Potomac Almanac File Photo June 2-8, 2021 Online at Potomacalmanac.Com Potomac REAL ESTATE Photos by Deb Stevens/The Almanac March, 2021 Sales, $1,750,000~$1,340,000

Home , Cameron Run, Four Mile Run, Little Hunting Creek

Report on the health of the Potomac River. Stormwater runoff from urban and suburban areas is the major culprit today polluting the Poto- mac River right now.

Potomac River: On the Mend; Under Assault News, page 4 Real Estate Sales, Page 2 v Calendar & Entertainment, 8 Kenny Lourie, 11 Real Estate Wellbeing

Graphic Details Page 10

($6 Billion Budget) 6-3-21 home in Requested Time sensitive material. material. sensitive Time

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News, page 6 Postage U.S. PRSRT STD PRSRT Potomac Almanac File Photo June 2-8, 2021 online at potomacalmanac.com Potomac REAL ESTATE Photos by Deb Stevens/The Almanac March, 2021 Sales, $1,750,000~$1,340,000

In March, 2021, 58 Potomac homes sold between $8,500,000-$210,550.

3 10502 Beechknoll Lane — $1,275,000

4 11408 Falls Road — $1,269,000

7 9105 Rouen Lane — $1,200,000

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Mac Copyright 2021 Mark etStats for ShowingTime. Source: Bright MLS as of March 31, 2021 Athu 495 r Blvd. C la r a B art 22 vv PotomacPotomac AlmanacAlmanac v v o n June RJuned. 2-8, 2-8, 2021 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Potomac REAL ESTATE Photos by Deb Stevens/The Almanac News March, 2021 Sales, A Look at the County’s $6 Billion $1,750,000~$1,340,000 FY 2022 Operating Budget and More In March, 2021, 58 Potomac homes sold between $8,500,000-$210,550. n May 27, 2021, the Montgomery County Council voted unani- Omously to approve the County’s $6 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Operating Budget, the FY22 3 10502 Beechknoll Lane Capital Budget and the $4.316 billion Amended FY21-26 Capital — $1,275,000 Improvements Program (CIP). The Council’s focus throughout their budget deliberations this year was on the County’s recovery and providing relief and direct assistance to residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 4 11408 Falls Road The Working Families Income — $1,269,000 Supplement doubles the state’s tax refund to provide direct support for residents, funding increases pro- vided for nonprofits and enhanced 7 9105 Rouen Lane health and human services and — $1,200,000 County’s effective property tax rate remains flat with a $692 property tax credit for homeowners. Mont- gomery County Council is the final authority on spending for Montgom- ery County Government and Coun- ty and bi-County agencies such as Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery College, the Washing- ton Suburban Sanitary Commission, and the Montgomery County Plan- D ar ne ning Board. The County Executive st ow n submits his or her proposed capital and operating budgets to the Coun- Q

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S t o n e y C e Montros Road presents her latest paintings about the online reservation system located at 12901 Town Commons sory Group are coordinating the re Submit civic/community an- e 2 6 k 10005 Chartwell Manor Court 9422 Turnberry Drive

R nouncements at ConnectionNews- in a series titled “ESCAPISM” at the will be available in coming weeks. Drive in Germantown from 10 a.m. program with special support o

a d Framer’s Choice Gallery in down- The senior center, located at 1150 Car- to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 19. from BlackRock Center for the R o — $1,300,000 — $1,200,000 papers.com/Calendar. Photos ad T 270 u c town nation Drive, will follow federal, The event will feature traditional Arts to commemorate the 156th k e and artwork welcome. Deadline r m a Lane Kentlands, Gaithersburg. Original state and local COVID-19 health events like the award recognition anniversary of the events of 4 n Address ...... BR FB HB Postal City .....Sold Price ... Type ...... Lot AC . Postal Code ... Subdivision...... Date Sold is Thursday at noon, at least two d 7 paintings of Borchert are on view and safety guidelines: Face cover- ceremony and Juneteenth inspired June 19, 1865. On that day, a weeks before event. o R 1 that embody the idea of escap- ings and physical distancing of 6 food. This year’s theme “Freedom Union General Gordon Granger ls 1 8313 LARKMEADE TER ...... 4 ...4 ...1 ....POTOMAC .$1,335,000 ... Detached .. 0.19 ...... 20854 ....BELLS MILL ESTS ... 03/31/21 R Fal ing the current hard times of feet or more will be required. at the Rock… Acknowledge, Edu- and 2,000 federal troops ive S r e SUNDAY/JUNE 6

e COVID-19 times and escaping into Spring and summer programs that cate, Celebrate” traces the African arrived in Galveston, Texas to Ro n ad 2 10005 CHARTWELL MANOR CT .4 ...4 ...1 ....POTOMAC .$1,300,000 ... Detached .. 0.33 ...... 20854 ...... AVENEL ...... 03/01/21 IMT presents ilyAIMY. 1 p.m. Democracy the arts and dreamscapes. Visit the have been advertised and sched- American struggle for freedom take possession of the state and Blvd . L Online at www.imtfolk.org. o website: https://vianborchert.com/ uled will remain virtual. New, through education, art, dance, mu- enforce the emancipation of its c k Webcast live from the Stage of s 3 10502 BEECHKNOLL LN ...... 4 ...4 ...1 ....POTOMAC .$1,275,000 ... Detached .. 0.21 ...... 20854 ....POTOMAC GLEN ...03/26/21 exhibitions/335-escapism.html in-person programs will be adver- sic and honoring our elders. New enslaved persons. The event Musical Traditions in Takoma ad R o o tised in the summer newsletters. this year, the festivities will also today is known as Juneteenth

