Friday, May 30
Summer 2014 at Wolf Trap
As America's National Park for the Performing Arts, Wolf Trap plays a valuable leadership role in both the local and national performing arts communities. A typical season at Wolf Trap includes theatre, and musical performances ranging from country to pop to orchestra. Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road in Vienna, is accessible from the Metro and parking is free. Visit www.wolftrap.org for more.
Thursday, May 29
The Playground in Potomac's Backyard
What the C&O National Park offers for summer fun.
The C&O Canal is a part of U.S. history and also of the history of Potomac. Many residents explore it time after time, learning something new each time they visit. They might spot an unusual bird, or enjoy listening to the thunder of the waters after a deluge of rain.
Fun and Frolicking Through the Summer
Here are some suggestions for family activities in and around Potomac.
After school’s out, summer seems to fly by, with vacations, summer camp, sports clinics, team games and everything else. But every year, when fall starts, many wish they had done just a few more family outings or taken advantage of the many activities in and around Potomac. Here are some fun family leisure opportunities that shouldn’t be missed this summer. Start planning now for a memorable summer.
Three Battle for County Executive
Technically June 24 is the primary, but almost certainly, the primary winners will win in November.
The Primary Election for Montgomery County state and local offices, plus members of Congress, is Tuesday, June 24, 2014. If you want some choice in who will represent you on County Council, as County Executive, in the Maryland General Assembly, now is the time to engage. If you think it doesn’t matter much, these are the people who make land use decisions, decide what to do with county property, who set tax rates, who decide how much money will go to schools, who control services that affect traffic and many other things that affect quality of life more than anything that happens at a national level. Currently, all of Montgomery County is represented by Democrats at all levels.
Judge Titus Hung with Three Others
It is not often one gets to witness the hanging of a judge. However, this was recently the case (pardon the pun) at the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The Hon. Roger W. Titus, who over 10 years ago was appointed a federal judge to the Maryland court, was about to be hung. However, he wouldn’t be alone in the process. He would join three previous hangings in this relatively new federal courthouse building in Greenbelt that was a Baltimore-located institution for more than 200 years.
Classified Advertising May 28, 2014
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Wednesday, May 28
Some Good News and a Lot of Uncertainty
Realtors discuss the mortgage market at finance summit.
The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR) hosted Finance Summit 2014 at their Fairfax Headquarters on Wednesday, May 21. The event brought together a panel of speakers with an impressive collection of credentials and expertise. Moderator Ken Harney’s “Nation’s Housing” column is nationally syndicated. Harney is also a member of the Federal Reserve Board Consumer Advisory Council, an author and commentator on real estate and mortgage issues, and the host of CNBC’s “Real Estate Magazine” weekly television program.
Column: Team Up
Just as “everyone knows Geico can save you 15 percent in 15 minutes,” that is, if you watch television, listen to radio, access the Internet or even sit on the beach at Ocean City and watch the single-engine planes flying by pulling banners; so too do people know that when your primary care physician tells you that you need to meet with an oncologist to discuss your recent medical results, you should bring along family, friends, advocates, doctors, lawyers, etc. (your presumptive “team”), because, well, you know why: your life may depend on it.
Editorial: New Measure - More Living in Poverty
Inside the Beltway, that is Alexandria, Arlington and parts of Fairfax, 32 percent of children are living in poverty or near poverty. In Fairfax County, 26 percent of children live in or near poverty. This is according to the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia.
Baha’i Local Spiritual Assembly Elected
The election of the nine-member Baha’i Local Spiritual Assembly took place in Potomac last month. Baha’i elections occur at the local level annually on April 21, at the start of a 12-day festival celebrating the announcement by Baha’u’llah (“Glory of God” - 1817-1892) that he was the Prophet-Founder of the Baha’i Faith.
Plastic Horses Sold for Charitable Purposes
Inspired by Potomac artists nearly 10 years ago, plastic horses were painted and sold for charitable purposes. Above is the only one that was sent to greener pastures.
Summer Fun: Music in the Air
The Motor Driven Band (Dan Dimmick, Art Fox, Paul Stagnitto, and Tom Ross) plays at the Concerts in the Courtyard series at Potomac Place Shopping Center on Saturday, May 24.
Destination for Fun
Glen Echo Park began in 1891 as a National Chautauqua Assembly, which taught the sciences, arts, languages, and literature. By the early 1900s Glen Echo Park had become an amusement park, serving the Washington area until 1968.
Friday, May 23
Classified Advertising May 21, 2014
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Wednesday, May 21
Wootton Boys’ Lax Beats Churchill in Region Final
Patriots end season with loss to South River in state semifinals.
