment for Leadership Montgomery’s new Emerging Leaders program in honor of the late Stephen Garff Marriott. The scholarship fund is also being created to commemorate Leadership Montgomery’s 25th anniversary.
Editorial: Fundamental Freedom To Choose To Marry
Virginia is historically slow in extending rights.
In 1967, Virginia was one of 16 states that banned interracial marriage and had criminal penalties for violators. Mildred Jeter, an African-American woman, and Richard Loving a white man, married in 1958, were convicted and banished from living in Virginia for 25 years to avoid serving a one-year prison sentence. On June 12, 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Loving v. Virginia, overturned the convictions of Mildred and Richard Loving, declaring the ban on interracial marriage unconstitutional.
Until Further Notice
Not to state the obvious (which I readily admit I do), but to be given a terminal diagnosis: stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, along with a rather disappointing prognosis: "13 months to two years" is a challenging set of extremely unexpected (given my immediate family’s medical history) circumstances. I don’t want to say that I live under a dark cloud – because I don’t like the negative implication or reaction it conjures, but I definitely feel as if I have a metaphorical sword of Damocles hanging over my head; which I only refer to as an-out-of-context Three Stooges reference wherein a non-Stooge was innocently standing under a pie which Moe had thrown to the ceiling and there it stuck, hanging precariously over the character’s head. Now I still don’t know the proper historical context of the sword of Damocles, I only know the Three Stooges version, but there was some imminent danger involved (not death, mind you), but rather a falling pie which ultimately landed flush on the character’s face as she looked up to make further inquiries. Nevertheless, pie issues/references notwithstanding, having seen my oncologist today while being infused and receiving a big smile/ "you’re going great"/thumbs-up set of gestures/reactions while reclining in my Barcalounger with a chemotherapy I.V. dripping medicine into my right arm, is the kind of super-positive feedback with which I can live. Along with my every-three-week pre-chemotherapy lab work and my every-three-month CT Scan followed by my every-three-month face-to-face appointment with my oncologist, this is how I roll. Worrying about upcoming tests, waiting anxiously for results, trying not to anticipate good, bad or indifferent; living day to day and trying to appreciate my good fortune and the unexpected above-average quality of life with which I’ve been blessed – for a terminal cancer patient, that is.
How Red Is the 10th District?
Wolf’s retirement sparks crowded political stage as both parties vie for coveted Congressional seat.
U.S. Rep. Frank R. Wolf’s announcement in December that he would not seek reelection to an 18th term in Congress came as a surprise to both Republicans and Democrats. Wolf’s retirement notice instantly set off a feeding frenzy among politicians maneuvering to gain the Northern Virginia Congressional seat.
Envisioning a Launch Pad for Young Adults
Paws4people develops pilot for former foster children, others.
Imagine if in your childhood, it was normal for a social worker to show up unexpectedly, hand you a big black garbage bag and tell you to pack your things.
Incorporating Math and Science Into a Child’s Day
Simple suggestions for supporting math and science learning.
Maria Kennedy was driving her 5-year-old son to pre-school when he asked a question that stunned her. "Mommy, why is the sun following us?" Kennedy, who says she was stuck in rush-hour traffic and running late for work wasn’t sure how to respond.
Celebrating a Second Lifetime
Local doctor undergoes second bar mitzvah at the age of 83.
When Dr. Scheldon Kress was called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah 70 years ago, some important family members were missing from the coming of age ritual: his parents. Last month, Kress, who never knew his father and whose mother died when he was 8, had a second bar mitzvah. This time, family surrounded him: his wife of 59 years, Rose; his three children; their spouses and his seven grandchildren. The ceremony was held at Har Shalom, a Potomac synagogue. “It was thrilling to see my children and grandchildren contribute and realize that the event was so meaningful for them. [It was] something that they would remember through their lifetimes, and it would inspire them,” said Kress, who is a physician and still practices medicine. Boys become a bar mitzvah when the reach the age of 13. Because Jewish tradition says 70 years is a lifespan, the age of 83 is an opportunity to celebrate another bar mitzvah, though not everyone chooses to do so.
Brief: Board Seeks Student Election Aides
The Montgomery County Board of Elections is seeking school-age students, grades 6-12, to participate in its “Future Vote” program. Future Vote students will serve as Election Day student aides during the 2014 Gubernatorial Primary Election on Tuesday, June 24. There are also opportunities for students to assist the Board of Elections with a variety of activities before Election Day. Students and their guardians must attend mandatory training to participate in the Future Vote Program and, if applicable, students will receive Student Service Learning credits. Most students work in precincts near their home.
News Brief: C&O Canal Park Staff Advise Caution
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal) urges park visitors on the towpath to use caution following the recent winter storms. Weather conditions including ice, heavy snow and high winds may cause trees and branches to become weakened with the potential of falling. Avoid the park if winds are gusting and use caution during or following a storm event. If bicycling, wear a helmet at all times. If caught in a high wind situation, find an open area away from trees and stay there until the winds subside. If encountering a hazardous situation or downed tree, report to park staff. Park maintenance staff will be respond to hazardous conditions and remove downed trees as they are reported. At this time the park will remain open to the general public.
