Poolesville Subway Robbed at Gunpoint Something Here Is Ripe for Rustling

October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 1

Inside the Monocle

A Biweekly Newspaper October 7, 2005 Volume 2, Number 14 Poolesville Subway Robbed at Gunpoint Something here is ripe for rustling. Montgomery County Police Nab Suspect Is it the livestock? Open farmland? The trees? Read Local History on Montgomery County Police Detec- from the cash register, the suspect the 19800 block of Beatriz Lane in Page 18 for the answer. tives from the Major Crimes Division ﬂ ed on foot in the direction of Wooton Poolesville, was arrested and charged – Robbery Section have arrested the Avenue. with Armed Robbery, Conspiracy to suspected armed robber of the Subway This incident follows a similar Commit Armed Robbery, First-degree sandwich shop in Poolesville. method of operation by the robber of Assault, Use of a Handgun in a Felony On Sunday, September 25, at ap- the Oriental Gourmet on September 8, Crime, Conspiracy to Use a Handgun proximately 8:30 p.m., oﬃ cers from the 2005 and the Boyds Country Market, in a Felony Crime, and Possession 5th District responded to the Subway of a Handgun in a Vehicle. Paul sandwich shop, located at 19710 Fisher Aaron Stoll, 22, of the 17400 block Avenue, for the report of an armed of Hughes Road in Poolesville, was robbery that had just occurred. The charged as an accomplice. Both are Montgomery County police arrived being held on a $40,000 bond in the within ten minutes of the call from the Montgomery County Detention store’s owner, Vinod Patel. There were Center. two other employees in the store at the Warring’s possible involvement time of the robbery: one was working in the other commercial robberies in If it’s Wacky Wednesday then it the counter and the other was in the the Poolesville area remains under must be PHS’ Homecoming. See our back room. Mr. Patel, who was si ing investigation. Photo Extravaganza on Page 24. at a table near the entrance of the shop, A police spokesperson said that was approached directly by the gun- Poolesville Subway—Scene of the town’s the arrests were the result of assis- second armed robbery this month. man who demanded money. tance from the community which Through the course of the investi- supplied critical information. Com- gation, it was learned that the suspect which was hit twice on September 14, munity cooperation coupled with the entered the restaurant wearing a mask, 2005 at 8:54 p.m. and September 20, diligence and hard work of the mem- confronted the cashier, and with a gun 2005 at 7:09 p.m. bers of the Robbery Squad resulted in hand, demanded money. A er receiv- On the evening of September in an arrest within one week of the ing an undisclosed amount of money 28, Zachary Tyler Warring, 21, of holdup at the Subway shop.

The parade was... There’s Something About Mary: Celebrating 103 Years of Age By Rande Davis sparkle as she sits down on the edge Towson University.) of her Masterpiece Theater-like chair. As she jam-packed her trunk to “My Lord alive, I never thought it She has dressed for the occasion in go off to college in far-away Balti- was possible.” So stated Mary Chiswell her bright red dress complemented by more, her parents told her that she as she refl ected on her upcoming 103rd a gold locket-watch hanging around would not be able to come back before birthday. Spoken so ly like a half-prayer her neck, a gi from her aunt on her Christmas. “I remember celebrating of thanksgiving and half-thought of sixteenth birthday. amazement, she expressed gratitude for Mary Fyff e Chiswell lives in the her birth date which is offi cially October house her grandfather built. She —Continued on Page 12 ... great! 8, but friends and family will gather in bought it in 1923 and has lived there celebration on October 25. ever since. She has lived away from We recently had the great fortune to Poolesville for only brief periods of visit with the grand lady to talk about time. She le Poolesville for the fi rst her remarkable achievement of keeping time to begin what was to become her an eye on Poolesville for over a century. lifelong vocation of teaching. “When The longevity is to be respected, for I le Poolesville to a end Normal sure; however, it is her sharpness of School to become a teacher, I was mind and enthusiastic refl ections on her following the inspiration of those, life that are to be so admired. like Be y Griffi th, who taught me in You do not just visit Mary. She school,” said Mary. She crammed two The PHS Cross-Country Team, in receives you. As you wait in the parlor, years of study into one before fi nish- their rarely observed resting state. she makes her entrance by use of her ing at Towson College. (Mary is the Read more on Page 23. walker. Her beautiful brown eyes still oldest living graduate of what is now Mary Chiswell at 103. October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 2 Family Album

Go Falcons. Facing the mosh pit at the Lord’s Acre Festival.

The Lord’s Acre Festival at Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church—one of the area’s signature events.

Local newshound races for the next shot. Poolesville pauses for the parade. October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 3

LOOK! ... GAIL LEE brings TOP DOLLAR to the Poolesville Area! SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD UNDER CONTRACT

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THANK YOU for all your support during this strong but changing market! I’m here to share with both Buyers & Sellers the REALITY about current market values in our area! GAIL has broken prices into the $700,000 & $800,000 price points consistently in Poolesville this year. Ask Gail to help you position your home for TOP DOLLAR! Gail Lee, Realtor® “Selling Homes from the Heart” 301.602.8188 New Listing “HUNTERS RUN at its ﬁ nest!” $639,900 By Appointment~ Meticulous Sturbridge II on almost ONE landscaped acre next to parkland*Center Island Kitchen w/ granite, tumbled tile, under cabinet lighting opening to the breakfast area & family room w/ textured Berber & French Doors out custom decking*Formal LR & DR*MBR w/cathedral ceilings*4 BR & 2.5 BA* LL w/ built-ins & computer workstation, club room & storage*Sideload oversized garage* PHOTO TOUR at www.GailLeeHomes.com Gail Lee is at the HEART of Poolesville! October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 4

Editorial its own police or constable force to the forefront. While acknowledging that the response to these crimes by Quiet Poolesville Is Not So the Montgomery County police was Quiet Anymore timely and professional, it is time for the town to come up with a solution By Rande Davis before crime gets out of hand. There are indicators all over town News reports of crime, scandal, warning us to take action. Heroine and concerns about growth are on the needles have been found at Stevens rise. Even in our small town, there Park. There have been young teenag- is never a dull moment. The good ers walking through town at night news is that timely action and pu ing openingly smoking pot, unafraid of things into perspective can prevent others smelling and witnessing their such concerns from ge ing out of transgression. Even small issues previ- hand. ously discussed such as trash and The most prominent issue is graﬃ ti point to a community moving the current spate of armed robber- in the wrong direction. ies in the town and in the area. The Interestingly, Brunswick, Mary- Montgomery County Police are hot land which has roughly the same on the trail of the person or persons population as Poolesville has a ten- who, stealing a phrase from Lt. Gen. man police force. The Montgomery Honore, are “stuck on stupid.” We Police have stepped up their presence have every reason to expect an arrest in the town over past years, and their soon, and when that happens, the visibility has shown some improve- community can go back to its expecta- ment; however, that is not enough. tion of a safe place to live. Even in our Our solution may be somewhere in movie-dominated culture, the level of between. stupidity exhibited by the culprit is The solution comes from our astounding. strength, and our strength is our town These serious crimes, however, bring the issue of the town having —Continued on Page 12

Published by Monocacy Press, LLC P.O. Box 175 Poolesville, MD 20837 301 349-0070 • FAX 301 349-5646 John Clayton President and Publisher The Monocacy Monocle is Managing Editor an independently owned and (301) 349-0071 operated publication of Monocacy [email protected] Press, LLC which is solely responsible for its content. Rande Davis Monocacy Press LLC does not Vice President espouse any specific political Publisher and Editor view, and any editorial opinions Advertising and Circulation expressed in The Monocle are the (301) 349-0070 opinions of the editorial staff. [email protected] The Monocle does not endorse any product or service, and is not Dominique Agnew responsible for any claims by Maureen O’Connell advertisers. Marcie Gross Articles and le ers submi ed Debby Lynn for publication must be signed Jack Toomey and may be edited for length Contributing Writers or content. The Monocle is not responsible for unsolicited Other Departments material. [email protected] All contents of this publication advertising@monocacymonocle. are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or part for any reason without prior consent of the publisher. October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 5

