Newcomers & Community Guide - The Connection Newspapers
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Newcomers &
Community Guide
2020-2021
Photo contributed
Requested in home 10-1-20
Time sensitive material.
Attention Postmaster:
ECR WSS
Postal Customer
Great Falls Tavern. Enter
the park at Falls Road and
permit #322
Easton, MD
MacArthur Boulevard. PAID
U.S. Postage
PRSRT STD
September 30 - October 6, 2020 online at potomacalmanac.com
Da
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es
to wn
Quinc e Orch a r d Roa d
Jon
es
Potomac REAL ESTATE
Tur Photos by Deb Stevens/The Almanac
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Montrose Road
7
ree o a d
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6 R o ad
270
Tu
ck e
rm
an Lane
4
ad
Ro
Riv Falls
e r
S even
R o ad De
mo
cra
cy Blvd.
3
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Road
1
Ro
495
s
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ll
Blv
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7 12012 Piney Glen Lane ley
Pers
495
Oa
Br a
d
kly
— $1,350,000
im
n
mio
Dr
e
iv
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Br
ic Tree
2
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d R
ar
oad
July, 2020 Sales, $1,565,000~$1,325,000 8
Ro
ad
MacAth 495
ur Bl v
d.
C la
In July, 2020, 92 Potomac homes sold between $3,820,000-$468,000. aB
r
art
o n Rd.
5 9805 Kendale Road — $1,410,000
2 11021 Fawsett Road
— $1,480,000
Address..................................BR FB HB Postal City .....Sold Price... Type ........Lot AC . Postal Code ... Subdivision....... Date Sold
1 8812 MAYBERRY CT ........... 4 ... 4 ...2 ....POTOMAC . $1,565,000 ... Detached .. 2.08........ 20854 .....FALCONHURST .... 07/24/20
2 11021 FAWSETT RD ............ 5 ... 4 ...1 ....POTOMAC . $1,480,000 ... Detached .. 1.25........ 20854 ... FAWCETT FARMS ... 07/31/20
3 10216 DEMOCRACY BLVD . 6 ... 7 ...1 ....POTOMAC . $1,475,000 ... Detached .. 2.16........ 20854 .........CAMOTOP ........ 07/14/20
4 12011 RIVER RD ................. 5 ... 6 ...2 ....POTOMAC . $1,450,000 ... Detached .. 2.36........ 20854 .........POTOMAC ........ 07/27/20
5 9805 KENDALE RD ............. 4 ... 4 ...1 ....POTOMAC . $1,410,000 ... Detached .. 0.64........ 20854 .....MCAULEY PARK .... 07/10/20
6 12035 GREAT ELM DR.......... 4 ... 4 ...1 ....POTOMAC . $1,350,000 ... Detached .. 2.21........ 20854. GREAT ELM FARM ESTS 07/27/20
7 12012 PINEY GLEN LN ........ 5 ... 6 ...1 ....POTOMAC . $1,350,000 ... Detached .. 2.03........ 20854 . PINEY GLEN FARMS. 07/17/20
8 8008 RIVER FALLS DR ......... 4 ... 3 ...1 ....POTOMAC . $1,325,000 ... Detached .. 0.34........ 20854 ....... RIVER FALLS ...... 07/14/20
8 8008 River Falls Drive — $1,325,000 Copyright 2020 Mark etStats for ShowingTime. Source: Bright MLS as of July 31, 2020
2 v Potomac Almanac vv September
Potomac Almanac September30
30- -October
October6,6,2020
2020 Newcomers & Community Guide 2020-21 v www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Newcomers & Community Guide
Why I love Potomac By Andrew Friedson play under those ing your own produce on a farm, enjoy an af- to offer but who: People who care about
same lights and ternoon at a local winery, and finish the day each other and making our community the
I
love Potomac because it’s a community perform on that watching the sun set beyond the monuments very best it can be.
of people who care about one another. I same stage. Po- in the heart of our nation’s capital? Where A village movement of neighbors help-
love Potomac because it offers an unpar- tomac is the else can you connect with nature quite like ing neighbors to age in place with dignity,
alleled combination of rural, suburban, place that pro- you can in our world-class local parks and vitality, and security. Schools and programs
and urban living. I love Potomac because it’s vided me with trails system – biking along the C&O Canal dedicated to supporting children with dif-
home. so many extraor- towpath, riding the miniature train at Cabin ferent abilities. Some of the world’s top
Welcome newcomers to the only place I’ve dinary opportu- John Regional Park, or hiking my personal talent in business, philanthropy, and gov-
ever called home. Potomac truly is the vil- nities. favorite, the Billy Goat Trail? ernment. Purpose-driven people in a place
lage that raised me. You’ll quick- Potomac connects the past to the present with tremendous natural resources and an
The recreational sports games between ly realize those with a rich history that still offers glimpses unmatched physical location.
kids from Wayside and Beverly Farms Ele- opportunities of its country origins with some of the best We’re so glad you’ve chosen this place.
mentary Schools before we became team- keep getting better as Potomac and its sur- modern facilities and attractions such as the You’re going to love it, too.
mates and friends at Hoover Middle School roundings grow and evolve. It’s a place that Glenstone Museum, Falls Road Golf Course, Andrew Friedson is the District 1 Mont-
and Churchill High School; the summer connects suburban, urban, and rural with Shirley Povich Field, and the Cabin John gomery County Councilmember represent-
days biking to the Eldwick Community Pool; quiet neighborhoods that offer easy access Ice Rink. With some of the country’s best ing Potomac, Bethesda, Poolesville, Chevy
growing up watching Churchill football to farms in the Agricultural Reserve and the schools, Potomac is also laying the ground- Chase, Kensington, and North Bethesda.
games and attending the “Blast from the action and amenities of Bethesda and DC. work for the future. Contact him at councilmember.friedson@
Past” musical review until I had the chance to Where else can you spend a morning pick- Potomac’s greatest asset isn’t what it has montgomerycountymd.gov.
Houses Selling Fast as Inventory Drops in Potomac
Community, larger homes and yards, nearby parks, great schools drive demand.
By Peggy McEwan
Potomac Almanac
R
esidents love Potomac for many rea-
sons: good schools, convenient to
all of Montgomery County and D.C.,
peaceful neighborhoods, and the sense of
community.
Recent interviews with local Realtors and
Adam Greenberg, president of the Potomac
Chamber of Commerce, listed those and oth-
er reasons people want to move to Potomac.
