Friday, October 28
Electing Members of the Board of Education
Letter
When it comes to voting for members of the Board of Education there usually is a low vote count.
Strengthen Light in Maryland
Commentary
Maryland’s citizens have the right to know how government transacts business on their behalf.
Trunnell Electric Helps Transform Digital Infuzion
Trunnell Electric played a pivotal role in the recently completed remodeling of the corporate headquarters for Gaithersburg-based Digital Infuzion
Thursday, October 27
Dacek Honored With Center
Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, County Council members and other officials joined residents on Oct. 22 to celebrate the ribbon-cutting for the new Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center.
Wednesday, October 26
Classified Advertising October 26, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Friday, October 21
Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness Supports Meals Tax
After careful consideration, the Fairfax – Falls Church Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness has decided to fully support the proposed 4 percent Fairfax County Meals Tax.
American Elections: French Perspective
I am a French student who chose to come to study close to Washington DC for what I thought would be one of the most interesting elections in the history of Uncle Sam’s country.
Column: No to the Meals Tax
A food tax is not a silver bullet.
I have been opposed to the meals tax from the start, but what has concerned me most over the last several months has been the tactics used to try to convince our residents to vote for it and the county’s failure to deal with its spending problems. I would like to offer some clarity on these points and why I am against the meals tax.
Vote Yes: Immigrant Families Rely on Schools for More Than Education
Fairfax County Public Schools are more than just a place to learn. Growing up in Burke, I saw firsthand how our schools created a sense of community and neighborhood camaraderie. Schools are where we could go to borrow a book, where we could watch and play sports, and where we could perform a play or listen to a concert.
Column: Yes to the Meals Tax
Reduces dependence on property tax.
As a businessman here in Fairfax and a former member of the Fairfax County School Board, I write on behalf of a coalition of thousands of homeowners, parents, teachers, firefighters, police, friends and users of our libraries and our parks and recreation facilities, and those who belong to churches and non-profit organizations working to ensure that Fairfax County also protects those in need [www.yesmealstax.org].
Letter: Supporting Meals Tax
Letter to the Editor
I’m writing to encourage Fairfax County voters to support the county meals tax referendum on the ballot in November.
Letter: Meals Tax: A Better Option
Letter to the Editor
After reviewing Fairfax County’s proposed 4-percent meals tax, the Class Size Counts (CSC) board voted to support the Nov. 8 referendum because it decided that it would be better to raise money for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) through a tax on prepared foods rather than through additional increases to County property taxes.
Advice from the Pros
Local private school admissions directors share wisdom they’d offer to their own children.
From interviews to essays to standardized tests to open houses, the season for submitting independent school applications is underway. For families vying for a spot at the area’s most elite schools, the process can be fraught with anxiety, stress and confusion as parents and students wade through the myriad academic options in the Washington, D.C., region.
Wednesday, October 19
Potomac Family Recognized as ‘Angels in Adoption’
Haiti boy finds home with Freishstat family.
Five-year-old Luke Freishstat is exuberant — about his two older brothers and mom and dad, his classes at Georgetown Hill Elementary, his new friends, his new home in Potomac — but particularly about his chocolate Lab.
Potomac Day This Saturday
Chamber names its three honorees.
What better way to celebrate Potomac's honorees for the Citizen of the Year, Youth of the Year and Business Leader of the Year than riding at the head of the Potomac Parade — and recognition at Potomac Day 2016?
Potomac Snapshot: Eagle Scout
Bennett William Lunceford, Troop 773, out of the Potomac United Methodist Church, was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at the troop Court of Honor on Sept. 27.
Potomac: Countdown to Halloween
There’s still time to for spooky design.
Grown up Halloween preparations aren’t just about ghosts and smoke machines anymore. They include home décor with a twist, perhaps glittered or velvet pumpkins, or spooky fine china.
Potomac Snapshot: Joining Club Friday
Youths from grades 3-6 participated in games, crafts, movies, sports and more at Club Friday at the Potomac Community Recreation Center on Friday, Oct. 17. See www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec.
