Stories for April 2012

Area Welcomes Discovery

A famed pace Shuttle finds home in Chantilly.

The Washington area kept its eyes to the sky on Tuesday morning April 17, for a special over-flight by the Space Shuttle Discovery docked to its 747 carrier aircraft. The Discovery is moving to its new home at the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly. The Discovery has flown 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, and was the longest-serving orbiter in NASA’s shuttle program.

Potomac Real Estate: March Sales, $825,000 ~ $967,000

In March 2012, 38 Potomac homes sold between $2,710,000-$253,000.

Potomac Real Estate: March Sales, $825,000 ~ $967,000

Potomac Calendar April 26

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.

The Tavern at River Falls Opens in Potomac Village

The long-awaited Tavern at River Falls is already a hit in Potomac. Finally opened after more than two years of work and determination by owner Jeff Grolig, the tavern offers a large U-shaped bar area, original photographic artwork and a menu that features tasty food created with the freshest of ingredients.

Chastain Promotes ‘The First Tee’

Luncheon raises funds, awareness for youth golf program.

“You can change a child’s life by being involved in The First Tee,” Brandi Chastain, celebrated World Cup soccer star, Olympian, author and coach told an audience of more than 200 golfers and The First Tee supporters who attended the 2nd annual golf outing and luncheon held at TPC Avenel on April 18.

Broadway to Wootton

ArtSpeak — a program to bring professional actors and actresses to high schools — is featuring two Broadway stars in a free event at Wootton High School. The program will highlight the talents of actress Christiane Noll and actor Brad Oscar. The performance will take place at 7 p.m. on May 3, in the Thomas S. Wootton High School auditorium.

When No Hydrant Is at Hand

Firefighters make use of alternative water sources.

While more summer-like temperatures over the weekend might have obscured the memory, last Friday, April 13, was a chilly day, in the 50s, with a significant breeze. So it was clear that firefighters in front of Cabin John Volunteer Fire Department Station 30 on Falls Road were not filling a pool to cool off.

Churchill’s Edens, Arthur-Williams Compete at Capital Classic

Edens scores 11 in win, Arthur-Williams grabs 7 rebounds in defeat.

Two of the best basketball players Churchill has to offer stepped outside of their usual Bulldog roles during the 39th Annual Capital Classic on April 21, but that didn’t stop Sam Edens and Sarafina Arthur-Williams from having an impact during the all-day all-star event at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria.

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Connection Wins Public Service Award for Homeless Coverage

VPA Award for Journalistic Integrity and Community Service; plus 44 other awards.

The Connection Newspapers was awarded the Virginia Press Association Award for Journalistic Integrity and Community Service last Saturday, April 21, "for exhaustive coverage of homelessness in the newspaper's circulation area."

Column: Really?

Having recently upgraded my cell phone, I have finally, due to its larger keys and simplified data-entry process, learned how to enter “contacts” and their phone numbers as well as select some of these key contacts for speed-dialing.

Almanac Wins Awards

First place awards include continuing coverage of Brickyard issue, and Lourie’s columns.

Supervisors Endorse Advertised Budget

Highlights include restored funding for human services, libraries, employee pay.

"Morning has broken, like the first morning…" Cat Stevens sang it in his 1971 hit, and Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova used it to sum up the board’s 8-2 vote, endorsing the advertised 2013 budget during the April 24 budget session.

Potomac Real Estate: March Sales, $1million~$1.25million

In March 2012, 38 Potomac homes sold between $2,710,000-$253,000.

Potomac Real Estate: March Sales, $1million~$1.25million

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Culinary Classes for Children

Little gourmands cook up fun in the kitchen.

"If you lick your hands you have to wash them," said instructor Beth Bigler as she teaches a class of kindergartens students how to make vegetable pizzas. "Are these pickles?" asks a 6-year-old student as she clutches a dark-green, cylindrical vegetable in her tiny fingers.

Alarm Over Fire Code at Shelters

Fairfax County officials respond to concerns about fire code violations at local shelters.

Spring fever hit the region early this year. Last week’s record-high temperatures had residents flocking outdoors to play, bike, jog and picnic.

Letter: So Much Inaccuracy from County

I went with a group of concerned citizens to file a petition today [April 13] in opposition to the County Executive’s secret agreement with Montgomery Soccer Inc. (MSI) to construct and operate soccer fields on the Brickyard School public property. When we reached Ike Leggett's office, the doors were locked and a guard was stationed at the door. We were told these doors are always locked, which is not true. We've been there before when the doors were not locked.

‘Legally Blonde’ Takes Stage at Churchill

“It’s really about being true to yourself.”

Femme fatale Elle Woods and her pocket dog Brutus will soon be sashaying into Churchill High School to entertain and delight.

‘Marketplace’ Offers Art, Gifts, Food

Potomac Community Center to host inaugural event on April 28.

“Marketplace” — a shopping mecca for Potomac residents who love jewelry, crafts, art, flea markets, bargains, shopping and great food — will make its debut on Saturday, April 28.