“I love the community,” Greenberg, who
lives and works in Potomac, said.
The sense of community came up again
Photo by Peggy McEwan
Photo by Debbie Stevens
and again.
Greenberg is the president and founder of
Bagels ‘n Grinds and Restaurant Zone, Inc.,
the company that manages Potomac Pizza
restaurants in Chevy Chase, Potomac, Rock-
ville and Gaithersburg.
“Many of the communities in Potomac
provide a sense of community that appeals
to many prospective buyers. With so many This house in the McAuley Park neighborhood sold for $1,875,000 in July. The spa- The courtyard next to Starbucks in Poto-
people now working from home and/or cious lot, more than half an acre, includes a pool. mac is a great place to relax outside.
working with online classes, many Potomac
homes have ample interior space to allow Whitman] school districts.’” pandemic. in at least 5 years. This was a direct result of
members of the family to have their own Susana Zhuo, a Realtor with Taylor Prop- GCAAR [Greater Capital Area Associa- the pandemic. Sellers who were still living
space,” Alexa Kempel from Compass Real erties and an active member of Potomac tion of Realtors] states that Potomac Medi- in their homes and were planning to stay
Estate said. “In many cases people love the Elementary School PTA, said: “Potomac is an home sales price is $910,000 up + 0.8% while their home was actively on the market
homes on larger two-acre lots that offer op- a wonderful place to grow up. It’s safe, has from last year, Zhuo said. “My listings have pulled back because they didn’t want people
portunities to enjoy a pool, which was es- great schools, has no shortage of restau- been selling in days, buyers are encounter- coming through their homes during the pan-
pecially popular this summer, sports/tennis rants, and boasts wonderful nature on the ing multiple offer situations. Buyers are defi- demic. Subsequently mainly vacant homes
courts, decks and gardens.” C&O Canal. (See Parks starting on page 5) nitely increasing and out looking for homes came on the market, reducing the level of
Patti Marsh who is with Long and Foster, [People] want to live here [for the] schools, that have workspaces and outdoor settings.” inventory tremendously.
is a long-time resident of Potomac. She likes the strong academics all around the Poto- Kempel added to the reason for the active “Potomac has always had many choices of
the convenience to shopping, restaurants, mac area brings in many families looking for real estate market in the Potomac Area. communities in different price ranges that
churches, and the lovely neighborhoods she a great education for their children.” “Much of this market is a direct result of appeal to buyers from out of town, buyers
said. As for herself, she said, “I love turning on the historically low interest rates improving in Germantown and Gaithersburg looking to
“We also have access to the best schools my street seeing the mini horses and feeling a buyer’s ability to afford ‘more home,’” she move closer in, and buyers from DC look-
in the state of Maryland,” she said. “I think the peacefulness of my neighborhood. The said. ing to have larger living space and outdoor
that is a major drawing point. Buyers say, sunsets also never disappoint.” “But I believe the biggest driver of the space.
‘Find them something in the three Ws [Win- As such a good place to live, Potomac has market excitement is because the inventory Potomac still provides a great value even
ston Churchill, Thomas S. Wootton and Walt experienced a real estate “boom” during the of homes is so much lower than it has been with the most recent price increases.”
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com v Newcomers & Community Guide 2020-21 Potomac Almanac v September 30 - October 6, 2020 v 3
Newcomers Guide
Nature in Potomac
By Ginny Barnes Park. Many parks have trail sys-
tems. These can be found at mont-
P
otomac was not intentionally gomeryparks.org/activities/park-
planned for large houses but trails with maps and information
it is how many people define on allowable uses within each
us. In fact, at the end of the 19th park.
and into the early 20th century, Beyond the Potomac Subregion
one old timer once told me River proper and easy to reach via Riv-
Road was lined with shacks and er Road extended is the jewel of
much of the farmland was leased Montgomery County conservation;
to tenants. There were grain mills the 93,000 acre Agricultural Re-
along streams. There was the Pe- serve. Here is an ideal place to re-
ter’s Store in the Glen where peo- vive something many families grew
ple often bartered for goods. The up loving; the Sunday drive. A
C&O Canal was a commercial landscape of farm fields, orchards
route to ship farm goods to the and roadside markets with meats
city. But early planners wisely de- and vegetables. There are brew-
cided to turn the numerous stream eries, wineries, even handmade
valleys into conservation parkland soaps and the most beautiful rural
and zone the region low density countryside. You can take White’s
residential to protect water qual- Ferry across the Potomac River or
ity and provide a buffer between hike on Sugarloaf Mountain.
the urbanizing Maryland suburbs This year the Covid pandemic
outside DC and large agricultural has sent our residents flocking to
farms in the upper county. nearby parks. The C&O Canal is
As Potomac grew, conservation crowded with walkers and bicy-
became increasingly important. clists. I live in a log cabin adjacent
The narrow corridor of the canal to Watts Branch Stream Valley Park
became Federal parkland, consid- and though not easily accessible,
ered a 19th century transportation with no planned trails, it has be-
engineering feat allowing us access come a mecca for the local com-
to 184+ linear miles of walking or munity, especially neighborhood
biking from Georgetown to Cum- children. It seems like all our parks
berland along the towpath. Such are busy now, all day, every day.
a long riparian corridor supports But what I’ve noticed with dismay
abundant wildlife and diverse hab- is that we can easily forget these
itats. Great Falls is an internation- places are home to other species.
al attraction. Numerous tributary They are not just places to rush
streams leading to the mighty Po- through for exercise but forest and
tomac also became County parks plant communities, some of which
with names like Cabin John Creek, are rare. They are full of wild
Muddy Branch and Watts Branch. creatures, some of which require
Many of our rural roads cross these specialized habitats and they are
streams. They shape the landscape steam communities of varied, frag-
of our region. ile aquatic life. We are just visitors
Potomac also has unique parks and we need to learn how to re-
that hold rare geologic wonders spect our wild lands, wherever we
like the Serpentine Barrens Con- find them.
