Stories for March 2012

Stories for March 2012

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Friday, March 30

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Potomac Real Estate: Sales under $650,000 in February 2012

In February 2012, 22 Potomac homes sold between $1,950,000-$380,000.

Potomac Real Estate: Sales under $650,000 in February 2012

Wednesday, March 28

Potomac Theater March 28

Now Through April 7 "Rapunzel." Witch Wartsmith wants a baby and, after bargaining for little Rapunzel, must go to great lengths to keep the growing girl out of the hands of a handsome prince. Thursdays & Fridays, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; Saturdays & Sundays, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. . Tickets are $10/adults and children. Recommended for PreK-Grade 4. Running time: 45 min. Presented by the Puppet Co. Call 301-634-5380. Visit www.thepuppetco.org.

Potomac School Notes March 28

To have an item listed mail to almanac@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week’s paper. Call 703-778-9412.

Potomac Fine Arts March 28

March 31 Potomac Arts Night. 6 p.m. Moderated by Dalton Delan followed by wine and cheese. Featuring Linda Pastan, Michael Blumenthal and Duo Concertone, Zino and Natasha Bogachek. At The Art Gallery of Potomac, 10107 River Road, in Potomac Village. Open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Visit www.PotomacArtists.org.

Potomac Calendar for March 28

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.

Classified Advertising

See the latest Employment, Home and Garden, and classifieds!

Column: Peculiar Presence

In the last few months, out of the blue, I have received electronic correspondence from each of my three oldest childhood friends (none of whom have remained adulthood friends, though all three remain of interest to me) commenting on my cancer diagnosis; each having stumbled across one of my cancer columns online, presumably after initiating a Google-type search for yours truly.

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Web Designer Assists Apparel Store

Local expert builds athletic wear website.

Wildwood’s Bella Vestiti golf and tennis clothing store is just a short drive away from Potomac. But now, it is no further than one’s fingertips.

Literary Award Winner

Washington Episcopal School first-grader Ore Adedeji, age 6, was named a winner of the 2012 Bethesda Literary Festival’s Youth Writing Contest.

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Marking Jewish Exodus from Egypt

Second annual Seder Summit entertains and educates.

Male bonding over ribs, beer and scotch were front and center Sunday, March 18 at Beth Sholom synagogue.

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County Awards Brickyard to MSI

Farmland could be turned over for soccer fields in August.

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett officially awarded 20-acres of farmland on Brickyard Road to Montgomery Soccer, Inc. to develop into four soccer fields. MSI will develop the fields under a sublease from the County.

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Churchill Student Honored as Everyday Hero

Teenager honored for saving the life of a cardiac victim on the soccer field.

Duncan Seguin, 16, saved his co-referee’s life at a Labor Day soccer tournament in Olney last fall.

Church Hosts Nearly New Thrift Sale

For the benefit of St. Francis Episcopal Church’s outreach program and local charities, a thrift sale offering clothing, furnishings, jewelry and books will be held at the church, 10033 River Road, Friday, March 30, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday, March 31, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. There will also be a Children’s Shop and an Upscale Boutique.

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Column: Israeli Wines for Passover

Recommendations of 10 wines for the upcoming holiday.

Over the past six months, the International Wine Review has tasted more than 200 Israeli wines in preparation of our Report #32 “The New Wines of Israel,” to be published later this year. We’re impressed with the high quality of Israeli premium wines and encourage our readers to try them. What better time to do that than Passover?

Tuesday, March 27

Attackers Leonard, Dubick Lead Churchill Lax to Victory

Duo combines for 10 goals in season-opening win against The Heights.

The Churchill boys’ lacrosse team, loaded with goal-scoring threats of all ages, took the first step in a season of high expectations, beating The Heights 16-6 on March 22 on the campus of the Potomac private school.

Editorial: Interrupting Harassment and Bullying

Empowering bystanders to intervene, students to set boundaries.

With a controversial and much discussed new movie, "Bully," coming out this week, local school districts continue to wrestle with the issue of bullying in the schools.

Thursday, March 22

Classified Advertising

The Latest Employment, Home and Garden, and Classified Ads!

Wednesday, March 21

Churchill Softball Enters Season with Revamped Confidence

Last year’s winning record was Bulldogs’ first since 2000.

The Bulldogs enter the 2012 season with a revamped confidence stemming from a year of winning softball.

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Does Music Make Children Smarter?