Bethesda Holds Annual Literary Festival

Downtown Bethesda celebrates the diversity of modern literature by presenting the 13th annual Bethesda Literary Festival from Friday, April 20 to Sunday, April 22.

Potomac Calendar April 18

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.

Helping Clean Up the River in Potomac

Vionny Amelia, 12 years old at Roberto Clemete Middle School, picks up trash along the bank of the C&O canal. She was one of many volunteers who participated in the Potomac River Watershed Cleanup on Saturday, April 14.

Potomac Real Estate: Sales in February, $650,000~$1million

Pleading for Restoring Funding for Human Services

Residents, agencies testify to need for community services.

After three years of deep budget cuts and declining revenue, Fairfax County is showing signs of fiscal equilibrium as property values and revenues begin a slow uphill climb.

Addressing ‘College Drinking Culture’

The Perils of the College Drinking Culture" forums continue through May.

It’s college decision time for Fairfax County seniors, and college-bound students and their parents are encouraged to attend an upcoming program that deals with binge drinking on college campuses. "The Perils of the College Drinking Culture" will be presented by the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Police Department, in April and May at locations across the county.

Whitman Senior McGill Thriving in Return from Injury

Left-handed pitcher has not allowed an earned run in 19 2/3 innings.

Whitman senior pitcher Ryan McGill is thriving after missing most of his junior season due to injury.

Salma Hasan Ali Bridges Divides with Her Personal Stories

Sharing stories, making connections.

Potomac’s Salma Hasan Ali has learned “the power of sharing personal stories.” “Stories humanize,” she said.

Contest: Name the Mini

New miniature horse will debut at Potomac Community Center Marketplace.

Squeals on Wheels, Potomac's traveling petting zoo, has recently acquired a tiny miniature horse.

Whitman Grad Helping in Peru

Sacred Valley Project promotes academic, personal growth for Peruvian girls.

Column: “Meagulpa”

As a veteran of the chemo wars, I should have been better prepared mentally for the food/taste challenges often caused by the infusion of such cancer-fighting chemicals, but I wasn’t.

Potomac Real Estate: Top Sales in February 2012

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

Potomac Real Estate: Top Sales in February 2012

Interest in Budget Slows as Economy Picks Up

Employee compensation, human service funding compete for attention.

Rising property values, a relatively low unemployment rate, and the lack of hot-button issues — such as full-day kindergarten — have reduced public involvement in Fairfax County’s proposed $6.7 billion budget compared to recent years, according to county leaders.

Design with Children in Mind

BOWA Builders share tips for design that works for the whole family.

Whether it’s a closet, the kitchen or a study area, there are numerous ways to incorporate child-friendly design into any space, and children today are becoming more and more involved in the process. Even if the child is toddler-aged, simple tasks, such as picking colors, themes or bedding, can help them feel that they are part of the process.

From Home to Dream Home: Split Foyer to French Colonial

Sun Design Remodeling’s design solution for Mulligan home tops category in “Contractor of the Year” Awards.

Tastes change; so, too, an owner’s requirements of their home. In the early 1960s, for instance, no floor plan concept seemed better suited to the demands of modern life than the split level — which deployed half-levels to apportion interior space into sleeping zones, family gathering rooms and service areas.

Easter Bunny’s Four-Legged Friends in Potomac

An Easter Egg Hunt for dogs was held Saturday, April 7 to benefit the Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.

Farmer Opposes County Bid Procedure

Farmer Sophia Maravell, who is spearheading Brickyard Educational Farm (BEF) on the Montgomery County schools land along Brickyard Road in Potomac, stated concerns to Montgomery County this week about the county’s acceptance of a bid for a sublease leading to the construction of parking lots and soccer fields on the site.

Potomac Fine Arts April 11

Month of April 'Variety Art' Exhibit. Bernie Wilder, a Potomac-based artist who began donating to Child Welfare Services' Adopt a Social Worker program a decade ago, is presenting "Variety Art." To benefit the county’s Child Welfare Services “Adopt A Social Worker” Program. The exhibit features 24 pieces of art from seven artists. The artists represented are Wilder, a Potomac resident and oil painter; Rockville resident Marla Rudnik, a metal sculptor and jewelry maker; Rockville resident Shelley Bain, an acrylic painter; Potomac resident Valen Brown, an acrylic painter; District of Columbia resident Lou Kaplan, an oil painter; Potomac resident Ruja Shemer, a watercolor painter; and Rockville resident Nadia Azumi, a silk painter. At Amici Miei Ristorante, 1093 Seven Locks Road in the Potomac Woods Plaza in Potomac. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Potomac Calendar April 11

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.

Thrift Sale Benefits Church Outreach, Local Charities

Area residents peruse hundreds of items for sale at the annual St. Francis Episcopal Church this past weekend, with proceeds going to the parish’s outreach program and other local charities.

Home Work

‘Why Is My Home Rotting Away?’

"Mike, why is my house rotting away!?" This is the kind of question brimming with alarm and horror that builders and remodelers often hear. "How old is your house?" I asked. "It’s only 15 years old." "Ray, your house is not rotting away, but the skin of your house might be."

