Wednesday, November 26
Column: ‘Shrinkage’
Not exactly “like a frightened turtle” as “similed” on a long-ago Seinfeld episode by Jerry himself; this shrinkage is the good kind, the kind you hope a radiological oncologist characterizes when viewing your CT Scan (computed tomography).
(Potomac) Thanksgiving Q&A Churchill's Chang Headed to Rehoboth
Senior setter to play volleyball at Oberlin College.
Churchill senior Sara Chang will play volleyball at Oberlin College.
(Potomac) Thanksgiving Q&A: Wootton’s Lee Enjoys Traditional, Cuban Meals
Lee helped Wootton field hockey program reach back-to-back region finals.
The Wootton field hockey team lost to B-CC in the region final.
(Potomac) Thanksgiving Q&A: Whitman Coach Lun Started Alumni Basketball Game
Whitman to host alumni basketball game at 5 p.m. Friday.
Whitman boys' basketball coach Chris Lun started an alumni basketball game.
Tuesday, November 25
And The “Scancer” Is…
Unknown at this date – Saturday, November 15. In fact, it will be six days from now until we’ll know the results. As it is always scheduled, a week or so after my quarterly CT Scan, we will have our usual follow-up, face-to-face appointment with my oncologist. At this meeting, I am examined, and of course, the radiologist’s report of the most recent scan is discussed, and plans for the future – stay the course and/or adjust or switch altogether – are considered.
“Shrinkage”
Not exactly “like a frightened turtle” as “similed” on a long-ago Seinfeld episode by Jerry himself; this shrinkage is the good kind, the kind you hope a radiological oncologist characterizes when viewing your CT Scan (computed tomography). Specifically, the exact kind of scan I get every three months to assess and evaluate the tumors, and fluid, in my stage IV, non-small cell cancer-affected lungs.
An Exceptional Education
Exceptional Schools Fair offers parents a chance to learn more about schools for their children with special needs.
Maureen Kleinman wandered from booth to booth, speaking with representatives from schools that cater to students who have special needs. She asked questions about each school’s resources and environment.
Encouraging Girls to Pursue STEM
Holy Child will host female speakers in science, technology, engineering and math fields.
When Trish Whitcomb’s daughter Colleen began to express an interest in engineering, she and her husband were at a loss as to how to foster her academic and career aspirations.
Literary Essay Collection Explores Life-Changing Travels
Local authors discuss unexpected adventures.
A group of local writers contributed to a collection of literary travel essays, Destinations & Discoveries, which was released earlier this month. Meghan O’Neill edited the collection.
Turkey Carving 101
Local chefs offer advice for slicing the star of the Thanksgiving table.
Few things symbolize Thanksgiving like a whole roasted turkey on a platter, but when it’s time for dinner, neatly sliced pieces of meat look even more appealing. Whether it’s sliced at the table or in kitchen, turkey carving can be a daunting task, however. A few local chefs share their favorite turkey-carving methods to create an impressive holiday platter.
Thanksgiving Tablescapes
Ideas for giving thanks in style.
Whether one’s taste in table settings is subtle or over-the-top, it is possible to give thanks in style. From centerpieces to table runners, local designers say the right combination of accessories can create a Thanksgiving table that guests will remember long after the holiday.
Gifts for the Hostess
Stylish ideas for saying thank you.
If you’re planning to be a guest rather than a host for Thanksgiving dinner this year, you don’t want to arrive empty handed. For those who are still searching for the perfect hostess gift, local tastemakers come to the rescue with presents that are stylish and thoughtful.
Physicians Launch ‘Seniorbility’
Check-in system connects senior with medical professional.
“I was struck by the epidemic that all emergency physicians encounter: seniors living alone who injure themselves and aren’t checked on for days,” said ER Doc Alex Mohseni.
Renovated Mall Ready for Holidays
ArcLight Cinema opens.
The renovated Westfield’s Montgomery Mall offers a state-of-the-art movie theater, a variety of new restaurants and dozens of stores just in time for Black Friday.
‘Thanksgiving with the Turkeys’ held in Poolesville
The Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary at 15200 Mt. Nebo Road, Poolesville hosted a Thanksgiving with the turkeys — and other animals — on Saturday, Nov. 22.