to contact the organizers of the event Commentary to verify facts or ask for comment. One article referred to reports that the (Editor’s Note: The following represents commi ee was in “turmoil.” There the views of its author and does not neces- was no turmoil. Six to eight people sarily represent the views of Monocacy have been running an event that Press LLC or its principals.) should have a commi ee of ﬁ een to Sett ing the Record Straight twenty members. We were tired, not troubled. on Poolesville Day One article le its readers with the By Jake Perkins, Co-Chair impression that the Commissioners of Poolesville Day Commi ee 2005 Poolesville allowed our event to use all of Whalen Commons to “jus- First of all, the Poolesville Day tify” the space. Let me be clear–the Commi ee would like to thank every- Poolesville Day Commi ee requested one who helped make Poolesville Day use of the space a er a survey of ven- 2005 a great success. While more vol- dors during and a er Poolesville Day unteers would have allowed us to do 2004 indicated vendors at the extreme more with the event, our small core of ends of the 2004 celebration received commi ee members, along with sev- li le or no foot traﬃ c (I would also eral other volunteers, made it a great note that the majority of these vendors day for the thousands of a endees. did not return for 2005.) The Com- There have been articles published missioners had nothing to do with the in the Western Montgomery Bulletin decision; the Parks Board granted the (July 30, 2005 and September 17, 2005) request. that inaccurately portrayed the com- The title of one September article mi ee and its work, and therefore, it is suggests one tone, but the article appropriate to set the record straight. itself does li le more than criticize This commentary has met with the the event. Again, a balanced, factu- full approval of commi ee members. ally based article would have been Of particular concern is that at no possible had the paper contacted time did the paper make any a empt —Continued on Page 17 October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 6 October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 7 October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 8

meeting in members’ homes to renting Local News space in a community center, churches, a public school and a commercial HaTikvah—The Hope building to where it is today, in a glorious synagogue to call its own. By Marcie Gross “We’ve always been a family,” said a congregant, “so wherever we were at It was a sea of blue-green yalmu- the time was our home, but now we kas fi lling the parking lot into the new have a permanent place to make roots home of Congregation Or Chadash in the community and allow our fam- on Kings Valley Road in Damsascus, ily to continue to grow and prosper.” on Saturday, September 18, 2005. As you enter the lobby and follow The shofar was blown and bless- through to the sanctuary, you feel the ings were sung as the congregation warmth of this close-knit group. The led its procession of torahs into the education wing contains many class- new synagogue for the long-awaited rooms that are brightly decorated and building dedication ceremony. Ruach exude energy. (which means spirit in Hebrew) fi lled At the dedication, mezuzot were the air. Emotions were high and the blessed and a ached to welcome the compliments were overfl owing for the congregation into its new home. The proud congregants whose hopes and torahs were placed into the ark and prayers were answered in the form of children from the religious school a permanent home. sang a prayer welcoming those in “The road to Damascus was long a endance. Rabbi Paul Tuchman, and rocky,” said Building Commit- Co-Presidents Diane Levitus and Jen tee Chairman Andy Klingenstein. He Strelser, Religious School Principal spoke both fi guratively and literally Marcy Bixby, and members of the in part because of the rocky terrain, Brotherhood and Sisterhood made in- and partly due to the fact that the fi rst spirational remarks. The Or Chadash formal building commi ee meeting Singers sang enlightening blessings was held in 2000. The long road began for this special occasion. Guest speak- with three anonymous families who ers included: Rabbi Sco Sperling, generously donated seventeen acres Regional Director, Mid-Atlantic Coun- of land and the road continued with cil, Union for Reform Judaism; State volunteers who spent countless hours Senators Rona Kramer and Robert fi ne tuning building plans. Over one Garagiola; Maryland State Represen- third of the congregation had a hand tatives Anne Kaiser, Joan Stern, Her- in this process. HaTikvah and ruach man Taylor, and Brian Feldman; and led the way. County Councilman Michael Knapp. But when you a empt to do some- A er the dedication ceremony, thing, you take your time and do it the celebration continued with an right. That’s what Congregation Or Oneg, a reception sponsored by the Or Chadash has accomplished. Hope (as Chadash Sisterhood. Now, the journey well as blood, sweat, and tears) has continues for this synagogue. Once taken this nineteen-year-old congre- again, tikvah and ruach will lead the gation from its humble beginnings way. October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 9 October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 10 October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 11

he says with a smile. the works they did with the materials However, he is especially pleased to Center Stage Alan continued his formal educa- available to them. If they wanted a have inherited her violin which he tion at Montgomery College in the certain color blue, they couldn’t just does play—and sometimes he plays Color of Harmony 1970s where he seriously studied hop over to the local art supply store it while he’s painting. He also plays painting. He received very good and buy blue paint. They worked the guitar, and in exchange for doing By Dominique Agnew training from Allan Marsh who under diff erent conditions with “an some paintings for Weaver’s Violin tried to focus the students on the old economy of materials.” The genius Shop in Bethesda, he acquired a chin A profusion of color greets visi- masters and the traditional painting of the science of optics the masters cello (like a large viola) and an electric tors to Alan W. Gramley’s studio in integrated into their works is also violin. (To my favorite editors: Do you Clarksburg: Blues, purples, greens, important to take into consideration: have any idea how hard it is to inter- yellows, reds, pinks, the spectrum color, picture plane, composition. view someone when there are violins complete; swaying, swirling, beckon- Following Montgomery College, all over the studio? You want too ing. How can one resist? The guest is Alan a ended the Maryland Institute much from me! First, we had to get engulfed before even entering the stu- of Baltimore where he continued his all the instruments out. Then I played dio— Alan’s fl ower beds and terraced pursuit of painting and drawing. He them, then he played them. Next, the gardens dominate the landscape of also became involved with other art- Bach came out. I played a li le Bach, his property; he calls it his living art. ists that he met at the time. Conrad he played a li le Bach. Finally, we Once again, inside the studio, it is no Fried, Robert Chapman, and Tom listened to a recording of Heifetz play- wonder that his paintings refl ect vi- Ferrara are great modern artists with ing Bach.) Bach to the story at hand: brant colors and motion. Maybe this whom he became involved and who It’s not that he’s playing at the same is living art, as well. were very infl uential. “All of us kind time as he’s painting, but it’s part of Alan W. Gramley has been an of grew together.” They did some the whole process. A er working on artist all his life. It is not only what The Vacation, by Alan W. Gramley group shows together, as well. a piece for a while, he’ll step back and he does, it is what he is. “I’ve drawn His parents were also artistic, but view the work from a distance, and and painted all my life,” he says. “It’s they were not painters. His father, an that’s when he’ll play for a bit. “When in my blood.” He claims he didn’t techniques that have been developed economist, played the trumpet, and you’re right up there, you can’t see receive the best of grades in school, over the centuries. Alan adds, “For his mother had given up her career everything simultaneously,” he says. but maybe if he’d taken nothing but any artist, if you get the foundation of as a classical concert pianist to have “You need to give yourself a space of art classes, his report cards would understanding what the old masters him. Alan never took up the piano, he time at a distance.” have looked be er. “Instead of doing did, it’s quite advantageous to you.” says his mother tried to teach him, but Alan works primarily with oil on assignments, I would cut deals with He fi nds it amazing the sheer genius he may have been too much in awe panel, usually high-grade plywood. the teachers to paint murals instead,” the old masters eff ected by creating over her abilities to pursue the piano. —Continued on Page 14 October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 12

