Thursday, July 31
Sunflowers for Wildlife
Sunflowers for Wildlife
The peak bloom of 25 acres of sunflowers off River Road is past, but the fading flowers will leave seeds that attract songbirds and other wildlife for some time to come. Goldfinches and Indigo Buntings are visible by the the dozen as the sunflower seeds mature.
Poem
It rained yesterday Umbrella rainbow of bright colors Through the rain of summer A child’s imagination The laughter and purity of it.
Churchill Turf Field Booted Ahead
Private money to pay for field in exchange for “priority access;” Montgomery Soccer challenges the decision.
Winston Churchill’s future artificial turf stadium field has a green light, despite ongoing challenge and controversy. On Monday, July 28, the County Council’s Education Committee recommended approval of $1.3 million for installation of the field, expected to be completed by spring of 2015. The money will come from a private sports club and Churchill boosters. The private funds allow for the construction of the new field without waiting for the county construction process.
A New Era at Local School
Matthew Gould tapped as head of Norwood School.
When the 2014-2015 school year opens in a few weeks, Norwood School will have a new leader at the helm. The Board of Trustees for the Bethesda school named Matthew A. Gould, Ph.D., as the new head of school earlier this month. Gould replaces Richard T. Ewing Jr., who retired from Norwood after 35 years. “Having grown up in the D.C. area and worked in various schools for the past 25 years, I was well aware of Norwood’s reputation as one of the largest and finest kindergarten-through-eighth grade schools in the country,” said Gould. “I was impressed with Norwood’s deep commitment and passion for educating the whole child in a joyful, nurturing and challenging learning environment. It was important for me to be in a school community that puts children at the center of everything.”
Obituary: Harry Hodges Semmes, Jr.
Harry Hodges Semmes, Jr., 94, died of Alzheimer’s on July 6, 2014 at Buckingham's Choice where he had moved after 50 years of living in Potomac.
Surfer Bethany Hamilton Shares Her Story
Fourth Presbyterian School welcomed professional surfer Bethany Hamilton to campus in April. Hamilton became well known after she lost her left arm to a shark attack while surfing at the age of 13. Just one month later, she was back in the water pursuing her passion of surfing, and just over a year later won her first national title. In 2007 she turned pro and has since competed in a number of Association of Surfing Professionals and World Tour Events. In March, she won the Surf N Sea Pipeline Women’s Pro held in Oahu, Hawaii.
Hamelburg Selected for Diller ‘Tikkun Olam’ Award
Teen launched “Operation 18,000.”
“Tikkun Olam” is a Hebrew phrase which means “Repairing the World.” The concept suggests that all share in the responsibility to heal, repair and transform the world. Potomac’s Katie Hamelburg has adopted the phrase as her mantra and is on a fast-track to inspiring other teens to become involved in volunteerism to make their communities, nation and world a better place for all.
Whitman’s Hatch Pursuing College Basketball Dream
Rising junior feels “infinitely better” than during freshman year.
Marie Hatch was one of the 2012-13 Whitman girls’ basketball team’s best players as a freshman prior to a shoulder injury that forced her to miss a large portion of the season. The following year, Hatch earned all-division honors and led the Vikings in scoring, helping the team win 20 consecutive games. Now a rising junior, Hatch feels much improved mentally and physically as she chases her dream of playing college basketball. She recently participated in a Q&A via email.
Wednesday, July 30
Serving Families For 90 Years
Pushing the boundaries has led to success, says Northern Virginia Family Services CEO.
An organization does not thrive for 90 years by chance. Northern Virginia Family Services, a county institution, has impacted families throughout the region for nearly a century with no sign of slowing down.
Column: “CanSir”
When it comes to being a cancer patient, even more so a multi-year cancer survivor, I have always erred on the side of caution. And by caution, I mean being respectful to the disease, courteous of its comings and goings, mindful of its potential damage and afraid of its intangibles. And by intangibles, I mean the unexplained and the inexplicable, and most fearfully, its power and unpredictability. Therefore, my behavior toward it has been intended to be as polite as possible; never to be perceived – in any way imaginable – as arrogant, presumptuous, in control, all-knowing and most especially, victorious.
