Thursday, April 30
Fairfax County School Board to Consider Nondiscrimination Policy Change
When the members of the School Board reconvene on May 7, they’re scheduled to act on whether or not to add “gender identity” to the list of nondiscrimination categories for all Fairfax County Public Schools students, employees or applicants for employment.
Summer Sailing Camp: Outside, Hands-On, Empowering
Amy Zang has just returned from a week sailing the British Virgin Isles with nine members of her extended family ranging from her 78-year-old, legally-blind father to her brother's 4- and 6-year old children.
57 Different Summer Camp Choices
Glen Echo offers wide selection of arts in wide open spaces.
A lump of brown clay sits on the potting wheel. Water is added as the wheel begins to turn, teenage hands cup around the clay to begin forming the sides, then start in the middle and work outward.
Summer Fun for Adults
The region offers a wide range of programs for adults.
Summer fun is no longer reserved for children. Whether one’s interests lie in exploring nature and hiking in the woods or immersed in history, art and literature on a university campus, the region abounds with warm weather opportunities.
Marymount Technology Institutes for Ages 14-18
Marymount has summer programs for teens ages 14-18 who are interested in technology. Gain technology skills and hands-on experience; create a mobile app or take part in a cyber competition in health care; meet fellow students who share your excitement about technology; network with technology professionals about career possibilities. Summer Technology Institutes' 2015 Programs:
Protest Precedes Police Meeting at Fairfax County Government Center
Themed subcommittees announced at second police review commission meeting.
Increased Fairfax County Police presence was noticeable at the rear of the room after three masked men entered the second meeting of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.
Wednesday, April 29
How to Prepare for Summer Camp Away
Many emotions arise when a child leaves for camp.
Julie Kaminski remembers the language from her desperate letters to her parents: “I love you. I want to come home now!” She recalls penning a dramatic plea to be rescued from residential summer camp more than 40 years ago. Today, Kaminski is preparing for her daughter's first camp experience away from home this summer.
Congressional Schools of Virginia is Celebrating 75 Years
The Congressional Schools of Virginia in Falls Church marked its 75th anniversary with a weekend-long celebration on April 24 and 25, with events attended by hundreds of students, staff, alumni and friends of the school.
Camps and Schools Notes
The Fairfax Falcons Paralympic Sports team, a Fairfax County Neighborhood and Recreation Services Therapeutic Recreation program, is recruiting new players.
Column: Deep Space Mind
Commentary
A few years back (OKAY, more than a few years back; I’ll blame the cancer for my time lapse), there was a spin-off from the original Star Trek: Star Trek: The Next Generation captained by Jean-Luc Picard (a.k.a. Patrick Stewart) which itself spawned two other spin-offs: Star Trek Voyager and Deep Space Nine (commanded by Avery Brooks, a.k.a. Captain Sisko).
Potomac: Leonard Proctor Celebrates His 85th Birthday
Surrounded by Potomac friends and Potomac lore.
If you have lived around Potomac for more than just a few years there are several things you would think of immediately when the name Leonard Proctor is mentioned. He is a superb horseman, you’d never plan a party without first checking the date with him, he is an avid fox hunter and most important, he is an outstanding individual admired by a legion of friends.
Potomac: Two Generations of Sidewalk Advocates
Completion of missing link on River Road allows for safe walking to Potomac Village.
We made lives safer, said Jim Schleckser. Keshav Gupta, 27, likes to be independent. Because of a community wide effort to build the last portion of a sidewalk on River Road around one of the most treacherous curves in the county, Gupta can now can walk to the bus stop instead of having his family drive him there.
Potomac Home Sales Slow But Steady
Appearance and pricing are keys to selling.
The residential real estate market in Potomac didn’t have quite the boom this spring that some Realtors had predicted. The first four months of 2015 have brought slow, but steady sales.
‘Social Media: The Good, The Bad, The Selfie’
Church to host seminar for parents.
Instagram, FaceBook, SnapChat, YouTube and Twitter are just a few types of familiar social media. They are convenient ways of staying in touch, viewing photos, gaining information and keeping current. However, deciding how much time on digital devices is enough for children, controlling the contacts and internet safety of one’s child and cyber-bulling are worries for parents.
