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Potomac Almanac ❖ March 27 - April 2, 2013 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com online at potomacalmanac.com

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March 27 - April 2, 2013

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2 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ March 27 - April 2, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

Making New and Old Residents Feel Right at HomePotomac Area Newcomers’ Clubmembers “are always on the go.”

By Susan Belford

The Almanac

I don’t know how I would have sur-vived if it hadn’t been for thePotomac Area Newcomers’ Club(PANC),” said Dottie White of

Potomac. “This organization was a lifesaverafter I moved here from New Jersey to becloser to my kids. I found new friends anddiscovered a wealth of appealing activitiesand educational experiences — right in mynew community.”

Another member stressed that she relo-cated to Potomac after her kids had grownup and moved out. “I thought I would haveto go to work just to keep from being lonely.I took classes at MC for awhile, but then Ilearned about PANC — an organization withactive members who are always on the go.PANC has something for everyone.”

Pam Lemmonds joined for another rea-son. She lived in Potomac, but had workedfull-time for many years. When she retired,she learned about PANC from a neighbor.“It was eye-opening to me — and literallysaved my life. I had no idea how I wouldspend my time once I retired, and I didn’tknow anyone to do things with, since I had

always worked. I immediately formedfriendships and learned that there can belife after work.”

PANC has been helping newcomers aswell as Potomac residents since February,1966 when a group of women founded thePotomac Welcome Wagon Club. Their firstactivity was an invitational open house, at-tended by 39 women. The group decidedthat their mutual interest groups would beantiquing, bridge and bowling — and it cost$2 a year to belong. By 1973, membershiphad grown to 320 women. They decidedthat Welcome Wagon would limit member-ship to three years and then members wouldmove on to join a new club called “Echoes”— still in existence today.

However, in 1983, members decided tochange the name to the Potomac Area New-comers’ Club (PANC) to encompass a widersurrounding area and at that time, thethree-year rule was abolished. Memberscould continue their membership indefi-nitely in order to participate, contribute andmaintain their friendships.

President Sara Maria Dan’s goal is “to getthe word out about PANC to the many resi-dents in our area. We have so many activi-ties — and a wide range of ages that par-

ticipate. We want people to know we arehere to help them adjust — and we wantthem to love Montgomery County andPotomac as much as we do. The purpose ofPANC has always been the development offellowship and acquaintance among newresidents and their assimilation into thecivic life and social activities of the newcommunity. We continually add new mem-bers — but many say they wish they hadlearned about us sooner.”

PANC currently has more than 200 mem-bers from Potomac and surrounding com-munities. The General Meeting is held thesecond Tuesday of each month at a localrestaurant or event site (such as AfternoonTea at the Strathmore Mansion). After themeeting, a speaker is presented or the groupparticipates in an activity that might includeBollywood Dancing, a cooking demonstra-tion or even tai chi moves. The dues are

“

See On the Go, Page 9

Pamela Green, vice president programs, PANC; Jan Fox, Emmy award-winning news reporter, and Cindy Schwartzman, vice president generalmeetings.

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Potomac Almanac ❖ March 27 - April 2, 2013 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Potomac Almanac Editor Steven Mauren

703-778-9415 or [email protected]

See www.potomacalmanac.com

By Susan Belford

The Almanac

We are in a race againsttime,” said Vicky Singhwith a determined lookon her face. “It is im-

perative that we raise as much money aspossible to fund promising research to finddrugs to treat and cure Duchenne Muscu-lar Dystrophy (DMD) — to save children’slives. If researchers find the right drugs,other neurological motor diseases includ-ing cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis andother forms of muscular dystrophy will alsobenefit from the research.”

Singh and her husband Gurpreet are pas-sionate about raising funds for this lethalgenetic disorder of childhood because theirson, Saij was diagnosed with DMD in 2008at the age of 6. This progressive musculardisorder affects 1 in 3,500 boys worldwideand there is no known treatment or cure.Even though Saij has lost his ability to walk,he hasn’t lost his spirit, his sense of humoror his energy and enthusiasm. The progno-sis for most with DMD is that they lose thebattle to DMD in their early 20s. But hisfamily and friends are doing everything intheir power to change the course of thisdisease and to find a cure.

“Saij aspires to be the president of theUnited States one day,” she said. “His rolemodel is President FDR and he says that ifRoosevelt could do it in a wheel chair thenso can he. We have visited the FDR Memo-rial in D.C. several times and our favoritequote by Eleanor Roosevelt is, ‘Franklin’sillness gave him strength and courage hehad not had before. He had to think outthe fundamentals of living and learn the

See Supporting, Page 4

TeamSaijBowl-a-thon tosupport DuchenneMuscular Dystrophyresearch.

Saij Singh in New York City for theEnd Duchenne Gala on Dec. 6,2012.

News

So ThisIs Spring?

The Great FallsTavern visitor’scenter is open

every day at theC&O National

Historical Park atGreat Falls, and

includes exhibits,book shop and

informationabout events. Call

301-767-3714.

The mule-drawn canal boat atGreat Falls normally launcheswith scheduled rides throughthe lock beginning in May. Callthe C&O Canal National His-torical Park at Great Fallsvisitor center, 301-767-3714.

Photos by

Ken Moore/

The Almanac

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A good layer of snow will en-hance the greens and turf at theFalls Road Golf Course once theweather warms up. Visit http://mcggolf.com/Courses/FallsRoad.aspx for more. A woodpecker checks out a feeder in a Potomac backyard.


LET’S TALKReal Estate

For professional advice on all aspectsof buying and selling real estate, call:

MICHAEL MATESELong & Foster Realtors

[email protected]

by Michael Matese

Eco FriendlyLighting

With the trend towards eco-friendlyhomes becoming more and morepopular, even lighting for the home ishopping on the band wagon. New‘green’ options have become widelyavailable and are priced competitivelyby manufacturers. Homeowners, bothfirst-time and firmly established, areaware of the importance of “goinggreen”, not just for the benefit of theplanet, but for tax purposes as well.

Dimmers and motion sensors are twosimple ways to affect your home thatare wired into your lighting systems.Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) arebeing manufactured that are colorcorrected and come in hundreds ofstyle to fit every type of design. Newlight-emitting diode (LED) lamps arealso available for installation lightingor as free-standing fixtures, as well astile and fabrics with lighting ele-ments—adding a creative, one-of-a-kind look to your lighting that’s envi-ronmentally sustainable and easy onthe utility bill.

