Stories for August 2016

Letter: Does He Bite?

Letter to the Editor

Well, they're finally over! Suffering through the breathless NBC "coverage" of Olympic "sports," many of which few of us have ever heard of, involving Zika-virus and Rio-mugging avoidance tips, inane commentary, and tedious "up-close and personals" punctuated by the occasional showing of an actual event and immediate post-race interviews with "heroes" gasping for breath, I wondered about the origins of the ridiculous habit of winning athletes appearing to take a bite out of their medal before the cameras.

Editorial: Take One Action to Prevent Suicide

Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 5-13, #MindsMatter

As school begins, we are accustomed to safety warnings. Slow down driving, watch for students along the roads, near schools and perhaps behaving unpredictably near intersections. Buckle seat belts. Wear bicycle helmets. Avoid distracted driving.

Potomac: Creating an Inclusive Community

Local non-profit offers friendship, care and fun to those with developmental differences.

As the sun poured from a mid-summer sky, the aroma of beef gently roasting on a grill filled the air along with the squeals of children petting fuzzy fauna such as rabbits, hedgehogs and mini alpacas.

Potomac Brief: Mosquito Control Truck-based Spraying

The Maryland Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, has expanded mosquito control services in areas of Montgomery County due to a public health concern over the potential for mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus and Zika virus.

Potomac Brief: Ready for First Day

More than 159,000 students were expected to attend classes at Montgomery County Public Schools on the first day, including one new school, Hallie Wells Middle School in Clarksburg; a newly revitalized and expanded school, Farquhar Middle School in Olney; and two schools with additions including Julius West Middle School in Rockville and Wood Acres Elementary School in Bethesda.

How to Vote in Maryland

Voters in Potomac will choose candidates for President and Vice President, for U.S. Senate, for U.S. House of Representatives, several judicial elections and Board of Education.

About the Connection

As your local, weekly newspaper, the Connection’s mission is to deliver the local news you need, to try to make sense of what is happening in your community, to gather information about the best things in and around your community, to advocate for community good, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record achievements, milestones and events in the community and people’s lives.

Column: Women’s Equality Day Is 96 Years Young

In four years, celebrate centennial of 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote.

On Aug. 26, 2016, our nation celebrates the Women’s Equality Day for the 96th time.

Potomac: Celebrate National Park Service’s Centennial

Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center to host birthday party.

Thursday, Aug. 25, will kick off a Centennial celebration for the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O) at Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center at 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac. To celebrate the Centennial, all National Park entrance fees are waived from Aug. 25-28.

Potomac Brief: Detectives Investigate Drowning

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Major Crimes Division continue to investigate a drowning in the Potomac River that occurred on Aug. 16.

Potomac: Biking 192 Miles for Cancer Research

Potomac resident completes Pan Mass Challenge.

During the first weekend of the month, in some of the hottest weather that the East Coast has experienced in recent memory, Potomac’s Christopher Deraleau cycled 192 miles to raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. While Olympic athletes racked up medals this August, Deraleau raised nearly $5,000 and cycled across the Massachusetts as part of the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC), a 26-year-old bike-a-thon.

Potomac Home Sales: July, 2016

In July, 2016, 69 Potomac homes sold between $4,750,000-$445,000.

Potomac Home Sales: July, 2016

Classified Advertising August 17, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Potomac: The House That Dick Built

An introduction to “Brickology.”

It’s the house that Dick built. And, the garage. And, the serpentine wall.

Potomac Brief: Hot Weather Tips For Pet Owners

The staff of the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center reminds pet-owners to ensure the safety of dogs and cats during periods of extreme heat.

Potomac Brief: New Immunization Requirements for Entering Seventh Graders

Parents of students entering seventh grade are reminded that there are immunization requirements announced in 2014 that require students to have one Tdap (Tetanus-diphtheria-attenuated pertussis) and one meningococcal (MCV4) vaccination.

Potomac Brief: How to Help Victims of Apartment Fire

The county has compiled a list of ways for the public to help the victims of the Aug. 10 fire/explosion at the Flower Branch Apartments in Silver Spring.

Potomac: Family Raises Service Dog

Pandy trains for service with with Canine Companions for Independence.

As the Geier family of five moves from Potomac to Greensboro, N.C. this month, they are bringing one element of home with them: Pandy, the dog they are raising with Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), a nonprofit organization that provides service dogs for free to people with a broad spectrum of disabilities.

Editorial – Election 2016: Much at Stake Nationally, Locally

Possible record turnout should motivate more early voting.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8, and in some ways that seems like it can’t possibly come soon enough.

Create a Back-to-School Game Plan

Educators tell how to make the transition less jarring.

As a single mother of a fifth grade student, Christine Schull is already making back-to-school preparations.

Potomac: Support Annual Back-to-School Backpack Drive

Local organization collects school supplies and backpacks to support low-income families.

A local organization is working to make sure some of the area’s neediest students have the supplies they need when school begins this fall.

Considering a Private School?

Educational consultants can help families navigate application process.

For families considering an independent school for the 2017-2018 school year, the admissions process begins this fall. From essays and interviews to school visits and standardized tests, the process for getting into kindergarten may feel nearly as daunting as applying to college.

Stylish Solutions for Organized Homes

Practical and chic ideas for making a home back-to-school ready.

Before school begins later this month, taking the time to organize home and school supplies can take the stress out of the transition from a laid-back summer to a structured, schedule-driven school year. Local home design and organizational experts share ideas to help parents add practical organizational tools to their home without sacrificing their sense of style.