servation Park and River Road County resident Melanie Chou-
Shale Barrens. We are rich in park kas-Bradley, author of books on
variety from specially designed trees, Rock Creek Park and Sug-
playgrounds and local parks with arloaf mountain, has recently
playing fields to large tracts like written Resilience- Connecting
Blockhouse Point Conservation See Nature, Page 11
4 v Potomac Almanac v September 30 - October 6, 2020 Newcomers & Community Guide 2020-21 v www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Newcomers & Community Guide
Potomac Almanac Guide to Potomac River
Gladys
Island
Lock Island Swains Lock (Lock 21)
Minnehaha Island
Bealls
Island
Washington Aqueduct
Dam
Conn 15
Island
Great Falls Lock
20
Visitor Center
Olmsted Island Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center
(bridges) Locks Canal boat rides
Rocky Islands 17–19
GREAT
r ge
FALLS Lock 16
Gold Mine oad 189
Trail F a l l s R
Go
PARK
Administered by
Lock 15 POTOMAC
er
George Washington
M ath
Great Falls
Bear
Memorial Parkway
R i ve r
I sl a
Billy Widewater
Goat
nd
Road
Trail A
Sherwin
Island
Angler’s
Billy Goat
Trail B
190
Offutt
Island M
ac
193
O ld
A
r
Marsden MA R YLAND
th
Vaso
ur
Domin
Tract Island
Turkey
Bo
Island
ul
ion
ev
ar
Clara Barton 38
d
Carderock Parkway
D r i ve
10 495
738
Locks 13–14
Billy Goat
Trail C
American Legion 41 39
Memorial Bridge Lock 12
Clara Barton 40
y 43 Parkway
Beltw a Lock 11
y
44
i n Joh n Pa rkwa
it a
l eo Lock 10
G
Ca p rg Seven Lock 9
e
Locks
Ge
495
W River
or
45 as Lock 8
ge
hi Center
to
b
wn
Ca
ng
to
Pik
D oll
n
ey
The Falls
e
Ma
d i so
n Clara Barton
Bou
National Historic Site
R iver
M em
l e va
P
rd
267
Glen Echo Park
otomac is bordered by
oria
Lock 7
more than 12 miles of
123
McLEAN
l
the C&O Canal National
mac
ar P
Historical Park, includ-
w k
Poto
VIRGINIA
ay
ing the towpath and the Potomac BE T HESDA
Cha
Dam 1 396
River. Living in Potomac provides
in
R i ve r
Little Falls Dam
(hazardous river
opportunities to enjoy the sights
B rid
High
conditions) Island
Ro a d
Lock 6
ge
and sounds of the river with out- Cl B t
R
door activities ranging from an
easy stroll to a challenging hike;
Great Falls Tavern
a flat bike ride of a few miles to
multi-day bike trips; rock climb-
Visitor Center
ing; world-class whitewater kayak-
ing or a gentle paddle on flatwater.
and Olmsted
Wildlife is abundant and birders
flock to the area. All outdoor areas
Overlook
11710 MacArthur Blvd.
of the C&O Canal National Histor-
301-767-3714
ical Park are open daylight hours
year round. Visitors pay an en-
trance fee at the entrance to Great
The canal boat at the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical
Falls Tavern Visitors Center at Falls
Park.
Road and MacArthur Boulevard,
but access everywhere else is free. cades, but these are insignificant section of Falls Road and MacAr- Billy Goat Trail. See the remains of
Three-day pass for a vehicle is $20; in comparison with the foaming thur Boulevard. (See above.) an old building that was used from
a person on foot, bicycle or horse fury of Great Falls, where the river For up close views of Great Falls, 1900- 1939 to mine gold.
is $10; motorcycle is $15; annual drops 12 meters in about 180 me- walk 0.2 miles over the Olmsted
passes, lifetime and senior citizen ters and is channeled into a nar- Island Bridges to the overlook at MULE DRAWN BOAT RIDES
passes are also available. row rock-walled gorge less than the end. Bridges and boardwalks Take a trip back in time to the
See www.nps.gov/choh 25 meters wide in places. In the traverse a rare floodplain terrace 1870s and ride along the histor-
Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center summer the flow may be less than environment, ending with an ob- ic C&O Canal in a boat pulled by
and Olmsted Overlook 38,000 liters a second, but during servation deck over the spectacu- mules, sometime in the future. Ex-
Visitors Center: Open Wednes- floods the flow commonly reaches lar views of the Falls and the head perience rising eight feet in a lock
day through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 40 million liters a second. The av- of Mather Gorge. while park interpreters in period
p.m. erage flow pouring over the falls clothing describe what life was
11710 MacArthur Blvd. is 349,000 liters of water every INSIDER’S TIP like for the families that lived and
301-767-3714 second and in a year, more than The Gold Mine Trail can be ac- worked on the canal. The boat is
9.5 trillion liters, enough water to cessed at the top of the entrance not operating in 2020 due to the
ABOUT THE FALLS: flood the entire District of Colum- to Great Falls, at the intersection of pandemic but stay tuned and re-
From The Geologic Story of bia to a depth of 55 meters, con- Falls Road and MacArthur Boule- main optimistic that it will begin
Great Falls and the Potomac Riv- verting the Washington Monument vard, or near the Great Falls Tavern again in 2021.
er Gorge published by the U.S. into a tall lighthouse.” Visitor’s center. Trails, which can
Geological Survey in 1980: “In its If you haven’t seen Great Falls, be used for running or walking, in- BILLY GOAT TRAIL
seaward course, the Potomac River it’s time. Enter the C&O Canal Na- clude some steep inclines but are Thousands hike the Billy Goat
crosses many small rapids and cas- tional Historical Park at the inter- easier and shorter than the famous See Guide to, Page 8
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com v Newcomers & Community Guide 2020-21 Potomac Almanac v September 30 - October 6, 2020 v 5
Newcomers & Community Guide group support meetings and socials,
senior adult activities through the
Potomac neighborhood, Senior pro-
fields, wooded bottomland and
managed wetland impoundments
(green-tree reservoirs). The wildlife
gram, area and county-wide sports management area shares a common
Potomac’s Parks:
programs, summer camps, programs boundary with the National Park
ow
n for individuals with special needs, Service Chesapeake and Ohio Ca-
R
children and adult holiday parties, nal to the south and borders Seneca
Ro
ad volunteer opportunities and more. Creek State Park, a 1,200-acre pub-
Facilities include a gymnasium, exer-
Da
lic hunting area, on the east. McK-
wn
r
to
cise room, meeting rooms, art room, ee-Beshers WMA provides habitat for
es
Da
rn
d
A Healthy Sampling
lounge area, community room and a great diversity of wildlife species
Tu r
ke
social hall. The outdoor area includes including deer, wild turkey, water-
West Willard Road
R oa
y Fo
t two baseball fields, lighted basketball fowl, over 200 species of songbirds,
o
Hughes
and tennis courts, and a former in- and numerous reptiles and amphib-
line hockey rink. The Center offers ians. Biologists deliberately flood
E
oa d
table tennis, billiards and foosball, forests during the fall and winter in
River Ro a a gymnasium, weight room, social “greentree reservoirs.” These attract
d
o
room, meeting rooms, and hundreds colorful wood ducks as well as oth-
P
Road
of classes through the Montgomery er waterfowl which migrate through
otomac is home to a re- See https://www.canaltrust.org/
County Recreation Department.
