Attention Postmaster: Time sensitive material. Requested in home 7-24-08 PRSRT STD A Connection U.S. Postage Newspaper PAID Martinsburg, WV PotomacPotomac PERMIT #86 In Praise Of Service People, page 2

Bette Thompson was recognized for her over 60-years of service to the Scotland African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and to the community of

Classified, Page 14 Classified, Scotland during a ❖ special ceremony at the church on July 27.

Real Estate, Page 12 Real Estate,

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Calendar, Page 8 Calendar, Split Ranks At Humane Society News, page 3

Preparing Rotary For Nanny Law Honors Two News, Page 13 News, Page 4

Photo By Robbie Hammer/The Connection Photo July 30-August 5, 2008 ❖ Volume LII, Number 31 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Potomac Almanac ❖ Julywww.potomacalmanac.com 30 - August 5, 2008 ❖ 1 People

Photos by Robbie Hammer/The Connection

Bette Thompson visits with Pastor Don Mumford, a long- time friend, during a ceremony honoring Thompson on July 27. “I was saved here, married here and found my Friends and family attend a special ceremony honoring Scotland resident Bette call to the ministry here,” said Pastor Mumford, “She Thompson for her service to the community and to the Scotland African Methodist was like a mom to me.” Episcopal Zion Church. Honoring Thompson’s Commitment to Community

Scotland celebrates long-time resident and Thompson’s character and achievements cial citations of commendation from the over the years. Thompson has long been Montgomery County Delegation of the community leader Bette Thompson. involved with various boards and commit- Maryland General Assembly, as well as from tees in the Winston Churchill High School Roger Berliner, Potomac’s representative to By Aaron Stern days and Thompson, now in her 70s, has cluster, and it was due in large part to more the County Council. The Almanac both born witness and played a hand in than a decade of her commitment that the “It was beautiful,” said Thompson of the those changes. County Council earlier this year approved event. “I didn’t know all that was going on, ette Thompson has seen a lot over On Sunday, July 27, Scotland A.M.E. Zion funding to renovate the Scotland Commu- to tell the truth.” the years. Born and raised in Scot- Church on Seven Locks Road was packed nity Center. Bland, the community founded by with Thompson’s friends and family — im- That effort stalled several times since it AFTERWARD, Gasaway said that she and ex-slaves in the late 1800s off of mediate and extended — as the commu- began in the late 1990s due to lack of sup- her sister talked in their car for over an hour Seven Locks Road, Thompson grew up in nity and Montgomery County officials hon- port from the county, but Thompson never about Thompson. They had always known the days when she would run through ored her service over the years. quit, said Gasaway. that Thompson was active, but when story grassy fields to her friends’ houses. That was “It was packed — people were in the “She [would say], ‘Come on, let’s go, after story was told about the number of a time when summers were spent playing aisles, people had to stand up, some people we’re going to keep fighting.’ And that’s one meetings she had been to and boards she coed softball games that lasted until dusk, couldn’t even get inside … because they of the main reasons the money is being had worked with they were blown away. and when the children went swimming were all there for cousin Bette,” said Latisha given to the center,” Gasaway said. “The thing about it is, she deserved it and whenever the boys in Scotland stopped up Gasaway, younger cousin of Thompson’s On Sunday she was presented with offi- everybody knew it,” said Gasaway of the a creek. who grew up in Scotland. salute. “It was an honorable moment just A lot has changed in Scotland since those Members of the community spoke about “The thing about it is, to be there.” Two of Thompson’s favorite songs were she deserved it and played, including the gospel hymnal “How I Got Over,” and Thompson said that, like everybody knew it. It was the song tells, her commitment to the com- munity of Scotland grew out of her religious an honorable moment faith. “She said ‘I’m not sitting down because just to be there.” I’m working for the Lord,’” Gasaway said. — Latisha Gasaway “That was a moment, a historical moment.”

Bette Thompson was recognized for her over 60-years of service to the Scotland African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and to the community of Scotland. Bette Thompson was recognized for her over 60-years of service to the Scotland African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.

2 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ July 30 - August 5, 2008 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Potomac Almanac Editor Steven M. Mauren 301-983-2600 or [email protected] News See www.potomacalmanac.com Split Ranks at Montgomery Humane Society differences of opinion.” Former board Crist agreed. members raise “More so than I’ve ever experi- enced in my life,” Crist said of the concerns about propensity for animal lovers to butt heads. “It’s incredible.” direction of The situation on the Humane Society’s board has also drawn the

organization. Photo by attention Montgomery County Ex- ecutive Ike Leggett. In a recent in- By Aaron Stern terview Leggett said that the situa- The Almanac tion is being monitored. Aaron Stern “We’re aware of some of it, we’re hen Rob Blizard looking into it,” Leggett said. “It is joined the board of disturbing to hear some of the ques- directors for the tions and some of the leadership

W /The Almanac Montgomery challenges that are there among County Humane Society last fall he some of the board members but it was excited by the opportunity to is something that I hope we can put combine his love of animals with his behind us rather quickly and get professional expertise in private back to the very serious job of pro- fund-raising development. Six tecting some of the more vulner- months later, frustrated and dis- The Montgomery County Humane Society runs the county’s adoption shelter in able animals in our community.” couraged about the direction of the Rockville in conjunction with the Animal Services Division of the Montgomery County organization, Blizard resigned from Police Department. MARGARET ZANVILLE headed his post at a board meeting and the Montgomery County Humane thought he was done with the group. But members said were problematic with the also of Potomac, resigned in March after his Society for 14 years before she stepped when he got home he received an email direction of the Humane Society, but Crist relationship with Crist grew sour over what down in 2005. Before that she was a board informing him that his resignation had not said that the disagreements among the de- Cohen described as a pattern whereby his member for seven years and a volunteer for been accepted and that instead he had been parted board members were detracting questions about the shelter’s operations and several years before that. She has kept in unanimously voted off of the board. from the core mission of the Humane Soci- finances were repeatedly either unanswered touch with people at the shelter and from It was the final twist in a brief journey ety, which is to protect vulnerable animals. or met with hostility. what she hears — much as Blizard, Cohen, that Blizard described as tumultuous and “Their creative differences or their visions “I feel that questions were not being ad- Rubin contend — is that , there is little to upsetting, and he is not alone. In the last and methods were different than the ma- dressed in a timely fashion that dealt with no room for debate or disagreement with five months five members of the 10 active jority of the board’s — they just weren’t in the fiduciary responsibilities that we as Crist. members of the Montgomery County Hu- line with what we’re currently doing,” said board members have,” Cohen said. “I was “This is just, in my opinion of course, mane Society’s board have either stepped Crist. “We are the humane society and we asking questions about personnel, about the [but] it seems that anyone that disagrees down or been dismissed from the board and give every animal an opportunity at life if shelter, their fund-raising, and I felt that we with [Crist] is out the door,” said Zanville. at least three of those members did so after it’s the right thing to [had] a CEO … who is Crist said that there is room for disagree- repeated disagreements with the president do.” also president of the ment and healthy debate on the Humane of the Montgomery County Humane Soci- “There’s no strategic board who I feel there is Society’s board, but that the recently de- ety, JC Crist. THE HUMANE SOCI- very little oversight for.” parted board members had each become Now, it appears that the Humane Society ETY runs the county’s plan, I mean where Crist held that dual distractions to the board. may have a leadership shakeup in store. adoption shelter in role since 2005 but re- “It’s important that we all have one vi- Crist held the dual roles of chief executive Rockville in a contracted are we going? You signed the CEO title last sion and that’s for the organization and the officer of the Montgomery County Humane partnership with Mont- have to have a plan month, though he con- animals,” said Crist. “Everybody has their Society and president of the group’s board gomery County that tinued to be the presi- responsibility as a director and some people of directors until last month, when he dates back to 1949 and for how you’re going dent of the board. were unable to fulfill those responsibilities dropped the CEO title. That drop of title operates in conjunction “This dual role I had or even to fulfill [them] in their commit- also meant that Crist went from making with the Animal Ser- to raise money.” has always been tempo- tees.” over $56,000 to having no salary, and be- vices Division of the — Melissa Rubin, former rary,” Crist said. “It’s just “Everybody should have the opportunity fore the end of the year Crist said that he Montgomery County Montgomery County Humane too much for one person. [to object] and then it is really the role of hopes to hire an executive director or some- Police Department. That’s always been our the leadership of the board that everyone one with a similar title to run the shelter, a In her March 15 res- Society board member plan, that’s been our has the chance to express his or her opin- move that he said would open the door for ignation sent by email, plan for two years.” ions and they are listened and they are re- him to pursue new ventures. former board member and Potomac resident The turbulence on the board of directors spected,” said Outi Flynn, director of knowl- That is one of several changes that could Melissa Rubin wrote that poor leadership has not gone unnoticed within the county. edge dissemination for Board Source, a be in store. Crist has held several unofficial has serious hurt the society’s fund-raising Stephen Dickstein was named the head of national organization that provides guid- roles as well over the last two years, includ- efforts, and she questioned the direction of the Montgomery County Police’s Animal ance and direction to non-profit organiza- ing being in charge of fund-raising and fi- the organization. Services Division, which works with the tions. Persistent debate and conflict on a nancial development for the organization, “The MCHS has suffered from poor lead- Humane Society out of the county’s main board begs the question of whether an or- a role that Crist said he hopes to hire some- ership in the past and, in my opinion, con- rescue shelter in Rockville. He came to the ganization has a clear, common focus, Flynn one for in the coming weeks. tinues to do so,” Rubin said in her letter. post in May of this year and said that he is said. During Crist’s tenure, animal placement That poor leadership has resulted in fund well aware of the situation on the board, “What you have, basically, is a split of the rates have risen and the number of animals raising that falls far below the national av- and that such dissension is not uncommon board,” said Jo Ann Hoffman, a Humane euthanized has dropped but fund-raising erage, something that is unacceptable in a among those who are passionate about ani- Society board member. “The majority of the totals have also suffered, according to Hu- county as wealthy as Montgomery County, mals. board thought that we should go in one di- mane Society statistics and financial state- said Rubin, who is vice president of Field “It doesn’t take you long to look through- rection and these people thought we should ments. and Emergency Services for the Humane out the animal world to find turbulence,” go into another direction.” The decline in fund-raising numbers was Society of the United States. he said. “As people tend to be, they’re very Yet the questions that Blizard said drew one of several issues that the former board Former board vice president Allan Cohen, strong will in many instances and they have See MCHC, Page 10 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Potomac Almanac ❖ July 30 - August 5, 2008 ❖ 3 News This Week in Potomac New President for Rotary Club The Rev. Anne Benefield was elected in early July as the next president of Rotary Club of Potomac for the year 2008-2009. Benefield is the pastor of Geneva Presbyterian Church. Rotary International is a volunteer organization of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service, and help to build goodwill in the world. There are approximately 1.2 mil- lion Rotary club members belonging to more than 32,000 Rotary clubs in nearly 170 countries. As the president, Benefield plans to focus on local community projects and continue the club’s involvement with providing clean, safe water in Togo, according to the organization. In her inaugu- Photo from the ral speech, Benefield said she plans to build on years of club suc- cess, and has also added some new goals. For the coming year she said she hoped to organize a blood drive and start tutoring projects in local schools. The immediate past president was Vijay