Even better, lighting and ceiling fanmanufacturers have been working oncreating eco-friendly options for fluo-rescent bulbs, managing to almosteliminate that off-color light we allknow (and hate). Ceiling fans, too,are making a big comeback becausethey help lower the carbon footprintand help heat and cool your home at aminimal cost. Not only that, butdesigners are designing ceiling fansthat include integrated lighting sys-tems in their structure. Some of thenew generation of ceiling fans haveeven been created to look like chande-liers, adding a magnificent flourish toyour home’s appearance and a savvyelement to its power and coolingabilities.

SHILLELAGHS TRAVEL CLUB100 East Street SE, Suite 202 • Vienna, Virginia 22180

703-242-2204 1-800-556-8646Please visit our Web site at: www.shillelaghtravelclub.com

for a listing of all our upcoming trips and socials.

CHATTANOOGA, TN by Motorcoach, May 16 – 20..................................$859Includes Motorcoach from Vienna or Rockville, 4 Nights Hotel, Daily Breakfast& Dinner, Sightseeing, Cruises, Train Rides – Call for Details

MONTREAL & QUEBEC CITY by Motorcoach, July 14 – 20 .................$979Includes Motorcoach from Vienna or Rockville, 6 Nights Hotel, Daily Breakfast,4 Dinners, Sightseeing – Call for Itinerary

TURKEY, Oct. 10-21.....................................................................................$2199Includes Air from Dulles, 10 Nights Hotel, 9 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners,Sightseeing – Call for details

PetConnect Rescue

“Adopt Me, Please...”This is Gracie, just 12 weeks old. Look atthat expression. She has seen adversity inher brief life. Gracie was abandoned at ahigh-kill shelter in North Carolina wherea litter of pups a day can be dumped onthe doorstep. A pup’s future relies on thewill of rescue organizations such as PetConnect who rescued her. Nowshe can look forward to real puppyhood. Gracie weighs 11 pounds andhas her age-appropriate vaccines. A Plott Hound/Shepherd mix, she willgrow into a medium to large size dog. Gracie already shows her sweetdisposition and will make a loving companion. She is currently in fostercare and learning her basic commands and housetraining.Those wishing to adopt Gracie, please e-mail [email protected]

and/or fill out our online application at www.petconnectrescue.org.

To donate or volunteer, please visit our Website above.

With a cast of 65 members,Wootton High School will perform“Ragtime,” the Tony-award win-ning musical.

“Ragtime” is a portrayal of thesocial issues in America at the turnof the century set to music. Thethree ensembles — the people ofNew Rochelle, Immigrants andHarlem — each have a differentstory to tell. The New Rochelle

Wootton High School Theater To Present ‘Ragtime’Ensemble represent a people whodo not welcome the change intheir society brought on by immi-gration and racial diversity. TheImmigrant Ensemble is comprisedof mostly Eastern Europeans work-ing the lowest wage jobs andstruggling for rights and opportu-nities in America. The Harlem En-semble is discriminated againstmost blatantly.

Viewers should be aware thatthe play incorporates specific ra-cial and ethnic epithets that areimportant to understand how eachgroup reacts to one another.

Set direction is being handled byWootton 2012 graduate, NickHatcher, currently a technical the-atre major at Emerson College inBoston looking to specialize in setdesign. The props and costumes

will orient the audience to the timeperiod. “Ragtime” will be per-formed on April 12, 13, 19, and20 at 7:30 p.m. and April 14 and21 at 2 p.m. in the Wootton Cen-ter for the Performing Arts audi-torium. Order tickets (reserved$15, general $10) on the WoottonWebsite On-Line Store to the Cen-ter for the Arts at http://www.schooltix.org/wootton.

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News

greatest of all lessons — infinitepatience and never ending persis-tence.’”

On Sunday, April 14, “Team Saij– Simply the Best” (501-c3) willhold a Charity Bowl-A-Thon forthis cause. The evening will in-clude bowling, a gourmet dinner,drinks, raffle prizes and muchmore. Most importantly, theevening will raise awareness andgenerate funds for DMD. All of thefunds from this evening will gotoward research. The Bowl-A-Thon will take place at the pre-miere 300 Shady Grove Bowl,15720 Shady Grove Road inGaithersburg from 5 – 7:30 p.m.

“We have a number of sponsor-ship levels to support our CharityBowl-A-Thon,” Vicky Singh said.

“We will offer both individualsand corporations the chance toown and manage their own lanewith their logos displayed on largeLCD monitors and the opportunityto address the audience abouttheir organization, distributesample products and brochures tothe audience. We are expecting alarge number of people to attend.”Sponsors will receive recognitionin the event flyer and on the TeamSaij website.

Raffle items will include an I-pad Mini, a Kindle Fire, a NookHD, a Nintendo DS, travel pack-ages, New York weekends, sport-

ing event tickets, memorabilia andcollector’s items as well as giftcards from restaurants, movie the-atres, gourmet food markets, toystores, hair/nail salons and popu-lar stores. An American Idol con-testant, Gurpreet Singh Sarin willalso be in attendance.

Teams are now forming to sup-port TEAM SAIJ. “Money forMuscle” is a group of area youthwho are committing to perform-ing 10 – 100 repetitions of a fit-ness challenge of their choice.They are raising funds throughindividual sponsorships by jump-ing rope, pushups, hula hoop and

basketball hoops. Thefitness challenge willbe held on April 7at Big Pines Park,13900 TravilahRoad, NorthPotomac.

Tickets are $50chi ld/s tudent ,$100 adults, $250family pack (2adults/2 children/stu-dents) or for $500 buy yourown lane (6-8 people). Raffle tick-ets are $10 (2 tickets) $20 (5 tick-ets) $50 (15 tickets) $100 (35 tick-ets). Buyers of the raffle tickets do

not need to be present to win.“TEAM SAIJ – Simply the Best

was inspired by the love of a littleboy and the decision of four fam-ily members to run the NYC mara-thon in 2010 in an effort to raiseawareness and generate funds di-rectly towards finding a cure forDMD,” said Vicky Singh. From run-ning the marathon, they raised$17,000. Now they are dedicatedto raising these crucial funds withtheir Bowl-A Thon. “Simply theBest” comes from the Tina Turnersong which she and Saij sing toone another for hope and inspira-tion.