R a s d 495 4 11408 FALLS RD BEDFORDSHIRE Park, MD on Facebook and ll ...... 6 ...4 ...1 ....POTOMAC .$1,269,000 ... Detached .. 0.63 ...... 20854 ...... 03/05/21 a . For more information about Rockville include educational activities, a and is celebrated widely across F vd MONDAY/JUNE 14 8 Pe Bl YouTube | free to attend, dona- O y a r e Senior Center, visit www.rockvil- historical journey of African Amer- the United States. sim l k d The City of Rockville will reopen Rock- ly a 495 n Br 5 10500 BEECHKNOLL LN PINEY GLEN VILLAGE tions encouraged. Visit www. m .....5 ...4 ...1 ....POTOMAC .$1,200,000 ... Detached .. 0.25 ...... 20854 . 03/31/21 lemd.gov/seniorcenter, or call 240- ican Music and artistic entertain- D i ville Senior Center, Monday, June ri on imtfolk.org ve B 14, providing limited hours and 314-8800 or email seniorcenter@ ment, and food trucks, all designed ri 2 LIBRARIES SET TO REOPEN ck Tree 6 9422 TURNBERRY DR AVENEL y ...... 3 ...3 ...1 ....POTOMAC .$1,200,000 ... Townhouse 0.08 ...... 20854 ...... 03/08/21 a rockvillemd.gov. for the whole family. Activities will r amenities for members. The center Montgomery County Public Librar- d R oad NOW THRU JUNE 12 take place both inside and on the R will not be open for drop-in use ies is announcing the reopening o a 7 9105 ROUEN LN ...... 6 ...4 ...1 ....POTOMAC .$1,200,000 ... Detached .. 0.34 ...... 20854 LAKE NORMANDY ESTS 03/24/21 ESCAPISM Art Exhibit. 10 a.m. to d or daily lunch. The senior center SATURDAY/JUNE 19 lawn of the arts center. of seven additional branches 6 3 p.m. At The Framer’s Choice and fitness room will be open, by Montgomery County’s 24th June- The Montgomery County Office of to the public on June 14. The 8 9405 FALLS BRIDGE LN Gallery, 402 Main Street, Gaith- ...... 6 ...3 ...1 ....POTOMAC .$1,150,000 ... Detached .. 0.38 ...... 20854 ....HERITAGE FARM ... 03/12/21 reservation only, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. teenth Celebration will be held at Human Rights and the County Mac Copyright 2021 Mark etStats for ShowingTime. Source: Bright MLS as of March 31, 2021 ersburg. Artist Vian Borchert See Bulletin, Page 9 Athu 495 Monday-Friday. More information the BlackRock Center for the Arts Executive’s African American Advi- r Blvd. C la r a B art 2 v Potomac Almanac v o nJuneRd. 2-8, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Potomac Almanac v June 2-8, 2021 v 3 News More to Do to Clean Up the Potomac River Stormwater runoff from urban and suburban areas is the major culprit today polluting the Potomac River, the fastest growing pollutant. Sturgeons and Dolphins Shortnose sturgeons (Acipenser brevirostrum) live in rivers and coastal waters from Canada to Florida, but spend little time in the ocean, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin- istration. They can reach up to 4.5 feet in length. In 1967, the federal government classified the fish as endangered. Common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncates) live close to the shore and throughout coastal and estuarine waters around the world. They are not considered to be endangered. In the 1840s, dolphins were seen as far upriver as Alexandria, Virginia, Karin Bruil- lard reported in the Washington Post.

Climate change is exacerbating the problems. Warming tempera- tures are bringing more intense storms and more volumes of water over shorter time frames. In 2018, for example, the Washington met- ropolitan region got almost 16 inches rain compared to a normal of 14 inches. The region is seeing File photo more microbursts, he reported, which can cause more frequent, highly localized flooding. Some storms can send more Forest and vegetation that come to the edge of the Potomac River help to protect water quality from polluted stormwater runoff. pollution from what are called “combined sewer overflow” (CSO) By Glenda C. Booth Marsh. systems, like the sewer system in Mount Vernon Gazette The river is much cleaner today Old Town, Alexandria, dating to than it was in 1964 when then U.S. the 1890s. “The volume has to n April 9, Connor President Lyndon Johnson called it go somewhere,” Belin said, not- Lynch, an angler fish- “a national disgrace.” ing that historically engineers de- ing on the Potomac But “it’s not in the clear,” warned signed urban infrastructure to get ORiver near Fletcher’s Belin. “It is still too polluted for water off streets. Alexandria and Cove, hooked and released a short- swimming and fishing.” Washington, D.C., are upgrading nose sturgeon, a fish not seen in The Potomac’s health worsened their combined overflow systems, the river since 2007. The Potomac for the first time in a decade, ac- building underground holding Riverkeeper called the finding “In- cording to Conservancy’s latest tanks and then treating runoff at creasing evidence that the health report card analyzing 2020 condi- AlexRenew on Cameron Run or of the Potomac River is improving.” tions, when the river got a grade of for Washington, D.C., the Blue Common bottlenose dolphins B-, declining from a B in 2018. It Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant are spotted in the river too, seen is greatly improved from its 2011 on the Maryland side of the river. as far from the Atlantic Ocean as grade of D, but Conservancy ex- Eliminating CSOs “will have a big the U.S. 301 Harry W. Nice Memo- perts say the recovery is plateau- impact,” Belin predicted. “Other- rial Bridge which connects Charles ing. “Getting a B once does not Anglers Josh Cohn and Connor Lynch snapped a photo of the wise, you’d be swimming in sew- County, Maryland to King George mean getting a B the next time,” shortnose sturgeon they caught in the Potomac River at Fletcher’s age.” County, Virginia. Belin told the group. Boathouse, keeping it in the water to prevent harm. Storms can erode streambanks These sightings are indicators While industrial and agricul- and send sediments into water- ways. Cloudy water impairs the that efforts to restore water quality tural sources have reduced pollu- today, the fastest growing pollut- an F grade in the report card. growth of submerged aquatic veg- in what George Washington called tion, especially since passage in ant. “When it rains, it pours pollu- etation that help filter nutrients “the nation’s river” are making a 1972 of the federal Clean Water Belin explained that deforesta- tion into rivers and streams,” Belin and pollutants and provide food difference, Hedrick Belin, Presi- Act and adoption of Chesapeake tion of shorelines and impervious said. One inch of rain can generate and habitat for fish, waterfowl and dent of the Potomac Conservancy, Bay restoration policies, polluted surfaces take away the land’s abil- 2,000 gallons of runoff from a typ- other wildlife. Underwater aquatic told attendees of a May 26 Zoom stormwater runoff from urban and ity to naturally absorb rainwater. ical suburban home, according to meeting of the Friends of Dyke suburban areas is the major culprit Forested shoreline buffers earned the Conservancy’s website. See Potomac River, Page 5 4 v Potomac Almanac v June 2-8, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News It is time to re-emerge and become social again! Potomac River Join PANC to make new friends, From Page 4 Photo courtesy of Hedrik Belin, potomac.org/river-update reconnect with old ones and become plants garnered a C- in the report card. Some fish species are in de- involved in our local community. cline, the Conservancy reported last year. What happens on the land affects the river, Belin said, CHECK OUT Sturgeons whether it’s parking lots, suburban yards or farm fields. “Healthy www.potomacneighbors.com and Dolphins communities start with clean wa- FOR EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES Shortnose sturgeons (Acipenserter,” he said. “Healthy water means brevirostrum) live in rivers andhealthy people.” The Potomac pro- coastal waters from Canada to vides drinking water to over five Florida, but spend little time in themillion people in the Washington ocean, according to the Nationalmetropolitan area. Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin- istration. They can reach up to 4.5 Solutions feet in length. In 1967, the federal On the way forward to a clean- government classified the fisher as river, Belin advised, “We need endangered. to work with nature, not against Common bottlenose dolphinsit, replicate it.” More trees and (Tursiops truncates) live close tohealthy forests can help capture the shore and throughout coastalstormwater runoff. We need to and estuarine waters around the build in smarter ways, strengthen Common bottlenose dolphins are spotted in the Potomac River, world. They are not considered to clean water laws and restore de- seen as far from the Atlantic Ocean as the U.S. 301 Harry W. Nice be endangered. In the 1840s, dol-graded areas, including wetlands Memorial Bridge. phins were seen as far upriver as and floodplains. He challenged Cosponsors of the meeting were Alexandria, Virginia, Karin Bruil-attendees to be Potomac River ad- in the 14,670-square-mile Poto- the Four Mile Run Conservancy, the lard reported in the Washington vocates. mac River basin. “Clean water’s Friends of Little Hunting Creek, Post. The Conservancy works on mul- our north star,” Belin said. “The tiple fronts to protect and restore river’s the star of the show. It’s our the Friends of Mason Neck State the river, like tree planting and in- backyard,” adding, “the Potomac’s Park, Porto Vecchio Condominium Climate change is exacerbatingfluencing public policy. The -orga making a comeback but there’s still and the Washington, D. C., chap- the problems. Warming tempera-nization has protected over 60,000 more work to do to get the river ter of the Society for Conservation tures are bringing more intenseacres and over 100 stream miles to an A.” Biology. storms and more volumes of water over shorter time frames. In 2018, for example, the Washington met- ropolitan region got almost 16 inches rain compared to a normal of 14 inches. The region is seeing more microbursts, he reported, which can cause more frequent, highly localized flooding. Some storms can send more pollution from what are called “combined sewer overflow” (CSO) systems, like the sewer system in Old Town, Alexandria, dating to the 1890s. “The volume has to go somewhere,” Belin said, not- ing that historically engineers designed urban infrastructure to get water off streets. Alexandria and Washington, D.C., are upgrading their combined overflow systems, building underground holding tanks and then treating runoff at AlexRenew on Cameron Run or for Washington, D.C., the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant on the Maryland side of the river. Eliminating CSOs “will have a big impact,” Belin predicted. “Other- wise, you’d be swimming in sew- age.” Storms can erode streambanks and send sediments into water- ways. Cloudy water impairs the growth of submerged aquatic vegetation that help filter nutrients and pollutants and provide food and habitat for fish, waterfowl and other wildlife. Underwater aquatic See Potomac River, Page 5 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Potomac Almanac v June 2-8, 2021 v 5 News Remembering Travis Staats in Arlington National Cemetery Since 2006, there has been an 86 percent increase in suicide rates among 18-34 year old male veterans.

