Potomac Almanac ❖ February 18-24, 2015 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com online at potomacalmanac.com

February 18-24, 2015

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‘An Outstanding Human Being’People, Page 3

‘Library Lovers Month’News, Page 3

Whitman Girls’ BasketballEyes Undefeated SeasonSports, Page 11

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Flight toFreedom

News, Page 3

Jill Lavin demonstrateswhere runaway slaveswould hide in the hol-

lowed out tree.

Jill Lavin demonstrateswhere runaway slaveswould hide in the hol-

lowed out tree.

Flight toFreedom

News, Page 3

‘An Outstanding Human Being’People, Page 3

‘Library Lovers Month’News, Page 3

Whitman Girls’ BasketballEyes Undefeated SeasonSports, Page 11

2 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ February 18-24, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Susan Belford

The Almanac

In the 1850s, the citizens of Marylandwere divided over the future of slavery inthe Union. The topic was highly controver-sial and many were reticent about express-ing their views, since emotions often turnedto dangerous wrath when discussing thepros and cons.

Graham Johnson, a docent at the Mont-gomery County Historical Society inRockville said, “People kept their views con-cerning slavery to themselves for fear ofbeing hung for helping slaves escape, mur-dered or run out of the county.”

Slaves were considered a necessity bymany in Maryland and throughout theSouth for cultivating wheat and tobacco,performing domestic duties or skilled labor.Slave owners viewed their slaves as prop-erty, sources of revenue, status symbols, andimportant investments.

During the first half of the 19th century,there were 89,000 slaves in Maryland andalmost 4 million in the South. Many livedin Montgomery County and sur-rounding counties. Rockville’s Bealefamily owned 83 slaves; many wereset free after slavery was prohibitedin 1864. None of the Beale slavesever ran away, perhaps a clue thatthey were treated well. However,Josiah Henson, a slave at theNorth Bethesda Riley Farm andmany others did escape toCanada on the UndergroundRailroad. His log cabin has beenpreserved as “Uncle Tom’sCabin” and stands at 11420Old Georgetown Road. A slaveauction was located in SouthRockville and other signs offormer slaves are prevalent inthe region.

Because Maryland pos-sesses vast forests and numerous water-ways for hiding, transportation and direc-tional guidance and an abundance of abo-litionists who did not believe in slavery, run-away slaves from the South chose to headto the Pennsylvania border through Mary-land. Until the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850was passed, as soon as a slave slipped intoPennsylvania, he or she was considered free.However after the Act was passed, “free”states were compelled to return slaves totheir states and owners.

Abolitionists realized that an enormousclandestine escape network was required tohelp the slaves travel to freedom – and thatit could only be built through trust and scru-tiny of courageous citizens who were dedi-

cated to ending slavery and freeing theslaves. Neither “underground” nor a “rail-road,” the informal system provided slavesthe opportunity to flee their living condi-tions to freedom — although that very free-dom could also be a difficult path for themto follow and maintain. It is estimated thatat its height between 1810 and 1850, nearly100,000 slaves escaped via the Under-ground Railroad.

Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, Olney andSandy Spring were all sites for the Under-ground Railroad. Some of these includeGlenview (the Rockville Civic Center) whichstill has the tunnels used by slaves escap-ing to the McGrath Farm, St. Mary’s Catho-lic Church on Viers Mill Road where under-

ground railroad agents operatedand helped slavefugitive AnnMaria Weems es-cape to freedomin 1854 and manylocations in theSandy Spring area(near Olney.)Sandy Spring wasthe home of the Re-ligious Society ofFriends, or Quakers,who had built thearea into a prosperousfarming and commer-cial center. TheFriends’ MeetingHouse, erected in 1817,was the center of reli-

gious and community life. Eventhough slavery was not abolished in Mary-land until 1864, Maryland Quakers out-lawed the owning of slaves by its membersin 1777. In Sandy Spring, free blacks werepermitted home ownership and were alsoallowed to organize churches, schools, andan array of social clubs, although such pub-lic gatherings were extremely dangerous inthis anti-abolitionist county. Local patrolsand slave catchers stalked the fields andwoods. Quakers and free blacks assisted es-caping slaves via the secret “UndergroundRailroad.” It is rumored that the fugitiveslave, Dred Scott stayed in the log cabinhome of Enoch George Howard while the

U.S. Supreme Court deliberated whether tosend Scott back to his Missouri owner.Montgomery County attorney MontgomeryBlair unsuccessfully defended him.

The Underground Railroad in Montgom-ery County is the topic of many NationalPark Service (NPS) guided tours and activi-ties. From the first week in April throughNovember, the NPS conducts free guidedtours of “The Underground Railroad Expe-rience Trail.” This trail commemorates in-volvement of Montgomery County residentsin the Underground Railroad and celebratesthe Quaker heritage and traditions of SandySpring. The guided hike lasts 2.5 hours andis provided by volunteer “conductors” wholead groups on a simulated UndergroundRailroad experience covering 2.0 miles fromWoodlawn Manor Cultural Park along awooded, natural surface trail to the historicSandy Spring, then back to the park. Hik-ers will learn about various techniques that“freedom seekers” used to elude trackers,find food, and navigate their way North tofreedom. The Underground Railroad Expe-rience Trail is part of the National Park Ser-vice National Underground Railroad Net-work to Freedom program.

The Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park isopen dawn to dusk to the public who wouldlike to take self-guided tours. Parking isavailable behind the Manor. This 2 mile trailis natural surface and includes interpretivesign markers. Trail stops include WoodlawnManor and the Stone Barn and the SandySpring itself. One half-mile north of thespring is a 300-year-old Champion WhiteAsh tree. The trail activities include hikingand horseback riding but bicycles are notpermitted.

Some of the Underground Railroad siteson the trail include the Woodlawn Manorand barn, a Georgian style brick home builtaround 1800 by the Thomas family whowere prominent Quakers. The stone barnwas most-likely used as a hiding place forescaping slaves. After resting in the barn,slaves would strike out north through thewoods and the brambles, hopefully in a rainstorm that would wash away their tracksand make it difficult for dogs to follow theirscent.

On the trail is a large hollow tree that

could be used by fugitives as hiding places.The hollow tree could also be used as acache for food and water provided byfriends helping the fugitives. Often bound-ary stones, bent trees or rocks piled in acertain way could serve as trail markers.

The slaves were faced with many ob-stacles. Since most could not swim, creeksand rivers were formidable barricades.Sometimes a hidden boat or a kind personwould ferry than across the stream. Oncethey reached the Sandy Spring, they wouldbe provided with fresh water — and a meet-ing place and trail marker. When they fi-nally arrived at the 300-year-old ChampionWhite Ash Tree, they would know that theywere headed in the right direction towardfreedom.

Jill Lavin of Potomac recently exploredthe Underground Railroad Experience Trail.“It was fascinating to me, since I didn’t re-alize that Montgomery County was a partof this historical movement. Walking thistrail makes the plight of the slaves so real— I can imagine what it must have beenlike trying to flee north through corn fieldsand the woods at night — and hiding outduring the day. I also found the Slave Mu-seum and the Sandy Spring Museum verymoving and informative,” she said.

Another site of Underground Railroadactivity and NPS- guided tours is the JosiahHenson Park, located on the historic IsaacRiley Farm in North Bethesda where the Rev.Josiah Henson lived and worked as a slavefrom 1795 to 1830. This park is a historicresource of local, state, national and inter-national significance because of its associa-tion with Reverend Henson, whose 1849autobiography, “The Life of Josiah Henson,Formerly a Slave,” inspired Harriet BeecherStowe’s landmark novel, “Uncle Tom’sCabin.”

The park is currently open only during alimited number of dates each season. OnFeb. 21 and 28 from noon – 4 p.m., the NPSwill provide a guided tour “A Walk in Fa-ther Henson’s Footsteps.” This walk willprovide an opportunity to retrace the foot-steps of Henson from his enslavement tofreedom in Canada on the UndergroundRailroad as well as the chance to explore

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Underground railroadtrail and JosiahHenson Park honorcourageous AfricanAmericans.

Celebrating Potomac’s Part in Underground Railroad

The Slave Museum in Sandy Spring.

