March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page 

A Biweekly Newspaper March 16, 2007 Volume IV, Number 1. Johnson Resignation Triggers Special Election By Rande Davis cial election. Unlike in An unassuming home on West oy Johnson the general election, Willard, where the Mystery History submitted his this election will take begins. See Page 15. Rresignation place in the town hall from the town commis- at 19710-C Fisher Ave- sion on February 28 in nue. The polls will be a terse and inexplicable open from 7:00 a.m. to statement that was made 8:00 p.m. effective immediately. Candidates for The recently re-elected commissioner must: commissioner had be qualified regis- served for ten years tered voters in the and was the current Town of Poolesville vice president. As a (twenty-one years of result of Mr. Johnson’s age), have continu- resignation, the town is Roy Johnson ously resided in the required to hold a spe- missioner brought to the work of corporate town limits cial election within sixty days of the the town government. He pointed to for at least six months prior to the Jill Knudson of Calleva Outdoors resignation to determine his replace- Mr. Johnson’s career background in election, maintain residency within spoke to future entrepreneurs at John ment. expressing his regret over his decision the town limits during his or her term Poole Middle School’s Career Day. Speculation behind the reason to leave and his astute contribution, of office, and not have been convicted More on Page 3. for the resignation focused on two especially in financial issues. of a felony. possible areas: personal family issues Particular concern was expressed Candidates must file a candidacy or frustration with the direction of regarding possible replacements. In form available at town hall, obtain the current commission. At our press November’s general election, there supporting signatures of at least time, no further statement from Mr. were only three candidates for the twenty-five town residents who are Johnson was provided to the Mono- two open spots. The town requires a qualified registered voters, and pay cle. special election to replace Mr. Johnson a $10.00 filing fee. The town must Commissioner Link Hoewing within thirty days. In that regard, the receive the candidate filing forms no echoed common sentiments as to town has set April 26, 2007 for the spe- later than March 27, 2007. the outstanding work Mr. Johnson had done particularly in his work Hello Dolly the country. Composed by Jerry Her- in establishing the town’s budget- man and based on a book by Michael ary process. Commissioner Tom By Dominique Agnew Stewart which was based on a play by A bustling day at Jamaica Station, circa Yeatts reflected on the insight he had The Midnight Players will Thornton Wilder entitled The Match- 1964? Read all about it on Page 6. gained from Mr. Johnson starting be presenting the well-known and maker, Hello Dolly is full of delightful as early as Election Day when both well-loved comedy, Hello Dolly, one antics and comic misunderstandings stood together outside of the polls for of the standard musicals performed -Continued on Page 21. thirteen hours. Mr. Yeatts expressed on Broadway and in theaters around his regret that Johnson had decided to submit his resignation. President Ed Kuhlman stated his surprise at the resignation and echoed praise for Mr. Johnson for his work ethic and contribution to the budget process and to the town government overall. Commissioner Jerry Klobukowski was not in attendance due to a death Lost? Who needs a GPS System? Just in his family and was not available follow a horse. See page 8. for comment. Tom Kettler, an officer with the Poolesville Area Chamber of Com- merce, praised Mr. Johnson for the Ashley Gunsteens (playing Minnie Fay), Erin Toman (Irene Molloy), professionalism the former com- Scott Turner (Barnaby Tocker), Kevin McCarthy (Cornelius Tucker) Gracie Jones (Dolly), Andy Kotch (Vandergelder) March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page  Family Album Sponsored by: Selby’s Market Your IGA Hometown Food Store

A sign that spring is coming is Girl Scouts (Troop 2505) selling the cookies.

Brittany Ziner of Curves collecting food for the WUMCO Food Bank.

Poolesville lacrosse players warm up on a Monocacy Elementary fourth graders sing songs about canal life in the American History- windy and cold March afternoon. themed spring concert. March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page  out of their daily routine to share with of another student who wrote about School News these students the career choices that “how different jobs could be – you they had made. need education if you want to get Guidance Counselor Peg Arnold where you want in life.” Career Day who coordinated the event broke Others came to a better under- By Rande Davis the students into small groups and standing as to the breadth of opportu- rotated them to different classrooms nity. “I learned that I shouldn’t com- to hear about various careers and mit to one career too early because The eighth graders at John Poole employment opportunities. different opportunities will always Middle School came face to face with At the end of the day, Mrs. Arnold come up.” Along with education the notion that childhood is not for- passed out a survey questionnaire to and appreciating the wide degree of ever. The event is designed to increase obtain information as to what the stu- opportunity, another positive theme the students’ awareness that their dents gained from the presentations. that resonated with the students was choices in the coming few years may Overwhelmingly, the students voiced choosing the right education and impact their aspirations for the future their agreement that career day was career based on something they really and choices. Over forty area business effective in informing them about new loved. people and professionals took time opportunities in the world of work, This kind of support to the stu- Geologist Kathy Mihm at dents came about by so many people Things to Do 3:00 p.m. Career Day. in the area willing to share their work experience and advice with them. March 25 and that this was a most positive Steve Kelly (Lawn Concepts), Terry Washington Balalaika Society Russian experience. Bacas (Wholesale Building Products), Orchestra In scanning the survey evaluation and Dave Johnson (Plumbing & Heat- March 17 Weinberg Center for the Arts forms, there were three things that 2:00 p.m. ing/Air Conditioning Co.) shared the St. Patrick’s Day Parade came up over and over again from ins and outs of the business world. Gaithersburg – Washingtonian Center the students themselves. The first was Commissioner Jerry Klobukowski, 10:00 a.m. to noon March 26 that they came to better understand Library Discussion Group States Attorney John McCarthy, and the importance of education as they HMAP St. Patrick’s Day Poetry Poolesville Public Library attorney Steve Seeger presented Jamboree The Tipping Point – How Little Things look to the future, “I learned that no careers in law and politics. Nurse Hyattstown Mill, 7:30 p.m. Can Make a Difference – Malcom matter what successful job you are in, Candace Hanrahan, along with dentist Darby O’Gill and the Little People Gladwell you got there from trying hard and Dr. Margaret Velega, and U.S. Army Weinberg Center for the Arts being successful in school.” Over and radiologist Gary Riley got them think- 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. March 27 over again, the presenters emphasized Deadline for filing Candidacy the importance of education. Good March 19 Poolesville Town Commission education seemed to be on the mind Public Hearings Close of business -Continued on Page 21. Poolesville Town Hall Revision of Water Rates Sounds of Spring Revision of Tax Rate Poolesville Public Library FY2008 Town Budget, 7:30 p.m. Frogs Can Sing 7:00 p.m. Seminar on Identity Theft Poolesville Public Library Personal Ponies Benefit What You Should Know Whole Foods in Kentlands Lisa Brennan 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. MC Off. of Consumer Protection The ponies will greet shoppers. 7:30 p.m. March 28 March 22 Kids Book Club Three to Six Quince Orchard Library Poolesville Public Library Grades 4 to 6 Stories, finger plays, music Room One by Andrew Clements 10:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. Lunasa and Dervish March 22, 23, and 24 Weinberg Center for the Arts Hello Dolly 8:00 p.m. Poolesville High School 7:30 p.m. plus 2:00 p.m. on Saturday March 30 Students: $5.00, Adults: $8.00 Bingo Librarian’s Choice Book Discussion Carroll Manor Fire Department The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon 5:30 doors open Quince Orchard Library, 7:30 p.m. Games at 7:30 p.m.