The mission of TEAM SAIJ is “tofund and accelerate research ofpotentially life-saving and diseasealtering drugs to help this genera-tion of boys affected by Duchenne

Muscular Dystrophy. Basi-cally, to stop

Duchenne beforeit stops our boys.”Team Saij is cur-rently helping tofund researchersat JohnsHopkins and the

Kennedy KriegerInstitute to work

on Skeletal MuscleTissue EngineeringTo learn more about

TEAM SAIJ – Simply the Best, tobuy tickets, raffle tickets or tomake a donation, go towww.teamsaij.org.

Supporting Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Research

Saij with Jordan Zimmerman of the Washington Nationalsin June 2011.

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SAVE THE DATE FOR:

The World’s Fanciest Rummage SaleBENEFITING

Please Donate new (or like-new) items for Sale NowHave a really big item to donate?

Contact Helen Kruger (703-748-4068) to make pick-up arrangements

Sunday, April 7th, 12-4pmThe Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner

Admission: $5 per PersonMembers of the Military FREE with Military ID

On-site moving company available for hire for large item purchases. For more information, visit our event site.

http://www.fairfaxbgcgw.org/index.php/rummage-sale

Donations are needed!!!Make your spring cleaning count this year.

Join us at this incredible event and get unbelievable items at ridiculous prices!!!You cannot afford to miss this event!!!

Small items and clothing drop-offs may be made to the front of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel,Tysons Corner with the Bell Staff. Please indicate that the items are for the Boys and

Girls Clubs Rummage Sale. Donation receipts will be available at drop-off.

They’re BackEarly spring flowers in Potomac include daffodils ofvarious sizes and helibores (Lenten Roses) in variouscolors; so far the deer have not eaten these.

Photos by Mary Kimm/The Almanac

Email announcements to [email protected]. Deadline isThursday at noon.

WEDNESDAY/APRIL 3Support Group. For children (4 years

old) through teens who haveexperienced the death of a parent orsibling. Parent/guardian meets at thesame time. A six-week group led byMontgomery Hospice professionalcounselors. 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.Montgomery Hospice, 1355 PiccardDrive, Rockville. Registrationrequired: 301-921-4400.

THURSDAY/APRIL 4Event. 7-9 p.m. at Normandie Farm

Restaurant, 10710 Falls Road. Therewill be a panel discussion on collegeadmissions featuring admissionsexperts. Free. Hors d’oeuvres will beserved. RSVP at http://accollegepanel.eventbrite.com.

APRIL 3 THOUGH MAY 24Kindergarten Registration.

Kindergarten orientation sessions willtake place for children who will enterkindergarten in the 2013-2014 schoolyear. During orientation, parents andstudents will meet the schoolprincipal, kindergarten teachers andother staff members. Parents willhave an opportunity to ask questionsabout the school’s procedures andprograms; enroll students for nextschool year and complete importantforms. The sessions will also helpstudents become acquainted with theschool environment. Parents shouldcall their home school to make anappointment to register for thatschool’s specific orientation date(s).Parents who are not certain which

elementary school serves their areashould contact the Boundaries officeat 240-314-4710. Parents can alsoaccess the School Assignment Locatoron the MCPS website atwww.montgomeryschoolsmd.org.

MONDAY/APRIL 8Planning Board. 7:45-10 p.m. at

County Council Office Building, 100Maryland Ave., Rockville. Learn whatMontgomery County is planning todo to help break up traffic gridlock.Free. Visit www.montgomerycivic.orgfor more.

JUNE 17 THROUGH AUG. 9Social Skills Summer Camp.

Children in grades 1 through 6 canattend camp and learn friendlybehaviors, working as a team, angermanagement and more. Held by theJewish Social Service Agency and theMcLean School of Maryland. All

potential campers will be interviewedto make sure the camp is appropriatefor their needs. Visitwww.summeredge.org/ for more.

ONGOINGAlzheimer’s Association support

groups provide a place for peoplewith Alzheimer’s, their caregivers,family members, and/or friends toshare valuable information,caregiving tips and concernsthroughout the Alzheimer’s journey.Groups are facilitated by trainedgroup leaders and are ongoing, freeand open to the community. Call theAlzheimer’s Association 24/7Helpline at 703-359-4440 or 800-272-3900 before attending a groupfor the first time to verify meetinginformation, obtain directions orother information about the group. Acomplete list of all groups in theNational Capital Area region can beviewed at www.alz.org/nca.

Bulletin Board

6 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ March 27 - April 2, 2013 Potomac Almanac ❖ March 27 - April 2, 2013 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Potomac Village Deli Catering

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Catering

301•299•5770www.potomacvillagedeli.com

Home of YourCorporate & ResidentialCatering Headquarters

Serving theCommunity

for over35 Years

Spring Fun

Email community entertainmentevents to [email protected]. Deadline is Thursday atnoon. Photos and artwork encouraged.

ONGOINGMommy & Me (& Daddy, Too).

Third Tuesday each month. 10a.m. at Rockville Town Square.Meet for a morning out with activelearning and creative play withlunch specials, story time, arts andcrafts, sing-a-longs, prizes andmore. Visit rockvilletownsquare.com/events/mommy-and-me. On the Square: April 16, May21, June 18, July 16, Aug. 20,Sept. 17 and Oct. 15.

The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo Parkhas announced its 2012-2013season. There are favorite fairytaleprincesses, and a special guestartist with a bilingual twist. 301-634-5380 orwww.thepuppetco.org. Jack andthe Beanstalk, through April 21,Thursdays and Fridays at 10 and11:30 a.m. Saturdays and Sundaysat 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.;Cinderella, April 25-June 9,Thursdays and Fridays at 10 and11:30 a.m. Saturdays and Sundaysat 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Exhibit. “Crossing the Distance’brings together emergingcontemporary artists in a culturalexchange. Presents a wide-rangeof media. Through March 31.Located at VisArts, 155 Gibbs St.,Rockville. Free. Visit www.visartscenter.org or 301-315-8200.

Exhibit. See B.G. Muhn’s “AccidentalReality” at VisArts, 155 Gibbs St.,Rockville. Browse his paintings,which float between abstractionand representation, presence andabsence. Through March 31. Free.Visit www.visartscenter.org or301-315-8200.

