Out of the Ashes
Award-winning master carver and sculptor turns charred tree stump in to work of art.
A local wizard used his powers of transformation at a Potomac school recently.
Heights School Men’s Chorus Releases CD
Ensemble recorded the music at St. Peter’s Church in Vienna.
The Heights School Men’s Chorus released its latest CD earlier this month. Their recording, “Sing dem Herrn” (Sing to the Lord), is a collection of traditional men’s choral music performed a cappella.
‘Growing up with Sarge’
Field Notes
“For most of my life, it was enough for me to feed off his energy — he carried all of us on his wave. He kept us believing; he kept us hopeful. When he walked into a room, you just felt better. You felt ready for the day.” — from “A Good Man,” by Mark Shriver.
Community Services Budget Under Scrutiny
$8 Million budget hole threatens programs, public review underway.
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, which provides social services to thousands of the county’s most vulnerable residents and has come under fire for an $8 million budget shortfall, was given a temporary reprieve by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Greeting New ‘Fellow Americans’
Fairfax County hosts fourth annual naturalization ceremony.
"My fellow Americans," U.S. Rep Gerry Connolly (D-11) said with gravitas, pausing to let the meaning sink in. And when it did, 75 immigrants - from Afghanistan to Uzbekistan - who had just raised their right hand and taken the Oath of Allegiance to become American citizens, erupted with applause and tears, waving American flags and hugging family members. They were gathered at the Fairfax County Government Center Friday, May 25, for the county’s fourth annual naturalization ceremony.
Editorial: Surviving through Summer
Helping teens.
It is that time again, the time from proms to graduation, and all the celebrations that come with it. It's lovely to think, from a distance, that this is a happy and uncomplicated time for teens as the school year winds down, many look forward to college in the fall and a summer of internships or other interesting activities.
Classified Advertising
Read the latest Employment, Home & Garden and Classified ads!
Column: Off Topic, Almost
If only it were that simple. And as much I’d like to turn the cancer switch off, finding that switch has proven to be extremely challenging.
Classified Advertising
Read the lastest Classified, Home and Garden, and Employment ads!
‘Reel Tributes’ Preserves Family Histories
Founder David Adelman believes that “Memories Matter.”
Most of us would like to leave a legacy of the history of our family — and of our personal lives for our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren — and into perpetuity. However, many never record their personal histories, let alone that of their families. The research, interviews, writing and organization are just too overwhelming, confusing and time-consuming. But now, a company called “Reel Tributes” will help with the planning and implementation — and will make certain the project is completed in a professional manner with a meaningful result — a video documenting the history, genealogy and special memories of a family or a family business.
Washington Folk Festival Is June 2-3
The 32nd Annual Washington Folk Festival will be held on June 2-3 at Glen Echo Park in Glen Echo. From noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, the festival will showcase more than 450 of the finest traditional American and international musicians, storytellers, dancers, and crafters who make their home in the greater Washington area. The festival is free to the public and held rain or shine.
Potomac Calendar May 23
To have community events listed free in The Potomac Almanac, send e-mail to almanac@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week’s paper. Photos and artwork encouraged. Call 703-778-9412.
Private Gardens of Bethesda on June 2
Garden Tour. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit some of the most fabulous private gardens in the Bethesda and Chevy Chase area at the height of the gardening season. Join Brookside Gardens for its second annual private garden tour for your only opportunity to visit several extraordinary, designer showcase properties — guaranteed to provide inspiration to the most avid gardeners and designers as well as garden hobbyists. Pre-register through www.ParkPASS.org. Visit one garden for $5, course # 202399, three for $15, course #202400 or all eight of the gardens for $20, course # 202401 on this exclusive tour, including one designed by Oehme van Sweden & Associates. Visit www.brooksidegardens.org or call 301-962-1402. Check-in location is McCrillis Gardens, 6910 Greentree Road, Bethesda.
Muslim Foundation Picnic Honors Volunteers
Organization receives “Exceptional Partner Award.”
More than 350 people gathered at Black Hill Regional Park to honor Montgomery County Muslim Foundation volunteers and to celebrate their “2012 Exceptional Partner Award,” presented by Giant Foods and Manna. County Executive Isaiah Leggett, County Councilmember George Leventhal, County Councilmember Nancy Floreen, Councilmember Phil Andrews and Kevin Gillogly, with U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin’s office, each praised the MCMF for their work and the difference the non-profit organization is making throughout Montgomery County.
Caregivers for Wounded Warriors Honored
“This country cares about you. We take pride in you and support you. You each have an inner strength which carries you through difficult times.” These words spoken by keynote speaker Annie McChrystal, wife of U.S. Army General (Ret) Stanley McChrystal, describe the emotion in the air at the second luncheon to honor caregivers of our injured servicemen and women.
Miriam Ostria Launches Biz Sports & Leagues
Encouraging fitness for companies’ employees.
Potomac resident Miriam Ostria has a vision that will change the Washington workplace — and improve the health, fitness, weight management and wellness of residents in the D.C. environs while promoting sports. She has just recently embarked on a mission with her new company Biz Sports & Leagues, LLC: "I want organized sports activities to be incorporated into every company’s wellness program as another form of intervention and Biz Sports & Leagues to be the driver of this process."
Young Writers’ Celebration
On May 16, the children, ages 3 and pre-K, from B’nai Tzedek’s Greenzaid Early Childhood Center displayed to their parents and relatives, the books and poems they created this year as part of the Center’s Literacy Program. Guest author Rabbi Deborah Bodin Cohen read and signed her popular children’s books.
Lois Williams Praised
Community activist lauded for service to Potomac.
A long-time Potomac resident, community activist and volunteer was honored for her altruistic efforts recently. The West Montgomery County Citizens’ Association praised Lois Williams during a ceremony at the Potomac Community Center earlier this month.
Garlic Mustard Challenge
Invasive plant threatens forest understory, bird habitat.
The invasive garlic mustard plant has advanced rapidly into the C&O Canal National Historical Park and endangers the ecology of native plants and animals.
Builder/Remodelers’ Advice on Handling Exterior Rot
Although it may be an unappealing subject to address, we Marylanders must acknowledge our mid-Atlantic location to be a perfect setting for fungus, mold, mildew, and rot, not to mention insect infestation. This is one aspect of the natural world we live in.