programs/canal-quarters/ or spend the winter here. Hikers will
markable diversity of parks
d
Note: All Montgomery County find trails for miles and miles, mean-
R oa
r
R
— national parks, state community and recreation centers dering through the forests, fields and
6 Pennyfield Lock
d
parkland, cou nty parks,
T ravila h
are currently closed because of the wetlands. Hunters enjoy the pursuit
conservation parks, equestrian pandemic. of white-tailed deer, wild turkey,
se
End of Pennyfield Lock Road 30 woodcock, squirrels, waterfowl and
parks, parks with adaptive play-
O ld
Huntington
34
R a
grounds, parks with trains, dog (off River Road)
e
Bette Carol Thompson many other species. Roads are main-
Miniature Train tained and suitable for hiking, nature
parks, parks with ice skating rinks, Pennyfield Lock was President Scotland Community Center
Grover Cleveland’s favorite destina- photography, birding, hunting and
S ev
parks that offer access to the Poto- 7700 Scotland Drive other recreational activities. Visitors
en
tion when he went on fishing excur-
mac River where the water is flat Tai Chi 301-777-8075 to the management area should be
sions, according to the Potomac Mas-
and inviting, and parks that offer
access to the Potomac River where
ter Plan. Built in 1879.
15 Robert C.
McDonell
Court
7400 Tuckerman Lane
Now named the Bette Carol
Thompson Scotland Community
aware of biting insects, mosquitoes
and ticks from April-December. Area
is wet most of the year, wear appro-
7
the water can be deadly. Here, in Center, the rebuilt facility opened in
Lockhouse 8 Campground The Tai Chi Court at De
November 2014. The center is locat- priate footwear.
an annual tradition, is our guide Cabin John Regional Park is the first
0
ed within the 10-acre Scotland com-
to much of what Potomac’s parks 6100 Clara Barton Parkway 7701 Tuckerman Lane Tai Chi court in Montgomery Coun- park features a playground, two
37
munity, between Seven Locks Road Serpentine Barrens
have to offer. From the south, “Seven Locks” ty and joins only a few of its kind in softball fields, an overlay football
See www.montgomery- and I-270, which is a community that
(locks 8-14) raise the C&O Canal parks.org for permits the nation. Built through a public/ field, two lighted tennis courts, and
originated as one of the earliest Af- Conservation Park North
a picnic area.
1
more than 50 feet in a little over a hole course renovated in 2003, plus private partnership between MNCP- rican American settlements in Mont- Piney Meeting House Road
Carderock
495
mile as it approaches the American a clubhouse and driving range. The PC, Montgomery Parks and the Wu gomery County.The community’s 100 Serpentine Barrens Conservation
16
Ri
Recreation Area
29
ve
Legion Bridge at the Washington course measures slightly more than Cabin John Ice Skating Rink Wei Tai Chi Club, the Tai Chi court r
Ro Gregerscroft townhomes now house a diverse and Park is made up of three units: East,
See www.recreation.gov Beltway. Lock 8 is the beginning of 6100 yards from the back tees and is a 48-foot-diameter circle of flag- 4
ad
multicultural population within the North and South. The units total
Search “Carderock Recreation stone incorporating the shape of a
Neighborhood Park
this large scale uplifting of the canal. plays to a par 70. Reserve tee times 10610 Westlake Drive larger Potomac area. The center of- more than 350 acres.
Area Pavilion” yin/yang symbol and surrounded by 12021 Gregerscroft Rd.
This lock was also the first lock built online. http:// www.cabinjohnice.org/ fers residents of all ages a variety of
Reach this 200-acre part of the benches in a serene natural setting. Acquired in 1969. Provides the
38
using red sandstone from the quarry programs and experiences. Among
Glen Oaks and Potomac Green neigh- Serpentine Barrens
13
park from the Clara Barton Parkway at Seneca. 301-765-8620 them are yoga, sports, cooking, mu-
Cabin John
19
at the Naval Surface Warfare exit. An assortment of programs in- Hadley’s Playground borhoods with a playground and nat- sic, dance, community celebrations Conservation Park
Regional Park ural surface trail. The area is wooded
8
Rock climbers visit Carderock daily cluding lessons and rental times. and seasonal events. A larger gymna- The Serpentine Barrens Natural
Blockhouse Point 7400 Tuckerman Lane at Falls Road and nearby Watts Branch Stream Val- Area is considered one of the most
for its famous cliffs. The recreation Note: Because of the pandemic, all sium and modern interiors are a focal
area includes playing fields, a large Conservation Park w w w. m o n t g o m e r y p a r k s . o r g / participants must have a completed 12600 Falls Rd. ley Park. important natural areas in the coun-
point. Upgrades to the site include
picnic pavilion available by reserva- 14750 River Road parks-andtrails/cabin-john-region- COVID-19 Waiver to be allowed en- Falls Road Local Park, which show- ty because of its unique geology and
improved landscaping and parking,
30
tion and access to the Potomac Riv- Those who know this 630 acres of al-park/ trance. See the website for details. cases the award-winning Hadley’s Tilden Woods plant community. Serpentine ecosys-
meeting green building and sustain-
er and different portions of the Billy land call Blockhouse Point the jewel This 528-acre park centrally locat- Park, allows all youth to play together. tems are globally rare and occur in-
Local Park ability goals; energy guidelines, and
17
Goat Trail. of Potomac. The natural and cultur- ed offers an Adventure playground, In 1986, the park system acquired the Built in the 1920s, the termittently in an arc east of the Ap-
Pauline Betz Addie 6800 Tilden Lane the Americans with Disabilities Act.