Potomac: Join Huckle Cat and Lowly Worm
The Potomac Friends of the Library is celebrating its 25th year. Residents of all ages are invited to join story book character Huckle Cat and Lowly Worm in the Potomac Day Parade on Saturday, Oct. 22. Come dressed in costume or regular clothes. Each marcher will be given a sign to carry with the number "25" to acknowledge the Friends’ 25th anniversary celebration. To participate or for more information, e-mail karincurrie@aol.com or Edie Wingate atwingw@aol.com
Friday, October 14
Free Halloween Car Rides Offered in Area
As a means of making the Washington-metropolitan area’s roadways a little less frightening this Halloween, free cab rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 29.
Oak Hill Remodeled Home Tour Set for Nov. 5
Gourmet kitchen, spa master bath among spotlight features in makeover.
A circa 1980's center hall Colonial enhanced by a gourmet kitchen, a spacious spa bath and a lower-level guest suite will be featured in a “Remodeled Home Tour” sponsored by Sun Design Remodeling on Saturday, Nov. 5.
Showcase Home Offers Design Inspiration
DC Design House was transformed by local designers to raise money for charity.
Those in search of interior design ideas now have a source of new inspirations, at least temporarily. The 2016 DC Design House is now open to the public and runs through Oct. 30.
Home Improvements for the Holidays
Local contractors say there is time to spruce up your house and yard.
Changing temperatures and falling leaves are a signal the holidays are near. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, homes are filled with guests and schedules are stacked with parties. Getting one’s home guest ready by the holidays may be daunting, but it’s doable with proper planning and realistic expectations, say local contractors.
Potomac Home Sales: September, 2016
In September, 2016, 36 Potomac homes sold between $1,999,996-$490,000.
Potomac Home Sales: September, 2016
Thursday, October 13
Potomac: Churchill Team Raises Funds for Make-A-Wish
The Churchill Girls Field Hockey team rose to the challenge Friday night on two fronts — they maintained their undefeated record, shutting out Richard Montgomery 3 - 0, and they raised over $5,000 for Make-A-Wish MidAtlantic.
Potomac Column: Responding to Excessive Aircraft Noise
Commentary
Montgomery County Council Vice President Roger Berliner, who chairs the council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee, made the following statement regarding the recent increase in significant aircraft noise from planes departing from and arriving to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that is impacting residents of the county.
Potomac Poem: Ghost Pumpkin
There was a little pumpkin that lived in a patch, It was round and big and I knew it was the one I wanted to snatch.
Potomac Snapshot: Blessing of the Animals Service
Pastor James Isaacs performs the blessing of the animals ceremony at St. James’ Episcopal Church on Saturday, Oct. 8, with Andrew Iype holding his stuffed animal toy. The Blessing of the Animals Service commemorates the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals, the environment, and religious cooperation.
Wednesday, October 12
Classified Advertising October 12, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Tuesday, October 11
Potomac Day Nears
Annual parade, classic car show, music and rides returns Oct. 22.
What’s more fun than a parade, clowns and candy? Scurrying up a climbing wall? Sliding down inflatable slides? Riding a pony, petting an alpaca, or cuddling a pig? Listening to music and nibbling Potomac Pizza’s pizza on a beautiful fall day? Checking out an exquisite 1957 T-Bird or a snazzy Impala from the 1960s? Oct. 22 is Potomac Day 2016 — and Potomac residents are already anticipating the excitement of the annual family day.
Potomac: 100 Women Who Care
Raising funds locally for local needs.
See a problem – solve a problem. That’s how the “100 Women Who Care” movement started.
Potomac: A Taste of Serbian Culture
SerbFest DC offered food, music and dance.
Hundreds had a chance to experience Serbian culture and heritage through food, music and dance at SerbFest DC recently.
Friday, October 7
From the Beginning to the End
982 participants signed up for 2016 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.
The Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO) opened Sept. 10 and ran through Sept. 21 with another record registration of 918 participants.
Park Authority Offers 50+ Web Portal
The Fairfax County Park Authority has launched a website specifically for residents age 50 or older.
