Newcomers -...

New residents moving into Potomac at Brickyard Road.

August 22-28, 2018

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Attention Postmaster: Time sensitive material.

Requested in home 8-23-18

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDEaston, MDpermit #322

online at potomacalmanac.com

2018-2019

Newcomers& Community Guide

2 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ August 22-28, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

See Unusual Election, Page 11

After several primary elections de-cided after recounts by less thanone percent of votes cast, and atleast one surprise candidate com-

ing in as an independent before the Aug. 6deadline, the ballot is set for the Nov. 6General Election.

The Democratic primary for County Ex-ecutive wasn’t settled until a recount, withMarc Elrich winning by 80 votes of morethan 120,000 votes cast. Elrich served asMontgomery County Councilmember atlarge, but had to leave the council due toterm limits.

Now Nancy Floreen, who also had toleave her seat on County Council at Large,has entered the race an Independent.

Frequent candidate and architect of thenew term limits Robin Ficker is the Repub-lican in the race.

This could be a race where every votecounts.

Check that you are registered, and stillon the voter rolls by going to https://voterser-vices.elections.maryland.gov/VoterSearch before the Oct. 15 deadline.

There is early voting in Maryland, anyregistered voter can vote Thursday, Oct. 25,2018 through Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018 from10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Voting early is a goodchoice in an uncertain world.

There are 11 early voting sites in Mont-

gomery County, including Potomac Commu-nity Center. During the early voting period,any registered voter can vote at any of the11 sites.

Who Is on the Ballot?❖ Indicates incumbent

County ExecutiveVote for One

Robin Ficker, RepublicanMarc Elrich, DemocratNancy Floreen, Unaffiliated

County Council at LargeVote for Four

Robert Dyer, RepublicanChris P. Fiotes Jr., Republican

Penny Musser, RepublicanShelly Skolnick, RepublicanGabe Albornoz, DemocratEvan Glass, DemocratWill Jawando, DemocratHans Riemer,❖ DemocratTim Willard, Green

County Council District 1Vote for one

Richard Banach, RepublicanAndrew Friedson, Democrat

State’s AttorneyVote for One

John McCarthy,❖ Democrat, unopposedClerk of the Circuit CourtVote for one

Barbara H. Meiklejohn, Democrat, unop-posedRegister of WillsVote for One

Dolores Reyes, RepublicanJoseph M. Griffin, Democrat

SheriffJae Hwang, RepublicanDarren Mark Popkin,❖ Democrat

Board of EducationVote for one in each district

Board of Education At LargeJulie ReileyKarla Silvestre

Board of Education District 1Maria Blaeuer

Judy DoccaBoard of Education District 3

Lynn AmanoPatricia O’Neill❖

District 5Brenda WolfPaul J. Pykosh

GovernorVote for OneLarry Hogan,❖ RepublicanBen Jealous, DemocratShawn Quinn, LibertarianIan Schlakman, Green

ComptrollerVote for OneAnjali Reed Phukan, RepublicanPeter Franchot,❖ Democrat

Attorney GeneralVote for OneCraig Wolf, RepublicanBrian Frosh,❖ Democrat

U.S. SenateVote for OneTony Campbell, RepublicanBen Cardin,❖ DemocratArvin Vohra, LibertarianNeal Simon, UnaffiliatedLih Young, Democrat, Write-In candidate

Congressional District 6Vote for One, (open seat)

Newcomers & Community Guide

Term limits, public campaignfinance, lead to major changes.Unusual Election Year Here

Montgomery CountyBoard of Elections2018 GENERAL ELECTION

Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 – 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.h t t p s : / / w w w . m o n t -

g o m e r y c o u n t y m d . g o v / e l e c t i o n s /index2.html

Check that you are registered to voteh t t p s : / / v o t e r s e r -

vices.elections.maryland.gov/VoterSearchRegister to votehttps://voterservices.electi

Potomac Almanac ❖ August 22-28, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com


What’s Best About Living in Potomac?

Brigitte Oertel“Potomac is ideally located for driving

downtown as well as out into the country.It has maintained its rural character whichis what distinguishes it from other nearbycommunities. For recreation, there aremany parks with tennis courts, soccer andbaseball fields and playgrounds, and forhikers and bikers Great Falls Park and theC&O Canal are only a few miles away. Storesare just minutes away in Bethesda andRockville and the Strathmore Music Centerand Glen Echo Park offer a variety of pro-grams in music and art.”

Deepa and Grace Lazarous“We love the River Falls community and

the people who live in it! Our neighbors arealways watching out for the safety of yourfamily. I feel very secure letting my kids goby themselves anywhere within our com-munity.”

H. David Meyers“Potomac is all about the wonderful

people who live here. I’ve lived here morethan 30 years and I love the diversity, theopportunities for interesting and intellec-tual conversations and the wealth of activi-ties in our region from classical music tosports to politics. We are fortunate to havethe Potomac Village gathering place nearStarbucks!”

Dr. Som Grigorian“Potomac is so international and a beau-

tiful place to live. I love coming to Starbucksin the Village to meet old friends for inter-esting discussions – and to make newfriends.”

Grigsby Family (Mom Stacey with children Sherlock, Jamie, Thalia andAndrew, and Stacey’s parents Barbara and Joel Kamya)

Stacey said “We love the green spaces in Potomac.” Thalia said, “We have a lot of roomto play because our backyard is bigger than our old one.” Sherlock says, “I love our pooland back yard.” Stacey’s dad Joel and Barbara are from North Carolina. “We think Potomacis really pretty and a nice place to live and visit.”

William Maghrablian“I’ve lived here in Potomac for 40 years

and I love the people who live here. I enjoycoming to the Village because I always con-nect with my friends. It is just a wonderfulplace to live.”

David Zenian“It’s cosmopolitan, civilized and quiet.

The people who live here are good neigh-bors. I have lived and traveled the worldreporting for the United Press International,very often in war-torn countries. We cameback here because it is a beautiful andpeaceful place to live. We are very happyhere.”

Jill Lavin“I love the bike paths, the Canal, the out-

door seating in Potomac Village byStarbucks where I always see someone Iknow, the proximity to DC and three inter-national airports. I love playing tennis andgolf with my friends. We love living here!”

Julie Chapman“We really value all the local businessessuch as Sprinkles, Potomac Grocer andothers that add a personal touch ofcharacter and service to our town.”

Eric Maurer“I live in Cabin john and I love it because

it is close to the Potomac River and the C&OCanal. I also enjoy coming into the Villageto Strosnider’s Hardware and the otherstores.”

Compiled by Susan Belford

The Almanac

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POTOMACALMANAC

& Community Guide

Newcomers


Opinion POTOMACALMANAC

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See A River, Page 15

As your local, weekly newspaper, thePotomac Almanac’s mission is todeliver the local news you need, tohelp make sense of what is happen-

ing in your community, to advocate for com-munity good, to provide a forum for dialogueon local concerns, and to record achievements,milestones and events in the community andpeople’s lives.

Here in our Newcomers and CommunityGuide, we report on the character of your com-munity, we include details of how to vote inthe upcoming elections, information on localgovernment, nonprofits and business organi-zations, plus tips and tidbits from the commu-nity.

We invite newcomers and long-time residentsalike to let us know how we’re doing and letus know what is going on in your part of thecommunity. If you have questions or ideas, sendus an email. We invite you to send letters tothe editor or to send an email with feedbackabout our coverage.

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We also publish notes about news and eventsfrom local businesses. Notes about openings,new employees and anniversaries are welcome.It is especially important to us to let peopleknow about events ahead of time in our calen-dar of events. We appreciate getting notice atleast two weeks ahead of the event, and weencourage photos.

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By Ginny Barnes

Ever wonder why you are attracted toPotomac? Why you choose to live hereor choose to stay? You may not see it

on first arrival but Potomac has a history de-fined and shaped by water — part of a longriver valley. Its strategic planning over muchof the last century has been urged forward bya vital imperative to protect the water we allneed to sustain life.

The geographic area we know as the PotomacSubregion is defined and named for the mightyPotomac River, settled by Paleo-Indians some12,000 years ago. Great Falls marked the fallline; a point in the river where canoes had toleave the water and portage around the pow-erful falls. It became a gathering place for na-tive peoples; a place to trade goods and ex-change information. In the early 1700s, Euro-pean explorers arrived and settled. Theycleared the forests and grew tobacco on largeplantations. Tobacco cultivation quickly de-pleted soil nutrients.Local planters turned tograins. Mills sprung up on streams leading tothe Potomac. Our roads still bear their names.Names such as Glen Mill, Dufief Mill and QueryMill.

In 1828, President John Quincy Adams brokeground for the C&O Canal near Little Falls. Itwas envisioned as a major commercial venture.By 1831, there were 20 miles of canal in usefrom Georgetown to Seneca Here, a distinc-tive red sandstone was quarried and the canalfacilitated movement of it down river. ManyCanal lock houses and most of the aqueducts

were built of Seneca sandstone. Constructionof the Washington Aqueduct in the 1850s en-sured clean drinking water from above GreatFalls. Also by 1850, the C&O Canal had ex-tended to Cumberland, giving access to richveins of coal. The canal became a primarytransportation corridor, supporting a thrivingcommercial culture of canal boats pulled by

mules moving farm produce, building materi-als, flour, coal and finished goods up and downthe 180-plus mile length.