Mary Chiswell Continued From hour-long interview, Mary sat upright In the coming weeks, friends and Page 1— on the edge of her chair, fully engaged family will stop by with gi s and in the conversation; speaking with cards for Mary. When they do, Mary Thanksgiving at my uncle’s farm. I enthusiasm and delight so fast I could will have a very special gi for them. took a trolley to Ellico City and then barely keep up with the notes. She still It is a rare, warm, and beautiful pres- rode a horse and buggy out to his expresses a youthful zest for life. ent. It is the gi of Mary’s presence. farm.” Her optimism is genuine. Asked When I le Mary, I asked permission Mary taught elementary school how she does it, she replies, “My for a kiss. She laughed robustly when (mostly second grade in Poolesville) mother gave me advice when I she said, “Of course.” from 1919 to 1964. She started in a fi rst started living on my own in At 103 years old, birthday cards much bigger school in Darnestown. Poolesville. She said, ‘Always remem- never arrive late. So, why not drop The building had twenty rooms. ber that it is a small town and every- her a card and a wish. It’ll give her a Darnestown was too far to com- body knows each other. Many families smile—and, when Mary smiles, the mute so she, like the other teachers, are married to one another. So, never, whole world smiles with Mary. boarded. She eventually came back ever talk badly about any person since to Poolesville. Most of her friends you do not know how they may be preferred to be closer to the District related.’” of Columbia for the cultural oppor- Mary speaks in a hard-to-fi nd the town. The recent coverage seems —Poolesville Not So Quiet Con- tunities of the day like the theater, beautiful southern accent. It reminds to make it appear that building new tinued From Page 4 library, etc. For Mary, her passion for one of the upscale, southern drawl in homes is right around the corner. The her hometown brought her back to Gone with the Wind but with a modi- fact is we are still, at a minimum, two Poolesville. fi ed Maryland tone. The only clue to charter. As our own governmental years away from “dirt being moved.” Most teachers were single, and for her longevity that she can a ribute entity, we have the ability to respond If all the building plans that are on the those teaching in the Poolesville area, to a physical reason is that her mom and not wait for a county council ac- table come to fruition, the total num- their social life really centered around was a great cook. “The food was fresh, customed to pu ing our needs on its ber of new homes will be under four ge ing together with fellow teach- homemade, and we had plenty of it,” back burner. hundred with subsequent population ers. “We would do our fancy work she remembers. The commissioners have already growth still below the master plan. (needlepoint, kni ing, etc.), talk, share Of course, being a member of discussed the issue of hiring part- That level of growth is important homemade pies and cookies, and the fourth estate, I couldn’t leave time, off -duty police as one possibility. and necessary for a vibrant com- have a good time sharing each other’s well enough alone. So, I had to push In the short run, that may be the way munity. The concern of the business company,” reminisces Mary. A big for something negative. She fi nally to go. For the future, some level of a community is well understood. Lack deal would have been the fi eld trips to relented with a small sigh that seemed permanent police presence should be of growth is threatening the viability Rockville where baseball and soccer to say, Okay, just one thing bad. She the plan. of the high school, the middle school, were the games of the day. had a rough time when the Poolesville Beyond crime, other ethical ques- and Monocacy Elementary School. The classrooms almost always National Bank closed its doors in the tions have come to the fore. Misuse of Even our churches look for some had about twenty-three kids in them, 1920s. “Everyone said to get your town equipment has been brought to growth to take them into the future. although she remembers when one money out, but we kept it in there the a ention of the town’s ethics com- Issues of the Ag Reserve should not class had fi y-two. They assigned a anyway. The day I found out was at a mi ee. The latest incident involves in- be confused with the need for growth teacher’s helper in those situations. time we were planning a trip to Rock- appropriate usage of town equipment within the town of Poolesville. Issues Most of the ladies married local ville to buy a new daybed. I was told by Commissioner Kuhlman. Similar of water have been ameliorated, and men. Mary was no diff erent when I could forget about the trip because transgressions have occurred by oth- progress in in-fl ow and infi ltration is she married Mr. Chiswell in 1936. He no one was able to get money out of ers in the past. It is time for the town being made. worked in Washington at the time. the bank. We fi nally se led on ge ing to codify restrictions on such use. Past Future budgets for the town need Mr. Chiswell was not big on travel back some money at twenty-three precedent, in this case, is bad prece- to make room for these future needs. preferring to play golf and bowl as percent of our savings.” dent. We encourage the town to move While we generally agree with a con- his way of relaxation. However, he Then she quickly le the nega- quickly in closing this gap and write cept for a new town hall, such plans encouraged Mary to travel, and travel tive and resumed remembering fond an appropriate code to prevent this need to be prioritized against our she did. She joined the Frederick things of the past. A life-long member kind of transgression in the future. need for increased police protection Travel Club and over the years visited of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, she Finally, there has been an increase and growth. Build the hall too big and pre y much all of the United States. remembers her mom baking the bread in coverage over development plans in the town will suff er. She traveled by automobile and train, and cu ing off the crust for com- reveling in the industrial tours that munion. Mary lived in what is now were very popular back then. She St. Peter’s rectory. She recalls that the fondly remembers going to glass blackberry wine for communion was factories, watching how potato chips homemade and chuckles on refl ection were made, and other such tours. She that the sexton at the time was o en also has fond memories of the Chicago accused of sampling it when cleaning World’s Fair and recalls a demonstra- the church. She can still recall having tion on how automobiles were made. the job of turning the hand pump to She le the country once on a cruise make the organ work. to Bermuda only to be challenged Physically, Mary has only suff ered by Hurricane Cleo. Though the ship some broken bones over the years. tilted a lot, the hurricane was not up When she broke her hip, her travels to a match with Mary. came to an end; however, she greatly As she relates the stories of her life enjoys ge ing together with friends and travels, her secret to her long life and appreciates when so many of her emerges unspoken. Throughout our past students drop in just to say hello. October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 13

Russian art and culture. That mar- Post’s two interests as a collector: the his original designs remain. In the Garden riage didn’t last forever either. In 1955 decorative and fi ne arts of eighteenth The garden room nearest to the she divorced Davies and soon a er century France and imperial Russia. house is the French Parterre – a formal Autumn at Hillwood purchased Hillwood. In the early twentieth century, Mrs. garden with low intricate plantings Her dream for Hillwood was to Post and many of her contemporaries divided by stone foot paths, chan- By Maureen O’Connell create a showcase for the vast collec- were enamored with the splendor of nels of moving water, and a central tion of objects of art that she slowly the eighteenth century artistic life. The pool lined with Italian glass tiles. It is Two blocks from the busy traffi c at accumulated over the past forty rooms at Hillwood are a step-back to surrounded by walls of English ivy. the intersection of Connecticut Avenue years. The mansion and gardens were the glorious tapestries, furnishings, As you step from Mansion’s French and Tilden Street in D.C., in an unas- the se ings for the many galas she paintings and porcelain objects of a Drawing Room, you are transported suming neighborhood, is Hillwood, a hosted to support her favorite chari- fi ne Parisian home at the time of King in time to a small, Parisian formal jewel of a mansion and twelve acres ties. In 1958 she married once more Louis XVI. Her favorite colors were garden of the eighteenth century. A of formal gardens. It was the home of to Herbert May; that lasted for six pink and blue. You can see all shades terra-co a sculpture of Diana, the Ro- the late Marjorie Merriweather Post. years. From then on she chose to be of these colors in the many pieces of man goddess of the hunt, overlooks She was born March 15, 1887 and was called Mrs. Post. She died at Hillwood Sèvres porcelain and Beauvais tap- this formal, but whimsical garden of the sole heir to the Postum Cereal on September 12, 1973, leaving her estries. One room is devoted entirely plants, fanciful creatures such as mar- Company, which her father Charles estate as a living museum for future to Russian porcelains. Another room ble sphinxes and a lead cherub riding William “C.W.” Post had founded. generations to enjoy. The mansion is is the “Icon Room.” Early Russian sea animals in the pool. You exit this At an early age he instilled in her a furnished just as it was when Mrs. artists painted large religious pictures room through an archway and walk keen business acumen and a passion Post lived there. Her passionate love on church walls, and also smaller towards a brick and wood pergola for collecting beautiful objects of art. of beautiful cra ed objects and her pictures called icons. When Mrs. Post dripping with white wisteria and New She was married to Edward Benne fascination with people and culture of was in Moscow in the 1930s, she was Dawn climbing roses and you enter Close from 1905 to 1919. Her second France and imperial Russia is evident able to purchase hundreds of valuable the Rose Garden. The design of the husband, fi nancier Edward F. Hut- in every room of the house and every icons and silver chalices at govern- garden is an intricate balance between ton transformed the family company “room” of the gardens. Let me take ment-sponsored stateroom sales. As the four beds – each planted with a into the General Foods Corporation. you on a tour. the Communist government strove to single variety of Floribunda rose. The That marriage ended in 1935. Her The Entry Hall’s two-story grand control all aspects of Russian society beds are edged in early spring with third husband was Joseph E. Davies, staircase is dominated by a large oil and culture, many Imperial treasures tulips and in summer with sweet the second United States Ambassador portrait of Russia’s Catherine the were destroyed or put up for sale to alyssum. This was Mrs. Post’s favorite to the Soviet Union. While living in Great, who reigned from 1762 to 1796. fi nance its industrialization program. garden on the estate. She chose this Moscow with him in 1937 and 1938, The many portraits and art objects Some four hundred objects fi ll this site to house her ashes at the base of a she developed a life-long love for in the Hall give testament to Mrs. room, including over eighty pieces of pink granite monument objects by Carl Fabergé, the celebrated You now walk beyond the pergola jeweler to Russia’s imperial rulers. It towards the brick gate posts topped is probably the fi nest collection of Fa- with lead sculptures of birds and chil- bergé Eggs, outside of the Hermitage dren. This is called Friendship Walk. and the Somerset House in London. It is fl anked by aromatic boxwood, Mrs. Post had a life-long pas- rhododendrons and azaleas. In 1957, sion for gardens and fl owers. Every four of Mrs. Post’s friends, with the room in the Mansion has fresh fl ow- help of her chief gardener, designed ers arrangements all year long. She this walkway to honor her lifetime of envisioned her gardens as a logical philanthropy extension of the rooms of the house, Mrs. Post believed in the benefi ts and each garden “room” would have of fresh air and exercise. She loved a distinct character. The twelve acres square dancing and golf, so in the of gardens that you can tour today are Mansion she had a room just for danc- exactly as they were when Mrs. Post ing, and out side there was a pu ing lived at Hillwood. Landscape architect green. It was covered with a closely William Gebhart designed Hillwood’s clipped bentgrass turf and enclosed gardens in 1926, and many traces of —Continued on Page 14 October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 14