Potomac Grocer Opens in Potomac Village
Surprise family or friends with stuffed pork tenderloin with currants and raisins — or take home a lobster tail with truffle butter. Try the grilled asparagus or chicken pesto penne — or choose among side dishes such as orzo salad, quinoa salad, or a salmon spread. Then move on to the dessert case — and try to decide which delectable sweet will best complete the meal. Several years ago, River Falls resident Tom Spencer realized that Potomac needed a neighborhood gourmet market and carry-out restaurant with delicious and nutritious prepared for busy professionals, students, moms and dads who are on their way home from work, sports practices or school. His dream of providing Potomac with this concept came to fruition on Wednesday, Feb. 12 with Potomac Grocer — only to be closed by the snowstorm on Thursday and Friday. But now they are open and ready for business.
Brief: Apply for Cybercivility Task Force
Montgomery County Public Schools is seeking applicants for its newly created Cybercivility Task Force. The Cybercivility Task Force will develop strategies to raise awareness of the need for cybercivility in how students and adults communicate online. It will also guide the creation of tools for schools, parents and community members that encourage conversations about cybercivility. Superintendent Joshua P. Starr published an open letter to MCPS parents in December about the need for a communitywide dialogue on how to teach students to be safe and civil online. Starr wrote the letter in response to several inappropriate comments that were made to him on Twitter as he was deliberating whether to close schools due to inclement weather.
Brief: Apply for Cybercivility Task Force
Montgomery County Public Schools is seeking applicants for its newly created Cybercivility Task Force. The Cybercivility Task Force will develop strategies to raise awareness of the need for cybercivility in how students and adults communicate online. It will also guide the creation of tools for schools, parents and community members that encourage conversations about cybercivility. Superintendent Joshua P. Starr published an open letter to MCPS parents in December about the need for a communitywide dialogue on how to teach students to be safe and civil online. Starr wrote the letter in response to several inappropriate comments that were made to him on Twitter as he was deliberating whether to close schools due to inclement weather.
Saturday, February 15
The Secret to Lasting Love
Three local couples share their secrets to a happy marriage.
Valentine’s Day is two days away. During this time filled with love and romance, three Potomac couples reflect on their relationships and what has kept their marriages strong.
Wednesday, February 12
Makes You Sweat, Makes You Sore — and Wanting More
Megaformer transforms Pilates workout.
Still working on that New Year’s Resolution to get fit and lose weight — but not making much progress? Sculpt Pilates Studio, featuring a new exercise program, recently opened Jan. 25 in Bethesda — with new machines and body sculpting exercises.
‘Blast from the Past 25 – Mixtape’ Opens at Churchill
Production marks silver anniversary.
The 1989 show — the first of its kind in the Potomac area — is a tradition that has continued, offering thousands of students the opportunity to showcase their talents.
Letter to the Editor: Retail's Role in Quality of Life
To the Editor: Our quality of life, even in Potomac, continues to deteriorate as yet another retailer folds. The most recent victim was the closing of Toys Unique after 20 years in the Village.
Tuesday, February 11
An Unexpected Present
Not that I minded it in the least (in fact, I appreciated it in the most), but I received my first senior discount the other day. I was fast-fooding at my local Roy Rogers restaurant when the unexpected kindness occurred. Considering that I’m not at the age yet when such discounts are typically available, I certainly did not (do not) presume that my appearance somehow reflects an age which I am not. In truth, I don’t believe it does. So even though I didn’t ask for the age-related discount, I was offered/given it nonetheless. As the cashier tallied my bill, she then spoke the price and adjusted it downward 10 percent for my surprise "senior" discount. On hearing the lower price and the reason for it, I immediately responded: "Oh, you’re giving senior discounts to people over 40?" To which she replied, while looking me directly in the eye: "No. Over 30." Laughing at her quick-thinking quip, I thanked her again for the discount and commended her on her excellent answer/customer service.
Home Design: What the Pros Know
A look inside the homes of some of the area’s top builders.
Remodeling industry professionals spend their days helping clients create dream homes, adding quartzite counter tops and outdoor, stacked stone fireplaces, turning ideas and photos into functional, chic living spaces.
MATHCOUNTS Champions
The Northern Virginia Regional MATHCOUNTS competitions were held on Saturday, Feb. 1, at Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke and at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria. This year, because of the exceptionally large number of students participating, the Regional competition had to be split between two venues.
Friday, February 7
Classified Advertising February 5, 2014
Read the latest here!
Thursday, February 6
Entrepreneur Finds Outlets for His T-Shirt Designs
BAMindful Designs started with doodling.
Whole Foods Market in Rockville showcased a collection of Potomac resident Bryan Morris’ t-shirt designs on Sunday, Jan. 19. While Morris has sold his t-shirts to friends, family and people he has met through his family’s business, this was the local artist’s first appearance as a vendor in a commercial setting.
Editorial: Pet Photos, Stories for Pet Connection
The Pet Connection, a bi-annual themed edition, will publish Feb. 26. We invite you to send us stories about your pets, photos of you and/or your family with your cats, dogs, hamsters, snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, or whatever other creatures share your home or yard with you.