Despite the Civil War, the C&O Canal con-tinued to operate and by the 1870s it began tomake some profit in tolls and tonnage moved.More than 500 boats were plying the canal,

A River, a Canal, and a Vision

Along the canal in autumn.

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See Promoting, Page 14

By Peggy McEwan

The Almanac

The Potomac Area Neigh-bors Club (PANC) offersresidents, new and long-

time, ways to meet new friends,learn more about area and partici-pate in new activities.

“We are like a micro commu-nity,” Co-President JoanneZinsmeister said.

The group brings people to-gether to socialize; enjoy favorite,or new, activities; and learn fromguest speakers.

“Members are encouraged toinitiate and lead any activity theymay want to introduce, Co-Presi-dent Joanne Zinsmeister said in anemail. “New and creative ideas arebeing discussed constantly by theboard.”

Zinsmeister and Alexa Kempelserve as co-presidents of the clubbut, Zinsmeister said, the group isrun by a board of directors thatmeets monthly to plan and coor-dinate the many activities mem-bers participate in.

“The Potomac Area NeighborsClub is a social club of women wholive in Potomac and surroundingareas. It meets on the secondThursday of every month at anarea restaurant, community cen-ter or country club to conduct itsGeneral Meeting,” Zinsmeistersaid. “Most monthly meetings alsofeature an interesting speaker ortheme along with time to social-ize, enjoy good food and catch up

with friends.”“Within the larger club,” she

said. “There are various ActivityGroups that have their own eventsand outings according to theschedule and interests of each.Some of these are Dining Inn,Wine and Dine, Book Groups, Cu-linary, Film Buffs, Current Affairs,Power Walkers, Bridge, Theater,Writing and Mah Jongg.

Though the membership is allwomen, men are invited to partici-pate in some of the activities,Zinsmeister said, particularly thedining groups.

Formerly the Potomac AreaNewcomers’ Club, the group hasbeen active for more than 50years.

“We changed to name becausesome people have been in thegroup for a long time,” Kempelsaid in an interview last year.

Kempel herself has been in thegroup, which celebrated its 50th

anniversary last year, for 12 years.“I have made amazing friends

through this group,” she said.The group is hoping to expand

its reach and membership,Zinsmeister said. Right now, thereare about 140 members, but theboard of directors hopes to expandby becoming more multigenera-tional and attract working womenby planning more evening andweekend activities.

“The group accepts new mem-bers throughout the year,”Zinsmeister said.

Visit: potomacneighbors.com.

Newcomers

Potomac Area Neighbors Club board (from left): PoonamMannan, Marjorie Rothschild, Kim Belvin, Laura Nash,Madhu Shekhar, Archana Dheer, Suzel Lemus, SusanRosen; sitting: Alexa Kempel, Joanne Zinsmeister; not inpicture: Anu Reddy.

Inside PANC

By Peggy McEwan

The Almanac

Members of the Potomacbusiness communitymake up the Potomac

Chamber of Commerce. Therethey have an opportunity to meetother local businessmen andwomen to network and socialize.

“Member businesses are a part

Chamber PromotesBusinesses, Community


Enjoy the Potomac River &Compiled by Ken Moore and

Mary Kimm

The Almanac

Potomac is bordered by morethan 12 miles of the C&O CanalNational Historical Park,including the towpath and the

Potomac River. Living in Potomac pro-vides opportunities to enjoy the sightsand sounds of the river with outdooractivities ranging from an easy stroll to achallenging hike; a flat bike ride of a fewmiles to multi-day bike trip; rock climb-ing; world-class whitewater kayaking or agentle paddle on flatwater. Wildlife isabundant and birders flock to area. Alloutdoor areas of the C&O Canal NationalHistorical Park are open daylight hoursyear round. Visitors pay an entrance feeat the entrance to Great Falls TavernVisitors Center at Falls Road andMacArthur Boulevard, but access every-where else is free. Three-day pass for avehicle is $10; a person on foot is $5;annual pass is $30.See www.nps.gov/choh

Great Falls TavernVisitor Center andOlmsted Overlook

11710 MacArthur Blvd.301-767-3714

If you haven’t seen Great Falls, it’s time.Enter the C&O Canal National Histori-

cal Park here for up close views of GreatFalls by walking 0.2 miles over theOlmsted Island Bridges to the overlook atthe end. Bridges and boardwalks traversea rare floodplain terrace environment,ending with an observation deck over thespectacular views of the Falls and thehead of Mather Gorge.

You can borrow a bike to ride for freehere from the C&O Canal Bike LoanerProgram, weekends and holidays,weather permitting, 10-4.www.facebook.com/bikeloanerprogram

Accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.The tavern is open Wednesday through

Sunday from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.http://www.nps.gov/archive/choh/

Visitor/Centers/GreatFalls.html

ABOUT THE FALLS, from The GeologicStory of Great Falls and the PotomacRiver Gorge published by the U.S. Geo-logical Survey in 1980:

“In its seaward course, the PotomacRiver crosses many small rapids andcascades, but these are insignificant incomparison with the foaming fury ofGreat Falls, where the river drops 12meters in about 180 meters and is chan-neled into a narrow rock-walled gorgeless than 25 meters wide in places. In thesummer the flow may be less than 38,000liters a second, but during floods the flowcommonly reaches 40 million liters asecond. The average flow pouring overthe falls is 349,000 liters of water everysecond and in a year, more than 9.5trillion liters, enough water to flood theentire District of Columbia to a depth of55 meters, converting the WashingtonMonument into a tall lighthouse.”

Great Falls Mule Drawn Boat Rides:Take a trip back in time to the 1870s Ridealong the historic C&O Canal in a boatpulled by mules. Experience rising 8 feetin a lock. Hear park interpreters in periodclothing describe what life was like forthe families that lived and worked on thecanal. The boat is not operating in 2018but will start again in Spring 2019. when

the boat would run May to October, witha typical schedule on Saturday & Sunday -11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. Call ahead toconfirm. 301-767-3714

INSIDER’S TIP: The Gold Mine Trailcan be accessed at the top of the entranceto Great Falls, at the intersection of FallsRoad and MacArthur Boulevard, or nearthe Great Falls Tavern Visitor’s center.Trails, which can be used for running withsome steep inclines. See the remains of anold building that was used from 1900-1939 to mine gold.

BILLY GOAT TRAILThousands hike the Billy Goat Trail

every year, with access from the OldAngler’s site or from the Great FallsTavern Visitors Center or Carderock. Theloop between the C&O Canal andPotomac River is less than five miles longbut has steep and rocky sections. Bringwater and wear good walking shoes. Noflip flops or ballet slippers. Allow plentyto time to stop and enjoy spectacularviews of the cliffs, Potomac River passingthrough the gorge and sensitive vegeta-tion and rare plants. This hike that ismarked by light blue trail blazes to keepvisitors from trampling on Bear Island’smany rare plants and sensitive vegetation.The trail can be rough and rocky withsteep climbs. But the trail is one of themost popular hikes in all of the metropoli-tan area, which can be done by people ofall ages.

INSIDER’S TIP: The park serviceseeks volunteer trail stewards willing tohike parts of the trail, educate visitors atthe trailheads, protect the natural re-sources of Bear Island, ensure visitors areprepared for the strenuous hike, sharestories about the sensitive vegetation, andreduce trampling of the Bear Island’s

The canal boat at the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park.

Potomac Almanac Guide to Potomac River

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POTOMAC

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Swains Lock (Lock 21)

Lock20

Locks17–19

Washington AqueductDam

Lock 16Lock 15

Gold MineTrail

BillyGoat

Trail A

Billy GoatTrail C

Billy GoatTrail B

Lock Island

Rocky Islands

Minnehaha Island

Locks 13–14

Lock 11

Lock 8

Lock 12

Lock 10Lock 9

Lock 7

RiverCenter

Visitor Center

Angler’s

Carderock

SevenLocks

MarsdenTract

GladysIsland

BeallsIsland

ConnIsland

Olmsted Island(bridges)

Mathe

rGorge

Be

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Administered byGeorge Washington

Memorial Parkway

American LegionMemorial Bridge

VasoIsland

TurkeyIsland

SherwinIsland

OffuttIsland

Great Falls

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Widewater

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Clara BartonParkway

Clara BartonParkway

Glen Echo Park

Clara Barton National Historic Site

Great Falls Tavern Visitor CenterCanal boat rides


many rare plants. Active trail stewardscarry park radios for emergency commu-nication and receive basic first aid train-ing to help with minor injuries.www.chohvip.org/billy_goats/

Carderock Recreation AreaReach this 200-acre part of the park

from the Clara Barton Parkway at theNaval Surface Warfare exit. Rock climbersvisit Carderock daily for its famous forcliffs. The recreation area includesplaying fields, a large picnic pavilionavailable by reservation and access to thePotomac River and the Billy Goat Trail.www.recreation.gov

INSIDER’S TIP: Get involved on theriver by joining the Bike Patrol, becominga Billy Goat Trail Steward, or volunteer-ing to help run the Canal Boat, or servingas a docent at the River Center atLockhouse 8. www.chohvip.org

Old Angler’s Inn AccessAcross from 10801 MacArthur Blvd.Between Carderock and Great Falls, you

can also get across the canal to thetowpath and the River across from OldAngler’s Inn on MacArthur Boulevard. Apopular spot for kayakers and stand-uppaddleboarders, and a great spot to findoutdoor adventure companies teachingbeginning to advanced paddleboarding,kayaking and canoeing. Hiking enthusi-asts have quick access to the Billy GoatTrail from here, or those who simply wantto take an evening stroll or bike ridealong the Berma Road or aroundWidewater, the area of the canal used forturning large boats around.

