Stories for November 2012

Opinion: Immigrants and Today’s Faith Response

The presence of increasing numbers of immigrants is a challenge to the Fairfax County faith community commitments. The challenge is to be a faith community with open arms.

Editorial: Learning in a Global Community

Students in Fairfax County speak 160 languages.

This week our ongoing series about immigration in Fairfax County takes a look at county schools, and some of the joys and challenges of having a diverse student body that speaks as many as 160 different languages at home.

Classified Advertising Nov. 28,2012

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Potomac Bulletin Board: Nov. 28, 2012

Upcoming events in Potomac

Ready for Winter?

More snow than last year expected.

Winter weather has arrived. How cold will it get? How much snow will fall? Is everyone prepared? These are some of the questions area residents and merchants are asking.

Old Angler’s Inn ‘Scores’ with Fundraiser

Event benefits brain concussion program.

Despite chilly temperatures, warm hearts gathered at Old Angler’s Inn on Monday, Nov. 5 to raise awareness and support for SCORE (Safe Concussion Outcome Recovery and Education Program) located at Children’s National Medical Center.

Chrissellene Petropoulos Trains Future Singing Talents

Potomac resident shares system for vocal mastery.

“My voice took me to Europe, where I sang opera, operetta and musical theater and was contracted with the Vienna State Opera and the Kassel State Opera in Germany. Soon I was singing everywhere from Greece, France and Italy to The Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center. Ultimately, my voice began to fail me,” said Chrissellene Petropoulos, a vocal teacher whose many students come to her for performance training — but they also come for the other lessons she imparts.

Leadership Montgomery Launches New Series

Cokie and Steve Roberts to start “Conversation on Leadership.”

On Monday, Dec. 10, Leadership Montgomery will launch its “Conversation on Leadership” Series with an event at Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center, 7995 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, from 6-8:30 p.m.

Muslim Foundation Demonstrates ‘Faith in Action’

Helping the poor.

More than 1,400 residents of Montgomery County received a gift of meat made possible through the efforts and donations of the Montgomery County Muslim Foundation. The group held its annual Zabiha-Qurbani meat donation on Nov. 4.

Santa To Make Neighborhood Rounds Early

Get ready to meet Santa.

Doggie Styles Opens in Potomac Village

From grooming to a slumber party.

The newest business on the Potomac scene is devoted to pets. Doggie Styles, owned by local residents Sam and Eddie Khalaf, offers grooming, day care, training and sleep-overs for a favorite feline or precious pooch.

Time To Wait?

New lawsuit, new proposals, new policies emerge from Brickyard controversy.

After nearly two years of controversy concerning a 20-acre “future school” site on Brickyard Road, some new ideas emerged as Montgomery County Council held a town meeting on Nov. 7 at the Potomac Community Center.

Traffic Lights Evolve

New traffic light at MacArthur and Clara Barton Parkway equipped with small computer.

The new traffic light installed at MacArthur Blvd. and Clara Barton Parkway earlier this month is a smart light.

Comment on Policy, “Disposition of Board of Education Property”

The Board of Education tentatively adopted Policy DNA, Disposition of Board of Education Property on Nov. 13. The Board of Education requests community comment on revisions to the policy.

Letter from Avenel

This letter from Avenel Community Association's General Manager Lucy P. Wilson — addressed to Roger Berliner and copied to County Executive Isiah Leggett, the Avenel Board of Directors and Michael Sullivan, general manager of TPC Potomac at Avenel — is shared with The Almanac.

Thanksgiving Day Hunt at Montevideo

You can’t keep a good huntsman down, but you sure can keep him off his horse. Larry Pitts, Potomac Hunt huntsman for over 30 years, was grounded on the Hunt’s annual Thanksgiving Day gathering at Austin Kiplinger’s historic Montevideo home.

Potomac Calendar: Nov. 28, 2012

Upcoming events and activities

Tips for Year-End Charitable Giving

Financial experts offer suggestions for ensuring one’s donations are well spent.