March 23 April 1 Hoosiers Animal Wellness Seminar Weinberg Center for the Arts 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m 8:00 p.m. Germantown Community Center

March 24 Pizzarelli and New York All Star Big Band Weinberg Center for the Arts March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page  feeding the birds, or words to that Commentary effect. I suggested that it was par- tially entertainment and partially the satisfaction of doing something nice With Friends Like This, for some small wild animals. Pursu- ing the thought further (alone—my Who Needs Enemies? daughter had certainly lost interest By John Clayton by this point) I realized that this in turn makes me feel good, which is I was experiencing a profound ultimately the point of this expense of sense of déjà vu. I was looking out money and effort. Such is the nature the window, watching the snow, of altruism—cynical though that may admiring the birds on the feeders, be. and despairing of having a topic to Then I thought about that “being pursue when one of our cats pounced nice to small animals” thing. I enjoy out from behind a tree and snatched feeding the birds, but I also enjoy a bird. End of reverie—for me, that is, taking pot shots at the local foxes, and also, I suppose, for the bird. who are also small animals. Actually, At that moment, I did not seem that’s even more fun than feeding the to believe that all birds are created birds. I rationalize that I target the equally, or that they are endowed by foxes in part to protect our roaming their Creator with anything except cats (all non-reproductive, thank you an obligation to entertain me while I very much) which is probably an- work. Yes, my first impulse was relief other strike against me with the birds, that today’s victim of feline slaughter who may very well count on foxes to was a sparrow, or some other non- cull the cat population. Obviously, I descript bird, and not a cardinal, or, maintain my own preferred hierarchy heaven forbid, a woodpecker. Spar- of small animals. I am indeed part of rows are not particularly fun to watch, the great cycle of life, or death as it and they are nuisances to our many may be. Dwelling on this did not help bluebirds—another favored species. me develop any thoughts about any Bluebirds are pretty to watch and other topics that were on my mind, we enjoy seeing them populate our such as global warming, the French, collection of Jack Davis birdhouses. evolution, the environment in general, Sparrows often invade the bluebird development in the Ag Reserve, Wal- houses. We like bluebirds. Sparrows ter Reed Army Medical Hospital, and are the evil empire. Scooter Libby. Maybe that is just as One of my daughters asked me well—but I do feel bad about the bird. recently what the point was about

Health system. The green vegetables we eat also contain an assortment of vita- mins important to our good health. Eating Your Greens Vitamin A is important in vision, bone growth, reproduction. It also (And not just on St. Patrick’s Day.) helps regulate the immune system By Karen Fales which helps prevent or fight off infections by creating white blood Including food of all shades cells that destroy harmful bacteria of green in your snacks and meals and viruses. The B vitamins help can provide you with a variety maintain healthy nerve cells and of immune-boosting and cancer- red blood cells. Vitamin E is a pow- fighting nutrition. Greens such erful antioxidant, and vitamin C is as spinach, kale, and collards are also a strong antioxidant, as well high in folate which helps produce as important in the formation and and maintain new cells as well as maintenance of connective tissues. helps prevent changes to DNA Good Health isn’t all Good that may lead to cancer. Lighter Luck. Eat your Greens. Karen Fales green vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brus- sels sprouts contain luteins which help to eliminate excess estrogen and carcinogens. Even lighter green vegetables, including garlic, onions, chives, and asparagus have allyl sulfides which destroy can- cer cells and support the immune March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page  tors with the AACC Opera in 2005. Liz Center Stage Barrett, the founder and artistic direc- tor ACCA, founded the chorus in 2001 All Things Bright and Beautiful when facing retirement. After a lifetime Maryland Young Voices involvement in music, performance, Festival and volunteer services in the Annapolis By Dominique Agnew area, a community chorus of children was the answer to how she could again Regular readers of the Monocle have give back to the community. Ms. Barrett learned of the amazing and incredible is helped by Assistant Director Julie Frederick Children’s Chorus through- Thomas, a former Frederick Children’s out the years, so it may come as a chorister who is now in her junior year surprise to learn that there are other at the University of Maryland major- children’s choruses in Maryland—and ing in choral music education; and they’re quite good. On Saturday, March accompanist Carol Day, a senior music 3, four fantastic children’s choruses education major at the University of gathered together to spend the day Maryland with a focus on choral and learning and singing with a guest piano music. The ACCA is proud to be clinician, Dr. Philip Silvey, then they one of the few choruses in the country performed together for a free concert at that does not charge a fee to be sure all Gov. Thomas Johnson High School in musical children may have the wonder- Frederick. ful experience and opportunity of qual- First up was the All Children’s Cho- ity musical education. rus of Annapolis. Only six years since The Chesapeake Youth Chorale was The Maryland Young Voices Festival its inception, the ACCA has achieved founded in 1999 by Artistic Director acclaim in and around the Annapolis Ann C. Turpin with a group of parents Anne’s, Kent, Talbot, and Caroline and a master’s degree in sacred mu- area singing the national anthem for the to provide singing opportunities to Counties and is supported by grants sic from Union Theological Seminary swearing-in ceremony of new Ameri- children in the rural areas of the Eastern from the Maryland State Arts Council, in New York. She has many years of can citizens at the historic William Paca Shore. The singers are taught healthy the Queen Anne’s Arts Council, the Tal- experience directing youth and adult House, leading the 9/11 Remembrance vocal technique, basic musical skills, bot County arts Council, and the United choruses and in performing organ Program at the Annapolis City Dock, and performance etiquette through a Way. Ann Turpin earned a bachelor’s recitals across the nation. Ann Turpin wide repertoire of challenging music. degree in organ performance from a celebration of U.N. Day, and a very -Continued on Page 15. successful Amahl and the Night Visi- The chorus draws singers from Queen DePauw University School of Music

Poolesville Tire & Auto “For the Best in Vehicle Care and Repair” FOR WEEKLY COUPONS & SPECIALS Go to: Poolesvilleautogroup.com Open: 8 am to 5 pm M-F 19920 Fisher Ave. 301-349-3880 March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page  passed away, Mary came home to Remembrance Poolesville and worked with the Wash- ington Bureau of ABC News where she was a Visual Information Special- Mary E. “Tippy” Bodmer ist in the Graphics Department. In this By Rande Davis capacity, long before computer and internet photographic programs, she rs. Mary E. “Tippy” Bodmer, was responsible for maintaining physi- M76, of Frederick, Maryland, cal records and photographs used in the died on Thursday, March 1, 2007 at her network news programs to enhance the residence. Born on September 20, 1930 visual impact of their broadcast. in Aurora, Illinois, she was the daugh- She loved animals, and her many ter of the late Charles M. and Sarah E. interests included art, classical music, White Tipton. literature, gardening, photography, and especially meeting people and being with her friends and relatives. Mary is remembered by friends as someone who always seemed to have a twinkle in her eye, especially when sharing a favorite humorous story or experience. In retirement, she liked to do some work with Trout Auctions in Frederick, Maryland. She also helped the Women of St. Peter’s during their semi-annual rummage sales. Mary is survived by Thomas (son) and Lynne Bodmer and grandchildren Jocelyn and Mollie, of Poolesville; Troy Bodmer (son) of Beallsville; one brother, Dr. Charles Tipton of Arizona; and one sister, Ann Lee Pararas of Rockville. She is also survived by her former husband, Mary E. Bodmer Thomas Bodmer, of Beallsville. She was preceded in death by one brother, Tippy was a graduate of Poolesville Wellstood Tipton. A memorial service High School, attended the Washington was held to celebrate Tippy’s life at the School for Secretaries and the National St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. In lieu Art School in Washington, D.C. of flowers, donations may be made to When she moved to Colorado, she Hospice of Frederick County, P.O. Box began a career as a newspaper reporter 1799, Frederick, MD 21702. contributing in a variety of departments and articles. When her first husband Brian Sheron