Swain’s LockSwain’s Lock Road (off River Road)

Campsites are available at Swain’s Lock,one of the largest of the canal lockhouses.The lockhouse is named for Jess Swain, alock-keeper in the early 1900s whosefather helped in the excavation andconstruction of the canal. After running aboat rental and refreshment stand atSwain’s Lock for almost a century, thefamily ceased operations in 2006.

Pennyfield LockPennyfield Road (off River Road)The three-mile walk from Pennyfield

Lock to Violette’s Lock takes you throughmany kinds of bird habitat and aroundBlockhouse Point. Pennyfield Lock wasPresident Grover Cleveland’s favoritedestination when he went on fishingexcursions, according to the PotomacMaster Plan. The Pennyfield Lockhouse,built in 1879 inland from the lock house,was the home of lock-keeper Charles W.Pennyfield.

INSIDER’S TIP: Pennyfield Lock isalso home to a lockhouse built in 1830

that you can rent by the night. The CanalQuarters Interpretive Program invitesvisitors to stay in a historic lockhouse fora day and night to learn about the livingconditions of a lockkeeper’s family.www.canalquarters.org/

Blockhouse PointConservation Park

14750 River Road,Darnestown, MD 20854www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-

trails/blockhouse-point-conservation-park-trails/

Those who know this 630 acres of landcall Blockhouse Point the jewel ofPotomac. The natural and culturalresources at Blockhouse Point areamongst the most valuable in the country.

The park contains a variety of excep-tional and rare habitat, including matureupland forest, floodplain forest, wetlands,streams and river-rock outcrops. Ninespecies of threatened, endangered orwatchlist species of plants have beenidentified in the park, along with 25species of fish, nine species of amphib-ians, four species of reptiles, 39 species ofnesting birds and 10 species of mammals.

During the Civil War, the 19th RegimentMassachusetts Voluntary Infantry builtthree blockhouses in 1862 to guardViolette’s Lock and Pennyfield Lock,taking advantage of panoramic viewsfrom Blockhouse Point. Union sentrieskept watch for Confederate movementsacross the river and at area fords.

Source: National Park Service http://

www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisitNewcomers & Community Guide

C&O Canal National Park

Mobile App to Help Explore ParkA mobile app, “C&O Canal Explorer,” can aid users in exploring the 184.5 miles and 20,000

acres of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. The app is available for download on bothAndroid and Apple devices from their respective app stores.

The mobile app includes over 600 points of interest in the park mapped in a searchable for-mat, allowing users to find at a glance hiking trails, historic sites, trailheads, parking, and more.The app also calculates the distance from a user’s location to nearby amenities and points ofinterest, with the ability to view what lies both upstream and downstream of a current loca-tion.

The app was developed by the C&O Canal Trust, the official nonprofit partner of the Chesa-peake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, which works in partnership with the NationalPark Service and local communities to raise funds to preserve the park for future generationsand to broaden support through programs that highlight the park’s historical, natural, and cul-tural heritage and recreational opportunities.

The app was developed in partnership with Cermak Technologies, Inc., with funding fromthe Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.

Future plans include the addition of merchants (hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, andshops) to the map and search features, as well as a downloadable map that will enable the appto work even when the users’ device is out of cellular range.

The app can be downloaded from the Google and Apple App Stores and here:www.canaltrust.org/plan/explorer-mobile-app/.

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Walkers and kayakers make use of the Chesapeake and Ohio CanalNational Historical Park.

INSIDER’S TIP: Montgomery Countydeveloped a brochure so people can walkthe footsteps of Union Soldiers. Block-house Point is an area to enjoy peace,solitude, and an example of the naturaland cultural resources of Potomac thatrival the most valuable in the country.

http://www.montgomeryparks.org/uploads/2016/08/blockhouse_broch_web.pdf

Violette’s LockViolette’s Lock Road (off River Road)Violette’s Lock offers one of the more

beautiful views of the sunset over thePotomac River.

Riley’s LockRiley’s Lock Road (off River Road)Riley’s Lock features a boat ramp on

Seneca Creek, the busiest in MontgomeryCounty, that allows easy access to a quietand inviting part of the Potomac River forcanoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboardsand small motorboats. The Seneca CreekAqueduct, opened in 1833 and made ofred sandstone, allowed thousands ofcanal boats to move across Seneca Creekfrom 1833 to 1924, the year of the canal’sclosing. The aqueduct was protected byUnion garrisons during the Civil War.

Rileys Lockhouse is open most week-ends in Spring and Fall. Volunteers inperiod costume guide you through one ofthe C&O Canal’s original lockhouses toexplore the life of a lock-keeper.

Call the program coordinator to con-firm, 301-384-8584.

INSIDER’S TIP: You can borrow bikesand helmets for free at the Great FallsTavern, courtesy of the volunteer-runC&O Canal Bike Loaner program. Thegroup lends bikes every weekend of goodweather to bicyclists of all ages.

8 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ August 22-28, 2018 Potomac Almanac ❖ August 22-28, 2018 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

C.P. HuntingtonMiniature Train

22Buck BranchNeighborhood Park

8704 Bells Mill RoadPlayground, lighted ballfield, and

lighted tennis courts. Acquired in 1986

40Highland StoneNeighborhood Park

8716 Post Oak RoadPlayground, gazebo, short walking path;

acquired in 1975

24Heritage FarmNeighborhood Park

9520 Hall RoadPlayground, soccer field, softball

field, two tennis courts, and picnic area.30 acres acquired in 1970

25Potomac CommunityNeighborhood Park

11301 Falls Rd., acquired in 1976Playground, lighted ballfield, and

lighted tennis courts.

26Fox Hills WestNeighborhood Park

12710 North Commons Way,acquired in 1969

Two-acre park includes playground,tennis courts, multi-use field andgazebo.

27BedfordshireNeighborhood Park

11416 Bedfordshire Ave.This 7.8-acre park acquired in 1968

includes a playground and multi-usefield.

29GregerscroftNeighborhood Park

12021 Gregerscroft Rd.Acquired in 1969

One-acre park with playground, pic-nic area, and open space with a naturalsurface trail. Wooded and near WattsBranch Stream Valley Park.

Neighborhood ParksPotomac has many small neighborhood that offer hiking trails, basketball and

tennis courts, playgrounds and sports fields, picnic areas, paths suitable for tricyclesand more.

23Avenel Local Park10551 Oaklyn Drive

Playground, softball field, three soc-cer fields and tennis courts. Pathssuitable for bikes or children’s tricycles.The 20.7-acre park was established in1989.

28Glen Hills Local Park12511 Circle Drive

This 25.2-acre park, land acquired in1966, features a playground, two soft-ball fields, overlay football field, twolighted tennis courts and a picnic area.

30Tilden WoodsLocal Park

6800 Tilden LaneAcquired in 1961

Seven-acre park with playground,ballfield, lighted tennis courts, basket-ball courts and picnic area.

31Seven LocksLocal Park

6922 Seven Locks Road, Cabin JohnAcquire in 1974

11.6 acres with playground, openshelter, soccer field, and lighted tenniscourts.

32Cabin JohnLocal Park

7401 MacArthur Boulevard, Cabin JohnSix-acre park established in 1933 in-

cludes playground, multi-use field,softball field, lighted tennis court, bas-ketball courts, and picnic area.

41GreenbriarLocal Park

12525 Glen RoadMore than 16 acres of this 25 acre

park, developed in 2016 on land ac-quired in 1992, is undisturbed. Featuresof the park include a regulation soccer/football field with spectator areas, asingle basketball/multi-use court, asingle grass volleyball court, a multi-age, interpretive playground, an asphaltloop path and pedestrian connections,entrance features, a picnic shelter, twostone pergolas, a parking area with 70spaces. The park also preserves largeportions of the site adjacent to thestream valley.

42Beverly FarmsLocal Park

8505 Post Oak Road, PotomacLand acquired in 1965

Beverly Farms Local Park is on 9.4acres located behind the Beverly FarmsElementary School. The park featurestwo playgrounds, a softball field, a base-ball field, and a multi-use field. Thereare also two lighted tennis courts and apicnic area.

10Falls RoadLocal Park

12600 Falls RoadIncluding Hadley’s PlaygroundSee 19

Local ParksLocal parks serve a wider area and offer more facilities.

Blockhouse Point Conservation Park

1CarderockRecreation Area

www.recreation.gov, search “CarderockRecreation Area Pavilion”

Reach this 200-acre part of the parkfrom the Clara Barton Parkway at theNaval Surface Warfare exit.

2Old Angler’s Inn AccessAcross from 10801 MacArthur Blvd.

Between Carderock and Great Falls,you can also get across the canal to thetowpath and the River across from OldAngler’s Inn on MacArthur Boulevard.

3BILLY GOAT TRAILAccess from the Old Angler’s site or

from the Great Falls Tavern VisitorsCenter or Carderock. The loop betweenthe C&O Canal and Potomac River is lessthan five miles long but has steep androcky sections.