By Eden Brown theaters, and then joined the U.S. would be just an inch off of where The Connection Army hoping to make it to the it was supposed to be.” That was Green Berets. “He was always the day Staats’ luck ran out. eanna Muir sat with her looking for the next challenge,” But Staats didn’t die in Afghan- husband, Daniel, her said his sister. “He wanted to go as istan. He took his own life, four arm draped around the high as he could.” years later, after returning to the Dheadstone of her broth- SPC Staats was a combat engi- U.S. to recover from the bombing er, Travis Sta- of his Hum- ats, the way mer. After a sister does, “Travis didn’t want to lose his job and feeling the casually affec- full impact tionate. Staats his means to support his family. He of his tours was a casualty in the war of the Iraq and loved his job and wanted to continue in zone, strug- Afghanistan gling with wars. It was the service. So he didn’t get the help he depression Memorial Day and PTSD, he

2021 in Arling- needed. We should make sure you don’t was unable Photo by Eden Brown ton National to ask for Cemetery, and get penalized for seeking help.” help, either the poignancy — Deanna Muir, sister because he of this grave was afraid to of a man born ruin his mili- in 1987 and dead before age 30 neer on a bomb squad, clearing a tary record, or because as a man, was not lost on other visitors, who road of IEDs in Nangarhar Prov- he thought he should be able to looked over and saw the family’s ince in Afghanistan on November handle this himself. grief, still fresh, of Staats’ death in 26, 2011. The intelligence they He left behind a wife, two tod- Deanna and Daniel Muir spent Memorial Day at her brother’s 2015. had was sometimes right and dlers, his sister, his family. None grave in Arlington Cemetery. Travis Alan Staats, who had served in He started out as a sniper in sometimes wrong, and as Staats Afghanistan and Iraq, died in 2015. He tells about the day he was the U.S. Marines, serving in both himself said, “sometimes the IED See Remembering, Page 7 blown up in a video called “Eyewitness War, Bomb Squad Boom.” Biden, Harris mark On Hallowed Ground Memorial Day in Arlington. By Jeanne Theismann The Connection “We owe the

resident Joe Biden hon- honored dead ... ored the nation’s fallen military during a visit to our full best ef- PArlington National Cem- etery May 31, marking Memori- forts to perfect al Day by placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. the Union for The president was joined by first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Ka- which they died.” mala Harris and second gentleman — President Joe Biden Doug Emhoff in the dedication to at Arlington National deceased service members whose Cemetery May 31 remains have not been identified. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Mark Milley, chairman of the sparse and restricted to invited Joint Chiefs of Staff, were also in guests. attendance. “Generation after generation of Following the wreath laying, American heroes are signed up to Biden gave his first Memorial Day be part of the fight because they Mark Mogle/The Almanac address as Commander-in-Chief. understand the truth that lives in “This nation was built on an every American heart: that liber- idea, the idea of liberty and oppor- ation, opportunity, justice are far tunity for all,” Biden said. “We’ve more likely to come to pass in a never fully realized that aspiration democracy than in an autocra- of our founders, but every gener- cy,” Biden said. “These Americans ation has opened the door a little weren’t fighting for dictators, they wider. We owe the honored dead ... were fighting for democracy. They our full best efforts to perfect the weren’t fighting to exclude or to Union for which they died.” enslave, they were fighting to build Rory Mogle, 9, with sisters Norah, 7, and Sarah, 10, mark Memorial Day with a visit to Section 60 of Due to ongoing COVID-19 pre- and broaden and liberate.” Arlington National Cemetery where their great grandfather, Captain Silas Johnson, is buried. John- cautions, the assembled crowd was See Biden, Harris, Page 11 son served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. 6 v Potomac Almanac v June 2-8, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Remembering Travis Staats in Arlington National Cemetery Remembering Travis

From Page 6 done differently for those return- of them suspected he was suicid- ing with PTSD and mental health al. All of them had talked to him a issues from Afghanistan and Iraq? day or two before he died, even the “I’d definitely want to reduce the night he died, and he was upbeat stigma of mental health issues,” and as always, the one in the fam- she said. “People think if you have ily everyone turned to for strength mental health problems you are and a positive attitude. “He was weak, or unfit. No one wants to the least likely person to do this,” talk about it. And the second thing said Deanna. “We had no idea.” is, I would make sure the returning Staats tells about the day he military get the counseling they was injured in a National Geo- need. Travis was scared of losing graphic Eyewitness War episode his security clearance if he sought called “Bomb Squad Boom.” His help for his emotional issues. He Go-Pro follows the bomb squad as didn’t want to lose his job and his he tells his story — a young, confi- means to support his family. He FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION dent, even humorous realist. “The loved his job and wanted to con- Sign up for route we were clearing led from tinue in the service. So he didn’t to all of our papers our base, and had a lot of traffic get the help he knew he needed. from the base that was headed So we need to make sure you don’t out to other areas; our job was get penalized for seeking help.” route clearance so everyone else An organization called Stop Sol-