Profile with the United States Nuclear Regula- best, and in 1963, New York City hosted Penn Station, so passengers would have tory Commission in its office of nuclear the World’s Fair and LIRR trains were to change trains at the Jamaica station in research. He is in a profession that does repainted dark gray and bright orange Queens. For Long Island commuters of All Aboard to 1964! not allow for margins of error, and that to help promote the occasion. By Rande Davis the ’50s and ’60s, the conductor’s shout experience shows in the precision he In the beginning, he rummaged of “Change in Jamaica” ranks right up gives to his hobby. through old railroad books at model For most of us, leaving the past there with “All Aboard” and “Tickets His passion for model railroads train flea markets and shows search- behind is just a part of life, something Please” as time-honored commuter began to take hold when he was about ing for information on the LIRR. This we all have to do sooner or later. For sounds of the times. eleven when he built his first layout on also provided him with the history of Brian Sheron of Poolesville, though, As you walk the narrow pathway a four-by-eight foot piece of plywood the railroad, when it was built, how he found another way—he put it in his between the track layouts, it is as if you in the small family room of his parents’ the ownership changed hands over the basement. were in a slow-flying airplane drifting house. As he entered junior high school, years, the various paint schemes, etc. All As you walk down the stairs in his over the suburban towns of Huntington other interests took over, but his love the information he would need to recre- home, the Poolesville of 2007 dissolves and East Northport, with all the vehicle for trains, both real and model, never ate a bygone time and place. and Long Island, New York, 1964 traffic, the busy city life, hectic com- totally left him. He fondly recalls his He decided on the Port Jefferson emerges before your eyes. In front of merce, and daily life unfolding below. high school days in Greenlawn, New commuter line, which ran from Hicks- you is a jaw-dropping model railroad From the advertising signage, which York, and the days when the real pas- ville to Port Jefferson along the north display that would rival anything you promotes Bert and Ernie’s Piels Beer senger cars of the Long Island Rail Road shore of the island, to Jamaica, Queens, might see in a model railroad museum. and the latest Broadway play (West Side (yes, the LIRR does not combine the two eventually, taking its passengers into Sheron’s attention to detail is some- Story) to workers hustling into work, words into one) raced past the windows Penn Station in Manhattan. This HO thing even a nuclear engineer would laborers toiling on docks, discarded of his classroom. scale model train layout fills a thirteen- admire—interestingly, it just so hap- trash near the river, and even an au- In January of 1988, he began his by-nine foot room and an adjoining pens that he holds a Ph.D. in that field tomobile junkyard, there is no detail journey to becoming a railroad baron twelve-by-twelve foot room in the base- from Catholic University. -Contined on Page 20. in earnest. He chose the LIRR of 1960 ment. In 1964, steam and diesel engines By day, Brian Sheron is a director because that was a time he recalled were allowed in the tunnels leading to March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page  Both took home fourth place wins in you how to win gracefully, but more letic directors received email and/or Youth Sports their respective weight classes, quali- importantly, to lose with dignity and memos regarding all other tourna- fying them for the State Champion- good sportsmanship. It’s a team sport, ments held this year with the excep- PHS Wrestlers Weigh ship Tournament at the University of and possesses the camaraderie that tion of the State Tournament. Calls by Disappointment at States Maryland on March 2 and 3. goes with a team sport, but out on the team manager to the University of Kevin Dorsey, the new wrestling the mat, it is the ultimate one-on-one Maryland yielded coaches’ meeting By Suzanne Tallia coach at PHS, wrestled in high school contest. It is said that he who wins time, and event times, but no weigh- for Seneca Valley and began coaching in the first period has technique; in in time. The only place any weigh-in Jeff and Jason both have red with the PAA youth recreation league the second, stamina; and in the third, time is listed anywhere is at the top hair and blue eyes. Both are honor several years ago. This year, when heart. Unfortunately, the end of this of page 41 in the “Bulletin.” It is by roll students in the Global Ecology he took on the job of head coach at season was heartbreaking. no means conspicuous and is in fact Program at Poolesville High School. PHS, he took a team of what had been The Maryland Public Second- listed as “tentative.” Everyone who Jason recently earned his Eagle only thirteen wrestlers last year, to a ary Schools Athletic Association looked at the “Bulletin” missed it, Scout from Boy Scout Troop 496 in team of thirty, enough for a varsity (MPSSAA) is responsible for just what so Coach Dorsey used his best judg- Poolesville. Jeff is one merit badge and JV squad, with a record of five its title suggests, the organization of ment and past experience, and had and an Eagle project away from his. wins, more than they’ve had several Maryland high school athletics. The the two boys at Cole Field house by Both boys are active in their respective years. This immediate doubling of the MPSSA issues “State Tournament Bul- 12:45. Weigh-ins had started at 12:30. churches. Both began wrestling with team size is a tribute to the reputa- letins,” a soft-cover book with infor- Despite all manner of persuasive ar- the Poolesville Athletic Association tion he had gained coaching the PAA mation for high school coaches and guments, MPSSAA officials refused to in elementary school, and are now on wrestlers, some of whom are now in athletic directors. It also maintains allow the two Poolesville wrestlers to the Poolesville High School Varsity high school. The kids respect him as a a website. Wrestlers are required to weigh-in even though the scales were Wrestling team. coach and as a person. They listen to weigh-in for every match or tourna- still open and other boys were weigh- Jason Boulter is a senior at him, learn from him, and work hard ment to be sure they do not exceed the ing in. They claimed they were strictly Poolesville wrestling at 145 pounds. for him. The fact that Poolesville had weight limit for their class. If you are adhering to the rule that athletes He has been co-captain of the team for two wrestlers qualify for the State not there for weigh-ins, you cannot must weigh-in in the order of their three years and has been on varsity for Championship is a testament to the wrestle. Thus, the weigh-in time is class only, a rule that was not strictly four years. Jeff Tallia is a sophomore student athletes and their first-year very important. In the week leading enforced at other tournaments this at 103, his first year wrestling in high coach. up to the State Championship Tourna- year. It seems supremely hypocritical school. Both young men had very Wrestling is a very tough sport; ment, the MPSSAA website listed all that MPSSAA requires strict compli- challenging seasons but ended the it’s not for everyone. It requires other tournament information, but no ance with its rules from athletes and regular season with excellent records. discipline and mental and physical weigh-in time. The “Bulletin” cannot coaches, and yet utterly fails to com- Both qualified for the 1A/2A South toughness. You have to possess speed, be read online. The MPSSAA email municate, and communicate effective- Regional Tournament held on Febru- strength, intelligence, and technique box was full, so email inquires were ary 23 to 24 in Columbia, Maryland. to be successful. The sport teaches bounced back. Coaches and ath- -Continued on Page 20. March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page 

Local History left his motorcycle with a resident of the area and climbed onto one of the The Horse Knew the Way horses. The horse turned around and By Jack Toomey headed back towards Poolesville at a leisurely pace. It took several hours, For some people, it is just a place but eventually, the horse stopped in that those living in Poolesville and front of a house outside of Poolesville. Virginia pass through on their way Bodmer, who had been following home, but a long time ago, the little Darby at a great distance, joined him town of Dawsonville had a general at the house. They entered and found store, several homes, and a doctor’s Russell asleep inside the house. Darby office. Lawrence Allnutt ran a general and Bodmer arrested him and took store at the corner of White’s Ferry him to Rockville. Police Chief Alvie Road and Sugarland Road. The store, Moxley questioned Russell and he which was demolished a long time soon admitted that he was responsible ago, carried general necessities and for breaking into Mr. Allnutt’s store. foodstuffs since a trip to Poolesville There is no telling what happened took a while, and a journey to Rock- to the horse or Mr. Russell, but we ville was a major undertaking in those do know that Officer Roy Bodmer, days. who later moved to Beallsville, had a On the morning of April 11, 1929, very successful career with the police Mr. Allnutt came to work and found department. The story of his life will that someone had broken a window appear in an upcoming edition of the and then had entered and stolen a Monocle. small amount of goods. Officer Roy Bodmer, who lived in Poolesville at the time and who knew all of the miscreants in those parts, found enough evidence to suspect that a man named Russell, a known horse thief, was responsible for the break- in. Enlisting the aid of Officer Robert Darby, the two officers set out on their motorcycles in search of Russell. Soon they found him on what was then called “the road to Seneca” and which is now called Suglarland Road. Russell was riding one horse and leading the other by the hand. Seeing the officers, Russell ran off through the fields and hid in some woods leaving the horses behind. Bodmer inspected the horses and found the stolen property in a sack tied to one of the horses. He had seen Russell riding on one of the horses on an earlier date A photograph of a police officer and suspected that the other horse and his mount, from around the was stolen. Darby, who had been a same era as Officer Darby. farmer before being appointed to the department in 1926, had an idea. He March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page  armed with their new Smith &Hawken Garden Felco #2 pruners and good intentions, attack their gardens’ trees and shrubs, and start cutting back, a little here, a little The Art of Pruning there. But, they assume that all plants get By Maureen O’Connell the same pruning treatment. I hate to see a beautiful freeform forsythia pruned If it’s Saint Patrick’s Day, it is time to back hard to resemble a gumdrop, or prune our trees and shrubs. For years, I a boxwood hacked to look like a small have used this date, weather permitting, head of broccoli. Our anxious gardener, to kick-start my spring return to the gar- in one afternoon, can create all kinds of den and its chores. One of the first items terrible truncated shapes. When the late on my to-do list is pruning. Pruning is an Washington Post garden writer, Henry art and not a science, since everyone has Mitchell, was once asked about pruning a different picture in their mind’s eye as a Japanese maple tree, he said that left on to what their plants should look like. its own, it will grow into a full, rounded Why do we prune? We do it for shrub, or it could be sculpted, or “dis- the following purposes: To remove creetly whacked.” I was surprised to find dead, diseased, or structurally unsound that there is an organization in Seattle, branches; to remove branches that rub Washington, Plant Amnesty, whose mis- together, causing wounds and increasing sion is “to end the senseless torture and the chance of disease; to remove unwant- mutilation of trees and shrubs.” I don’t ed suckers from the roots of grafted or know if I would describe someone’s budded specimens; to achieve a desired poor pruning methods so passionately, shape or size. Pruning is not the answer but for some people, pruning is serious for having the wrong plant in the wrong business. spot. As the spring planting season be- Let’s take a look at which plants to gins, choose landscape plants carefully. If prune now, or later in the summer. There you have a small- or medium-sized yard, are some deciduous shrubs that flower don’t plant a tree that will mature at fifty on previous year’s growth: forsythia, feet. You’ll end up hacking it to death to mock orange, pussy willow, lilac, spiraea, fit your property space. buddleia, and weigela. They should be Spring can be a dangerous time for plants. At the first sign of blue skies and -Continued on Page 23. mild temperatures, weekend gardeners, March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page 10