4Great Falls TavernVisitor Center andOlmsted Overlook

11710 MacArthur Blvd.301-767-3714

5Swain’s LockSwain’s Lock Road (off River Road)

6Pennyfield LockPennyfield Road (off River Road)

7 Lockhouse 8

8Blockhouse PointConservation Park

14750 River Road, Darnestown, MD20854

www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/blockhouse-point-conservation-park-trails/

9Violette’s LockViolette’s Lock Road (off RiverRoad)

10Riley’s LockRiley’s Lock Road (off RiverRoad)

11AdventureConservation Park

10801 Glen Road, PotomacThis 14-acre neighborhood conserva-

tion area established in 1969, includesareas set aside for bird-banding.

12Falls RoadGolf Course

10800 Falls Rd.301-299-5156www.montgomerycountygolf.com

Falls Road Golf Course was com-pleted in 1961 on 150 acres of former

farmland, and includes an 18-holecourse renovated in 2003, plus a club-house and driving range. Reserve teetimes online.

13Cabin JohnRegional Park

7400 Tuckerman Lanewww.montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-

trails/cabin-john-regional-park/

This 528-acre park centrally locatedoffers an Adventure playground, minia-ture train rides, dog park, picnic areas,campgrounds, nature center, a Tai Chicourt, hiking and nature trails.

Shirley Povich Field, one of severalball fields, is home to the Bethesda BigTrain team and the Georgetown Univer-sity baseball team, and seats 750.

Other sports facilities include alighted baseball field, five softball fields(one lighted), four lighted tennis prac-tice walls, nine lighted tennis courts, apee-wee soccer field, four single wallhandball courts and one volleyballcourt.

14Locust GroveNature Center

7777 Democracy Boulevard301-765-8660www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-

trails/cabin-john-regional-park/Hike the upper meadow of the Locust

Grove Nature Center and look for mon-arch butterflies and caterpillars, listenfor wrens and bluebirds, or watch forbox turtles crossing the path in the earlymorning. Wander to the Lower Meadowand watch bats in the late afternoon, situnder the shade of a 200-year-old sy-camore and spot minnows, crayfish,bathing birds or beaver activity in theCabin John Creek. Locust Grove offersprograms featuring local natural andcultural history for children, teens andadults.

15Robert C. McDonellCampground

7701 Tuckerman Lanewww.montgomeryparks.org for permits

16Cabin John Ice Skating Rink10610 Westlake Drive301-765-8620

Ice skating in August? Yes indeed. Anassortment of programs including les-sons and rental times. Sessions areavailable for the general public, adultsonly and family time. Rental skates anda snack bar are located within the facil-ity. Call for schedules and fees. http://www.cabinjohnice.org/

17Pauline Betz AddieTennis Center

7801 Democracy Boulevard301-765-8650

Features six indoor tennis courts, alounge area, and two locker rooms withshowers. Professional on-site racquetrestringing and regripping is also avail-able. Private and group lessons andseasonal court rentals.

18C.P. HuntingtonMiniature Train

7410 Tuckerman Lane301-765-8670 Train Information

The miniature train is a replica of an1863 C.P. Huntington, a locomotivepurchased by the Southern Pacific Rail-road, with five passenger cars, andcarries visitors on a ten-minute, two-mile ride thorugh the park. Party roomavailableOpen 10a.m.-6p.m. seven days a week

June 1-Sept. 3, plus weekends inMay, September and October.

Dog Park10900 Westlake Drive

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Located near the miniature train, thishalf-acre dog park is enclosed with a 6-foot chain link fence, allowing dogs torun and exercise off-leash. The facility isopen 9-5 p.m. Dog-park users are en-couraged to use the Westlake Driveparking lot. Please remember that alldogs should be on a leash before enter-ing and exiting the park.

Tai Chi Court7400 Tuckerman Lane

The Tai Chi Court at Cabin John Re-gional Park is the first Tai Chi court inMontgomery County and joins only fewof its kind in the nation. Built througha public/private partnership between M-NCPPC, Montgomery Parks and the WuWei Tai Chi Club, the Tai Chi court is a48-foot-diameter circle of flagstone in-corporating the shape of a yin/yangsymbol and surrounded by benches in aserene natural setting. It is located nearthe dog park and miniature train atCabin John Regional Park.

Potomac is home to a remarkable diversity of parks — na-tional parks, state parkland, county parks, conservationparks, equestrian parks, parks with adaptive playgrounds,parks with trains, dog parks, parks with ice skating rinks,

parks that offer access to the Potomac River where the water is flatand inviting and parks that offer access to the Potomac River wherethe water can be deadly. Here, in an annual tradition, is our guide tomuch of what Potomac’s parks have to offer.

Potomac AlmanacGuide to Parks


33PotomacCommunity Center

11315 Falls Road240-777-6960www.montgomerycounty.gov/rec

This is Montgomery County’s busiestcommunity center, providing a varietyof recreation activities for all ages suchas open gym, arts and crafts, exercise/leisure classes, group support meetingsand socials, senior adult activitiesthrough the Potomac neighborhood,Senior program, area and county-widesports programs, summer camps, pro-grams for individuals with specialneeds, children and adult holiday par-ties, volunteer opportunities and more.Facilities include a gymnasium, exerciseroom, meeting rooms, art room, loungearea, community room and social hall.The outdoor area includes two baseballfields, lighted basketball and tenniscourts, and a former in-line hockey rink.The Center offers table tennis, billiardsand foosball, a gymnasium, weightroom, social room, meeting rooms, andhundreds of classes through the Mont-gomery County Recreation Department.The Montgomery County RecreationDept., along with the Friends of thePCC, Inc. has opened the outside inlinerink for children and adults with specialneeds.

19Hadley’s Playgroundat Falls Road Local Park

12600 Falls Rd.

Falls Road Local Park, which show-cases the award-winning Hadley’s Park,allows all kids to play together. In 1986,the park system acquired the 20-acrepark, including soccer, baseball andother sports fields. Hadley’s Park, and itsaccessible theme, equipment, designand surface, have been emulated byapproximately 250 playgrounds acrossthe country. The park is the brainchildof a Potomac family whose daughter,Hadley, uses a wheel chair. The familyenvisioned an accessible playground af-ter watching her daughter’s wheelchairget stuck in playground mulch as sheplayed with her sibling and friends.

34Bette CarolThompson ScotlandCommunity Center7700 Scotland Drive301-777-8075

Now named the Bette Carol Thomp-son Scotland Community Center, therebuilt facility opened in November2014. A larger gymnasium and moderninteriors are a focal point. Upgrades tothe site include improved landscapingand parking, meeting green buildingand sustainability goals; energy guide-lines, and the Americans withDisabilities Act.

35Glen Echo Park7300 MacArthur Blvd.,Glen Echo

www.glenechopark.orgOriginally a Chautauqua retreat, then

an amusement park, Glen Echo NationalPark now hosts a variety of arts, envi-ronmental and history programs.

Classes are offered in pottery, paint-ing, photography, glass art,silversmithing, textiles and other arts, aswell as in dance, writing and music.

The famous 1921 Dentzel Carousel inthe center of the park has been givingrides to the public for 90 years.

Adventure Theatre (www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org, 301-634-2270) is oneof the area’s longest running children’s

theater companies, and the Puppet Co.Playhouse (www.thepuppetco.org) of-fers shows as well as was for children tobe involved.

36McKee BeshersWildlifeManagement Area

Located on River Road in WesternMontgomery County, McKee-BeshersWMA is a 2,000-acre tract in a mixtureof woodlands, fields, wooded bottom-land and managed wetlandimpoundments (green-tree reservoirs).The wildlife management area shares acommon boundary with the NationalPark Service Chesapeake and Ohio Ca-nal to the south and borders SenecaCreek State Park, a 1,200-acre publichunting area, on the east.

McKee-Beshers WMA provides habi-tat for a great diversity of wildlifespecies including deer, wild turkey, wa-terfowl, over 200 species of songbirds,and numerous reptiles and amphibians.Biologists deliberately flood forests dur-ing the fall and winter in “greentreereservoirs.” These attract colorful woodducks as well as other waterfowl whichmigrate through or spend the winterhere. Hikers will find trails for miles andmiles, meandering through the forests,fields and wetlands. Hunters enjoy thepursuit of white-tailed deer, wild turkey,woodcock, squirrels, waterfowl andmany other species.

Roads are maintained and suitable forhiking, nature photography, birding,hunting and other recreational activi-ties. Visitors to the management areashould be aware of biting insects, mos-quitoes and ticks from April-December.Area is wet most of the year, wear ap-propriate footwear.

37Serpentine BarrensConservationPark North

Piney Meeting House Road

38Serpentine BarrensConservationPark South

Glen RoadThe Serpentine Barrens Natural Area

is considered one of the most importantnatural areas in the county because of itsunique geology and plant community.Serpentine ecosystems are globally rareand occur intermittently in an arc eastof the Appalachian Mountains from Ala-bama to Maine. The trees are unusuallysmall relative to their age because of thechallenging growing conditions of ser-pentine soils. Therefore, forests appearto be early successional, but in realityare in a climax condition. Oaks as oldas 175 years old will have a diameter oftrees you would expect to be one or twodecades old.

More than 60 species of birds havebeen detected in the park, including asignificant number of forest interiordwelling species such as Louisiana wa-terthrush, scarlet tanager, ovenbird,pileated woodpecker, and barred owl.