Classified Advertising

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Column: Look What I Saw, Really

A male patient sitting directly across from me being infused with his unique chemotherapy cocktail, a bit too far for a conversation, but certainly close enough for a knowing/empathetic glance.

In Potomac Village

To better serve their customer base, Village Settlements, Inc., and its affiliated law firm of Savitz, Parker, Hollman, Simon, Hahn & DeLisi, LLC, have opened an office in the Semmes Building located at 10220 River Road, Suite 207, in Potomac.

Letter: Help Maintain Neglected Fields

Dear MSI Executive Director and Board Members: This open letter is asking you to hold back and defer signing the sublease for the Brickyard Road School site.

Parents Seek Answers at ‘Facebook 101’

‘Facebook 101’ draws scores to seminar at Churchill.

Facebook’s goal is to make the world more open and connected. But if millions of people are connected, “it’s hard to think of a population that big without any crime,” said Brooke Oberwetter, of Facebook.

Bells Mill Students Take First in State

Next: Odyssey of the Mind World Finals in Iowa.

A team of third and fourth graders will represent Bells Mill Elementary School at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals in Iowa this May.

Editorial: On Funding the Silver Line

Commonwealth will collect the dividends, but refuses to invest; Northern Virginia pays.

Northern Virginia localities should together commission a study now to determine how much growth is stimulated by the opening of the Metro stations in Tysons and along the toll road out to Dulles, how many new jobs created, quantify how much that growth leads to increased income and sales tax, and how much revenue (taxes) would get shipped off to Commonwealth coffers.

Field Notes: Remembering Margaret Lundy Dell

On Feb. 1, my mother-in-law passed away. What’s remarkable is that she was a woman not only of exceptional years, 103, but also quite memorable.

‘Tiger Trot’ 5k Will Take Off April 15

Holy Child’s race is open to entire community.

At 8 a.m. on Sunday, April 15, the hills of Potomac will abound with runners competing in the 2nd annual Holy Child “Tiger Trot” 5K. The young women of the Connelly School of the Holy Child, their parents, siblings, grandparents, faculty and friends are eagerly awaiting the starting signal for this fun-filled yet challenging community event. The proceeds of the 5K run/walk will support both the Cabin John Fire Volunteer Fire Department and the wellness programs at the Connelly School of the Holy Child.

Fashion Event Raises Funds for McPaw

Animal lovers gather to support new center.

Animal lovers and fashionistas filled the second level of the Friendship Heights’ Bloomingdale’s, enjoying a fashion show, champagne and the opportunity to raise funds for McPaw (Montgomery County Partners for Animal Well-Being) to support the new Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center. Even Ruby, an adorable and adoptable shelter dog was on hand for the ceremonies. As McPaw volunteer Madeleine Mersky explained, “Ruby is single and looking!”

Potomac Schools April 4-10

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 Calendar April 4-10

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.

Churchill High School Observes Autism Month

Increasing awareness of a burgeoning disability.

New statistics concerning autism have again propelled the topic of autism and its effects to the forefront of the news. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, autism now affects 1 in 88 children, and 1 in 54 boys — a rise of 23 percent in the past two years. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined. It is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. — and many consider it a national epidemic.

Thousands To Untrash The River

More than 228 tons of trash removed last year; volunteers needed.

Every spring, Jim Heins hikes the entire C&O Canal, starting in Cumberland and ending in Georgetown.

C&O Canal: With Love Comes Responsibility WMCCA

Another spring and another love affair with the C & O Canal Historical Park! Yes, we may brave the cold for a few winter visits, but there is nothing like springtime on the Canal. We who live here are fortunate to have easy access to this incredibly lush, tranquil treasure of natural, historic and recreational resources.

Arts Night at the Art Gallery

On March 31, P.A.I.N.T (Potomac Artists in Touch) hosted the first Potomac Arts Night at The Art Gallery of Potomac. The event was moderated by Dalton Delan who has produced concerts at The White House and Kennedy Center.

Two Artists Exhibit Works at The Art Gallery of Potomac

This month The Art Gallery of Potomac will present a show entitled "Through Our Eyes" which will highlight paintings by two artists inspired by their travels to Ireland and Italy.

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Churchill Girls’ Lax Receives Early-Season Wake-Up Call

Bulldogs respond to Damascus loss by beating Paint Branch.

Senior standout Mairin Hall said the Churchill girls’ lacrosse team doesn’t want to dwell on its March 26 loss to Damascus — the program’s first loss to a Montgomery County team since 2010 — but the defeat just might provide motivation for a Bulldog group rarely challenged in recent seasons.

Churchill Women’s 4+ Boat Wins 1500

Churchill Crew competed in the Cindy Cole Cup at the Anacostia Boathouse in Washington, D.C., on March 31.

Column: Infusing Is Semi Amusing

So here I go again; heavy-duty chemotherapy for the first time in nearly three years. As such, I thought I’d try and write another column while actually sitting in the Barcalounger at The Infusion Center (as I did three years ago: “Chemo-Cocktailing at the Depot” was that column’s title) and see what my pen has to say.