More Than Exercise in Potomac
Essays describe yoga’s healing truths
What if healing were as simple as moving? This is the question writer and yoga student Anne Samit asks in her debut book, “Unfold Your Mat, Unfold Yourself, Essays on Yoga’s Healing Truths and So Much More.”
Editorial: Holidays Are About Giving
Give thanks and share; tens of thousands of families around us are in need.
The holidays are about giving, and giving thanks. The holidays are about children and family. The holidays are about sharing, about joy. The holidays are about being thankful and about faith and appreciation. The holidays are about alleviating suffering for others. Surrounded by the bounty in so many neighborhoods in Northern Virginia, many of us see little signs of the massive unmet needs here. But in Fairfax County Public Schools, more than 52,000 of the students are poor enough to receive free or subsidized meals, a significant measure of poverty.
Thursday, November 20
Potomac Home Sales: October, 2014
In October 2014, 37 Potomac homes sold between $2,500,000-$309,000.
Potomac Home Sales: October, 2014
Centreville: Life with Cancer Helps Families
An interview with Vanessa Spiller.
Most years, the Virginia Run Turkey Trot is dedicated to a community resident who’s died of cancer in the months preceding the race. But this year, it’s being held in honor of those affected by cancer.
Renovation Keeps Rolling at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria
New wing showcased at Nov. 14 ribbon-cutting.
Thomas Jefferson senior Thomas Rogers is big on the laser cutter. “You can cut anything you want,” said the McLean resident, “like exact designs on sheet metal.” Rogers was enthusiastic about the device, but wouldn’t fire it up during the Nov. 14 tour of the Science and Technology Governor’s School’s new two-story wing with 14 research spaces.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors makes two rail-facilitating moves; Arlington ends streetcar project.
As the Silver Line Metororail project progresses towards its second phase opening date of 2018, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors are helping pave the way.
Wednesday, November 19
Potomac: Whitman Girls’, Boys’ Soccer Teams Win Championships
Whitman soccer had phenomenal weekend.
The Whitman girls’ and boys’ soccer teams each captured a state championship during the weekend at Loyola University in Baltimore.
Editorial: Why Shop Small? Shop Large Locally
Small business Saturday isn’t enough; don’t wait until then, and don’t stop after that.
There is a joy to shopping in local stores at the holidays, to participating in community traditions and celebrations, to walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.
Potomac: Humane Group Seeks Forever Homes
Friends’ luncheon raises funds.
“There’s no better way to go than adoption,” said Dottie Fitzgerald at the Friends of Montgomery County Animals’ fall luncheon with boutiques at TPC at Avenel on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
Potomac: Pardon My Turkey
But is that a bird in your hand?
Each year before Thanksgiving, the President of the United States “pardons” a live turkey presented to him by the National Turkey Federation.
Potomac: More Colorful Than a Courtroom
Potomac jewelry artist traded corporate law for colorful fabric.
Few of the more than 400 artists and crafters featured in this weekend's Sugarloaf Craft Festival got their start in a courtroom.
Honoring Potomac’s People of the Year
Chamber salutes its honorees.
Friends, family and members of the Potomac Chamber of Commerce gathered Thursday evening, Nov. 13, at Normandie Farm Restaurant to honor Potomac’s People of the year, including Citizen of the Year Barry Perlis, who moved to Potomac in 1976.
Column: And The “Scancer” Is…
Unknown at this date – Saturday, November 15. In fact, it will be six days from now until we’ll know the results. As it is always scheduled, a week or so after my quarterly CT Scan, we will have our usual follow-up, face-to-face appointment with my oncologist.
Friday, November 14
Praising Muslim Foundation’s ‘Faith in Action’
Fundraising dinner highlight charitable activities.
More than 200 people attended the Montgomery County Muslim Foundation’s (MCMF) annual fundraising dinner on Nov. 1 where County Executive Isiah Leggett complimented the organization on their many charitable activities.
Excuse Me
Early on during my indoctrination/assimilation into the cancer-patient world in which I now reside, I remember asking a fellow cancer patient/friend if I could use cancer as an excuse for whatever it was needed excusing (directly or indirectly related), and she said: absolutely, “blame the cancer.” Years later, after a chemotherapy infusion, I saw my oncologist walking through the Infusion Center and asked him if my thinning hair might be a result of this most recent chemotherapy drug (not all chemotherapy results in hair loss). His response was similar to what my friend had advised me in 2009. He said: “You can blame me,” (which of course, I understood to mean, cancer/the treatment of cancer) “for anything.”