39Callithea FarmSpecial Park

15000 River RoadCallithea Farm Park is a 97 acre prop-

erty located adjacent to the M-NCPPCequestrian trails at Blockhouse PointConservation Park and the C&O Canal.Horse boarding is available.

www.www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/callithea-farm-special-park

20PotomacHorse Center

14211 Quince Orchard Rd.301-208-0200potomachorse.com

County-owned and privately run, thislarge facility offers lessons at all levelsyear round, summer camp, birthdayparties and special events. Featuringriding classes for “Mini Mites” (5-8 yearold children) through adults of all lev-els. Classical Dressage, CombinedTraining, and a Hunter/Jumper pro-gram are available with riderscompeting under different trainers. Va-riety of activities with approximately 12horse shows a year, as well as clinics fea-turing many disciplines, and otherrecreational opportunities such as birth-day pony parties, individual pony rides,trail riding classes through woodedparkland, open houses, a summer horsecamp program, therapeutic horsebackriding, and more.

21Rockwood ManorEducational Centerand Special Park

11001 MacArthur Boulevard, Potomac301-563-7510http://www.montgomeryparks.org/

parks-and-trails/rockwood-manor-park/

Built in the 1920s, the Manor was theformer country estate of CarolynGangwer Caughey. Set on 30 acres ofwoods and adjacent to the C&O Canal,Rockwood Manor offers a secluded andnaturally beautiful venue.

Rockwood Manor’s overnight lodg-ings are available for destinationweddings, multi-day business retreats ortraining sessions, family reunions, work-shops, weekend or weekday getawaysand other events.

Facilities for weddings, meetings,with overnight accommodations anddormitories for youth groups.


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June, 2018 Sales,$1,200,000~$1,289,000

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

1 9616 CONESTOGA WAY ........ 6 .. 5 . 3 .... POTOMAC ... $1,289,000 ... Detached ....... 0.47 ......... 20854 ..... MASS AVE HIGHLANDS ..... 06/15/18

2 10908 BELLS RIDGE DR ......... 5 .. 4 . 1 .... POTOMAC ... $1,265,000 ... Detached ....... 0.27 ......... 20854 ....... BELLS MILL ESTATES ....... 06/30/18

3 7734 LAUREL LEAF DR .......... 5 .. 4 . 1 .... POTOMAC ... $1,234,990 ... Detached ....... 0.36 ......... 20854 ............. WOODROCK ............ 06/22/18

4 9207 MOULTRIE PKWY ......... 4 .. 4 . 1 .... POTOMAC ... $1,210,000 ... Detached ....... 0.69 ......... 20854 ....... POTOMAC OUTSIDE ....... 06/01/18

5 11413 BIG PINEY WAY ........... 4 .. 5 . 1 .... POTOMAC ... $1,200,000 ... Detached ....... 2.00 ......... 20854 ........... SADDLE RIDGE .......... 06/04/18

6 10101 FLOWER GATE TER ..... 4 .. 4 . 1 .... POTOMAC ... $1,200,000 ... Detached ....... 0.31 ......... 20854 ................. AVENEL ................ 06/29/18

7 7811 STABLE WAY ................ 4 .. 4 . 1 .... POTOMAC ... $1,200,000 ... Detached ....... 0.16 ......... 20854 ............. RIVER FALLS ............ 06/15/18

8 10635 MACARTHUR BLVD ..... 4 .. 3 . 1 .... POTOMAC ... $1,200,000 ... Detached ....... 0.53 ......... 20854 ....... POTOMAC OUTSIDE ....... 06/28/18

Copyright 2018 MarketStats for ShowingTime. Source: Bright MLS as of July 13, 2018.

In June 2018, 74 Potomac homes sold

between $2,160,000-$525,000.

Photos by Deb Stevens/The AlmanacPotomac REAL ESTATEPotomac REAL ESTATE

3 7734 Laurel Leaf Drive — $1,234,990

4 9207MoultrieParkway —$1,210,000

5 11413 Big Piney Way — $1,200,000

6 10101Flower GateTerrace —$1,200,000

7 7811 Stable Way — $1,200,000

8 10635 MacArthur Boulevard— $1,200,000


Have questions about your hearing?We are here to help!

Come see us for:• Free baseline hearing screening• Free consultation• Risk-free 30-day hearing aid trial

9800 Falls Road,Suite 5

Potomac, MD 20854

Call for appointment:301-339-8583

www.auditoryservices.com

Kathy Grace, Au.D.


From Page 2

Unusual Election Year HereAmie Hoeber, RepublicanDavid Trone, DemocratKevin T. Caldwell, LibertarianGeorge Gluck, Green

Congressional District 8Vote for OneJohn Walsh, RepublicanJamie Raskin,❖ DemocratJasen Wunder, Libertarian

State Senator District 15Vote for OneDavid Wilson, RepublicanBrian J. Feldman,❖ Democrat

State Senator District 16Vote for OneMarcus Alzona, RepublicanSusan C. Lee, Democrat

State Delegates, District 15Vote for ThreeLaurie Halverson, RepublicanJacobs Harvey, RepublicanMarc A. King, RepublicanKathleen Dumais,❖ DemocratDavid Fraser-Hidalgo,❖ DemocratLily Qi, Democrat

State Delegates, District 16Vote for ThreeBill Day, RepublicanAriana Kelly,❖ DemocratMarc Korman,❖ DemocratSusan Love,❖ Democrat

Early Voting SitesAny registered voter in Montgomery

County can vote early, Thursday, Oct. 25,2018 through Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018 from10 am until 8 pm at any of the followingsites:

❖ Germantown Community RecreationCenter 18905 Kingsview RoadGermantown, MD 20874

❖ Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recre-ation Center 14906 Old Columbia PikeBurtonsville, MD 20866

❖ Executive Office Building Auditorium101 Monroe Street Rockville, MD 20850

❖ Silver Spring Civic Building at Veter-ans Plaza One Veterans Place Silver Spring,MD 20910

❖ Activity Center at Bohrer Park SocialHall 506 S. Frederick Avenue Gaithersburg,MD 20877

❖ Damascus Community Recreation Cen-ter Social Hall 25520 Oak Drive Damascus,MD 20872

❖ Jane E. Lawton Community RecreationCenter Social Hall 4301 Willow Lane ChevyChase, MD 20815

❖ Mid-County Community RecreationCenter Social Hall 2004 Queensguard RoadSilver Spring, MD 20906

❖St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church11801 Claridge Road Wheaton, MD 20902

❖ Potomac Community Recreation Cen-ter 11315 Falls Road Potomac, MD 20854


Fairs, Festivals & Fun Runs

‘Park After Dark’Supporters of the C&O Canal Trust gathered Sept. 16, 2017, for the annual “Park AfterDark” event. Visit www.parkafterdark.org.

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August 2018Great Falls Tavern, Mule-Drawn

Canal Boat Rides. August-September, Friday-Sundays, 11 a.m.,1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. at Great FallsTavern Visitors Center, 11710MacArthur Blvd. Take a boat ridealong the historic C&O Canal. Ticketsare $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5for children, and children 3 andunder ride for free. Visitwww.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/great-falls-canal-boat-rides.htm.

Carousel Rides. August-September,Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, 10am - 2 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 11am- 5 pm in August. Saturday &Sunday, 11am - 5pm in September.Take a ride on the historic 1921Dentzel Carousel at Glen Echo Park.Tickets are $1.25 per ride per person.Visit glenechopark.org/carousel.

AUG. 31-SEPT. 3Annual Yellow Barn Studio and

Gallery Drawing Exhibition. 6-9p.m. on Friday, 12-5 p.m. at 7300MacArthur Blvd. In cooperation withthe Friends of the Yellow Barn, anexhibition open to all members of theYellow Barn. A closing reception willbe held on Monday, Sept. 3, 4-6p.m.Visit www.yellowbarnstudio.com/SpecialEvents.htm.

September 2018SATURDAY-MONDAY/SEPT. 1-3Labor Day Art Show. Friday, 7 p.m.;

Saturday-Monday, 12-6 p.m. atSpanish Ballroom – Glen Echo Park,7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo.Find art of various media. “Cash andcarry” jewelry available for the thethird consecutive year. Free. Visitglenechopark.org/ldas.

MAY-SEPTEMBERArt Walk in the Park. First Fridays

through at Glen Echo Park, 7300MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo from 6-8p.m. Enjoy pottery, glass work,photography, and much more. Visitglenechopark.org/artwalk.

MONDAY/SEPT. 3Irish Music and Dance Showcase.

1-6 p.m. at 7300 MacArthur Blvd atthe Bumper Car Pavilion. Attend aday of Irish music and dancepresented by the Glen Echo ParkPartnership for Arts and Culture andthe Irish Inn at Glen Echo. Free. Visitglenechopark.org/irishmusicdance.

Labor Day Parade. 1 p.m. in thestreets of Olde Towne Gaithersburg.Celebrate Labor Day withperformances, antique cars, marchingbands, and more. Free. Visitwww.gaithersburgmd.gov/leisure/labor-day-parade.

SEPT. 6-30The Trawick Prize Exhibition.

Wednesday-Saturday, 12-6 p.m. indowntown Bethesda at Gallery B,located at 7700 Wisconsin Ave., SuiteE. This exhibition features TheTrawick Prize finalists for theBethesda Contemporary Art Awards.Visit www.bethesda.org/bethesda/Trawick_Prize_Exhibition.

SATURDAY/SEPT. 9Potomac Library Book Sale. 10

a.m.-12 p.m. at 10101 GlenoldenDrive. Visitwww.montgomerycountymd.gov/library/branches/potomac.html.