Editorial: Finally, Marriage Rights Protected in Virginia
On July 28, 2014, in affirming that Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, Circuit Judge Henry F. Floyd writes: “We recognize that same-sex marriage makes some people deeply uncomfortable. However, inertia and apprehension are not legitimate bases for denying same-sex couples due process and equal protection of the laws.
Whitman’s Hatch Pursuing College Basketball Dream
Q&A: Rising junior feels ‘infinitely better’ than during freshman year
Marie Hatch led the Whitman girls' basketball team in scoring as a sophomore last season.
Thursday, July 24
Churchill’s Dubick Shares World Lax Championship Experience
Q&A: Two-time All-American is committed to University of Maryland.
Churchill rising senior Louis Dubick has produced 436 points in three high school lacrosse seasons.
Pet Connection July 2014
Our readers submitted photos of their adorable pets.
Frodo and Sam have become best friends – sort of. My husband and I adopted Frodo from Home Alone Cat Rescue several years ago. He is part Maine Coon and part American Bobtail, with a funny short tail. He may have been mistreated by a previous owner because he is afraid of everything, especially ceiling fans. He quickly became comfortable in our home as an “only cat.”
Dubick Shares World Lax Championship Experience
Two-time All-American is committed to University of Maryland.
Louis Dubick has been an offensive playmaker since joining the Churchill boys’ lacrosse team as a freshman.
Dissecting Comedy
Potomac author releases third book, “Poking a Dead Frog.”
If you picked up a book titled “Poking a Dead Frog,” might it be about biology, herpetology or even paleontology? Mike Sacks’ latest book is about none of these. Instead it is a collection of his “Conversations with Today’s Top Comedy Writers.”
Fun and Education with Animals
Squeals on Wheels: A family-run business.
For the last eight years Squeals on Wheels, a mobile miniature petting zoo and pony rides business, has brought joy and animal education to people of all ages.
'We All Fell in Love'
MCHS and PetConnect help place animals in the Potomac area in homes.
Tippy was a black and white cat who the Montgomery County Humane Society estimated to be either eight or nine years old when he arrived there. Since he was far removed from being a kitten, Tippy didn't fit the profile of a traditionally adoptable animal.
Wednesday, July 23
Out and About
Photos by Mary Kimm
'We Just Have to be Dedicated and Focused'
County Animal Services and MCPAW working to make a difference in the area.
Allan Cohen has a lofty goal.
Puppies Destined for Important Work
Bred, donated and/or rescued for assistance dog training by paws4people.org, these "baby pictures" will be shared with the children and veterans matched with each dog.
Editorial: Tragic Consequences
Money lost by refusal to expand health coverage, but also life, health and livelihood.
The Virginia General Assembly’s refusal to expand Medicaid, extending health coverage to as many as 400,000 Virginians has resulted in the loss of about $1 billion in direct payments. But that understates the loss, failing to calculate the cost of the lost health of thousands of Virginians.
Thursday, July 17
Sports Briefs: July 17
The first-place Bethesda Big Train had at least 10 members selected to the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League all-star game, according to the league Web site. The game will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16 at Shirley Povich Field in Bethesda. Gates open at 3:30 p.m. and the home run derby is scheduled to begin at5:30 p.m. Wes Rea will represent the Big Train in the home run derby.
An Errant Automobile Strikes Again
Has Hunter’s Bar and Grill, long a favorite Potomac dining establishment, become a drive-thru restaurant? For the second time in four months a car driven by a customer has jumped the curb and crashed inside the building. “I was at the bar having a cheeseburger,” co-owner Murray Berman said. “I thought the ceiling was falling in. The whole place was shaking.”
Potomac Home Sales: June, 2014
In June 2014, 68 Potomac homes sold between $2,500,000-$419,000.
Potomac Home Sales: June, 2014
Commentary: Sharing Vision of the Future
The selection of the chair of the Planning Board is an important responsibility of the County Council — and of mine. One I take very, very seriously. The Planning Board is one of the most important institutions in our county government. Its guidance on the future of our county and the manner in which it performs its responsibilities play a key role in shaping our quality of life.
