Stories for July 2013

Wednesday, July 31

“Chemo-Nosabe”

Although I’ve not seen the current “The Lone Ranger” theatrical release, I am of a certain age and generation who grew up watching – on black and white television with no remote control and only three watchable channels – the original “The Lone Ranger” (starring Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels), along with other weekday-afternoon and Saturday-morning classics like “The Rifleman,” “Roy Rogers,” “Sky King,” “Superman,” “Leave It To Beaver” and “Ozzie and Harriet” – in my house, anyway. And though the “effects” weren’t nearly as “special” as they are in today’s movie/television productions/versions, nevertheless, the effects on me, personally, were far greater. Can you say wholesome goodness? The Golden Rule? Do unto others…

‘Regionality’ of Transportation Projects Questioned

Transportation Authority approves FY2014 Project List.

“Tonight we acted to address one of the greatest threats to our region: Congestion.” So spoke Marty Nohe, chairman of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) and Coles District supervisor for Prince William County. Despite numerous calls to slow down the process by speakers at the public hearing before the Authority, on Wednesday, July 24, the NVTA approved the FY2014 proposed regional multimodal project list as presented and vetted by the NVTA’s Project Implementation Working Group (PIWG) headed by Authority member (and Arlington County Board Member) Christopher Zimmerman.

A Delicate Balance – At Home

How appropriate is it to tell a cancer patient something negative (that he likely doesn’t want to hear) – yet needs to know, and which might ultimately quash his fighting spirit and adversely affect his day – and night? Moreover, would withholding certain discouraging observations intermittently along the cancer-treatment way, in order for said patient to feel good and positive about himself – and better prepare him for any and all news/results which might upset his precariously imperfect life and moreover, likely chip away at his emotional wherewithal as well – cause more harm than 100-percent honesty all the time?

Silence of the Court

Justices deny public access to shield personal conversations.

The Virginia Supreme Court operates in silence, denying public access to audio recordings of its oral arguments. Unlike the U.S. Supreme Court, which denies video recordings but allows audio recordings, the commonwealth's top appeals court has a complete blackout on public access to proceedings. In a written response to questions from Connection Newspapers, the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Virginia Supreme Court explained that audio records were once public, but the installation of new equipment in January 2008 created new concerns for justices.

Keeping Pets Safe

Veterinary experts say common household items can harm animals.

Did you know that a bowl of grapes sitting on your counter can be fatal to your dog or that a bouquet of fragrant lilies could be lethal to a cat? Were you aware that a stick of gum might cause a life-threatening canine emergency? Veterinary experts say that while pet hazards are lurking around almost every home, many pet owners are unaware of them. From favorite foods to over-the-counter-pain relievers, a number of common household items are dangerous to family pets.

The Pampered Pooch

Luxury accessories for well-heeled canines.

Marcia Schwartz strolled through the handbag section at a high-end department store at Tysons Galleria in McLean, Va., her eyes taking in the latest offerings from Prada. The companion at her side was not a personal shopper or a credit card-clad husband, however. It was a snow-white fuzzball with a rhinestone-encrusted collar named Cleopatra. Cleo, as she is most often called, is a Bichon Frisé.

For the Love of Animals

From taking orders in a pizza shop to finding homes for thousands of animals, the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation has a great "tail" to tell.

In 2001, there were too many dogs without homes and too few people to help them.

Bulletin Board

Tuesday/Aug. 6 Drop-In Discussion. 1:30-3 p.m. Montgomery Hospice 1355 Piccard Drive, Rockville. For anyone mourning the death of a loved one. Free and open to any Montgomery County resident. Registration required, 301-921-4400.

Potomac Calendar

Mommy & Me (& Daddy, Too). Third Tuesday each month. 10 a.m. at Rockville Town Square. Meet for a morning out with active learning and creative play with lunch specials, story time, arts and crafts, sing-a-longs, prizes and more. Visit rockvilletownsquare.com/events/mommy-and-me. On the Square: Aug. 20, Sept. 17 and Oct. 15.

Trees Get More Protection

Council passes two bills aiming to protect and expand tree canopy.