During Music In Our Schools Month, musicians raise awareness of impact of music education on lives of students.

Can playing the piano strengthen a child’s reading and math skills? Can joining a school band be a catalyst for building self-confidence? Does one develop strong analytical abilities by taking violin lessons? Some music experts say yes.

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Israeli Ambulance Dedicated at Synagogue

An ambulance, manufactured in Indiana and bound for Israel, made a stop at Congregation Har Shalom in Potomac, on Sunday, March 18

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Learning To Become Authors at Holy Child

Holy Child eighth grade students Caroline Holmes and Emily Travis aspire to become authors. Both started writing short stories and novels when they were much younger — and one day hope to become published. Holmes and Travis, along with their 60 Holy Child middle school classmates, had the opportunity to welcome young adult fiction writers Rachel Hawkins and Ally Carter to the Holy Child campus on Tuesday, March 13.

School Notes for March 21 to 28

To have an item listed mail to almanac@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week’s paper. Call 703-778-9412.

Fine Arts for March 21 to 28

March 24 - 25 Command-Shift-3. Artwork by Glen Kessler. Will present his latest body of artworks at The Yellow Barn Gallery in Glen Echo Park. The Gallery is open to the public from 12 - 5 p.m. daily. An Artist’s Reception, also open to the public, is scheduled for Saturday, March 24 from 5 - 9 p.m. Visit www.GlenKessler.com or contact Glen Kessler at GlenKessler@hotmail.com or 973-634-0526.

Potomac Calendar for March 21 to 28

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.

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Risky Behavior by the Numbers

Youth Survey highlights risks, assets for students.

Periodically, Fairfax County conducts a youth survey which polls thousands of students to get a glimpse into issues of substance abuse, antisocial behaviors as well as factors such as mental health and civic engagements.

Learning Basketball Tricks

To help promote an April 26 event — "Don't let your sports injuries 'spin' out of control" with Dr. Richard Reff — former Harlem Globe Trotter Mike Wilson taught basketball tricks to children at Cabin John Mall on March 15.

A Day To Embrace Change

Bullis’ "Beyond The Books" Day explores diversity

March 15 began for Bullis Upper School students with a surprise announcement by Guidance Counselor Lisa Gray.

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Emergency Legislation Could Impact Brickyard

County executive and council authority on land disposition to be discussed at Tuesday’s public hearing.

Council President Roger Berliner faced more than 100 angry citizens in January, the day before County Executive Isiah "Ike" Leggett and the county issued a request for proposals to build soccer fields on Brickyard Road.

Tuesday, March 20

Editorial: ‘Practices That Undermine Trust’

Virginia gets a failing grade on ethics rules.

The State Integrity Investigation is "designed to expose practices that undermine trust in state capitols — and spotlight the states that are doing things right."

Column: “Here, There And Everywhere”

The Beatles sang it on their “Revolver” album back in the mid 60s. My wife and I danced to it in the late 70s when we selected it as “first song as husband and wife” – in 1978. And recently we felt it, three years after my stage IV lung cancer diagnosis, as our reaction/assessment to the many similarly diagnosed individuals who’ve shared their lung cancer stories with us. Who knew?

Thursday, March 15

Whitman Baseball in Search of First Region Championship

Senior shortstop/pitcher Flack selected MSABC preseason all-state.

The Whitman baseball program has never won a region championship. With a talented roster and postseason success each of the last three seasons, the Vikings are looking to leave their mark in 2012.

Churchill Hopes To Learn from 2011 Postseason Success

Bulldogs reached region final under head coach Scott Blackwood.

Ten months after a surprise run to the region final, members the Churchill baseball team enter the 2012 season knowing they’re capable of great things if they put in the work.

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Celebrating Purim in Potomac

Congregation B’nai Tzedek in Potomac held its Purim Spiel, “A Very Glee Megillah” on Wednesday, March 7. Above, from left, are Alan Blank, Carol Friedman and Ted Heilweil.

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A Mission of Mercy Helps Hundreds

More than 800 residents receive free dental services during two-day event.

The triage center at Saturday’s Mission of Mercy Dental health clinic resembled a modern-day MASH unit.

Council Prepares Legislation to Reduce Executive’s Power

The County Council introduced emergency legislation Tuesday, March 13 that would require the Council to approve any sale or lease of County property before it becomes final.

Wednesday, March 14

Classified Advertising

Read the lastest Classified and Employment ads!