Mourning Loss of Betty Dunham
The heart of Dunham’s Motor Service.
It was 1948. Much of River Road was not paved, farming was a way of life in Potomac, people hitched their horses to a post at the crossroads of River and Falls – and Dunham’s Motor Service, Mitch Mitchell’s gas station, the Perry Store, and a bar pretty much made up the businesses of “downtown” Potomac.
Local Blog Explores Spiritual Understanding
Salma Hasan Ali reflects on Ramadan.
Four years ago, Salma Hasan Ali began writing a blog called “30 Days, 30 Deeds” to share the essence of the month-long Muslim holiday Ramadan with her children (www.30days30deeds.com). Her writings reveal a heartfelt exploration of Ramadan, but also give insight into the life of a mother seeking to inspire her children to understand the true meaning of performing good deeds, expressing gratitude, saying prayers and practicing charity.
News Brief: Kelble To Lead Potomac Riverkeeper
Jeff Kelble has been named president of Potomac Riverkeeper, Inc., effective July 14. The non-profit conservation organization is dedicated to stopping pollution and restoring clean water throughout the Potomac Watershed, home to over six million residents in Washington, D.C, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
New Briefs: Anderson To Lead Planning Board
The Montgomery County Council selected Casey Anderson as the new chair of the county Planning Board. He follows Francoise Carrier, whose term expired on June 14. She did not apply for reappointment.
Wednesday, July 16
The Power of Friendship
Local group pairs teen mentors with special needs children.
One of the highlights of 8-year-old Sophie Gottfried’s week is spending time with her 17-year-old friend Allie Wiener. Despite their age difference, the two girls have an extraordinary bond.
Numbers Indicate Stable Market
June home listings climb, with slight dip in sales; average, median prices continue to inch up.
The Northern Virginia market recorded increased inventories, providing buyers with more choices. Nonetheless, buyers are challenged by affordability and accessing credit.
Between Halves
At present, July 12th, I’m halfway, approximately, between my last CT Scan which showed a previously unseen silver-dollar sized growth in my lower left lung and my next CT Scan scheduled for August 6th, one month earlier than my usual three-month interval in order to make an evaluation sooner rather than later; to determine if this is new growth or nothing more than old growth that is now visible due to the combination of shrinking tumors and dissipating fluid opening up the viewing area, so to speak. Apparently, the chemotherapy drug, Alimta, with which I’ve been infused every three weeks since last September appears to be doing its hoped-for job: shrinkage.
Eight FCPS Students Win College-Sponsored Merit Scholarships
Eight Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) graduates from the class of 2014 have been named winners of college-sponsored scholarships by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Recipients of college-sponsored scholarships from the NMSC, with their probable career fields in parentheses, are:
Editorial: Save a Little, Help Others Prepare for School
Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies is a good reminder to donate supplies and dollars for children who need help arriving at school prepared.
Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies and clothing is Aug. 1-3, and it makes sense to take advantage of the savings, and to spread the wealth around.
Thursday, July 10
Primary Finalizes November Competitors
A Green candidate joins County Board at Large race.
The Democratic primaries, held on June 24, have solidified the candidate field for November’s elections. Unofficial results from the Montgomery County Board of Elections, including early voting, election day, and absentee voting, is as follows:
School Note: Potomac Elementary Student Competes Nationally
Shirin Ghorbani, a second grader at Potomac Elementary School, won the state of Maryland's PTA Reflections art contest in the literature division with her story "Hoppy's Big Dream," and will now compete for the second time in two years at the national competition this summer. Fourteen of Potomac Elementary’ s students placed at the Montgomery County level of the PTA Reflections Art Contest, and three of those students made state rankings. This year’s national Reflections theme is “Believe, Dream, Inspire.”
Potomac House Fire
According to the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services, the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Youth Rugby
The Maryland Exiles Youth Rugby program has begun enrolling players for the summer youth rugby league season. The team that practices and plays games at Timberlawn Park in Rockville fields teams at the U9, U11, U13, U15 and U17 level all summer long. Anyone interested in participating or getting more information about the Maryland Exiles, can visit www.mdxyouthrugby.org.