Woodlawn Manor in Sandy Spring where the Under-ground Railroad Trail begins. This home was ownedby Quakers who helped slaves escape on the Under-ground Railroad.

A marker on the Under-ground Railroad Trail.

See Underground, Page 5

Potomac Almanac ❖ February 18-24, 2015 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Potomac Almanac Editor Steven Mauren

703-778-9415 or almanac@connectionnewspapers.com

See www.potomacalmanac.com

News

By Cissy Finley Grant

The Almanac

Theophilus Edmund Cain, knownby a host of friends and familyas “Ted,” died Monday, Feb. 9 athome in Potomac. He was 94.

Born in Portage, Prince Edward Island,Canada, Ted moved to the Potomac areafollowing his marriage, June 2002, to theformer Eleanor McConihe (Elie) Pisarra. Hesoon became involved in numerous endeav-ors including Friends of Great Falls Tavern,where he was a board member and projectmanager for the construction of the newC&O Canal boat, “Charles F. Mercer.” He wasalso active with the Potomac Theatre Com-pany where he was not only instrumentalin set building, but pitched in regularly tousher and help wherever needed.

Ted moved with his parents, the late MaryMcKinnon Cain and Edgar Martin Cain, tothe United States in 1925. The family livedin Wayland, Mass. where Ted attended el-ementary and high schools. He enlisted inthe U.S. Navy, November 1942, and serveduntil October 1945 in a Navy ConstructionBatallion (Seabees). His awards included

By Susan Belford

The Almanac

To Celebrate February as “LibraryLover’s Month,” the Friends of theLibrary, Montgomery County,

Potomac Chapter, will sponsor Kaydee Pup-peteers on Feb. 28 at 10:30 a.m.

Kaydee Puppeteers will present a doublefeature — two puppet shows that include afeisty little red hen, a sly fox, a big stronglion and a tiny mouse. The free shows areat 10:30 a.m., last 45 minutes — and noregistration is required.

The Potomac Library, located at 10101Glenolden Drive, is a resource for manyadults and children in the community. Resi-dents have the opportunity to attend edu-cational, informative and entertaining pro-grams, conduct research, check-out andpurchase books and CDs and use and learnmore about technology.

According to its website, www.folmc.org,The Friends of the Library, Potomac Chap-ter is a non-profit organization that “orga-nizes support from the county’s communityof library patrons that would supplementthe basic operating funds provided for incounty’s annual budget. The mission is to

‘An Outstanding Human Being’ Friends and familyrecall Ted Cain.

Ted Cain

the Asiatic-Pacific rib-bon withfour stars.

Relatingto his ser-vice, aP o t o m a cfriend, Aus-t i nKipl inger,remarked,“He was inthe Seabeesin WorldWar II. He

never talked about it much but they did thetough work for the troops. They preparedthe way for the allied troops to recapturethe territory and return the islands of theSouth West Pacific.”

Ted also enlisted in the U.S. Coast GuardAuxiliary in 1992, volunteering for threeyears. On the occasion of his resignationfrom the Coast Guard he received a letter,in part saying, “The principles you havemastered, and your spirit of service alsofollow you as you leave the Auxiliary.”

Sandwiched between his Navy and CoastGuard services, Ted spent 27 years with theVeterans Administration, first in Brockton,Mass. and later in Washington, D.C., afterthe family’s move to Silver Spring, wherehe and his late wife, Martha May Cain,raised five children; Bruce, (Hilton Head,N.C.) Marcia (Greenbelt), Richard andDavid (Silver Spring) and Marilyn CainBrowning (Columbia, Md.).

Known for his reputation as “Mr. Fixit,”“he never bought anything new because hecould always fix what he had,” his wife ElieCain said.

His ability to fix was apparent in the“Commendation” awarded to Ted upon hisretirement in 1980 from the Veteran’s Ad-ministration. It read in part, “during hiscareer his performance in positions that in-cluded plumber, medical equipment re-pairer, supervisory electrician, maintenancesupervisor and engineering technician havebeen of the highest caliber. As a result hehad been an outstanding ambassador forthe administration, demonstrating thosequalities that exemplify a superior employeeas well as an outstanding human being.”

Ted’s many interests included hours of

motoring in his boat on the Potomac Riverand Chesapeake Bay, and building shipmodels. He was also particularly fond of hisrelationship with his grandsons BrandonCain, Philip and Matthew Browning, grand-daughter Dawn Cain Reid, and great-grand-son, Harlem Cain. Ted’s seven brothers andtwo sisters preceded him in death.

Among the many fond memories he andElie shared in their 13 years of marriage isone she readily recalled. They were prepar-ing plans for their honeymoon when shelearned Ted did not have U.S. citizenshippapers. Apparently, his father, in moving tothe States, was rather lax in how and wherehe filed the documents.

“Ted had to prove his American citizen-ship to me before we went on our honey-moon. I did not want to have to leave himin Panama,” she said. “Fortunately, formerU.S. Congresswoman Connie Morellastraightened things out in time,” she said.

In the words of the Veterans Administra-tion “Commendation:” He was “An out-standing human being.”

Services will be held Saturday, Feb. 28,11 a.m., at St. Francis Episcopal Church,10033 River Road, Potomac.

Library Lovers Month’ Highlights Programs, Services

Last month’s children’s event was: “Celebration of the Chinese New Year– year of the Goat,” sponsored by the Friends of the Library, PotomacChapter.

Kaydee Puppeteersto presenttwo shows Feb. 28.

strengthen, promote, and champion ourpublic library system, as it responds to thechanging needs of our diverse communi-ties.”

Edie Wingate, president of the PotomacChapter said, “Our events are a way of pro-moting our library and giving back to ourcommunity. We sponsor an incredibly popu-lar monthly book sale on the second Satur-day of each month. This sale is a fundraisingeffort which brings in the bulk of the in-come that the Friends then use to purchasespecial equipment and furniture for the li-brary as well as to support book groups,speakers, the foreign policy discussiongroup called Great Decisions, children’s andcommunity programs at the library. Clearlythe library is more than just about books.”

“The book sale itself has become an im-portant community event,” said Judy Davis,chair for the book sale for the last 15 years.“We are very lucky to have such a good read-ing community in Potomac, one that is gen-erous in its donations of good books for re-sale. Almost all books are for sale for verylittle money. Hard covers are $1, soft cov-ers are $.50, children’s books are $.50 - $1and CDs, DVDS, and books on CD are $2.Because of the quality of books and otheritems for sale, the excellent organizationand the low cost of the books, buyers lineup as much as 45 minutes each month be-fore the doors open at 10 a.m. “

The Potomac Library, with the help of theFOLMC, offers programs for young childrenas well as young adults at the Potomac Li-

brary. These include the PreschoolStorytime (3-6 year olds), Potomac Toddlers(12-36 months) and Potomac Cuddleups(birth – 11 months) every Thursday at 10:30a.m., Lego Masters on Mondays from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and the Potomac Chess Group onSaturdays at 3 p.m. The library will alsosponsor “Creating Your College List,” a freeworkshop for 10th, 11th graders and theirparents on March 21, 2 p.m. – and moreevents will be coming up each month.

A new feature at the library is “WirelessWednesdays” where Potomac librarian andtechnology expert Jeff Corber answers ques-tions and helps participants learn moreabout their tablet, Smartphone or e-reader.“We average only about five people each

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week, so you receive individual attentionwith your device — just bring it in and I’llanswer your questions. I help people todownload apps, transfer their files betweentheir devices and learn everything they wantto know about their digital devices,” he said.

Sue Koronowski, the Potomac LibraryBranch manager, said that the library hasjust received a new literacy workstation foryoung users. “It is located near the children’scollection... It’s definitely child-friendly andis already quite popular.”

Wingate said, “The Friends of the Library,Montgomery County, Potomac Chapter’sgoal is to make our library as fun andfriendly as possible — a happy place thatgives back to the community.”

4 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ February 18-24, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Opinion

By William F. Askinazi, Esq., MBA

Just six years ago, Maryland wasranked a healthy third in the nationas a “New Economy” state burgeon-ing with technology companies and

awash with capital. It was ranked 12th out ofthe 50 states as a best climate for business ac-cording to CNBC. Gross domestic product grewat 3.3 percent and seven Fortune 500 compa-nies had their headquarters here. Biotechnol-

ogy was the rage with Mary-land ranking second nation-ally in Milken’s Science and

Technology Index. Over the next six years,under Gov. Martin O’Malley, Maryland legis-lated tax generating casinos, increased taxesacross the board and instituted a “millionaire’stax” to fund social programs. Revenues swelledand the economy soared — right? Wrong.