Sean Smith and Vincent Osborne Youth Sports controlled the ball and the tempo on offense for the Firebirds, and Dylan Little Champs Make a LaVern sparked the defense with his hustle and tenacity. The Firebirds Comeback in Close Game took an early lead in the game and By Curtis A. Osborne maintained that lead throughout the first half all the way through the third On Saturday, March 3, the quarter. Monocacy Youth Basketball Associa- With three minutes left in the tion held its annual championship game, the Firebirds were up by five, games around the region for both the but the starters began getting fatigued, girls and boys division and the Lions took control and got crown. Perhaps one of the best momentum, hitting several crucial games, and definitely one of the shots down the stretch to eventu- most compelling games, was played ally catch up and tie the game and at the Centerville Recreation Center force it into overtime. It was a total in Ijamsville. Before a packed house team effort as they did not panic, and full of supporters and cheerleaders, lightning-quick ball handler Jesse the Carroll Manor Firebirds took on Cherry directed the comeback with his the Mount Airy Christian Lions. This running mate Daniel Murphy. They game was a rematch from earlier in executed their offense, and they all hit the season when MAC dominated some key foul shots as the Lions took in rebounds and hustle and beat the control, hit the first basket in overtime, Firebirds pretty handily. and never looked back. They won by This championship game was just two points in a game that saw very strong on defense, with both momentum seesaw back and forth teams playing aggressively, trying in a gym that was loud and festive. It to stop the other’s point guard as was a shame that either team had to they crossed mid-court and trying to lose, but all of the kids were winners rebound and defend the passing lanes. that day. The victorious Mount Airy Christian Lions. The teams had very similar styles as guard play was the deciding factor. March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page 11

IT’S TIME TO WINTERIZE!!!! March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page 12

Local News sioners collectively expressed that $100.00 to .18 cents. The anticipated their only avenue may be to expand cost to residents of the new wa- their lobbying efforts to seek a ter/sewer rates will be balanced by Town Commissioners Reject reversal of county plans regarding the corresponding decrease in the Notion of Town Taking their budgeted infrastructure sup- general fund tax rate. Ownership of County Roads port on roads within the town. The increase in water/sewer Poolesville town commission- user fees is the first such increase since 1998. The early work on the ers voted 3-0 not to proceed with a Town Budget for FY2008, Revision budget anticipated that a reduc- discussed proposal for the town to of Water/Sewer Rates, and Change tion in the tax rate to .19 cents take over ownership and, thereby, in Tax Rates Submitted for Public would still result in a surplus in the control over county roads within Hearing the town limits. Commissioner general fund based on an antici- Klobukowski, who had previ- March 19 promises to be a busy pated grant of $118,000. Rather than ously voiced opposition to the evening for the town commissioners accepting the surplus, the commis- concept, was not present to vote as the town will hold public hear- sioners returned the money to the on the issue due to a death in his ings on three key decisions: approv- taxpayers by their decision to fur- family. Town Manager Wade Yost al of the FY2008 budget, revision of ther reduce the tax rate by one cent. reported back to the commission water/sewer rates, and tax rates. A major part of the decision to his findings on the futility of gain- The most controversial item increase the water/sewer tax rate ing financial assistance in making is the intention of raising fees for was based on the recommendation repairs and ongoing maintenance water/sewer usage by ten percent from studies of the University of from the county should the town so as to eliminate the past practice Maryland, advice from the Mary- move forward. Mr. Wade reported of covering revenue shortfall in the land Rural Water Association and that the town cannot expect repairs water/sewer budget from money EPA setting goals for user fees to or funding from the county upon from the general fund. In so do- fully fund water/sewer operations. taking ownership and, additional- ing, the commissioners rejected a An anticipated doubling of ly, reported that prospects that the previous multi-tiered rate schedule electric fees for operating the water/ county would allocate such funds proposal in favor of the new across- waste water treatment plant was the even without the change in owner- the-board rate increase. To offset most significant change in past w/w ship most likely will not happen this increase on town residents in budgets. within five years at best. their water bill, the commission- The proposed FY2008 General With the topic of potential ers are also proposing to change Fund budget shows revenue of ownership rejected, the commis- the FY2007 tax rate of .20 cents per $2,583,558, which is $55,910 (2.2%) greater than projected costs. High- lights of the new budget allows available at the town hall and for a 2.5% increase in town em- citizens interested in making com- ployee salaries, new equipment for ments will be able to do so at the the town hall, purchase of a new March 19 (7:30 p.m.) meeting or in sweeper broom and cab for skid writing to the town hall (P.O. Box loader, radar speed signs, util- 158, Poolesville, MD 20837) ity vehicle, construction on Fyfe Road, skate park, and Halmos Park trail. To indemnify the town from unanticipated catastrophic events, an unrestricted funds account of $1,045,406 (roughly four months of general fund and Water/Wastewater operation and maintenance costs) is proposed within the budget. The thirty-six-page draft is March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page 13 Youth Sports PHS Lacrosse: A Functional Family By Chase Spencer

To most, winter is a time of dormancy. There are no leaves on the trees, no plants are sprouting, and the grass is no longer grow- ing. To most, winter is a time to relax, enjoy the winter holidays, and enjoy family—but there is one family that spends the winter season together a little differently. Instead of meeting at a dinner table with other relatives, this family meets in the weightroom of Poolesville High School. Lifting weights with all of their might and will, sweat and staggered breaths are only a measure of how hard a family member is working. This family is the family of the Men’s Poolesville Lacrosse team. Whenever anyone walks into Lacrosse practice in the snow. the weightroom, they are sure to hear the voice of the three-year starter and now senior captain of the team, Jake Yost. “This is Coach Curtiss Belcher had been where we work, there’s no play. the coach of the lacrosse team since You lift and you sweat, that’s what it started, but last year, Belcher we do,” the senior explains after stepped down and is now the head benching 225 pounds. “Make sure coach of Clarksburg High’s lacrosse you’re working, people, season team. Even with no coach, the team starts real soon!” This is the men- continued to work in the weight tality with the team: all business, room and on the field. “We have to no messing around. keep going. It hurt having Belcher As one looks at one end of leave, I’ll miss him, but we have to the room, Yost is working hard, move on,” says senior goalie Tom- when facing another, one sees the my Kiefe. strongest member of the team, and This season should be very in- arguably the school, senior Luke teresting for the players with a new Marchwicki. “I pretty much just coach and new style of play. The lift. I’m one of the big boys, so I family of the Poolesville Lacrosse gotta act like it,” the senior boasts team has added a new member. after he lifts a “light weight” of Only time will tell how all the hard only 315 pounds. work in the family meeting place This team is a very structured, will really pay off on the field. disciplined, and efficient machine. The team has produced many greats which include All-American Josh Funk and recent St. Joseph’s commit Michael O’Halloran. O’Halloran is a four-year starter on the team, last year’s team captain, and he plans to keep the winning tradition at Poolesville. The most amazing thing about this team is that for the last six months, they’ve been working out with no coach. March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page 14 At Your Service