al resources at Blockhouse Point are miniature train rides, dog park, pic- 20-acre park, including soccer, base- Manor was the former country estate er and Falls Roads. palachian Mountains from Alabama
Tennis Center
2
ball and other sports fields. Hadley’s of Carolyn Gangwer Caughey. Set on The park features a Acquired in 1961. The 7-acre park to Maine. The trees are unusually
35
Old Angler’s amongst the most valuable in the nic areas, campgrounds, nature cen-
country. ter, a Tai Chi court, hiking and nature 7801 Democracy Boulevard Park is fully accessible, and its accessi- 30 acres of woods and adjacent to playground, soccer field, includes a playground, two lighted Glen Echo small relative to their age because of
Inn Access trails. Shirley Povich Field, one of sev- 301-765-8650 ble theme, equipment, design and sur- the C&O Canal, Rockwood Manor of- two tennis courts, and bas- tennis courts, a softball field, bas- National Park the challenging growing conditions
9
Across from 10801 MacArthur Blvd. eral ball fields, is home to the Bethes- face, have been emulated by approx- fers a secluded and naturally beauti- ketball court. ketball court and a picnic area. The 7300 MacArthur Blvd. of serpentine soils. Therefore, forests
Violette’s Lock Features six indoor tennis courts,
imately 250 playgrounds across the
Between Carderock and Great da Big Train Summer Collegiate a lounge area, and two locker rooms ful venue, and has hosted first-ladies, Tilden Woods Park Activity Building, www.glenechopark.org appear to be early successional, but
Falls; visitors can get to the towpath
and the River across from Old An-
gler’s Inn on MacArthur Boulevard. A
End of Violette’s Lock Road (off River Road)
Violette’s Lock offers one of the
more beautiful views of the sunset
Baseball team and the Georgetown
University baseball team, and seats
750. Other sports facilities include
with showers. Professional on-site
racquet restringing and regripping is
also available. Private and group les-
country to allow people with all abili-
ties to play together. The baseball field
and other amenities at Falls Road Local
international diplomats, and was
the site of the National Girls Scout
Camp . Rockwood Manor’s overnight
25 Potomac Community
Neighborhood Park
and Community Center
which includes kitchen facilities, can
accommodate up to 96 people once
the pandemic is over.
Originally a Chautauqua retreat,
then an amusement park, Glen Echo
National Park now hosts a variety of
in reality are in a climax condition.
Oaks as old as 175 years old will
have a diameter of trees you would
popular spot for kayakers and stand- a lighted baseball field, five softball Park are made possible by the support lodgings are available for destina- expect to be one or two decades old.
sons and seasonal court rentals. arts, environmental and history pro-
31
up paddleboarders. over the Potomac River. fields (one lighted), four lighted ten- of Bethesda Chevy Chase Baseball. tion weddings, multi-day business 11301 Falls Rd. More than 60 species of birds have
Note: The tennis center is open Seven Locks Local grams. Classes are offered in pottery,
nis practice walls, nine lighted tennis during the pandemic. See https:// retreats or training sessions, family Acquired in 1976.This 5.3-acre been detected in the park, including
10
Park painting, photography, glass art, sil-
3 BILLY GOAT TRAIL
Access from the Old Angler’s site
Riley’s Lock
13025 Riley’s Lock Road (off River Road)
courts, a pee-wee soccer field, four
single wall handball courts and one
volleyball court and horseshoe pit.
www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-
and-trails/cabin-john-regional-park/
indoor-tennis-centerfor details.
20 Potomac Horse Center
14211 Quince Orchard Rd.
reunions, workshops, weekend or
weekday getaways and other events.
Facilities for weddings, meetings,
park features a playground, a light-
ed baseball field, and lighted tennis
courts. It sits adjacent to the Potomac
6922 Seven Locks Road
Acquired in 1974. The 11.6-acre
park features a playground, soccer
versmithing, textiles and other arts,
as well as in dance, writing and mu-
sic. The famous 1921 Dentzel Carou-
a significant number of forest inte-
rior dwelling species such as Loui-
siana waterthrush, scarlet tanager,
or from the Great Falls Tavern Visi- Riley’s Lock features a boat ramp with overnight accommodations and Community Center, currently closed ovenbird, pileated woodpecker, and
field, lighted tennis courts and a shel- sel in the center of the park has been
14
potomachorse.com • 301-208-0200 dormitories for youth groups. because of the pandemic, but a must barred owl.
18
tors Center or Carderock. Thousands on Seneca Creek, the busiest in Mont- Locust Grove Nature Center giving rides to the public for 90 years.
hike the Billy Goat Trail every year, gomery County, that allows easy ac-
C.P. Huntington County-owned and privately visit site for all Potomac residents, tered picnic area.
Adventure Theatre (www.adventure
with access from the Old Angler’s site
or from the Great Falls Tavern Visi-
cess to a quiet and inviting part of the
Potomac River for canoes, kayaks,
7777 Democracy Boulevard
Miniature Train
7410 Tuckerman Lane
run, this large facility offers lessons
at all levels year round, summer
22 Buck Branch
Neighborhood Park
and especially youth.
32 Cabin John Local Park
theatre-mtc.org, 301-634-2270) is
one of the area’s longest running 39 Callithea Farm
Special Park
26
tors Center or Carderock. The loop stand-up paddleboards and small 301-765-8660 camp, birthday parties and special Fox Hills West
301-765-8670 Train Information 8704 Bells Mill Road Acquired in children’s theater companies, and 15000 River Road
between the C&O Canal and Potomac motorboats. w w w. m o n t g o m e r y p a r k s . o r g / p a r k s - events. Featuring riding classes for
The miniature train is a replica of “Mini Mites” (5-8 year old children) 1986, 7.1 acre park with colorful
Neighborhood Park 7401 MacArthur Boulevard the Puppet Co. Playhouse (www.the- https://www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-
River is less than five miles long but andtrails/cabin-john-regional-park 12710 North Commons Way. puppetco.org) offers shows as well as
an 1863 C.P. Huntington, a locomo- through adults of all levels, including Acquired in 1933. The six-acre and-trails/callithea-farm-special-park/
11
has steep and rocky sections. No flip Adventure Conservation Park Hike the upper meadow of the Lo- playground, youth soccer field, and was for children to be involved.
tive purchased by the Southern Pacif- therapeutic horseback riding. Clas- Acquired in 1969. The 2.2-acre park park features a playground area, Callithea Farm Park is a 97-acre
flops, please. cust Grove Nature Center and look lighted tennis courts. Note: Glen Echo Park has some live
ic Railroad, with five passenger cars, sical Dressage, Combined Training, includes a playground, tennis court, accessible softball field, accessible property located adjacent to the
10801 Glen Road, Potomac for monarch butterflies and caterpil- and carries visitors on a ten-minute, basketball court and open gazebo. multi-use field, accessible and light- streaming and recorded classes, vir-
4
and a Hunter/Jumper program are M-NCPPC equestrian trails at Block-
Great Falls Tavern Visitor
Center and Olmsted Overlook
11710 MacArthur Blvd.
This 14-acre neighborhood conser-
vation area established in 1969, in-
cludes areas set aside for bird-band-
lars, listen for wrens and bluebirds,
or watch for box turtles crossing the
path in the early morning. Wander to
two mile ride through the park. Note:
Because of the pandemic, the train is
currently closed.
available with riders competing un-
der different trainers.