Dr. Seuss’s Lorax finally appeared more than two hours into Montgomery County Council’s debate on tree canopy. “Who will speak for the trees?” said Councilmember Valerie Ervin. “Today, all of us are speaking for the trees, and in the end, I think the trees are going to win in Montgomery County,” she said.

Professional Speaker Writes ‘Attitude Check’

Potomac’s Heath Suddelson explores leadership.

After working with someone with a bad attitude, Potomac resident and professional speaker/ business leader Heath Suddleson began thinking "if he could adjust someone else's attitude by adjusting his own.” Two and half years later, he released his new book, "The Attitude Check: Lessons in Leadership," discussing how an individual's attitude can make or break one’s effectiveness as a leader. It is available at all retail markets including Amazon.com.

Tuesday, July 30

Classified Advertising July 31, 2013

Read the lastest ads here!

Potomac Real Estate: May 2013 Sales $1.2 million~$1.69 million

In May 2013, 58 Potomac homes sold between $3,850,000-$263,000.

Potomac Real Estate: May 2013 Sales $1.2 million~$1.69 million

Wednesday, July 24

Classified Advertising July 24, 2013

Read the lastest ads here!

School Notes

David Lee Jr. was recognized for generous community service at Randolph-Macon Academy. David received a certificate of appreciation from the admission office.

Potomac Calendar

Open Your Home, Open Your Heart

Too many dogs and cats — needing to be adopted — face euthanization.

It was the kind of October day that we always remember: crisp air and vivid leaves. It was also the day when I had to say good-bye to Carmel, my canine companion of 10 years. He died of cancer. Carmel was my joy and he made me laugh and I expected at least five more years of fun. Dogs ask only that we love them and just as they begin to truly understand our language, they are gone. It is terribly unfair.

Potomac Family Hosts Fresh Air Fund Child

“Seven days can change a child’s life.”

River Falls resident Gregory Mitchell was a “Fresh Air Fund” child — a “life-changing, character-shaping experience,” he said. Growing up in a single-parent household in the Bronx, N.Y.C. meant that he did not have an opportunity to leave the inner-city — the hot, noisy streets were the only playground he knew. From the ages of 10-13, the Fresh Air Fund provided a two-week summer visit with a large family in New Hampshire.

Potomac Bulletin

Social Skills Summer Camp. Children in grades 1 through 6 can attend camp and learn friendly behaviors, working as a team, anger management and more.

Encouraging Educational Gardens

More schools are developing edible gardens.

Despite a small budget, edible gardens have plotted a rise in the Montgomery County Public Schools curriculum. "You know this committee has had interest in this for several years. As you know, good things are happening," said County Councilmember Valerie Ervin at the council's Education Subcommittee on Monday, July 22.

Brief: McPaw Design

Design Room in Animal Shelter

The deadline for MCPAW’s Pet Showcase Design Challenge is July 31. Create a layout for a showcase 7-foot by10-foot room with a 9-foot ceiling for the new Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center in a drawing. Place elements to be included in the room, including textiles and furniture.

Brief: Vacancies

Serve on County Boards

County Executive Isiah Leggett is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving on the following boards: * Library Board * Board of Registration for Building Contractors.

Business

Business Notes

A LearningRx Brain Training Center opened on July 15 in North Potomac The program game-like exercises administered through one-on-one training. Contact Suparna Shah at 301-944-5500 or visit www.LearningRx.com/North-Potomac.

Brief: Hope Connections Receives Grant

Hope Connections for Cancer Support, the nonprofit organization whose mission is to help people with cancer and their loved ones deal with the emotional and physical impact of the disease, has received a $20,200 one-year grant from Quality Health Foundation of Easton to expand the Young Adults with Cancer monthly support group into a weekly session.

Briefs: Reporting Animal Emergencies

Effective this month, calls to report animal emergencies and complaints in Montgomery County will be answered by Montgomery County Police Emergency Communications Center or MC311 call takers.

Churchill’s Selman Brings CYM to Potomac

Leaves school system to devote full time to his company.