Chris Dimopoulos By Jack Toomey

This young man exudes energy. He was fifteen minutes early for an in- terview appointment, heartily greeted a visitor from across the parking lot, and then gripped his hand with a firm handshake. Chris Dimopoulos is a member of the dwindling ranks of volunteer firefighters, a group that, while still important, used to be an integral part of our community. When the Upper Montgomery County Vol- unteer Fire Department was founded in 1946, all of its members were vol- unteers. It was not until 1966 that the first two paid members were hired. Now the number of volunteers has dropped to twenty. Chris was born and raised in Poolesville and attended the local schools graduating from Poolesville High in 2005. He played varsity football and baseball, and in his junior year began attending firefighting classes at the Montgomery County Public Service Training Academy in Rockville. Now, he attends Montgom- ery College. Chris, whose father is a retired Montgomery County fire- fighter, said, “Ever since I remember, that when a potentially serious call is I’ve wanted to be a firefighter, I was received at the emergency call center, raised with the fire department.” At a designated number of fire trucks the same time that he began attending are dispatched so he knows when he classes at the academy, he became a probably should respond from home. probationary member of the Upper He also spends about three nights a Montgomery County Volunteer Fire week at the firehouse. Two of the most Department in Beallsville. He was exciting calls that he has participated allowed to ride on the apparatus to in, while they brought misfortune and emergency calls, but was not allowed fear to others, were the two multi- to participate in any of the activity. alarm townhouse fires in Poolesville When he obtained his certification as a in recent months. He said, “It’s a firefighter, he became an official mem- humbling experience, helping people, ber of the department. As any public some you know, and others you don’t service employee can do, Chris recalls know.” Chris, who had responded his first fire as if it happened yester- from home, was also the first person day. He was a senior at PHS when the on the scene of a double fatal accident fourth period ended. His cell phone on West Willard Road. Listening to the rang, and it was his father telling him police department radio, he heard that that there was a fire at a house on teenagers were involved and feared White’s Ferry Road. Chris ran to the that someone he knew had been parking lot, jumped into his pickup killed. As it turned out, the victims truck, and drove to the fire. He never were from Wheaton. He has also been made it back to school that day! on the scene of shootings, knifings, The fire department has a pag- and other crimes. Chris added, “I have ing system in lieu of the old method been around things that people my of calling volunteers with sirens age haven’t, and it has made me what mounted on poles. Chris almost I am today.” Firefighter Carla Myers always responds to the firehouse, said, “[Chris] is a pleasure to work even in the middle of the night, when more than one piece of fire apparatus is dispatched on a call. He explained -Continued on Page 19. March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page 15 “Maryland Young Voices” formed at the White House, the Pacific rank, and serial number. Hersberger Continued From Page 5. International Children’s Choir Festival Mystery History told The Commercial Appeal (news- in Oregon, the prestigious Tuscany paper in Memphis, Tennessee) in 1994 is helped by Assistant Director Brandon International Children’s Chorus Festival that “the guy got so irritated that I Fraseur who came on board last year. in Italy, and the Vermont International Poolesville’s French wouldn’t talk, he came from behind He holds a bachelor’s degree in vo- Choir Festival. The Glorystar Children’s his desk and slapped me across the cal performance and music education Connection Chorus celebrated its tenth anniversary jaw. The next thing I knew was that from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. last spring with a gala festival at the By Rande Davis I was on the floor.” An enforcer was The accompanist for the Chesapeake Music Center at Strathmore Hall. This brought in and Hersberger was beaten Youth Chorale, Avis Wheatley, com- year, the chorus will travel to Taiwan When Marshall and Edna Hers- by cane until it finally broke. They pleted her Bachelor of Arts degree with via Hawaii and the Pacific Rim Chil- berger left their homesteading farm then turned to a rubber hose and, a double major in music and Spanish dren’s Chorus Festival. Glorystar’s mu- in Canada in the 1920s to move to finally, a nightstick in an effort to get from Bridgewater College, summa cum sic director and founder, Cherie Jeng, Poolesville, their vision about the him to talk. laude. studied piano at Shih-Chien College in future did not include their baby “I don’t know how long the beat- The Frederick Children’s Chorus Taiwan. After many years of learning to boy, Norman, becoming a hero to the ing lasted, but he must have gotten me has been making beautiful music for inspire children in music with Professor French Resistance. in the head after all, because the next more than twenty years—and it has Chuang-Lien Lu, she came to the U.S. Norman Davis Hersberger was thing I knew is that I woke up in a been growing by leaps and bounds. In and received her bachelor’s degree from born Canada in 1919, but he and his dark basement that had muddy pud- 1985, when founder and artistic director the San Francisco Conservatory of Mu- three brothers, Marshall, Homer, and dles, a leak dripping from the ceiling, Judith DuBose saw a need to elevate the sic. Glorystar’s Training Choir teacher, Wilson, were raised in Poolesville in a sharing a crowded cell on flea-infested offerings for children in the Frederick Ming Hsieh, also originally from Tai- bungalow on West Willard Road. His straw pallets on the concrete.” area, she began the chorus with a hand- wan, is an experienced early childhood family and friends always called him For resistance leader Jean-Claude ful of children. That chorus has grown music instructor. She holds many certi- by his middle name, Davis, and upon Moussat and his fellow fighters, it to four choruses for over two hundred fications for children’s training meth- graduating from Poolesville High would not be until 1985 that they children from ages seven through ods, as well as a bachelor’s degree from School in 1938, he was still six years would finally have the chance to high school, an educational focus with Tam-Kang University in Taiwan and a away from the day he would find personally thank Davis Hersberger. musicianship classes, and a new pro- master’s degree from State University of himself parachuting from his Mustang Moussat met an American named gram for the very young (ages five to New York. The accompanist for Glorys- fighter plane into enemy territory over Phillip Schnell who was in France eight) entitled Little Music Makers. The tar (and for the festival) is Cherie Jeng’s Brittany, France. because his daughter was a foreign advanced choruses, the Chamber Sing- daughter, Karen Jeng. A junior at Shep- exchange student. After hearing about ers and the Concert Chorus, have been herd School of Music at Rice University Hersberger from Moussat, Mr. Schnell frequently invited to sing for numerous in Houston, Karen is pursuing a piano took it upon himself to research the organizations including the Baltimore performance degree. She performs solos whereabouts of Davis Hersberger. Symphony Orchestra, the Maryland with orchestras, as well as in ensembles. When he discovered he was from Symphony Orchestra, other choruses, When these four choruses came Poolesville, Maryland, he contacted and opera companies. When they travel together for the day, they had the good town hall, which in turn put him into to adjudicated festivals, they always fortune to have Dr. Philip Silvey as their contact with Charles Elgin, Sr. Mr. El- receive superior ratings. Judith DuBose guide and teacher. Dr. Silvey is assistant gin knew the Hersberger family well, teaches in the Montgomery County professor of choral music education but he informed Mr. Schnell that Nor- Public School System and was honored at the University of Maryland. He has man was always known by his middle to receive the Maryland Music Educa- many years of experience as a choral name, Davis. From this inquiry, Mr. tors Outstanding teacher Award for the conductor along the East Coast and he Schnell was finally able to put Mous- southern Division in 1999. Mrs. DuBose holds numerous degrees from universi- sat and Hersberger in contact with one is pleased to have three former choris- ties around the country. He is also a another. ters as assistant directors, two of which Norman Davis Hersberger composer, and his works have been Moussat wrote Hersberger, “It happen to be her daughters. Amanda performed by choruses at the national was courageous to bear the torture of Barber, Ann DuBose, and Lee DuBose honors chorus level. It was the spring of 1944, just five the Gestapo. Without your courageous Kassakatis have injected the chorus with The day ended with a beautiful weeks before D-Day, when the Ameri- silence, the members of our own new energy, restructuring the sight- concert featuring each chorus separately can pilot was rescued by the French group and network would have been reading classes, creating the Little Music performing a few pieces. The concert Underground Resistance and hidden captured and killed by the Gestapo.” Makers, helping with directing, and concluded with all four choruses on the from the Nazis until they could pull Hersberger wrote back to Moussat, “I adding valued support at rehearsals, stage showing off what they learned off their planned escape to Spain. Da- am grateful for your aid in helping me concerts, and behind the scenes. Mary from each other and from all these mag- vis was put “into hiding, using barns attempt to escape to England. It’s too Miller has been the chorus’s accompa- nificent teachers. The best, of course, and villages, traveling by bicycle en bad it didn’t work.” nist since 1990. She is also the organist was saved for last: the performance route to Spain with the goal of reach- After World War II, Davis met for the Myersville Methodist Church of “All Things Bright and Beautiful” ing the American Embassy.” French and married Mary Eloise Shoaf from and a chemist. composed by Dr. Philip Silvey. It’s resistance leader, Jean-Claude Mous- Covington, Tennessee where they The Glorystar Children’s Cho- not often that performers or children’s sat, and his compatriots traveled with resided and raised their two children. rus, founded in 1996 in Potomac with choruses get the opportunity to meet him to Paris, holed up in an apartment While Davis Hersberger passed away twenty-five children, is a multi-cultural composers, but it’s truly a treat for for two weeks, put him on a train to a few years ago, he remained very and multi-racial chorus numbering them to be conducted by the composer Spain only to be caught by the Nazis humble about his wartime experience, more than one hundred children aged and to actually know exactly how the in Bordeaux, where he had planned to only saying during 50th Anniversary five to eight in four choruses. In the past composer wanted the piece interpreted. stay only one night. ceremonies in 1994, that “the capture decade, Glorystar has been recognized It’s also a treat for the audience, and the Upon his capture, Hersberger and refusal to talk were just part of his for its high standards and excellence rendition by those combined choruses was taken to Gestapo headquarters duties as a member of the U.S. armed fostered through teamwork, disci- was stunning. in Bayonne, France for interrogation. forces.” pline, and responsibility. In addition to Through the interrogation and torture, regular concerts, the chorus has per- Davis Hersberger gave only his name, March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page 16