Note: The pandemic has stopped
23 Avenel
Local Park
10551 Oaklyn Drive. 27 Bedfordshire
Neighborhood Park
ed tennis courts, accessible basket-
ball court, and accessible picnic area.
tual exhibitions, activity downloads
for kids, Facebook Live events, and
more while activities are limited be-
house Point Conservation Park and
the C&O Canal. Horse boarding is
available.
33
the Lower Meadow and watch bats Potomac cause of the pandemic. See website
See www.nps.gov/choh ing. shows and other events this year, but Acquired in 1989. The 20.7 acre
in the late afternoon, sit under the 11416 Bedfordshire Ave. for details.
40
shade of a 200-year-old sycamore
Dog Park in-house clinics and more are still park features three tennis courts, two Community Center Highland Stone
Acquired in 1968. This 7.8-acre
12 10900 Westlake Drive available. See the website for details.
5 36
Swain’s Lock Falls Road Golf Course and spot minnows, crayfish, bathing basketball courts, three soccer fields park includes a playground and open 11315 Falls Road McKee Beshers Wildlife Neighborhood Park
birds or beaver activity in the Cab- Located near the miniature train, and a softball field and playground.
21
space for recreation and entertain- 240-777-6960 Management Area 8716 Post Oak Road
10800 Falls Rd. in John Creek. Locust Grove offers this half-acre dog park is enclosed al- Rockwood Manor Educational ment.
10700 Swain’s Lockhouse Road www.montgomerycounty.gov/rec Acquired in 1975. This 2.5-acre
24
programs featuring local natural and lowing dogs to run and exercise off- Center and Special Park Located on River Road in
301-299-5156 leash. The facility is open 9-5 p.m.
Heritage Farm This is Montgomery County’s Western Montgomery County park serves the Highland neighbor-
(off River Road)
28
cultural history for children, teens 11001 MacArthur Boulevard Glen Hills Local Park
Campsites are available at Swain’s www.montgomerycountygolf.com and adults. Dog-park users are encouraged to Neighborhood Park busiest community center, provid- Most everyone knows about the hood with a playground, gazebo
use the Westlake Drive parking lot. 301-563-7510 9520 Hall Road. ing a variety of recreation activities sunflower fields in McKee-Beshers and short walking path. This park is
Lock, one of the largest of the canal Falls Road Golf Course was com- Note: Because of the pandemic,
Dogs should be on a leash before en- https://www.montgomeryparks.org/parks- Acquired in 1970. This 30-acre 12511 Circle Drive for all ages such as open gym, arts Wildlife Management Area, a 2,000- maintained without the use of pesti-
lockhouses. The lockhouse is now pleted in 1961 on 150 acres of for- the nature center building is tempo-
tering and exiting the park. and-trails/rockwood-manor-park/ park sits near the intersection of Riv- Acquired in 1966. The 25.2-acre and crafts, exercise/ leisure classes, acre tract in a mixture of woodlands, cides.
part of the canal quarters program. mer farmland, and includes an 18- rarily closed.
6 v Potomac Almanac v September 30 - October 6, 2020 Newcomers & Community Guide 2020-21 v www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com v Newcomers & Community Guide 2020-21 Potomac Almanac v September 30 - October 6, 2020 v 7
Newcomers & Community Guide
Potomac Almanac Guide to Potomac River From Page 5 sitive vegetation. The trail can be emergency communication and re-
Trail every year, with access from rough and rocky with steep climbs. ceive basic first aid training to help
the Old Angler’s site or from the But the trail is one of the most with minor injuries. www.chohvip.
Great Falls Tavern Visitors Center popular hikes in all of the metro- org/billy_goats/
or Carderock. The loop between politan area, which can be done by
the C&O Canal and Potomac River people of all ages. CARDEROCK
is less than five miles long but has RECREATION AREA
steep and rocky sections. Bring wa- INSIDER’S TIP: The park service Rock climbers visit Carderock
ter and wear good walking shoes. seeks volunteer trail stewards will- daily for its famous cliffs. The
No flip flops or ballet slippers. Al- ing to hike parts of the trail, edu- recreation area includes playing
low plenty of time to stop and en- cate visitors at the trailheads, pro- fields, a large picnic pavilion avail-
joy spectacular views of the cliffs, tect the natural resources of Bear able by reservation and access to
Potomac River passing through the Island, ensure visitors are prepared the Potomac River and the Billy
gorge and sensitive vegetation and for the strenuous hike, share sto- Goat Trail.
rare plants. This hike is marked ries about the sensitive vegetation, Reach this 200-acre part of the
by light blue trail blazes to keep and reduce trampling of the Bear park from the Clara Barton Park-
visitors from trampling on Bear Island’s many rare plants. Active way at the Naval Surface Warfare
Island’s many rare plants and sen- trail stewards carry park radios for exit.
INSIDER’S TIP
Get involved on the river by
joining the Bike Patrol, becoming a
Billy Goat Trail Steward, or volun-
teering to help run the Canal Boat,
or serving as a docent at the River
Center. The Level Walker Program
is the most popular volunteer ac-
tivity of the C&O Canal Associa-
tion. There are 69 levels, defined
by the association along the canal,
which vary from 1.2 miles to 5.66
miles. Volunteers are expected to
walk their assigned area and re-
port at least once a year, preferably
more. Level Walkers report on the
condition of the towpath and any
Swain’s Lockhouse hazards they encounter by report-
ing to the Association.
Campsites are available at Swain’s Lock. See http://www.chohvip.org/
OLD ANGLER’S INN
Access the park across from Old
Angler’s Inn, 10801 MacArthur
Blvd., a Potomac institution since
1860 for users of the canal or for
patrons interested in food, drinks
or live music in an idyllic setting.
