People

'To Take Down the ‘Walls’ That Separate Us’

New senior Unitarian minister to deliver first sermon Sunday.

On Sunday, Sept. 7, the new senior minister, the Rev. Aaron B. McEmry, will deliver his first sermon at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington located at 4444 Arlington Blvd. Services are at 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor: Our community knows as well as any that suicide takes an enormous toll on families, friends, co-workers, schools and the fabric of our society.

The Broad-winged Hawks Are Coming

Every Autumn, in addition to literally billions of songbirds, a million or more avian raptors (hawks, eagles, and falcons) migrate from their nesting and breeding areas all over North America to their winter homes, mostly in Central and South America. Raptor enthusiasts and hawk counters often head for mountain ridges and other concentration points in hopes of seeing some of the birds fly by.

The Ball Kid Experience

Local tennis kids were ball kids for the major players at CitiOpen.

Ever wonder what it takes to be a ball kid at one of the major tennis tournaments?

Gala Event with Col. Allen West

The Republican Women of Clifton (RWC) will host their gala event on Sept. 28 featuring Col. Allen West as the keynote speaker. The event will take place at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Old Lee Highway, City of Fairfax, and will begin at 6 p.m.

Ashley C. Ramdeen, Antonio (Tony) Hemingway Engaged

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Ramdeen have announced the engagement of their daughter, Ashley C. Ramdeen of Fairfax Station to Antonio (Tony) Hemingway of Hampton, Va. Their wedding is planned for Oct. 10, 2015.

Quilting Studio Adds to Dream Home

At 72, Wanda Rogers engages in an early American craft she first learned from her grandmother.

Quilting takes patience; ditto the steps entailed in setting up a quilting studio all of one's own. Such are the reflections of Wanda Rogers, 72, who is now tapering off a 51-year professional career, and increasing precious hours spent in the pursuit of a mountain-state handicraft she learned from her mother and grandmother.

Taste of Potomac To Benefit Adoptions Together

Seventh annual event scheduled for Sept. 13.

“Today, there are five thousand children in the D.C. metropolitan area who are living in temporary care, waiting to be adopted. We need to make their dreams come true.” These are the words of Janice Goldwater whose vision and determination have helped to conquer the challenge of finding permanent homes for children regardless of their age, race or health issues.

Correction

In “Enjoying the End of Summer” (Potomac Almanac, Aug. 27), the wrong caption accompanied the photo of the seamstress, Rose, who has worked for the Fashion Craft Cleaners for 20 years and lives in Gaithersburg.

Authentic Potomac

Potomac Community Village hosts session on Potomac history.

Most of the close to 70 people gathered for a Potomac Community Village meeting on Thursday, Aug. 28, have lived in Potomac for more than 25 years. Some have lived here for more than 40 years. But that wasn't long ago enough to match the recollections of Elie Cain, who told those assembled what Potomac was like when she arrived with her family in 1938.

School Sights

First day at Lake Braddock Secondary School.

“I’m excited to see friends. And to have Mr. Waiss as a teacher. He’s supposed to be like me, so I’m excited to meet him. We’re waiting for friends, and tired.”

Speaker’s Series to Be Held in Great Falls

The series will kickoff on Sept. 23 at the Great Falls Library.

The Great Falls Speaker’s Series, a dynamic, new series that will feature a wide array of literary artists from diverse creative backgrounds, will kick off on Tuesday, Sept. 23. The evening events, to be held monthly at the Great Falls Library, will be free and open to the public.

$12 Million Suit Against Fairfax County Police

2013 shooting victim’s family seeks damages in wrongful death case.

The year-long silence surrounding the police shooting of John Geer has been broken — but not by Fairfax County Police or the U.S. Department of Justice. John Geer was shot to death by Fairfax County Police on Aug. 29, 2013.

Planning for Holiday Homes Tour Underway

McLean Woman’s Club holds annual Kickoff Tea.

The Woman’s Club of McLean held its annual “Wintertime in August” kickoff tea on Thursday, Aug. 21, to preview its 48th annual Holiday Homes Tour, which will take place in early December. This year’s tour will feature four large houses in close-in Langley Farms, a historic McLean neighborhood just off Dolley Madison Boulevard. (Route 123).

Register Now for MPA’s Fall Art Classes

McLean Project for the Arts offers a variety of professionally taught art classes for adults, teens and children including Family Art Workshops, artist talks and workshops, and tours to area museums and galleries.

The Connection