Everyone who has seen Winston Churchill High School theatrical productions in the past nine years — “BLAST,” “Peter Pan,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Legally Blonde” or others — has been impressed with the creative set design, professional lighting and innovative sound effects as well as the training and focus of the student technical crew.

Friday, July 19

Potomac Real Estate: May 2013 Top Sales

In May 2013, 58 Potomac homes sold between $3,850,000-$263,000.

Potomac Real Estate: May 2013 Top Sales

Thursday, July 18

Potomac Home Sales: June, 2013

In June 2013, 91 Potomac homes sold between $3,150,000-$380,000.

Potomac Home Sales: June, 2013

Elizabeth Kruse Leads WIHS Junior Committee as Youth Ambassador

The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events, has chosen Elizabeth Kruse of McLean as youth ambassador of the 2013 show.

Wednesday, July 17

Potomac Bulletin

Social Skills Summer Camp. Children in grades 1 through 6 can attend camp and learn friendly behaviors, working as a team, anger management and more. Held by the Jewish Social Service Agency and the McLean School of Maryland. All potential campers will be interviewed to make sure the camp is appropriate for their needs. Visit www.summeredge.org/ for more.

Potomac Calendar

Kayaker Drowns at Great Falls

Potomac River gorge claims third victim in one month.

Shannon Christy, 23 of Greenville, S.C., died Thursday, July 11, kayaking the chutes of the Potomac River at Great Falls. Christy "disappeared while going down the falls and was pinned underneath the water for a period of time," according to Montgomery County Police Reports. Police were called at 4:17 p.m.

Creating Fresh, Healthy Summer Treats

Local chefs offer recipes for refreshing, healthy snacks to keep kids satisfied during vacation.

Enticing children to forgo strawberry-flavored candy and choose fresh fruit in its natural form can be challenging. After all, lemonade, popsicles and cookies with milk are considered summertime classics.

Potomac School Notes

The following local students graduated from Gettysburg College on May 19:

Crime: NBA Memorabilia Stolen in June

Two days after the Miami Heat stole the NBA Championship from the San Antonio Spurs, Tim Duncan and the Spurs were robbed again. On June 22, "unique sports memorabilia" was stolen from a residence on Holly Leaf Lane, according to Montgomery County Police.

WES Campers Raise Funds for Pet Shelter

Campers at Summer at WES in Bethesda, have a knack for business, and for philanthropy, as well. In five camp sessions this summer, they will donate hundreds of dollars to House With A Heart senior pet sanctuary, located in Gaithersburg.

Hidden Artwork Being Revealed at Old Angler’s Inn

Restoration is in progress upstairs in the Inn’s front dining room.

When Hurricane Sandy blasted through the Mid-Atlantic last year, Mark and Sara Reges, owners of Old Angler’s Inn received the call that the roof on their historic restaurant was leaking. When they arrived at the Inn, they discovered an amazing surprise. The constant dripping in their upstairs dining room was causing the plaster to peel from the wall — but underneath was a picturesque mural of the C & O Canal, painted by Mark’s grandfather George Reges.

Editorial: Share Wisdom With Newcomers and Others

Almanac’s Newcomers and Community Guide publishes in late August.

Our Newcomers and Community Guides, Insider's Editions, will publish the last week of August. What tips do you have for someone getting to know your community? We're hoping to share the places, activities, events, organizations and volunteer opportunities your neighbors might not know about.

Heatwave: Especially Dangerous for Children

When temperatures rise, so does the risk of tragedy — children accidentally left in hot cars. Nationally, the number of children who have died in cars as a result of the heat has already doubled compared to the same time last year.

Classified Advertising July 17, 2013

Read the lastest ads here!

Thursday, July 11

Churchill Grad Leonard to Play Lacrosse at Towson

Leonard helped the Churchill boys' lacrosse team win back-to-back 4A/3A West region championships.

Wednesday, July 10

Drivers and Pedestrians Must Be Vigilant

Investigation of June Potomac pedestrian fatality continues, one of 11 so far this year in the county.