Art Exhibit. See “Pulse: Art andMedicine” at Mansion atStrathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike,North Bethesda. Multimediaexhibit investigates medicine as aninspiration for art. ThroughSaturday, April 13. Visitwww.strathmore.org or 301-581-5100.

Children’s Theater. ImaginationStage and Natasha Holmes,

APRIL 2013Downtown Bethesda celebrates the

diversity of modern literature bypresenting the 14th annual BethesdaLiterary Festival from Friday, April19-Sunday, April 21, 2013. Managedand organized by the Bethesda UrbanPartnership, Inc. (BUP), the festivalwill feature an array of local andnational authors, journalists andpoets, as well as writing contests andchildren’s events. All events are heldthroughout downtown Bethesda andare free. Other highlights of theBethesda Literary Festival include theReading and Awards Ceremonies forthe Essay & Short Story Contest, theYouth Writing Contest and theBethesda Poetry Contest; a meet-and-greet with your favorite local authors,and author events for children andteens. Visit www.bethesda.org.

Pike’s Peek 10K runs along RockvillePike from Shady Grove Metro toWhite Flint Mall. Sunday, April 21,2013. See the Montgomery CountyRoad Runners Club website atwww.mcrcc.org or pikespeek10k.com.Now named Kaiser Permanente Pike’sPeek 10K.

The Annual C&O Canal Pride Days,a joint effort between the park and

C&O Canal Trust, brings hundreds ofvolunteers into the park to conductmaintenance projects. Celebrate EarthDay weekend on Saturday, April 20,from 8 a.m. to noon, by working atC&O Canal National Historical Park atGreat Falls (Md.) and other sitesalong the Potomac River and C&O

The 2013 Azalea Garden Festival at The Landon Schoolruns Friday-Sunday, May 3-5.

Spring Fun and Entertainment

Canal towpath. Last year, more than300 volunteers tackled 30 projectsfrom repairing trails, preservinghistoric buildings, pulling weeds, andpainting picnic tables and signs. Callthe Canal Trust at 301-714-2233,www.canaltrust.org, or see the parkwebsite at www.chohvip.org/co-canal-pride-days

Potomac Watershed Cleanup,sponsored annually by Alice FergusonFoundation. Saturday, April 6, 2013,9 a.m. to noon. Last year, more than14,000 volunteers picked up 262 tonsof trash at last year’s April cleanupevent, including 1,566 tires, 37,607cigarette butts, 31,456 plastic bags,185,350 recyclable bottles. Volunteershelped at many sites along thePotomac River in Potomac. Seewww.fergusonfoundation.org.

MAY 2013The 10th annual Bethesda Fine Arts

Festival, a two-day eventhighlighting more than 120contemporary artists selling originalfine art and crafts. The festival isscheduled for Saturday, May 11 from10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 12from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Artists fromthroughout the country will showcase

painting, drawing,photography,furniture, jewelry,mixed media, woodand ceramics.Participating artistswere selected andjuried by membersof the Bethesda Arts& EntertainmentDistrict. SunshineArtist ranked the2008 Bethesda FineArts Festival the78th Best Festival inthe U.S. and BestShow in Marylandand Washington,D.C. The event willbe held indowntownBethesda’sWoodmont Trianglealong Norfolk andAuburn Avenues,and will feature liveentertainment,children’s activities

and downtown Bethesda restaurants.Call 301-215-6660 or visitwww.bethesda.org.

Mule-Drawn Canal Boat Rides,Great Falls Tavern, May – October.Call the C&O Canal NationalHistorical Park at Great Falls visitorcenter, 301-767-3714 or visit

www.nps.gov.Potomac Horse Center Annual

Spring Open House, May 5, 2013.Visit www.PotomacHorse.com

Greek Spring Festival at the GreekOrthodox Church of St. George 7701Bradley Blvd., Bethesda. Friday andSaturday, May 10-11, noon to 10 p.m.and Sunday, May 12 from noon to 8p.m. The annual festival includestraditional Greek cuisine, outdoor/indoor dining, Greek dancing, churchtours, art, jewelry and Greek pastries.Call 301-469-7990 or visitwww.stgeorge.org.

The Potomac HuntRaces, May 19,2013, an annual Maytradition, celebratingthe sport ofsteeplechase racingand benefiting localcharities. This year’srace supports TheYellow Ribbon Fundand injured servicemembers. Race dayfestivities includesteeplechase racing,thoroughbreds andfestival tailgateparties, a car show,pony rides and more.The event is open tothe public and will beheld at the KiplingerEstate, 14401BPartnership Road, inPoolesville. Seewww.potomachuntraces.com.

Strawberry Festivalat Potomac UnitedMethodist Church,10300 Falls Road inPotomac, will be heldon May 18, 2013(traditionally heldthe weekend beforeMemorial Day). 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 60th Annual AzaleaGarden Festival, May 3-5, 2013 inthe Perkins Garden and the Landoncampus, 6101 Wilson Lane, Bethesda.The annual festival dates back to themid-1950s when Landon’s founders,Paul and Mary Lee Banfield openedthe newly acquired azalea garden tothe public. The weekend will featurefood, music, plant sale, student artshow, greens sale, shopping and the12th annual Mark’s Run. Call 301-320-3200 or visit www.landon.net.

Mark’s Run, a 5-K race and one-milerun also takes place during theLandon Azalea Garden festival. Mark’sRun is held each year in memory ofalumnus Mark Ferris ’94, who lost hisbattle with juvenile diabetes. In May2011 the run raised 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. May 25-27, 2013,from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. at RockvilleTown Center. This year’s event willfeature 30 free concerts and a Tasteof Rockville. The weekend concludeswith the 69th Annual Memorial DayCeremony and Parade to honor thosewho have served. Call 240-314-5022or visit www.rockvillemd.gov.

JUNE 2013Potomac Theatre Company’s June

show traditionally is a Cabaret wherethe audience eats and drinks whilewatching a series of One-Act plays. Inthe Blair Family Center for the Arts atthe Bullis School, 10601 Falls Road.

Call 301-299-8571. Seewww.potomactheatreco.org.

Imagination Bethesda, Saturday,June 1, 2013 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.18th annual children’s street festivalcelebrating children and the arts. Thefestival will feature costumecharacters, face painters,international dance troupes, theaterperformances, a moon bounce and avariety of hands-on arts activities. Call301-215-6660 or seewww.bethesda.org.