Indoor and outdoor seating.
A popular spot for kayakers and
stand-up paddleboarders, and a
great spot to find outdoor adven-
ture companies teaching begin-
ning to advanced paddleboarding,
kayaking and canoeing. Hiking en-
thusiasts have quick access to the
Billy Goat Trail from here, or those
who simply want to take an eve-
ning stroll or bike ride along the
Burma Road or around Widewater,
the area of the canal used for turn-
ing large boats around. Parking
available across from the restau-
rant not at the restaurant.
See https://oldanglersinn.com/
10801 MacArthur Blvd.
301-365-2425
SWAIN’S LOCK
10700 Swain’s Lockhouse Road
(off River Road)
Campsites are available at
Swain’s Lock, one of the largest
of the canal lockhouses. The lock-
See Potomac River, Page 9
8 v Potomac Almanac v September 30 - October 6, 2020 Newcomers & Community Guide 2020-21 v www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Newcomers & Community Guide
C&O Canal
Explorer:
Mobile App
for Self
Exploration
A mobile app, “C&O Canal
Explorer,” will aid users in ex-
ploring the 184.5 miles and
20,000 acres of the Chesa-
peake and Ohio Canal Nation-
al Historical Park. The mobile
app includes over 600 points
of interest in the park mapped
in a searchable format, allow-
ing users to find at-a-glance
hiking trails, historic sites,
trailheads, parking and more.
The app also calculates the
distance from a user’s loca-
tion to nearby amenities and
points of interest, with the
ability to view both upstream
and downstream of a current
location. The app was devel-
oped by the C&O Canal Trust,
the official nonprofit partner
of the Chesapeake and Ohio
Canal National Historical
Park, which works in partner-
ship with the National Park
Service and local communities
to raise funds to preserve the
park for future generations. Old Angler’s Inn. Violette’s Lock.
See www.canaltrust.org/
plan/explorer-mobile-app
INSIDER’S TIP
or download from your app Pennyfield Lock is also home to
store. a lockhouse built in 1830 that you
can rent by the night. The Canal
Quarters Interpretive Program in-
From Page 5 vites visitors to stay in a historic
house is named for Jess Swain, lockhouse for a day and night to
a lock-keeper in the early 1900s learn about the living conditions of
whose father helped in the ex- a lockkeeper’s family.
cavation and construction of the See https://www.canaltrust.
canal. After running a boat rental org/programs/canal-quarters/
and refreshment stand at Swain’s
Lock for almost a century, the BLOCKHOUSE POINT:
family ceased operations in 2006. INSIDER’S TREASURE
Now part of Canal Quarters and Those who know this 630 acres
available for overnight stays. Up of land call Blockhouse Point the
to seven friends can spend up to jewel of Potomac. The natural
three nights here, experiencing and cultural resources at Block-
life on the canal. Lockhouse 21 is house Point are amongst the most
furnished to depict 1916 and tells valuable in the country. The park
the story of the Swain family, gen- contains a variety of exceptional
erations of whom helped build and and rare habitat, including mature
run the C&O Canal. upland forest, floodplain forest, Blockhouse Point Conservation Park.
https://www.canaltrust.org/ wetlands, streams and river-rock
programs/canal-quarters/ outcrops. Nine species of threat- comers & Community Guide See the natural and cultural resourc- allows easy access to a quiet and
ened, endangered or watchlist spe- www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit es of Potomac that rival the most inviting part of the Potomac River
PENNYFIELD LOCK cies of plants have been identified valuable in the country. for canoes, kayaks, stand-up pad-
End of Pennyfield Lock Road (off in the park, along with 25 species Blockhouse Point dleboards and small motorboats.
River Road) of fish, nine species of amphibians, Conservation Park There is a new accessible kayak
The three-mile walk from Pen- four species of reptiles, 39 species 14750 River Road VIOLETTE’S LOCK launch there. The Seneca Creek Aq-
nyfield Lock to Violette’s Lock of nesting birds and 10 species of h t t p s : / / w w w. m o n t g o m e r y - Violette’s Lock Road (off River ueduct, opened in 1833 and made
takes you through many kinds of mammals. parks.org/parks-and-trails/ Road) of red sandstone, allowed thou-
bird habitat and around Block- During the Civil War, the 19th blockhouse-point-conser- Violette’s Lock offers one of the sands of canal boats to move across
house Point. Pennyfield Lock was Massachusetts Infantry built three vation-park-trails/block- more beautiful views of the sunset Seneca Creek from 1833 to 1924,
President Grover Cleveland’s fa- blockhouses in 1862 to guard Vi- house-point-civil-war-experience/ over the Potomac River. the year of the canal’s closing. The
vorite destination when he went olette’s Lock and Pennyfield Lock, aqueduct was protected by Union
on fishing excursions, according to taking advantage of panoram- INSIDER’S TIP RILEY’S LOCK garrisons during the Civil War.
the Potomac Master Plan. The Pen- ic views from Blockhouse Point. Montgomery County developed 13025 Riley’s Lock Road (off
nyfield Lock House, built in 1879 Union sentries kept watch for Con- a brochure so people can walk the River Road) COVID-19 UPDATES
inland from the lock house, was federate movements across the footsteps of Union Soldiers. Block- Riley’s Lock features a boat Prior to visiting any parks or
the home of lock-keeper Charles river and at area fords. Source: house Point is an area to enjoy ramp on Seneca Creek, the bus- trails, visit MontgomeryParks.org/
W. Pennyfield. National Park Service http:// New- peace, solitude, and an example of iest in Montgomery County, that COVID-19.
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com v Newcomers & Community Guide 2020-21 Potomac Almanac v September 30 - October 6, 2020 v 9
Newcomers & Community Guide
Potomac Area Neigh-
bors Club board (from
Where to Give Locally
In the Potomac Area
Almanac file photo from 2018
left): Poonam Mannan,
Marjorie Rothschild,
Kim Belvin, Laura
Nash, Madhu Shekhar,
Archana Dheer, Suzel
Nonprofits with local missions
Lemus, Susan Rosen;
sitting: Alexa Kempel,
need your help in this dire crisis.