Dos, Don’ts and What-Ifs
Instinctively, I am not the most open-to-new-ideas/new-things kind of person. However, an unexpected diagnosis of stage IV, non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at age 54 and a half – along with its equally unexpected “13-month to two-year prognosis,” changes a few things. And thanks to a great friend, Rebecca Nenner, whom I have written about previously, I have/have had to become more open, and consequently, have assimilated into my life many non-Western, non-traditional alternatives (pills, supplements, super foods, activities/behaviors, etc.) with which I was totally unfamiliar (I’m a sports and chocolate kind of person), in an attempt to outlive my prognosis.
Wednesday, November 12
Where To Find Beautiful Wreaths
Local artisan custom creates holiday wreaths and centerpieces.
Though Christmas comes but once a year, for Linda Hobbins, it’s a year-round passion. She custom designs fresh, dried and silk arrangements, wreaths, holiday trees, hurricane lamps, centerpieces and other holiday decor items.
Quarry Springs Reopens with New Amenities
New, luxury development offers the finest in condo living.
Home buyers looking for luxury and elegance without maintenance in the D.C. area now have another option. Quarry Springs recently announced the relaunch of its estate condominiums on River Road in Bethesda.
McLean Location for 2015 DC Design House
House will benefit Children’s National Health System.
The new country estate at 956 Mackall Farm Lane in McLean will be the location for the 8th annual DC Design House, a project that raises money to benefit Children’s National Health System. The 2015 DC Design House will be held from April 11 to May 10.
New Interior Design Book Features Local Tastemakers
Interior designers offer advice on creating an elegant home.
Fall not only brings vibrantly colored leaves and pumpkins, but it also ushers in a slew of new book releases. Among those is an interior design book featuring local designers.
Editorial: Thanksgiving Help for Those in Need
Roll up those sleeves and help.
This week is the week to jump in to help the many organizations that will help needy families through the holidays. Here are a few ideas of how to help, but the opportunities are limitless. More than 236,000 people living in the area do not have access to enough food to sustain an active, healthy life for all members of their households, according to Catholic Charities. That is to say, more than a quarter of a million people, including many children, go hungry on a regular basis.
Supporting Programs To Prevent Domestic Violence
WHC Sisterhood to host annual holiday boutique.
Want to get a jump on holiday shopping – but also have the opportunity to make a difference in the community? The 28th annual Washington Hebrew Congregation Sisterhood Holiday Boutique is a community bazaar that affords shoppers the opportunity to find a variety of holiday gifts for everyone on their lists.
Column: Excuse Me
Early on during my indoctrination/assimilation into the cancer-patient world in which I now reside, I remember asking a fellow cancer patient/friend if I could use cancer as an excuse for whatever it was needed excusing (directly or indirectly related), and she said: absolutely, “blame the cancer.”
Her Birthday Wish: Support Make-A-Wish Foundation
Nonagenarian sees her wishes come true.
For her 90th birthday, Ruthjoy Leventhal requested “absolutely no gifts” from family and friends — but asked that each make a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation where she has served as a volunteer for many years making wishes come true for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. And her wish was granted - and granted - and granted again.
Pet Calendar Raises Funds for Animal Groups
Proceeds to support Pet Connect Rescue and MCPAW.
Rudy is the gorgeous Cover Dog, Baxter is the adorable April Dog of the Month and Cayden is the June beauty.
Saluting Veterans
The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Color Guard and a number of veterans attended the annual Patriotic Music Program at Primary Day School in Bethesda this year.
Letters to the Editor: County’s Mixed Messages about Parking
To the Editor: Despite new “No Parking” signs and a large electric flashing sign warning park visitors that “No Parking Signs Enforced” no enforcement has been seen and parking is still a problem.
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at Churchill
Churchill High School will present “Little Shop of Horrors,” Nov. 14, 15, 21 and 22 from 7-9 p.m. in the school’s auditorium. Tickets, available at door, are $10 for students with ID and $15 for adults.