Potomac: Rebuilding after the Storm

A screened porch once again provides a peaceful oasis for a Potomac homeowner.

During a violent thunderstorm late last year, a Potomac homeowner heard howling winds, relentless rain and then a loud crash.

Commentary: Responding to the Zika Threat

There have been 50 reported cases of Zika in Virginia, all linked to foreign travel, as of early August.

Last week, for the first time ever, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was forced to issue a domestic travel warning to pregnant women planning to visit Miami, a popular getaway destination.

Editorial: Laser Focus on Safety

While Metro lapses can’t be excused, it’s much safer than driving; maintenance-related safety issues also plague area bridges and roads.

Intense scrutiny on the safety and maintenance record of the Washington region’s Metro system is resulting in continuing revelation of lapses, and ongoing inconvenience with repair schedules shutting down entire lines and the end of late night service.

Potomac Business: Barbosa Honored

Sales associate Ana Barbosa from the Potomac office of Weichert, Realtors was individually recognized for her industry success in July.

Potomac Obituary: Virginia Bush Potter

Virginia Bush Potter, 92, originally of Bethesda, since the 1920s, died on Aug. 4, 2016 in her Potomac home of 51 years, with her husband, Lloyd A. Potter, by her side.

Potomac Brief: Commission To Discuss Term Limit Proposal

The Montgomery County Charter Review Commission (CRC) at its next meeting at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 24, will discuss the proposed Charter amendment to limit County Councilmembers and the County Executive to three consecutive terms.

Potomac: Libraries’ Celebrate Local Olympic Athletes

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will provide an opportunity for residents to show their support for the four county athletes who are going for the gold at the upcoming Summer Olympics. Every library branch has established a station for residents to deliver fan mail or messages to the athletes.

Potomac Brief: Celebrate a Centennial of Campfires at Great Falls Tavern

To celebrate the National Park Service Centennial year, join the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C&O Canal) National Historical Park to commemorate a century of campfire programs with the National Park Service. Sing songs and listen to stories from across America’s National Parks as well as night-time themed canal stories.

Potomac: Urban Agricultural Tax Credit Bill Introduced

Montgomery County Councilmember Tom Hucker on Aug. 2 introduced Bill 31-16 that would allow owners of certain properties in the county ranging in size from one-half acre to less than five acres to be granted an “Urban Agricultural Tax Credit” if they had two or more urban agricultural uses on the property.

Challenged Brain, Healthy Brain?

Social engagement and mentally challenging jobs might keep Alzheimer’s disease at bay.

Most days of the week, Ana Nelson can be found educating others about Alzheimer’s disease in her role as vice president of Programs and Services for the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter. Her free time is spent touring historical sites in Northern Virginia and staying fit through competitive running and other activities. She’s currently training for the Marine Corps Marathon.

Staying Fit and Healthy on Vacation

Advance planning is key to maintaining a healthy diet and fitness on the road.

Listening to Christian Elliot describe part of a recent vacation that he took with his wife, Nina, you might think he was attending a fitness bootcamp.

Editorial: An Open Letter to Readers and More

Buy an ad in our annual Newcomers and Community Guide, please.

Has your organization been featured in the Connection Newspapers, or the Alexandria Gazette Packet or the Mount Vernon Gazette or the Centre View or the Potomac Almanac?

Potomac: Safetrack Surge #6 Begins on Red Line

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) first surges to affect the Red Line have begun. Surge #6 will take place Aug. 1-7 and Surge #7 is scheduled to occur Aug. 9-18.

Potomac: Help Police Identify Burglary Suspect

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department – 2nd District Investigative Section released photos from a surveillance video of the suspect in the burglary that occurred at the Seven Locks Swim & Tennis Club in Potomac. They are asking for the public’s help in identifying him.

Potomac: Local Retirement Communities Honored

Award designed to recognize quality of care for seniors and the disabled.

The American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) announced the winners of its National Quality Award Program. Several local retirement communities were honored, including Sunrise Senior Living facilities in Bethesda, and Arlington, Mount Vernon, Alexandria and Fairfax, Virginia.

Potomac Column: A Plea to the Next President of the United States

Commentary

County Executive Ike Leggett joined national city leaders in call for immigration reform on July 26.

Potomac Brief: Co-op Eases Solar Panel Buys

The Montgomery County Solar Co-op has selected Solar Energy World, the locally owned solar company in Maryland with over 2000 installations since founding in 2009, to install solar panels for the group. Co-op members selected Solar Energy World through a competitive proposal process over seven other firms.

Potomac Brief: Canal Quarters Need Quartermasters

The C&O Canal Trust is looking for volunteer Quartermasters to help with its award-winning Canal Quarters program.

Potomac Brief: Comment on Proposed New Ride On Route

Ride On is expanding its services to meet the demand for smaller, isolated communities.

Potomac Brief: Foundations Give $10,000 To Help Holocaust Survivors

The Family & Nursing Care Foundation, a fund of the Community Foundation for Montgomery County, issued a $10,000 grant to Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) on Monday, Aug. 1, to provide in-home care private duty services to at-risk, aging Holocaust survivors in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and in Washington, D.C.

Potomac News Brief: Check Disability Parking Signs

During the 25-year anniversary month of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Montgomery County has launched a new initiative to help ensure that the signage for disability parking spaces in Montgomery County complies with the state of Maryland’s Accessibility Code adopted under the Public Safety Code.