The Bethesda Big Train begins its

season June 1 with an exhibitiongame at the Shirley Povich Field inCabin John Regional Park, 10600Westlake Drive. The Big Train plays inthe Cal Ripken Collegiate BaseballLeague, a wooden-bat collegiateleague that has sent athletes to MajorLeague Baseball. Seewww.bigtrain.org.

2013 AT&T National, June 24–June30, 2013, features 132 PGA Tourprofessionals at CongressionalCountry Club in Bethesda who willcompete for a $6.5 million purse. Theevent raises funds and awareness forthe Tiger Woods Foundation whilepaying tribute to U.S. armed forces.See www.tigerwoodsfoundation.orgor www.usga.org.

JULY 2013Autism Speaks Annual 5K run and

one-mile walk to benefit research onautism has become one of the majorannual events in Potomac and takesplace on July 4 starting at thePotomac Library, 10101 GlendoldenDr., one block from the intersection ofRiver and Falls Roads at 8 a.m. Lastyear’s event raised more than$260,000. 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 live musicand food. Call 240-314-5022. Seewww.rockvillemd.gov.

Potomac Whitewater Festival inearly July is an annual fundraisingevent that celebrates kayaking in thePotomac River. Offers races forkayakers and clinics and activities forthe public. Visitwww.potomacfest.com.

Out of the BlueOut of the Blue will perform Thursday, April 4 at 7 p.m. at Potomac Presbyte-

rian Church, 10301 River Road, Potomac. Out of the Blue is an all male vocalgroup from Oxford University founded by Cabin John Middle School andChurchill High School graduate Derek Smith in 2000. Tickets $10-12, availableat Toys Unique, 9812 Falls Road or 301-983-3160. Visit ootb.org.uk.

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“James and the Giant Peach,” the beloved and well-readRoald Dahl story returns to Imagination Stage and teamsup with the world premiere of “The Magic Finger,” one ofDahl’s lesser known stories. Both shows, performed on thesame stage and using the same set and cast, will create anexciting, hilarious, and Dahl-icious spring repertory at

Phillip Reid as Aunt Sponge, Sean Silviaas James, Joe Brack as Aunt Spiker inImagination Stage’s “James and the GiantPeach.”

Leigh Jameson as Granny Gregg, MeganGraves as Lucy and Phillip Reid as MasterDuck in Imagination Stage’s “The MagicFinger.”

Roald Dahl Takes Over at Imagination StageImagination Stage. “James and the Giant Peach” and “TheMagic Finger” run in repertory in Imagination Stage’s AnnetteM. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Theatre April 3 throughMay 26. Best for ages 4-10, tickets are $12 to $25. Purchaseat www.imaginationstage.org, at the Imagination Stage box of-fice, or via phone at 301-280-1660. Group rates are available.

director and cofounder of Tell TaleHearts Children’s Touring TheatreCompany presents “From Here toThere,” Tuesdays through Sundays at10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. atImagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave.,Bethesda. Through Sunday, April 14.Appropriate for ages 2-5. Tickets are$10-$12 with a lap seat for childrenunder 12 months for $5. Visitwww.imagination stage.org or 301-280-1660.

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 27Jazz Vocalist. 7:30 p.m. at Mansion at

Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike.Inegriti Reeves performs jazzstandards with original flare andmodern harmonies. $15. Visitwww.strathmore.org.

SATURDAY/MARCH 30Music Performance. 8 p.m. at the

Strathmore Music Center, 5301Tuckerman Lane. Hear “The MagicalSymphony Tour,” music of the Beatles

performed with an orchestra. Visitwww.strathmore.org for tickets.

Festival of Colors. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. atISKCON of DC, 10310 Oaklyn Drive.Along with the colors there will be afood court, shopping, music andmore. Visit www.iskconofdc.org formore.

SUNDAY/MARCH 31Waltz. 2:45 p.m. lesson; 3:30 p.m.

dance to the music of HoneysuckleRose in the Spanish Ballroom at GlenEcho, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., GlenEcho. $10. No partner required. Visitwww.waltztimedances.org or 301-634-2222.

APRIL 3 THROUGH MAY 26Theater Performance. See “James

and the Giant Peach” and “The MagicFinger” at Imagination Stage, 4908Auburn Ave., Bethesda. Best forchildren ages 4-10. Tickets rangebetween $12-$25. Visitwww.imaginationstage.org or 301-280-1660.

WEDNESDAY/APRIL 3Tiny Tots. 10 a.m. at Glen Echo Park,

7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo.Children ages 0-4 can enjoy showsdesigned for them. 30 minuterunning time. $5/person. Pre-purchases recommended. Visitwww.thepuppetco.org or 301-634-5380.

THURSDAY/APRIL 4Documentary Photography Class.

Sora DeVore will lead a series ofprojects at Photoworks at Glen Echo,7300 MacArthur Blvd. Visitwww.glenechophotoworks.org toregister.

Blues Dance. 8:15 p.m. lessons start,dancing from 9-11:30 p.m. in theBallroom Annex, 7300 MacArthurBlvd., Glen Echo. $8. Capital Bluespresents the dances. Visitwww.capitalblues.org for more.

Music Performance. Kristin Lee playsthe violin at 7:30 p.m. at Mansion atStrathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike.$25/person. Visitwww.strathmore.org for tickets.

FRIDAY/APRIL 5Gymnastic Exhibition. 7 p.m. at the

University of Maryland Comcast

Center. See the University ofMaryland Gymkana Troupeperform a variety of acts includingon the trampoline, using everydayobjects like chairs and more. $7/student, faculty and staff atUniversity of Maryland; $8/child12 and under; $9/adult. Visitgymkana.umd.edu for more.

SATURDAY/APRIL 6Gymnastic Exhibition. 7 p.m. at

the University of MarylandComcast Center. See the Universityof Maryland Gymkana Troupeperform a variety of acts includingon the trampoline, using everydayobjects like chairs and more. $7/student, faculty and staff atUniversity of Maryland; $8/child12 and under; $9/adult. Visitgymkana.umd.edu for more.

Reception. 4-6 p.m. at Yellow BarnGallery at Glen Echo, 7300MacArthur Blvd. Sam Miller willdemonstrate how to turn an ideainto a 3-D piece of art. The galleryis open from noon-6 p.m. Free.Visit www.glenechopark.org or301-371-5593.

