Stories for September 2020

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich to Hold Series of Virtual FY22 Budget Forums

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will hold a series of virtual budget forums to get input from residents about both the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) Operating Budget priorities and the Capital Budget/Capital Improvements Program (CIP) priorities.

Pursuing Passions Through Disturbing Times

Potomac dance company to perform in Kennedy Center program

Nrityalaya, School of Indian Classical Odissi dance, with home in Potomac, was selected to participate in The Kennedy Center’s Arts Across America live digital performance series.

Back to School Town Hall Focuses on Mental Health

Panel: Support, structure and routine can help students deal with stress.

Parents facing the stress of COVID-19 related school and job issues were invited to a town hall meeting designed to support mental wellness for themselves and their children during these days of social distancing and online learning.

“Savor Bethesda” Restaurant Week Oct. 1-11

New Restaurant Week features $10, $25 and $35 Menus

“Savor Bethesda” Restaurant Week will take place from Thursday, Oct. 1 through Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020.

Montgomery County News in Numbers

2.5 Miles of suggested pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements along MacArthur Boulevard from Old Angler’s Inn to Eggert Drive were presented to the Montgomery County Planning Board on Thursday, Sept. 17.

Opinion: Commentary: We Need to Work Together to Avoid a Housing Crisis

On Sept. 1, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a sweeping federal eviction moratorium for tenants who are unable to pay their rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reimagining Public Safety in Montgomery County?

When officers use force, black people are on the receiving end 55 percent of the time despite being 18 percent of the county population.

Professor Rashawn Ray trains police officers on racial equity with a virtual reality program that allows evaluators to examine how bias creeps into traffic stops, mental health crises and suspicious person encounters.

Mobilizing for the Biden-Harris Ticket

Virginia's former Governor, House of Delegate Speaker and Senate Majority Leader at Fairfax County Government Center.

The second and third day of early voting at Fairfax County Government Center brought enthusiastic voters exercising their rights to vote and more.

Getting in Shape at 60, 70 and 80

Starting where you are and staying consistent among suggestions from healthy and fit seniors.

Whether starting a fitness program after the age of 70 or restarting one after raising children and midlife career building, local seniors share inspiring stories of how achieving and maintaining fitness, health and wellness allows them to lead fulfilling, happy and active lives.

Opinion: Column: “Canceritis”

There are two generic types of cancer: the cancer that you have, and the cancer that has you.

Potomac Home Sales: August, 2020

In August, 2020, 82 Potomac homes sold between $5,800,000-$305,000.

Potomac Home Sales: August, 2020

Opinion: Column: And So It Begins

Eleven years, six months and two weeks, approximately, after being diagnosed with "terminal" cancer: stage IV non small cell lung cancer, I have begun my treatment for stage IV papillary thyroid cancer.

Kamala Harris Speaks at Fairfax 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony

At Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters, County Fire Chief John S. Butler stepped to the podium at the 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony to commemorate lives lost on September 11, 2001.

Safe Spaces for Productive Racial Discussions

Components that should be included in effective forums.

As symbols of racial tension and injustice seemed ubiquitous this summer, a group of parishioners at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Alexandria began meeting virtually to engage in dialogues about the thorny issue of race.

Montgomery County Councilmembers Friedson and Glass Seek Financial Relief for Retail Businesses

Legislation would save local retailers and restaurants hundreds of dollars in annual license fees as they struggle to keep the lights on during the ongoing public health emergency.

Potomac News Briefs

Voting Drop Boxes Are Coming

Unwavering Nimi Trehan

Potomac artist explores theme of resilience in time of coronavirus, wins award.

Nimi Trehan, a long-time Potomac resident and artist, was presented with an Award of Excellence for her painting, “Unwavering,” in the on-line exhibit The Spirit of Resilience presented by The Healing Power of Art and Artists, an initiative of Manhattan Arts International.

Deer ‘Population Management’ in Montgomery County Parks Near You

Schedule of hunting and park closures for fall 2020 – winter 2021

Deer populations across much of Montgomery County have reached levels that exceed the capacity for the sustainability of the natural environment (Biological Carrying Capacity) as well as the capacity for tolerance by residents in the county (Cultural Carrying Capacity), according to county documents.

Horses and the People they Help: A Six-Part Series

If you aren't familiar with how horses are helping people, read on.