Wednesday, July 9
Classified Advertising July 9, 2014
Read the lastest ads here!
Bathrooms of Bliss
Potomac architect creates luxurious lavatory retreats.
From skylights to illuminating floor tiles, the options for transforming a boring and outdated bathroom into a serene oasis are seemingly endless, but one local architect melds creativity and craftsmanship for dramatic results.
A New Work Order
Local designers help create organized and stylish home offices.
Whether it’s a nook, in the kitchen or a designated room, a home office is the place were ideas come to life. Local designers dish about the secrets to creating a workspace that is organized and functional yet stylish. “You’re going to spend a lot of time in it so aesthetics do matter,” said Patricia Tetro of BOWA in McLean.
Not That I’ll Ever Be Out, But…
“Just when I thought I was out…they pull me back in.” Although this quote is from Michael Corleone from “The Godfather: Part III,” it very much characterizes my daily struggle being a terminal cancer patient; non small cell lung cancer, NSCLC, is like that, almost always. Even though I don’t want to think about the fact that I have cancer, or not let it affect my judgment on life – or perspective; or let it impede my path to a happier existence, more often than not, it does.
Editorial: Hurray for Full Day Mondays
Hoping that later start times for high schoolers follows quickly.
For decades, Fairfax County schools have sent elementary school students home after half a day on Mondays. This was never a good idea, and it has been more damaging to family schedules and student learning with the increase over the years of two-income households and greater economic diversity.
Tuesday, July 8
World Cup Fever
Area soccer coaches, players share 2014 World Cup viewing experiences.
Area soccer players and coaches have followed the 2014 World Cup closely.
Commentary: Area Nonprofit Guides Entrepreneurs to Start-Up Success
For many working poor, the challenges of conquering the barriers to education, childcare and transportation are too great to overcome. Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS), the nonprofit known for providing food and shelter, health and dental access, and Head Start programs for more than 36,000 local residents a year, also is working to alleviate poverty with its innovative entrepreneurship program.
Wednesday, July 2
Filling a Special Need
Potomac resident launches www.mamiegrace.com.
Branson joined forces with her friend, entrepreneur Andrew Dunnavant, and over the past 9 months, they have built www.mamiegrace.com — a website that features not only a detailed inventory of resources from across the US, but provides reviews and information about many of the items on the list.
Toddler Takes Crown And Heads to Nationals
Sunburst Beauty Pageant crowned its 2014 Maryland state winner, May 25.
Troop Honors New Eagle Scouts
Three Scouts from Troop 944 recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
Halting the Summer Slide
Local educators offer suggestions to keep children learning through the summer.
Wendi Taylor, North Potomac mother of three, isn’t vacationing, however: She’s helping her three elementary school-aged boys keep their academic skills sharp.
Increase Wellness, Decrease Stress
Members of Potomac Community Village learn easy-to-follow health tips.
More than 40 members and guests came out to listen to a presentation by certified personal trainer Stacy Holstein who spoke on the “Ten Best Ways to Increase your Wellness and Decrease your Stress.”
Potomac Native Launches ‘QuickSolar’ Start-up
Design tool eases calculations on solar energy.
Former Potomac resident Alex Landau has created a web-based solar design tool to simplify the process of “going solar.”
Climate Change Could Affect Drinking Water
Residents could see — and smell — a very different Potomac River by 2040.
Drinking cups of clear tap water could be a luxury people are less likely to take for granted in the near future as climate-change culprits affect the waterways — and water bills.
Look Out Below
I think I know what a rampaging bull feels like; and I don’t mean one on Wall Street, either. I mean one in the figurative sense: when one has a need, an overwhelming, unstoppable-type urge, to scratch that itch, to gratify that which has been delayed. What am I talking about? (You sound like my wife, Dina.) I am talking about food. More specifically, I am talking about a side effect I’ve been experiencing of late from the chemotherapy drug Alimta, with which I’ve been infused every three weeks since late September, 2013 (successfully I may add, given the shrinkage noted in my most recent CT Scan).