Khetarpal, president and CEO of Integrity Financial Group. Potomac Rotary Club The Rotary Club of Potomac meets every Wednesday at noon at Normandie Farm Restaurant, 10710 Falls Road, Potomac. County Guide to Services The Community Outreach program of the county’s Department of Transportation has published an updated version of its “Resident’s Guide to Services.” This brochure lists several services offered by the department. From left, Rotary club president Anne Benefield, Potomac Rotary Club co-Citizen of the For a free copy, call 240-777-7155 or send an email to: Year Alison Mahlman and Guy Semmes of the Rotary Club. [email protected]. Bulk copies are also available for work places, civic associations, or organizations. County Solar Car Derby Potomac Rotary Honors Two The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Pro- suicide. tection in partnership with the Eastern Montgomery Regional Alison Malmon and Betty His death rocked the Mahlman family but it Services Center, will hold a free 2008 Solar Car Derby for chil- Hall named Potomac Rotary also inspired his sister to reach out to others dren ages eight through 14 on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 10 a.m. to like him. During her senior at the University noon. The event will be held at the Eastern Montgomery Regional Club’s Citizens of the Year. of Pennsylvania, Mahlman founded a campus Services Center located at 3300 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring. organization called Active Minds to reach out At the derby, children will assemble and keep a working, solar By Aaron Stern to those experiencing depression and mental powered model car and race their cars, weather permitting and The Almanac illnesses on her campus to will also learn about clean energy. let them know they were Program participants must register and be accompanied by a veryone has his or her own way of making not alone and to provide “[A]s young parent or guardian who is a Montgomery County resident. The a difference. For Alison Mahlman, it is pre- support and counseling adults you’re program is limited to 22 students, and attendees must arrive Eventing suicide in young adults; for Betty services. promptly at 10 a.m. To participate, parents or guardians should Hall it is giving elderly citizens a ride to “Brian and I were very contact the Department of Environmental Protection at 240-777- the dentist. similar and I knew if I had never taught 7700 or email [email protected] with the name Both women help others on an everyday basis and been in his position I would that there is of the participant, the parent or guardian’s name, address and both women were recognized for their selflessness have kept it quiet too; I home phone number. by the Potomac Rotary Club last week when they would have felt ashamed help, that it’s were named co-winners of the club’s Citizen of the [and] like it was my fault,” Forest Conservation Opening Year Award. Mahlman said. “I came not your “These two women really characterized the Ro- from a great high school in The Forest Conservation Advisory Committee — a group of tary Club’s motto of service above self,” said Rotary Montgomery County, Md. fault. I want Montgomery County citizens that advises the County Council on Club member Jim Vagonis in remarks during the and I don’t remember ever matters pertaining to forest and tree preservation — has a va- awards ceremony on Wednesday, July 23. hearing anything about other people cancy that needs to be filled. Mahlman graduated from Winston Churchill High mental health. Maybe I For information on applying, visit http:// School in 1999 before attending the University of did, but either way it didn’t to know www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/exec/vacancies/ Pennsylvania. In 2002 her older brother Brian com- stick out.” they’re not pr_list.asp. The deadline for application is August 15. mitted suicide, the culmination of a four-year pe- riod when he struggled with mental illness while MENTAL HEALTH issues alone.” Openings on Board of Appeals being a high-achieving student, a noted thespian and often arise in young adults budding journalist at Columbia University. Months during high school and col- -— Alison Mahlman, The Montgomery County Council is seeking applicants for two before he was to finish his undergraduate degree, lege, “but as young adults founder of Active positions on the county Board of Appeals. The term of Wendell Brian Mahlman took a leave of absence and went you’re never taught that Minds Holloway will expire in September 2008. Holloway has indicated into therapy after silently struggling for years with there is help, that it’s not that he will apply for reappointment. Caryn Hines has resigned. what was later diagnosed as schizophrenia and se- your fault,” Mahlman said. “I want other people Her term expires in September 2009. vere depression. to know they’re not alone.” The deadline for submitting applications has been extended Brian Mahlman had been hearing voices since his Mahlman continued her work with Active and now will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8. freshman year of college but never sought help be- Minds after she graduated from college, even- By law, no more than three members of the board shall be from cause he felt that somehow it was his fault and he tually turning her group into a non-profit or- the same political party. These positions can be filled by a Demo- felt ashamed, Alison Mahlman said. After months of ganization and a full-time job for herself. She crat, a Republican, a voter who declines to affiliate with a party treatment, the schizophrenic symptoms improved but has grown her group to chapters on 145 col- or someone who is a member of another party officially recog- the depression worsened when Brian Mahlman saw lege campuses throughout North America and nized by the Board of Elections. his friends graduating from college, his own sister said that she hopes to be on 300 campuses by Holloway is a Democrat, as is the resigned Hines. Current mem progressing in her own studies and saw himself still 2010. See Week in Potomac, Page 7 living at home with his parents and he felt trapped, Winning the Rotary Club’s award was a nice Alison Mahlman said. At the age of 22 he committed See Rotary Honors, Page 7 4 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ July 30 - August 5, 2008 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Pets of the Week

will work during a power failure

Pandora Leo

Pandora is a female, 5-year-old, 60 Leo is a male, 4-month-old, neutered, pound, spayed Shepherd mix. Pandora DSH kitten. Leo and his brother were has a cute black and white cow appear- born to a stray mother and has quickly ance and a cow’s sweet disposition. She discovered he likes the life of a pam- is also very curios like her Greek name- pered house kitten. He loves human sake and can get into unintentional snuggling, play and following the mischief from it. Pandora loves to foster’s big cats around. Leo and his snuggle with people and will be a great brother will make a cat lover feel very forever pet. lucky with their affection.

Partnership for Animal Welfare (PAW) is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit group. To adopt an animal, volunteer or make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.paw- rescue.org, call 301-572-4PAW or write to PAW, P.O. Box 1074, Greenbelt, MD 20768. Civic Calendar

only August meeting at 7:30 p.m., in SATURDAY/AUG. 2 the Parish Hall of St. Raphael’s Adoption Workshop. International Church at 1513 Dunster Road (Falls and domestic adoption information Road and Dunster Road) in Rockville. at The Barker Foundation, 7979 Old The meeting is for the families and Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 1st friends of people who have been floor. 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Ages 21 diagnosed with depression or bipolar and up. Free. Call 301-664-9664. illness. Free. Call 301-299-4255 or 301-570-9065. Internet: www.dbsanca-family.org. TUESDAY/AUG. 5 Montgomery Hospice Drop-In Discussion About Grief And SATURDAY/AUG. 9 Healing, for anyone grieving the THE HEALING POWER OF GRIEF death of a loved one. 6:30 – 8 p.m. workshop led by Montgomery Hughes United Methodist Church, Hospice staff. 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. 10700 Georgia Ave., Wheaton. Free. Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Homes, Registration required: 301-921-4400. inc., 300 W. Montgomery Ave, Book-A-Librarian. Drop into the Rockville. Free. To register for this Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington workshop call Pumphrey Funeral Road, Bethesda, any Tuesday Homes at 301-652-2200. morning between 10 and 11 a.m. for individualized help with aspects of the library. Call 240-777-0970. SUNDAY/AUG. 10 Li-Ming Toastmaster will have meeting from 10:20 to 11:45 a.m. at WEDNESDAY/AUG. 6 County Council building (2rd floor DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support conference room 2F, behind Alliance National Capital Area) cafeteria) at 100 Maryland Avenue, Family Support Group, will hold its Rockville. Contact 301-765-1090.

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Potomac Almanac ❖ July 30 - August 5, 2008 ❖ 5 People

Flying in for the occasion, ex-New York Mayor David Dinkins sits with Margaret Lundy Dell during her birth- day party. “I wouldn’t miss this night for anything in the Celebrating their annual “Gaga” birthday get-together, Carole Dell, Jeanne world,” he said. Moutoussamy-Ashe, Mary Lou Dell and Margaret “Gaga” Dell at Hunter’s Inn.

One Hundred Years of Attitude Photos by n July 14, long-time Bethesda ite tunes. ginning with her sons, Margaret Dell’s resident and native Washing- Not many are still around from a child- circle included a few well-known names

