Stories for April 2016

Preparing for Summer Camp Away

Many emotions arise when a child leaves for camp.

A child’s first residential summer camp experience can be fraught with emotions that run the gamut from excitement to terror.

Academic Camps Combine Education and Fun

Local camps help students maintain school skills in a relaxed environment.

One summer Ana Lado created a summer camp activity for students at her neighborhood pool. The Marymount professor set up a picnic area, and included activities and books. Her plan was to engage the students and give them the opportunity to read and build reading skills while still enjoying fun activities traditionally associated with summer.

From Colonial History to Future Entrepreneurs

Campers can explore diverse interests in specialty summer camps.

This summer dozens of elementary school-aged children will travel back in time to the Colonial Era where, among other things, they’ll learn to spin cotton into cloth for garments.

Potomac: ‘Sam’s Backyard Carnival’ Benefits Colon Cancer Alliance

Joining in a mom’s battle.

Seventh-grader Sam Benaim didn’t know a lot about colon cancer until his mom, Michelle was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. Life as the family had previously known it totally changed to focus on supporting Michelle Benaim in her fight.

Potomac Village Deli Opens in the Kentlands

Authentic Jewish-style deli returns but in new site.

“We’re back,” said Potomac Village Deli owner Adam Greenberg.

Potomac Neighborhood Outlook: High Rent Limits Business Choices

A recent reopening of a Potomac restaurant in a location outside of Potomac Village is a sign of the local business climate, says real estate expert David D. Freishtat. Potomac Village Deli is now operating in Kentlands Market Square. The move comes with a lower rent and enables the deli to serve the same clientele.

Potomac Snapshot: Primary Elections

Signs line the way to the polls for the Republican and Democratic primary elections at the River Falls Clubhouse.

Potomac: Community Gathers to Dedicate Potomac Adaptive Sports Court

The transformation was officially recognized on Sunday, April 24. A former unused roller hockey rink at the Potomac Community Center has become the Potomac Adaptive Sports Court.

Potomac: Churchill Boys’ Lax Passes Test Against Rival

Bulldogs remain undefeated, focused on winning state title.

The Churchill boys' lacrosse team is off to a 10-0 start.

Removing a Barrier to Pomp and Circumstance

Gowns for Grads program at George Mason provides regalia for needy graduates.

When Muntaha Choudhary walks across the stage during George Mason University’s graduation ceremony this May she will celebrate not only her bachelor’s degree, which has been eight years in the making, but also the fact that she is the first person in her family to graduate from college.

Potomac: Gathering for ‘End of an Era’ Party

Current and former members of Potomac Tennis Club share memories.

Since 1977, Potomac Tennis Club (PTC) has been teeming with enthusiastic tennis players from 6 in the morning until 10 at night — seven days a week throughout the year. Thirty-seven years of close friendships, serious competitions and meaningful memories were celebrated by more than 160 current and former members on Friday evening, April 15.

Potomac Snapshot: Guarding the Potomac River in 1861

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park hosted a Civil War living history weekend with the 7th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on April 16-17.

Potomac Column: Legislative Session Concludes

Commentary

The 2016 Session of the Maryland General Assembly concluded at midnight on April 11 and the following is a summary of several important topics and initiatives that may interest you. If you have any questions or comments about these or any other issues, please do not hesitate to contact me at brian.feldman@senate.state.md.us.

Potomac Brief: Walt Whitman Raises $51,566

For the fourth straight year, Walt Whitman High School received top honors in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Student Series High School Challenge program (Pennies For Patients) — bringing in a total of $51,566.29. In recognition of its achievements, Walt Whitman High School will be linked to an LLS research portfolio.

Potomac Brief: School Year Extended to June 20

Montgomery County Public Schools will extend the 2015–2016 school year by one day and end the year on Monday, June 20. The MCPS request for a one-day waiver of the 180-day school year requirement was approved Monday, April 18 by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

Potomac Brief: Schools Seek Ethics Panel Member

The Montgomery County Board of Education is seeking to fill one vacancy on its five-member Ethics Panel. The vacancy is for a three-year term beginning on July 1.