Pedestrian Shirley Stearman, 81 of Potomac, died after being hit by a car at approximately 1:50 p.m. in the Cabin John Shopping Center parking lot at 7919 Tuckerman Lane Sunday, June 2. Last week, Montgomery County Police detectives from the Collision Reconstruction Unit investigated the fatal pedestrian collision in the Potomac shopping center.

Potomac Bulletin

Serving Up ‘Summer Entertainment’

Art Gallery plans “Child Play” for all ages on July 27-28.

This month The Art Gallery of Potomac will present a show titled "Summer Entertainment" from July 11 through Aug. 25.

Potomac School Notes

Schools Notes

Potomac Calendar

It’s All About Family Ties: ‘Me & 3’

It started with rugelach.

Potomac’s Harvey Bernstein was born to bake. His father and brother were bakers and his mother was an excellent cook. As a young man, he always sought employment in the food industry, performing a multitude of jobs from cook to waiter. However, he listened to his father when he said, “Don’t work with your body, work with your brain” and became an attorney. However, his happiest moments were when he was kneading, rolling and elbow-deep in dough. His specialty was rugelach — a crescent-shaped cream-cheese dough pastry, home-baked for their family holidays and celebrations.

Bezu Revamping: Mix Bar and Grill To Open in August

Menu to offer American and Mediterranean cuisine.

Potomac’s Bezu has long been a favorite of Potomac residents — but if you decide to dine there this week, you will discover it is closed and in the midst of renovation.

McPaw Pet Showcase Design Challenge: Enter Now

Eleven rooms need artistic vision.

The Montgomery County Partners for Animal Well-being (McPaw) is looking for creative and artistic visionaries who love animals — and who want to become a part of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — the McPaw Pet Showcase Design Challenge.

Send Your Best Pet Photos

The Pet Almanac will publish July 24. Send photos by July 18.

Tuesday, July 9

Safeguarding Jewelry During Summer Vacations and Beyond

Experts offer simple safety suggestions for protecting valuables.

Kenzie Campbell left her home recently for a week-long trip to care for her ailing father. While she was away, her Northern Virginia home was burglarized, and in addition to a flat-screen television and an iMac computer, the thieves got away with all of her jewelry.

Ideas For Summer Outdoor Entertaining

Local tastemakers offer design and decorating ideas for alfresco soirees

Summer is a time when many enjoy outdoor gatherings with friends and family. From soirees in small courtyard spaces to poolside barbeques for a crowd, warm weather is often synonymous with alfresco entertaining.

Building Classic Jewelry Wardrobe

Local style experts suggest investing in classic pieces.

From monogrammed pendants to leather wrap bracelets, a dizzying array of jewelry is on the market.

New Local Home Design Studio Opens

Studio offers examples of many fixtures and finishes for homeowners.

Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. unveiled its new state-of-the-art design studio recently.

Petersen to Governor: Explain, Deny, Return or Resign

Petersen first Virginia legislator to suggest McDonnell resign over alleged wrongdoing in accepting gifts from prominent donor.

The tipping point for state Sen. J. Chap Petersen (D-34) was the $6,500 Rolex watch.

Thursday, July 4

Classified Advertising July 3, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Tuesday, July 2

Potomac Calendar

Potomac School Notes

Kathryn Haynes graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Indiana University with a Bachelors Degree in psychology. She was named Magna Cum Laude, with high distinction from Hutton Honors College. Haynes graduated from Winston Churchill High School in 2009.

Nine Years on, the Memory Still Burns

Learning from others’ experience.

The simple act of placing a spoon in a sink made all the difference for the Bies family one spring night in Potomac over nine years ago. That was the night Susan Bies decided to walk up from the basement family room where she and her husband had been relaxing to put a spoon she had been using into the kitchen sink.

Business Notes

Imagination Stage received Adventist HealthCare’s 2013 Community Partnership Award for its residency at the Reginald S. Lourie Center for Infants and Young Children. Its work was centered on developing cooperative and imaginative play skills through the use of the four actor’s tools (body, voice, mind, and imagination). Imagination Stage was honored for its work in the Lourie Center’s Therapeutic Nursery Program.