The Wootton boys' lacrosse team took back the 4A/3A West region championship.
Potomac Almanac Wins Awards
Kenny Lourie won first place for sports column writing in the 2013 Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association contest. The awards were announced on Friday, May 16, 2014 at the MDDC Press awards luncheon. Lourie’s column was entitled “This Spud’s for You,” and addressed the controversy over the Washington’s NFL team’s name. Lourie suggests: “I would like propose a name-compromise of sorts. Why not change the name to The Washington Redskin Potatoes?” Read his column here: http://www.potomacalmanac.com/news/2013/nov/06/column-spuds-you/
Too Patient a Patient
Since I’m in the honesty business (as you regular readers know; and based on many of the e-mails I receive, commended on being so), if I were to admit anything concerning my behavior during these last five-plus years as a lung cancer survivor, it would have to be my continual tendency to minimize new symptoms, and in turn, not contact my oncologist (which from the very beginning is the exact opposite of what we are told to do). Stupid, stubborn, scared, naive, in denial; you pick.
You’re Never Too Young for Poetry
Local educators say exposing children and even babies to rhyme and rhythm can help develop reading and language skills.
Though Keith Ward's son is still a baby, the young child is already being exposed to exposed to not just silly stories, but poetry, and a variety of poetic forms at that.
Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day
Fewer deaths as military operations wind down, but 22 veterans a day die of suicide.
In Arlington over the coming Memorial Day weekend, the organization TAPS, or Tragedy Assistance for Survivors, will hold its 20th annual Military Survivor seminar and Good Grief camp for young survivors, children of all ages. TAPS offers support to anyone who is grieving the death of someone who died in the military, whether from combat, suicide, terrorism, homicide, negligence, accidents or illness. http://www.taps.org/
Horses, Hounds and Hats Compete at Potomac Hunt Races
Yes, there were horses, plenty of them, at the 62nd annual Potomac Hunt Races last Sunday, but it was the crowd that had officials and old-timers talking.
Friday, May 16
Potomac Home Sales: April, 2014
In April 2014, 45 Potomac homes sold between $4,400,000-$398,000.
Potomac Home Sales: April, 2014
Thursday, May 15
Classified Advertising May 14, 2014
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Wednesday, May 14
Author Shares Work at Potomac Public Library
Hannah Barnaby discusses her new young adult novel “The Wonder Show” on May 17.
Many young children and teens dream of running away. Hannah Barnaby’s new young adult novel, “Wonder Show,” follows a young girl named Portia Remini as she runs away from her children’s home and joins the Mosco’s Traveling Wonder Show in an effort to find her father.
Strawberry Festival Returns Saturday
Potomac United Methodist Church hosts 24th annual event.
The Strawberry Festival is back. The Potomac United Methodist Church event features the some of the best chocolate-covered strawberries one will ever taste as well as an opportunity to spend a day shopping for one-of-a-kind items at the boutique, searching through Home Treasures for that perfect piece for one’s home, or sampling the home-baked goodies from the bake sale.
Elizabeth Hazlett Scott
Elizabeth Hazlett Scott, 86, of Chambersburg, Pa., formerly a long-time resident of Potomac, died May 10, 2014 to begin her journey to join the love of her life, Richard U. Scott, and her son, Timothy Powell Scott.
Denise Marie Schaefer
Denise Marie Schaefer, 38, died suddenly on Saturday, May 10, 2014. Beloved wife of Geoffrey Schaefer; mother of Hailey and Katelyn Schaefer; daughter of John and Marcia Wilson; sister of Stephanie and Jessica Wilson; granddaughter of Nancy Gordon; niece of Alan (Betsy) Gordon and Susan Dorrow; daughter-in-law of Harry and Nanci Schaefer; sister-in-law of Greg (Robin) and Aaron Schaefer.
Wedding in the Park
A wedding party explores Glen Echo Park on May 10. Heather and Mike Bonsiero planned to be married at the park.
How Pepco Sale Could Affect Reliability
The other night at my local Giant, a gentleman came up to me and said: "Councilmember Berliner, you really need to put something out on the sale of Pepco. People don't really understand what is happening." Got it. Here it goes.
Vandals Arrested
Two juvenile suspects, age 16 and age 17, were arrested last week by Montgomery County Police and charged with three incidents of vandalism that occurred between April 18-21:
Tuesday, May 13
Editorial: Virginia Proves Elections Matter
Health and economic issues are entwined.
Some people continue to assert, either with their words or by simply abstaining, that voting just doesn’t matter. Here in Virginia, nearly every day we prove that is incorrect. All of Virginia’s elected representatives who are elected by the entire state are of the same political party. They are all Democrats: Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, Attorney General Mark Herring and Virginia’s two U.S. Senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.
