Stories for October 2014

Board Approves Bicycle Master Plan

The Fairfax County Government Center has several massive parking lots. Many hundreds of spaces. But Bruce Wright and members of the Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling only needed some rack real estate in front of the building. They rode into the afternoon session of the Board of Supervisors on two wheels apiece from Reston, taking the West Ox Road Side Path.

Stage Presence

Cappies recognized among arts leaders at Arts Council awards.

After Bill Strauss first approached Judy Bowns about creating a student-driven arts awards and journalism organization 16 years ago, the ensuing creative partnership resembled a pair of cartoon characters.

Christmas Comes to Potomac

Two local home decor stores to hold holiday open houses.

While many are making last minute preparations for Halloween, some local merchants are putting the final touches on their Christmas displays.

Potomac Day

Help at a Touch of a Button

Local residents say it will keep them safer.

A car accident changed Kenneth Kelley’s outlook on life, but not in the expected way. He was an entrepreneur who was working to bring a new product that he thought would be lifesaving to market.

Letters to the Editor: Revenue Stream

I don't advocate leaving electric receptacles available for anyone to plug in, but it seems reasonable to have a mechanism that is profitable to the county here and elsewhere so residents can plug in at an hourly rate that would enable residents to avoid causing traffic jams because their batteries went dead.

Letters to the Editor: Electric Entitlement

To the Editor: Like so many others, I’m excited to see the day where combustion engines are a thing of the past.

A Horse Named Maurice Gets Last Laugh

Comfortably ensconced in a folding chair while keeping watch over the gathering area for horses involved in the Potomac Day Parade last Saturday, Ted Cain basked under a warm sun, on a gorgeous fall morning.

Next Tuesday: Time To Vote

Every state and local office that represents Potomac is on the ballot Nov. 4.

If residents want some choice in whom will represent them on County Council, as County Executive, in the Maryland General Assembly, now is the time to engage.

Running Out of Efficacy

Not that I’m the least bit worried (actually, I’m the most bit worried), but surviving a terminal cancer diagnosis years beyond one’s original prognosis does present its own unique set of problems. Most notably, and most personally for me, they concern treatment options. Specifically, what drugs, targeted or otherwise, can be infused and/or swallowed (when in pill form, like Tarceva) and for how long, when signs of internal organ damage are indicated on regular lab tests?

Column: Running Out of Efficacy

Not that I’m the least bit worried (actually, I’m the most bit worried), but surviving a terminal cancer diagnosis years beyond one’s original prognosis does present its own unique set of problems.

Editorial: Change for the Better in Fairfax County Schools

Later start times, full-day Mondays; who knows, next maybe gifted-and-talented programs for poor students?

Who says big bureaucracies can’t make big changes? One year into the tenure of Karen Garza, we have two huge changes that between them impact almost every single student, every family with children in Fairfax County Public Schools.

Mounted police lead the Potomac Day parade on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Connect Four

Complete ballot of 11th District candidates faced off in Lake Ridge.

It wasn’t so much a down and dirty debate as a no-frills four-way question-and-answer session. Not that AARP and the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area (LWVFA), two of the sponsors of the “Meet the Candidates” series billed the Oct. 14 event as such. Tuesday’s meeting was the penultimate of seven events in the series.

Column: Self-Indulgent or Self-Effacing

After re-reading last week’s column: “Not in the Mood,” I began wondering if that column had strayed beyond the boundaries, so to speak, and was too much about me and not enough about my circumstances.

Self-Indulgent or Self-Effacing

After re-reading last week’s column: “Not in the Mood,” I began wondering if that column had strayed beyond the boundaries, so to speak, and was too much about me and not enough about my circumstances. Certainly I understand, given my column’s recurring theme, that the subjects of me and my circumstances – and the personal stories I share with you regular readers – are basically the same. Still, I never want the content to be considered important because it’s MY life that’s being profiled. Quite the contrary. If the columns were any more about me, you wouldn’t be interested.

Editorial: Yes to Fairfax Transportation Bond

$84 million for pedestrian, bike and trail improvements.

Of more than 75 projects included in the current proposal, on the ballot for Nov. 4, all but seven are designed to make Fairfax County safer and more inviting for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Parade To Salute Honorees

Potomac Day arrives Saturday.

This Saturday's Oct. 25 Potomac Day promises to be bigger and better than last year.

Mover on the Move

Celebrating a decade of growth and dedication.

Potomac resident Jonathan Neal, president of Metropolitan Moving & Storage, has been on the move for years.

Coming: Children’s Almanac

During the last week of each year, The Almanac devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children. The results are always remarkable. It is a keepsake edition for many families.