Autumn at Hillwood Continued a large Norway spruce and umbrella Color of Harmony Continued doing. Sometimes, from the get-go, I From Page 13— magnolia, recalls the architectural From Page 11— know exactly what I’m doing.” Alan tends to not have shows in with Japanese hollies to keep the style of Camp Topridge, Mrs. Post’s galleries; he can’t fi nd a “situation balls from rolling away. The garden summer retrteat in up-state New York. Again, he follows procedures that that’s agreeable.” He continues, “Ide- is framed with fl owering begonias, At this point in your tour if you old masters have used for centuries. ally for a gallery, an artist must have magnolias, cypress and snowball are hungry, stop at the very a ractive He paints in stages, allowing diff er- tunnel vision.” He says this because viburnum. garden Café for a spot of lunch. Our ent layers to dry. He can use many he refuses to stick with just one genre. A er a short walk down the last stop will be the Cu ing Garden layers and the painting will remain He paints anything from abstracts to fl agstone path you come to the Lunar and Greenhouse. You will immedi- structurally sound. There are many landscapes to still lifes—and more. Lawn which spreads out in front ately notice the large, rectangular beds advantages to using panel. One is that “I’m all over the board; that’s just the of the Mansion’s portico. It was so with straight rows of fl owers. This is he can create the texture of the paint- way I am. I like a whole lot of things. named for its crescent shape. Years not a garden decoration; it has a more ing, which can sometimes be prede- I try not to put limitations either on ago it off ered a panoramic view of utilitarian purpose of providing fresh termined by a canvas background. “I my art or my music.” the Washington Monument. Masses cut fl owers for the arrangements in can get beautiful, beautiful textural ef- So Alan prefers artists’ coopera- of evergreen arborvitae and false the Mansion. The fl ower selections fects on panel.” Also, when he doesn’t tives like the local Hya stown Mill cypress, azaleas, camellias, dogwoods are typical of those used in the 1950s like what he’s painted, he can scrape Arts Project where he’s not told what and magnolias are a treat for the and 1960s. I recognized the hybrid tea it all off and start over. Then there to produce. As a ma er of fact, he’s senses, and provide an enclosure for roses, celosia, dahlias, asters, zinnias, was the time he painted a panel, took having a show there throughout the the space created for entertaining on sedums, coleus and gladiolas. There a picture of it and put the panel away month of October ending October a grand scale. Notice the stately stone was one long row of fl owers that I did for a while. When he came back to 30—a great opportunity to listen to his lion, carved in England in 1700, that not recognize. It had the tendrils and it, he painted over it completely and paintings. holds court at the edge of the fl ag- stems of sweet peas, but the fl ow- took another picture. When he came stone patio. ers were shaped like li le tea-cups back to the painting a second time, he scraped everything off and repainted Off to the right of this large, in marvelous shades of light peach, A subscription to The Monocacy grassy lawn, two large stone guard mauve, dark purple, lilac and rose. again to create his third and fi nal Monocle costs $30.00 a year plus tax, dogs, a tall granite lantern, and the I asked a man who was tending the work—absolutely stunning—but look- or $31.50. tingling sound of splashing water fl owers what it was. He said that they ing back at the pictures, in a way, he Call 301-349-0071 for details. wished he had kept the second paint- Or simply e-mail us at announce your arrival to Hillwood’s were the godetia plant. When I got [email protected]. Japanese Garden. Many surprises home I checked them out in a garden ing, but then again, if he had done Be er yet, send a check to: await you at every turn. Follow small book that was published in the 1940s. that, he wouldn’t have had the third Monocacy Press, LLC painting. As he puts it, “I start out, P.O. Box 175 white-gravel paths over lazy pools of It said that they were very a ractive Poolesville, MD 20837-0175 water; cross the wooden foot bridge summer annuals, but they did not fare a lot of times, I don’t know what I’m and carefully step over the large well in hot, humid climates. I gather granite stones. Sculptured features that Hillwood does not experience the are used sparingly in Asian garden climate of the average D.C. summer. design, but Mrs. Post threw that idea The adjacent greenhouse is home to the winds. Tucked carefully in to over two thousand of the thirty- the garden’s nooks and crannies are fi ve thousand types of orchid species. a stone tortoise, stone lanterns, and They were all in varying stages of numerous fi gures, including Hotei, bloom. There were also many other the Japanese god of happiness and species of fl owers that are used to prosperity who is o en misidentifi ed decorate the Mansion year-round. as a laughing Buddha. I visited Hillwood on September At Versailles, Marie Antoine e 22 and all the fl owers were still in had her Hameau (hamlet), where she bloom. The Fall Garden Touring sea- lived out her romanticized dreams of son runs through Saturday, November peasant life. At Hillwood, Marjorie 12. Docent-led tours of the gardens are had her Dacha, or Russian country off ered daily at 10:30 a.m. The Man- house, which was her romanticized in- sion and gardens are open Tuesday terpretation of a small peasant house. to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It was built in 1969 during the Cold and on select evenings and Sundays. War. While US-Soviet relations were You can visit on Sunday, October 9 tense, the Dacha represented, for Mrs. and 23 and November 6 and 27 from Post, a nostalgic view of Russian cul- 1 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. To get there, drive ture. Its architecture mimicked many down Connecticut Avenue, turn le features of actual Russian peasants’ on Tilden Street and go two blocks to dwellings, such as whole-log construc- a le on 4155 Linnean Avenue. There tion and intricate carvings around is a tree-lined median strip which windows and doors. Today, the Dacha prevents you from seeing Linnean Av- houses Hillwood’s changing exhibi- enue on the le . Go down the hill and tions. From now until December 4, turn at the bo om and come back up it features the ceramic works of Eva and take the fi rst right turn. Reserva- Zeizel. tions are required: 202-686-5807. There Continuing along the path, you is free parking on the estate. come to the Adirondack Building. This rustic li le house, half hidden by October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 15

century. While you can buy and sell thought is to preserve and uphold Rubin pointed out that one third of Local News land within the reserve, zoning restric- the mandated Reserve without any the reserve, thirty-two thousand acres, tions are a ached to the land which prejudice against churches. If there is available directly to the public as Council Member Knapp generally limit building lot sizes to a are spaces within the Reserve which parkland. Holds Town Meeting on Ag minimum twenty-fi ve acres per lot. are not suitable for any agricultural Councilman Knapp cited scientifi c Reserve Issues This town meeting centered on a purpose, they may be considered for data that support the concept that proposal received by the Montgomery other uses, such as churches, but only impervious surfaces in excess of eight County Planning Board (MCPB) to within the context of preserving the percent of the total parcel lead to a de- It was a standing-room-only permit the building of a church within nature of the Ag Reserve. cline in water quality, and negatively crowd that came to the Boyds Pres- the Ag Reserve. While the proposal Mr. Knapp expressed his opin- impact the environment. The county byterian Church in late September for has been with the MCPB for some ion that the stewardship of the Ag currently has a fi een percent cap on a town meeting with Montgomery time, it was only recently introduced Reserve and serving the faith-based impervious surfaces. County Councilman Mike Knapp into council. While churches and community are not mutually exclu- Some discussion was exchanged (Democrat, District 2.) The main topic schools, as non-profi t entities, are sive ideas. He reiterated, “It’s not with the audience regarding scaling at hand was development within the allowed in any zoning, the concern of church versus Ag Reserve.” They both back the size of churches to lessen en- Montgomery County Agricultural the majority of the participants at the receive the a ention of the county. vironmental impact. Some found this Reserve, and those a ending shared meeting was a basic confl ict between The need to protect churches which acceptable, some were vehemently their concern regarding maintaining this permissive zoning and maintain- are currently serving the community opposed to this compromise. Per Mike the “Ag Reserve.” ing the integrity of the Agricultural is recognized. “We have both an ag Knapp, scaling back is not consistent The Agricultural Reserve was es- Reserve. Some participants’ concerns policy and a diversity policy.” Coun- with the premise of preserving the tablished by county planners twenty- were focused on the size of the church, cilman Knapp posed the question for Reserve. He has received some le ers fi ve years ago in an eff ort to preserve buildings, proposed parking lots, and consideration: “Should master plans from churches in favor of maintaining disappearing open space and farm- population of the church community. include space for faith-based commu- the Reserve, rather than allowing a land. It has served as a national model Restrictions on the size of these non- nities?” church to be built. The le ers mention of county planning for a quarter of a profi t entities is accomplished through The concern stems from the “stewardship of God’s creation.” restrictions on water and sewer al- fact that a two-hundred acre parcel Some of the comments voiced locations. Development was purchased in Laytonsville by a from the audience included: “We have within the Ag Reserve church. Since they would be using fourteen churches within this area would utilize well and well and septic, restraining water and already adequately serving our local septic, so there would be sewer development would not be an faith-based community.” no limiting development applicable strategy to control devel- Local land preservation activist by limiting permi ed opment. Montgomery County has Tom Hoff man, who was present in the water and sewer. comparatively liberal policies regard- audience, made a heartfelt plea for Councilman Knapp ing extending water and sewer into Mike Knapp’s commitment regarding related that some of his the Ag Reserve. Other adjacent coun- the Ag Reserve. Mr. Hoff man urged constituency viewed this ties have more restrictive policies. “In Mr. Knapp to use his position as a proposal as church versus order to preserve the Ag Reserve, we Ag Reserve. He stressed must make sure agriculture remains this is not the case. His viable,” stated Mr. Knapp. Mike —Continued on Page 18. Sales/Account Rep Needed