Riding for the Fallen
More than 100 officers cycle through Virginia, for cause.
Police officers from all over the country vowed to "ride for those who died" this week. Police Unity Tour Chapter IV - also known as the Virginia chapter - challenged officers on a three day bicycle tour from Richmond to D.C. in memory for fallen officers. Before the last stop at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, the group of 122 officers and loved ones of fallen police stopped for lunch at McConnell Public Safety and Transportation Operations Center Monday in Fairfax as a tribute to the county most the officers served.
Defense Propels Churchill Boys’ Lax to Region Final
Bulldogs goalkeeper Gloger totals 13 saves against WJ.
Churchill will face Wootton in the 4A/3A West region final on Wednesday.
Northern Virginia Family Service Holds 16th Annual Gala
Local donors and supporters recognized at event.
The evening of Friday May 9 at Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, the nonprofit Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) held their 16th Annual Road to Independence Gala. The festive event gave community and business leaders an opportunity to celebrate the impact of NVFS on families and children in need. It also recognized donors and supporters dedicated to giving back to the community in which they live making NVFS services possible.
Still Curious, But Maybe Not Dying
Although one never knows, especially if that one is living in "cancerville." And by "cancerville" I mean, euphemistically speaking, anywhere where one of us diagnosed with cancer is living. Living being the operative word. Still, as my column from a few weeks ago entitled, "Dying With Curiosity" discussed, cancer patients are often besieged by their subconscious, changing fact into fiction and manipulating feelings into inevitabilities. If only there was a switch to turn off the mind games that don’t exactly mind their "man-ners" or "women-ers" for that fact, I’d flick it in a second. Cancer creates physical problems – as we all know, but I have to tell you, it’s the mental problems that can be just as deadly.
Outdoor Entertaining
Local style gurus offer tips for alfresco soirees.
The mild temperatures that usher in late spring and early summer beckon many outdoors for alfresco parties. Whether held on a patio, deck or veranda, the necessary logistics for coordinating even a simple gathering can be daunting.
C-Section Boom in Northern Virginia
Region has some of the highest rates of cesarean-section deliveries for low-risk pregnancies.
Behind the closed doors at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church and the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, a quiet change has been taking shape over the last few decades.
Friday, May 9
Classified Advertising May 7, 2014
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Me & My Mom 2014 — Mother’s Day Photo Gallery and My Mother: an Appreciation
"A tribute to my mother, Lorena W. Mayhew, a superb seamstress..."
Shirley M. Bailey, 84, of Burke submitted this poem “as a tribute to my mother, Lorena W. Mayhew, a superb seamstress, who kept her four children well dressed during the Depression and even later with her superb skills as a seamstress.
Wednesday, May 7
Editorial: Yes to the Meals Tax Referendum
Voters could decide on the tax in November.
Economic diversification is worthy goal. All of your eggs shouldn’t be in one basket. All of your revenue shouldn’t come from one source. In Fairfax County, adding a meals tax at the same level as Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church and the City of Fairfax, 4 percent, could generate $88 million a year. The county estimates that 25-30 percent of the meals taxes collected would be paid by non-county residents. The inability to implement alternative revenue sources will mean continued dependence on one basket. The combined increase in the real estate property tax rate and home values means that most homeowners will be paying hundreds of dollars more in property taxes regardless of their ability to pay.
Airbag Thefts on the Rise in Fairfax
Doesn’t take long to steal.
This year, Fairfax County has become one of the biggest suppliers of stolen airbags for Virginia’s auto parts black market. Since January, more than 50 airbags have been stolen in Fairfax County alone, and, in April, Arlington reported that a dozen airbags had been stolen.
Feeling Repercussions of Winter
Schedule adjustments for Northern Virginia public school students.
This winter, thousands of area students were given more days off than expected. Day after day, parents, students and faculty received notice that school had yet again been cancelled due to the heavy snow and cold weather, which forced students and faculty to watch one of the coldest and heaviest winters since the 2010 Snowmagedden from home.
Hearing Loss Doesn’t Have to be Life-changing
“What?” May is Better Hearing and Speech Month.
On any given workday, you might find Arlington resident Erin Weiner sitting in a family-friendly restaurant causally coloring or playing games with a young child. At first glance, she might be mistaken for any young mother entertaining her offspring while they wait for a meal. In actuality, Weiner, who is a speech-language pathologist, is employing what she describes as an innovative approach to therapy that involves working with a child in his or her natural environment.
