‘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.
Potomac Home Sales: January, 2014
In January 2014, 26 Potomac homes sold between $2,675,000-$293,000.
Potomac Home Sales: January, 2014
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.
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.
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.