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School News

Marketplace Monocacy Elementary School

Congratulations to Sophia Coates for being named a 2007 Carson Scholar. This award is for academic achievement and humanitarian qualities. Sophia and her family will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Ben Carson and his wife this spring at a banquet. Congratulations to Jenn Kmiecik, music teacher, on the birth of her six and a half pound son, Todd Daniel.

Poolesville High School Buy a Brick!

Want to leave a remembrance of your student’s years at Poolesville High School? Buy a brick with his/her name on it. The bricks cost $60 each, and funds raised go to the PTSA. The bricks from 2006 and 2007 will be laid this summer. Questions? Email John- [email protected]. March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page 17 and Japan. This big band with the cool ment of Recreation, will present their Big Board jazz flavor comes to the Weinberg on Another lecture is entitled “What second Animal Wellness Seminar at March 24 at 3:00 p.m. Ticket prices it was like to be on the Home Front the Germantown Community Center, range from $30.00 to $40.00. For more during World War II.” Author Eleanor 18905 Kingsview Road, Germantown. information, visit www.weinbergcen- Cunningham describes growing up Guest speakers will include Dr. Carol Want Some Money? ter.org or call 301-228-2828. in Rockville during World War II. She Lundquist, DVM, PC; Celine Roll, Sugarloaf Regional Trails wants to will talk about deprivations suffered Certified Animal Acupuncturist and give money away. The SRT wants to The Balalaikas Are Coming because of the war effort, of friends Tellington TTouch Practitioner; Terri award small grants of $500 and $1,000 sent overseas, and about the joy of Lewis, Dogs and Company, and Cyn- March 25 brings the Washington to individuals who are pursuing SRT’s war’s end. This lecture will be held on thia Halle, Cridders Whole Pet Natu- Balalaika Society Russian Orchestra to goals of environmental and historic April 13 at 11:00 a.m. at the City Hall ral Food Stores. The program will the Weinberg at 2:00 p.m. Founded in preservation. In recent years, SRT Council Chambers. include information on vaccinations, 1988, these Washington-area musi- awarded a grant to Melanie Choukas- nutrition, acupuncture, chiropractics, cians play traditional instruments Bradley and Tina Thieme-Brown for homeopathy, Tellington TTouch, and and music of the Eastern European Not Exactly a Drive-in Movie the publication of their two books on Herb. countries. The WBS Orchestra has Theater, but… Sugarloaf Mountain and to Margaret performed at the Kennedy Cen- Coleman for her forthcoming book, Poolesville’s Community Econom- ter Concert Hall with the Paul Hill Everything you ever wanted Mama Wears Two Aprons. If you have ic Development Committee (CEDC) Chorale and the Choral Arts Society to know about Boyds in one a project that you think might be of is making plans for more community of Washington; Carnegie Hall in New night! interest to SRT, write to them at Sug- social events, which will include sum- York; the Round Lake Auditorium arloaf Regional Trails, P.O. Box 412, mer movie nights at Whalen Com- You are cordially invited to attend in New York’s Adirondacks; Lisner Barnesville, MD 20838. mons. They hope to have such movie An Evening With Arthur (Virts) and Auditorium; the Embassy of the Rus- nights on Friday or Saturday in July Friends - Sunday, March 25, 4pm. sian Federation; and the Smithsonian HMAP’s Annual St. Patrick’s and are looking to use a large screen. Event will be held at Kerr Fellow- Institution in Washington. For more While their website is not presently up Day Poetry and Potluck ship Hall, 19821 White Ground Road, information, visit www.weinbergcen- and running, you will be able to log Boyds. Sponsored by the Boyds His- Jamboree ter.org or call 301-228-2828. onto Poolesville.com to keep abreast torical Society. An evening of poetry, food, of social events like movie nights and Families welcome! Refreshments maybe some music, and maybe some See the Ponies; Help the Kids summer music and other activities will be served! Also speaking will be other stuff will take place on Saturday, Personal Ponies will bring their still in the planning stages. Betty Hawkins, Roger Burdette, Joe March 17 at 7:30 p.m. Join the commo- ponies to Whole Foods in the Kent- Ganley, John King, Earl Dillehay, and tion at the Hyattstown Mill. lands on March 27 from 8:00 a.m. until Lunasa and Dervish Jimmy Spring. 8:00 p.m. Whole Foods will donate The Weinberg is pleased to pres- Darby O’Gill and the Little five percent of the day’s sales to ent two Irish supergroups, Lunasa New Jewish Education People Personal Ponies, a 501(c)3 non-profit and Dervish. Pushing the boundaries Program in Upper organization that provides small UK of traditional Irish music to the limits, Three wishes, the Irish, lepre- Montgomery County Shetland ponies to children that are these bands add a driving, dynamic chauns, a Death Coach—what’s not differently able. The ponies will be swing to the beautiful and evocative Am Kolel Sanctuary Retreat and to see in this old Walt Disney classic? in the parking lot to greet shoppers tunes of Ireland. The two bands will Renewal Center, an independent Showing at the Weinberg Center for most of the day. Personal Ponies is take the stage on March 28 at 8:00 p.m. community devoted to spiritual and the Arts on Saturday, March 17, at 2:00 dedicated to the belief that the life of Tickets range in price from $21.00 to educational needs in the Jewish com- p.m. and 8:00 p.m., tickets are $6.00 a child with disabilities is immeasur- $26.00. For more information, visit munity, announces the founding of for adults and $4.00 for children. For ably enriched by having a tiny pony www.weinbergcenter.org or call 301- the County Cheder. A Cheder is a more information, visit www.wein- to love and care for. The interaction 228-2828. room or a place of elementary age bergcenter.org or call 301-228-2828. and bonding that occurs between a Jewish learning. The school opens in September 2007. An Open House will tiny pony and a child with disabilities Animal Wellness Seminar Hoosiers is nothing less than magic. take place Sunday, March 25 from On April 1, 2007, from 1:00 p.m. 3:30 -6:00 PM. An unexpected late-1986 box-of- to 4:00 p.m., Tails of Hope Sanctuary fice hit, Hoosiers tells the true story of Museum to Host Series of In- and Celine Roll, in cooperation with a group of underdogs who become formative Lectures the Montgomery County Depart- champions. Stars Gene Hackman and The City of Gaithersburg Com- Dennis Hopper. March 23 at 8:00 p.m., munity Museum announces an tickets are $6.00 for adults and $4.00 informative series of exhibits and for children. For more information, lectures including one on March 27 at visit www.weinbergcenter.org or call 7:30 p.m. which is titled: The Historic 301-228-2828. District and How to Get What’s Com- ing to You. This presentation is by John Pizzarelli and the New Judith Christensen, historian with the York All Star Big Band Gaithersburg Historical Association. Following in the footsteps of his This workshop for property owners in father, guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli, a historic district or site covers eligibil- John Pizzarelli is a world-renowned ity criteria, the process of filing, how jazz guitarist, vocalist, and bandlead- to write an application, and how to er. He has performed numerous times apply for tax credits. It is at City Hall on popular national television shows Council Chambers, 31 South Summit and frequently tours the U.S., Europe, Avenue. March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page 18 Commercial Display