O Carole Dell tonian, Margaret Lundy Dell, hood spent at John Eaton elementary in both sports and politics who also came entered her second century with typical school in Cleveland Park in Washington to congratulate: Tracy Austin, with her joie de vivre. Her many friends testify that or at Western High School in the District, husband Scott Holt; Jeanne her attitude is the secret to her longevity. but those that were came to reminisce. Moutoussamy-Ashe arrived earlier in the To celebrate the occasion of her 100th Some of the guests included: Ann Wil- week for lunch, former Redskin, Ray birthday, over 150 people, spanning a liams, who taught at the Lady Isabel Schoenke, and his wife Nancy joined the /The Almanac century of friends and family, arrived School in the ‘50s with Margaret Dell; celebration, while former Maryland del- from near and far to attend a party given Pat Haley of the famed sports family from egate, Mark Shriver and his wife Jeanne by her son Donald and his wife Carole Bethesda with his wife Sue Mallet- stopped by and ex-mayor of New York, Dell and her daughter Mary Lou at the Prevost; Ann Donatelli of Potomac with David Dinkins, Margaret’s fantasy ten- Dell’s Potomac home. her husband Lou; the Rood’s, Grace and nis partner, flew in to spend the evening. The birthday bash lasted long into the Bob, bringing Flaps memories; Bootie Add that guest list to the many family Margaret Lundy Dell is escorted to her night with Margaret Dell sitting in a gold Barton, wife of the late Landon coach, members who arrived for a weekend of birthday lunch by Jeanne Moutoussamy- brocade chair on the patio and greeting Ed Barton and her son, Ted; and the revelry, and the party was indeed worth Ashe, wife of the late Arthur Ashe. She well wishers. A tuxedo-clad piano player McNair tennis family, headed by Parveen. a century of waiting. “It was a blast from arrived from New York on her annual enhanced the memories with her favor- After a lifetime of tennis-watching, be- the past,” said Margaret Dell. birthday visit to celebrate “the big one.” Getting To Know … filled with little green men.” Yet, somehow I never Jon Siegel made it to big leagues, though I did call play-by-play one summer for the Chicago Cubs rookie league in otomac resident Jon Siegel recently traded Huntington, W. Va. One future major leaguer jour- Pin his job as a sportswriter for The Washing- neyman pitcher, Amaury Telemaco, played for the ton Times to start a new business running Appalachian League club that summer. youth sports leagues. Siegel spent 11 years at the Times, where he was an award-winning writer. His How would you describe yourself? new venture, i9 Sports, will hold its first league of Laid-back. Life should not be taken too seriously. flag football for boys and girls ages 4-14 at Robert It should be fun. I am opened-minded to new ideas Frost Middle School on Saturdays in the fall. Con- and enjoy a challenge, like opening and growing a tact i9 Sports by calling 301-299-1039 or logging on new youth sports business. to i9sports.com and going to i9 Sports of Central Montgomery. What do you consider to be your biggest achievements? Where did you get your education and in That’s easy. My two children, sons Jesse (4) and what areas? Charlie (2). Professionally, it was winning the top I went to Northwood High School in Silver Spring sports writing award four consecutive years from the and graduated from Tulane University with a degree Society of Professional Journalists, Washington, D.C. in finance. I first was introduced to business grow- chapter. Since I changed careers, I won’t be able to ing up though my family’s chain of shoe stores. The defend my four-time title. Oh well, it will be a hol- stores were named “The Bootlegger” and we had one low victory for the next winner. in Montgomery Mall. At Tulane, I was sports direc- tor of the college radio station and called play-by- Activities/interests/hobbies? play for the football, basketball and baseball teams. Sports. I love Bethesda Big Train baseball. I play My signature phrase when the bases were loaded golf, but haven’t lately. That’s what children will do See Q&A, Page 15 since we were the Green Wave was “the bases are Siegel with his children Jesse and Charile.

6 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ July 30 - August 5, 2008 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Honorees From Page 4 personal honor, but the chance to get the word out about Active Minds was the real value of the day. Each year 1,100 college stu- dents die by suicide Mahlman said, and she wants students to know “you can get help, you can live a successful life.”

“THE THING that I think is amazing about Betty is she just steps in to help people without any fanfare,” said Anne Benefield, the president of the Potomac Rotary Club as she introduced the locally- LET’S TALK oriented winner of the club’s Citi- zen of the Year Award. Halls was out of town last week but was ex- Real Estate pected to formally accept her award at a Rotary Club meeting in August. That arrangement was made after Halls — in her true fashion, said Benefield — grew comfortable with the public rec- ognition. “I’ll tell you when I told her that I nominated her she wasn’t very happy,” said Benefield. That is be- by cause Halls prefers to help others Michael Matese without drawing attention to her- self, said Benefield. A longtime HOW TO Potomac resident and member of Geneva Presbyterian Church, Halls INTERVIEW A helps others by doing the little things that tend to go unnoticed REALTOR like volunteering for dirty jobs One of the most important decisions from running coffee hours to to be made in buying or selling a cleaning out the church’s refrigera- home is choosing a competent and tor. hard-working Realtor who will repre- A few years ago Halls moved to sent your best interests throughout the transaction process. It’s useful a retirement community in to know what questions to ask when Gaithersburg and continued her looking for the right agent. helping ways from there. When interviewing a real estate pro- Hall is “the one who takes fessional, ask about what forms of people to appointments, takes marketing they use, and what kind of results they get from their adver- people to the dentist, she does that tising. Remember that you are hir- sort of thing all the time,” said ing someone for a transaction involv- Benefield. “She’s that unsung hero ing a lot of your money. In addition, that in many ways makes the ask if they can supply you with local world go round. They’re the type references from both buyers and sellers. of people who don’t get any no- The Realtor-client relationship is tice but always do the right thing.” built on trust, so explain what you want to achieve in the transaction, This Week in Potomac but don’t stop there. Ask the Realtor to communicate what they under- From Page 4 stand about your goals, and listen bers of the Board include Chair- carefully to see if they understand man Allison Ishihara Fultz (Demo- your needs. Successful Realtors sell homes because they really listen to crat); David K. Perdue (declined their clients. Whether interviewing to affiliate) and Catherine Titus Realtors to assist with a sale, pur- (Republican). Members of county chase, or both, remember this is boards, committees and commis- going to be a “team” effort and that should be the feeling you get when sions may not serve on more than the interview is complete. one such group at a time. Letters expressing interest, in- For professional advice on all cluding a resume listing profes- aspects of buying and selling real estate, call: sional and civic experience, should be addressed to Council President MICHAEL MATESE Michael J. Knapp, County Council Washington Fine Office, Stella B. Werner Council Properties Office Building, 100 Maryland 301-806-6829 Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850. Ap- [email protected] plications must be received no later than 5 p.m., Sept. 8. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Potomac Almanac ❖ July 30 - August 5, 2008 ❖ 7 Calendar Fine Arts