Author Inspires Potomac Students To Write
Laura Krauss Melmed describes journey from idea to publication.
Students at Beverly Farms Elementary School learned about the writing process and how a book gets published from children’s book author Laura Krauss Melmed on Nov. 5 and 6. Melmed, who came to the school to read from her first picture book called “The Rainbabies,” is an award-winning author of 20 picture books including lyrical bedtime stories, original tales of magic, holiday books, and nonfiction books about cities and states.
Monday, November 10
Shaping Life Coaching Tips into Haiku
Author fits message into 17 syllables.
Life coach Phyllis Levinson discovered a few years ago that the Japanese Haiku form of poetry was an abbreviated yet effective method to communicate a meaningful thought.
Potomac: Local Authors To Appear at Annual Book Festival
Bringing writers and readers together.
The upcoming 45th Annual Lessans Family Book Festival will be a 10 days of presentations on a variety of books – many by authors who reside in the area.
Friday, November 7
Every state and local office that represents Potomac was on the ballot Nov. 4.
Every state and local office that represents Potomac was on the ballot Nov. 4.
Halloween Party at Carderock Springs
Julie Stevens' kindergarten class dressed up for the Halloween parade and party at the Carderock Springs Elementary School.
Thursday, November 6
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Clifton residents to hold open-house tour of newly remodeled homes for the benefit of local widow.
Neighbors help each other. That's what communities have always been about. Long-time Clifton resident Bob Gallagher is rallying his friends and peers to help his neighbor Elsa Armendaris.
Cookbook Offers Hearty Dinners
Local chefs use seasonal produce to create new dishes.
When the weather turns chilly and the produce at farmers’ markets change from bright orange tomatoes to thick skinned squash and pumpkins, Dorothy Myers faces a culinary conundrum.
Natural Treatments for Anxiety
Experts say complementary medical treatments can help relieve anxiety and other mental disorders.
When 35-year-old Andrea Evenson decided to try meditation, exercise and yoga to deal with her anxiety, she had already been on a myriad of anti-anxiety medications.
Column: November Is Adoption Month
Here’s how to help find a forever family for children and teens waiting in foster care.
If you are lucky, you don't know what it's like to live in the precarious limbo that defines foster care in this country.
Wednesday, November 5
HOT Topic
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue invites the media for Hands-On Training.
Rob Schoenberger is pretty good with a 15-foot extendable camera. Its built-in microphone and powerful lights come in handy, paired with a Delsar seismic sensor device, when trying to locate people trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building.
2014 Maryland and Montgomery County Election Results
Except for the results at the top of the ticket, Montgomery County continues to have 100 percent Democratic elected officials.
Churchill Volleyball Sets Sights on States
Bulldogs beat Whitman in Section I semifinals.
The Churchill volleyball team will host Richard Montgomery tonight.
Column: Dos, Don’ts and What-Ifs
Instinctively, I am not the most open-to-new-ideas/new-things kind of person. However, an unexpected diagnosis of stage IV, non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at age 54 and a half – along with its equally unexpected “13-month to two-year prognosis,” changes a few things.
Comfort Zone: Smaller Than the Safety Zone
Neighborhood archery hunt set to begin Nov. 7 is postponed.
Reducing the number of deer by lethal means can be divisive in residential neighborhoods, said George Timko of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This was not news to the 100-plus residents of a Potomac neighborhood who had gathered to discuss planned bow hunting in their 500-home neighborhood.
Letter: Seeking Stay To Tree-Cutting
To the Editor: The following open letter was addressed to Kevin Hughes, chairman, Maryland Public Service Commission.
Rebuilt Center Named after Thompson
Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, County Council President Craig Rice and Councilmembers Roger Berliner, Marc Elrich, Cherri Branson and Nancy Floreen joined residents of the Scotland community for a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the Bette Carol Thompson Scotland Neighborhood Recreation Center on Saturday, Nov. 1.
Potomac: TOPSoccer Celebrating End of Season
MSI held its annual festival on Sunday, Nov. 2, for players and families in its program for children with special needs. The event was held on the athletic field at Potomac Community Center.
Column: Saving Tree Canopy and Biodiversity
Finally, we are making some headway. People here in Montgomery County and across the nation are listening to very real concerns about a potential link between cancer and synthetic turf.