Equestrian Stables Available

HUNT VIEW FARM River Road – Poolesville, Maryland www.HuntViewFarm.com 301-775-7051 Teach Drive 1 Next Class May 1 through May 14 At Poolesville Baptist Church Opposite Poolesville HS Register on-line at teachdrive1.com or Call 301-676-9999 March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page 19 “Dimopolous” Continued From dis- are $6.00 for students and $13.00 for Page 14. Local News adults. Ticket prices at the door will be $8.00 for students and $16.00 for with. He is willing to learn, and he is Voice of the Violin adults. Limited premiere seating not like your typical nineteen-year-old.” is available. For ticket information, Sandy Cameron, world-renowned Chris and his dad have an unusual contact Pam Steffen at 301-349-2950. violinist (PHS Class of 2005), will hobby. On their days off, they drive For information on volunteering or again take the stage for the fourth around the countryside looking for making a donation, you may contact Sandy Cameron Music Benefit Con- firehouses. When they come to a small Roger Hayden (rah22222@netscape. cert at Poolesville High School, Fri- town, they quickly find the firehouse, net), Dominique Agnew (301-407- day, April 20, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. Doors introduce themselves, are welcomed 0001; [email protected]), Suzanne in, inspect the fire apparatus, and talk will open at 6:30 p.m. for the exciting patched to the Pentagon in September Tallia (301-972-8595; stallia@verizon. with the firefighters. One of the more Silent Auction. Sandy has invited 2001. Because of its small size, it was the net), or Pam Green (301-349-2403). memorable visits they have made was musicians from Harvard University only ladder truck available that could in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania where to join her on the stage, and they will actually be driven inside the burning they saw a ladder truck that had been be accompanied by pianist Anna building. Dimopoulos said that one of Ouspenskaya. Advance ticket prices the most satisfying moments of his rela- tively brief career was to be able to work with his father, who has since retired, at his fire station in Kensington. They even operate a lawn care business together. Chief Earl Moore said, “Chris ag- gressively pursued what was required before he was allowed to ride on the apparatus. He has steadily progressed and has gotten better the whole time.” Chris currently is attending the Freder- ick County Fire Academy, where after his graduation in May, he will become a paid firefighter in Frederick County, but he will continue to be a volunteer at the UMCVFD. Speaking of his future plans, Chris said that he would like to move up in the ranks, but “I’d like to stay on a fire truck as long as possible.” His advice for residents is to check their smoke detectors regularly, to have an evacuation plan, and to call 911 prompt- ly when a fire is detected. He remarked, “The faster that you call 911, the faster we will be there.” The firehouse in Beallsville is no different than others in this area. There is a dearth of young people willing to sign up to be volunteers. We are for- tunate that there are people like Chris Dimopolous willing to give their time and energy to protect the community.

Sandy Cameron

Help Wanted March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page 20 “Long Island Railroad” Continued Manhattan. He has already completed From Page 6. the underground station with ticket booth and retail stores. Penn Station, too small to catch Brian’s at- the skyline of New York, a dual track tention. (He tells us that one of the overhead subway line, and harbor benefits of his hobby is that it helps place displays will rise on what is now develop keen observation skills useful just a plywood foundation. in every day life.) This writer spent five years com- A strong sense of humanity and muting, two hours each way, on the even humor emerges from his work. Hudson Harlem Line into Grand Sta- Look closely down one alley, and tion, and although my experience on there, tucked discreetly in the cor- the LIRR is limited, I can assure you ner, is a small street band with a sign that my past NYC commuting experi- promoting its name—Not the Choir. ence came fully to life as I wandered This is a delightful anachronism since among the various tracks. Brian plays banjo in the Poolesville As you leave the basement in the Presbyterian musical troupe by the Sherons’ home, you leave a time when same name. Barry Goldwater was running against All of the engines and passenger Lyndon Johnson, The Mick was com- cars are accurate models of those ing to the end of his career, and a that ran on the Port Jefferson Branch few people in New York were in the during that era. After twenty years of planning stages of building something work and $30,000, he still is not ready they would later call the Twin Towers. to come to the end of the line. He was As you begin to ascend the basement recently able to convince his very stairs, you experience a surreal mo- patient wife, Kathy, to let him use ment. Part of you expects to see the another smaller room in the basement. Twilight Zone’s Rod Serling standing The beginning stages of Penn Station at the top of the stairs, while the other and NYC are coming together. part is thinking how nice it would be As you leave the main display to get off the fast-moving train we are room, you can follow the tracks to all on, and, with ticket in hand, wait a point where they change to East for the conductor to shout, “Change at River tunnel only to re-emerge in Jamaica.”

“PHS Wrestlers Weigh Disappointment at States” Continued From Page 7. ly, the information that is vital for that compliance. The result: two student athletes who have worked extremely hard for months, and have achieved the distinction of qualifying for the State Tournament, through no fault of their own, are dealt the ultimate punish- ment by the very adults who are guilty of failing in their duty to com- municate the requirements. Shame on you, MPSSAA , and shame on Direc- tor William Beattie for failing to make an exception and do the right thing by these boys. No one can make up to these two young men for this crushing experience. One can only hope that this experience will force the MPSSAA to take a look at itself and its com- munications to insure that it doesn’t happen in the future. Unfortunately for Jason, it will be too late, he’ll be off wrestling in college while studying biochemistry, but as a former PAA coach said to Jeff, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page 21 “Hello Dolly” Continued From Page 1. working behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. The new as a matchmaker, Dolly, has found the music director, Mr. James Laster, will perfect match for a well-known half-a- be conducting the live orchestra in the millionaire—namely, herself. pit. As with all the productions by the Show times are March 22, 23, and Midnight Players, Hello Dolly will be 24 at 7:30 p.m. and March 24 at 2:00 double cast allowing more students to p.m. in the Poolesville High School have lead roles, and they can also rest auditorium. Ticket prices are $5.00 for their voices. Roughly sixty students students and $8.00 for adults. will be on stage, and a very large tech crew of twenty-five students will be

Ashley Gunsteens (playing Minnie Fay), Erin Toman (Irene Molloy), Dylan Hodges(Barnaby Tocker), A. J. Lempert (Cornelius Tucker) Katie Kerr (Dolly), Andy Kotch (Vandergelder)