Poolesville Lawn Maint/Landscaping Firm needs sales person. Good people skills. No cold calls, ﬂ exible hours, p/t, good commissions. Retiree preferred, no experience needed. Will train. 301-972-7191 October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 16

which it had been traveling. Local News Passengers in the car were Sarah Knudson, 17, of Ca ail Lane in PHS Students in Car Poolesville, and Joshua Heavner, 17, of Accident on Jerusalem Wasche Road in Dickerson. Ms. Knud- son and Mr. Heavner were transport- Road ed by helicopter to Children’s Hospital A 1995 Chevrolet Corsica driven while Mr. Horner was transported by by Alexander Douglas Horner, 17, of ambulance to Suburban Hospital. All Hoskins Road, Poolesville was in- three victims of the accident appeared volved in a single-car personal injury to be suff ering from non-life-threaten- collision around 11:00 a.m. on Friday, ing injuries. September 26, 2005. PHS has a policy that allows The accident occurred while upper class students to leave school traveling east on Jerusalem Road ap- premises during lunch hours. This is proaching Cissel Manor Drive. At a reported to have been instituted in the point where the roadway curves to the late nineties and was suspended at right, the car le the roadway slipping one time in reaction to reports of stu- onto a non-paved area causing the car dents running stop signs and speed- to skid into a tree. The impact from ing during the lunch hour. The sus- hi ing the tree resulted in the car be- pension was li ed and the upper class ing spun completely around to where students were again allowed to leave it was facing in the direction from school for lunch at home or at area restaurants. Leaving the Poolesville area remains against school policy. PHS principal, Deena Levine, issued a notice to all parents and guardians relating to the accident. The accident occurred as the school was just beginning its annual homecoming weekend festivities. Principal Levine took the time to remind the students how quickly their safety can be compromised. She advised parents to “please, take a few minutes, especially I had the opportunity to hire all of this homecoming weekend, to talk An Update on my own staff and create a vision for The Chevy Corsica aft er the accident. with your child about the importance Mr. Sacco a school from the ground up. There of focusing on their safety.” continues to be great excitement and By Rande Davis enthusiasm from the staff , students, Monocacy Elementary and community. School News The Monocle has had a number of The Monocle: How does it com- Jugs are set up in the front hall to readers ask how Mr. Sacco is doing at pare to JPMS? All MCPS students collect change to benefi t the victims of his new assignment at Lakelands Park Sacco: John Poole Middle School Hurricane Katrina. All funds collected Middle School. We contacted him to had a wonderful community that I October 10 is an all day open with be given to the Red Cross. fi nd out. appreciated. The parents were always house. Parents are welcome all day to The Monocle: How are things there to support you and were will- come to the school, meet the teachers, Family Fun Night progressing? ing to lend a hand. In considering this and watch the children in class. Please Friday, October 28 is MES’s fi rst Sacco: The physical part of build- move, I questioned many individu- be sure to check in at the front offi ce family fun night from 6:00 to 9:00 ing the school still goes on. Our main als as to the community I would be fi rst. p.m., a great evening of fun and gym is not complete, but the smaller joining. Poolesville is unique, but this All schools are closed October 13 games for students and their families. auxiliary gyms are near completion. community has also been very wel- in observance of Yom Kippur. If you are available to help, please We are the largest middle school in coming. I have a much more diverse All schools are closed for students contact Lorraine Jones at 301-972-6618 the county (I went from the smallest to population here (all my communica- and teachers on October 21 for the or Libby Lawbaugh at 301-349-5704 or the largest) with 153,000 square feet. tions go out in several languages). State Teachers’ Convention. [email protected]. We have twenty-eight exit doors and However, all the parents at LPMS are three fl oors. just like the parents at JPMS—they All FCPS students The votes are in! There is a new I hear many students/parents say love their children and want the best student government in place at MES. they feel they “won the lo ery” by for them. All schools are closed October 13 Congratulations to President Che Ca- coming here. The school is beautiful The Monocle: What do you con- in observance of Yom Kippur. ballero, Vice President Chris Carney, and many believe it is a high school or sider your top priorities? All schools are closed for students Secretary Andy Baker, and Treasurer community college. Sacco: As is true of all schools, on October 14 for a Professional De- Courtney Holston. The Monocle: What has the experi- what goes on in the classroom is most velopment Day. ence been like? important. Relationships, instructional All schools are closed for students Sacco: Building a new school does talent of the teachers, and the feelings and teachers on October 21 for the have its ups and downs. It has been of safety and security drive a school. very rewarding to open a new school. State Teachers’ Convention. —Continued on Page 18. October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 17

Things to Do Poolesville Day Committ ee mailed in July to all residents and was the commi ee ever requested to Continued From Page 5— businesses in zip codes 20837, 20838, comment, and, we fi nd it unfortunate 20839 and 20842; the usual banners that editorial opinions were mixed October 6, 7 & 8 the commi ee. Upon such contact, it would have been learned that there were hung at Routes 28 and 107 and with alleged facts. Rummage Sale were poster-sized parking signs that at Woo on Avenue and Fisher Av- The commi ee is now in the pro- St. Peter’s Parish directed a endees to the designated enue; and every local paper published cess of evaluating this year’s festival. Thurs. - 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. parking area from both sides of town. notices and articles in the months We welcome all comments and criti- Fri. - 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The problem is that there is simply leading up to the event. cism as we try to provide guidance for Sat. – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. not enough parking for the number There is more contentious information next year’s festival. If the newspaper’s of people who a end because the in both articles, but it is unnecessary publisher or the general public has October 7, 8 & 9 number of a endees and the number to go over the details at this juncture. questions or comments, we welcome 2005 Autumn Studio Tour of vendors are at or near record levels My point is this–the public should those comments from concerned citi- 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the past two years. Finally, you know that the coverage of Poolesville zens. Please contact our website www. would have learned there was more Day has not been what we would call poolesvilleday.com) and leave us an October 8 promotion of the event than ever for responsible journalism. Facts were e-mail with your thoughts. Fishing With Wounded Soldiers Poolesville Day 2005. A postcard was never checked with our commi ee nor White’s Ferry Pavilion 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Contact: 201-349-0080 October 15 October 20 Annual UMCVFD Open House October 13 Flu Shots / Flu Clinic Twosomes Beallsville, Open: 11:00 a.m. Flu Shots Frederick County Health Department Poolesville Public Library Poolesville Public Library Frederick Senior Citizens Center Stories, fi ngerplay, and music October 11 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 1440 Taney Avenue, Frederick Two year olds Monocacy Lions Club Call 240-773-9550 For info Darlene Armacost, RN 301- 10:30 a.m. Fall Blood Drive 631-3342 St. Peter’s Church Cuddleups October 22 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Poolesville Public Library October 19 Community Yard Sale Stories, fi ngerplay, and music Pre-School Bible Study Poolesville ES PTA Hosting October 12 Babies to 23 months St. Peter’s Parish PES Parking Lot Pre-School Bible Study 10:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Open to public 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. St. Peter’s Parish Call Maria Briancon 301-407-0663 for 10:00 a.m. Open to public participant information. October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 18