To have community events listed free in or visit www.bethesda.org. p.m. Ages 16 and up. Members, $50; including lesson. Contact Email: Aug. 2 – Sept. 1. Includes painting, The Potomac Almanac, send mail to 7913 non-members, $65. Call 301-654- [email protected]. Last Chance drawing, photography, ceramics, Westpark Drive, McLean, Va. 22102, e- 8664. Contra and Square Dance. The “Flight Fantasy” will be at The glass, sculpture, jewelry and more. SATURDAY/AUG. 2 English Conversation Club. Join in Folklore Society of Greater mail to almanac@connection Dennis and Philip Ratner Museum, Saturdays and Sundays from 12-6 newspapers.com, or fax to 703-917-0991. Storytime. Kat Tales featuring Kat practicing and improving your spoken Washington presents traditional p.m. Artists’ reception, Aug. 9, from Aerobics will be at Barnes and Noble English with the help of volunteers American dancing with a focus on 10001 Old Georgetown Road, Deadline is Thursday at noon for the fol- Bethesda, through July 30. Gallery 3-5 p.m. Call 301-634-2222 or visit lowing week’s paper. Photos and artwork Book sellers, 4801 Bethesda Ave., leading discussions at the Potomac New England style contra dances, www.glenechopark.org. Admission is Bethesda at 11 a.m. Call 301-986- Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, including square dances, country hours are Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4:30 encouraged. Unless otherwise noted, all p.m.; Monday-Thursday, 12-4:30 free. events are in Potomac. If you have any 1761. Potomac, 3 p.m. Call 240-777-0690. mixers, waltzes and other couple Laugh Riot. Enjoy five local comics and Bethesda Outdoor Movies. Catch dances at Glen Echo Park, 7300 p.m. Call 301-897-1518. questions, call Matthew Razak at 703- Montgomery County Plein have a chance to tell one’s own jokes “Mission Impossible” for free at MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo in the 917-6457. at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda, 7400 Woodmont Triangle, corner of Bumper Car Pavillion. All dances are ”Revolution of Love” A Collec- Air Artists are having a show at the Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 8-10 p.m. Norfolk and Auburn Avenue in taught, and no partner is necessary. tion of new works by Sarah Bieda. Yellow Barn at Glen Echo on Aug. 8, 9, 10, 12-5 p.m., Friday and Sunday WEDNESDAY/JULY 30 Cost $10. Call 301-657-1234. downtown Bethesda, 9 p.m. Call 301- The newcomers’ welcome lesson is at Artist Sarah Bieda, will introduce her Carousel Tours. Carousel tours start at 215-6660 or visit www.bethesda.org. 7 p.m., followed by called dances most recent paintings of expressive andº12-7 p.m. Saturday. Meet the Bethesda Outdoor Movies. Catch 12 p.m. at Glen Echo Park, 7300 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Admission: psychological figures and intimate Artists on Saturday at the reception “An Inconvenient Truth” for free at MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, and give $12 nonmembers/$9 FSGW members. landscapes, at the Yellow Barn from 5-7 p.m. Woodmont Triangle, corner of visitors a closer look at the 1921 SUNDAY/AUG. 3 Web site: www.fsgw.org. Norfolk and Auburn Avenue in Gallery, at Glen Echo Park, 7300 Dentzel carousel. Find out how it was Voices of the River. David Andrew Sunday Blues. The Glen Echo Park MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Aug. 1- Teen artists are invited to partici- downtown Bethesda, 9 p.m. Call 301- made, how it works, and about the Smith will perform at the River Partnership presents a Blues Dance pate in the Rockville Library 215-6660 or visit www.bethesda.org. 3. The Gallery is open Friday through rest of the amusement park Center at with music from the area’s finest Sunday, 12 – 5 p.m. An opening re- Teen Summer Art Show 2008 by attractions that were built around it. Lockhouse 8, DJs in the Spanish Ballroom at ception will be held on August 1, from submitting original pieces of art de- Visit www.nps.gov/glec. C&O Canal Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur THURSDAY/JULY 31 5-7 p.m. in the Yellow Barn Gallery. picting what the process of Park Tour. Glen Echo Park, 7300 National Blvd., Glen Echo. The night will Hot Squares. Join Hot Squares in the Call 301- 371- 5593 or visit metamorphosis means to MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, tours Historical Park, feature music selected by a Solar Car Derby them.ºMetamorphosis is the theme Olde Towne Tonight for an evening of begin at 2 p.m. and lead visitors Cabin John, 2-3 group of local DJs playing a www.yellowbarnstudio.com. traditional American square dancing for this year’s Teen Summer Reading through a walking tour of the Park to p.m. Contact variety of styles including The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Program. The art may be in the form and general all around merrymaking learn about its history and the current Potomac traditional and contemporary Waverly Street Gallery, 4600 in partnership with the Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center, will of a painting, sculpture, song, poem, to live music in the Bumper Car programs in arts, dance and children’s Conservancy’s blues music, and classic cover East-West Highway, Bethesda, wel- Pavilion at Glen Echo Park, 7300 hold a free 2008 Solar Car Derby for children ages eight through 14, Satur- comes experimental fiber artist Deb etc. and must demonstrate the con- activities. Admission is free. Tours River Center tunes going back through the MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, 8-10:30 begin at the visitor’s desk in the Coordinator, history of blues music. The day, Aug. 23, from 10 a.m. to noon. The event will be held at the Eastern Jansen from through Aug. 2. Gal- cept of metamorphosis. Entries must p.m. No dance experience, lessons, or Arcade Building. Visit www.nps.gov/ Bridget Chapin, dance portion of the evening Montgomery Regional Services Center located at 3300 Briggs Chaney Road, lery hours are Tuesday – Saturday, be submitted to the Rockville Library partner required. Admission: $8. glec. at goes from 8:30 - 11:30 p.m. For Silver Spring. At the derby, children will assemble and keep a working, solar- 12-6 p.m. Call 301-951-9441. no later than Aug. 11. Selected en- Contact Phone: 301-651-8971 or 410- Nature Program. Come visit Discovery [email protected] or 301-608- dancers who want to learn more powered model car and race their cars, weather permitting. Students will also tries will be displayed at the library 268-0231. Creek Children’s Museum Forest Tales 1188, x213, or go to about slow blues dancing, Mike learn about clean energy. beginning Aug. 21. Call 240-777- Bethesda Outdoor Movies. Catch exhibition at Glen Echo Park, 7300 www.potomac.org. Marcotte and Donna Barker offer a Program participants must register and be accompanied by a parent or Ongoing 0170. “Annie Hall” for free at Woodmont MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Spend Carousel Tours. Carousel tours start at blues lesson from 7 to 8:30 p.m. guardian who is a Montgomery County resident. The program is limited to 22 Triangle, corner of Norfolk and time with the entire family while 12 p.m. at Glen Echo Park, 7300 Admission: $10 dance only/$14 students, and attendees must arrive promptly at 10 a.m. To participate, par- “Sumi-E Society of America”, The Metropolitan Center for the Auburn Avenue in downtown participating in engaging science and MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, and give lesson & dance. Contact Email: ents or guardians should contact DEP at 240-777-7700 or email East Asian brush paintings and callig- Visual Arts (VisArts at Rockville), 155 Bethesda, 9 p.m. Call 301-215-6660 nature activities. In the former Glen visitors a closer look at the 1921 [email protected]. [email protected] with the name of the participant, the raphy will be on display from Aug. Gibbs St., Rockville, presents “From or visit www.bethesda.org. Echo Park stable building, near the Dentzel carousel. Find out how it was parent or guardian’s name, address and home phone number. 1-23 at the Mansion at Strathmore, Farm to Market”, through Aug. park entrance. Open 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. made, how it works, and about the 10701 Rockville Pike. Gallery hours MONDAY/AUG. 4 17. This exhibit explores the impact FRIDAY/AUG. 1 Admission is free for members and rest of the amusement park are Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; food has on people’s lives, revealing children under 2, $5 for nonmembers. attractions that were built around it. Storytime. Monday morning storytime Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Satur- Baseball. Watch the CRSL Playoffs if ways in which it influences relation- Call 202-337-5111 to make Visit www.nps.gov/glec. at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, studios open late. Downtown Visit www.nps.gov/glec. day, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free. Call ships in how it is produced and how necessary at Povich Field, 10600 arrangements or visit Park Tour. Glen Echo Park, 7300 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 11 Bethesda, 6-9 p.m. Free. Call 301- Park Tour. Glen Echo Park, 7300 301-581-5200. Westlake Drive in Cabin John it is portrayed through a variety of art www.discoverycreek.org. MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, tours a.m. Call 301-986-1761. 215-6660. MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, tours mediums. This summertime exhibi- Regional Park, Bethesda, 7:30 p.m. Climb Wall Weekend Nature begin at 2 p.m. and lead visitors Contra Dance. Contra dance is a type begin at 2 p.m. and lead visitors The Popcorn Gallery at Glen Tickets are $7 adults and $3 for tion features work by local area Programs. Climb at Discovery Creek through a walking tour of the park to of folk dance for all ages. All dances through a walking tour of the Park to Echo Park presents an exhibition of children. Call 301-983-1006 or visit Children’s Museum at Glen Echo Park, learn about its history and the current TUESDAY/AUG. 5 feature top quality live music. Contra learn about its history and the current artists who look to food as their www.bigtrain.org. artwork by students of all ages, cre- sources and inspirations for their 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, 10 programs in arts, dance and children’s Book Discussion. Chinese book dances are held every Friday night at programs in arts, dance and children’s ated in classes at Glen Echo Park, Fun in the Sun. Color a beach ball, a.m. – 2:30 p.m. View the Forest activities. Admission is free. Tours discussion in Chinese language at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur activities. Admission is free. Tours work. Visit www.VisArtsCenter.org. create magic noodles Tales exhibit, explore the trails that begin at the visitor’s desk in the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Blvd., Glen Echo, with a lesson at begin at the visitor’s desk in the and enjoy story time with finger lead to the creek, and get creative Arcade Building. Visit www.nps.gov/ Drive, Potomac, 7 p.m. Ask for the 7:30 p.m. and the dance from 8:30 - Arcade Building. Visit www.nps.gov/ puppets with Perfect Parties by Terrye with arts and crafts. ºActivities are glec. book at the Circulation Desk. Call 11:30 p.m. Beginners are always glec. at Cabin John Mall Atrium, 11325 recommended for children ages 4-9. Nature Program. Come visit Discovery 240-77-0690. welcome. Admission: $9. Contact Nature Program. Come visit Discovery Seven Locks Road, Potomac, 9:30 Free for members and children under Creek Children’s Museum Forest Tales Forensics 101. A hands-on forensic Email: [email protected]. Creek Children’s Museum Forest Tales Theater a.m. 2, $5 for non-members. Visit exhibition at Glen Echo Park, 7300 science program involving bugs, Community Movie Night. Admission exhibition at Glen Echo Park, 7300 Breaking Dawn Event. A party www.discoverycreek.org or by phone MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Spend gardens and food at Potomac Library, is free. Free hot dogs and hamburgers MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Spend celebrating the release of “Breaking at 202-488-0627. time with the entire family while 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, 7 served starting at 6 p.m. Show starts time with the entire family while “Little Red Riding Hood & Avenue, Bethesda, will present “The Now Open Dawn” will be held at Barnes and Swing Dance. The Washington Swing participating in engaging science and p.m. Pre-register at 240-777-0690. at 7 p.m. All films rated PG or lower. participating in engaging science and The Three Little Pigs” will be pre- Neverending Story” from Umberto’s II Noble, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, Dance Committee will Solomon nature activities. In the former Glen Storytime. Summer story times on the Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Check nature activities. In the former Glen sented by The Puppet Co., Glen Echo through Aug. 10. Enjoyed by ages in Wheaton, MD 10 p.m. Call 301-986-1761. Douglas Swingtet in the Spanish Echo Park stable building, near the Summer Reading Club theme: “Catch our website at Echo Park stable building, near the Park, Playhouse, 7300 MacArthur 6 and up. Performance times are Sat- Contra Dance. Contra dance is a type Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, 7300 park entrance. Open 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. the Reading Bug” at the Bethesda www.northbethesdaumc.org to find park entrance. Open 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Blvd., Glen Echo through Aug. 31. urdays 12:30, 3:30 and 7 p.m. and of folk dance for all ages. All dances MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Admission is free for members and Library, 7400 Arlington Road, out the evening’s feature Admission is free for members and Show times are Wednesday-Friday, Sundays 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. Single feature top quality live music. Contra Beginning Swing lesson from 8 to 9 children under 2, $5 for nonmembers. Bethesda, 10:30 a.m. Stories, music, presentation. North Bethesda United children under 2, $5 for nonmembers. 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; Saturday- ticket prices range from $10-$20, dances are held every Friday night at p.m.; dancing from 9 p.m. to Call 202-337-5111 to make and DVDs. Call 240-777-0970. Methodist Church is located at 10100 Call 202-337-5111 to make Sunday, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Ages with group rates available. Visit All-You-Can-Eat Lunch Buffet! $8.95 Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur midnight. Admission fee includes the arrangements or visit Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda. arrangements or visit 3-15. Cost is $8. Call 301-320-6668. www.ImaginationStage.org. Blvd., Glen Echo, with a lesson at lesson. To volunteer and get in free - www.discoverycreek.org. Church office: 301-530-4342. www.discoverycreek.org. 7:30 p.m. and the dance from 8:30 - WEDNESDAY/AUG. 6 Early Bird Fri-Sun ONLY! email Derek at Climb Wall Weekend Nature Swing Dance. Flying Feet Enterprises This summer, Montgomery College The Puppet Co. presents “Tiny 10% OFF 11:30 p.m. Beginners are always [email protected]. Call Programs. Climb at Discovery Creek Concert. Willow Garden Theater presents their Deep Sea Ball and Special Buy one welcome. Admission: $9. Contact SATURDAY/AUG. 9 will bring “Disney’s Beauty and Tot Tuesdays,” a program de- 301-340-9732. Admission: $12. Children’s Museum at Glen Echo Park, presents afternoon concerts at Swing Dance featuring the the Beast” to the stage for its Summer signed for our youngest theater 20% OFF Total Bill Dinner - Get Email: [email protected]. Poetry Workshop. Learn about the 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, 10 Bethesda Gateway Building, 7201 Storytime. Kat Tales featuring Kat Boilermaker Jazz Band from Bethesda Outdoor Movies. Catch Dinner Theatre performances, Aug. 1- patrons (ages 0 - 4). The shows are Good Anytime The Second business of poetry and short story a.m. – 2:30 p.m. View the Forest Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 12-2 p.m. Aerobics will be at Barnes and Noble Pittsburgh in the Spanish Ballroom at 3. Tickets for Summer Dinner Theatre shorter, the lights stay on, the doors Total Bill “Hairspray” for free at Woodmont 3 - 5 pm Excludes Dinner Half Off submission at The Writer’s Tales exhibit, explore the trails that Free. Call 301-352-5387. Book sellers, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur are $37 for adults and $27 for children stay open and the show is set up on Triangle, corner of Norfolk and Center, 4508 Walsh lead to the creek, and get creative Science Fun. The Maryland Bethesda at 11 a.m. Call 301-986- Blvd., Glen Echo. A beginning Swing 7 Days A Week Lunch Buffet Excludes Specials Auburn Avenue in downtown ages 12 and under. Prices include the the floor. Performances on two Tues- St., Bethesda, 1-4 with arts and crafts. Activities are Science Center visits the 1761. lesson from 8 to 9 p.m. with Marc Offer Expires 8/13/08 Offer Expires 8/13/08 Offer Expires 8/13/08 Bethesda, 9 p.m. Call 301-215-6660 recommended for children Potomac Library, 7400 Dragonfly Walk. Join Kevin Munroe as Shepanek and Ellen Engle, dance performance and a full dinner buffet. At days each month at 10:30 and 11:30 ages 4-9. Free for Arlington Road, he takes participants on a journey from 9 p.m. to midnight. Admission: Friday and Saturday night perfor- a.m. $5 for children (including ba- Books members and Bethesda, with “What’s along the C&O Canal towpath to $13. Contact Email: mances, the doors will open at 6:30 bies) and adults. Reservations are children under the Matter?” at 1 p.m. explore the life of dragonfly and [email protected]. p.m., with a show time of 8:15 p.m. On strongly recommended. Call 301- Montgomery College will host a special event Tues- 2, $5 for non- Chemistry with Fizz, damselflies. Meet at the River Center Book Sale. Sponsored by the Friends of Sunday, the buffet will open at 12:30 320-6668 or visit day, Aug. 19, to celebrate Maryland’s first-ever state- members. Visit Foam and Flash. Call at Lockhouse 8, C&O Canal National the Library, Potomac Chapter at the p.m., with a 2:15 p.m. show time. All www.thepuppetco.org. www.discoverycreek.org 240-777-0970. Historical Park, Cabin John, 12-2 p.m. Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden performances are held in the Theatre wide community reading initiative, “One Maryland or by phone at 202- Concert. Dan Haas (Lounge/Pop) will Contact Potomac Conservancy’s River Drive, Potomac, 9 a.m. Most Arts Arena on the College’s Rockville Elementary school students in One Book.” The initiative, developed by the Mary- 488-0627. perform at Bethesda Lane from 6-8 Center Coordinator, Bridget Chapin, hardbacks $1 and paperbacks $.50. 4 Campus, located at 51 Mannakee grades 4, 5 and 6 can now enjoy an land Humanities Council, aims to get millions of Waltz Dance. p.m. Located where Bethesda Avenue, atº[email protected] or 301-608- hours. Call 240-777-0690. Street, Rockville. To purchase tickets, educational and entertaining 45- Waltz Time presents Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street 1188, x213, or go to English Conversation Club. Join in visit www.montgomerycollege.edu/sdt minute play called “Clara Barton, Marylanders reading, thinking about and talk- a beginning waltz meet in Bethesda. Visit www.potomac.org. practicing and improving your spoken or call 240-567-7676. the Courage Within” at Adven- ing about “A Hope in the Unseen,” written by lesson from 3 to 3:30 www.bethesdarow.com. Laugh Riot. Enjoy five local comics and English with the help of volunteers ture Theatre at Glen Echo Park, 7300 Ron Suskind about Cedric Jennings’ life. p.m., followed by an have a chance to tell one’s own jokes leading discussions at the Potomac “Babe, the Sheep Pig” will run MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo. After the afternoon of waltzes and at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda, 7400 Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Jennings will share his personal story and sign THURSDAY/AUG. 7 through Aug. 3 at Glen Echo Park, play, students visit nearby Clara other couples dances in Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 8-10 p.m. Potomac, 3 p.m. Call 240-777-0690. 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Barton National Historic Site where books at 7 p.m., in the Theatre Arts Arena on the Spanish Ballroom at First Thursday Festa. Enjoy Italian Cost $10. Call 301-657-1234. Yard Sale. The Pain Connection will Performances on Saturdays and Sun- Miss Barton lived and conducted the “Tucked away in the back corner of Cabin John Shopping Glen Echo Park, 7300 treats and activities at Bella Italia, Carousel Tours. Carousel tours start at hold a yard sale. Bicycles, clothes, Montgomery College’s Rockville Campus. days at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Playing American Red Cross for 15 years. MacArthur Blvd., Glen 4844 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 10 12 p.m. at Glen Echo Park, 7300 toys, books, music CD’s, household Center like a secret you want to keep to yourself” time is approximately 1 hour. Recom- Tuesdays at 10 a.m. during the school This event is free and open to the public. To Echo. Dancing from 3:30 to a.m. – 8 p.m. Free. Call 301-654- MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, and give items and a bake sale, 10 a.m. – 5 7745 Tuckerman Lane learn more about the One Maryland One 6 p.m. to the music of 2667. visitors a closer look at the 1921 p.m., all proceeds benefit chronic pain mended for ages 3 and up. Tickets year for school groups and other $12. Call 301-634-2270 or visit large groups of age-appropriate chil- Cabin John Shopping Center 11230 Grandview Ave. Book initiative, go to: www.mdhc.org/pro- Cabaret Sauvignon. As Dentzel carousel. Find out how it was support groups, speaker’s series, Wheaton, MD 20902 always, no partner is required made, how it works, and about the community outreach and trainings. www.adventuretheatre.org. dren. Tickets are $8. No charge for Potomac, MD grams/one-maryland-one-book/. for this dance in the Spanish FRIDAY/AUG. 8 rest of the amusement park Located at 12251 St. James Road, visiting the historic home. Contact 301.983.5566 301.962.8888 Ballroom, and the cost is $8, Bethesda Art Walk. 12 galleries and attractions that were built around it. Potomac. Call 301-309-2444. Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Adventure Theatre at 301-320-5331.

