Stories for November 2020

Glenstone Museum To Close Temporarily

All scheduled visits cancelled at least through the end of December

Glenstone Museum will temporarily close beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 25.

Sewer, Expansion at Glen and Travilah?

Citizens group hears plans for added commerce at Travilah and Glen Roads.

The West Montgomery County Citizens Association hosted developers Guy Semmes and Robert Eisinger at its November meeting, to hear plans for future development at Potomac Oak Center and the recently renovated white house across the street.

Where to Give Locally in the Potomac Area

Local nonprofits need your help to help others for the holidays during the pandemic.

We list many kinds of nonprofits in and around Potomac: food banks, animal adoption, arts, environment, housing; find what appeals to you, and pitch in.

Opinion: Column: A Question of Time

Let us presume, for the sake of this column, that I only have papillary thyroid cancer stage IV, and that my years as a non small cell lung cancer patient, also stage IV, are over.

Seniors and the Flu

Getting vaccinated can reduce hospital visits and admissions during anticipated shortage due to COVID-19

While shopping for dinner on a recent Wednesday afternoon, Roger Whitehead spotted a sign near the pharmacy of a grocery store near his home in Alexandria.

Artifacts Tell the Nation’s Story at the New Army Museum

The display cases, first-hand accounts and newsreel footage showcased in the museum.

In 1861, when the Civil War was just starting, Capt. Josiah Sawell was attacked by a pro-secession mob while passing through Baltimore with the 6th Massachusetts Volunteer infantry.

The Potomac River, a Stalling Recovery?

Cleaner than it was in 2011 when it got a D, but “its recovery is plateauing.”

While the Potomac River is clearly not what the Washington Post in 1951 called an “open sewer,” for the first time in a decade, the river’s health has declined, reported the Potomac Conservancy last month, falling from a grade of B to B- and still unsafe for swimming or fishing.

A Time To Give Thanks in Potomac

What would your answer be if a stranger asked you, “What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?”

Holiday Celebrations COVID-Style

Dealing with separation from family and friends

The decision to spend holidays away from loved ones can be a necessity during the coronavirus pandemic.

Safety Tips for Thanksgiving in Time of Covid

As the Thanksgiving and winter holidays approach, many residents may be wondering how to celebrate safely this season.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: In-Person Class: More Focused, Engaged

I am writing in response to the article titled “Addressing the Demands of Virtual University Classrooms ” published in your newspaper on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020.

Talking Turkey, ‘Respectable’ Birds

Virginia has around 180,000 turkeys, elusive in the woods and fields.

Alan Warburton did a double take when he spotted a wild turkey ambling across his Mount Vernon yard in the Tauxemont community in April.

Montgomery County Council Enacts “Ban the Box” Bill

Last week, the Montgomery County Council unanimously enacted Bill 35-20, Human Rights and Civil Liberties - Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards – Amendments, which aims to help prevent workplace discrimination by prohibiting background checks prior to the extension of a conditional offer of employment and preventing inquiries into certain types of arrests and convictions.

Opinion: Commentary: Election Results: Change to the Montgomery County Council

[Election] week [was] been a big week for strengthening our democracy.

Montgomery County Councilmember Friedson holds Community Conversation

Keeping up with constituents during this time of social distancing and small gatherings is not easy, but Montgomery County Councilmember Andrew Friedson (District 1) does his best, using interactive social media.

Plenty of Thanksgiving Dinner Options in Potomac

Like everything else in 2020, Thanksgiving Dinner this year will be different.

Covid Increases Heading into Holidays – New Restrictions Are in Effect in Montgomery County

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, after consultation with County Health Officer Travis Gayles and based on data, has issued Executive Order 122-20 that reduced capacity limits for businesses, including restaurants and retail establishments.

Safe Holidays as Covid Spikes in Montgomery County

As residents start to think and plan for the upcoming holidays, Montgomery County officials are urging residents to plan for celebrations with consideration for family and friends during this time of COVID-19.

Opinion: Column: I'm Here to Report

As my brother, Richard, has often said: "If the oncologist is happy, then I'm happy."

Addressing the Demands of Virtual University Classrooms

Marymount psychology professor offers solution to distance learning obstacles

For some students and professors, the loss of in-person contact has disrupted higher education and the experiences that often accompany it.

Montgomery County Public Schools: Possible In-Person Schooling in Early 2021

The Montgomery County Board of Education met Friday, Nov. 6 to discuss, among other issues, to consider returning students to in-person classes in stages early next year.

Stopping the Combine: Farmers Can’t Compete for Land in Montgomery County

Making room for enough solar to make a difference.

Randy Stabler stopped his combine in the middle of a field in the Agricultural Reserve to join Montgomery County Council’s virtual Town Hall meeting.

Get Involved: Tuckerman Bikeway Project

Pedestrian and cyclist safety will be improved on the 3.8 miles of Tuckerman Lane between Falls Road and Old Georgetown.

Opinion: Column: As Second Opinions Go...

...it was first rate.

Thanksgiving Decor in the Era of Covid-19

Creating dining elegance at a distance

Naomi Patterson’s Thanksgiving table is usually set with linen dinner napkins, cleaned and starched, and her wedding china, ecru with a platinum border.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Why Is Dino Drudi Always the One?

Why am I always the one ending up critiquing Michael Pope's articles.

Arson Arrest in Potomac House Fire

Around 10:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, first-arriving firefighters on Korman Drive in the Bedfordshire neighborhood of Potomac encountered a car on fire in the driveway and smoke coming from the house.

State of the Potomac River

Health of Potomac River declines on recent report card

For the first time in a decade, the health of the “Nation’s River,” our own Potomac, has declined.

From Montgomery County Council: ‘Stakeholder’ Engagement for Solar in the Agricultural Reserve

Montgomery County Council released a plan for additional stakeholder engagement on a zoning proposal, ZTA 20-01, Solar Collection System – AR Zone Standards, that removes the prohibition on community solar on 1,800 of the more than 90,000 acres of land in the Agricultural Reserve.

West Montgomery County Citizens Association

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Kindness During a Very Difficult Year

The lines to vote early at the Springfield-Franconia Government Center were a 3-4 hour wait every day for two weeks.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: A Generation Capable of Change

What kind of world do you want to live in, a world where you have no problems or issues to fix in your community?

Opinion: Column: Better Late Than Never...

...to get a second opinion about one's first cancer; especially if there's now a second cancer to consider.

Decompressing after a Divisive Election

Limit time on social media or watching post-election coverage

The moments that stretched her to her professional limits came immediately after the 2016 presidential election.

Don’t Get Burned When Buying Firewood This Fall

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) advises consumers to measure deliveries of firewood to ensure they receive the full value of their purchase.

Election Day in Potomac

Montgomery County had 682,639 active voters as of Oct. 31

Election Day 2020 arrived preordained as “an election like no other.”

Scouting for Food Nov. 14

Things have changed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Scouting for Food on Nov. 14