Councilman Knapp Conti- Local History service was rather primitive and without success. He and a Bell Tele- uned From Page 15— phone service depended on operators phone Company detective used their “bully pulpit” to seek commitment to Sheriff Viett and How He who would usually work in their own own cars to conduct surveillance of the Ag Reserve by the other council homes. People living in Montgomery places where wire had been stolen in members. Mr. Hoff man was joined by Solved the Great County would sometimes pick up the past. They o en spent the entire others in expressing their dissatisfac- Telephone Wire Case their phones hoping to make a call and night parked in their autos, watching tion that Mr. Knapp was not suffi - fi nd that the line was out of service. and waiting for someone to appear. ciently passionate regarding his stance By Jack Toomey Others would be in the middle of a Nothing happened. on the Reserve. call when the line would go dead. This Then on September 17, 1923, Councilman Knapp responded The fi rst telephone service was was not an unheard of situation since Thomas Perry, a resident of Montgom- that he has personally driven other established in Montgomery County in telephone service was so archaic and ery County, was driving his auto on council members through the Ag Re- the late 1800s, but it was very lim- malfunctions happened frequently. a rural road. He saw a man that he serve in an eff ort to raise their aware- ited in scope o en only connecting However, starting in August of 1911, recognized, William Neagle, up on ness of the Reserve. a few houses. In fact, the fi rst work- something strange began happening. a telephone pole stealing the phone At this point, the meeting began ing circuit, located in Sandy Spring, Citizens of the county whose phones wire. Perry, whose own phone service to wind down, fi nishing with brief only allowed the occupants of two did not work began noticing that the had been cut off , chased Neagle but discussions of subjects not directly houses to talk to each other. In the telephone wires were missing. Over- could not catch him. He then told related to the main subject of mega early 1900s, small telephone compa- night, entire lengths of phone wire Sheriff Vie about his confrontation churches within the Reserve. nies were established in the towns had been stolen, denying rural towns with Neagle. Neagle was an electri- Some of those a ending voiced of Montgomery County, and, for the phone service. When repairs were cian, but he had been out of work for concern about a perceived suppres- fi rst time, people could speak with made and new line had been strung on several months. sion of the church proposal so as to each other on a fairly regular basis. the poles, the thief would return under On September 22, Sheriff Vie , a not negatively impact individuals who The Poolesville Telephone Company the cover of darkness, climb the poles, detective from the Bell Company, and might run for county executive. They was formed in 1909, and the original and again steal the telephone wire. It a Washington police offi cer went to felt that Councilman Steve Silverman equipment was located in a private was estimated that over one thousand Neagle’s home in Washington. Vie (Democrat, At-Large) did not want a residence on Elgin Road. Eventu- pounds of wire had been stolen. There stationed himself in an alley behind highly controversial and emotionally ally, the Bell Company took over and was a great outcry for something to the house while the other two offi cers charged item to have a high profi le bought the smaller telephone compa- be done. Sheriff William Vie , who knocked at the door. There was no during election time. nies. Interestingly, the fi rst telephone would later distinguish himself as the answer, but they could hear move- operators, working for the Bell Com- lead detective in the Sandy Spring ment inside. Then Vie saw Neagle pany in groups, were boys; however, bank robbery case, was assigned by appear on a balcony on the third fl oor Mr. Sacco Continued From Page they were considered so rude that the county commissioners to catch the of the house. The three offi cers then 16— they were replaced by women who person as soon as possible. were let into the house by Mrs. Neagle Vie searched every junkyard and and Vie rushed upstairs to the third We are continuing to build on all of were the only telephone operators salvage yard in Montgomery County fl oor where he saw a trap door that those areas. Many of my “lessons until the 1960s. ,Washington, D.C., and Alexandria led to the roof. Neagle slammed the learned” at JPMS have [taught me] a In the early twentieth century, trapdoor shut and went to the roof. collaborative, hands-on style, and car- Vie then climbed onto the roof and ing for each individual, for example. saw Neagle take a running jump The Monocle: Any message to landing on the roof of the house next JPMS? door. Vie then began chasing Neagle Sacco: I miss my students, col- over the roo ops to the end of the leagues, and community members in block. Neagle had nowhere to run, but Poolesville and wish all of them the he threatened to jump off of the roof very best. This has been an adventure onto the street. Just as he was about to for me, and I thank you for keeping in jump, Vie grabbed him and wrestled touch. him to the ground. It was later learned that Neagle had been selling the wire to unsus- pecting customers and some of the wire was eventually recovered. Sheriff Vie returned to Mont- gomery County with his prisoner, and he was hailed as a hero. The people had their phone service back! October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 19

are curious and shy and not aggres- Focus on Business sive like llamas. There are two types: the huacaya (fuzzy, wavy fl eece) and Enchanting Animals the suri (long, silky locks, so er, like By Marcie Gross dreadlocks). Alpacas, like humans, have very distinct personalities; they Several years ago, my husband are all diff erent. They communicate by and I visited Orlando, Florida. We humming. When a baby is born, the came across a shop that sold the so - mom and the baby bond in the fi rst est stuff ed animal teddy bears we’d few days just by humming. Alpacas ever seen and felt. The shop also sold come from South America and they beautiful sweaters. As we were admir- like to eat from the pasture and avoid ing the items, the salesperson asked the heat. us if we needed any help. Both of us Ann says that their fl eece gets turned to her and asked what this processed into yarn and can also be wonderfully so material was. She made into mi ens and socks. She answered us ma er-of-factly: alpaca sells some of these items here in town fl eece. I think that was my fi rst intro- at the John Poole Historical House. duction to this gentle animal. “People who are allergic to wool are fi ne with Alpaca fl eece because it contains no lanolin,” says Brown. In addition to selling the fl eece, Ann sells her animals, too. She will also sell alpaca waste to be used as fertilizer for gardens. It goes directly on the garden and is not composted. The Kepharts, Ann’s parents, moved to Poolesville in 1956, so Ann was raised in town. She le for college and moved back here in 1996. Ann says, “The fi rst Poolesville Day really Ann Brown and one of her alpacas. inspired me to come back.” Ann lives on the 135-acre farm with her two Ann Brown, a long-time teenagers and by day is an art teacher Poolesville resident, has a passion for at Brunswick High School in Freder- alpacas. She has raised alpacas on her ick. Ann’s interest in art inspired her family farm, the Kephart Farm, since to teach a class here in Poolesville this May 2003. “I think it’s a good use of summer for children and adults called farmland,” says Brown, “because they “Clay Art in Poolesville.” are such enchanting animals.” On her I always enjoy interviewing the farm she has eleven alpacas to date people who live in Poolesville. There with a baby (a cria) on the horizon. is such a wide array of interesting There are three geldings, four females, hobbies and unique businesses in our one baby girl, and one baby boy. own backyard. It’s nice to know that Here’s a quick lesson on alpacas. our fellow townspeople are willing They are a member of the camel fami- to share their knowledge on these ly, and they have no top teeth. Alpacas subjects. If you’re interested in learn- are herd animals—they like to stay ing more about Alpacas, I’m sure Ann together. These animals have a gentle Brown would love to tell you about nature and are fairly intelligent. They her friends, these enchanting animals. October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 20

The her fellow employment associates in sociation of Student Governments. even asked for donations of Bibles to a drive to donate school supplies to Mike Garre of Selby Avenue in help upli those going through much Pulse send to areas impacted by the storm. Poolesville has volunteered to assist emotional and physical trauma. With her son, Jason, at Poolesville El- the American Red Cross and is cur- Area churches have made sub- Helping Hands from Our ementary School, she knew this need rently on a three-week stint as a truck stantial donations to their specifi c na- Neighbors for school supplies was important. Mr. driver delivering supplies in the Mis- tional charitable organizations. Such Cassell stepped forward to underwrite sissippi area. organizations are well positioned “at The national outpouring of help her purchase of packs of supplies for Businesses have go en into the ground level” to make immediate dif- from individuals across the country students, teachers, and families. The spirit of things as well. Selby’s Market ferences in the lives of those persons for those victimized by Hurricane momentum grew when the principal, collected change at its checkouts for a currently displaced. Katrina (and now Hurricane Rita) Darlyne McEleney, requested ad- few weeks and they were able to col- We would love to share the news continues unabated. Many in our area ditional help from the school via an lect around $3,000.00 to be donated to of others helping others in our com- have contributed in ways large and email to alert the community of the the American Red Cross. Curves, the munity, so do not hesitate to email us small. Their eff orts will have a pro- need and the opportunity to help out. exercise facility for women, wanted to at [email protected] if found impact in making lives be er True to form, the community help, but they did not want to handle you have information or a story to tell. for the victims. responded and an additional twenty- cash. So they have been collecting As we approach the end of year, we Poolesville’s Lauren Cissel turned fi ve packs were purchased. Through items that are needed such as bo led also want to remind the community to her employer, Jack Cassell, Presi- the help of the Montgomery County water, fi rst aid items, baby diapers, that need still exists right here in our dent and CEO of Vae-Conference Public Schools, the packs will be non-perishable goods, formula, paper own region and we implore citizens Systems, Inc. for permission to contact distributed through the Maryland As- towels, toothpaste, disposable gloves, to remember WUMCO in the desire to trash bags, and fl ashlights. They have make donations of help to others.

man entered the store and approached was killed when he lost control of his entered the store and one suspect the cash register. He demanded cash pickup truck on Route 85 near Buck- displayed a handgun and demanded Police Blott er at gunpoint and the suspect fl ed out eystown. Lance Brown, of Carmichael, money from an employee. Both sus- Past and Present the front door. He was last seen run- California, struck two telephone poles pects fl ed on foot. ning towards Clarksburg Road. The and was ejected. Brown, who was not Police are looking for a white suspect was described as a white male wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced male, 5’ 9”, skinny, white mask, and By Jack Toomey in his teens, 5’ 6”, 130 to 160 lbs, white dead at the scene. Police said that blue jeans, and another white male, 5’ mask, gloves, white T-shirt, and dark speed and alcohol were factors in the 7”, medium build, white shirt, jeans. Present pants. crash. Armed Robbery. September 25 Armed Robbery. September 14 at Fatal Traffi c Accident. September Armed Robbery. September 20 at at about 8:15 p.m. Subway, 19710 8:40 p.m. Boyds Country Store, 15110 22 at 11:15 p.m. Maryland State Police 7:08 p.m. Boyds Country Store, 15110 Barnesville Road, Boyds. A lone gun- said that a forty-one-year-old man Barnesville Road, Boyds. Two suspects —Continued on Page 21. October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 21