In 2014, according to a CNBC analysis thatused economic data including competitiveness,access to capital, taxes, and regulations Mary-land plummeted to a rank of 35th as a preferredplace to do business. Maryland retained onlyfour Fortune 500 Company headquarters. Itsgross domestic product had zero growth in2013 placing it nearly last in the nation exceptfor Alaska and the District of Columbia accord-ing to the U.S. Department of Commerce.Maryland’s economic climate had so deterio-rated that in 2013, Gov. Rick Perry from Texaswas emboldened enough to violate a sacrosanctrule of economic development — “ Thou shaltnot obviously poach another state’s economicbounty.” As a self-proclaimed liberator, Gover-nor Perry openly wooed Maryland’s businesspromising those emigrants lower taxes and lessregulation. Maryland had lost its economicswagger and its dignity was threatened. In ashort six-year span Maryland fell from eco-nomic grace and was branded as among oneof the worst places for business. Many pun-dits, including the American Legislative Ex-change Counsel, listed 32 separate tax in-creases instituted by Governor O’Malley sug-gesting that high taxes, over regulation, fiscalmismanagement and a lack of strategic eco-nomic vision were responsible for the economicdecline. Gov.-Elect Larry Hogan rode into of-fice on an electoral wave of dissatisfaction withhis predecessor’s economic policies. What can

Governor Hogan doto reinvigorateMaryland’s competi-tiveness?

Economic develop-ment is a fabric thatincludes transporta-tion, education andhousing. It is not lim-ited to taxes andregulation. Govern-ment incentives or“tax giveaways” as

their protractors like to call them, are popularattraction tools often cited by the press but arenot the main ingredient to attracting qualitycompanies. For example, the Wall St. Journalreported that Georgia lured the Mercedes Benzheadquarters from New Jersey to Atlanta withan economic package of $23M in tax creditsand other incentives. That amounts to about$4,000 per job for the expected 800 jobs. Ac-cording to Jeff Rhodes, a senior consultant forcorporate decisions, “strategic location is moreimportant then incentives that amount to littlemore then a rounding error for Mercedes.” Itis much more likely that Mercedes made itsdecision based on right to work laws, highwaysystems, and accessibility to ports and prox-imity to educated workers.

There are five platforms outside of loweringtaxes and decreasing regulation that GovernorHogan can endorse immediately to increaseMaryland’s competitiveness:

❖ Keep the educated workforce in Marylandthrough tax incentives and credits.

Maryland is first and second in the nationfor the highest percentage of bachelor’s-degreeholders and graduate- and professional-degreeholders, doctoral scientists and engineers. Theworkforce development challenge facing Mary-land is retaining that brainpower. By 2018 it isprojected that of the then available 3.1 mil-lion jobs, 900,000 will be generated in the nexteight years with 67 percent requiring advancedegrees. The University System of MarylandBoard of Regents acknowledges the state’s de-ficiencies in science, technology and math(STEM), noting that Maryland currently pro-duces less than two-thirds of the amount ofSTEM graduates that will be needed by ourstate’s private sector by 2020. Enacting legis-

lation to help students defer or waive collegedebt as long as they commit to a three-yearstay in Maryland is an attractive policy.

❖ Expand affordable housing.Even the best-educated workforce will not

stay in Maryland if they cannot find suitablesafe housing for their families. With housingprices out of control, firefighters, teachers,health care workers and essential first respond-ers cannot live in proximity to where theywork. The Department of Housing workingwith federal agencies needs to expand creditand improve access to mortgages.

❖ Invest in Maryland’s academic/federalpartnerships.

Innovations in Maryland’s economy are bol-stered by research parks, which facilitate jointresearch among universities, state and federalgovernment institutions, and private industry.These parks include: The Johns HopkinsBayview Campus (life sciences research) inBaltimore; and Shady Grove Life Sciences Cen-ter (biomedical & life sciences research) inMontgomery County. Also significant are theApplied Physics Laboratory in Laurel and theSpace Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore,both affiliated with The Johns Hopkins Uni-versity. Federal agencies located in Marylandhave been a catalyst for the State’s technologybase. These include the National Institutes ofHealth, the National Institute of Standards andTechnology, the National Aeronautics andSpace Administration, Goddard Space FlightCenter, and Department of Defense operations.Advanced technology enterprise is especiallystrong in telecommunications, computer sci-ences, and biotechnology. A greater push tocommercialize these technologies will keepMaryland competitive.

❖ Brand Maryland as a “Cyber Capital” state.Our nation is at constant risk from cyber at-

tacks. Our credit cards, privacy, personal secu-rity and even our health are in jeopardy withthis new form of warfare. Maryland’s highereducation offers advanced IT degrees in cybersecurity. With our proximity to the HomelandSecurity and Defense agencies this niche is anatural. Legislation expanding small businesscyber incubators that nurture small companiesoffer capital and services. Programs to mentor

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A Recipe for Economic Revival

Commentary

Askinazi

Motorists andRail CrossingsTo the Editor:

As an expert witness in railroadaccident cases, I have spent count-less hours observing motorist be-havior at the Randolph Road rail-road crossing in Rockville. Manydrivers wait on the tracks for thetraffic light ahead to turn green,while others try to “beat the train”when the flashing lights andsounding bells activate about 20seconds before an oncoming trainarrives. These motorists are flirt-

ing with tragedy — not unlike therecent Metro North accidentwhere six people lost their lives toa vehicle trapped between the de-pressed railroad gates. Since theRandolph Road crossing is alreadyequipped with the most effectivesafety device — automated gates— short of separating the trackfrom the roadway, the only way toreduce motorist danger is to dra-matically change motorist behav-ior.

The current regulatory/railroadindustry approach to affectingmotorist behavior is to educatethem to “stop, look and listen” for

trains. This approach is limited inscope, does not seem to apply togate crossings, and has neverproven to be effective. As a paral-lel, think of motorists drivingthrough stop signs. I believe thatan alternative, effective solution isreadily at hand.

Electricity already exists at theRandolph Road crossing and itwould be very inexpensive tomount cameras on both sides ofthe track. Motorists inappropri-ately entering the track structure,especially after the alarm is acti-vated, would be subject to a $500fine. One fine would pay for the

cameras and additional moniescould be designated for adminis-tration of the program and othersafety needs.

I can’t image that too manypeople would pay $500 to save afew minutes of their time, let alonerisking their lives.

Dr. Harvey A. Levine Potomac

The writer is a transportation consult-ant, was a vice president of theAssociation of American Railroads from1979 to 1997, and has been a specialistin railroad crossing safety over the past18 years.

Letter to the Editor

See Economic Revival, Page 5

Potomac Almanac ❖ February 18-24, 2015 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Email announcements to almanac@connectionnewspapers.com. Include date,time, location, description and contact forevent: phone, email and/or website. Pho-tos and artwork welcome. Deadline isThursday at noon, at least two weeks be-fore event.

THURSDAY/FEB. 19“Montgomery County –

Revitalizing its Suburbs.” 7:45-10 a.m. at the Bethesda NorthMarriott Hotel and ConferenceCenter, 5701 Marinelli Road, NorthBethesda. Gwen Wright, Director ofThe Montgomery County PlanningDepartment, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and PlanningCommission, will present the

County’s ongoing planning efforts.Registration required. Visitwww.montgomeryplanning.org.

FRIDAYS/FEB. 20 AND MARCH 13Volunteer Training. Volunteers take

a two-day training session to leadfree Bone Builders exercise classesthat help prevent falls and fracturescaused by osteoporosis. The one-hourdaytime classes, held twice-weeklythroughout the County, are led bytrained volunteers. Among otheractivities, volunteers willdemonstrate the exercises, encourageand assist participants, and ensure asafe, clutter-free environment. Call240-773-8268 or emailEmily.Glazer@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Photo by Deborah Stevens/The Almanac

Celebrating Valentine’s DayFrom left, standing: Svetlana Choupek, Nancy Heindl,Claire Hermann, Honey Rosen, and Goutam Bagchi;sitting, Judy and Jose Placer, and Hena Bagchi gath-ered to celebrate at the Potomac Community Center’sValentine Luncheon.