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Jeff Bass and Michael Fusco Receive Eagle Rank

Jeff Bass and Michael Fusco of Potomac received their Eagle Scout awards at a ceremony on Feb. 28. They are both members of Troop 773, which meets at the Potomac United Methodist Church.

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Academic Honors at Fourth Presbyterian

Fourth Presbyterian School student Charlotte Holdrich (left), who is in 8th grade, was selected as a 2012 Carson Scholar. She will receive a $1,000 scholarship award that will be invested toward her college education.

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Red-Shouldered Hawk Welcomes Purple Martins

While small mammals like mice and chipmunks are the favorite food of the Red-shouldered Hawk, next on the list are song birds.

Column: “Early Results Show Stable Disease”

There’s five words e-mailed from my oncologist that I can live with (Duh!). Certainly better than the previous nine words e-mailed eight weeks ago regarding my then current CT Scan: “Scan results show progression. We’ll talk more on Friday.”

Letter: Improve Actions Against Deer

Council President Roger Berliner was “right on” when he stated the need for a cooperative effort to deal with the expanding and destructive deer population in his recent letter you published (March 7-13, 2012).

FOI Request Illuminates Early County Plans

Council prepares legislation to reduce Executive’s power; citizens prepare for $40 million lawsuit.

The County Council introduced emergency legislation Tuesday, March 13 that would require the Council to approve any sale or lease of County property before it becomes final.

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Aging In Place: Hard To Imagine?

Planning ahead for when simple things are not so simple anymore.

We human beings don't seem to be programmed to think ahead about aging. Most folks say they want to stay in their homes as long as possible as they age. Why not spend a few minutes with me thinking about the concept and the challenges of living in the standard American home as you age and have some difficulty performing the normal daily functions of life.

This Week in Potomac

Israeli Ambulance To Be Dedicated Here

On Sunday, March 18, a Potomac family will dedicate an ambulance for Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's emergency medical service.

Tuesday, March 13

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Local Designers Selected to Make Over D.C. Design House

Annual event raises money for Children's National Medical Center.

Some of the Washington area's top interior designers are unleashing their creative talent all in the name of charity. Organizers of the 2012 Washington, D.C. Design House announced the designers who will make over the 2012 D.C. Design Home.

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Potomac Real Estate: Top Sales for January 2012

In January 2012, 17 Potomac homes sold between $1,725,000-$425,000.

Potomac Real Estate: Top Sales for January 2012

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The Chateau in Oak Hollow

One of just four properties in Fairfax County listed at HomesDatabase.com for sale for more than $10 million, this home sits on five acres in Clifton, and is for sale for $12.5 million. The other three properties are in McLean.

Editorial: So Hard to Imagine?

Poor families face challenges that officials and many of the rest of us have trouble envisioning.

The Commonwealth of Virginia and even Northern Virginia includes many poor families and individuals. But officials seem to have trouble wrapping their brains around some of the difficulties this can cause.

Thursday, March 8

Potomac Fine Arts -- March 7-13

March 2 - April 9 Forces of Nature. Photoworks Gallery at Glen Echo Park presents Forces of Nature, an exhibition of black and white photography. The show's images record the visual beauty of the forces of nature on the natural and man-made worlds. Saturdays, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.; Sundays & Mondays, 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Opening reception, March 11, 4p.m. - 6 p.m. Artist Talk, March 24, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. Visit www.glenechophotoworks.org or email gaylesue@me.com.

Potomac Calendar -- March 7-13

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.

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Author, Author

Writers for young adults to visit Connelly School of the Holy Child.

Once again, librarian Sarah Stonesifer at Connelly School of the Holy Child in Potomac has arranged an event to spark students’ excitement about reading.

Column: A $350,00 Golden Fleecing

Remember the Golden Fleece Awards awarded annually by the late U.S. Senator Proxmire? They signaled out for ridicule wasteful, unnecessary government projects that often benefited only a special few. They diverted money away from projects that truly were needed. Even if you don't remember the awards, no one wants to be “fleeced.” But that is just what happened to local citizens when Montgomery County's Department of Environmental Protection awarded a contract allegedly to carry out the Glen Hills study mandated in the 2002 Potomac Subregion Master plan.

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Raising Funds

Bells Mill Girl Scout Troop 1635 members Shreeya Kharana, Rebecca Stolz, Sarah Lininger and Hannah Roberts take advantage of the opportunity of Black History Night at Bells Mill Elementary School on Feb. 24 to raise money for research into diabetes.

