People

Open Your Home, Open Your Heart

Too many dogs and cats — needing to be adopted — face euthanization.

It was the kind of October day that we always remember: crisp air and vivid leaves. It was also the day when I had to say good-bye to Carmel, my canine companion of 10 years. He died of cancer. Carmel was my joy and he made me laugh and I expected at least five more years of fun. Dogs ask only that we love them and just as they begin to truly understand our language, they are gone. It is terribly unfair.

Sharing Expertise on Child Development

Kristen Paral of Vienna helps parents master techniques that foster the growth of well-adjusted, confident children.

While feathering your nest may turn your house into a home, occasionally, de-feathering and shifting direction may transform your happy nest into a happy and serene haven for your family.

Potomac Family Hosts Fresh Air Fund Child

“Seven days can change a child’s life.”

River Falls resident Gregory Mitchell was a “Fresh Air Fund” child — a “life-changing, character-shaping experience,” he said. Growing up in a single-parent household in the Bronx, N.Y.C. meant that he did not have an opportunity to leave the inner-city — the hot, noisy streets were the only playground he knew. From the ages of 10-13, the Fresh Air Fund provided a two-week summer visit with a large family in New Hampshire.

Co-charing Animal Protection Caucus

U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8), who serves as the co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, with Oliver and Bunker. Moran’s D.C. office is pet-friendly, and Oliver and Bunker join their owners at work nearly every day.

Kitty Kraze: ‘Three Name Your Fee’

League seeks adopters and foster volunteers to home cats and kittens.

There are more than 100 cats and kittens currently at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington or in foster care and approximately 200 more are expected to arrive throughout the summer. The adult cat adoption fee is normally $100, but AWLA is extending a special promotion through the end of August — “Three Name Your Fee.” Folks who adopt cats 3 years old and over not only can name their price, but their adoption fee will also include: a certificate for a free exam with a participating veterinarian, spay or neuter surgery, a feline leukemia and feline AIDS test, a distemper vaccination, a personalized I.D. tag, a microchip, an information packet and an emergency sticker.

Taking a Rest

Dolce DeGrandis, friend of Bill and Monica DeGrandis of Great Falls.

Keep Pets Safe During Dog Days of Summer

Help pets beat the heat and prevent injury or illness.

The dog days of summer are officially here and while yes, the phrase refers to unbearable hot and humid weather, at the Animal League of Arlington (AWLA) it is an eventful season of responding to pets in peril.

Redding Named Principal of Barrett Elementary

Using a family-focused style, he will lead an ethnically diverse school.

Dan Redding, 42, was named the new principal on July 1 of Barrett Elementary, one of the most diverse schools in North Arlington, originally built in 1939.

Open House at Seneca Hill

Canine Companions for Independence puppy Romer III enjoys a free swim at Seneca Hill's aquatic center. Free access to the pool was one of the many things available during the Seneca Hill Animal Hospital, Resort and Spa Open House.

Encouraging Educational Gardens

More schools are developing edible gardens.

Despite a small budget, edible gardens have plotted a rise in the Montgomery County Public Schools curriculum. "You know this committee has had interest in this for several years. As you know, good things are happening," said County Councilmember Valerie Ervin at the council's Education Subcommittee on Monday, July 22.

Duchess of Great Falls

Our son Declan has been begging us for a dog for the last several years. We finally received our dog, a German shepherd named Duchess, in late February. She was definitely worth the wait.

Edson Flores Awarded Arlington Rotary Challenge Stipend

Edson Flores, a graduate of the Arlington Mill High School, was awarded a two-year stipend of $10,000 to help with his college expenses by the Arlington Rotary Education Foundation on July 18.

Brief: McPaw Design

Design Room in Animal Shelter

The deadline for MCPAW’s Pet Showcase Design Challenge is July 31. Create a layout for a showcase 7-foot by10-foot room with a 9-foot ceiling for the new Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center in a drawing. Place elements to be included in the room, including textiles and furniture.

Brief: Vacancies

Serve on County Boards

County Executive Isiah Leggett is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving on the following boards: * Library Board * Board of Registration for Building Contractors.

Business

Business Notes

A LearningRx Brain Training Center opened on July 15 in North Potomac The program game-like exercises administered through one-on-one training. Contact Suparna Shah at 301-944-5500 or visit www.LearningRx.com/North-Potomac.

The Connection