SUNDAY/APRIL 7Art Demonstration. Noon-5 p.m. at

Yellow Barn Gallery at Glen Echo,7300 MacArthur Blvd. Sam Millerwill demonstrate how to turn anidea into a 3-D piece of art. Free.Visit www.glenechopark.org or301-371-5593.

Waltz Dance. Lessons at 2:45 p.m.and dancing from 3:30-6 p.m. atSpanish Ballroom at Glen EchoPark, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. Musicby Green Light Karma. $10. Nopartner required. Visitwww.waltztimedances.org or 301-634-2222.

Tiny Tots. 10 a.m. at Glen EchoPark, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., GlenEcho. Children ages 0-4 can enjoyshows designed for them. 30minute running time. $5/person.Pre-purchases recommended. Visitwww.thepuppetco.org or 301-634-5380.

FRIDAY/APRIL 12Music Performance. Cameron

Carpenter will perform at 8 p.m. atStrathmore. He will play theorgan. Visit www.strathmore.orgor 301-581-5100 for tickets.

Some of the home treasures at the 2012Strawberry Festival.

Marie Wood presents the GeneralH.H. Semmes Perpetual Trophy toRandolph Rouse, the owner of “OneSea,” the winner of the sixth race ofthe 2011 Potomac Hunt Races, andrider Roddy Mackenzie.

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Compiled by Ken Moore


Lilly — F, 1 year, 40 lbs., spayed,Plott hound-mix. Lilly is still apuppy at heart and loves toromp and tussle with other dogs.This beauty has a goofy, playfulside and is taking quickly toclicker training with treats tolearn commands.

Jasmine — F, 8 months, 50 lbs.,spayed, Rottie/Boxer mix- SweetJasmine and her sister came froma brood of a back yard breeder’sneglected puppies. She has blos-somed in a foster parent’s homeand likes other dogs, cats andpeople. PAW is looking for great,dog-experienced adopters to helpJasmine be all she can be.

Elsa — F, 6 years, 90 lbs., spayed,Boxer/Mastiff mix. Elsa is a gentlegiant who thinks she is a lap dog andgently carries her toys around thehouse without destroying them. Sheloves, people, walks, car rides and isfully house broken. Elsa is seeking ahome where she is the center ofattention (with no other dogs or cats)and large-dog experienced adopters.

Chico — M, 4 years, 17 lbs., neu-tered, Peke/ Shih Tzu mix. A lap dogwho loves to snuggle, he gets alongwith dogs and cats after an introduc-tion, loves food and squeaky toysand greets people with zest. Chicodoes have a medical conditioncommon with the Pekinese breedbut would be a friend well worththis tiny bit of extra care.

Pets for Adoption

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Churchill’s Annie Moshyedi shoots during agame against Blake on March 23.

Bethany Dubick and the Churchill girls’ la-crosse team defeated Blake on March 23.

Churchill’s Carly Shapiro is seen during a gameagainst Blake on March 23.

Churchill Girls’ Lax Wins Hope OpenerT

wo days after opening the seasonwith a 17-9 loss to Bullis, theChurchill girls’ lacrosse team won

its home opener against Blake, 15-5, onMarch 23.

Churchill enters its first seasonunder head coach Jamie Frank.From 2009 through 2012, the

Bulldogs finished 55-8 under head coachChristen Gjeldum, reaching the 4A/3A Westchampionship game each season. The Bull-dogs won a region title and reached the

state tournament in 2010, 2011 and 2012.The Bulldogs will host Damascus at 7 p.m.

on Thursday, April 4. Damascus beatChurchill last season and reached the 3A/2A championship game.

Churchill BaseballStarts 0-2

The Churchill baseball team dropped itsseason opener against Northwest, 7-2, on

March 21. The following day, the Bulldogslost to Magruder, 7-6.

Churchill will host Damascus at 3:30 p.m.on April 4.

Churchill Boys’Lacrosse Starts 2-0

The Churchill boys’ lacrosse team de-feated Blake 20-1 on March 23, improvingthe Bulldogs’ record to 2-0. Churchill

opened the season with a 7-5 victory overThe Heights on March 21.

Last season, Churchill ended Wootton’ssix-year streak of region championships.The Bulldogs beat the Patriots in the re-gion semifinals and defeated Sherwoodfor the 4A/3A West region championship.The Bulldogs return standout attackmenMatt Leonard and Louis Dubick, amongothers.

Churchill will travel to face Damascus onApril 4.

Sports

Briefs

Potomac Almanac Sports Editor Jon Roetman

703-224-3015 or [email protected]

See www.potomacalmanac.com


YOGA CLASSES IN POTOMAC

Kula Yoga Hamsa Yoga

St. James Episcopal

Church

11815 Seven Locks Road

Monday - Friday

9:30am

St. Andrews

Episcopal School

8804 Postoak Road

Mon & Wed 6:30 & 8:00pm

Thurs 6:30pm

Sat 9:00am

For more information please contact:

Nancy Steinberg

240-994-5092

[email protected]

www.Kulayogaclass.com

Shanthi [email protected]

www.hamsa-yoga.com

For Weekend &Evening Classes

For Daytime

Classes

To add your Realtor represented Open Houseto these weekly listings, please call 703-778-9410

OPEN HOUSE LISTINGSWill Return Next Week

POTOMACALMANAC

www.PotomacAlmanac.com

Newspaper of PotomacA Connection Newspaper

An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered

to homes and businesses.

1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314

Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go to

connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe

PUBLISHERMary Kimm

[email protected]

@MaryKimm

EDITORIALPHONE: 703-821-5050

E-MAIL:[email protected]

EDITORSteven Mauren, 703-778-9415

[email protected]

SPORTS EDITORJon Roetman,703-224-3015

[email protected]@jonroetman

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSCissy Finley Grant, Carole Dell,

Kenny Lourie, Ken Moore,Susan Belford, Colleen Healy

ContributingPhotographers

Harvey Levine, Deborah Stevens

Art/Design:Laurence Foong, John Heinly

Production ManagerJean Card

Geovani Flores

Special Assistant tothe Publisher

Jeanne Theismann703-778-9436

[email protected]@TheismannMedia

ADVERTISINGFor advertising information

e-mail:[email protected]

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVESDisplay Advertising:

Kenny Lourie [email protected]

Andrea Smith 703-778-9411Classified Advertising

[email protected]