8 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ July 30 - August 5, 2008 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Potomac Almanac ❖ July 30 - August 5, 2008 ❖ 9 News Former MCHS Board Members Raise Concerns From Page 3 gomery County Humane Society indicate because of the budgetary constraints of his as much. the strongest backlashes were those that between 2005 and 2007 the organiza- organization and the he is the de facto de- “I told him, his numbers are fuzzy,” she that had to do with financial matters, tions cash and equivalent assets fell from velopment director, said Crist. Periodic said. “His adoption rate is no higher than it and that, Flynn said, is not an accept- roughly $1.8 million to just over $900,000 membership drives, a quarterly mailer and was when I was there.” able way for a non-profit to operate. in 2007. Contributions have also dropped a variety of fund-raising events held According to figures provided by Crist, the “The full board absolutely should dramatically in the same time span — over throughout the year constitute much of the shelter found homes for 2,801 of the 3,543 have and should request and should 40 percent in three years — from just over Humane Society’s fundraising. animals — roughly 79 percent — that it determine in which format they get $235,390 to $140,541. Yet the amount of “We [also] use word of mouth and de- handled between July, 2007 and March, regular financial reports. That is ab- money spent on fund-raising efforts during pend on the board, [and] use their social 2008; 587 of those animals were deemed solutely necessary, that is a key part that time increased over $60,000 — from contacts as well as my own, to reach out to unadoptable, however, meaning that 94.76 of the fiduciary responsibilities [of $120,471 in 2005 to $184,568 in 2007. the community,” Crist said. percent of the animals that were deemed board members],” said Flynn. “If in- Flynn declined to comment specifically on That tack isn’t enough, Rubin said. Like adoptable were placed. the Humane Society’s numbers but Blizard, she said that she urged Crist to cre- What makes an animal adoptable or not said that generally speaking such ate a development plan. is debatable; Zanville and others have said “Everybody should have the downward financial trends are “Before it got this financially bad, I kept that the shelter’s definition is too narrow troubling. saying that this is a business,” Rubin said. and Crist maintains that he makes the defi- opportunity [to object] and “There may be some circum- “If you don’t have any money you can’t help nition as broad as possible. then it is really the role of the stances where that is completely anyone. You have to have a development Crist stands firmly behind his adoption normal but if it is not understood plan … and clearly there was none.” numbers, and he has resisted calls — par- leadership of the board that what is behind that decrease there As Blizard’s concerns about the ticularly from Rubin — to adopt widely rec- is reason for concern,” said Flynn. organization’s finances increased, he asked ognized adoption standards known as everyone has the chance to “That’s exactly why you need, more questions, which typically were not Asilomar Accords. Crist said that he is [why] the board needs regular fi- well-received, he said. Tensions grew until strongly opposed to the Asilomar Accords express his or her opinions and nancial reports to keep an eye on Blizard refused to sign a new confidential- because they would actually restrict his these issues.” ity and loyalty agreement presented to the ability to place animals. For example, Crist they are listened and they are “What we’re guilty of the most board members, and Blizard said that he said, a cat over seven-years-old would be is that we have saved more animals was told he could no longer serve on the deemed unadoptable by the Asilomar stan- respected.” … but you know what? It’s putting board if he did not, so he chose to resign. dards, as would a dog over six-years-old. — Outi Flynn, Board Source us in a hole financially because “I left the room, I resigned, then I got Crist said that he prefers to define “adopt- director of knowledge dissemination we’re spending it on vet bills,” said home and I got an email about how I had able” as broadly as possible and MCHS has Jo Ann Hoffman, a board member been unanimously voted off the board,” said specific programs designed to place elderly cats formation is missing it is absolutely since 2005 and the board’s treasurer for the Blizard. “If their goal was to make me feel with elderly county residents, for instance. the chief executive’s responsibility to past year and a half. bad about my service I don’t. I’m proud of “Other shelters, instead of having a 6-day provide what is needed to permit the That focus on animal care and adoption the questions that I kept asking, there were or 7-day holding period … they have a 24- board members to be good fiducia- is the organization’s primary concern, but so many red flags.” hour holding period. That’s just not the way ries.” Hoffman acknowledged that the makeup of we want to operate,” Crist said. the board needs to become more oriented “I THINK THAT ALL of these people [in- Despite the lack of clear standards regard- AFTER COHEN AND RUBIN left towards fund-raising and financial devel- volved] have at their heart the animals in ing what makes an animal adoptable or not, the Humane Society in March, Blizard opment. mind, but this back and forth isn’t helping the number of animals that have been said that he stayed on because he “Where we’re really weak [is establish- the animals,” said Hoffman. euthanized during Crist’s tenure has thought he could have a greater im- ing] how we’re going to help these funds Exactly what impact all of this has had dropped dramatically. According to Humane pact from inside than from outside of with development,” she said. on the animals is unclear. Since Crist took Society figures 1,039 animals were put the organization. After all, he had “There’s no strategic plan, I mean where over leadership the group has boasted adop- down in fiscal year 2008, a decrease of over joined originally so that he could help are we going?” Rubin said. “You have to tion and placement rates that are among 30 percent from fiscal year 2005, the last with development. Yet Blizard said have a plan for how you’re going to raise the highest in the nation. year before Crist took over the shelter. that he encountered the same resis- money.” That lack of direction from a de- Zanville said that during her tenure place- Zanville said that she doesn’t doubt Crist’s tance that Cohen described when he velopmental standpoint is the main reason ment rates hovered just above 70 percent. devotion to animals, but that she is con- asked for figures regarding develop- why MCHS raises roughly $1 per county She believes that the reason for the sharp cerned about the future of the organization ment statistics; basic statistics like resident, far below the national average of spike in adoption rates since Crist took over under his stewardship, and that she would bulk mailing numbers, costs and re- $3.50, and a disturbing figure when the has less to do with any operational or pro- gladly take charge again on an interim ba- turns took weeks to get and when he relative wealth of the county is considered, gram changes and more to do with termi- sis but that may no longer be an issue if received them he was told they were said Rubin. nology — by counting animals placed in Crist indeed hires an executive director. preliminary and incomplete. When he Montgomery County Humane Society non-permanent foster care situations and “I truly believe in what I’m doing and the pushed further, Blizard said that his currently has no full-time director of devel- by broadening what the definition of an difference we’re making,” said Crist. “We’ve queries were met with indifference opment. Crist said that a woman who unadoptable animal, Zanville said that Crist made a lot of significant changes that will from other board members and hos- worked briefly for him last year in that po- has been able to make the statistics look endure and now I want to put in a team tility from Crist. sition accomplished nothing and was dis- better than they truly are. Zanville said that that will continue to grow and be produc- Financial statements for the Mont- missed. The post has since remained vacant in a recent meeting with Crist, she told him tive.” Health Notes