& Mezzanine), $40 (Mid-Orchestra), James Carville and Mary Matalin, Tickets are $20.00 for Front Orchestra / Big Board $35 (Rear Orchestra & Rear Balcony). share their unique insights into the Mezzanine, $15.00 for Mid-Orchestra, Visit weinbergcenter.org for more ho est political issues on Saturday, and $10.00 for Rear Orchestra / Rear Honoring Wounded Vets with a information. October 22 at 8:00 p.m. They provide Balcony Visit weinbergcenter.org for Day of Fishing Celebrate Rural Montgomery Fall an entertaining and enlightening look more information. Join soldiers who are convalescing Festival at Butler’s Orchard at politics––from two very diff erent Phantom of the Opera (1925) and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center Saturday, October 8 from 4:00 p.m. perspectives. Seats are $47.00 for Front Young Frankenstein (1974) for a day of fi shing, camaraderie, and to 7:00 p.m. Bring the whole family for Orchestra and Mezzanine, $44.00 for On Friday, October 28 at 8:00 a picnic. The event is on October 8 an a ernoon fi lled with a variety of Mid-Orchestra, and $39.00 for Rear p.m., Lon Chaney and the mighty from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the activities including face painting, hay Orchestra and Rear Balcony. Visit Wurltizer take the lead, followed by White’s Ferry Picnic Pavilion. Bring rides, mazes, and live music. Admis- weinbergcenter.org for more informa- Mel Brooks’s comic monster-piece. your fi shing rod and an extra to share. sion is free, and food and beverages tion. Tickets are $9.00 for adults, $7.00 for Participants are invited to bring a side will be sold. Visit www.ruralmont- Yard Sale Extravaganza seniors (ages 62+), students (ages 13 dish or dessert. Want to help out or gomery.org for details. The PES PTA hosts a community through 18 or any college student donate? Call Carl Hobbs at 301-349- Peter Pan yard sale on October 22 from 9:00 with ID), and children (ages 3 through 0080 or Paul Kelly at 301-641-0787. Watch the original silent screen a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the PES parking 12) Visit weinbergcenter.org for more Autumn Studio Tour version of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale, lot. Bring your goods to sell, as spaces information. Take in the changing of the accompanied by the mighty Wurlitzer are available at $20.00 per space for Annual Writers’ Evening seasons with a drive through the organ on Friday, October at 8:00 p.m.. businesses and $10.00 for individuals. The HMAP is announcing the countryside touring the studios of Tickets are $6.00 for adults, $4.00 for The PTA provides the space and the Annual Writers’ evening. All mem- local artists and artisans. Added to seniors (ages 62+), students (ages 13 crowd, you provide everything else. bers who write or recite songs, poems, the usual medley of painters, sculp- through 18 or any college student Reserve space by October 12. Call essays, fi ction, etc. are invited to tors, and the like are two new studios. with ID), and children (ages 3 through Maria Briancon at 301-407-0663 for prepare a reading for presentation at Lindenwood Farm on Westerly Road 12) Visit weinbergcenter.org for more more details. No ma er what, plan on the Mill on October 29, 2005. We hope in Poolesville has custom farm tables, information. coming for great bargains. to permit each reader approximately original paintings, decorative acces- seven minutes to read an original sories, and jewelry. Lahara Textiles of Inn for Some Exquisite Wine Tasting Weinberg Aft ernoon of Piano piece of writing, maybe more as Barnesville has just opened its doors Join the staff of the Comus Inn John Wickelgren, pianist and in- time permits. If you would like to to showcase beautiful textile gi s: for fun and informative wine tasting. structor at Frederick Community Col- participate, please contact Lee Robi- rugs, blankets, towels, scarves, bags, The many faces of Pinot Noir will give lege, presents a program of Domenico, son by email [email protected] or and more. For a listing of all the stu- you a chance to meet other local wine Janacek, Chopin, Ravel, and Liszt [email protected] or phone 301- dios and a map of the tour, visit www. lovers and taste four diff erent expres- on Sunday, October 23 at 3:00 p.m.. 972-7689. countrysideartisans.com and keep sions of the Pinot Noir grape. Four wines with hors d’oeuvres. Friday, your eyes peeled for the yellow fl ags Police Blott er Continued From fi rebugs and burglars as the direct October 1, 6:45 p.m. Call in advance while you’re driving. Page 20— result of the fi re at the J. Enos Ray at 301-349-5100 or visit www.theco- Huge Bargain Days Again at St. School in Takoma Park. Montgom- musinn.com. Peter’s Fisher Avenue, Poolesville. A man ery police were ordered to guard all Farm Festival in Boyds The much-anticipated St. Peter’s armed with a gun entered the shop public schools in hopes of catching the Incredibly friendly farm animals, Parish Fall Rummage Sale is set for and robbed the clerk of an unspeci- culprit. live music, refreshments, activities October 6, 7, and 8. fi ed amount of money. He then ran October 16, 1900. A quarantine has for children, educational demonstra- The line forms early on Thursday towards Wooton Avenue. Police are been established at the residence of tions including horse fi rst aid and with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. with looking for a white male, 18 to 21 John Fisher, near Poolesville, owing to sheep shearing, raffl es, cra s for sale, the deals going until 9:00 p.m. On years, blue T-shirt, dark pants, white members of his family being ill with live auction, and exhibits from other Friday is a marathon all-day event mask covering his face and head. diphtheria. Four have already died rural community organizations—and from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. The sale and others are very ill. The disease it’s all FREE. Join the fun on October winds up on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. Past has so far been confi ned to one family, 15 at the Star Gazing Farm Animal until 3:00 pm. October 5, 1898. The large new and a box of old clothing shipped out Sanctuary from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. An Evening on the Riviera bailing establishment of John H. Gas- from Washington is supposed to have Information at 301-349-0802 or www. This is one of Frederick County’s saway, of Germantown, Montgomery introduced the disease. stargazingfarm.org. most popular fundraising events County, caught fi re at 10:00 p.m. The October 17, 1904. An inquest into Song Circle of Fun and will be held on October 8 at the building had just been erected and the death of Ernest Peacock was held The Hya stown Mill Arts Project Lynnfi eld Event Conference Center contained a large amount of rye, at Rockville with Justice of the Peace (HMAP)has a Song Circle sched- on Hanson Road. It features gourmet straw, and a new bailer. It was said Joseph Reading presiding. Peacock uled for October 17 at their gallery and specialty food presentations by that the building was totally de- died at a Washington hospital as the in Hya stown. The evening of song over thirty restaurants, three wine stroyed. result of a pistol wound infl icted by begins at 7:30 p.m. and includes sing- shops and vintners, two microbrewer- October 7, 1964. Five youths were Henson Poole, an eighteen-year-old ers, musicians, and people who like to ies, carriage rides, and more. Ad- arrested in Poolesville over the week- boy, on Seldon Island, near Edwards sing with others. All ages are wel- mission is $85 per ticket. For more end following a series of incidents in Ferry about ten days ago. come. Enjoy this time of folk music information call 301-662-2507. which night-riding youths smashed October 20, 1934. Montgomery and bring along your guitar, banjo, An Evening with John Tesh windows and windshields in more County police were without new leads spoons, and kazoo or just snap your Grammy–nominated record- than two hundred autos, Montgomery in the slaying of William Hill, retired fi ngers and enjoy the spirit of this old ing artist and radio show host John County police said. Potomac farmer, whose body was tradition while making new friends. Tesh presents an upli ing evening of October 15, 1941. The Montgom- found Thursday in the basement of For more information, call 301-874- music on Saturday, October 8 at 8:00 ery County Commissioners yesterday the Potomac School. It was reported 2452. p.m. at the Weinberg Center for the ordered stringent police protection that his head and been crushed with a War of the Words Arts. Tickets are $45 (Front Orchestra of all county public schools from heavy instrument. Washington’s best–loved couple, October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 22