News

Bulletin Board

Economic RevivalFrom Page 4

these cyber technologies into thefederal government will attractinternational attention.

❖ Market and utilize the exist-ing bounties that Maryland offers.

Maryland is blessed with geo-graphic diversity, from the moun-tains of western Maryland with itsrich lumber, wind and water re-sources to the agricultural fieldsof the eastern shore. Maryland’shighway network allows tradefrom corner to corner. Baltimore’sports are among the deepest onboth coasts. Its mid-Atlantic loca-tion offers temperate weather and

easy access to a multi-billion dol-lar federal market. Three interna-tional airports are accessible.Maryland is a leader in per capitain on-line usage and is well con-nected for trade.

If Governor Hogan’s cabinet re-sponds to sensible economic poli-cies that include integration andcompatible growth strategies withthe core agencies of housing, edu-cation and transportation thenMaryland will once again be com-petitive and open for business.

Potomac resident Bill Askinazi,Esq.,MBA is a former Assistant Secretaryfor Business and Economic Develop

the grounds where he toiled as aslave. Also every Saturday in Feb-ruary, “The Search for JosiahHenson,” a PBS Time TeamAmerica documentary film will beshown at noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m.On Saturday, Feb. 28, a SpokenWord Poetry Event, “LyricalRhythms: The Sounds of Free-dom,” will be featured. Partici-

pants of all ages and races are wel-come to create and share their own“sounds of freedom” in the formof original poetry, song or otherartistic expressions. A receptionwith light refreshments immedi-ately follows. Parking for JosiahHenson Park events is availableonly at the Kennedy ShriverAquatic Center, 5900 ExecutiveBlvd., North Bethesda.

From Page 2

Underground Railroad

6 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ February 18-24, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Address .............................. BR FB HB ... Postal City .. Sold Price .... Type ...... Lot AC .. PostalCode ....... Subdivision ......... Date Sold

1 1085 PIPESTEM PL ................ 5 .. 2 . 2 ....... POTOMAC ..... $831,500 .... Detached .... 0.20 ......... 20854 .............. FALLSMEAD ............. 12/02/14

2 6 CHERBOURG CT ................ 4 .. 2 . 0 ....... POTOMAC ..... $830,000 .... Detached .... 0.35 ......... 20854 ..... LAKE NORMANDY ESTS .... 12/05/14

3 11212 POWDER HORN DR .... 5 .. 2 . 1 ....... POTOMAC ..... $825,000 .... Detached .... 0.42 ......... 20854 .......... WILLOWBROOK .......... 12/08/14

4 10633 OAKLYN DR ................ 4 .. 3 . 2 ....... POTOMAC ..... $825,000 .... Detached .... 0.51 ......... 20854 ... WILLIAMSBURG GARDENS .. 12/05/14

5 10211 COLEBROOK AVE ....... 5 .. 2 . 1 ...... ROCKVILLE ..... $802,000 .... Detached .... 0.35 ......... 20854 ........... BEDFORDSHIRE .......... 12/10/14

6 10005 AUTUMNWOOD WAY . 4 .. 2 . 1 ....... POTOMAC ..... $765,000 .... Detached .... 0.35 ......... 20854 .............. GLEN OAKS ............. 12/29/14

7 11407 CEDAR RIDGE DR N .... 3 .. 3 . 1 ...... ROCKVILLE ..... $757,500 .... Townhouse . 0.06 ......... 20854 ......... POTOMAC CREST ........ 12/12/14

8 11808 BEEKMAN PL .............. 4 .. 2 . 1 ....... POTOMAC ..... $757,500 .... Detached .... 0.97 ......... 20854 ........ GLEN MILL VILLAGE ....... 12/12/14

9 10914 CANDLELIGHT LN ....... 4 .. 2 . 1 ....... POTOMAC ..... $756,000 .... Detached .... 0.24 ......... 20854 ............... FOX HILLS .............. 12/05/14

10 9101 ORCHARD BROOK DR .. 4 .. 2 . 1 ....... POTOMAC ..... $755,000 .... Detached .... 0.38 ......... 20854 ...... POTOMAC COMMONS ..... 12/08/14

Copyright 2015 RealEstate Business Intelligence. Source: MRIS as of January 15, 2015.

Potomac REAL ESTATEPotomac REAL ESTATEDecember, 2014 Sales,

$755,000~$831,500

In December 2014, 57 Potomac homes

sold between $2,500,000-$412,000.

2 6 Cherbourg Court — $830,000

3 11212 Powder Horn Drive — $825,000

5 10211ColebrookAvenue —$802,000

6 10005AutumnwoodWay —$765,000

7 11407 Cedar RidgeDrive North — $757,500

10 9101 Orchard Brook Drive — $755,000

Potomac Almanac ❖ February 18-24, 2015 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

LET’S TALKReal Estate

For professional advice on all aspectsof buying and selling real estate, call:

MICHAEL MATESELong & Foster Realtors

301-806-6829Mike@michaelmatese.com

by Michael Matese

Swimming PoolTrends

As summer nears (or even whenits balmy memory is keeping youwarm in wintertime), the thoughts ofmany homeowners turn to thoughtsof lounging by the pool and ways toimprove the overall ambiance of yourpool area. Both traditional, in-ground pools and more cost-effective,above-ground options are bothchoices that add hours of endlessenjoyment to a home while you’reliving in it, and dollar value to homeson the market.

For both options, there are anynumber of ways to spruce up the poolarea of a home on the market, mak-ing it ever more appealing to the pro-spective buyer. When it comes todecking material, paving stones arean option that is fast-growing inpopularity. Industry professionalscite advantages to paving stones suchas their ability to outperform, outlastand outshine stone set in mortar,grass, wood, concrete or brick whenit comes to flexibility, durability andstrength. Paving stones are availablein a variety of colors and sizes, laywell if installed properly and are lesssusceptible to shifting, sagging,cracking and separating.

Above-ground pool owners, aswith traditional in-ground pools,should consider adding decking andfencing to the above-ground poolunit—with just a few minor upgradesthat are cost-efficient, your afford-able pool option can add untold valueto your home’s asking price. Onceyou’ve taken the time to invest in theappearance and function of your poolarea, not only do you have the cool-est place to spend your hottestmonths, but you’ve got a sizzling fea-ture to display to buyers when yourhome hits the market!

By Marilyn Campbell

The Almanac

Fourth grade student Eli West crafteda poem this month that was modeledafter Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous,“I Have a Dream” speech. As part of

February’s month-long celebration of the his-tory and culture of African-Americans, fourthgrade students at Norwood School in Bethesdawrote and delivered poems reminiscent of thespeech that the famous civil right leader deliv-ered in 1963. The students also delivered theirverses before Norwood’s lower school commu-nity.

“I learned more about Martin Luther King,Jr. I learned that he was a very spiritual man,”said West.

The exercise was part of a broader lesson inhonor of Black History Month, a time whenstudents learn about the history of African-Americans as that history is incorporated in tothe overall curriculum of many schools. Fromconcerts to school projects, there are opportu-nities to join the month-long celebration.

“Black History Month is a time to honor theaccomplishments of the African-American menand women who have made contributions tothe world in spite of the injustice they faced,”said Sandi Hannibal, Director of Multiculturaland Ethical Education at Norwood School.“One might ask why it is necessary to high-light these accomplishments in 2015. After all,we have lived through the Civil Rights Era andthe Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964. Wehave a black president. We have made so muchprogress. All of this is true, but in some schoolsthe contributions and accomplishments of Af-rican-Americans are not woven into the over-all curriculum, so it is important that Black His-tory Month provides an opportunity to learnabout prominent African-Americans in a veryintentional manner.”

Some educators are encouraging students to

independent schools in the District of Colum-bia, Maryland and Virginia explored some ofthe tools needed for cross-cultural understand-ing.

Among the observances in Fairfax CountyVirginia, George Mason University PotomacArts Academy and George Mason UniversitySchool of Music will present a Black HistoryMonth celebration concert on Saturday, Feb.21, called, “The Dream Lives On.”