Potomac: Documentary Details Team JOY's Journey to Special Olympics World Games
“Let me win. But, if I cannot win, let me be brave in my attempt.” Team JOY, a Special Olympics cheerleading team from Montgomery County makes this pledge of Special Olympians every time they enter into competition — and their courage and bravery have helped them to become champions.
Potomac Business Outlook: Little Growth
High cost of doing business makes survival a challenge.
The state of the business environment in Potomac has changed little in recent years as the cost of doing business in the area makes it difficult for small businesses to survive, say those familiar with the area’s business climate.
Potomac: Face of America at Falls and River
About 600 riders, including approximately 130 injured veterans, rode through Potomac en route to the Civil War battlefields of Gettysburg, Pa. Saturday morning, April 25, around 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, April 28
Potomac: Long-Awaited Renovations Begin at Rink
Pam Yerg, who works with children with disabilities in sports, began looking at the dormant roller hockey rink at the Potomac Community Center with vision in 2012. The long process of working with the county Department of Recreation and involving nearby neighbors started then.
Potomac Sports Briefs for the Week of April 29, 2015
The Churchill boys’ lacrosse team extended its winning streak to 12 games with victories over Wootton (14-8, April 23) and Walter Johnson (16-5, April 25).
Editorial: Fostering Connections, Faltering
Why are federal dollars acceptable for roads, but not for helping foster children?
While there is plenty of competition for the title “most vulnerable,” foster children are certainly among them.
Thursday, April 23
Transurban Begins Grant Program for Express Lanes Corridor Nonprofits
Transurban, the company that operates the 95 and 495 Express lanes, announced earlier this month the launch of a community grant program for non-profit organizations working in or benefiting the Express Lanes corridor.
Staged to Sell
Real estate agents give the lowdown on getting your home ready for the market.
When a Burke family hired E. Diane Neustrand to sell their home, she did her standard walk-through of the house to assess it, but when she reached the dining room, she stopped cold.
Trendy Bathroom Transformations
Designers share the hottest ideas in lavatory design.
Imagine stepping into a resort inside the comfort of your own home. Contemporary, spa-like bathrooms with clean lines and features such as floating vanities, open shelving, innovative storage and low-maintenance materials are on trend this year in bathroom remodeling projects.
Editorial: Connection Papers Win Awards
Variety of coverage honored at annual Virginia Press Association conference.
On Saturday, April 18, a group of journalists from the Connection Newspapers traveled to Roanoke for the annual Virginia Press Association event to collect awards for business reporting, government writing, writing about health, science and the environment, feature writing, sports writing, column writing, obituaries, cartoons, entertainment pages and writing, public safety writing, editorial pages and writing, page design, informational graphics and more.
Wednesday, April 22
Potomac Weekend Fun: April 24-26
Entertainment
Weekend entertainment in the Potomac area: April 24-26
Tuesday, April 21
Inspiration Day Brings Empowering Speakers to Potomac
MoverMoms to host event.
“Inspiration Day is an event that gives our community a chance to come together, connect, and feel inspired,” said Salma Hasan Ali, chief inspiration officer (CIO) of MoverMoms. “It’s a day when we invite our members along with the larger community to take a pause from their busy lives, listen to three amazing speakers — and leave feeling fulfilled, empowered and motivated.”
Potomac: Bullis 5K Run/Walk/Buddy Run Returns
Events raises funds for local causes.
"Stepping Towards a Better Future — Come Run … Come Walk … Come Change a Life" is the theme of the 7th annual “Bullis Gives Back” 5K Run/Walk and Buddy Run — a theme that Bullis students embrace through doing.
Potomac Sports Briefs for the Week of April 22, 2015
The undefeated Churchill and Wootton boys’ lacrosse teams will face one another at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 23 at Churchill High School.
Potomac: RW Restaurant Group Purchases Tavern at River Falls
The Tavern at River Falls has been purchased by Robert Wiedmaier’s restaurant group.
Tavern at River Falls has been acquired by the RW Restaurant Group — partners Robert Wiedmaier, Frank Shull, Joe Lively, and Brian McBride — who own and operate 10 other restaurants that span Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland.