“Career Day” Continued From included Kevin Cecco (IRS), Frank Page 3. Hart (stockbroker), Nicole Joseph (Mortgage), and Jim Newberry ing of the benefits of a medical career. (Marketing/Advertising). Kathy Mihm (geologist), Amy Getting a good education, Hsu (biologist), and Joeseph Betz from choosing something you love, and the Health Science Administration expressing a newfound apprecia- asked them to think about various tion for the many career oppor- careers in science. This IT generation tunities in front of them were the heard from Karen Kalantzis Micheals things they wrote down regarding of Corporate Network, along with Career Day. One thing they didn’t Judy Murgia and John Leach about put down but they learned just by why technology or computers is a going from one group of present- career they should consider. ers to another–there are a lot of Dave Johnson discusses plumbing Nancy Bodmer’s pottery demon- people who care about them and at Career Day. stration in the freelance arts presenta- are willing to help. tion was a big hit and photographer Hilary Shapiro and author Lisa Cou- turier joined her as well. Jill Knudson, horseback riding Karen Kalantzis Micheals of Corporate instructor at Caleva, was joined by Network Systems. Renee Canali and fire investigator Captain Rutten in getting the kids to think of the possibilities in work- ing with animals. Representatives of the military, police, and fire/rescue discussed the benefits of their career choices. Presenters included Capt. Randall Kuldell (Naval Reserves), Rod Nubgaard (Coast Guard), Richard Hegmann (CIA), Kelly Pavlick (MC police), Lt. Todd Dahlen and Ty Stot- Nancy Bodmer of Bodmer’s Stoves & Pottery. tlelmeyer (MC firefighters). Members of the fire department at Careers in investment and finance Career Day. March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page 22

We accommodate Preschool through Grade 8 offering:

• Camp Seneca (Ages 4-8)

Police Blotter: Past and Present of Gaithersburg, on the Frederick The large grain warehouse and Pike. It was said that the three were elevator of Dietrich and Gambrill at returning from a dance at Brunswick Buckeystown was badly damaged by By Jack Toomey may only be operated between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.; if when the driver lost control and hit fire. Ten occupants of nearby homes a tree. were also routed by the fire. Present under sixteen, the driver must be su- pervised by an adult; and, of course, March 18, 1922. Three sheriff’s March 22, 1927. Montgomery A new law went into effect on these vehicles can never be operated deputies went to the farm of James County police were searching for November 2, 2006 which is designed on public roadways. Elkins at Martinsburg to serve pa- Miss Minnie Ryman of Barnesville to decrease the number of injuries February 23. A fourteen-year- pers that would have attached per- who left her house a few days earlier associated with off-road vehicles. old resident of Boyds was standing sonal property of the Elkins family; and had not returned. Ever since her In the past few years, police in front of Northwest High School however, the officers were routed by disappearance, Chief Orme and Of- have noticed an increase in illegally when he was approached by a six- blows struck by Mrs. Elkins and her ficer Bodmer had been scouring the operated off-road vehicles, ATV, and teen-year-old youth who struck him two daughters. Sheriff Alvie Moxley county for her. other similar vehicles operated in in the face and stole his money. was knocked down but only slightly the county. These off-road vehicles injured. On March 3, Frederick County pose a substantial safety risk to all deputies stopped three different March 19, 1978. A six-year-old riders whether on public or private vehicles, in three different locations, boy lost his life when he fell through property. The new law has specific for routine traffic violations. In each thin ice on a pond requirements designed to increase case, deputies found illegal drugs near the home of the the safety of the rider and increase such as cocaine, marijuana, and pre- relatives he had been responsibility for parents of juvenile scription tablets inside the cars. Each visiting in Poolesville. riders. The changes in law are as defendant was charged with various March 21, 1948. A follows: helmets and eye protection narcotic offenses. nine-year-old Boyds are required; the vehicles may not be girl, who had never operated on county or park prop- seen a real gun, ac- erty; they are not allowed on pub- Past cidentally shot her licly-accessed property such as malls six-year-old brother in or apartment complexes; they may March 16, 1930. A Washing- the jaw while she was not be operated on private property ton man was killed and two girls playing with the gun. without permission of the owner; were badly injured when the car safety equipment is required; they they were riding in crashed on March 22, 1934. Middlebook Hill, three miles north March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page 23 the ground in the fall or early spring ing should be left to professional tree small pruning jobs, step back and “Pruning” Continued From to encourage vigorous new growth. surgeons. For trees near your house, study the tree’s natural shape, and try Page 9. After the first year that I planted my an incorrect judgment of the line of to maintain that. pruned shortly after blooming. butterfly bushes, I couldn’t bring my- fall of a large limb can result in some In my next article, I will discuss Forsythias are very vigorous self to cut to the ground the healthy- nasty damage to your house. A tree spring clean-up and pruning of your growers in full sun. Prune severely looking stems. They grew fairly well shouldn’t look pruned. Even with rose and perennial flower beds. each year immediately after flowering, that summer, but the following spring cutting approximately one-third of the I did force myself to cut them back. old branches back to the ground. They returned with more vigorous The profusely-blooming and spring growth, and flowered well sweetly fragrant mock orange should into the fall months. Don’t be alarmed not be cut in winter. Prune right after if there is little sign of life in early flowering; remove old wood at this spring; they break dormancy late. time to promote better growth habit With the onset of warmer weather, and flower production. they will grow rapidly. Pussy willows are fast-growing Crape Myrtle is a deciduous shrubs that are known for their deco- woody plant that grows very well in rative catkins, which usually appear our area. The American botanist and in early spring. For the past several horticulturist L. H. Bailey (1858-1954) years, my two large ones displayed wrote: “The crape myrtle is to the their catkins right after Christmas. South what the lilac and snowball They can grow ten to twelve feet in are to the North―an inhabitant of just one year. Left unpruned, they can nearly every home yard.” Growing ultimately reach twenty-five feet in up in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, height, and fifteen feet in width. To I never saw this shrub until I moved control the size of these shrubs, prune to Washington, D.C., my idea of the to within a foot of the ground im- South. This stunning shrub produces mediately after catkins fade, which is summer-into-fall blooms. Do not usually in late spring. prune these late-leafing large shrubs For Walt Whitman, a waft of lilac or small trees until growth begins in scent inspired poetry; for the rest the spring. To maintain an open form, of us, it is the essence of spring. To pinch back over-vigorous roots. It can maintain healthy growth, remove also be trained to a single trunk by spent flower clusters and prune after cutting back to the ground all but a flowering to keep the center open to single lead. sunlight. Remove suckers (growth Classic flowering hydrangeas from the base), and prune out some of bloom in late summer and on into fall, the older wood periodically to renew in snowball-like clusters in shades of the plant. white, pink, or blue, depending upon Spiraea, or the old-fashioned growing conditions. Most species bridal wreath, gets its name from the require little pruning, except for the Greek speiraira referring to its tradi- removal of dead flower heads after tional use in garlands and wedding blooming or in early spring. ‘Endless crowns. It is a relatively carefree Summer’ marked a breakthrough in shrub. Prune summer-blooming types hydrangeas by flowering in spring in early spring, as needed for shaping. on old wood, and then in summer Prune spring-flowering types immedi- on new wood. Now, there is a white- ately after flowers fade, by removing flowering sibling, ‘Blushing Bride,’ a few of the oldest stems to ground with the same dark green leaves and level. large flowers, but earlier rebloom. There is another category of Another new addition is ‘The Swan.’ It deciduous shrubs that do well with a is an improvement of older cultivars, hard pruning between now and late as it is very cold-hardy and adaptable winter. They flower and berry on the to many soil types, and it blooms on same year’s growth, so you can cut new wood, so you can prune any time any time before spring growth begins. of the year. Buddleia davidii, butterfly bush, Now is a good time to assess the blooms on new wood. In the north- health of your large shade trees. The ern portion of their growth range, framework is bare, and you can easily they tend to die back to or near to see which branches are dead, dis- the ground in the winter. In our area, eased, or need to be removed. Except where they don’t always die complete- for small, lower branches, major prun- ly back, they should be cut back to March 16, 2007 The Monocacy Monocle Page 24