The Mason Wind Symphony and Vocal Stud-ies Students, Mason Spiritual Ensemble willjoin local church choirs and elementary schoolchoirs in a performance of gospel, spirituals,jazz and original compositions. The concert isdesigned to honor the legacy of Martin LutherKing, Jr. and other African-American leaders.

Black History Month Celebrations

take time to ponder the history of African-Americans. “It’s more than just the Jim CrowLaws. There’re a whole host of things that Af-rican-Americans have done,” said Lisa Styles,school counselor at Arlington Public School’sCareer Center in Arlington.

St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School, in Alexan-dria, Va., will host a Middle School StudentDiversity Conference on Friday, Feb. 20.

“Students at the middle school age are try-ing to learn who they are. We want to exposekids to the ideas of identity, inclusive behav-ior, and respect, and to let them know that whatthey feel matters,” said KiKi Davis, St. Stephen’s& St. Agnes School director of multiculturaleducation, diversity, and equity initiatives. “Wewant to give them tools to become leaders intheir own schools, and it starts with being ableto talk about diversity and social justice issuesat their developmental level. What it looks liketo them, in their lives, at this age.”

St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Potomachosted a regional diversity conference earlierthis month called “Diversity in the DMV” Con-ference. More than 200 representatives from

Local students learnabout the history andaccomplishments ofAfrican-Americans.

Photo courtesy of Norwood School

Students at Norwood School in Bethesda wrote poems modeled after MartinLuther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech and recited them at a schoolassembly.

Black History MonthCelebration Concert

Saturday, Feb. 21, 11a.m. at the GMU Center for theArts, Fairfax. $5 for children, students and seniors; $10for adults. For tickets, call 888-945-2468 or visit http://cfa.gmu.edu/calendar/1830/. For program ques-tions, call 703-993-9889

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Must be a prolific, efficient, accuratewriter/rewriter with good basic knowledgeof AP style and clean copy. Self-starter withexcellent time management skills who canto work independently and collaborativelywith strong organizational skills, highproductivity, attention to detail. Excitingopportunity to learn from excellent editors.

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and online, including calendar & entertain-ment listings, news briefs, crime reports,business briefs, school and education notes,faith notes, photo galleries, etc.

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8 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ February 18-24, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Entertainment

Email community entertainment eventsto almanac@connectionnewspapers.com.Include date, time, location, descriptionand contact for event: phone, email and/or website. Photos and artwork welcome.Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least twoweeks before event.

ONGOING“A Day at the Pool.” Through Feb. 23

at Photoworks Gallery at Glen EchoPark, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard,Glen Echo. “A Day at the Pool”depicts the anxiety that underlies amother’s love. Na’ama Batya Lewin isa photographer and video artistliving in Maryland. Her art oftenexplores the roles of women insociety. Lewin has served as adjunctfaculty at the Corcoran College of Artand Design for 11 years. The Galleryis open Saturday, 1-4 p.m.; Sunday,1-8 p.m. and and any time aphotography class is underway. Visitwww.glenechophotoworks.org formore.

“About 286,000,000 Results.”Through Feb. 22 at VisArts, CommonGround Gallery, 2nd Floor, 155 GibbsSt., Rockville. Nancy Daly’s currentbody of work examines how thedevelopment of the online socialworld is affecting identity and socialbehavior. Visit www.visartscenter.orgor call 301-315-8200.

East of Sheridan. Through March 1 atVisArts, Gibbs Street Gallery, 1stFloor, 155 Gibbs St., Rockville. LainiNemett’s recent paintings andconstructions piece togetherfragments of place to investigateways of both conceiving andexperiencing “home.” Visitwww.visartscenter.org or call 301-315-8200.

“Suspension.” Through March 1 atVisArts, Kaplan Gallery, 2nd Floor,155 Gibbs St., Rockville.Experimental/film artists selectedthree artists to present their work ina series of one-person exhibitions.Visit www.visartscenter.org or call301-315-8200.

“Jewels” by Wayson Jones.Through March 1, Saturdays andSundays, noon-6 p.m. at the StoneTower Gallery, Glen Echo Park, 7300MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo ParkPartnership presents “Jewels” byWayson Jones. The exhibitionshowcases original paintings andcollages. The work includes abstract,minimal landscapes that can beviewed from a dual perspective: thehorizon line seen from a normal viewshifts to become a shoreline orborder as seen from the air. Visitwww.glenechopark.org or call 301-634-2222.

The Silk Work of Diane Tuckman.Through March 1, Monday-Saturday,10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Park View Gallery,Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthurBlvd. Glen Echo Park Partnershippresents a solo exhibition featuringthe work of silk painter DianeTuckman. Her pieces are full of colorand can be displayed or worn. Visitwww.glenechopark.org or call 301-634-2222.

“Aladdin.” Feb. 19 through March 16at The Puppet Co., Glen Echo Park,7300 MacArthur Blvd. From ancientPersia comes this tale, true to theoriginal “One Thousand and OneArabian Nights,” full of genies,wizards, magic caves, exoticprincesses, and an elephant. Half life-size rod puppets and special effectsmake this production exciting andexotic theater. Recommended forkindergarten-grade 6. 50 Minutes.Visit www.thepuppetco.org.

Winter Programs. Through March 29,2 p.m. Join Chesapeake and OhioCanal National Historical Parkrangers and volunteers at the HistoricGreat Falls Tavern for interpretiveprograms and activities during thewinter season. Visitors canparticipate in a Ranger’s Choice

Program at 2 p.m. on Fridays,Saturdays, and Sundays. Call aheadto confirm programs in the event ofinclement weather. Entrance fee tothe park of $5 per vehicle. Programsare free. The Great Falls, Marylandarea of the Chesapeake and OhioCanal National Historical Park islocated at the intersection of FallsRoad and MacArthur Boulevard inPotomac. Call 301-767-3714 or visitwww.nps.gov/choh.

VisArts Cocktails and CanvasClass. at VisArts in the Painting &Drawing Studio, 155 Gibbs Street,Rockville. Price $40. Visitwww.visartsatrockville.org/cocktails-and-canvas for more.

Weekly Blues Dance. Thursdays8:15-11:30 p.m. in the Back RoomAnnex at Glen Echo Park, 7300MacArthur Blvd. Capital Bluespresents rotating DJs and instructorswith beginner workshop 8:15-9 p.m.,no partner necessary. $8 for all. Visitcapitalblues.org for more.

Weekly Swing Dance. Saturdays, 8p.m.-midnight. The DC LindyExchange presents a swing dancewith live music in the SpanishBallroom, Glen Echo Park, 7300MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo.Beginner swing dance lesson at 8p.m., followed by dancing untilmidnight. Admission $16-$18, age 17and under $12. Visitwww.glenechopark.org for more.

Argentine Tango with Lessons.Most Sundays, 6:30-11 p.m. in theBack Room Annex at Glen Echo Park,7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo.Argentine Tango lessons followed bya Milonga most Sunday evenings.Beginner lesson 6:30-7:30 p.m. andintermediate lesson 7:30-8:30 p.m.Cost is $15/lesson and includes theMilonga. For just the Milonga, cost is$10 and the open dance with DJ runs8:30-11 p.m. No partner required.Visit www.glenechopark.org or call301-634-2222 for more.

Contra and Square Dance. Fridaysand Sundays 7-10:30 p.m. in theSpanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park,7300 MacArthur Blvd. The eveningcan include square dances, mixers,waltzes and other couple dances. AllContra and Square dances are taught,no partner necessary. Lessons at 7p.m., followed by the called dancewith live music at 7:30. $13 fornonmembers, $10 for FSGWmembers, $5 ages 17 and under. Visitwww.glenechopark.org or call 301-634-2222 for more.

Late Night Comedy. Fridays (openmic night) and Saturdays(established comedians) at Benny’sBar & Grill, 7747 Tuckerman Lane,Potomac. Benny’s is open 8 a.m.-1a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Visitwww.BennysBarGrill.com.

Drop in Art Activities. EverySaturday 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in theCandy Corner Studio at Glen EchoPark, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., parentsand children can explore a new art

form or theme. $10/child, parentcombo. Drop-in only. Visitwww.pgip.org for more.