Debbie FunkNational Sales & real Estate

[email protected]

Jerry VernonExecutive Vice President

[email protected]

Potomac Almanac is publishedby Local Media Connection LLC

Five Time First PlaceAward-WinnerPublic Service

MDDC Press Association

Four TimeNewspaper of the Year

An Award-winning Newspaperin Writing, Photography, Editing,

Graphics and Design

$30 per year.Long-time member Barbara

Gargano describes some of PANC’smany activities. “We have botheducational and social activitiesthat provide an opportunity formeeting others and sharing com-mon interests. Some groups meetweekly or monthly, while othershave a more flexible schedule. Wehave Book Clubs, Film Buffs, GreatDecisions, Bridge groups at all lev-els, an Investment Club, MahJongg, Museum Trips/New Adven-tures, PANC Dining inn, self-de-fense classes, Genealogy,Infomaniacs, a writer’s group andmany more interest groups. Be-cause we live in such a diversecommunity, we have many mem-bers from all over the world. OurFrench Conversation group andout English for Internationals areboth incredibly fun as we learn tospeak better French with nativespeakers and help others from for-eign countries to improve theirEnglish.”

Suzanne Lamoureux plans theMuseum Trips/New Adventuresfor PANC. “Each month I arrangean interesting sightseeing tour toa museum or to a local place ofinterest. In January we visited The

News

‘Always on the Go’From Page 2

Cindy Schwartzman, vice president general meetings,PANC; Sara Maria Dan, president, PANC, and PamelaGreen, vice president programs, PANC.

National Building Museum. Wehave also traveled to FrederickCountry to see the coveredbridges, to the Frederick DouglassNational Historic Site, the MarySurratt House, to art exhibits andgardens. In March, we will headto Harper’s Ferry, W.Va. where wewill do a walking tour of the his-torical district. There are so manygems in this area to visit and I loveplanning and learning more aboutour surrounding area.

PANC’s newsletter, “The Wel-come Mat” is full of informationthat includes book reviews, reci-pes, opportunities to volunteerand/or give back, photos of pastactivities, the schedule and agendaof the small interest groups, mem-ber birthdays, a list of new mem-bers as well as a bragging page ofmembers’ accomplishments. Theirwebsite contains vendor referralsand helpful Montgomery Countyinformation.

Whether a newcomer or a long-time resident of Potomac and areacommunities, to learn more aboutPANC or in joining, check outwww.potomacnewcomers.com.The PANC calendar is listed athttp://calendar.yahoo.com/potomacnc. To join, [email protected].

Potomac Area Newcomers’ Club members Debbie Dreisman,Barbara Gargano, Mary Ruth Benson and Kay Mulford.


Zone 5 Ad Deadline:

Tuesday 11 a.m.

301-983-1900

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• PotomacEmploymentEmployment

BUSINESS OPP

NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTERNo sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits!

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Monday Noon

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21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements

Educational InternshipsUnusual opportunity to learn many aspects ofthe newspaper business. Internships availablein reporting, photography, research, graphics.Opportunities for students, and for adultsconsidering change of career. Unpaid. [email protected]

26 AntiquesWe pay top $ for antique furniture and mid-century

Danish/modernteak furniture, STERLING, MEN'S WATCHES, jewelry

and costume jewelry,paintings/art glass/clocks.

Schefer Antiques @703-241-0790.

Email:[email protected]

29 Misc. for Sale2008 John Deere 5425 load-er, cab, heat, air, Price $8200,

call or text 804-404-3135 / [email protected]

A CLEANING SERVICESince 1985/Ins & Bonded

Quality Service at a Fair PriceSatisfaction Guaranteed-

Angies List 2011-Super Service Award!Comm/Res. MD VA DC

acleaningserviceinc.com703-892-8648

CLEANING CLEANING

General RemodelingResidential & Commercial

Specializing in:Kitchen/Bathroom/Basement RemodelingPlumbing • Electrical • Custom Carpentry

Doors Windows • Hardwood FloorsCrown Molding • House Cleaning

Interior/Exterior Painting • Brick/Stone WorkCeramic Tile • Decks, Fences, Patios

HOA Maintenance, Granite Counter TopsRealtors Work and Much More

Hand and HandHandyman

Licensed and Insured Serving Northern Virginia

703-296-6409

HANDYMAN HANDYMAN

R.N. CONTRACTORS, INC.Remodeling Homes, Flooring,Kitchen & Bath, Windows,Siding, Roofing, Additions &Patios, Custom Deck, Painting

We Accept All Major Credit CardsLicensed, Insured, Bonded • Free Estimates • Class A LicPhone: 703-887-3827 Fax: 703-830-3849

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IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS

GGAARRDDEENNEERREnergetic gardener,

Speaks French & English.Fall Cleanup, weeding, planting, edging,

mulching, maintenance. Excellent Potomac references.

301-980-8258

LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING

3rd Generation Masonry CompanyFamily Owned & Operated Since the 1950s

MASONRY SPECIALIST, LLCFor All of Your Masonry Needs

Custom Design, Installation, Repairs & Restoration

Go to www.masonryspecialist.com for ideas, pictures & coupons!All Work Guaranteed - Licensed & Fully Insured

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BRICK - FIELDSTONEFLAGSTONE - CONCRETE

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EP Henry & Belgard PaversPatios, Walkways, Driveways, Retaining & Decorative Walls

New Installations & RepairsStone - Flagstone - Brick - Concrete

FREE ESTIMATES!!Lic. & Ins

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Quality Tree Service & LandscapingReasonable prices. Licensed & insured

20 yrs. of experience - Free estimates703-868-5358

Spring CleanupTree removal, topping, & pruning,

shrubbery trimming, mulching, leaf removal,sodding, hauling, gutter cleaning, retaining

walls, drainage problems, etc.