Modular Homes Come of Age

What's behind the growing popularity of modular homes? Recent research shows that a house comprised of architecturally-specific, pre-constructed modules can be assembled on a homeowner’s lot for 10-15 percent less than of the cost of a comparably-sized “stick-built” house.

Potomac Home Sales: March, 2016

In March, 2016, 41 Potomac homes sold between $2,275,000-$360,000.

Potomac Home Sales: March, 2016

Classified Advertising April 13, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Progress Made, Challenges Remain on Ending Homelessness

HomeAid NoVA hosts ‘Keep the Homeless Housed’ Forum.

In 2008, Fairfax County partnered with the City of Falls Church to adopt an ambitious strategic plan to address the issue of homelessness in the region.

Finding Fun in Science

Area youth turn out for Project BEST Science and Technology Fun.

What could possibly have lured some 100 and more middle school youngsters back to a school building on a Saturday, especially if that school isn’t theirs and they had to get up extra early just to get there?

From Potomac to the Frozen Four

Sam Anas named to AHCA/CCM Hockey Men's Division I All-American First Team.

As the top-seed in this year’s Division I college hockey’s Frozen Four being held in Tampa, Quinnipiac University is using the home team Lightning’s expansive locker room. It made quite an impression on Potomac native Sam Anas.

Potomac: ‘Tiger Trot’ Leaps into Action

6th annual 5K run/walk returns April 17.

Potomac will come alive on Sunday, April 17 as more than 400 runners and walkers await the starting gun and then leap forward to sprint or stroll in the 6th Annual “Tiger Trot.” The 5K run/walk, sponsored by the Connelly School of the Holy Child, benefits the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department as well as the wellness and fitness programs at the school.

Potomac: Local Artist To Participate in Sugarloaf Art Festival

Sasha Berman to display fused glass.

“Glass is interesting because it moves between liquid and solid stage and can be manipulated into beautiful pieces of art,” said Potomac’s Sasha Berman. Three years ago, she attended a class at Seattle’s Chihuly Museum in glass-blowing and became fascinated with the unique properties and malleability of glass. She spent a year experimenting with an array of methods for working with glass, choosing fused glass as the medium for her bowls and plates. Berman will exhibit her pieces this coming weekend — April 15, 16 and 17 — at the Sugarloaf Craft Festival in Gaithersburg.

Potomac: A House Expanded

A cramped, dated home is transformed into a spacious, modern abode.

When the owners of a Bethesda home realized that they’d outgrown their one-story, mid- 20th century abode, they decided to remodel and expand rather than relocate. A family-friendly neighborhood and high-performing schools were two of the reasons they wanted to stay.

Potomac: ‘I Love my Library Because …’

To mark Library Lover’s Month, Montgomery County patrons were asked to complete a sentence that starts “I love my library because …” The postcards were then sent to county officials.

Potomac Snapshot: Festival of Colors

Crowds participate in the Holi DC Festival of Colors at the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) Temple at 10310 Oaklyn Drive, Potomac, on Sunday, April 10.

Potomac To Gain New Irish Tavern

Lahinch to open April 20.

Potomac residents will soon find a pot of dining gold at the end of the rainbow with the opening of the new Irish tavern, Lahinch.

Potomac Brief: Early Voting For Primary Elections

Early voting begins this week in the Republican and Democratic primary elections to choose each party’s candidates who will appear on the ballot in April. Voters who are not affiliated with one of the major political parties may only cast a ballot in some nonpartisan contests.

Potomac Brief: Chat with County Executive Ike Leggett

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett will hold a “virtual” town hall meeting on Wednesday, April 20 from 2 to 3 p.m. County residents may submit questions to the County Executive before and during the chat at http://www6.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/Discussion/PIOQuestion.asp?schdID=66&type=2. Questions and answers will be posted both during and after the chat.