Mommy & Me (& Daddy, Too).Third Tuesday each month. 10 a.m.at Rockville Town Square. Meet for amorning out with active learning andcreative play with lunch specials,story time, arts and crafts, sing-a-longs, prizes and more. Visitrockvilletownsquare.com/events/mommy-and-me.

Live Music & Dancing. Fridays andSaturdays, 7-11 p.m. in Margery’sLounge, Normandie Farm Restaurant10710 Falls Road. Dance to the musicof Barry Gurley. Call 301-983-8838or visit www.popovers.com for more.

Glen Echo Park Films. Saturdays andSundays. Arcade Building, 7300MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Filmsabout the Park’s history are shown onrotation in the lobby. Free. Visitwww.glenechopark.org for more.

SilverWorks Studio & Gallery.Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdaysand Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. GlenEcho Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd.,Glen Echo. SilverWorks Studio &Gallery is a working silversmithstudio and includes an ongoingexhibition, as well as sales of thework of artist-in-residence BlairAnderson. Free. Visitwww.silverworksglenechopark.com.

Art Glass Center at Glen Echo. Allday Wednesdays; Fridays, 10 a.m.-2p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.;Sundays, noon-4 p.m. Art GlassCenter, Glen Echo Park, 7300MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Ongoingexhibitions feature work of ResidentArtists Christine Hekimian, Sue Hill,Michele Rubin, Sherry Selevan, Bevand Zayde Sleph and JanetWittenberg. Sculpture, vessels,functional art and jewelry are forsale. Classes are taught year-roundfor beginner, intermediate andadvanced students. Visitwww.artglasscenteratglenecho.orgfor more.

Glen Echo Pottery. ThroughDecember, Saturdays and Sundays,noon-5 p.m. Glen Echo Pottery, 7300MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. TheGallery shows the work of 29individual potters and instructors atGlen Echo Pottery. Wheel-throwingdemonstrations are offered mostSaturdays and Sundays, noon-2 p.m.Children are welcome. Visitwww.glenechopottery.com/galleryfor more.

Yellow Barn Studio & Gallery.Saturdays and Sundays, noon-5 p.m.The Yellow Barn Studio & Gallerypresents free exhibitions of emergingartists’ work. Each weekend featuresthe work of a different artist. Mostartwork is also for sale. Visitwww.yellowbarnstudio.com formore.

BLACK HISTORY MONTHMontgomery Parks, part of the

Maryland-National Capital Park andPlanning Commission will celebrateBlack History Month with a series offree public events at Josiah HensonPark each Saturday in February.Josiah Henson Park is a historicresource of international significancebecause of its association withReverend Henson, whose 1849autobiography, “The Life of JosiahHenson, Formerly a Slave,” inspiredHarriet Beecher Stowe’s landmarknovel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” Eventsinclude:

* Free guided tours by parkarchaeologists and volunteersretracing the footsteps of ReverendJosiah Henson from his enslavementon the former Isaac Riley plantationto his escape on the UndergroundRailroad to freedom in Canada.

* Hourly screenings, starting at noon, ofthe PBS Time Team Americadocumentary, “The Search for JosiahHenson,” which reveals newdiscoveries about the plantationresulting from a three-day intensivearchaeological dig.

* The spoken word poetry event, “LyricalRhythms: The Sounds of Freedom,”on Saturday, February 28 will featureforms of original poetry, song andother artistic expressions fromparticipants of all ages.

Josiah Henson Park is located a shortwalk from the White Flint Metro(red) line, and parking for theseevents is available at the ShriverAquatic Center, 5900 Executive Blvd.,North Bethesda. In the event ofsevere weather, call 301-650-4373 inadvance to confirm the park will beopen. Visitwww.montgomeryparks.org formore.

CAMPS, CLASSES & WORKSHOPSCamp Open House. Sunday, Feb. 22,

5 p.m. at 11140 Rockville Pike,Rockville. Fitness for Healthprofessionals in collaboration withCenter for Communication andLearning Speech LanguagePathologists, will provide anintegrated movement and socialcognitive thinking program. Oneweek sessions, $455-$675. Visitwww.fitnessforhealth.org or call 301-231-7138.

KID Museum at Davis Library, 6400Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, has threefive-week after-school programs Feb.25-March 25. Call 301-897-5437 orvisit www.kid-museum.org for more.

❖ Intro to Raspberry Pi Robotics,grades 4-5 and 6-8

❖ Design and Build a PercussionInstrument, grades 4-5 and 6-8

❖ All About that Bass (creating ofmusic using professional-grade DJequipment), grades 4-5 or 6 and up.

Registration Open. The spring issueof the Montgomery County Guide forRecreation and Parks Programsfeatures a variety of classes andprograms designed to help

participants stay active and have fun,including aquatics, sports,therapeutic recreation services andactive adult senior programming.Registration is available online, bymail or in person at the MontgomeryCounty Recreation AdministrativeOffices at 4010 Randolph Road,Silver Spring, or by fax at 240-777-6818. Visitwww.montgomerycountymd.gov/recor call 240-777-6840 for more.

VisArts, 155 Gibbs St., Rockville, offersa variety of camp sessions for springand summer. Visitwww.visartscenter.org or call 301-315-8200.

❖ Spring CampsKids Create. April 3-10. Enjoy a full

day of spring theme crafts (ages 6-12).

Lola’s Lab. April 6-10. A performanceart camp where imagination flowsthrough interactive stories,expressive arts, and fantasy (ages 5-10).

❖ Summer CampsOne-week and two-week sessions offered

June 15-Aug. 21, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.Before care and extended care isavailable.

Young Artists. One-week sessions thatnurture the budding talents ofstudents with age-appropriate visualart projects in an assortment ofmedia (ages 5-6).

Artistic Adventures. Two-weeksessions that promote creativity aschildren experience an assortment ofvisual art media and are exposed togallery exhibitions (ages 7-12).

Art Quest. One-week sessions thatpromote creativity as childrenexperience an assortment of visualart media and are exposed to galleryexhibitions (ages 7-12).

Lola’s Lab. June 29-July 2 or Aug. 17-21. A performance art camp whereimagination flows through interactivestories, expressive arts, and fantasy(ages 5-10).

❖ Teen CampsOne-week half-day sessions offered July

6-31, 8:30-11:30 a.m.; 12:15-3:15p.m.

Teen Art Institute. Teens explorefused glass, painting and drawing.Camp will be held at VisArts (ages13-18).

Teen Art Institute. This ceramic classgives teens the opportunity toexplore clay in depth withhandbuilding and the wheel. Campwill be held in the art ceramic atRichard Montgomery High School(ages 13-18).

2015 Musical Theatre IntensiveSummer Camp. For actors, dancersand singers ages 13-18. The programwill run for two weeks from July 12-25 at the Sandy Spring FriendsSchool in Sandy Spring, Md. Camperscan participate in daytime orovernight camp. The daytime campwill feature students in a finalshowcase the last Friday of camp.Students who participate in the

Empty BowlsEmpty Bowls is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger. The premise is simple: potters and other craftspeople, educators and others work with the

community to create handcrafted bowls. Attendees are invited to a simple meal of soup and bread. During the evening, the VisArts resident artist studios andgalleries will be open. There will be a silent auction to benefit Nourish Now. Empty Bowls will take place Wednesday, Feb. 25, 6-8 p.m. in the Buchanan EventRoom, 2nd Floor, VisArts, 155 Gibbs St., Rockville. Early Bird begins at 5:30 p.m. $25-$35. Visit www.visartscenter.org or call 301-315-8200.

Potomac Almanac ❖ February 18-24, 2015 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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SPECIAL CONNECTIONS CALENDAR

Entertainment

overnight intensive camp will take partin a full production of the musical“Once on this Island!” Early birddiscounts are available to those whoregister before Feb. 1. Visitwww.youngartistsamerica.org formore.

Art Explorers Open Studio. EverySaturday, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at TheCandy Corner Studio, 7300MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Artactivities for parents and children.Activities change weekly and there isno pre-registration; $10 per child.Vist www.glenechopark.org/saturday-art-explorers for more.

Ceramic Classes. Various dates andtimes. VisArts, 155 Gibbs St,Rockville. An opportunity to try thenew ceramic workshops. Visitwww.visartsatrockville.org/ceramicsfor a list of class dates, times.