Thursday, April 16
Potomac Home Sales: March, 2015
In March, 2015, 37 Potomac homes sold between $2,725,000-$425,000.
Potomac Home Sales: March, 2015
Wednesday, April 15
Moving for Academic Excellence
Researchers say frequent physical activity can lead to success in school.
Inside an elementary school classroom in Bethesda, Md., a class of third grade students is divided into small groups and given a task: to cross a desert using a limited supply of tools that often include a jump rope, a foam noodle or a scooter. Their mission is to devise a plan to cross the desert without touching the sand.
Tuesday, April 14
Potomac Sports Briefs for the Week of April 15
The Churchill boys’ lacrosse team defeated Whitman 12-3 on Monday, improving the Bulldogs’ record to 8-0.
Potomac: Accident on Parkway
One person was seriously injured and two others others hurt on Sunday evening, April 12, when a car went down an embankment off the Clara Barton Parkway near Glen Echo.
Potomac: Tiger Trot Celebrates 5th Year of Fun Run/Walk
Annual event benefits school’s wellness progam and Cabin John fire department.
At 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 19, runners will take their places, listen for the starting gun — and then sprint down the scenic route through the hills and valleys of Potomac.
Send in Mother's Day Photos
Deadline for submissions is May 1.
Mother’s Day is May 10 and, every year at this time, The Connection calls for submissions to our Mother’s Day photo gallery.
Editorial: Counting Homeless; Solution Is Housing
Results of the annual census of homeless show progress, persistence of the problem, and some worrying trends.
On the night of Jan. 28, 2015, there were 1,204 people who were literally homeless in the Fairfax County area.
Holocaust Remembrance Day in Fairfax County
"One of the most important things we do."
Holocaust survivor Michel Margosis spoke before the Board of Supervisors, Tuesday, April 7, when the Board of Supervisors made a proclamation declaring April 16 as Holocaust Remembrance Day in Fairfax County.
Thursday, April 9
D.C. Design House
McLean showcase home opens to the public April 12.
Local interior design enthusiasts will have an opportunity to tour a much-anticipated unveiling this weekend when the 2015 Design House opens in McLean on Sunday, April 12 at noon, with ticket sales benefiting the Children’s National Health System.
Wednesday, April 8
Editorial: A Big Election Year in Virginia
Register, research, vote. And vote again.
Every year is an election year in Virginia. Here are a few examples that demonstrate that while elections are ubiquitous in Virginia, they are neither simple nor unimportant. Wade in, a lot depends on figuring this out and voting. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of candidates.
More Than 200 Attend First Fairfax County Budget Hearing
Schools, libraries, economic development authorites and others seek more funding while tax-hawks call for reductions.
More than 200 people packed the Fairfax County Government auditorium Tuesday, April 7, and 60 speakers were scheduled to testify before the Board of Supervisors on the advertised budget. The hearing began with a presentation by School Board Chairman Tamara Derenak Kaufax. Members of the Fairfax County School Board sat in the front row, gave a standing ovation, and remained standing as Kaufax finished her testimony to begin the budget hearings.
Column: The Fact Is Not Yet The Matter
I don’t know which is worse: the extra-special, extra-expensive, dental cleaning (the kind that requires Novocain and involves the actual dentist, not merely the hygienist) that I have scheduled for April 8th – or my next hopefully-not-do-or-die CT Scan, moved up a month from my usual three-month interval because of a suspicious formation seen on my most recent scan back in mid-February.
Tuesday, April 7
Historian Ralph Buglass to Give Presentation on Offutts Crossroads
Historian Ralph Buglass to give slide show presentation at Potomac Library.
The Potomac Village Crossroads where River Road and Falls Road meet was known in the 1800s as Offutts Crossroads, named for one of the founding families who owned the acreage surrounding the area. The Offutts have a colorful history, sprinkled with stories of murders, family feuds and lawsuits.
Protecting the Watershed in Potomac
More than $370,000 in grants approved to improve water quality and manage stormwater runoff.
More than $370,000 in grants approved to improve water quality and manage stormwater runoff.