Potomac News Brief: Potomac Community Village to Host Get-Together

Potomac Community Village (PCV), with a mission of empowering older Potomac residents to age in place in their existing homes, strengthen existing social connections and build new ones, is hosting a New and Prospective Member Get-Together on Monday, May 9, at 3 p.m., at a private home on Chapel Road, Potomac.

Montgomery Council Introduces Bill That Could Help Seniors Stay in Their Homes

Legislation that could enable many seniors 65 and older to defer increases on property taxes was presented in Montgomery County Council this week.

Luxury Condos are a Growth Market for Seniors

Active retirees seek options for independent living, including condos in Alexandria, Arlington, Tysons, Reston, McLean, Bethesda and Chevy Chase, among others.

When Joyce and Don Lipman decided to move out of their Potomac, Md. home, they opted for a high-end townhouse instead of a retirement community.

Taking the Long View

Budgeted, incremental improvements are the key to effective planning, aging in place.

When they decided not to move-on after retirement, seniors Mike and Sandy Nusbaum slowly began enlarging their long-term residence with several goals in mind.

Golden Notes

Living well at any age.

‘Shark Tank’ for Seniors

High school students design and present tech products to improve lives of older adults.

Chantilly High School freshman Aru Rajpurohit remembers seeing her great-grandfather struggle to drink his morning tea and other beverages, his hands shaking from Parkinson’s disease.

Letter: Help Prevent Child Abuse

If you see a blue pinwheel dotting the landscape in April, we hope you will pause and think about what it represents--National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Send in Mother's Day Photos to the Connection

Mother’s Day is May 8 this year and as usual every year at this time, this newspaper calls for submissions to our Mother’s Day photo gallery.

Potomac Snapshot: St. Francis Thrift Sale

At the April 2 St. Francis Thrift Sale were (from left) Matilda Koroma, Helen Stupar, Mardy O'Neil, Chuck Byrd, Mary Ashworth, Barbara Cantey, Carol Jarvis, Andy Jordan, and Lynne Astrich.

Potomac Health & Fitness: Launching Springtime Routine

10 tips for exercising after a winter’s delay.

The minute the weather edges up over the 60s and sunshine abounds, streets and sidewalks are crammed with bikers, joggers, walkers, strollers — everyone thinking about fitness and squeezing into spring clothes and swimsuits after a winter of sitting on the couch. However, to launch a springtime exercise routine, one needs to consider a number of factors.

Local Author To Discuss His Novel at Potomac Library

Neil Currie crafts “The Stanstead Incident.”

“I hated to see my words just disappear into thin air.” Neil Currie, longtime news anchor for the Voice of America, Congressional correspondent for Westinghouse Broadcasting and writer for ABC News spent his career writing for media presentations – and listening to the words he had written evaporate as soon as they were spoken.

Potomac Snapshot: Holi Festival of Colors

Holi DC offers participants the chance to douse friends, family and strangers alike with powdered rainbow colors — and to feast on vegetarian food, dance to the music of kirtan, and welcome the arrival of spring. It will be held on Saturday, April 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the ISKCON Temple at 10310 Oaklyn Drive, Potomac. Admission is free and open to the public.

Potomac Obituary: L. Manning Muntzing

L. Manning Muntzing, 81, of Potomac, died Monday, March 28, 2016, while in Hospice Care, from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease.

Potomac Letter: Industry View Of Recycled Rubber

Letter to the Editor

It’s certainly positive news that three federal agencies have announced they will work together to conduct a study on fields with infill made of recycled rubber.

Potomac Column: Master Plan’s Wild Rollercoaster Ride

Commentary–WMCCA

Montgomery County took the Potomac Subregion Master Plan out for a spin this past month. Unfortunately, it was a very rough ride. But the events did underscore how critical the Master Plan is in managing growth in our neighborhoods.

Potomac Weekend Fun: April 1-10

Entertainment

Events near Potomac, Md.