Commentary: The Potomac Master Plan: 12 Years Old
Potomac hugs the western edge of the county in a transition zone between the urban down-county and the rural Agricultural Reserve. Our Master Plan is firmly based on protection of the drinking water that serves over 4.3 million people in the region. Within the Master Plan boundaries are numerous streams that find their way by gravity into the Potomac River.
Curtain Call
Potomac Theater Company will perform its final show in March.
The Potomac Theatre Company’s 25th Silver Anniversary Season will also be its last. “We’re going to have to close our doors,” said board member Carole Dell. “It’s really quite sad.”
Tennis Comes Alive with ‘T&T’ and ‘Live Ball’ Clinics
Tennis Comes Alive with ‘T&T’ and ‘Live Ball’ Clinics
“Smash that ball! Put it away! Finish the point! Move your feet! Get your racquet back up and ready for the next shot!” Participants pant, sweat drips — the game is on and players are striving to improve. Balls fly across the net as players hit ground strokes, volleys and overheads. Pros holler tips, instructions and commands — encouraging players to move more quickly and hit more solidly.
Editorial: For Nonpartisan Redistricting
Virginia is a purple state, gerrymandered to bleed red.
Consider that in statewide elections, Virginia voters have chosen Democrats in the last two presidential elections, for U.S. Senate, for Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. Almost none of these elections was by a wide margin, but it’s clear that Virginia is a purple state leaning blue.
Wednesday, February 5
Italian Designer Takes Trunk Show to Benny’s Bar & Grill
Italian Designer Franco Fonati, owner of David 2 Leather Factory, based in Florence, Italy, opted out of holding his annual Trunk & Fashion show at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C this year. Instead, Fonati wanted to have the Trunk & Fashion show in Potomac, 20 miles outside of D.C. for the annual event.
Entrepreneur Finds Outlets for His T-Shirt Designs
BAMindful Designs started with doodling.
Whole Foods Market in Rockville showcased a collection of Potomac resident Bryan Morris’ t-shirt designs on Sunday, Jan. 19. While Morris has sold his t-shirts to friends, family and people he has met through his family’s business, this was the local artist’s first appearance as a vendor in a commercial setting.
Editorial: Few Thoughts on General Assembly Action
Yes, allow homeschoolers access to programs in public school.
It’s possible that this is not the right bill exactly, and in general, we favor local control. But it is wrongheaded of public schools to force families into a take-it-or-leave-it position.
Help for Dry Winter Skin
Skin care experts suggest hydrating solutions that range from nutrition to treatments.
Andrea Myers and her two young sons say that one of the challenges of winter is dry, itchy skin. Her boys, aged six and four, can only stand wearing soft clothing, because rough fabrics like denim irritate their skin.
Virginia Health Department Forecasts Seasonal ‘Stomach Bug’
Statewide data monitored by the Virginia Department of Health indicate that norovirus was arriving in Virginia just in time for the cold weather.
Pet Photos, Stories for Pet Connection
The Pet Connection, a bi-annual themed edition, will publish Feb. 26. We invite you to send us stories about your pets, photos of you and/or your family with your cats, dogs, hamsters, snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, or whatever other creatures share your home or yard with you.
Consistent Bedtimes Linked to Improved Wellbeing in Children
Local experts offer suggestions for helping youngsters get a good night’s sleep.
When the clock strikes 9 on any given evening, 13-year-old twins Timothy and Danny Gulyn and their 11-year-old twin brothers, Christopher and Jonathan, know that it’s time for bed. Whether they are on vacation during the summer or at their Arlington home on a school night, the siblings follow a consistent routine that has them tucked-in at the same time every day.
Piece of Mind
Today I was eating a Tootsie Roll, and while chewing it, felt something sharp against my gum. Knowing my candy, sharp I should not feel, so immediately I stopped chewing in hopes of locating the sensation; which I did. It turns out that I broke off the top half of a previously (years ago) installed dental crown. Fortunately, the crown was still in my mouth, so I was able to retrieve it. Upon closer examination of it and the now crown-less tooth, it appears that the crown and the tooth are completely intact (undamaged) and perhaps a simple re-cementing at the dentist’s office awaits, a repair achieved much less expensively than replacing the entire crown. (I can hope, can’t I? After all, I am a cancer patient; hope is what I do.)
Helping Area Residents Sign Up for Health Insurance
More than 50 volunteers who are helping local residents sign up for health care insurance were recognized by state and local leadership last Saturday. To date, these Certified Application Counselors (CACs) have helped more than 500 individuals with the new Marketplace system, overcoming barriers of language, technology and understanding the new health care law. The volunteers were thanked for the commitment and service:
How to Fix I-66?
More lanes, bus rapid transit, rail, spot improvements proposed.
It’s said that nothing’s certain but death and taxes – but most of the time, traffic congestion on I-66 can be added to that list. So VDOT’s seeking input from the public on how best to alleviate it.
Potomac School Notes for 2/5/14
School Notes for 2/05/14