Photo by Eden Brown using the road stayed safe.” But it diers Suicide reports over 114,000 was dangerous work, and Staats deaths by suicide of veterans since notes in the video that every time 2001, and since 2006, there has he went out “I knew in my head I been an 86 percent increase in sui- might not come back.” cide rates among 18-34 year old His sensitivity about his role male veterans. comes through when he also ex- Deanna and Daniel had anoth- plains the Taliban in that area er reason to visit the cemetery on were there to kill U.S. personnel. Memorial Day. They are both in the As he narrates the story, his squad Air Force. She is an Airman First www.connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe watched a Predator kill two Tali- Class who just finished basic train- ban insurgents who had been placing and has started her training as ing an IED on the road. a photojournalist at Fort Meade; “People say we are sick-minded, her husband has been in the Air some people say we are crazy. But Force about 8 years, and is a staff if the Predator hadn’t taken out the sergeant with a radio engineering enemy, they would have gone on and SATCOM background. They to put down another IED and kill were separated for the pandemic, us. You gotta tune your mind into and now that they are both vacci- things like this to help you cope.” nated, they were able to meet up The videos in the National Geo- in Washington for a long-awaited THE POTOMAC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE graphic series show how young reunion. He coached her long dis- these soldiers are, and how they tance through Basic, took care of in partnership with carry on with the mission even the dogs and her car, and she got when one of the hummers blows through training and went to a Normandie Farm Restaurant up and their squad members are graduation full of empty seats. He Introducing-The Roadside Café medevaced by helicopter. drove up from their home state of That day, Staats thought he had Georgia to visit on this long week- invites you to a a few minutes before they got to end. the IED the intelligence had indi- The grief of an untimely death NETWORKING EVENT! cated and they would defuse, so he aside, they are looking forward to Wednesday, June 16, 2021 • 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM grabbed a meatloaf MRE (meals their careers in military service as ready to eat) thinking, “Boy, this they also cherish the memory of 10710 Falls Road • Potomac, MD 20854 would be a terrible last meal!” Travis Staats. Serving their coun- Cost: Potomac Chamber Members: $10.00 That’s when his hummer went over try, and honoring others who have Non-Members: $15.00 an IED they didn’t know about. served, is just part of who they are. Cash Bar available Staats sustained traumatic brain To hear and see Travis Staats injuries and was hospitalized in talk about his time in Afghan- NORMANDIE FARM IS GENEROUSLY PROVIDING Germany until he returned to the istan, see “Eyewitness War,” HORS D’OUERVES FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT! U.S. streaming on Amazon. https:// Mark Mogle/The Almanac “He was never the same after www.amazon.com/Caught-Out- To reserve your place and/or for additional information, the war service,” said Deanna. But side-the-Wire/dp/B00ESB2M76/ Call the Potomac Chamber of Commerce: it was so subtle, no one noticed ref=sr_1_1?crid=XPQ78XECP- 301-299-2170 just how different he was. He re- CY7&dchild=1&keywords=eye- Or reserve your spot online at www.potomacchamber.org covered physically but mentally witness+war+full+epi- R.S.V.P. by June 15, 2021 he was struggling. No one knew sodes&qid=1622477734&s=in- he was haunted by what he had stant-video&sprefix- Bring your business cards and seen and done in the war, by living =eyewitness+war+%2Cin- plenty of conversation! every day on the edge. Staats was stant-video%2C156&sr=1-1 like many other war vets; he just If you would like to donate a door prize, didn’t talk about it. To learn more about suicide among please call Jennifer at the Chamber office. returning soldiers, see: https://stop- WHAT WOULD his sister want soldiersuicide.org/vet-stats www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Potomac Almanac v June 2-8, 2021 v 7 Calendar and Entertainment