To have an item listed free in 7913 this support group will provide partici- days, through Aug. 25; 4:30-5:30 Health and Human Services, Aging and Potomac (GC & P) Region asks all Westpark Drive, McLean VA 22102, e- pants with strategies to cope with a p.m. at JSSA, 200 Wood Hill Road, Disability Services is offering county eligible whole blood donors to “Be the mail to almanac@connection cancer diagnosis. Location: The Rockville. Call 301-816-2633 to register. residents free reminder cards with One We Count On” by calling 1-800- newspapers.com, or fax to 703-917-0991. Wellness Community- Greater Washing- information on how to prevent falls in GIVE-LIFE to schedule a donation Deadline is Thursday at noon for the fol- ton, DC, 5430 Grosvenor Lane, Suite The Wellness Community - their homes. The “12 Ways to Prevent appointment right away. Blood supply lowing week’s paper. Photos encouraged. 100. Call 301-493-5002 or Greater Washington, D.C. offers free, Falls” provides tips on how to decrease levels are at a critical low. The Greater Unless otherwise noted, all events are in [email protected]. regularly scheduled support groups for hazards in the home. In addition, this Chesapeake and Potomac Region of the Potomac. If you have any questions, call people with cancer and their caregivers. easy-to-post card provides ideas on how American Red Cross is offering all blood Matthew Razak at 703-917-6457. Teen Therapy Group. In this inter- Location: The Wellness Community- to lessen other risks for falling. To re- program participants an exclusive “Be The Wellness Community - Greater active therapy group, adolescent boys Greater Washington, D.C., 5430 quest a free “12 Ways to Prevent Falls,” the One We Count On” T-shirt, as well Washington, D.C. is starting a free, (ages 14-17) will use didactic and pro- Grosvenor Lane, Suite 100, Bethesda. call the Department of Health and Hu- as a chance to win $100 worth of free monthly support group for people who cess-oriented strategies to develop and Call 301-493-5002 or twcdc@thewell man Services, Aging and Disability gas in a weekly drawing. Information have been newly diagnosed with enhance skills for making and keeping nesscommunity.org. Services at 240-777-3000; TTY 240- about Regional Blood Donor Centers or cancer and their caregivers, Aug. 6 friends, increasing self-esteem, improv- 777-4575. community blood drive locations and from 5-6:30 p.m. Facilitated by a clini- ing social interactions, and managing In recognition of Home Safety Month, times can be found at www.my- cal social worker and oncology nurse, negative feelings. Group meets on Mon- the Montgomery County Department of The Greater Chesapeake and redcross.org. 10 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ July 30 - August 5, 2008 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Faith Following the Bodhi Path Local Buddhist center is in seventh year of existence. By Chandos Culleen The Almanac

ucked away off of Falls Road is the Bodhi Path Buddhist Center.

T Photo by Started in March of 2001, the Buddhist Center still re- mains mostly anonymous in a

close-knit community, but this is Chandos Culleen the way its members wish it to re- main. With over 500 students as members over the past seven years, the Buddhist Center has re- tained its character traits of reserv- edness and dignity while helping

/ The Almanac to spread the teachings of Bud- 8/30/08 dhism to an ever-growing number of people. The center is one of 10 Bodhi Path centers in the United States. These centers were founded by the The sign outside of the Bodhi Path center on Falls Road ShaMar Rinpoche, the second highest leader in the Karma Kagyu Lineage, one of the four main schools of Tibetan Bud- Falls Road center has found it hard to become as in- dhism. The Karma Kagyu lineage also has monaster- volved in the community as it would like. Since it is ies and teaching centers in Europe as well as monas- the only Bodhi Path center in the area, its members teries in Tibet and in other areas of Asia. come from a multitude of communities, making it According to the Bodhi Path web site, Buddhist phi- hard for members to attend all events. Further, it is losophy centers on teaching the subject to “question hard to focus interest on one specific community with everyday assumptions” as well as pointing out “the students coming from so many different areas. limits of material experience and conceptual thought.” Chettri said that the Bodhi Path center has encoun- Buddhist philosophy also teaches about tered mixed reactions from the com- the “insubstantiality of ‘self’, the pro- munity. While many people have ex- cess of rebirth, the role of Karma (law pressed interest in Buddhism and the of cause and effect due to a habitual More teachings at Bodhi Path, others have pattern of thought and behavior), and To learn more, visit been less than kind. The Falls Road Now! 1,000s of pictures www.bodhipath.org or e-mail the importance of generosity and com- [email protected] center sometimes hosts meditation passion to all beings.” By realizing that to receive information and an- and yoga activities on its private lawn, of sports, graduations, “neither conceptual knowledge nor sci- nouncements. which is surrounded by woods. Since entific inquiry can clarify our obscured receiving complaints about their current events and view of ultimate reality” Buddhists turn to medita- morning sessions from a neighbor, Chettri says that tion, in the hopes of discovering the ultimate reality, the center has been concerned about unknowingly also known as Buddha Nature or the enlightened state. offending others. more—never published, The Bodhi Path centers teach basic meditation prac- tices that “lead first to glimpses of ultimate reality HOWEVER, in keeping with Buddhist teachings, the but posted on the Web. and later to stability of this experience.” center’s teachers are believers in Karma. They stress According to Neeraj Khatri Chettri, the ShaMar’s that they understand the concerns of their neighbors Free for evaluation, secretary and an involved leader of the Potomac and do their best to address their beliefs and desires. Bodhi Path center, ShaMar Rinopche believes that The center hope its actions will be returned in kind. the West, with its generally high levels of education The center uses what it describes as a non-aggres- available for prints. and wealth, should be particularly receptive to the sive approach to recruiting members and opens all teachings of Buddhism, in particular meditation. of its events to the public. According to Chettri, the However, in the West, “Buddhism is so new,” said center has hosted over a hundred people when la- Chettri, “so we have people coming and going” at mas come to speak. Even visits by the founder, the Bodhi Path center. Acknowledging that those who ShaMar Rinpoche have been open to all, and attract attend the Bodhi Path centers will be mainly neo- particularly large crowds. phytes, the Bodhi Path centers work to teach Bud- Anonymous though it might be, the center is happy dhism in the cultural context of the students. with its progress over the last seven years. Chettri points out that Buddhism has hundreds of years of SINCE ITS OFFICIAL opening in March of 2001, tradition and history in the East, while in the West, the Falls Road Bodhi Path center has evolved from a Buddhism is a relatively new phenomenon. The small group meeting place with few qualified teach- Bodhi path centers work to introduce people who ers to a thriving center of learning run by a commit- may know nothing about Buddhism to Buddhism in ConnectionNewspapers.com tee of long-tenured students. Despite its growth, the a way that everyone can participate in. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Potomac Almanac ❖ July 30 - August 5, 2008 ❖ 11 • • Community We need houses to sell, their condition is not an obstacle. Has this declining market left you with no equity? Vistors from Israel U.S, Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D) meets with children LET’S TALK! from S’derot, who are being hosted by Chabad of Upper Montgomery County Mariella Young and are attending Camp Former International Employee Gan Israel day camp of Finance Major North Potomac. The Top 5% Nationwide children are visiting the English/Español l Direct line: 301-651-4941 community so that they can e-mail: [email protected] have a summer vacation Weichert 301-299-1010, ext 142 free from the terror of daily • • rocket fire in their community in Israel. Find Your New Home Here Letter Adam Greenberg from Potomac Orthopedics of Northern VA, Fit- Raising Pizza and Potomac Village Deli, ness First, Fleet Feet of OPEN $250,000 Steve Berstein of BOWA Builders Gaithersburg, Fleishman-Hillard, HOUSES and Ben Landers from Drink More Fontina Grille, Fred Foster Fitness To the Editor: Water. It is because we can depend Company, Full of Beans, Aug n 2 d & 3 A heartfelt thanks to all of the on people like this that we have Georgetown Running Store, rd community groups, businesses and been able to grow this event. We Giffords, Golden & Rad, Gomadic, corporations who lent their sup- would also like to thank the Good Earth, Goodman-Gable- port to help make the 8th annual Potomac Giant, Safeway and Whole Gould Adjusters International, Autism Speaks Run/Walk on July Foods for their generosity. So many Greater Washington Orthopaedics, 4 in Potomac Village an enormous of the national franchises in our G-Street Fabrics, Houstons, success. The event broke the record area no longer participate in com- Hudson Restaurant, Hunter’s Inn, books this year raising more than munity events so we are especially Jet Blue Airways, Mamma Lucia $250,000 for autism research and grateful to the local businesses that Restaurant, Melting Pot, Meghan’s Call Specific Agents to Confirm an additional $25,000 in in-kind support this event and continue to Sweets, Metro Run & Walk, Mont- support. Close to 3,000 partici- give back to the many causes that gomery Orthopedics, Nage, Pacers, Dates & Times. pants, 80 volunteers, and several affect our community. Peacock Grande Café, Potomac Gi- Bethesda hundred spectators helped to make This year, our presenting spon- ant, Potomac Library, Potomac this 5K the most successful to date. 5242 Baltimore Ave. $799,000 Sun 1-3 Richard Oder Long & Foster 202-238-2893 sor was Abe Networks. We thank Pizza, Potomac Village Deli, We are so grateful to the many in- 7513 Ben Avon Rd. $1,299,900 Sun 1-4 Greta Nicoletti Long & Foster 240-497-1700 Avi Benaim for his tremendous Potomac Presbyterian Church, dividual and family supporters. generosity to the cause and sup- Potomac Village Shopping Center, 5808 Greentree Rd. $799,900 Sun 1-4 Gisela Goldberg Long & Foster 240-497-1700 This year, 103 teams participated port of this event. Additional sup- Regal Cinema, Renato’s, River Falls 4801 Hampden Ln. #103 $899,900 Sun 2-4 Allan Chaudhuri WC & AN Miller 301-765-6110 and helped us raise over $130,000. porters included the following: Seafood, Safeway, Inc., Salon 9600 Linden Ave. $749,000 Sun 1-4 Chana Sky Long & Foster 240-497-1700 Will Lash Dream Team, Team Acqua Nails, Art & Chemistry, Aus- Jean, Saturn, Scott & Patrice 9940 Mayfield Dr. $519,000 Sun 1-4 Robert Young Weichert 301-656-2500 Bryan and Shant’s Striders com- tin Grill, BagelTowne Deli, Ball- Brickman, Shoe Train, Sling Box, 5602 McLean Dr. $1,000,000 Sun 1-4 Carol Nerenberg WC & AN Miller Realtors 301-299-6000 bined to raise more than $38,000. room Balloons.com, Belina, Bon- Smith Pointe, Spring Mill Bakery, A special thanks to U.S. Rep. Chris 8623 Rayburn Rd. $1,695,000 Sun 1-4 Ashton Vessali Weichert 703-760-8880 efish Grille, Booktopia, BOWA Starbucks-Potomac & Chevy Chase Van Hollen, Del. Jeff Waldstreicher 6209 Redwing Ct. $959,900 Sun 1-4 Maryam Drucker Long & Foster 240-497-1700 Builders, B-Scene, Cabin John Fire Pavillion: Tom Coleman and and Chief Meteorologist for 9 Department, Café Deluxe, Carnival Alberto Rodriquez, Stretchalicious, 7550 Spring Lake Dr. #A $199,900 Sun 1-4 Christiana Koch Century 21 301-230-2300 NEWS NOW Topper Shutt for tak- Day, Certified Electrical Technolo- The Gazette, The Palm, The ing time out of their holiday sched- gies, Chicken Out – Do Good Foun- Schneider Family, The Wilde Fam- Chevy Chase ule to attend the event. Their com- dation, CiCi’s Pizza, Cloud 9, ily, The William’s Family Charitable 7509 Lynn Dr. $1,349,900 Sun 1-4 Judy Oldfield Long & Foster 410-266-5505 mitment to the race and quest for Colella Photography, COMCAST, Fund, Titus Trash, Tom Grooms at the cure is truly remarkable. Three Connection Newspapers, Design at Smooth Jazz 105.9, Toy Kingdom, Potomac additional individuals deserve rec- Large, Dr. Amy Light, Drinkmore United BioSource, US Oncology, 9113 Bells Mill Rd. $779,000 Sun 1-4 Parvin Navid Long & Foster 301-469-4700 ognition for all that they do to con- Water, DuFour & Orens, Ellie Wetzels Pretels, Whole Foods and tinue to support this community 7803 Cadbury Ave. $1,485,000 Sat 1-4 Mathew Segal Weichert 301-417-7770 Pissarra Cain, Emily Grace, Woodmont Grill. event over the years. They are 11208 Fall River Ct. $949,900 Sun 1-4 Dale Gold Weichert 301-718-4080 Euromotor Cars, EZGSA, Family Autism continues to affect 1:150 children. The numbers are stagger- ing and indicate that we have a North Potomac • in-home consultations national epidemic. Next year we 304 Argosy Dr. $699,000 Sun 1-4 Susan Quinn RE/MAX 301-921-4558 ARTISTICARTISTIC GARDENSGARDENS • concept sketches to will come together on Saturday 352 Chestnut Hill St. $595,000 Sun 12:04-4:04 Fatma Halici Long & Foster 301-975-9500 schematic drawing July 4 for the 9th annual Autism LANDSCAPING, INC. • creative foliage, floral 16004 Mills Orchard Dr. $599,900 Sun 1-4 Michael Aubre RE/MAX 301-947-6500 specifications; Speaks Run/Walk. With this event, 87 Swanton Mews #100 $374,978 Sun 1-4 Steve Baumgartner RE/MAX 301-258-7757 dependable plantings we will aim to raise $300,000 but • stone, timber, we can only do it with your help. (a comprehensive As a community, your proactive variety of barrier partnership for this cause has been To add your Realtor-represented Open House materials), masterfully configured, often awe-inspiring. This level of com- to these weekly listings, please call Kenneth Lourie accessorized and munity support proves that we can fashioned into walls, — together — continue to do our walk and patios part to make the dream of curing • water-features autism a reality. 703-917-6475 or E-Mail the info to • nightscaping • all projects designed to thrive vigorously and See you at the starting line in 09’. [email protected] appreciated for life!!! Susan Pereles & All listings due by Tues at 10 am. PETER BAILEY, PRINCIPAL, 13761 Travilah Rd., Rockville, MD IS A GRADUATE, www.artisticgardens.net Barbara Guterman LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT WITH 25+ YEARS OF Co- Race Directors HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE CALL TODAY: 301-762-1366 (MHIC #44953) 12 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ July 30 - August 5, 2008 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Workers of the Home, Unite