A Tale of Two Seasons
It is not the best of times, nor is it the worst of times; it is, simply put: the time between the end of winter and the beginning of summer. It is the season known as spring, but more to the point of this column, it is the time when, if the weather cooperates/accommodates, I won’t need to turn the heat or the air conditioning on in my house. I will instead be able to ride the wave, so to speak, and not incur any post-winter/pre-summer utility bills. Possibly, I might even be able to pay off my oil-heating budget bill balance for the 2013/2014 season – before the 2014/2015 budget cycle begins, and hopefully not have to cool down the house at the same time – due to an early summer – so that on the day my oil-heating bill is due, it won’t be competing for cash with my upstart electric/air conditioning bill for money not well spent and for money hardly in abundance.
Going into Business with Mom
Mother-daughter Realtor teams say working together can work.
Allison Goodhart has a vivid childhood memory: pulling a wagon filled with pumpkins and her younger sister around her family’s Del Ray neighborhood in Alexandria, helping to promote her parents’ real estate business. Today Allison Goodhart works alongside her mother as part of Old Town Alexandria-based Goodhart Group of McEnearney Associates Inc., Realtors.
Addressing Strokes
Fashion show at Old Angler’s Inn to raise funds for hospital program.
When Sara and Mark Reges’ youngest son Charles was just 9 years old, he was hit by a car in Potomac Village. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and was on life support for weeks at the Children’s National Medical Center. He was in critical care and partially paralyzed for months following the accident — but today he is a normal young man with no side effects.
Speakers Fulfill ‘Inspiration Day’
Three speakers shared their stories of challenges, life experiences and personal successes at the MoverMoms’ third annual “Inspiration Day.” The April 27 event, held at the River Falls Clubhouse was attended by about 60 women who are a combination of MoverMoms’ participants along with family and friends.
TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm To Host Annual ‘The First Tee’
During the summer, if you visit the Montgomery County golf courses at Laytonsville, Needwood, Sligo, Northwest or Olney, you will see youngsters blasting balls from sand traps, laying into drives, trying to sink a long putt, or heading off to the tee box carrying their bags on their backs. These are just some of the youths in The First Tee summer program who are learning to play and love the game of golf but also gaining more in terms of personal growth and ethics.
Paintings at One Aum Yoga Center Encourage Tranquility
Local artists’ works are featured.
Both paintings and yoga promote a sense of calm and tranquility. The mood and the subject matter of a painting is a reflection on meditation while participating in yoga brings a sense of serenity and relaxation to the participant. When one enters Potomac’s One Aum Yoga Center, he or she can feel the calm vibe and experiences the peacefulness — a change from the hustle and bustle that pulls many into a world of commotion and activity. The space says relax — and the yoga and paintings provide the medium.
Storm Affects on Potomac
Storm and flooding had severe affect on Potomac.
Me & My Mom
A gallery of photos submitted for Mother’s Day.
Two Scouts Earn Eagle Rank
Two scouts — Brian A. Huang and Aaron M. Hwang — from Troop 773, which meets at the Potomac United Methodist Church, recently obtained the rank of Eagle Scout and were honored at a ceremonial Court of Honor. They are Troop 773's 156 and 157th Eagle Scouts, respectively.
Farmers Market Now Open
The Potomac Village farmers market opened on Thursday, May 1 and will be open 2 - 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays until October at Potomac United Methodist Church at the corner of Falls Road and Democracy Boulevard.
Involve the Communities First
Early public notice and input are critical.
One of the important functions of a citizens association like WMCCA is bringing the community in touch with decision makers early in any process that will create change. Development proposals, recently enacted legislation, and alterations to the zoning code need to be aired and discussed before rumors and misconceptions get started.
Thursday, May 1
Classified Advertising April 30, 2014
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Lun Coaches in 41st Annual Capital Classic
Bullis players Walker, Sangster compete at all-star event.
Whitman boys' basketball coach Chris Lun coached in the Capital Classic.
Camps, Classes & Workshops
Camps and classes in the area.
Summer Learning Activities
Local educators offer tips to keep children learning during the summer.
When summer vacation begins and school ends in a few weeks, learning doesn’t have to take a hiatus. Students can keep their academic skills sharp without entering a classroom or even sitting down with a pencil and paper.
Choosing a Summer Camp
Camp experts offer advice on selecting a camp, but now is the time to register.
Many families with school age children will plan to have their children spend some of the much-anticipated summer season in camp. If you haven’t yet selected camps for your children, now is the time.
Many Ideas for Summer Activities
Avoid those dreaded words: ‘I’m bored.’
Molly McAlister enjoys the freedom of summer, but there are three words she dreads hearing: “Mom, I’m bored.” Creating activities to keep her three children busy during the summer is a task she enjoys, but it isn’t always easy.