VISIT LOCUST GROVE through November. Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Repeats weekly on Thursdays. Democracy Blvd. Outdoor exhibits, natural features, and trails are GLEN ECHO FOLK DANCERS. Virtual. open every day from dawn to 7:30 - 9 p.m. lesson, followed dusk. In the Upper Meadow, look by dancing from 9-10:15 p.m. for Monarch butterflies, caterpil- See https://glenechopark.org/ lars and eggs on the milkweed in events-calendar. summer. Check out the dogbane Repeats weekly on Thursdays. for iridescent dogbane beetles. Listen for wrens and bluebirds near PUBLIC ART. Bethesda is filled with the bluebird nest boxes. Watch for public art. Browse a portion of the box turtles crossing the path in the collection of public art on https:// early morning. www.bethesda.org/bethesda/pub- In the Lower Meadow, watch for bats lic-art for descriptions of projects hunting in late afternoon or early and locations. evening. Sit under the shade of the 200-year-old sycamore, and FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2021 imagine what the park looked like JOSIAH HENSON MUSEUM AND when it was part of a large farm. PARK. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 11410 Watch as Cabin John Creek flows Old Georgetown Road. The life briskly by. In the spring, listen for and challenges of Reverend Josiah the calls of spring peepers and oth- Henson, enslavement in Maryland, er frogs from the vernal pools. You and the ongoing struggles of racial might also spot minnows, crayfish, equality and justice on the former bathing birds, or signs of beaver plantation property of Isaac Riley activity. where Henson was enslaved. Hen- Visit with the giants as you follow the son, whose 1849 autobiography, trails through the Mature Forest. The Life of Josiah Henson, Former- Towering white oaks and tulip ly a Slave, Now an Inhabitant of trees dwarf the younger under- Canada, inspired Harriet Beecher story. Stowe’s novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. $5 adults, $4 youth, $4 seniors. JUNE 1, 10 A.M. See https://www.montgomery- Glenstone Museum is open in a limited parks.org/parks-and-trails/josi- capacity on visitor days (Thurs- ah-henson-park/ day-Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.). Repeats all Fridays, Saturdays and Scheduled visits are required but Sundays, same hours. currently all booked. Admission is free. Because of covid restrictions CABIN JOHN PARK MINIATURE and “unprecedented” demand, TRAIN RIDE. 3-6 p.m. on Fridays. Glenstone will release an opportu- 7410 Tuckerman Lane. Scenic two- nity for August visits on June 1 at mile, 15-minute train ride through 10 a.m. See https://visit.glenstone. Cabin John Regional Park. Tickets org/ are limited and can be pre-pur- chased online at ActiveMontgom- ery.org -- $2.50.(Children two and younger ride for free with an adult.) See https://www.mont- Calendar gomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/ cabin-john-regional-park/minia- Expanding: ture-train/ for covid precautions and ticket information. Live and Zoom Repeat same hours on Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021 Sundays. BETHESDA PAINTING AWARDS: The Bethesda Painting Awards PARK RANGERS AVAILABLE. 10 a.m. is downtown Bethesda’s annual to 3 p.m. Chesapeake & Ohio juried art. Nearly 300 artists from National Historical Park, 11710 Maryland, Virginia and Washing- MacArthur Blvd. Park rangers are ton, D.C. submit work to this an- available to provide maps and in- nual competition created to honor formation even though the visitors regional painters. The work of the center is still currently closed. See eight finalists will be on display at https://www.nps.gov/choh/index. Gallery B from June 3 - 26, 2021. htm See Bethesda Urban Partnership Repeats Saturdays and Sundays, same at https://www.bethesda.org/ for hours. details. LIVE MUSIC. 6-8 p.m., Downtown WAVERLY STREET GALLERY. 1-4 p.m. Bethesda. Bethesda Urban Partner- (Also on Saturdays, 1-4 p.m.) Early ship has helped organize additional Summer Show featuring Waverly restaurant seating outdoors in Street Gallery artists. 4600 East- downtown Bethesda. The “Bethes- West Hwy #102. No appointment da Streetery” will be set-up as open necessary but masks are required. seating, with all tables placed at See https://www.waverlystreetgal- least 6 feet apart and a limit of lery.com four people permitted per table. Repeats Thursdays and Saturdays Live music each Friday to enjoy through July 3, 2021. while also enjoying outdoor dining. For precise locations and details, THE WRITER’S CENTER: Zoom, virtu- see https://www.bethesda.org/ al. Author Gregg Shapiro discusses bethesda/bethesda-streetery the release of the expanded edition Repeats Friday evenings. Potomac Day Back Oct. 23 of his short story collection, How to Whistle with writer and editor Dan FRIDAY NIGHT DANCERS. 8:30 to Scenes from the last Potomac Day in October, 2019 Vera. Free. See https://www.writer. 10:30 p.m. Virtual, Glen Echo Mark your calendars for Oct. 23, 2021 because org/ for registration information Park. Join Friday Night Dancers Potomac Day is back with the traditional business and to receive the link to the event. for a virtual contra dance and live music. See https://glenechopark. fair, parade, car show and more. Reserve your POTOMAC VILLAGE FARMERS MAR- spot early as these sell out quickly and everyone org/events. KET. Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6:30 Repeats Fridays. is excited to be back in action. Call Jennifer at the p.m. Potomac United Methodist Potomac Chamber of Commerce at 301-299-2170. Church, 9908 South Glen Road. Potomac Village Farmers Mar- See Calendar, Page 9 ket operates all Thursdays, May 8 v Potomac Almanac v June 2-8, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Calendar and Entertainment through November. From Page 8 See https://www.writer.org/ for Field, 10600 Westlake Drive. 7 who offered a poem of their own, commemorate the 156th anni- Repeats weekly on Thursdays. SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2021 registration information and to p.m. Bethesda Big Train hosts the then selected, introduced and versary of the events of June 19, EXHIBITION GAME. Shirley Povich receive the link to the event. South County Braves in the team’s presented a poem from another 1865. On that day, Union General GLEN ECHO FOLK DANCERS. Virtual. Field, 10600 Westlake Drive. 7 home opener. The Big Train team is poet. This session is moderated Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal 7:30 - 9 p.m. lesson, followed p.m. Bethesda Big Train hosts the 10K RACE. 7:30 - 10 a.m. Little Ben- composed of talented college play- by Plume editor Amanda Newell. troops arrived in Galveston, Texas by dancing from 9-10:15 p.m. Silver Spring Takoma T-bolts. The nett Park, 25900 Prescott Road, ers from across the country who Free. See https://www.writer.org/ to take possession of the state and See https://glenechopark.org/ Big Train team is composed of tal- Clarksburg. This event features come to Bethesda each June and for registration information and to enforce the emancipation of its events-calendar. ented college players from across a challenging 10K loop course in July to compete in the competitive receive the link to the event. enslaved persons. Repeats weekly on Thursdays. the country who come to Bethesda Little Bennett Regional Park and is wooden bat league. See http:// each June and July to compete mainly a single-track trail that is www.bigtrain.org/ for information SUNDAY, JUNE 13 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION CON- PUBLIC ART. Bethesda is filled with in the competitive wooden bat hilly and rocky. More Montgomery about the team, league and how to PLAY BALL. 7 p.m. Shirley Povich CERT. Lift Every Voice. The New public art. Browse a portion of the league. County Road Runners races and purchase tickets. This season, all Field, 10600 Westlake Drive Orchestra of Washington (NOW), collection of public art on https:// fun runs will be happening as pan- fans – including season pass hold- Bethesda Big Train hosts the Gaith- believes in the transformative www.bethesda.org/bethesda/pub- NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC CON- demic restrictions are lifted. See ers – must pick their seats for each ersburg Giants. Sixteen Big Train power of music to bring us closer lic-art for descriptions of projects CERT. 2-5 p.m., virtual per- https://mcrrc.org/ individual game. There will be no alumni have made it to the major and connect us to one another. and locations. formance live through zoom general admission at Shirley Povich leagues. This concert celebrates the music from Strathmore Hall. National OUTDOOR SWIM HOURS. 12-6 p.m. Field. Tickets are fulfilled on a first See http://www.bigtrain.org/ for of Black composers of the past FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2021 Philharmonic presents Eduardo weekends only, three-hour slots come, first served basis. information about the team, league including George Walker, William JOSIAH HENSON MUSEUM AND Alonso-Crespo’s Concerto for Viola available. Bethesda Outdoor Pool, and how to purchase tickets. Grant Still, Florence Price, and a PARK. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 11410 featuring National Philharmonic’s 6300 Hillandale Road, Bethesda. THURSDAY JUNE 10, 2021 vibrant Black composer of today, Old Georgetown Road. The life principal violist, Julius Wirth. 301-652-1598. For more pools CRAFT OF POETRY. Zoom, 6-7 p.m. MONDAY, JUNE 14 Jessie Montgomery. $120-$160 for and challenges of Reverend Josiah Afterwards, we’ll be performing including upcounty in Poolesville Poet Chet’la Sebree discusses her POTOMAC LIBRARY. 10101 Glenolden table seating one to four. https:// Henson, enslavement in Maryland, Carlos Simon’s moving work, Por- and Gaithersburg, and for summer book-length prose poem, Field Dr. Montgomery County is sched- www.strathmore.org/what-s-on/ and the ongoing struggles of racial trait of a Queen, which traces the hours starting June 19, see www. Study. Chet’la will be in conver- uled to reopen Potomac Library on summer-2021/now-juneteenth-cel- equality and justice on the former evolution of Black people in Amer- montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/ sation with Emily Holland, poet Monday, June 14. See www.mont- ebration/ plantation property of Isaac Riley ica through the lens of one figura- facilities/aquaticcenters/outdoor- and editor of Poet Lore, America’s gomerycountymd.gov/library. Also, where Henson was enslaved. Hen- tive Black woman who represents pools.html oldest poetry journal. See https:// see Friends of Potomac Library at PLAY BALL. 4 p.m. Shirley Povich son, whose 1849 autobiography, strength, courage, and selfless- www.writer.org/ for registration https://www.folmc.org/chapters/ Field, 10600 Westlake Drive. The Life of Josiah Henson, Former- ness. Dramatic spoken word, writ- INDOOR SWIM HOURS. Shriver information and to receive the link potomac-chapter/. Bethesda Big Train hosts the ly a Slave, Now an Inhabitant of ten by Courtney D. Ware, poetically Aquatic Center, 5900 Executive to the event. season’s first home doubleheader Canada, inspired Harriet Beecher expresses the thoughts and feelings Blvd, 240-777-8070 See. https:// 33RD BIENNIAL EXHIBITION of the starting at 4 p.m. against the Alex- of the protagonist, enhancing her www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ TUESDAY, JUNE 15 andria Aces. Stowe’s novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Creative Crafts Council. 