Inspiring Others

Potomac resident shares entrepreneurial skills.

A Potomac resident’s motivational life-story is the inspiration for a “Serving Others” chapter in Richard Rende, Ph.D.’s latest book — a collaboration with entrepreneur Jen Prosek — entitled “Raising Can-Do Kids: Giving Children the Tools to Thrive in a Fast- Changing World.”

Assisting Hands of Potomac Provides Caregivers

Business helps relieve families’ stress.

When a loved one becomes ill, the family is forced into the position of either becoming a caregiver or finding the right person to lovingly provide care.

Ghoulish Treats

Easy Halloween treats to make at home.

Halloween is the holiday when Judy Kleinman lets her spooky culinary imagination run free.

Preparing for Election Day, Nov. 4

Every state and local office that represents Potomac is on the ballot Nov. 4.

If residents want some choice in whom will represent them on County Council, as County Executive, in the Maryland General Assembly, now is the time to engage.

Decking the Halls – Halloween-Style

Local designers say it’s not too late to turn your house into a spooky horror.

Halloween is little more than a week away, but if you still haven’t decked out your home with spooky decor, it’s not too late.

Assisting Potomac Community Village

It is exciting and very gratifying to us at Potomac Community Village to see three of our active members — Barry Perlis, and Jill and John Phillips — honored by the Potomac Chamber of Commerce.

Electric Car Policy Needed

I have never been a much of complainer, but I had an unfortunate experience recently at the Montgomery County Community Center on Falls Road that should be of interest and import to Montgomery County government and citizens.

Potomac Home Sales: September, 2014

In September 2014, 50 Potomac homes sold between $2,985,000-$340,000.

Potomac Home Sales: September, 2014

Sarvis: Warner-Gillespie Debate ‘Disappointing’

Libertarian candidate says chamber’s decision to include only major-party candidates in U.S. Senate debate a “disservice” to voters.

After a full day of campaigning at Fort Belvoir on Friday, Oct. 11, Robert Sarvis talked about his campaign for U.S. Senate, and his disappointment in not being invited to participate in Tuesday’s U.S. Senate Debate — a major televised debate hosted by The Fairfax Chamber at Capitol One’s convention center in McLean. “The Fairfax Chamber informed us that it was nothing other than ‘tradition’ to only invite major party candidates,” Sarvis said. “But this was after we formally requested an invitation, noted that over 145,000 Virginians voted for Robert Sarvis for governor in 2013, and sent them a petition signed by over 1,000 Virginians in support of a three-candidate debate.”

Getting Children Excited for Halloween

Local experts offer advice for keeping trick-or-treating fun, not scary, for small children.

For many children, Halloween is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. From Power Rangers and athletes to princesses and pirates, dressing up in their spookiest or most imaginative attire and trolling the streets in search of treats is a major part of the fun for school-age children. For younger children, however, the ghosts and goblins who are meant to entertain can cause too much of a fright.

The Private School Admissions Process

Local educators offer insider tips on how to select and get a child admitted to the perfect school.

While this school year might still feel new, some parents are already thinking next fall. Or if they’re not, they should be. For parents who are considering sending their children to one of the area’s private schools for the 2015-2016 school year, the application process should be underway.

Not in the Mood

Sometimes, believe it or not, I’m not in the mood to be a terminal cancer patient (duh). Not that the effect is particularly tangible, but the weight of it, as well as the associated waits I’ve occasionally written about, can get awfully heavy. Moreover, in spite of my best psychological efforts, generally speaking, there seems little I can do to diminish its effect. More often than not, it’s merely time; simply time passing and/or time spent trying to talk myself out-of how I feel and in-to how I haven’t failed.

Editorial: Coming - Children’s Connection

During the last week of each year, The Connection devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children. The results are always remarkable. It is a keepsake edition for many families.

Talented Bullis Continues Winning Despite Lack of Depth

Bulldogs practice three days per week without full pads.

The Bullis football team improved to 5-1.

Youth of the Year

Samuel Greenberg is the Potomac Chamber of Commerce’s Youth of the Year.

Citizen of the Year

Barry Perlis is the Potomac Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year. For the past 20 years, he has worked and continues to serve as a volunteer at the Manor Care Nursing Home where he fills the role of chaplain.

Parade Marshals

Cissy and Mac Grant, known by many as "Mr. and Mrs. Potomac."

Business People of the Year

Jill and John Phillips, of Squeals on Wheels, have been named Business People of the Year by the Potomac Chamber of Commerce.

Experiencing Life with Special Needs

Potomac school program teaches empathy and acceptance.