Letter: Park Deer Adding To Damage, Danger

The following letter was addressed to Superintendent Kevin Brandt of the C&O Canal National Historic Park.

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Landon School Teacher On Jeopardy!

John Botti, a teacher at the Landon School from Rockville, competed for the $100,000 grand prize in the “Jeopardy!” Teachers Tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 15. The “Jeopardy!” Teachers Tournament was introduced for the first time last year and puts a national spotlight on the nation’s brightest K-12 educators. Above: Botti with host Alex Trebek.

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Victory through ‘Sabermetrics’

For the fourth year in a row, The Fourth Presbyterian School hosted the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee for Montgomery County on Saturday, March 3. The bee is sponsored by The Meakem Group of Wells Fargo and was held at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Bethesda.

‘No Child Left Inside’

2nd generation farmer seeks to continue educational agriculture on Nick’s Organic Farm.

The movement for “No Child Left Inside” encompasses both environmental education and efforts to combat childhood obesity.

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Making Spring and Summer Camps Fun and Educational

Coach Doug Wilson gives back to the community.

“Kids have a tendency to be afraid to try things because of their fear of failure. The only failure is not attempting. No one fails — they just fail to try.” That’s Coach Doug Wilson of Potomac and he knows all about trying.

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Wootton Thespians Present ‘The Wizard Of Oz’

Wootton High School is “off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz.” This beloved tale of Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow has warmed the hearts of audiences since 1939 when Judy Garland introduced Dorothy with her ruby slippers to America.

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Potomac Theatre Company Presents "Murder on the Nile"

This month The Potomac Theatre Company presents Agatha Christie's “Murder on the Nile.” The story is a classic who-dun-it murder mystery about a couple on their honeymoon aboard a paddle steamer sailing on the Nile. Last spring, The Potomac Theatre Company performed another Agatha Christie mystery, “The Mousetrap.”

Column: Look What She Saw—Sort Of

Well there’s five seconds that fellow super-market-shopper won’t have back anytime soon. The question, the curiosity is: will she have nightmares and/or live to regret staring at me so intently that I think I may have seen the whites of her eyes – and it wasn’t even remotely dark?

Wednesday, March 7

Churchill Boys Fall to Magruder in Region Final

Bulldogs reach first region championship game in 33 years.

Magruder, the region’s top seed and defending champion, defeated No. 2-seed Churchill 54-39 on March 3 to take home the region title and advance to the state tournament. While disappointed their season had ended, the Bulldogs could take pride in what they had accomplished not just this year, but since the arrival of head coach Matt Miller four years ago.

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Potomac Real Estate: Sales in January 2012 less than $700,000

In January 2012, 17 Potomac homes sold between $1,725,000-$425,000.

Potomac Real Estate: Sales in January 2012 less than $700,000

Tuesday, March 6

Classified Advertising

See the lastest Employment, Home and Garden and classified ads!

Cleaning Up One’s Plate

Local nutrition experts encourage healthy eating during National Nutrition Month and always.

When it comes to healthy eating, Alexandria wellness educator Cheryl Mirabella encourages her clients to load up during meals, but she offers a caveat.

Editorial: Reenacting a Dark History?

Turning back the clock in Richmond.

Who could have anticipated that our elected officials would take African-American History month and Women's History month so seriously that they would literally try to turn back the clock?

Thursday, March 1

Potomac Calendar for Feb. 29-March 6

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.

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Three Women Artists Exhibit at The Art Gallery

Show will raises funds for ALS Association.

This month The Art Gallery of Potomac presents a show titled Visions of the Earth. It will be a three-woman art show depicting the earth and using materials from the earth to represent their lives, their surroundings and experiences. The show is also a fundraiser for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and a portion of proceeds be donated to the ALS Association.

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Potomac Neurosurgeon Releases ‘Operation Love’

For Bernie Stopak, it’s 25 years between CDs.

As a neurosurgeon for more than 40 years, Dr. Bernie Stopak of Potomac performed hundreds of surgeries on the brain. Now, at age 75, his latest "operation" is related more to the heart. His newly released CD is a personal and intimate song collection reflecting his own journey through the intricacies and emotions of love and relationships. This CD is titled "Operation Love."

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Potomac Real Estate: Sales in January 2012 between $700K-$880K

In January 2012, 17 Potomac homes sold between $1,725,000-$425,000.

Potomac Real Estate: Sales in January 2012 between $700K~$880K