SATURDAY/SEPT. 8Carnival of Chocolates. 12-5 p.m. at

Rockville Town Square, Rockville.This year’s event will includechocolate tastings from localchocolatiers, live music, games, andchildren’s story times. Proceedsbenefit The Dwelling Place, a non-profit dedicated to homeless families.Free to attend. Visit tdp-inc.org.

SUNDAY/SEPT. 9Parks Half Marathon. 6:45-10 a.m. A

marathon race showcasing theMontgomery County parks system.Visit www.mcrrc.org/calendar-event/parks-half-marathon-2018/.

SATURDAY/SEPT. 15Park After Dark. 6-10 p.m. at C&O

Canal National Historical Park –Great Falls Tavern, 11710 MacArthurBlvd., Potomac. Attendees enjoy livemusic, food, libations, auction items,desserts, a campfire and more. Eventtickets are $250 per person. Visitwww.parkafterdark.org.

SUNDAY/SEPT. 23Cabin John Kids Run. 9-10 a.m. at

Cabin John Regional Park. Sunday,Sept. 24. A mile run, half-mile youngrun and quarter mile young run isoffered. Registration is race-day only.Free for runners 17 and under. Visitwww.mcrrc.org/calendar-event/cabin-john-kids-run-2018/.

SATURDAY/SEPT. 29Montgomery County Out of the

Darkness Community Walk.9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in Rockville TownSquare, Rockville. This walk, inconjunction with over 300communities across the country thisfall, benefits the AmericanFoundation for Suicide Prevention.Visit afsp.donordrive.com.

October 2018Taste in Potomac. 6:30-11:30 p.m. at

Bolger Center, 9600 NewbridgeDrive, Potomac. The Taste inPotomac is a community event thatraises funds to help children in fostercare find adoptive families. Ticketsstart at $200. Visitwww.adoptionstogether.org/events/tasteinpotomac/.

SerbFest. Sunday, Saint Luke SerbianOrthodox Church, 10660 River Road,Potomac. Serbian dishes, beverages,dance and music performances, giftsand boutique items and family-friendly activities. Visitwww.serbfestdc.com.

Taste of Bethesda. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.along Norfolk, St. Elmo, Cordell, DelRay, and Auburn avenues. Localrestaurants and entertainment cometogether for the Annual Taste ofBethesda. Admission to the festival isfree, taste tickets are sold in bundlesof four for $5. Visit bethesda.org/bethesda/taste-bethesda.

Antique and Classic Car Show. 11a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Rockville CivicCenter Park, 603 Edmonston Drive,Rockville. Find more than 500antique and classic cars. Free. Visitwww.rockvillemd.gov/667/Antique-Classic-Car-Show.

Potomac Day. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at 9812Falls Road, Potomac. Arts andentertainment for all ages, rangingfrom rides for children to a classic carshow and business fair. The highlight

is the Potomac Day Parade at 10:30a.m., featuring hundreds of entrants,including bands, horses, classic cars,school groups, scoutingorganizations, and candidates forelected office. Free. Call 301-299-2170 or visit potomacchamber.org.

November 2018Potomac Village Farmers Market.

Thursdays, 2-6:30 p.m. at PotomacUnited Methodist Church, 9908 S.Glen Road. Visitwww.potomacvillagefarmersmarket.net.

Christmas Tree Sale. Last weekendin November. Cabin John ParkVolunteer Fire Department, Station10, 8001 River Road. Visitwww.cjpvfd.org.

THURSDAY/NOV. 22Turkey Chase. 8:30 a.m. at 9401 Old

Georgetown Road at Spruce Street.The Turkey Chase 10K Run benefitsthe YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase,YMCA’s Youth and Family Servicesand the Bethesda-Chevy ChaseRotary Club Foundation. Includes atwo-mile walk/run; wheelchairswelcome. Registration is $10 for theKid’s Run, $20 for the 2 mile race,and $35 for the 10K. Visitgive.turkeychase.com/event/36th-annual-turkey-chase/e191011.

NOV. 24-DEC. 31Winter Lights Festival. At Seneca

Creek Park, 11950 Clopper Road,Gaithersburg. Winter Lights is a 3.5-mile drive through a holiday lightshow at Seneca Creek Park with morethan 360 illuminated displays.Additional events include WineUnder the Lights, Run Under theLights, Leashes ’n’ Lights, and, S’MoreLights & Trolley Rides. Visitwww.gaithersburgmd.gov/leisure/special-events/winter-lights-festival.

December 2018Santa on Fire Engines Toy

Collection. A procession of fireengines run by the Cabin John ParkVolunteer Fire Department, carrySanta on a tour of Potomacneighborhoods over the course ofseveral evenings in December,collecting unwrapped new toys forneedy children. Call 301-365-2255 orvisit www.cjpvfd.org.

Bethesda’s Winter Wonderland.This seasonal event takes place inmultiple locations, including concertsat Imagination Stage and inBethesda’s Woodmont Triangle. Theevent features caroling, ice sculpting,storytelling, holiday performancesand hands-on craft activities forchildren. Call 301-215-6660 or visitwww.bethesda.org.

SUNDAY/DEC. 9Jingle Bell Jog. 9-10:30 a.m. at the

Rockville Senior Center, 1150Carnation Drive. VIsitwww.mcrrc.org/calendar-event/

jingle-bell-jog-2018/.

February 2019Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival. 1750

Rockville Pike, Rockville. The festivalprovides live musical performances,workshops and seminars. Seewww.midatlanticjazzfestival.org.

April 2019The Bethesda Literary Festival is

held annually in April. Featurespoets, authors, journalists, novelists,poetry slams, essay contests andyouth book parties. Visitwww.bethesda.org.

Pike’s Peek 10K. 7:50 a.m. at theShady Grove Metro Station. Seewww.pikespeek10k.org.

The Annual C&O Canal Pride Days.This is a joint effort between the parkand C&O Canal Trust that bringshundreds of volunteers into the parkto conduct maintenance projects.Work at C&O Canal NationalHistorical Park at Great Falls(Maryland) and other sites along thePotomac River and C&O Canaltowpath. Call the Canal Trust at 301-714-2233, www.canaltrust.org orwww.nps.gov/choh

Potomac Watershed Cleanup.Saturday, April 13. This volunteerevent is sponsored annually by AliceFerguson Foundation. Seewww.fergusonfoundation.org.

May 2019Potomac Horse Center Annual

Spring Open House. Seewww.PotomacHorse.com.

Run Aware 5K. Race through woods,trails, and, if lucky, mud. Along withthe 5K (Cross Country Series) race,there will be a 1K (JuniorParticipation Series) race. Seewww.mcrrc.org.

Spring Festival. Greek OrthodoxChurch of St. George, 7701 BradleyBlvd., Bethesda. The annual festivalincludes traditional Greek cuisine,outdoor/indoor dining, Greekdancing, church tours and Greekpastries. Call 301-469-7990 or visitwww.stgeorge.org.

The Potomac Hunt Races. 10 a.m.-7p.m. at 14401B Partnership Road,Poolesville. Race day festivitiesinclude steeplechase racing,thoroughbreds and festival tailgateparties, a car show, pony rides andmore. General admission is $40 pervehicle and Patron tickets are $225.See www.potomachuntraces.com.

Strawberry Festival. Potomac UnitedMethodist Church, 9908 S. GlenRoad, Potomac. Berries, a silentauction, bake sale, rummage sale,craft fair, dollar items and games andactivities for children. Call the churchat 301-299-9383 or visitwww.potomac-umc.org.

The Landon Azalea GardenFestival. Perkins Garden and the

Landon campus, 6101 Wilson Lane,Bethesda. The annual festival datesback to the mid-1950s whenLandon’s founders, Paul and MaryLee Banfield opened the newlyacquired azalea garden to the public.Call 301-320-3200 or visitwww.landon.net.

Mark’s Run. At Triplett Field, BordleyStadium. A 5-K race and one-milerun also takes place during theLandon Azalea Garden festival.Mark’s Run is held each year inmemory of alumnus Mark Ferris ’94,who lost his battle with juvenilediabetes. The run raises more than$50,000 for the Mark FerrisScholarship Fund and $75,000 to theJoslin Diabetes Center. Call 301-320-3200 or visit www.landon.net.

Hometown Holidays is a MemorialDay festival and parade in the City ofRockville with concerts, children’scrafts and games. Call 240-314-5022or visit www.rockvillemd.gov.

MAY-JULYBethesda Summer Concert Series.

Free. Last year’s Thursday concertstook place at Veterans Park, at thecorner of Norfolk and Woodmontavenues. See www.bethesda.org.

June 2019Imagination Bethesda, annual

children’s street festival celebratingthe arts. The festival featurescostume characters, face painters,international dance troupes, theaterperformances, a moon bounce and avariety of hands-on arts activities.Call 301-215-6660 or seewww.bethesda.org.

Glen Echo Park’s Summer ConcertSeries begins in June on Thursdayevenings. Free. Seewww.glenechopark.org. 301-634-2222.

Quicken Loans National. This eventfeatures 120 PGA Tour professionalsat Congressional Country Club inBethesda. The event raises funds andawareness for the Tiger WoodsFoundation. Seewww.tigerwoodsfoundation.org.

July 2019Autism Speaks Annual 5K run and

one-mile walk benefits research onautism. See www.autismspeaks.orgor email [email protected].

