Stories for September 2016

Potomac: Sunday on the Farm with Friends

A day at Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary.

For supporters of Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary’s annual Open House fundraiser in Poolesville the day broke warm and sunny and stayed that way, and reflected the caring that brought visitors to this Eden-like farm dedicated to helping abandoned and abused farm animals.

Editorial: Independent Police Auditor Marks History

Kudos to Board of Supervisors for unanimous approval of independent police auditor; now on to the Civilian Review Panel.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to create the position and office of independent police auditor on Tuesday, Sept. 20, creating the first civilian, independent oversight of law enforcement in Fairfax County. The unanimous vote demonstrated the board’s commitment to the ongoing process that began early in 2015 when Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova established the 32-member Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.

Potomac Snapshot: Then & Wow

Then & Wow 2016, Glen Echo Park's annual celebration of the park's past and present, offered magicians, carousel rides, arcade games, face painting, mini golf, exhibits, and tours on Sunday, Sept. 25.

Potomac Brief: Deadline for Voter Registration

Montgomery County citizens who wish to vote in the 2016 Presidential General Election need to complete and submit their voter registration application no later than Tuesday, Oct. 18, by 9 p.m.

Potomac Brief: Council To Listen to Students

The County Council, which for the past several years has held Town Hall Meetings throughout the county in its efforts to find out what issues most concern residents, will learn what is on the minds of younger residents when it hosts its sixth annual Town Hall Meeting for Students on Wednesday, Oct. 5, at the Council Office Building in Rockville.

Potomac: Earned Sick Leave To Take Effect

Montgomery County’s new Earned Sick and Safe Law goes into effect on Oct. 1. It will require most employers in the county to provide earned sick and safe leave to employees for work performed in the county.

Potomac: For DUI, Mandated In-car Breathalyzer

Effective Oct. 1, all persons convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol in the state will be mandated to equip their vehicle with an in-car breathalyzer otherwise known as an ignition interlock device.

Potomac Day

Potomac Day returns Saturday, Oct. 22 with arts and entertainment for all ages, ranging from rides for children to an antique show and business fair.

Walk to Prevent Suicide

Walk supports survivors of suicide loss and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The Out of the Darkness Walks are American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s largest fundraiser, producing millions for suicide prevention programs, and works to unite those who have been affected by suicide, and create communities that are “smart about mental health.”

Homework Overload

Some educators say less can be more, stress balance when it comes to homework.

Paula DeMarco dreads one time of day the most: weekday evenings at 5:30. It’s the time she has set aside for her children begin their homework. That means no screen time, music or other distractions.

‘Sextortion’ Victims Are Mostly Men

Photos, video used to demand money from victims.

Detectives of the Major Crimes Division of Fairfax County Police report a trend in an unsavory type of financial scam. Sexual extortion scams, commonly referred to as “sextortion,” involve meeting someone the victim believes is a real person online who coaxes him or her into feeling a sense of connection and intimacy, and then sending risque photos or video.

First Lady Comes to GMU, Campaigns for Clinton

Speaks on Hillary Clintons 'lifelong record of public service.'

Excitement filled the air when First Lady Michelle Obama addressed an enthusiastic crowd, last Friday, Sept. 16, at GMU’s Johnson Center. Speaking on behalf of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, she urged everyone to vote and called Clinton the only qualified candidate in the race.

Classified Advertising September 21, 2016

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Potomac: Coalition Supports Domestic Abuse Victims

Fundraiser to benefit Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse.

Have a friend or family member who cancels and changes plans often, has unexplained injuries, apologizes and makes excuses for her or his partner’s behavior, is excessive in calling and texting their partner or has sudden changes in mood or personality? Perhaps the friend is overly anxious, guilty, defensive, depressed and feeling helpless and hopeless. Perhaps she or he is intentionally seeking isolation from friends, family or activities.

Potomac: Local Office, Associate Leads Sales Region

The Potomac office of Weichert, Realtors was recognized for exceptional industry success in August.

Potomac Brief: New Ride On Service for Tobytown Drive

On Oct. 2, Ride On will implement new service between Tobytown Drive in Potomac and Rockville Metro Station via Shady Grove Hospital. Major roads served will include Travilah Road, Wootton Parkway, Falls Road and Great Falls Road. The new route is called Route 301.

Potomac: Creating a Conservation Garden

Backyard tour offers suggestions.

Linda Rieger of River Falls Drive gave a tour of her conservation garden on Monday, Sept. 12. Run-off difficulties were solved with terracing, rocks, grasses, ground cover and ferns.

Potomac: Preparing for 33rd Annual Middle Eastern Bazaar

Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church members gather to bake.

Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church is holding its 33rd annual Middle Eastern Bazaar Sept. 23-25. Hours are Friday 4-9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 12-7 p.m. Traditional music and dance will be performed Friday and Saturday night. There is free parking and admission.

Fairfax Raises $521,509 for MDA

Letter to the Editor

For over 30 years, during Labor Day Weekend, the men and women of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, in conjunction with the Fairfax County Professional FireFighters and Paramedics - IAFF Local 2068 and the personnel in the Department of Public Safety Communications, have collected for the Greater Washington Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) during the Fill the Boot Campaign.

Potomac Home Sales: August, 2016

In August, 2016, 78 Potomac homes sold between $6,050,000-$475,000.

Potomac Home Sales: August, 2016

Suicide Prevention: Everyone’s Business

Letter to the Editor

On behalf of the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN), I thank you for the Connection’s compassionate and informative editorial printed in observance of Suicide Prevention Week, titled Take One Action to Prevent Suicide.

What’s Permissible When Planning a Home Renovation?

Complete due diligence upfront to research any ordinances or restrictions that may affect the project.

Unfortunately, homeowners and contractors often forget important steps during this project feasibility phase, which sometimes leads to wasted time and money or abandoned projects. To ensure you sidestep those mistakes, start with this checklist to look into to help minimize setbacks while planning and executing your next renovation.

Vienna Sunroom Brings Light, Awards

Family entertainment suite, larger breakfast area, private second level decking among stand-out custom features

To Sanjay and Deepika Sardana, who have occupied a Colonial style-home in Vienna for 14 years, the great achievement of their new sunroom addition is how well it meets their requirements regarding views, available light and interior design.

Comfort Zone

Local furniture maker combines style and comfort

John W. Smith treks through a maze of sleek chairs and stately sofas in a large, sunlit showroom tucked in an industrial warehouse center in Fairfax. He pauses at a dining chair, upholstered in beige linen and framed with espresso hardwood.

Classified Advertising September 14, 2016

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Potomac Letter: Appreciates Guide’s Cover

Letter to the Editor

I was very happy to see this year's Newcomers & Community Guide's cover photo of the trail riders and their beautiful mounts on the C & O Canal towpath.

Potomac: A Gatsby Weekend

From jazz to storytelling.

Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, and the glorious, decadent Roaring Twenties described in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel “The Great Gatsby” will come alive on Friday, Sept. 23 at the Potomac Library. The event, beginning at 4 p.m. will include jazz music from the Gatsby era, storytelling, readings from the book and a viewing of the movie.

Potomac: Dogs Rule — the Pool

The dog days of summer hopefully ended last week with hot steamy days touching the 100 degree mark.

Potomac: Making Biking Easier in the Park

Since its launch in the Spring of 2013, the C&O Canal Bike Loaner Program, located at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center in Potomac, has loaned upwards of 15,000 bicycles at no cost to visitors.

Suicide Loss ‘Club’

Commentary

When I was 15 years old, I received my first “membership card” to suicide loss. I got the platinum membership card because not only was my loss to suicide, but it was also a parent.

Potomac: Highlighting Changes Inside Local Schools

From 20th anniversary of Chinese Immersion to enrichment programs.

Potomac schools, rated among the best in Montgomery County and in the United States, have welcomed students back for another challenging year of education.

Potomac: Joining in Fight Against Childhood Obesity

My Gym and Zumba offer “Free Family and Fit Party.”

One in three American children and teens is overweight or obese, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).

Potomac: Affecting Aging-in-Place Policies

Potomac Community Village to host national expert.

The power of making an individual’s voice heard will be brought home to Potomac Community Village members and guests by Louis Tenenbaum, a national expert on Aging in Place issues, in a presentation entitled, "A Grass Roots Role in Aging In Place Policy," Sept. 22 at Potomac's Bolger Center.

Potomac Snapshot: Its 96th Season

The carousel at Glen Echo Park was installed in 1921. From 1983 through 2003, the carousel was fully restored. The carousel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Potomac Brief: Police Investigate Fatal Collision

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department – Collision Reconstruction Unit are investigating a fatal collision involving a pedestrian that occurred on Aug. 31.

Potomac Brief: Canal Trust Names Honorees

The C&O Canal Trust announced the honorees who will be recognized for their service to the C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP) during the Sixth Annual Park After Dark fundraiser on Saturday, Sep. 17.

Potomac: Offering Naturopathic Medicine

Long-time Potomac resident to open area office.

In an age where Americans are increasingly aware of chemicals in their food and toxins in the air, naturopathic medicine has become a health route that many people are willing to explore. Naturopathic medicine, according to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP), “offers safe, effective natural therapies as a vital part of the health-care systems of North America in the 21st century.”