Horses and the People they Help: A Six-Part Series

‘I Don't Care If the Horse Poops on Me!’

One mom's commitment to helping her son to get back to therapeutic riding.

"When your child is young and has a diagnosis, you try anything," says Rachel Kirkland.

Leading by Example

Equine Assisted Learning teaches critical life skills.

"The ability to be aware to have compassion; to be confident, but not arrogant; and to take joy in helping to create someone else's success."

Talking to Ty

The 21-year-old Paint Gelding is a great listener.

“Everyone gets her. Everyone accepts her. Everyone likes her. And that means a lot, as a parent.”

Turning Possible into Possibilities

When therapy was needed during quarantine, Sprouts provided a way.

“Riding takes my physical therapy to the next level.”

Horses as Co-Therapists?

Introducing Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

"I saw these kids coming from foster homes and oftentimes reading their charts, the amount of trauma and neglect [they had experienced] was horrifying. Where do you even start?"

Horses and the People They Help

If you aren't familiar with how horses are helping people, read on.

Perri Wight Green of McLean was riding horses before she could talk.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: For Some Workers, Nothing Leisurely About This Labor Day

Workers lucky enough to have a job face the double bind of fearing the risk of COVID-19 and being laid off.

There will be nothing leisurely about this Labor Day for many working families, not least for essential workers.

Potomac Friends of the Library Resumes Programs

Libraries in Montgomery County are still closed, but Potomac Friends of the Library are continuing their Author Talks – virtually.

Residents Raise Concerns About Changes to Cabin John Creek Trail

Almost three dozen Cabin John residents turned up Sept. 2 to hear Montgomery Parks trail construction head Bob Turnbull explain why the under construction hiker/biker trail that runs from Seven Locks Rd. at Cypress Grove to the park at the one-lane bridge on MacArthur Blvd. does not follow the old trail, veering away from the creek so many residents loved to walk beside.

From Nursery to Nursing in Potomac

Planning Board recommends approval of 152,655 square-foot, three story retirement community on River Road.

Up Next: Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings on Sept. 21.

Surviving Katrina: The Plight of Pets Left Behind

Adapted from the original story in the Potomac Almanac, for the 15th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

Arrest in Liquor Store Assault in Montgomery County

Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 2nd District Investigative Section have arrested and charged a 31-year-old Silver Spring man with assault charges related to an August 29 incident in which police say the suspect assaulted an employee who was working in a Montgomery County Liquor and Wine store located in Potomac Village.

Opinion: Column: Cancer For Dummies: Me

As I was telling my long-time friend, Rita, over the phone on Saturday afternoon, as a cancer patient – and I know this is going to sound ridiculous, short-sighted and stupid, I am not always forthcoming and honest when it comes to sharing new symptoms with my doctors, particularly my oncologist.

Last Chance to See the ASPIRE HOUSE in McLean

Design showhouse closes on Sunday, Sept. 13.

Designing a dream home can be likened to assembling a haute couture wardrobe.

Things to Know About Coronavirus Testing

If you think you have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or have been exposed to someone who was confirmed to have the disease, contact your health care provider or visit one of the testing sites listed here.

Opinion: Commentary: Protecting The Postal Service

Hundreds of calls and emails from constituents urging Congress to stop efforts to sabotage the USPS.

This August the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) unexpectedly became a center of national attention.

Impact of Extended Social Isolation on Teens and Tweens

Psychiatrists and psychologists say that missing opportunities to connect with peers can cause long-term damage.

After a summer of postponed vacations, closed pools and limited summer camps, all a byproduct of COVID-19, parents are concerned about the wellbeing of their children.

Montgomery County Public Schools Virtual Now, In Person Soon?

Despite the controversy about opening schools to in-person learning created by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan (R), Montgomery County Public Schools students started a new school year virtually on Monday.

Bikes Hot Items During Time of COVID-19 in Potomac

The rumor is true, it’s hard to find a good new bike – at a reasonable price.

Be Smart: Press Pause

Informal tally: 54 comments oppose 495/270 expansion and toll lanes; nine support. Final day of public hearings scheduled for Sept. 10.

Seth Glinski works in construction and development. An uncertain future because of the 2020 pandemic, he said, is actually cause for “feeling lucky” when it comes to the possible widening of the Capital Beltway and I-270 and the American Legion Bridge.