’Tis the season for giving, and that includes donations to charities.

Classified Advertising Nov 21, 2012

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Potomac Home Sales: October, 2012

In October 2012, 40 Potomac homes sold between $2,110,000-$404,000.

Potomac Home Sales in October, 2012

Buy Now, Pay Later

Meaning: If I’m terminal, why deprive myself because of cost? If, in fact, I’m only living once – as the old saying goes, and somewhat less of a life than I had anticipated, shouldn’t I, at the very least, “Pull my pants down and slide on the ice,” as prescribed by Dr. Sidney Freedman in an episode of M*A*S*H, way back when?

Economic Woes Keep Humane Group on Its Toes

Working to create a dependable flow of funds.

Baubles and beads replaced putters and tees to score for the animals when 12 vendor boutiques displayed their wares at TPC at Avenel for the annual fall luncheon and holiday bazaar for Friends of Montgomery County Animals (FMCA) on Tuesday, Nov. 13.

Bullis ‘Makes the Day’

Providing Thanksgiving baskets and home-made apple pies for county’s needy.

Bountiful Thanksgiving baskets will make Thanksgiving Day possible for 75 Montgomery County families — due to the generosity of The Bullis School students and their families.

2012 People of the Year Honored

More than 80 people gathered at Normandie Farm restaurant in Potomac on Thursday, Nov. 15 to honor the 2012 People of the Year, as named by the Potomac Chamber of Commerce.

Opinion: Embracing Our Diversity

If you can ever find the time to attend a federal naturalization ceremony in Fairfax County for new citizens, do it. It reinvigorates one’s patriotism and reminds us all how lucky we are to be Americans.

Opinion: Celebrating Diversity Through Culture

So, when people from different countries, diverse cultures, and dissimilar values migrate to United States, they try to adjust and adapt to the new culture. But the onus should also be on American people to welcome them, to make them comfortable and feel at home. What do we do to create awareness about different cultures? Unfortunately, I have not seen much effort on the part of the government.

Teaching Children to Help Prepare Thanksgiving Dinner

Local chefs share tips and culinary traditions.

Susan Limb recalls spending the Thanksgiving days of her childhood in the kitchen with her grandmother, mother and two sisters. The family’s holiday ritual and the smell of a thyme- and butter-dressed turkey roasting in the oven are ingrained in her memory.

Editorial: Diversity Growing

Tune in to our series on immigration.

This week, the Connection kicks off a series about immigration, diversity and the growing population of foreign-born residents in Fairfax County. County reporter Victoria Ross opens with a story that captures vignettes and statistics of the changing population. It is a topic consistent with the original Thanksgiving story. More than 28 percent of Fairfax County's population is foreign born; that's 317,000 residents.

Independent School Admissions: Interviews and Teacher Recommendations

Admissions officers at local schools offer insight into the application process.

Mark Fischer sat with his parents in the plush reception area of one of the region’s elite independent schools, biting his fingernails and tapping his left foot while waiting to speak with an admissions officer for the interview portion of his application.

Upcoming Bazaars and Craft Shows Yield Gift Ideas

Showcasing one-of-a-kind items.

A number of near-by bazaars will be taking place within the next few weeks. Each bazaar has a distinctive feel and offers a variety of items that could never be found at the mall.

Moral Obligation Or Old Wounds?

Old roller-hockey rink at community center could be used for adaptive sports.

The county has “moral and legal obligations” to provide opportunities for people with disabilities, Steve Landsman said last week. The county also has a significant resource in the roller hockey rink at the Potomac Community Center. But one resident’s comments showed lack of awareness or understanding of the need.

Editorial: Potomac Shop Locally …

There is a joy to shopping in local stores at the holidays, to walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to being greeting by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.

Brief: Council To Host Budget Forum

The County Council at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29, will host an opportunity for the public to comment and ask questions on priorities relating to the Fiscal Year 2014 County operating budget planning process.