Register for 17th Annual Paws in the Park
Registration is open for the 17th Annual Paws in the Park dog walk and festival, one of the largest dog walks in the D.C. area. As a signature special event of the Montgomery County Humane Society, held in partnership with the City of Gaithersburg, it raises funds to help rescue, care for and adopt homeless and abandoned animals.
Potomac: Romm Brothers Lead Wootton Boys’ Lax to Victory
Freshman Mason produces hat trick against Whitman.
After the Whitman boys’ lacrosse team scored back-to-back goals to pull within one in the third quarter, Wootton’s senior leader and his freshman brother gave the Patriots some breathing room and helped assure they would enter spring break undefeated.
Potomac: Local Workshops Provide Help for Parents
Local parent workshops make the challenges of parenting easier.
Workshops are held at the YMCA’s Bethesda office as well as local libraries. Trained staff are available to lead workshops tailored for specific groups and address specific issues.
Potomac: Serving Locally and Globally
Potomac resident supports local youth and international programs.
Ishrat Husain has had a long career in formulating strategies, developing operations and managing health, population and poverty reduction operations at the World Bank.
‘The Big Event:' A networking opportunity for Potomac-area business owners
A networking opportunity for local business owners.
Potomac business owners will have an opportunity to introduce themselves to the greater community later this month at “The Big Event.”
Thursday, April 2
Prisoner Escapes from Fairfax Hospital, Gets Recaptured
Social media aids manhunt
Around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, Wossen Assaye overpowered the female member of his two-guard private security detail while the male was out of his hospital room. Assaye was reportedly in shackles on a hospital gurney before the struggle.
Springfield: Getting into Marian Homes
Remodeling project to provide for residents with intellectual and or physical disabilities.
When the new residents of Marian Homes’ latest remodeling project move in to the Gresham Street house in north Springfield, Fairfax resident and Marian volunteer John Germain hopes they feel at home.
Northern Virginia Training Center in Fairfax to Close by March 2016
From institution to community, finding homes for those hard to place.
Joseph McHugh has lived at the Northern Virginia Training Center for 35 years, moving in when he was a teenager. McHugh has cerebral palsy and colostomy and severe spasticity issues. At the training center, McHugh works with a speech pathologist, nurse, on-campus dietician and is close to an X-ray machine, dental facility and clinic on the grounds.
Potomac Weekend Fun: April 3-5
Potomac Weekend Fun: April 3-5
Wednesday, April 1
‘Your Life Is Today and Tomorrow’
Residents of local senior living communities share their experiences.
“I didn’t want to come here,” said Bill Woessner, referring to Brightview Assisted Living Community in Great Falls. “That’s right,” agreed Sheila, his wife of more than 50 years, with plenty of her native Scottish brogue to be heard in her voice. “He really didn’t. We have a lovely house here in Great Falls and I don’t think he was ready to budge. But how long after we got here did that change?” she turned to her husband and asked. “At least a day,” he laughingly replied. “Seriously,” said Bill Woessner, “it probably wasn’t more than the first 48 hours.”
Creative Aging Festival Coming in May
Includes 114 performances, poetry readings, art exhibits, lectures, classes and more.
A Creative Aging Festival will take place throughout the month of May at 100-plus local venues in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria. The month-long festival includes 114 performances, poetry readings, art exhibits, lectures, classes and more.
County Adult Centers Offer Seniors Activities, Social Interaction
In 2014, the attendance at Fairfax County senior centers was 277,342.
At the Kingstowne Center for Active Adults, volunteer Frank Bauer sees zumba and yoga classes “flowing into the main room sometimes,” he says, revealing how popular those classes are at the center, which caters to seniors 55 and older. This Kingstowne center, one of 14 senior centers throughout Fairfax County, offers classes and activities to keep seniors active.
Fit for the Golden Years in Potomac
Fitness programs for seniors are part of a trend
One night each week, Sue Thompson can be found dribbling a basketball down the court, leading her team, the Nova United, to victory. Thompson, who is in her 60s, is one of the youngest players in her league, the National Senior Women’s Basketball Association.
Column: Manifest Destiny
I wouldn’t say I have symptoms (why would I say that? If I said that, I’d have to admit that cancer is having an effect on me.