People

Charlotte’s Story of Survival

Five time open heart surgery survivor raises funds for medical causes.

When Charlotte Woodward was born, her mother thought she was the most wonderful baby in the world. And she still thinks so. Charlotte, who is 24 today, was born with high functioning down syndrome and has been subjected to nearly a lifetime of heart problems. Despite the adversity she has faced, she is raising money through bake sales just to give back to those who have helped her.

Community Gardens for Herndon

County will hold public meeting for possible garden plots.

Barbara Welsh wants to see a community garden in Herndon. The Herndon Environmental Network (HEN) vice president has been working for the past two years to allow community garden plots in town. County Park Authority will hold a meeting on Dec. 1 to find out if the rest of the community does, too.

Brightview Opens in Great Falls

Senior community allows residents to stay close to home.

Brightview Senior Living opened with a party and a full house. As Great Falls’ first senior living community, the assisted living complex’s grand opening on Nov. 6 gave local seniors the option to stay close to their loved ones.

‘Flourishing After 55’

From Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs for Nov. 24-30.

Flint Hill School Dessert Theater to Present ‘Midsummer/Jersey’

Flint Hill School Dessert Theater will present “Midsummer/Jersey,” Nov. 14-15. The play, written by award-winning playwright, Ken Ludwig, is the hilarious, high-octane retelling of Shakespeare’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream” set on the boardwalk of a seaside town in modern-day New Jersey.

Art at Walter Reed Senior Center

Eight local artists, students of 92-year-old artist Blanche Kirchner, held a showing of their works, Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Walter Reed Senior Center. According to Marcia Kot, center director, the senior artists presented more than 50 oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings.

The Langley School Presents “The Canterville Ghost”

Middle School production runs Nov. 13-15.

A British estate, 400-year-old ghosts, and a brave American family set the stage for The Langley School’s Middle School fall production of “The Canterville Ghost.” This hilarious spoof will run in three performances Nov. 13-15 at 6:30 p.m. in the school’s Sherman Arts Center at 1411 Balls Hill Road in McLean.

Reducing Waste at Churchill Road

Churchill Road Elementary continues its “green” initiatives by promoting waste reduction. Under the direction of Principal Don Hutzel, Churchill Road compost team members sorted and packaged the foil-lined juice pouches and chip bags upcycled by Churchill Road families.

Pet Calendar Raises Funds for Animal Groups

Proceeds to support Pet Connect Rescue and MCPAW.

Rudy is the gorgeous Cover Dog, Baxter is the adorable April Dog of the Month and Cayden is the June beauty.

Cappies Review: Smooth Sailing at Madeira Stage

Smooth Sailing at Madeira Stage

Despite the chaos of the titular storm, Madeira’s production of “The Tempest” was all smooth sailing. The plotlines, movement, and transitions weaved together seamlessly, clarifying any plot points lost in the sometimes-unclear dialogue.

Trick or Treat So Others May Eat

Girl Scout Troop 6747, of Herndon, braved the cold and wind on Nov. 2 to "Trick or Treat So Others May Eat." The girls wore their Halloween costumes and went door to door collecting can foods that will be donated to the Capital Area Food Bank.

Jim Lehrer to Participate in Great Falls Speaker’s Series

Popular anchorman Jim Lehrer will be the guest speaker at this month’s Great Falls Speaker’s Series (GFSS) on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m., at the Great Falls Library. Lehrer, also a prolific author and a playwright, will be on-hand to discuss his newest novel, “Top Down,” about the Kennedy assassination. Signed copies of Lehrer’s book will also be available for sale (for as long as supplies last).

Author Inspires Potomac Students To Write

Laura Krauss Melmed describes journey from idea to publication.

Students at Beverly Farms Elementary School learned about the writing process and how a book gets published from children’s book author Laura Krauss Melmed on Nov. 5 and 6. Melmed, who came to the school to read from her first picture book called “The Rainbabies,” is an award-winning author of 20 picture books including lyrical bedtime stories, original tales of magic, holiday books, and nonfiction books about cities and states.

Potomac: Local Authors To Appear at Annual Book Festival

Bringing writers and readers together.

The upcoming 45th Annual Lessans Family Book Festival will be a 10 days of presentations on a variety of books – many by authors who reside in the area.

Halloween Party at Carderock Springs

Julie Stevens' kindergarten class dressed up for the Halloween parade and party at the Carderock Springs Elementary School.

The Connection