guage and cultural barriers,” accord- County Council passes law requiring written ing to Webb. However, DeSimone contracts between employers and domestic workers. noted that a domestic workers’ labor rights are completely independent of any immigration issues. More By James Gische than 30 other local groups The Almanac supported the legislation. According to DeSimone, n July 22, one week their original and eventual after the County goal is to create a compre- OCouncil approved it hensive bill of rights for do- unanimously, Mont- mestic workers regulating gomery County Executive Isiah pay, hours, time off, and other Leggett signed into law a bill say- aspects of the job. However, ing employers of domestic workers according to Councilmember must negotiate and sign a written Elrich, this sort of law is es- contract with their employees gov- sentially politically unfeasible erning various terms of the job, in- and would have to apply to cluding hours, wages, duties, and all low-wage employees for it other conditions. The measure, Photo from to happen. Furthermore, the which County Councilmembers council’s 2006 study warns George Leventhal and Marc Elrich that such regulations could first proposed, allows domestic backfire: “A misapplication of workers to file a complaint with the CASA de Maryl legislative force may trigger county’s Office of Consumer Protec- detrimental consequences for tion if their employer does not of- domestic workers” if red tape fer them a contract. Additionally, complicates once-informal the law requires employers of live- hiring procedures. in workers to provide their employ- Nevertheless, Jessica