7 p.m. On- PLAY BALL. 7 p.m. Shirley Povich $5 adults, $4 youth, $4 seniors. musical portrait. See Bethesda rec/Resources/Files/aquatics/ line. A Zoom link will be emailed See http://www.bigtrain.org/ Urban Partnership’s calendar of KSAC.pdf Field, 10600 Westlake Drive. See https://www.montgomery- to participants 30 minutes prior to Bethesda Big Train hosts the South parks.org/parks-and-trails/josi- events at https://www.bethesda. the event. Free, but RSVP required SUNDAY, JUNE 20 org/events-calendar/202106 County Braves. See http://www. ah-henson-park/ SUNDAY, JUNE 6, 2021 to receive a zoom link. Please bigtrain.org/ for information about PLAN AHEAD FOR LOCUST GROVE. Repeats all Fridays, Saturdays and WASHINGTON FOLK FESTIVAL 2021. note: Strathmore has a number of 2-5 p.m. Locust Grove Nature PARTNERSHIP GALLERIES. Glen Echo. the team, league and how to pur- Sundays, same hours. Join the Folklore Society of Greater free outdoor concerts and virtual chase tickets. Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd. Exhibitions as well as an outdoor Washington and the Partnership for events throughout June, as well as Follow the clues and work together CABIN JOHN PARK MINIATURE market of artist works are often on the Washington Folk Festival. This concerts that require purchasing with your family to solve a new TRAIN RIDE. 3-6 p.m. on Fridays. display at Glen Echo, in the gal- year will be a live-streamed music tickets. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16 nature-themed puzzle each month 7410 Tuckerman Lane. Scenic two- leries as well as outside the artist and dance event of two simultane- See https://www.strathmore.org/ POTOMAC CHAMBER of COMMERCE. in Hike and Seek. This month, mile, 15-minute train ride through studios. See https://glenechopark. ous streams of entertainment from NETWORKING EVENT. 4-6 p.m. step into the story, “Over in the Cabin John Regional Park. Tickets org/events-calendar for details. Glen Echo’s Spanish Ballroom and At Normandie Farm Restaurant, Meadow,” as it unfolds along the SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021 10710 Falls Road. See www. are limited and can be pre-pur- other park locations. There will be CAROUSEL STORY TIME. 9:30 a.m. trail. Can you count all the hidden chased online at ActiveMontgom- RIDE THE CAROUSEL. 10 a.m. - 6 no in-person audience or dancers potomacchamber.org. Register by animals as you sing along to the Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur June 15, 2021. ery.org -- $2.50.(Children two p.m. Glen Echo Park, 7300 so be sure to tune in from home Blvd. Join us as we read Carousel tune? Register by Friday, June 18, and younger ride for free with an MacArthur Blvd. The 1921 Dentzel for this special event. Free but by Donald Crews. Choose your to schedule your time slot. Natural adult.) See https://www.mont- Carousel was installed in 1921 donations are welcome. Thou- horse. Hold on tight. Available also SATURDAY, JUNE 19 surface trails are not stroller acces- gomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/ and celebrates its 100th Anni- sands of people usually attend this on YouTube. See https://glenecho- JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION. 10 a.m. sible. $2 per person. See https:// cabin-john-regional-park/minia- versary all season long. Purchase traditional festival held the first park.org/carousel/ to 10 p.m. Black Rock Center for www. ture-train/ for covid precautions tickets at https://glenechopark. weekend after Memorial Day in the Arts, 12901 Town Commons montgomeryparks.org/parks-and- and ticket information. simpletix.com/. $5 per person for person. https://fsgw.org/washing- PLAY BALL. Shirley Povich Field, Drive. Montgomery County’s 24th trails/cabin-john-regional-park/ Repeat same hours on Fridays, and 10 a four-hour time slot. See https:// tonfolkfestival 10600 Westlake Drive. 7 p.m. Juneteenth Celebration. This year’s locust-grove-nature-center/ a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and glenechopark.org/carousel/ for Bethesda Big Train hosts the Alex- theme “Freedom at the Rock… Sundays. additional information regarding TANGO BRILLANTE. https://glenecho- andria Aces. The Bethesda Big Train Acknowledge, Educate, Celebrate” PLAY BALL. 7 p.m. Shirley Povich covid protocols. park.org/events-calendar is a team of top level college play- traces the African American strug- Field, 10600 Westlake Drive. PARK RANGERS AVAILABLE. 10 a.m. Repeats all Saturdays and Sundays. ers playing in the summer wooden gle for freedom through education, Bethesda Big Train hosts the Silver to 3 p.m. Chesapeake & Ohio Extra hours on Memorial Day. MONDAY, JUNE 7, 2021 bat Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball art, dance, music and honoring our Spring Takoma T-bolts. See http:// National Historical Park, 11710 ICE SKATING. Cabin John Ice Rink, League. The Big Train, named the elders. New this year, the festivi- www.bigtrain.org/ MacArthur Blvd. Park rangers are WRITING FROM TRAUMA. Writer’s 10610 Westlake Drive. Cabin John best summer college baseball team ties will also include educational available to provide maps and in- Center, zoom. 3-4:30 p.m. Poets Ice Rain has numerous public skate in the nation in 2011. See http:// activities, a historical journey of Af- SUNDAY, JUNE 27 formation even though the visitors Holly Karapetkova, Susan Mockler, sessions every day of the week, www.bigtrain.org/ for information rican American Music and artistic TAI CHI OPEN HOUSE. 9:55 a.m., center is still currently closed. See and Kirsten Porter explore the including 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at about the team, league and how to entertainment, and food trucks, all via zoom. De-stress, boost natural https://www.nps.gov/choh/index. use of trauma writing as a vehicle 5:30-6:30 p.m. sessions most every purchase tickets. designed for the whole family. immunity, increase fitness through htm for processing pain and building weekday. See cabinjohnice.org for The Montgomery County Office of low-impact exercise. No prior Repeats Saturdays and Sundays, same resilience. The poets will share details. STATION TO STATION, POET TO Human Rights and the County experience necessary. 9:55am. hours. some of their work and offer POET. 5-6 p.m. Zoom, Writer’s Executive’s African American Ages 10+. Free, RSVP required by writing prompts geared at helping Advisory Group are coordinating WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9 Center. For the Plume 9 anthology, e-mail at SunAndMoonTaijiOne@ LIVE MUSIC. 6-8 p.m., Downtown participants to write from their the program with support from the OPENING NIGHT: Shirley Povich Danny Lawless, editor of Plume, gmail.com. Bethesda. Bethesda Urban Partner- trauma and embrace healing. Free. enlisted forty-nine guest editors, BlackRock Center for the Arts to ship has helped organize additional restaurant seating outdoors in downtown Bethesda. The “Bethes- da Streetery” will be set-up as open Bulletin Board seating, with all tables placed at From Page 3 least 6 feet apart and a limit of These seven branches, as well as the LIBRARIES OFFERS FREE Sign up to meet virtually/confiden- ing a job search in the current four people permitted per table. branches are: six branches reopening to the tially one-on-one with a career (pandemic) job market. Live music each Friday to enjoy ONLINE WORKSHOPS Aspen Hill Library; 4407 Aspen public on June 1, will follow newly counselor for advice and assistance Register: https://mcpl.libnet.info/ while also enjoying outdoor dining. Montgomery County Public Libraries Hill Road, Rockville; adjusted opening procedures which with your job search. event/5059463 For precise locations and details, is offering free online workshops Damascus Library; 9701 Main include no appointments, no ca- Register: see https://www.bethesda.org/ and one-on-one sessions geared Street, Damascus; pacity limits, and no social distance Monday, June 7: https://mcpl.libnet. Thursday, June 10; 1-3 p.m. bethesda/bethesda-streetery toward assisting job seekers and Davis Library; 6400 Democracy requirements. Holds to Go service info/event/5140794 How to Prepare for your Virtual Repeats Friday evenings. entrepreneurs throughout June. Blvd., Bethesda; will be discontinued prior to the All workshops are free and offered Monday, June 14: https://mcpl.libnet. Job Interview Little Falls Library; 5501 Massa- reopening of the branches. info/event/5140841 Learn how to differentiate yourself FRIDAY NIGHT DANCERS. 8:30 to virtually. chusetts Ave., Bethesda; The remaining branches will reopen Monday, June 21: https://mcpl.libnet. from other candidates, be 10:30 p.m. Virtual, Glen Echo An internet connection and a device Long Branch Library; 8800 Gar- on July 6, with the exception of info/event/5140863 Zoom ready, package your Park. Join Friday Night Dancers (such as a smartphone, tablet or land Ave., Silver Spring; Germantown Library, which is Monday, June 28: https://mcpl.libnet. experience, tell your story, be for a virtual contra dance and live computer) is required for partici- Potomac Library; 10101 Glenold- closed for a refresh project, and info/event/5142784 ready for challenging questions music. See https://glenechopark. pation. en Drive, Potomac; Noyes Library for Young Children. and feel more confident in your org/events. Throughout June – Every Monday Quince Orchard Library; 15831 For additional information visit MCPL’s Monday, June 7; 1-3 p.m. next interview. Repeats Fridays. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Quince Orchard Road, Gaith- website: www.montgomerycoun- H.I.R.E. (Helping Individuals Reach Job Search Strategies (in a Pandemic) Register: https://mcpl.libnet.info/ ersburg. tymd.gov/library. Employment) Sessions Learn about best practices for conduct- event/5153771