Montgomery County Fairgrounds4th of July Fireworks activitiesinclude live music, games and food.Call 301-258-6350. Seewww.gaithersburgmd.gov

Montgomery College RockvilleCampus 4th of July Fireworks,Rockville. Activities include livemusic and food. Call 240-314-5022.See www.rockvillemd.gov.

The Potomac Whitewater Festivalin late June or early July is an annualfundraising event that celebrateskayaking in the Potomac River.Offers races for kayakers and clinicsand activities for the public. Seewww.potomacfest.com oranadventures.com.

Bethesda Outdoor Movies. Annualoutdoor movie series at corner ofNorfolk and Auburn avenues. Contact301-215-6660 or visitwww.bethesda.org.

Farm Tour & Harvest Sale. Varioustimes at various locations inMontgomery County. MontgomeryCounty celebrates its agriculturalheritage. Admission prices vary basedon farm. Visitwww.montgomercountrymd.gov/agservices/agfarmtour.html.

August 2019Riley’s Rumble Half-Marathon. See

www.mcrrc.org.Montgomery County Agricultural

Fair is a favorite destination eachAugust. See www.mcagfair.com.


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Entertainment

Submit entertainment announcementsat www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal-endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.

ONGOING6th Annual Juried Show for Young

Photographers. Through Sept. 2,Saturdays, 1-4 p.m.; Sunday-Monday, 1-8 p.m. at Photoworks inGlen Echo Park, 7300 MacarthurBlvd, Glen Echo. Photoworkspresents the annual juried YouthPhotography Competition, “ListenUp!” A selection of work has beencollected from budding youthphotographers for this year’s exhibit.Visit glenechophotoworks.org/.

DANCINGWeekly International Folkdancing.

Thursdays, 7:30-11 p.m. at Church ofthe Redeemer, 6201 DunrobbinDrive, Bethesda. Circle and linedances from Eastern Europe. Lessonat 7:30, followed by requests. GlenEcho Folkdancers welcome beginnersof all ages; no partner needed. Wearcomfortable shoes. $7. Call 301-466-3018 or visitwww.dancingplanetproductions.com.

Thang Ta. Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m. atSutradhar Institute of Dance andRelated Arts, 1525 Forest Glen Road,Silver Spring. Learn the ancient art ofthe sword and spear. $25. Visitwww.dancesidra.org.

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

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

Argentine Tango with Lessons.Most Sundays, 6:30-11 p.m. in theBack Room Annex at Glen Echo Park,7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo.Argentine Tango lessons followed bya Milonga most Sunday evenings.Beginner lesson 6:30-7:30 p.m. andintermediate lesson 7:30-8:30 p.m.Cost is $15/lesson and includes theMilonga. For just the Milonga, cost is$10 and the open dance with DJ runs8:30-11 p.m. No partner required.www.glenechopark.org, 301-634-2222.

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

Live Music & Dancing. Fridays andSaturdays, 7-11 p.m. in Margery’sLounge, Normandie Farm Restaurant,10710 Falls Road, Potomac. Dance tothe music of Barry Gurley. Call 301-983-8838 or visitwww.popovers.com.

SATURDAY/AUG. 25Park Potomac Ice Cream Social

and Car Show. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at12500 Park Potomac Ave., Potomac.Ice cream, car show and familyactivities. This is a not for profitfundraiser for Montgomery CountySchool Kids In Need. Bring a

children’s backpack for the donationdrive. Receive one raffle ticket perbackpack, which is good towards afree Ben & Jerry’s serving and in thedrawings for the raffle prizes. Ticketswill be available to purchase on site.Pre-register to include a vehicle inthe car show. [email protected].

Libraries Rock – Dance Party. 2-3p.m. at Potomac Library, 10101Glenolden Drive, Potomac. Don thebest pop star outfit or craziest hairand dance. Photo props, a bubblemachine and a music playlist to keepeveryone moving. This program issponsored by the Friends of theLibrary-Montgomery County. Free.Call 240-777-0694.

Protecting the Canal: 1861-1865.2-3 p.m. at Great Falls Tavern VisitorCenter, 11710 MacArthur Boulevard,Potomac. Explore Civil War efforts toprotect the C&O Canal and the effectof war on families living along it.Space limited to 25 people; makereservations at [email protected] entrance fees may be charged atGreat Falls Tavern Visitor Center butpark ranger programs are free. Call301-767-3714.

WEDNESDAY/AUG. 29Libraries Rock with Groovy Nate.

10-11 a.m. at Potomac Library,10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac.Groovy Nate blends music, puppetskits, movement, and comedy intoone groovy experience. Children willsing, play instruments and games,engage in creative play, and move tooriginal and traditional music duringthis high energy and interactiveshow. Free. Call 240-777-0690.

THURSDAY/AUG. 30Ice Cream Social. 2:30-4 p.m. Call for

location. Enjoy ice cream with fellowmembers. Non-dairy treats will beavailable for those who don’t or can’teat ice cream. For PotomacCommunity Village members only.Call 240-221-1370, email [email protected] orvisit PotomacCommunityVillage.org.

SATURDAY/SEPT. 1Paint the Town. At Norfolk Avenue

facade of the Triangle TowersApartments, 4853 Cordell Ave.,

Bethesda. Bethesda Arts &Entertainment District is seekingproposals from mural artists who are18 years of age or older and residentsof Washington, D.C., Maryland orVirginia. Artists must have priorexperience with the design andinstallation of large scale murals. A$50,000 stipend will be provided tothe selected artist to pay for suppliesand the artist’s time. The deadline toapply is Sept. 1, 2018. The projectmust be completed by Nov. 1, 2018.Visit bethesda.org.

SUNDAY/SEPT. 2Waltz Dance. 2:45-3:30 waltz

workshop; 3:30-6 p.m. dance at theBumper Car Pavillion at Glen EchoPark, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., GlenEcho. Featuring the ensemble DevineComedy with a mix of folk waltzeswith a few other couple dances,including Hambo, Schottische,Swing, Tango, and Polka. Admissionis $13. No partner required. Call JoanKoury at 202-238-0230 or Glen EchoPark at 301-634-2222, go towww.WaltzTimeDances.org or [email protected].

MONDAY/SEPT. 3Awards Ceremony and Reception.

4-6 p.m. at Photoworks in Glen EchoPark, 7300 Macarthur Blvd, GlenEcho. Photoworks presents theannual juried Youth PhotographyCompetition, “Listen Up!” A selectionof work has been collected frombudding youth photographers for thisyear’s exhibit. The exhibit runs Aug.16-Sept. 2, Saturdays, 1-4 p.m.;Sunday-Monday, 1-8 p.m. Visitglenechophotoworks.org/.

TUESDAY/SEPT. 4Read to a Dog. 4:30-5:30 p.m. at

Potomac Library, 10101 GlenoldenDrive, Potomac. Every first and thirdTuesday of the month, school-agechildren, especially beginnerslearning to read and those who wantto improve their confidence inreading skills, are invited to practicereading aloud in short (10-15minute) semi-private sessions with acertified therapy dog. First-come,first-served. No registration required;no younger siblings. Free. Call 240-777-0694.

Bethesda Arts FestivalThe 21st Annual Bethesda Row Arts Festival, one of the region’s premier arts

festivals, brings together 190 national artists in a free outdoor art gallery. Thereare many local artists selected by the jury participating in this event. Saturday, Oct.13, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Bethesda Row, 4841Bethesda Ave., Bethesda. Free. Call 301-637-5684 or visitwww.bethesdarowarts.org for more.

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Promoting Businesses, CommunityFrom Page 5

of an organization that provides networking oppor-tunities, business leads and referrals, proactiveleadershipºand an improved business climate, all forthe betterment of the community as a whole,” ac-cording to the chamber website.

The chamber organizes the annual Potomac Daycelebration each fall. The day includes a parade,children’s festival and petting zoo, business fair andcar show. Potomac Day will be held Saturday, Oct.20 this year, celebrating the 36th anniversary of theannual celebration.

Potomac still has the feel of a small town, Jenni-fer Matheson, director of operations for the Potomac

Chamber, said in an interview last year. “There is asolid foundation in Potomac,” she said. “It’s nice tobe able to go into a little town and know it.”

Complaints from residents are few, as are problemsother than parking in the shopping centers at the in-tersection of River and Falls roads, she said last year.

Still it’s nice to have a community with so few prob-lems she said.

“Everything is so fast paced in this world,” she said.“You feel good here.” The Potomac Chamber of Com-merce offices are at 10220 River Road.Hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.,closed on all major holidays.For more information, visit PotomacChamber.org.

Potomac Community Village(PCV) is a non-profit net-work of neighbors and

friends geared to enabling olderPotomac residents to age in placein their existing homes by creat-ing social connections and provid-ing volunteer services, such as oc-casional transportation, computerhelp, simple home repairs, andfriendly phone calls and visits. PCVis part of a nationwide movementof more than 500 Villages, ofneighbor helping neighbor.

PCV’s Fall 2018 events includea variety of programs that are freeand open to all.

These include a Sept. 20 pro-gram in which actress LindaKenyon will portray cookbook au-thor Julia Child, a Walk on the Canal on Sept. 29 aspart of Active Aging Week in Montgomery County, aprogram on saving money on Medigap and Medi-care Prescription Drug plans on Oct. 3, a presenta-tion on Oct. 18 from the League of Women Voters,and a Nov. 15 talk by Matt Logan of MontgomeryHistory on this organization’s role in preserving thecounty’s history. PCV will also have a booth on

Helping People Age in Place

At the May 17 Potomac Community Village generalmeeting, Dr. Heidi Hsai, Ph.D. speaks to members ofPotomac Community Village on “The Mind-Body Connec-tion: Keys to Healthy Aging.”