A classmate led Sophia Collins across the gym floor during a physical education class at Wayside Elementary School in Potomac last week. Sophia tried to pick up a golf ball and put it in a cup. This may sound like an overly simple task for a first grade student, but Sophia needed help because she couldn’t see.

Column: Not in the Mood

Sometimes, believe it or not, I’m not in the mood to be a terminal cancer patient (duh). Not that the effect is particularly tangible, but the weight of it, as well as the associated waits I’ve occasionally written about, can get awfully heavy.

Metropolitan Community Club Hosts Gift Show

9th annual holiday event supports local charities.

There are only 62 shopping days until Hanukah and 72 shopping days until Christmas, but don’t panic. Just realize that it is once again time to create your list, start shopping – and find that special gift for each person on your list.

Suggestions to keep outdoor spaces functional through the fall

As the air turns crisp and we settle into fall, the time is ideal for creating a cozy setting, whether it’s elegant or rustic or modern. Many people have adapted part of their landscape as an outdoor room.

Planting for Fall

Planning your autumn garden and yard.

As the first few weeks of fall unfold, carrying with them the promise of rich and vibrant colors, many local residents are starting to plan their fall gardens, both ornamental and edible. Pruning and and overall garden cleanup will make way for fall plants. In fact, this is the perfect time to clear away summer foliage and plant, horticulture gurus said.

Bio and Q&A with Gerry Connolly

Q: What do you think are your top three accomplishments in office? A: * The Silver Line. I wasn’t alone, but I'm very proud of my championship of the Silver Line and the fact that it's up and running and succeeding. It took 19 years to sort of get people to reimagine it and get it built. It was a long, tough struggle.

Junior Committee: Work Horses

Young local equestriennes anchor Washington International Horse Show.

Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is the leading metropolitan indoor horse show in the U.S. This six-day event is held annually in October at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. This year’s Washington International Horse Show will take place Oct. 21-26.

Medical Examiner Confirms Murder

The Medical Examiner ruled Oct. 3 that Potomac resident Carolyn Mattingly’s death was a homicide, caused by a gunshot wound.

Potomac Country Vintage Arts Festival

Annual Festival

Blessing of the Animals

During the Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, Oct. 5, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church on Bradley Boulevard, Derek Solberg, vicar, at the church, blesses Wink on the right and Sena on the left.

Cabin John Kids Run

The Cabin John Kids Run was held Sunday, Sept. 28 at Cabin John Regional Park in Potomac.

Column: Week Of, Weak On, Week Off

This column completes the three-week arc which describes what I have endured mostly successfully for approximately five years now: chemotherapy every three weeks – with one year off for good behavior (not really good behavior; the year off was to switch to a twice-daily pill, Tarceva, to be taken at home, since the previous treatment was no longer stemming the tide). It’s been my experience that these anti-cancer drugs don’t exactly work forever.

Physical Churchill Beats Wootton, Improves to 3-0

Bulldogs much improved from 1-9 season in 2013.

The Churchill football team defeated Wootton on Sept. 19.

Think Longscapes, Not Landscapes

Trees: What’s not to love? They provide amazing beauty, shade, and moisture to cool our homes and photosynthesis to provide food for wildlife and people. They filter our drinking water and air; trap nutrient-laden sediment run-off before it reaches the Potomac and the Bay; stabilize stream beds; sequester pollutants; increase biodiversity and property values; and, remove carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, from the air.

‘This Is My Solemn Vow ...’

Potomac United Methodist Church holds Renewal of Vows ceremony.

When Peggy Conn suggested to her husband of 62 years that they participate in a Renewal of Marriage Vows ceremony with other couples from the Potomac United Methodist Church, her husband Dick responded, “I had no idea our marriage had expired.”

Column: Pre-Chemo Peek

I realize, given last week’s column: “Post-Chemo Week,” this week’s column about the preceding week (week-of, actually) of chemotherapy might be a bit bass-ackward, but it seemed reasonable to me that if you regular readers had an interest in the week-after, perhaps you’d have a similar interest in the week-before.

Park After Dark Draws Capacity Crowd

Event helped raise funds for repairs.

As the crowd entered the Historic Great Falls Tavern on a balmy September evening, they were greeted by park rangers Mike Griffin and Ned Noddard showing off a bright red 1952 Chevy truck. Since the event celebrated the 60th anniversary of Chief Justice William O. Douglas’s walk of the entire 184.5 mile C&O Canal with editors from the Washington Post, a life-like photo of Douglas provided photo opportunities for attendees.

Writing Contest

The Gaithersburg Book Festival has launched its fifth annual short story contest for Washington, D.C., area high school students.