FRIDAY/JAN. 30-SUNDAY/MARCH 8“Petite Rouge, A Cajun Red Riding

Hood.” Through Sunday, March 8 atAdventure Theatre MTC, Glen EchoPark, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. Take atoe-tapping trip to the bayou in thisfamily-friendly, Zydeco-drivenmusical soaked in N’awlins hot sauce.Based on the classic fairy tale andadapted from the book by Mike Artelland Jim Harris, a red-hoodedduckling named Petite Rouge and hersidekick cat lead the Big Bad Gatoron a wild “duck” chase through NewOrleans and Mardi Gras. Will theymake it to Grandmere’s house with abasket full of Cajun goodies? Visitwww.adventuretheatre-mtc.org tolearn more.

WEDNESDAY/FEB. 18Snapshot Day. Montgomery County

Public Libraries will help celebrateFebruary as Library Lovers Month byparticipating in the fifth annualLibrary Snapshot Day. On SnapshotDay, MCPL will compile statistics,customer comments, photographsand other data chronicling a typicallibrary day. Special activities willinclude VIP Read activities atselected libraries. Visit the LibraryLovers Month graphic on the scroll atwww.montgomerycountymd.gov/library.

FEB. 21-MARCH 15“Out of Nothing.” Through March 15,

Saturdays and Sundays, noon-6 p.m.at the Popcorn Gallery, Glen EchoPark, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. GlenEcho Park Partnership presents “OutOf Nothing,” curated by BlairAnderson, director of resident artiststudio SilverWorks, and MichaelEdwards, curator with The NationalArt Gallery of the Bahamas. Theexhibition highlights the new workthat is emerging from the Bahamasand marks the first year of anongoing international culturalexchange. Visitwww.glenechopark.org or call 301-634-2222.

SATURDAY/FEB. 21Family Workshop. 2-5 p.m. at

VisArts, 155 Gibbs St., Rockville. Picka zodiac and VisArts will provide thepartially sketched 12 x 12 canvas,paint, brushes, easels, paints, apronand instructor. Learn the basics ofacrylic painting while enjoying thecompany of friends and family. $15.Visit www.visartscenter.org or call301-315-8200.

Play in a Day. 8 p.m. at ImaginationStage’s Lerner Theater, 4908 AuburnAve., Bethesda. Six professionalWashington, D.C. area theatrecompanies will write, direct, rehearseand perform original plays based onsimilar themes in only 24 hours. Theplays will be presented at the 11thannual Play In A Day, at Imagination

Stage’s Lerner Theater. $15 online orat the door, beginning at 7 p.m. Call301-215-6660 or visitwww.bethesda.org for more.

Tiny Tots “Sing-a-Long.” 10 a.m. atGlen Echo Park, Glen Echo Park,7300 MacArthur Blvd. Running timeis 30 minutes. Tickets $5. No onlinefees. Pre-purchases recommended.Visit www.thepuppetco.org or call301-634-5380.

SUNDAY/FEB.22Tiny Tots: Old McDonald’s Farm.

10 a.m. at Glen Echo Park, Glen EchoPark, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. Runningtime is 30 minutes. Tickets $5. Noonline fees. Pre-purchasesrecommended. Visitwww.thepuppetco.org or call 301-634-5380.

TUESDAY/FEB. 24Skate Champion Send-off. 7 p.m. at

Wheaton Ice Arena, 11717 OrebaughAve., Wheaton. Montgomery Parks iscelebrating local ice skatingchampions who grew up training atWheaton and Cabin John ice arenas.The skaters will be performing invarious competitions in the U.S. andabroad, representing a number ofcategories, including speed skating,ice dance and figure skating andsynchronized skating. Skaters willperform and be available forautographs and photographs. Thefree event is open to the public. Visitwww.WheatonIceArena.com andwww.CabinJohnIce.com or call 301-905-3000 for more.

WEDNESDAY/FEB. 25Tiny Tots: Baby Bear’s Birthday. 10

a.m. at Glen Echo Park, Glen EchoPark, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. Runningtime is 30 minutes. Tickets $5. Noonline fees. Pre-purchasesrecommended. Visitwww.thepuppetco.org or call 301-634-5380.

Empty Bowls. 6-8 p.m. in theBuchanan Event Room, 2nd Floor,VisArts, 155 Gibbs St., Rockville.Empty Bowls is an internationalgrassroots effort to fight hunger. Thepremise is simple: potters and othercraftspeople, educators and otherswork with the community to createhandcrafted bowls. Attendees areinvited to a simple meal of soup andbread. During the evening, theVisArts resident artist studios andgalleries will be open. There will be asilent auction to benefit NourishNow. Early Bird begins at 5:30 p.m.$25-$35. Visit www.visartscenter.orgor call 301-315-8200.

Class of 88 in Concert. 7:30 p.m. atSaint Mark Presbyterian Church,10701 Old Georgetown Road,Rockville. Keyboardists Jon Carroll,Brian Simms and Bill Starks cometogether to make up Class of 88. $12-$20 advance, $20 door. Call 301-960-3655 or visit www.imtfolk.org.

THURSDAY/FEB. 26Potomac Community Village

Fundraiser. 4-9 p.m. at PotomacPizza, 9812 Falls Road, Potomac.Anyone who comes in and tells theirserver they are there in support ofPotomac Community Village willhave 20 percent of their dine-in orcarry-out bill donated back toPotomac Community Village. Visitwww.PotomacCommunityVillage.orgor call 240-221-1370.

THURSDAY-SATURDAY/FEB. 26-28“Arcadia.” 7 p.m. at Walt Whitman

High School’s Daryl ShawAuditorium, 7100 Whittier Blvd.,Bethesda. Widely considered to beone of the most influential pieces incontemporary theater, Tom

Stoppard’s “Arcadia” explores theintertwined stories of two casts ofcharacters from two different eras: a19th century British family and the20th century historians determinedto discover their secrets. $20. Emailwhitmandramatickets@gmail.com formore.

FRIDAY/FEB. 27Bingo Night. 7-9 p.m. at the Clara

Barton Community Center, 7425MacArthur Blvd., Cabin John.Montgomery County Council MemberRoger Berliner (District 1) and MarcKorman, our Delegate (District 16) inthe Maryland House of Delegates willcall the bingo numbers. One bingocard, good for the whole night, willcost $5. Winners will choose modestprizes from an adult table or achildren’s table, as appropriate, andprizes for all kids at the close of theevening. Pizza, popcorn, and drinkswill be available at a moderate price.Call the Center at 240-777-4910 or -4911, or visit FriendsCBCC.org.

SATURDAY/FEB. 28Portfolio Reviews. 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

at Photoworks, Glen Echo Park, 7300MacArthur Blvd. MasterPhotographer Ernesto Bazan willreview with photographers one-on-one. $150 for up to 30 prints. Visitglenechophotoworks.org forinformation and tickets.

Lecture & Book Signing. 3-5 p.m. atGlen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthurBlvd. Photoworks at Glen Echo Parkpresents award-winningphotographer Ernesto Bazan as thefirst lecturer in the Elsie HullMemorial Lecture Series 2015. $25.Visit glenechophotoworks.org forinformation and tickets.

SUNDAY/MARCH 1Book Sale. 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Beth

Sholom Congregation, 11825 SevenLocks Road, Potomac. Beth SholomCongregation Library book sale willbe held during the annual PurimCarnival. Visit bethsholom.org or call301-279-7010.

Waltz Dance. 2:45-6 p.m. at theSpanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park,7300 MacArthur Blvd. Introductorywaltz workshop, 2:45-3:30 p.m.;dance, 3:30-6 p.m. featuring theensemble Taylor Among the Devilsplaying a lively mix of folk waltzeswith a few other couple dances. $10,no partner required. Call Joan Kouryat 202-238-0230 or Glen Echo Parkat 301-634-2222, go towww.WaltzTimeDances.org or e-mailinfo@WaltzTimeDances.org.