Golf Tips with cause the club to be signifi cantly far- without moving your feet, you will ther “out” and make it very likely that need to refer to number 3. Mike Aldrich you will fi nd the hosel. The easiest So the next time you shank the fi x for either issue is to start off bal- ball, you don’t need to seek out the anced from heel to toe, and fi nish your services of a shaman to heal your swing the same way. aura. Treat this swing fl aw logically 2. You are using your hands in a and keep your senses about you. You very active way. By turning the club might even be able to “cure” yourself. The Shanks! closed you make your arms extend Mike Aldrich is the PGA Head Golf even farther out, and deliver the hosel Professional at Poolesville Golf Course. It is forbidden to say “shank” dur- in a way that can defl ect the ball from He is a protégé of Manuel De La Torre, ing a round of golf in the same way the face into the hosel. This is the most one of Golf Magazine’s “Top 50 Teach- that the characters in Harry Po er frustrating cause of the shank because ers.” Mike is a highly sought a er refuse to say “Lord Voldemort” aloud. the more that you see the ball go right instructor, working with some of greater Fear of saying the word “shank” only (for a right-handed golfer), the more D.C.’s top amateurs and PGA Profession- makes it seem scarier. Shanking the that you want to close the clubface to als. Poolesville Golf Course off ers a great ball is not a magical curse or a disease. keep it from heading off in that direc- golf course, top quality merchandise, and It is merely moving the club in a way tion. a home for your outing groups. The facil- that causes the ball to catch a portion 3. This one is so simple that it ity is only 30 minutes from Gaithersburg, of the hosel. In fact, during one of my hardly seems worth mentioning. You Rockville, and Frederick. best tournaments this year I shanked are standing too close to the ball. It is a ball so badly that it traveled on a possible that you are starting off too ninety degree angle to my target line. close to the ball but se ing the club so I almost knocked the next shot into that the ball is centered. You make a Poolesville Golf Course the hole because I understand the good swing, but since you were stand- Announces 2005 Tourna- causes and the fi xes for “the shanks” ing too close, the ball careens off on an as I proceeded to shoot 70 in the Head 80 degree angle to your intended tar- ment Winners Professional Championship. get. Just step back about two inches; Ok, so now that you can think ra- that is the average distance from the ‘The 2005 Club Championship tionally about shanking the ball, how clubface to the hosel. concluded with Zech Zoerner win- can you stop it from repeating? There 4. Okay, this one is even simpler, ning the Mens Gross Division with a are four main causes of shanking the but I see it almost once a week during 36 hole total of 154. Mr. Sco Warren ball that create 90% of the problems. lessons. You are actually starting with won the Net Division with a 151. 1. You are shi ing your weight the hosel of your club directly behind The 2005 Ladies Gross Champion toward the ball before impact. This the ball. The good news is that even a is Felicia Wilson, and the Net Cham- can be shi ing from balanced to on non-golfi ng friend can help you dis- pion Kathy Yarmas. your toes, or from on your heels to cover and fi x this one. The only trick is balanced. Either type of shi will to move the club head back by moving your feet. If you just pull the club back

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School which has a good soccer team, Sports for example, will certainly go down as a highlight of the season. The boys had not been playing very well the Boys’ Soccer 2005 whole game, and, with three minutes year’s regional championship varsity Russell plays forward and midfi eld le in the game, they were losing two By Dominique Agnew team, sustained injuries keeping them where “he is exceptionally strong.” to one. Then, defensive back, senior off the fi eld for the season. “Since we Luis plays midfi eld and is to be com- Chris Hren (we spell names correctly “It’s been a diffi cult season so graduated eight seniors from last year, mended for “his tenacity on the fi eld in the Monocle), “hit a forty-yard shot far,” says boys’ varsity soccer coach, that le us with an even bigger hole and his leadership.” Another player in the upper ninety over the goalie’s Mark Agnew, but that doesn’t mean to fi ll,” says Coach Agnew. “We only to keep an eye on, Mark Fales, sopho- a empt to block the shot.” This tied the team is doing poorly, nor does it have four returning players from last more, “is very solid in defense.” the game—and reignited the team. mean the team will not win regions year’s varsity season.” This required As always, Poolesville soccer has They dominated the two overtimes or states—the goal of this season, of bringing up a lot of younger players to spend the season playing all the and ended with a two-two tie. A er course. It means that Coach Agnew with the bulk of the team made up big schools of Montgomery County, the struggle of the game, “the tie felt knew he would have a young team, of sophomores and juniors. On an but it’s all just practice for the impor- like a win.” but he wasn’t expecting two key play- encouraging note, Coach Agnew re- tant games at the end of the season. This is Coach Agnew’s second ers to be injured prior to the season marks, “Despite being very young, we Despite the extreme competition, the year coaching soccer. Last year, he and unable to play for the whole sea- have played exceptionally well.” boys’ varsity soccer team has some coached the team to its fi rst regional son. Senior Jimmy Stout and junior The captains this year are: junior truly impressive games. The memo- championship since the last century, Gavin Spadin, both starters on last Russell Karn and senior Luis Mejia. rable game against Einstein High but he expects it won’t be the last of this century. The Loneliest of Team pulls up to the track on his motorcycle A er the last meet against Whea- The heart of the girls’ team is about thirty minutes a er the team ton High School and Rockville High made up of the fi rst year freshman Sports has already begun warm-ups and School at Wheaton Regional Park, the runners Sarah Gross, Maggi Earle, By Rande Davis stretching drills. The assistant coach, team will get ready for the county Devin Hamburger, Brianna Giar- Erika Waters, now in her fi h year, is competition on October 22 at Gaith- ratano, and Kristyn Kirschbaum. The Forget about the crowds, the already there ge ing things started ersburg High School. From there it role of lead runner is still up for grabs cheers, even the help of teammates. and keeping the athletes focused. Ms. is on to the 1A West Regional Invita- since they are very competitive and On this team, you are on your own. Waters, originally from Pi sburgh, tional at Clear Springs High School the number one spot has changed Your role and goal are not compli- teaches Spanish at the high school. (November 3). If all goes well, they at each of the fi rst three meets of the cated. You are out simply to beat your A collegiate runner, she also coaches will compete at the Maryland State year. best personal performance. If you do long-distance events in indoor track Championships at Hereford High Improving his or her endurance that, your team will do its best. and swimming in the spring. School on November 12. is something each runner works at In cross country racing, you are The boys’ team consists of twenty every day, fi ve days a week for at least truly on your own. The drive to do runners led by returning junior, Aus- forty-fi ve minutes. Endurance will be your best comes only from within. The tin Keech, who fi nished seventeenth in the key when the time for the state coaches’ exhortations and the shouts the State 1A meet last year. Austin fi n- competition comes around. While of your teammates are le behind ished second overall in the Poolesville most cross country courses in the area as you leave the starting line at the Day 5k with a time of 18:36. “I started are quite fl at, the course at the fi nals sound of the pistol. The pounding of with cross country as a way to keep has become famous for a monster hill your feet and the throbbing of you in shape and fi nd a sport that I can do that is at the beginning and near end heart will be the only sounds you hear most of my life,” stated Keech. “My of the race. How steep is the hill? We until you fi nally approach the last one goal is to make the top ten in the state got a good idea from Athletic Direc- hundred yards of the race. Even then, competition.” tor Mike Riley as we stood just about there will be almost no crowds and Erika Waters and Jim Vollmer The varsity consists of third year fi y feet from one of the fi eld lights no cheerleaders. However, Coach Jim runner, Mike Vliet and second year at the school track. “Look straight up Vollmer will be there. Jumping up and In 1990, when Mr. Vollmer heard runners Dan Babicki, Ryan Pike, Brian at the top of that light and you get a down and screaming at you to push the athletic director at Poolesville be- Dresser, and John Tarney, who is out good perspective as to how steep the even harder, not to lose focus, yell- moan the fact that the school did not of action for now nursing shin splints. state meet hill is,” says Mike. Coming ing at you to not slow up now but to have a cross country team, he resolved Newcomers Brennan Keagan, Zach down that steep incline at the end of a push even harder. At this point, your to end that problem once and for all. Samuelson, Henry Giovanne i, Jeff race can be challenging also for tired biggest fans are the coaches and your The school has had a cross country Tallia, and Dan Kator round out the runners. In fact, they actually pad the teammates urging you on to the fi nish team ever since. group ba ling for the seven varsity trees along the hill just in case an ex- line. The boys’ team ended September team spots. Other members on the hausted runner loses his/her balance The Poolesville High School boys’ with a 1-1 record, beating Kennedy boys’ team are Ma Ducall, Nick running down. and girls’ cross country teams share High School and losing to Einstein Eames, Joe Garbini, Dan Pu , Zach Running times, sizes of hills, and mutual goals. They want to qualify for High. The PHS girls advanced with a Rhodas, David Shapiro, Nick Stavely, distances can vary from meet to meet. the state meet as a team or as individ- 2-0 start. Danny Vaughn, and Phil Weigner. For Coach Vollmer, success doesn’t uals. One for all and all for one. The team’s only at-home match The girls’ team has seven mem- vary though. In fact, for the long-dis- Conditioning is the name of the was on October 5 against Watkins bers and is led by third year senior, tance runner, Coach Vollmer’s t-shirt game in this sport. Fi een-year Coach Mill, Seneca Valley, and Northwood. Jami Earle, and fi rst year junior, Sarah says it all: “Success is largely hanging Vollmer leaves his teaching job at PHS runners compete on a cross coun- Knight. A er si ing out last year, Jami on when others let go.” The deter- Montgomery County’s vocational cen- try route that starts and ends at John has set some specifi c goals for this sea- mined runner is the successful runner. ter, the Thomas Edison High School Poole Middle School. son. “I want to make the state fi nals,” The PHS runners are determined. of Technology, every a ernoon and says Jami. October 7, 2005 The Monocacy Monocle Page 24 Poolesville High School Homecoming 2005