Seminars on Downsizing
The Retiree Real Estate Education Association announces free public service seminars for October on Decluttering, Aging in Place, and Downsizing, given at McLean, Falls Church, and Marshall High schools. These are part of a series of eight free seminars on real estate issues unique to retirees.
Debating Pro & Con on Meals Tax
League of Women Voters hosts forum on Meals Tax issue.
The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area sponsored a debate-style panel discussion on the Meals Tax issue which will go before county voters in the Nov. 8 General Election.
Fall Driving: Be Alert for Deer
Autumn is approaching and white-tailed deer will be on the move. Fall is the breeding season for deer.
Bike Sharing Stations Open up Transportation Options
Capital Bikeshare expands to Reston, Tysons area.
Near the corner of Union Street and Prince Street in Old Town, Alexandria, there is a row of red Capital Bikeshare bikes for commuters, tourists and locals to rent, to offer biking as a transportation option without the hassle of congestion or parking that plagues the area.
Interfaith Partners for Justice Address Needs of Returning Citizens
Interfaith Partners for Justice (IPJ), a cooperative effort of members of ten Northern Virginia faith communities, invites returning citizens (ex-offenders), people of faith and justice advocates to come together for a come-when-you-can afternoon of opportunities for voter registration and photo IDs, as well as a series of workshops, advocacy tables and conversations on the needs of returning citizens (often less hopefully and permanently called “ex-offenders”) on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, 2 to 5 p.m. at Lake Anne Community Center, 1609 A Washington Plaza in Reston.
Thursday, October 6
Editorial: Voting Never Mattered More
Consider voting absentee in person since more than 500,000 other voters are likely to turnout on Election Day.
With more than 655,000 active voters in Fairfax County, and as many as 500,000 voters turning out on Election Day, it’s a good time to consider voting early, and preparing for a longer-than-usual process if voting on Election Day.
Senior Living: Planning for Multigenerational Living
Making room for older family members.
Planning for multigenerational living has been on the rise in recent years. With life expectancies increasing and early baby boomers entering their golden years, this trend is expected to continue. As with any remodeling project, there are a number of factors to consider when planning a renovation for a growing household.
Senior Living: Life at Vinson Hall — Living the Difference
Mary DeMaris is headed down on the elevator at Vinson Hall with her black case of art supplies, an artist headed to a still life class out of the building. “There is a club here for everything — poetry, art, choral group, photography, book, gardening,” she said.
Wednesday, October 5
Potomac: RTR Pilates Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Formerly known as Potomac Pilates.
Ten years ago, Reina Offut Pratt launched the first Potomac Pilates studio in a tiny space next to Big Wheel Bikes in the back of the Potomac Village Shopping Center. She was the first in the area to feature Pilates on a reformer.
Column: Concerned? Get Involved
Commentary–WMCCA
Well, what I can say? I’ve got big shoes to fill as WMCCA President Susanne Lee finishes her term this month, but thank goodness Susanne will remain a wise and trusted member of the WMCCA board of directors as immediate past president and chairperson of the Committee on Planning and Zoning. Picking up from Susanne’s last president’s letter, I’d like to reiterate that while WMCCA is not a political body, we are most definitely committed to protecting the quality of our waterways and streams, and preserving the character of our neighborhoods by making sure that our locally elected representatives, developers, citizens, and county agency officials abide by the Potomac Subregion Master Plan and do not embark on actions that hurt our neighborhoods.
Potomac: Local Residents Support ‘Living Classrooms’
“Night at the Yards” to benefit foundation.
“This past year, ‘Living Classrooms’ touched the lives of 35,000 children and young adults who are struggling to succeed against terrible odds,” said Potomac native Thara Taylor, vice president of development for the Living Classrooms Foundation.
‘Taste in Potomac’ Raises Funds for Adoptions Together
Sharing lessons on the value of family.
“I always wanted to be a Dad and my son is the most important person in my life. He is the one who convinced me to speak before you and tell you the impact that Adoptions Together has made on our lives.” said Marc Blumenstein. He recounted the story of the adoption of his son Zachery — now a college student studying in Europe — as photos were displayed before the sell-out crowd at the “Taste in Potomac” Saturday evening.