Potomac Calendar: Nov. 21, 2012

Upcoming events and activities in Potomac

Giving Thanks in Style

Area tastemakers offer ideas and inspiration for Thanksgiving table settings.

There’s more to an elegant Thanksgiving table than a perfectly roasted turkey and fluffy mashed potatoes. Local design experts say that with a little planning and a few natural elements, it is possible to set a Thanksgiving table that is as tantalizing as the food it holds.

Editorial: Shop Locally, Give Locally

Small business Saturday isn't enough; don't wait until then, and don't stop after that.

An effort to support locally owned businesses has resulted in the recognition of Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year that is Nov. 24. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is a day of national zeal for shopping. Presumably the next day shoppers can focus on local shopping.

Shop Owners Share Tie to Churchill High School

Gift ideas from Cabin John Shopping Center.

A vast assortment of gifts is available just around the corner at two gift shops — Leila Fine Gifts and Jewels and Occasions Unique Gifts and Gift Baskets.

Letter: Hit the Pause Button

Nov. 7 letter from majority of council members calls for compromise, alternatives at Brickyard.

The following letter to County Executive Isiah Leggett and Board of Education President Shirley Brandman is shared with the Potomac Almanac.

Chance for Compromise on Brickyard Site?

County Council calls for hitting “pause button.”

After nearly two years of edict and opposition concerning a 20-acre “future school” site on Brickyard Road, a town hall meeting in Potomac last week with County Council offered a glimmer of hope for advocates of the organic farm.

Editorial: Shop Locally, Support Small Business

Small business Saturday isn't enough; don't wait until then, and don't stop after that.

An effort to support locally owned businesses has resulted in the recognition of Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Art of Giving

The Art Gallery of Potomac offers variety of themes, styles.

During the holiday season The Art Gallery of Potomac will offer several small paintings, originals, prints, and giclees for gift giving as well as note cards, home decor, ornaments, dolls from the G St. Doll Club, and hand knit scarves for holiday shoppers.

Bringing ‘My Fair Lady’ to Stage

Potomac Theatre Company’s production opens this Friday.

This month The Potomac Theatre Company presents Alan J. Lerner and Frederick Loewe's “My Fair Lady.”

Lights, Camera, Action, Potomac!

“Philomena” filmed in local home.

Nov. 8 dawned cold when, in the wee hours of the morning, the movie crew for a new feature film descended on the Conway’s 180-year old Potomac residence.

An Oasis in Potomac

Home’s addition offers views of expansive backyard.

When the owners of a Potomac home decided that they wanted to expand their living space, their goal was to build a haven for family and friends to gather and enjoy spectacular views of their woodsy backyard.

Brief: ‘My Fair Lady’

Potomac Theatre Company is kicking off it's 2012-2013 season with Lerner & Loewe's musical “My Fair Lady.”

Classified Advertising Nov. 14, 2012

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Column: Weight For It

This reference is not about pounds, per se. It is about the two largest tumors in my lungs, inoperable in that they are located between the two halves which make up the whole lung.

Classified Advertising Nov. 7, 2012

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Wootton Boys’ Soccer Beats WJ for 4A West Title

O’Neil goal, Tsakos assist propel Patriots past Wildcats.

The Wootton boys' soccer team advanced to the state tournament with an overtime victory against Walter Johnson on Nov. 5.

Shop for a Cause at WHC Sisterhood Holiday Boutique

Proceeds benefit variety of charities.

Generous Giving is the goal of the members of the WHC Sisterhood as they set the wheels in motion for their 26th Annual Holiday Boutique — and it is also the philosophy of a number of philanthropic vendors who will be selling their wares and donating their proceeds to causes dear to their hearts.

Food Festival And Bazaar

St. Mark Orthodox Church Food Festival and Bazaar was held Friday through Sunday, Nov. 2-4.

‘Art for Paws’ Benefits Animal Services and Adoption Center

Art show helps MCPAW raise funds.

