Column: No to the Meals Tax
A food tax is not a silver bullet.
I have been opposed to the meals tax from the start, but what has concerned me most over the last several months has been the tactics used to try to convince our residents to vote for it and the county’s failure to deal with its spending problems. I would like to offer some clarity on these points and why I am against the meals tax.
Vote Yes: Immigrant Families Rely on Schools for More Than Education
Fairfax County Public Schools are more than just a place to learn. Growing up in Burke, I saw firsthand how our schools created a sense of community and neighborhood camaraderie. Schools are where we could go to borrow a book, where we could watch and play sports, and where we could perform a play or listen to a concert.
Column: Yes to the Meals Tax
Reduces dependence on property tax.
As a businessman here in Fairfax and a former member of the Fairfax County School Board, I write on behalf of a coalition of thousands of homeowners, parents, teachers, firefighters, police, friends and users of our libraries and our parks and recreation facilities, and those who belong to churches and non-profit organizations working to ensure that Fairfax County also protects those in need [www.yesmealstax.org].
Letter: Supporting Meals Tax
Letter to the Editor
I’m writing to encourage Fairfax County voters to support the county meals tax referendum on the ballot in November.
Letter: Meals Tax: A Better Option
Letter to the Editor
After reviewing Fairfax County’s proposed 4-percent meals tax, the Class Size Counts (CSC) board voted to support the Nov. 8 referendum because it decided that it would be better to raise money for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) through a tax on prepared foods rather than through additional increases to County property taxes.
Advice from the Pros
Local private school admissions directors share wisdom they’d offer to their own children.
From interviews to essays to standardized tests to open houses, the season for submitting independent school applications is underway. For families vying for a spot at the area’s most elite schools, the process can be fraught with anxiety, stress and confusion as parents and students wade through the myriad academic options in the Washington, D.C., region.
Potomac Family Recognized as ‘Angels in Adoption’
Haiti boy finds home with Freishstat family.
Five-year-old Luke Freishstat is exuberant — about his two older brothers and mom and dad, his classes at Georgetown Hill Elementary, his new friends, his new home in Potomac — but particularly about his chocolate Lab.
Potomac Day This Saturday
Chamber names its three honorees.
What better way to celebrate Potomac's honorees for the Citizen of the Year, Youth of the Year and Business Leader of the Year than riding at the head of the Potomac Parade — and recognition at Potomac Day 2016?
Potomac Snapshot: Eagle Scout
Bennett William Lunceford, Troop 773, out of the Potomac United Methodist Church, was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at the troop Court of Honor on Sept. 27.
Potomac: Countdown to Halloween
There’s still time to for spooky design.
Grown up Halloween preparations aren’t just about ghosts and smoke machines anymore. They include home décor with a twist, perhaps glittered or velvet pumpkins, or spooky fine china.
Potomac Snapshot: Joining Club Friday
Youths from grades 3-6 participated in games, crafts, movies, sports and more at Club Friday at the Potomac Community Recreation Center on Friday, Oct. 17. See www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec.
Potomac: Join Huckle Cat and Lowly Worm
The Potomac Friends of the Library is celebrating its 25th year. Residents of all ages are invited to join story book character Huckle Cat and Lowly Worm in the Potomac Day Parade on Saturday, Oct. 22. Come dressed in costume or regular clothes. Each marcher will be given a sign to carry with the number "25" to acknowledge the Friends’ 25th anniversary celebration. To participate or for more information, e-mail karincurrie@aol.com or Edie Wingate atwingw@aol.com
Free Halloween Car Rides Offered in Area
As a means of making the Washington-metropolitan area’s roadways a little less frightening this Halloween, free cab rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 29.
Oak Hill Remodeled Home Tour Set for Nov. 5
Gourmet kitchen, spa master bath among spotlight features in makeover.
A circa 1980's center hall Colonial enhanced by a gourmet kitchen, a spacious spa bath and a lower-level guest suite will be featured in a “Remodeled Home Tour” sponsored by Sun Design Remodeling on Saturday, Nov. 5.
Showcase Home Offers Design Inspiration
DC Design House was transformed by local designers to raise money for charity.
Those in search of interior design ideas now have a source of new inspirations, at least temporarily. The 2016 DC Design House is now open to the public and runs through Oct. 30.
Home Improvements for the Holidays
Local contractors say there is time to spruce up your house and yard.
Changing temperatures and falling leaves are a signal the holidays are near. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, homes are filled with guests and schedules are stacked with parties. Getting one’s home guest ready by the holidays may be daunting, but it’s doable with proper planning and realistic expectations, say local contractors.
Potomac Home Sales: September, 2016
In September, 2016, 36 Potomac homes sold between $1,999,996-$490,000.
Potomac Home Sales: September, 2016
Potomac: Churchill Team Raises Funds for Make-A-Wish
The Churchill Girls Field Hockey team rose to the challenge Friday night on two fronts — they maintained their undefeated record, shutting out Richard Montgomery 3 - 0, and they raised over $5,000 for Make-A-Wish MidAtlantic.
Potomac Column: Responding to Excessive Aircraft Noise
Commentary
Montgomery County Council Vice President Roger Berliner, who chairs the council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee, made the following statement regarding the recent increase in significant aircraft noise from planes departing from and arriving to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that is impacting residents of the county.
Potomac Poem: Ghost Pumpkin
There was a little pumpkin that lived in a patch, It was round and big and I knew it was the one I wanted to snatch.