SATURDAY/MARCH 7Washington Conservatory 2014-15

Piano Plus! Concerts. 8 p.m.Westmoreland Congregational UnitedChurch of Christ, 1 WestmorelandCircle, Bethesda. Concert seriesfeatures members of the WashingtonConservatory faculty and guestartists. Free (pay-as-you-can,donations welcome). Visitwww.washingtonconservatory.org orcall 301-320-2770 for more.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY/MARCH 20-21Bethesda Film Fest. 7 p.m. and 9

p.m. screenings at Imagination Stage,4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda.Bethesda Film Fest will promote andhonor the work of local and regionaldocumentary filmmakers with aformal screening featuring up to fiveshort documentary films byfilmmakers from Maryland, Virginiaand the District of Columbia. Adocumentary by a young filmmaker,under 18 years of age, may also bechosen. Visit www.bethesda.org orcall 301-215-6660.

10 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ February 18-24, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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I’m not a night owl. More of an earlybird, worms notwithstanding. But giventhe contents of last week’s column,“Scantsy,” I find it difficult to write aboutanything else while waiting for the resultsof my CT Scan. I mean, nothing mattersmore than these results in determiningmy next course of treatment/quality oflife/life expectancy, so to pretend other-wise is a bit naive; and expecting a soundsleep is equally challenging, so here I am,2:04 A.M., early Sunday morning,February 15th.

I can take it, really. I can function. Youcouldn’t tell by looking at me or talking tome to know that I think my life may hangin the balance. After nearly six years ofscanning and waiting, I’ve found mylevel. I’m not morose or depressed or pre-occupied, but I am something. Stuck in akind of neutral, sort of. And though I amstill positive about this negative, to say Ican joke about it/be dismissive about it,or be unaffected by the potentially hugelycomplicated result as yet unknown,would be a bit presumptuous on my partand define “naive” in an entirely newway.

Certainly I understand that cancer is adisease and not necessarily impacted bymy hopes and prayers; still, I’ve neverwanted to be disrespectful of it. I’ve neverspoken or written arrogantly about anysuccess I’ve had combating this terribledisease any more than I would kick a manwhen he’s down. If, for the time being,cancer is not having its way with me, andI am able to semi go about my regularbusiness – until the next CT Scan threemonths hence that is, then I am one luckyson-of-a-gun and humbled by my amaz-ing good fortune. And until I know theresults – definitely by my next appoint-ment on Friday, February 20th, I amsleeping at night only intermittently andliving my days fatigued by the lack ofsleep accumulating from the previousnights before. I’m not complaining. I’mjust saying why it’s 2:34 A.M. and I’m sit-ting on the edge of my bed hunched overand scribbling into this notebook.

The related problem is the speculation;being able to leave well enough alone, ifit is well enough. And therein lies thedilemma. Somewhat surprisingly, myscheduled infusion went in as scheduledthis past Friday. Typically, if there hadbeen a change for the worse, treatmentwould have been delayed until my nextappointment, where the oncologist andteam Lourie would discuss the options.But that didn’t happen. Does that meanthat my scan results were still encouragingand thus there’s no reason to change, orwas it too close to the appointment tobother stopping and restarting again, if infact that was our decision? Maybe?Perhaps? What if? What do I know? Moreimportantly: What does my oncologistknow?

So we wait. I’m not happy about it, butI am used to it. And even my wife, Dina,has gotten used to the delay; my brother,Richard, also. Still, it doesn’t make it anyeasier, as odd as that may sound. Justfamiliar. I wish there were a differentmeans to this madness, but apparentlythere isn’t. Cancer rules, and I’m here toplay fair – out of respect.

Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

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Potomac Almanac ❖ February 18-24, 2015 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Potomac Almanac Sports Editor Jon Roetman

703-752-4031 or jroetman@connectionnewspapers.com

See www.potomacalmanac.com

Whitman BoysLose to RM

The Whitman boys’ basketball team lostto Richard Montgomery 56-44 on Friday,giving the Vikings back-to-back losses fol-lowing a four-game win streak.

Whitman (10-9) will travel to faceKennedy at 5:15 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20.

Churchill GirlsBeat B-CC

The Churchill girls’ basketball team edgedBethesda Chevy-Chase 43-40 on Friday,improving the Bulldogs’ record to 10-1 dur-ing the 2015 portion of their schedule.

Churchill will travel to face Watkins Millon Feb. 23.

Wootton GirlsBlast Springbrook

The Wootton girls’ basketball team wonits 12th straight game and improved to 17-3 with a 61-25 victory over Springbrook onFriday.

Cece Kobylski led Wootton with 15 points.The Patriots will host Poolesville at 7 p.m.

on Friday, Feb. 20.

By Jon Roetman

The Almanac

The 2013-14 Whitman girls’ bas-ketball team, which had won 20games in row, picked a terribletime to lay an egg.

After surviving a close game against Blair,Whitman struggled on offense againstKennedy in the sectional final, includingnumerous missed shots from close to therim. The result was a 46-37 season-endingloss that left the Vikings with a 21-3 recordand a sour taste in their mouths.

Two days later, it was back to work.“We lost to Kennedy on a Wednesday,”

Whitman head coach Pete Kenah said, “andAbby [Meyers] and Hannah [Niles] andMarie [Hatch] and Betsy [Knox] had meopen up the weight room for them on Fri-day. It has just continued the whole time —those guys are on a mission.”

Nearly one year later, Whitman has yetto lose during the 2014-15 season. On Feb.13, the Vikings thumped Richard Montgom-ery 53-33 to improve their record to 17-0.Whitman is ranked No. 4 in the Washing-ton Post’s top 20, and is the only ranked

Season for Ice Hockey

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Ross Allen enjoys playing icehockey on the canal.

Leslie Kenna and CarrickSouthall were among a group ofpeople gathered for ice hockeyon the canal Monday, Feb. 16.

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Riley Shaver and the Whitmanboys’ basketball team lost toRichard Montgomery 56-44 on Feb.13.

Sports Briefs

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Whitman sophomore Abby Meyersgoes up for a shot against RichardMontgomery on Feb. 13.

Marie Hatch and the Whitmangirls’ basketball team improved to17-0 with a win over RichardMontgomery on Feb. 13.

Whitman Girls’ Basketball Eyes Undefeated SeasonSports

Vikings motivatedby 2014 playoff lossto Kennedy.

team without a loss.The Vikings returned some talented play-

ers from last year’s team who are fueled byhow the season ended.

“They’re incredibly motivated by lastyear’s playoff loss,” Kenah said. “It’s abyproduct of that.”

Whitman has regular season games re-

maining against Blair (Vikings won firstmatchup by 18 points), Kennedy (losingrecord) and Northwood (losing record),making it likely the Vikings will enter thepostseason undefeated. Niles said an unde-feated record was one of the players’ goalsthis season.

Whitman, which won a state champion-ship in 1995, has never had an undefeatedseason.

“I would say it gets brought up,” Niles saidabout an undefeated record, “but I wouldn’tsay we let it get to our heads.”

Whitman has reason to be confident. The

Vikings have defeated all 15 of the Mary-land public schools they have faced by atleast 10 points, including a 61-51 win overPaint Branch on Jan. 20, which accountsfor the Panthers’ only loss.

Whitman opened the season with a 56-51 win over Good Counsel, a private schoolin the WCAC, on Dec. 5, and defeatedPotomac High School (Virginia) 49-43 onDec. 13.

“Any naysayers who think we haven’tplayed anyone,” Kenah said, “we’ve [faced]quality competition.”

Whitman is led by the trio of Meyers,Hatch and Niles. Meyers, a 6-foot sopho-more, leads the team in scoring at 16.4points per game, according to stats from theWashington Post’s allmetsports.com. Hatch,a 5-10 junior, is averaging 9.5 points percontest and Niles, a 5-foot-9 junior, is aver-aging 9.3.

How do the Vikings stay focused whiledominating opponents?

“One of the things we have to focus on iskeep our composure and keeping level-headed,” Niles said. “We have to come intoevery game knowing that we’re great andhaving that ego, but being able to controlthat ego.”

With the playoffs approaching, the Vi-kings can simply look back to the end oflast season if they need to re-focus.

“Last year … I think that we came intothe game overconfident,” Meyers said. “…That loss last year, it helped us learn com-ing into the playoffs, it’s zero-zero and wejust have to give it our all and play Whitmanbasketball, just like we did from the start ofthe season against Good Counsel.”

Whitman is scheduled to face Kennedy at7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20 at Kennedy HighSchool.

12 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ February 18-24, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com