See Calendar, Page 9 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Potomac Almanac v June 2-8, 2021 v 9 Wellbeing News Climate Change Art Contest Winners

ontgomery County an- Montgomery County) nounced the 13 winners Shani Glassberg (Engage) Mof its Climate Change Art Chayse Graydon (Engage) Ami Hernandez (Sound the Cli- Contest. The contest encouraged mate Alarm) community members of all ages Samantha Kent (Sound the Cli- to use artistic forms of expression mate Alarm) to show the connections between Reagan Lentz (Environmental/Cli- climate change and our daily lives. mate Justice) The winning entries will be fea- Sophia Liang (Environmental/Cli- tured on the pages of the County’s mate Justice) Laney Parker (Sound the Climate Climate Action Plan (CAP). The Alarm) County’s strategic plan has goals to Yoonah Suh (Sound the Climate cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emis- Alarm) sions by 80 percent by 2027, by Krish Wahi (Adaptation) Photos by Chaya Nejar Photography, Courtesy of Bracha Goetz 100 percent by 2035 and reduce Lillian Weisburger (Sound the Cli- climate-related risk. mate Alarm) Bracha Goetz, author of the book, “Searching for God in the Garbage”, believes that the Alexandra Wu (Adaptation) The winners were selected pandemic offered an opportunity to reconnect with one’s faith. Here, she is reading to The winning entries can be across the following five categories grandchildren. viewed at https://www.montgom- and prompts: erycountymd.gov/green/Resourc- Engage! - What is the connection es/Files/climate/climate-change- between community and climate? art-contest-winners.pdf Faith Sustained Many Sound the Climate Alarm! - Capture the emergency of climate change During COVID-19 Crisis Adaptation - How can our community adapt to a rapidly changing world? How a belief in a higher Environmental/Climate Justice - Capture who will be disproportion- power helped some people ately impacted by climate change’s effects. cope with pandemic. Future vision of Montgomery County - What the County would By Marilyn Campbell look like in 2035 if we meet our The Almanac GHG goals in an equitable way. The contest winners and the

categories in which they were se- s she experienced the emotions and un- lected: certainty around the coronavirus pan- Avani Ambardekar (Future Vision demic, Bracha Goetz turned to the te- of Montgomery County) Climate Change Art Contest Anets of her faith. As an Orthodox Jew, Bracha Goetz says that gratitude is the basis Eunice Ewusie (Future Vision of winner Laney Parker, 13 following the guidelines set forth in the Torah were of her faith and has sustained her during the already part of her daily life. As the outlook on coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 begins to look more optimistic, Goetz says that she can reflect on the ways in which her mount University and author of the book, “Stum- faith helped safeguard her mental and emotional bling in Holiness: Sin and Sanctity in the Church.” wellbeing. “Christianity teaches us about a God who is present, “The basis of Judaism is gratitude, and gratitude even in the worst of circumstances,” he said. “But is essential for enjoying life, said Goetz, a Mary- Christianity also proclaims a God who never aban- Climate Change land based author of the book “Searching for God dons creation, and is present in our suffering in a Art Contest in the Garbage.” “When going through a difficult way similar to that of a mother who suffers when winner Raegan time, focusing on being grateful for just one thing her child is sick or hurting.” Lentz, 12 can help to uplift us.” “Faith for me means trusting in a God who is Like Goetz, more than a third of Americans say close and not distant, and in a certain sense is clos- that the COVID-19 crisis strengthened their faith in est to us when we most need divine comfort,” con- a higher power and offered lessons from God, ac- tinued Flannigan. cording to a report by Pew Research Center. Prac- Belief in a higher power has long been linked ticing those beliefs during a crisis can help support to improved physical and mental health, such as mental and emotional health and wellbeing. a recent study by the Mayo Clinic. “Religious and “Religious faith or belief in a higher power gives spiritual practices are associated with greater life personal meaning, explanations for world events. satisfaction, less anxiety and depression, and longer They may help us make sense of suffering and dis- life,” said Short. tress from our experiences during the COVID-19 The increase in the practicing of faith that oc- pandemic,” said Jerome Short, Ph.D. Associate curred during the COVID-19 crisis offers religious Professor of Psychology at George Mason Univer- leaders an opportunity to sustain that momentum. sity. “Belonging to a faith community can offer “We all got a huge push forward spiritually, as we Climate Change support from other members and reassuring rituals have stopped taking so many things for granted Art Contest that soothe our distress.” that we may not have appreciated before,” said winner, Chayse The presence of a higher power can help believers Goetz. “Now that we have seen how many of the Graydon 18 feel that they are not alone, says Brian Flanagan, precious blessings in our lives can be gone in a mo- Ph.D., Associate Professo r of Theology at Mary- ment, we have become more grateful people.”