Potomac Day on Oct. 20. Upcoming member-onlyevents include lunches, book discussions, an IceCream Social, theater parties, local-area hikes, anddocent-led museum tours. For more informationabout programs, membership, volunteering or get-ting volunteer help, [email protected], 240-221-1370or check out www.PotomacCommunityVillage.org.

By Peggy McEwan

The Almanac

On March 19, 1930, the Cabin John ParkVolunteer Fire Department began its his-tory as an incorporated fire service to “con-

trol, prevent, limit and combat damage by fire ….”In January of this year, after 88 years, the depart-ment made history again by voting Corrine Piccardithe first female fire chief in a volunteer company inMontgomery County.

The original CJPVFD station was built shortly af-ter the department’s founding at the corner ofMacArthur Blvd. and Seven Locks Road.

“The first meeting was held at the new station in1932, and this station was occupied until our presentquarters on River Road [Station 10] was opened in1984,” according to the department’s website.

Station 30, 9404 Falls Road, was opened in 1970.“Our service has changed greatly since 1930. To-

day, in addition to fire prevention, education, andsuppression activities, we also are the primary careproviders of emergency medical services, river res-cue services, and heavy rescue. The unique natureof our area gives us many diverse operations, rang-

ing from rescues along the Potomac River and C&OCanal to high rise fire protection in downtownBethesda. Interstate 495 and the Clara Barton Park-way provide accidents that may range from routinefender benders to large hazardous materials incidentssuch as the Interstate 270 Tanker Fire in the fall of1992. Despite all of these changes, one thing has re-mained constant; the proud service of the membersof our department to our community. That single factbinds our members today to the founders of our de-partment in 1930,” the department’s website reads.

Persons interested in becoming members of CabinJohn Park Volunteer Fire Department can call Sta-tion 10, 240-773-4710 or [email protected].

CJPVFD also hosts children’s birthday parties at theRiver Road Station. Parties include:

❖ A guided tour of the fire station and fire apparatus❖ The opportunity to get up close and personal with

firefighters and their equipment❖ A fire safety presentation and equipment dem-

onstration hosted by one of the firefighters❖ A fire safety gift-bag and fire helmet for each

child in attendance.For more information, call 301-365-2028.

Department Is Still Making History



A River, a Canal, and a VisionFrom Page 15

carrying mostly coal. But it was not to last.By the 1880s, railroads had taken the leadin transporting goods, and they could carrycoal to the deeper harbor in Baltimore.

In June of 1889, a devastating flood torethrough the Potomac River valley. The de-struction far exceeded any ability of thecanal company to borrow for repairs. Ca-nal boats, lockhouses and the vital infra-structure itself had been swept into the river.The canal lay idle all summer and fall of1889 and didn’t operate at all in 1890. Thencame a savior in the form of the B&O Rail-road which took over and operated the ca-nal into the early 1920s even as profits di-minished. Gradually, it declined and only alower portion was kept watered; justenough to supply water to mills inGeorgetown.

It was 1926 when the idea of a Federalhighway on the canal right-of-way was firstraised but B&O Railway opposed it. TheGreat Depression changed the conversationbecause President Franklin Roosevelt hadan uncle who was chairman of the NationalCapital Park and Planning Commission. Hewanted a project for the Civilian Conserva-tion Corps. B&O owed money and wantedto borrow further so the Federal govern-ment was able to purchase the canal for $2million in 1938. Work started and the first20 miles was restored. World War II and adevastating flood in 1942 washed away therestoration. When the war ended, the ArmyCorps of Engineers unveiled a plan to builda series of 14 dams to control river flood-ing. One, proposed for just above Great Fallswould have flooded the river valley andbacked up the Potomac nearly to HarpersFerry. Along came another proposal for aparkway similar to Skyline Drive.

Meanwhile, Potomac had remained asmall village reached by dirt roads, initiallyknown as Offutts Crossroads. After WorldWar II a new breed of settlers began to ar-rive. They wanted to get out of the city, raisechildren in the country and were willing toput up with inconveniences like lack of elec-tricity and roads still little more than wagontracks. The land was exhausted by farming.The area had flirted with gold mining afterthe Civil War. Land was inexpensive. Theforests, once cleared for farming, were re-turning along stream valleys leading to theriver. Potomac was green, open and appeal-ing to courageous newcomers. There werestill farms and orchards but during the1950s and ‘60s many between Potomac Vil-

lage and Rockville were developed for hous-ing. The first vicinity plan for Potomac/Travilah was adopted in 1967. It was de-signed to preserve the rural-residential char-acter with open space and low density zon-ing. It recommended creating severalstream valley parks.

In 1980, a Potomac Subregion Plan wasadopted. Most recently revised in 2002, thecurrent plan consistently upholds and ex-pands our environmental framework withan imperative to protect and enhance natu-ral resources.

Our subregion is considered a transitionbetween the urban down county and the93,000 acre Agricultural Reserve to ournorth. We are one of two residential “greenwedges” in the county. Both are critical toprotecting public water supplies. Designat-ing many of our stream valleys as countyparkland helps preserve the wetlands andforests needed to filter stormwater runoffand provide habitat for wildlife. The waterfiltration plant on River Road providesnearly all drinking water to MontgomeryCounty. All 68 square miles of the PotomacSubregion drain to the Potomac River. TheWatts Branch begins in Rockville but emp-ties into the Potomac just upstream of thefiltration plant.

Today, more than ever before, our livesare bound to waters of the Potomac. We arefortunate that in 1954, Supreme Court Jus-tice William O. Douglas penned his famousletter to the Washington Post after they hadendorsed the highway plan, inviting themto join him on a walking tour of the tow-path — starting the movement to preserveit. Parkways and dam ideas still surfacedbut in January 1971, The C&O Canal wasdesignated a National Historical Park. Weare fortunate. Geology, history, good plan-ning and some visionary people make itpossible for us to experience history. We canwalk or bike to Cumberland or Georgetownon the towpath. We can kayak and canoe.We can visit the Great Falls; the remains ofa red sandstone quarry at Seneca and ridea canal boat drawn by mules. We have ac-cess to endless trails in an array of parks.American poet Mary Oliver once wrote “Alifetime isn’t long enough for the beauty ofthis world.” We are fortunate to live withinso much of that beauty and call it home.

Ginny Barnes is an artist, environmental activist,and sometime writer. She served on the 2002 Mas-ter Plan Advisory Group and is currentlyEnvironmental Chair and President of the WestMontgomery County Citizens Association (WMCCA)which was founded in 1947.

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

I remember conversations regularly occurring between me and some other person, presum-ably older (if heard over the phone) or in person if my sight and senses didn’t deceive me, where the question was asked to me: “You’re probably too young to remember?” concerning any num-ber of subjects. Now, I’m asking the identical question, and I don’t think my sight or senses are deceiving me, though they are refracted, so to speak.

Somehow, I’d like to believe that despite the obvious passage of time, I am, to quote Bob Dylan from his song “My Back Pages,” includ-ed on his “Another Side of Bob Dylan” album released in 1964: “Ah, but I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now.”

I wish. I may be wiser and full of perspective, but

woman. As years pass, the pages turn and you simply aren’t the person you used to be (or thought you were).

Benjamin Button may have gotten younger (aged in reverse, having been born an old man), but for the rest of us, we may feel that “youth,” as they say, “is wasted on the young.” Neverthe-less, none of us is getting any younger.

Moreover, to quote Charles Franklin: “No one gets out of this life alive.” (Although, I swear I remember my late mother attributing that quote to the legendary screen actress, Bette Davis.)

Life goes on is the short version, and through that passage of time, at some point, apparently you’re addressed respectively as “Mister” and “Sir,” and doors are opened/held, seats are offered and accommodations made. And when I have those random conversations with strang-

whom you have a familiarity, more and more of

myself asking/presuming if they know what past event, historical fact, popular culture reference or sports memory, etc., I am even referring to. And as often as not, they don’t.

loathe to admit it, is that the former “question-

abundant clear, where I was once ascending, I am now descending.

This has nothing to do with my last few cancer columns. It has to do with my birth year: 1954. Meaning, as the birthday card jokes on the front cover “I wouldn’t say you were old this year” to the inside-of-the-card slam: “Hell, you were old last year.”

It just seems/feels that this juxtaposition of the “space-time continuum” (“Star Trek: Voyag-er”) time/age relative to others has happened in a blink (nanosecond) and that blink is a tell. And no matter what I do to counter that impression, I can’t stop it. It seems that tell has become a tell all.

And since I’m telling all, dealing with one’s own mortality for as long as I have been: Feb.

cell lung cancer diagnosis, has certainly had its share of wear and tear, emotionally and physically.

to think that this unexpected journey has not been fraught with before, during and after side

around, is unrealistic at best and delusional at worst. And since I’m rarely delusional except when it comes to the Boston Red Sox, it must be unrealistic.

But maybe being unrealistic is what has taken me nine years and nearly six months past my original diagnosis. If that’s the reason, I see no reason to change now, age notwithstanding, or sitting, however the case may be.

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