and ees with a bedroom and access to a Salisbury, another attorney kitchen, bathroom, and laundry. with CASA de Maryland, de- Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett, surrounded by supporters, scribed the law as an “impor- THE ACT does not apply in all signs into law a bill requiring written contracts for domestics on July 22. tant step in that direction” cases. It only includes employees and said that her organiza- working at least 20 hours per week for over ply with the regulations. “We have been great that they have that law,” she said, tion was “really pleased with how the 30 days and will not affect registered asked several times if our sample work adding, “I have seen nannies taken advan- bill turned out.” nurses, au pairs, and companions to the eld- agreement as published at our Web site is tage of.” Perez agreed, saying through erly or disabled. The latter provision, sup- sufficient to meet the requirements of the DeSimone’s translation, “I think this ported by the county’s Commission on Ag- Montgomery County law,” said Kathleen A 2006 STUDY of domestic workers, is going to be very helpful in our out- ing because the law would have caused se- Webb, co-founder of Sterling, Va.-based which the County Council Committee on reach efforts.” nior citizens unnecessary anxiety, came HomeWork Solutions Inc., which provides Health and Human Services sponsored, from Council Vice President Phil Andrew’s nanny payroll and tax compliance services. acted as a catalyst for the law’s passing. The amendment. Councilmembers Leventhal She added that she will not know the an- report discovered that these employees of- “A well written work and Elrich opposed the modification be- swer until the county publishes further ten earn less than minimum wage, do not cause, according to Elrich, older people guidelines and information about the con- receive overtime pay, and lack legal agree- agreement is a necessary would benefit from a set contract with their tracts. ments with their employers. Accordingly, domestic workers. The Office of Consumer Protection will the council wanted “to ensure that domes- foundation for a Councilmember Roger Berliner, who rep- publish a sample contract for both live-in tic workers in the County receive the legal successful relationship.” resents Potomac, added an amendment re- and live-out workers sometime in the next protections they are entitled to under State quiring both the employer and the domes- few months and operate an outreach cam- law, as well as the right to a written con- — Kathleen Webb, tic worker to sign the contract, instead of paign to inform citizens about what they tract governing the terms and conditions of Co-founder, just the employer, as the bill originally need to do to comply with the law, said Eric employment.” HomeWork Solutions Inc. stated. The change also provided the alter- Friedman, the agency’s director. The latter The law culminated a four-year effort native of a disclosure statement acknowl- step is critical: the law’s effectiveness will from the Committee of Women Seeking edging that the employee declined a writ- “largely depend on how the word gets out” Justice, an association of nearly 100 domes- DeSimone concurred, but noted ten contract. He noted that based on anec- to the relevant parties, Webb said. tic workers led by a core of about 25 active that the law “doesn’t mean that our dotal evidence, Potomac tends to have fewer Enforcement of the law will be “prima- members. The women came together after work ends here.” She added that one cases of abuse of domestic workers, and he rily complaint-driven,” Friedman said. The they “noticed that they suffered the same current mission is to prevent foreign wanted to accommodate employers and Office of Consumer Protection’s initial re- common abuses,” said Alexis DeSimone, an employers from using diplomatic im- employees who “prefer a pre-existing infor- sponse to grievances will be to “try to ob- attorney with the immigrants’ rights orga- munity in abuse cases. mal arrangement because they are very sat- tain compliance by working with the em- nization CASA de Maryland, which worked Antonia Pena, vice president of the isfied with it.” Despite the possibility that ployer,” but the law does authorize the bu- closely with the women. Committee mem- Committee for Women Seeking Jus- exploitative employers may use a disclosure reau to issue fines of up to $1,000. bers visit parks, shopping centers, malls, tice, said that she once had to work statement as a loophole to continue abus- “I firmly believe, after 15 years in the in- and other areas to distribute flyers inform- 12 to 14 hours, six days a week with ing their domestic workers, Berliner said dustry, that a well written work agreement ing domestic workers of their rights and to a diplomat family in Potomac. “We that county lawyers assured him that the is a necessary foundation for a successful recruit new members, according to are very thankful and proud that we amendment would strengthen the law. relationship between the hiring family and Francisca Perez, one of the group’s leaders were heard,” she said as DeSimone the nanny or housekeeper,” said Webb. with domestic worker experience. translated. The law’s passing shows ALTHOUGH THE MEASURE does not go Stephanie Hecht, a Potomac resident who The women’s alliance with CASA de Mary- “you can achieve great things when into effect until Jan. 18, 2009, some resi- operates household staffing-placement busi- land is a good fit: “immigrant workers are you work hard and organize,” she dents are already figuring out how to com- ness Helping Hands, agreed: “I think it’s particularly vulnerable, especially with lan- added. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Potomac Almanac ❖ July 30 - August 5, 2008 ❖ 13 Employment News Zone 5: Potomac Employers: Ad Deadline: Tuesday 11 a.m. • 301-983-1900 Are your recruiting ads not working in other papers? Girl Died After HELP WANTED HELP WANTED BUSINESS OPP Try a better way to fill your TELEPHONE employment openings CANVASSERS WANTED A great opportunity to Represent #1 Company WORK AT HOME! North Potomac Struck by SUV Top Pay, Commissions. Flex Hours. NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTER No sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits! Rockville Local Areas. Call: 703-929-4558 Lansdowne 5 301-333-1900 Ashburn Cascades Sterling ☎☎ Weekdays 9-4 ☎☎ Potomac Death of child last month ruled Chevy Great Bethesda Chase 1 Herndon Falls Reston Dulles accidental, teenager who was Airport South McLean 301-983-1900 Riding Vienna Oakton 6 Arlington driving will not face charges. Home & Garden Chantilly Zone 5: Home & Garden Zone 5 Ad Deadline: Washington, 4 Centreville D.C. • Potomac potomacalmanac.com Monday Noon Fairfax he death of a three- could not be charged in relation CONTRACTORS.com North Clifton Historic Burke year-old to the death,” Bauer said last Clifton Fairfax Springfield 3 ROOFING ROOFING PRESSURE WASH Station Gaithersburg girl on week. 2 T Laurel River Road in However, police announced PRESSURE WASHING Hill Potomac last month has been on Friday, July 25 that the teen- CALIBER ROOFING Decks cleaned & sealed, exterior house ruled an accidental vehicular ager involved came forward •Cedar Shakes •Shingles wash, Gutters cleaned, • Target your best job candidates death and the teenage driver of willingly when police sought Brick, Stone, Concrete, where they live. •Repairs •Reroofs Estimates by phone or the car involved will not face information from anyone who •Flat Roofs housecall • Reach readers in addition criminal charges, according to may had given the family a ride. Next day service to those who are currently police. After police consulted with the Licensed & Bonded 301-346-2298 looking for a job. Jasmine Afolabi was killed Montgomery County State’s 703-968-9871 Proven readership. after the teenager, a Potomac Attorney’s Office the determina- An expert • resident, gave Afolabi’s mother tion was made that the driver TREE SERVICE TREE SERVICE is someone • Proven results. and her two children a ride af- would not face charges. who knows ter their car broke down. The Afolabi was killed on the some of the driver dropped the family off at evening of June 26 after the car worst mistakes the intersection of River Road that she and her mother and that can be and Spur Wheel Lane, then, as older brother were traveling in made in his 703-917-6464 • Fax 703-917-0992 he made a u-turn to head back broke down on River Road subject and how E-mail: [email protected] down River Road, he unknow- north of Potomac Village. The to avoid them. Great Papers • Great Readers • Great Results! ingly struck Jasmine Afolabi family was given a ride to the -Werner with the front end of his 2003 Potomac BP in Potomac Village Heisenberg Chevorolet Trailblazer sport around 10 p.m., where the utility vehicle, according to po- mother’s behavior concerned lice. Afolabi was knocked to the employees enough to call the 301-983-1900 ground and in the fall she struck police; when police arrived a Zone 5: Zone 5 Ad Deadline: her head, suffering what would short time later the family was Classified ultimately become a fatal head gone. Just after 11 p.m. • Potomac Monday Noon injury. According to police her Afolabi’s mother carried her mother did not witness her be- into the Cabin John Park Vol- 21 Announcements 26 Antiques 29 Misc. for Sale ing knocked down and did not unteer Fire Department Station immediately realize the sever- #30 on River Road; Afolabi was $250 KING Pillow Top Park Lawn- We consign/pay top $ for Mattress & Box set (3pc)- ity of her daughter’s injuries. unresponsive at that point and Garden of antique/semi antique furn. Brand New, Never Used An autopsy conducted by the was pronounced dead after she Meditation cemetery including mid century & w/warranty. (Retail $500+) danish modern Teak Deliverable 571-926-1990 Baltimore County Medical was transported to a local hos- Burial rights for 2 people. furniture, sterling, mens Turf topped crypt. watches, painting/art glass, Examiner’s Office revealed last pital. Bronze memorial, incl. clocks, jewelry, costume vase & granite. orig jewelry, etc. Call Schefer week that the death of three- Despite six ongoing investiga- $6100 sacrifice for Antiques @ 703-241-0790. 29 Misc. for Sale year-old Jasmine Afolabi of tions by the Collision Recon- $4,000. 301-785-8169 7 PC Cherry Sleigh Bedroom Gaithersburg last month on struction Unit — an unusually set - Brand new in boxes, River Road was likely the cause high number, according to Worth $1200+ ‘00 Ford Exp 78k miles $9,800 (Can help deliver)Asking $575 of being struck by a motor ve- Bauer — police were able to 571-926-1990 hicle. solve the case in one month. Fully loaded Eddie Bauer, Never A coroner has four options of “It is simply coincidence that wrecked 4WD tow package Black & classification when determining we have had this number of col- QN Pillow Top Mattress & Tan, well maintained, All paperwork box set Brand new in plastic the cause of death — homicide, lisions in this time period, but Call 703-313-0671 w/warranty! Can deliver. (Worth $300+) MUST SELL suicide, accidental or undeter- it is unusual,” said Bauer. $150 571-926-1990 mined — and in this case the Afolabi’s investigation was ini- nature was determined to be ac- tially delayed because it began cidental, according to Lucille as a joint investigation with the Bauer, a spokesperson for the Major Crimes Unit for almost a Montgomery County Police De- full week before the focus of the partment. investigation shifted to a ve- That determination “does not hicular nature. mean, however, that someone — Aaron Stern

Military Notes

Air Force Reserve Airman Ranjana Ross of Tuckerman Lane, Moses A. Ross has graduated from Potomac. basic military training at Lackland Ross is a 2007 graduate of Walt Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Whitman High School, Bethesda. He is the son of Wellmon and

14 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ July 30 - August 5, 2008 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com People Q&A with Jon Siegel 0320-5 From Page 6 to be able to shoot and pass like he did. I for you. Like to visit lighthouses. There is wouldn’t want to live in Indiana though, something romantic and mysterious about nor necessarily look like him. a beacon of light in the night. There is noth- ing better than goofing around with my Do you have a favorite quotation? kids, hearing them laugh and seeing those “Carpe Diem” and “”It’s not how many little light bulbs in their heads go on. times you get knocked down; it’s how many times you get back up.” Favorite local restaurant or place in the community? Why did you start i9 Sports? Ledo’s. I grew up just down the street I was looking for change after 11 years from the original on University Boulevard as a sportswriter for The Washington Times in Adelphi. My mouth waters thinking about and wanted start my own business. I regu- their savory sauce. I considered getting a larly take my kids to soccer, basketball, T- franchise, but they were already all over the ball and gym class and felt working in chil- place. dren sports would be a perfect fit. I like to teach, coach and run a business. Hopefully, Who is a historical figure you would I hit the trifecta. I also feel too many people like to meet? take recreational sports too seriously, and Abraham Lincoln. I would like to talk to hopefully, I can help change that culture just him about the Civil War and also ask him a little. about that hat. What does the i9 stand for? What community “hidden treasure” Now, you’re making me work. It stands do you think more people should for the nine i’s the youth sports organiza- know about? tion was founded on. Every day we strive Great Falls. It is such a beautiful area and to be more: imaginative, innovative, inter- fun to walk around in. Another “hidden active, integrity-driven, impassioned, inspi- treasure” is i9 Sports, but we are hoping to rational, instructional, insightful and inclu- change the “hidden” part. sive than yesterday. Is that nine? Yes. And, yes. I had to look it up. Don’t ask me to When you were younger, what did repeat them. We aim to provide a whole- you want to be when you “grew up?” some sports experience that kids will learn A professional basketball player. from and have fun doing regardless of their Maryland’s John Lucas was my idol. If only abilities. I was a foot taller, much quicker and had a lot more athleticism … I would play pick- What does i9 sports offer that is dif- up ball until it got dark. I would dream of ferent from other area sport’s making the winning shot for my beloved leagues? Terps. I sort of realized that goal when I We are the league for kids who want to covered Maryland winning the national title have fun and learn a few things. We teach in Atlanta and was on the basketball floor the right way to play, with respect and team talking with players as the sound system work, and pass on some basic skills while played “One Shining Moment.” I will take having fun. Our goal is not to mold profes- that. sional athletes, but allow kids to enjoy themselves. Kids and parents work hard all What are some of your personal week. On the weekend, it is time to have goals? fun and get some exercise, not get all Run a successful business, enjoy life, worked up and upset about a game. We are travel and teach my kids to work hard, be not focused on winning or losing. Instead, polite and respectful and chase their we are about the process. Everyone plays dreams. at least a half regardless of size or ability and everyone will try every position — in- Favorite movie or book? cluding quarterback — during the season. “From Beirut to Jerusalem” — a fascinat- We give awards for sportsmanship to a ing book by local resident Thomas Fried- player on each team each week for some- man on the differing mindsets and outlook one who exemplifies the skill of the week towards life in the bordering Middle East (for instance, listening) as well as trophies countries. to our champions at the end of the season. SEE YOUR NAME IN PRINT! Describe how you would most enjoy What is your favorite sport? Why? Be the first person to fax in the correct crossword puzzle spending a single day? Basketball. I was raised on the culture of answers each week, and we’ll put your name here! Fax the Eating a late breakfast — I could eat Maryland basketball and always played it completed puzzle with your name and the puzzle number breakfast every meal of the day — going on the schoolyard. I would lose myself in to the Crossword Puzzle Desk, fax #703-917-0998! the park with my kids and wife Candice and the game and the hours would just fly by. The winner of puzzle #0319-5 is: relaxing at night with a dinner of soft-shell And I love to shoot. Just ask anyone I have crabs. Pass the Old Bay. Top it off with some played with. Which reminds me; i9 Sports Meredith G. Williams0316-1 ice cream. Hmmm, this makes me sound will have youth basketball in Rockville this Note: Due to space limitations, the crossword may not appear from really simple. winter. Check us out at i9sports.com or call time to time. In that case, you may look on our Web site: www.connectionnewspapers.com and click on the “Print Editions” button. 301-299-1039. If you think your child is the It should appear in a newspaper from a different Classifieds zone. If you could be anyone else, who next Michael Jordan, you might want to would you be and why? look elsewhere. If your kid just wants to I would be Larry Bird. Man, I would kill have fun, i9 Sports might be the perfect fit. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Potomac Almanac ❖ July 30 - August 5, 2008 ❖ 15 16 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ July 30 - August 5, 2008 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com