10 v Potomac Almanac v June 2-8, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Nearly POTOMAC Nicked ALMANAC Biden, Harris Mark www.PotomacAlmanac.com By KENNETH B. LOURIE Recently, I made the mistake of clicking on an @PotomacAlmanac email from an unfamiliar sender. It said “Membership Memorial Day in Arlington Newspaper of Potomac Renewed,” as in money had been spent by yours A Connection Newspaper truly. But I hadn’t spent any money renewing a mem- Montgomery County) From Page 6 bership that I knew of, and there is, I imagine, the Shani Glassberg (Engage) An independent, locally owned weekly axis on which some phishing scams are turning: By newspaper delivered peeking your instinct to know where and what one’s Chayse Graydon (Engage) Following the ceremony, the Bidens made a to homes and businesses. Ami Hernandez (Sound the Cli- visit to Section 12, one of the primary burial lo- money is doing. Maybe I forgot something? Maybe my wife, Dina, paid for something and forgot to mate Alarm) cations of service members killed overseas and 1606 King Street mention it? Maybe, maybe, maybe - so I clicked. The Samantha Kent (Sound the Cli- repatriated to the United States after World War Alexandria, Virginia 22314 mate Alarm) email looked as if it had been sent by “Geek Squad” Reagan Lentz (Environmental/Cli- II and the Korean War. More than 400,000 ser- Free digital edition delivered to with whom I have a service contract so I called to mate Justice) vice members are enshrined at Arlington Nation- your email box. Go to inquire further about this ‘paid membership.’ Sophia Liang (Environmental/Cli- al Cemetery. connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe The conversation began innocently enough. They mate Justice) Arlingtoncemetery.mil confirmed my membership and seemed to have Laney Parker (Sound the Climate my pertinent data as well so I continued. When I Alarm) couldn’t recall this money being spent - and they EDITOR & PUBLISHER couldn’t tell me the last four numbers of the account Yoonah Suh (Sound the Climate Mary Kimm Photos by Mark Mogle/The Connection which had been debited, I grew cautious, as I had Alarm) [email protected] Krish Wahi (Adaptation) President Joe Biden leaves Arlington National @MaryKimm been down this road once before. Nevertheless, I Lillian Weisburger (Sound the Cli-Cemetery May 31 following his Memorial Day persisted. Since I had “Geeks” (or whomever, unbe- knownst to me) on the phone, I figured I’d ask if they mate Alarm) address and wreath laying at the Tomb of the EDITORIAL PHONE: 703-778-9415 could fix a computer problem (no volume) and asked Alexandra Wu (Adaptation) Unknown Soldier. The winning entries can be E-MAIL: if the repair was covered by my service contract. [email protected] They assured me that it was. And so, I gave them viewed at https://www.montgom- access to my computer so they could address the erycountymd.gov/green/Resourc- CONTRIBUTING WRITERS problem remotely. After computer fits and starts, and es/Files/climate/climate-change- A Navy curious delays, they confessed that they were unable Carole Dell, Kenny Lourie, art-contest-winners.pdf Captain and Peggy McEwan, Ken Moore to fix the problem. So, and here it is, the hook: since SEAL salutes they were unable to fix my computer, they wanted to the grave of Contributing refund me the ‘membership’ fee. That was excruciat- Photographers ingly familiar so I knew it was time to exit stage right. a fallen com- What had happened to me previously is that I Deborah Stevens, Carole Dell rade May 31 didn’t get out soon enough. I didn’t know then what in Section 60 Art/Design: I know now so I agreed to the refund and gave them of Arlington Laurence Foong, John Heinly, the last four of my account, and sure enough they National Ali Khaligh electronically deposited the money into my checking Production Manager Cemetery. A woman reflects at the grave of Onyekachi account (or so it appeared. I later learned that no “J.R.” Erengwa in Section 60 of Arlington Geovani Flores actual money had ever been transferred). However, National Cemetery May 31. they made a mistake, they said. They deposited $3,000 instead of $300. They apologized profusely ADVERTISING at their mistake and requested that I pay them back For advertising information $3,000, which I thought was odd; why not just [email protected] withdraw the money the same way they deposited 703-778-9431 it? They said they couldn’t and I needed to pay them back. When I refused to follow their directions on Display Advertising: how to pay them back (again, since they couldn’t Kenny Lourie 301-325-1398 withdraw the money/stop payment, whatever), by [email protected] getting cash and then going to a Western Union Climate Change Art Contest office and sending it back that way, I knew I was Debbie Funk hooked. Then they threatened to disable my com- winner Laney Parker, 13 Display Advertising/National Sales puter unless I paid them back exactly as I had been 703-778-9444 [email protected] instructed. Then they erased all the icons on my desktop as a last attempt to coerce me to pay up. At David Griffin this point, it had been nearly two hours since I made Marketing Assistant first contact, and I could see/feel where the conver- 703-778-9431 sation was going, so I risked it and hung up. Sure [email protected] enough, my computer was wiped clean and locked. I couldn’t access anything. The next day, I called Jerry Vernon A member of the TAPS Good Grief Camp A visitor places flowers at a grave in Section Best Buy and explained the problem and how it had Executive Vice President happened. They suggested I bring in my computer places sunflowers at graves in Section 60 of 60 of Arlington National Cemetery to mark 703-549-0004 tower for an analysis. Within a day, they had identi- [email protected] Arlington National Cemetery May 31. Memorial Day May 31. fied the problem and offered a solution. They could CIRCULATION unlock my computer, no problem, but the computer [email protected] would have to be reset to the way it was when I first bought it. It wasn’t a total disaster as most data was retrievable. As “The Three Stooges” would have said: “It wasn’t a total loss.” Potomac Almanac is published This recent caller was once again leading me by Local Media Connection LLC down the garden path. A path which would have ended at a rabbit hole into which me and money would have disappeared. The caller tried desperately Five Time First Place to keep me on the line. I said I was at work and had Award-Winner to go. I told him I didn’t expect the call to last so Public Service long and I promised to call him back. He had access MDDC Press Association to my computer - remotely, so I was afraid he could cause similar computer trouble as had happened Four Time before under eerily similar circumstances. He con- Newspaper of the Year firmed - so he thought, that I had his phone number An Award-winning Newspaper in Writing, Photography, Editing, and so I hung up, cautiously optimistic that I hadn’t Graphics and Design earned his wrath. I never called him back but for the next four hours, he called me back several times, a number from Los Angeles. I never answered, obvi- ously. If I had I might not be pleased with myself.

Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for Men sit among the graves of fallen comrades May 31 in Section 60 of Arlington The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. National Cemetery. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Potomac Almanac v June 2-8, 2021 v 11 CHEVY CHASE COLLEGE PARK MIDDLE RIVER POTOMAC TRAVILLE ALWAYS FREE DELIVERY! . CURBSIDE PICK UP . . CONTACT-FREE DELIVERY .

12 v Potomac Almanac v June 2-8, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com