The Huckleberry Fine Art Gallery in Rockville provided a colorful backdrop for the Montgomery County Partners in Animal Well-Being (MCPAW) fund-raising art show, reception and raffle held Saturday evening, Oct. 27.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

Mental Health professionals highlight potential health benefits of gratitude.

For many, November ushers in a season of giving thanks, an opportunity to express gratitude, but it can mean even more: some researchers say that Thanksgiving might actually be good for your health.

Bullis School Holds Town Hall Debate and Mock Election

Students depict different political perspectives.

Students and staff at the Bullis School voted on Tuesday, Nov. 6 for the presidential candidate of their choice.

Locally Grown Produce Enhances Menu

Old Angler’s Inn partners with Potomac Farm Market.

Mark Reges, proprietor of the Old Angler’s Inn and Steve Magassy, owner of the Potomac Farm Market have formed an innovative partnership — one that leads to two local businesses beneficially supporting one another.

Judi Dench Arrives In Poolesville

It wasn’t exactly a typical two days at the big curve on Sugarland Road and Sugarland Lane where the picturesque, brilliantly white, St. Paul Community Church with its quaint bell tower has been a country landmark for many years.

Entertainment Brief: Visarts Welcomes Dalya Luttwak

Opening Reception for Dalya Luttwak: "Ground Cover: Roots of Liriope" Thursday, Nov. 15 from 7-9 p.m. in the Ground Floor Atrium (first floor). Free and open to the public.

Entertainment Brief: Seussical Arrives at Imagination Stage

Casting is complete for “Seussical,” a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza that brings to life all of the favorite Dr. Seuss characters from a host of the author’s most popular books.

Entertainment Brief: Pianist Brian Ganz to Perform Prokofiev’s Concerto No. 3 on Nov. 10

Award-winning pianist Brian Ganz will perform Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 on Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. at the Music Center at Strathmore with the National Philharmonic, led by Associate Conductor Victoria Gau.

Area Votes for Obama, Kaine, House Incumbents

President Barack Obama wins second term, Kaine wins Senate seat, Moran, Wolf, Connolly re-elected.

In a bitter and historically expensive battle, President Barack Obama defeated Gov. Mitt Romney, winning a second term Tuesday after grabbing the key swing state of Virginia after midnight. With the addition of the Commonwealth’s 13 electoral votes – as well as those of Colorado, Iowa, New Hampshire and Wisconsin – Obama sailed over the electoral cliff with the critical 270 electoral votes he needed for victory.

New Life for Outdated Rink?

Old roller-hockey rink could be used for adaptive sports.

Last weekend, Mary Cassell and dozens of athletes with disabilities played in this fall’s culminating event for TOPSoccer, an outreach program of soccer for youth with disabilities.

WMCCA Briefs: Untenable Situation of Glen Hills Landowners

The Department of Environmental Protection has completed Phase 1 of the Sanitary Study of the Glen Hills area. The 2002 Potomac Master Plan called for a limited study of failed septic systems in this region to find on-site remedies or, where needed, recommend limited sewer extensions.

Potomac Calendar: Nov. 7, 2012

Upcoming events and activities

Montgomery County Council Holds Town Hall Meeting for Potomac Wednesday, Nov. 7

The Montgomery County Council will continue its efforts to find out what issues most concern residents when it hosts a Town Hall Meeting for the Potomac area on Wednesday, Nov. 7. The meeting at the Potomac Community Recreation Center will start at 8 p.m. A pre-meeting reception will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Column: Hands of Time

On the one hand, I want to take note every month on the 27th as yet one more notch on my living-with-cancer belt. On the other hand, maybe I don’t need a belt to be notching but rather a life to be living. Perhaps it’s time, nearly 44 months post-diagnosis – at press time, to stop counting backwards and try more living forwards.

Churchill Football Beats Wootton, Secures Playoff Spot

Bulldog seniors play final regular season home game.

The Churchill football team defeated Wootton, 24-14, on Oct. 26.