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Home & GardenHome & GardenCONTRACTORS.compotomacalmanac.com

Zone 5 Ad Deadline:

Monday Noon

301-983-1900

Zone 5:

• Potomac

FIREWOOD

FIREWOODMixed Seasoned Hardwood

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Call Joe at301-856-4436

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CLASSIFIEDDEADLINESZones 1, 5, 6.....Mon @ noonZones 2, 3, 4.....Tues @ noonE-mail ad with zone choices to:

[email protected]

or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411

EMPLOYMENTDEADLINESZones 5, 6.........Tues @ 11:00Zones 1, 3.........Tues @ 4:00Zone 2...............Wed @ 11:00Zone 4...............Wed @ 1:00E-mail ad with zone choices to:

[email protected]

or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411

ZONESZone 1: The Reston Connection The Oak Hill/

Herndon ConnectionZone 2: The Springfield Connection The Burke Connection The Fairfax Connection The Fairfax Station/Clifton/

Lorton ConnectionZone 3: The Alexandria

Gazette PacketThe Mount Vernon Gazette

Zone 4: Centre View North Centre View SouthZone 5: The Potomac AlmanacZone 6: The Arlington Connection

The Vienna/OaktonConnection

The McLean ConnectionThe Great Falls Connection

Newspapers & Online

HOW TO SUBMIT ADS TO


Landscaping MakeoverJames P. Seavey, chief of the Volunteers & Combina-tion Officers Section, inspects the new landscapingthat Wheat’s Landscape provided Company 30 as acommunity service. Six career firefighters are alwayson duty at the station, and some volunteer person-nel occasionally work there too. The station has atanker, an engine, a medical unit, a brush truck anda boat support truck.

Wheat’s Landscape provides a landscapingmakeover to highlight the station and its frontsign last week. Wheat’s Landscape has a traditionof helping schools, organizations and charities.

Email announcements to [email protected]. Deadline is Thursday at noon. Pho-tos are welcome.

Joy Suslov has been named to the dean’s list at Rider University. Suslov is a music educationmajor in the Westminster Choir College.

Daniela Baeza was named to the dean’s list at Eckerd College.

School Notes

News

By Marilyn Campbell

The Almanac

Some Potomac-area students wererecognized recently for their cre-ative thinking and collaborativeabilities when Norwood School in

Bethesda hosted Odyssey of the Mind ear-lier this month.

Odyssey of the Mind is an internationaleducational program that provides creativeproblem-solving opportunities for studentsin kindergarten through college. All five ofNorwood’s teams qualified for the WorldFinals, which will be held at Michigan StateUniversity in May.

During the competition, Odyssey of theMind teams are asked to solve a problemfrom a choice of five possibilities, whichchange every year, but fall into the samefive general categories: mechanical/vehicle,classics, performance, structure, and tech-nical performance. This year’s problemswere titled: “Pet Project” (mechanical/ve-hicle), “The Email Must Go Through” (tech-nical performance), “ARTchitecture: TheMusical” (classics), “Tumble-wood” (struc-ture), and “It’s How You Look at It” (per-formance). Each problem presents a chal-lenge, which must be solved and presentedthough a skit while following specific di-rections and within allotted time and costlimits. Additionally, teams practice sponta-neous problem-solving, which can range inchallenge from hands-on building to an-swering a verbal prompt.

“Our school has always encouraged andcelebrated creativity, whether in the artstudio, writing class, the science lab, or inmath class,” said Dick Ewing, Head ofSchool in a statement. “With its emphasison creativity and learning by doing, Odys-sey of the Mind is a natural fit forNorwood, and many of our students have

embraced this opportunity not only to ex-pand their creative problem-solving skills,but to be involved a fun activity with theirclassmates.”

Norwood has participated in Odyssey of

Norwood Students Head to Odyssey of Mind Finals

Five teams from Norwood School participated in the Maryland StateTournament of Odyssey of the Mind. All of Norwood’s teams qualified forthe World Finals, which will be held at Michigan State University in May.

the Mind for the past four years. ThirdGrade Teacher Meghan Dinardi, who par-ticipated in the 34-year-old program whenshe was a young student, introduced theprogram to the Norwood School.

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That is the percentage of diagnosedlung cancer patients who survive beyondfive years, according to The NationalCancer Institute’s SEER Cancer StatisticsReview, 1975-2009, in a graph publishedin the February 26, 2013 WashingtonPost’s weekly Health & Science section. Asa non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) sur-vivor beginning his fifth year post-diagno-sis, charting my prospects in such a coldand impersonal manner is both chillingand arguable. “Chilling” in that facts speakfor themselves and are hardly made up ofwhole cloth, to invoke one of the late JackKent Cooke’s more famous quotes. And“arguable” in that charts, statistics, etc.may very well measure the mean, but itsure doesn’t measure the man (this man,anyway). Meaning, from my perspective:sure, the chart is scary as hell, but I’m notsure I’m on it, if you know what I mean? (Iknow you know what I hope.)

Now whether you believe it or not mat-ters not to me, rather what I believe mat-ters most. And I believe in the individual-ity of individuals and of the immeasurablecharacteristics that don’t show up on two-dimensional graphs. Since I live in a three-dimensional world, I’m loathe – and quitehesitant, to think that I’m just another ter-minal patient/number. Now, I don’t dis-miss such statistics out of hand, obviously,but nor do I take them to heart to deter-mine how I intend on living my life.Certainly I’m not going to ignore them;I’m not a blockhead. But neither do Iexpect them to affect my thinking, myjudgment, my preparation and my atti-tude. I still believe anything is possible andI’d like to think – and continue to think:“I’ve lived this long. Certainly I can live alittle bit longer” (updated daily).

I have to admit though, that readingarticles and seeing charts which offerimproving but still extremely discouraginglife expectancies, particularly for lung can-cer patients (12.3 percent was the previ-ous five-year survival rate, the lowest forall cancers charted in this particular graph)doesn’t exactly make my day – or night,for that matter. Somehow, I have to find away to disassociate myself from that popu-lation despite being immersed in its cul-ture every minute of every day. Whichwhen you consider that I have my oncolo-gist’s phone number programmed on myspeed dial and that the chemotherapy-induced neuropathy in my feet offers con-stant reminders that I’m not in Kansas any-more (if I were in Kansas, I’m sure theneuropathy would be just as bad), thelikelihood of my not feeling the effects ofmy diagnosis, physical, mental or emo-tional is somewhere between slim andnone. Coping is what it’s all about and nottaking anything too personally, eventhough this is all very personal. Andthough I am keenly aware of my circum-stances – as most of you regular readersare, finding a way to not let it define meand/or control me totally, is the challengewith which I am most familiar.

As Popeye the Sailor Man so famouslysaid: “I yam what I yam.” And so am I. I’mKenny-with-cancer. So what else is new?

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

14.8Percent

potomac - ellington cmsconnection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/...mar 26, 2013 · rial in...

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