Joanne Zinsmeister. We list many kinds of nonprof- al, and respite care programs.
its in and around Potomac: food PCR’s in-person programs re-
banks, animal adoption, arts, main suspended, but you can
environment, housing; find what
participate in our engaging vid-
appeals to you, and pitch in. It’s
Where Newcomers Become Neighbors fair to say that most organizations
would like financial contributions
and volunteers.
eos online, https://pcr-inc.org/
pcr-videos/ Donations to PCR
make a difference in the lives of
By Peggy McEwan group Zinsmeister said. with Friends of the Library and Po- individuals with developmental
“I wouldn’t rule [men] out as tomac Community Village to offer Manna Food Center differences and their families.
N
ewcomers to Potomac members,” Zinsmeister said. “After programs. Manna Food Center, the Eighty-six percent of every dol-
hoping to learn about all we are a neighbors club.” They have had author talks and main food bank in Montgom- lar donated goes directly to its
the area and make new PANC started as Potomac Area have an art historian and a photog- ery County, strives to eliminate programs. Offices located at
friends have no further to look Newcomers Club in the late 1960s. rapher scheduled to speak this fall hunger through food distribu- 9200 Kentsdale Drive, Potomac,
than the Potomac Area Neighbors “The object is still the same, to and a local chocolatier will teach tion, education, and advocacy. 20854. Phone 301-365-0561 or
Club, a long-standing women’s or- develop new friendships,” Zins- the art of making bon bons. Manna provides food to 32,000 visit http://pcr-inc.org/
ganization, a group that truly has meister said. “We aren’t just girls having fun,” individuals each year and
something for everyone. But, in the three years she has Zinsmeister said. “We want to be a helps distribute rescued food Montgomery County Coali-
Within the larger group, which been president of the group, es- presence in the community, it’s our to soup kitchens, food pantries tion for the Homeless (MCCH)
met monthly before the pandemic, pecially before the pandemic, civic duty, we want to be women and emergency shelters coun- a community-based nonprofit
and now meets via Zoom, there Zinsmeister has worked to ex- helping women.” ty-wide. Nearly every social ser- organization, is a leading pro-
are activity groups where you find pand membership and make it The group donates meals to In- vice organization in Montgom- vider of permanent housing, in-
that something for you. multi-generational. She worked terfaith Women’s Shelter in Rock- ery County relies on Manna to termediate housing, emergency
Choose from book groups, cook- to add activities that appeal to ville, sponsored a toiletries collec- provide food to their clients. shelter, and supportive services
ing groups, film buffs, current af- younger members, planning activi- tion for the women and helps in You can drop off food dona- for people experiencing home-
fairs discussions, power walkers, ties that include children and fami- other ways within the constrictions tions Monday through Friday lessness. MCCH programs serve
bridge, theatre, writing, Mah Jong lies, along with planning events for of COVID-19. from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at: the 1,600 men, women, and chil-
and two or three dining groups. weekends and evenings to include “I asked members what they Warehouse, 9311 Gaither Road dren each year, providing 60
If nothing sounds appealing, working women, she said. like best about PANC,” Zinsmeis- Gaithersburg, MD 20877 percent of the emergency shel-
suggest an idea of your own. “Our mean age is probably 60, ter said. “Most said long lasting (301) 424-1130 info@man- ter beds in the county.
“It’s great because whenever which is why I was reaching out to friendships. nafood.org www.mannafood. 600-B East Gude Drive, Rock-
new people join, they bring good younger members,” she said. I think that is the glue that binds org ville, 20850, 301-217-0314
ideas,” President Joanne Zinsmeis- When the pandemic started, us.” www.mcch.net.
ter said. Zinsmeister said, she was afraid To learn more about Potomac Mercy Health Clinic in Gaith-
Men are included in some activi- that would be the end of PANC, but Area Neighbors Club visit www. ersburg is a non-sectarian, ArtStream performances fea-
ties but, PANC is mostly a women’s they turned to Zoom and joined potomacneighbors.com. non-profit, community health ture adult actors with intellec-
tual and developmental disabil-
Update on COVID in
clinic committed to providing
high quality medical care to ities including autism and other
eligible patients free of charge. social and behavioral needs. Ac-
Montgomery County and Potomac It serves around 2,000 patients
annually with more than 50
volunteer physicians and over
tors, volunteer mentors and
theatre professionals work as
a team to create original per-
A
s of Saturday, Sept. 26, 100 medical and adminis- formances for live audiences.
Age Group Cases Case Rate Deaths Death Case Rate trative volunteers. “At Mercy, ArtStream offers drama and
the Maryland Department
of Health reported that 0-9 883 654.6 0 0 we believe that we all benefit life-skills classes and programs
22,275 Montgomery County res- 10-19 1829 1,395.0 0 0 when everyone in our commu- in military hospitals. The group
idents have tested positive for 20-29 3,721 3011.3 0 0 nity has access to health care.” is based in Chevy Chase and
Covid-19 and more than 804 peo- The clinic is located at 7 Met- normally holds programming
30-39 4,019 2775.6 13 9
ple have died. ropolitan Court, Suite 1, Gaith- throughout the region, but right
40-49 3,713 2589.4 28 19.5 ersburg, MD 20878. Phone now the virtual programs are
More than 3,780 people have
died in Maryland due to Covid-19 50-59 3,229 2188.9 53 35.9 240-773-0300 or visit www. thriving. 8401 Connecticut Ave.
and 122,972 have tested positive 60-69 2,112 1864.7 113 99.8 mercyhealthclinic.org. Ste 1230, Chevy Chase, 20815,
for the illness and 347 are current- 70-79 1,163 1868.8 161 258.7 301-565-4567 www.art-stream.
ly hospitalized. 80-plus 1,517 3854.7 434 1102.8 Interfaith Works provides shel- org.
In the 20854, Potomac zip code, ter, food, and clothing to low-in-
565 residents have tested posi- By Race By Age come and homeless neighbors. Shepherd’s Table is a nonprofit
tive and 30 people have died. The The Montgomery County De- People 80 years and older in Offices are at 114 West Mont- organization in downtown Sil-
three day average, reported by the partment of Health reported Montgomery County have ac- gomery Ave., Rockville, 20850 ver Spring, supported by volun-
Montgomery County Department that 370 white people have died, counted for the highest case rate at www.iworksmc.org, teers, religious organizations,
of Health, included 91 cases in 175 Black people have died, 164 3,854.7/100,000 people, while res- government, businesses, foun-
the county, 16 intensive care unit Hispanic people have died and idents 30-39 account for the most Potomac Community Re- dations, and individual donors.
hospitalizations, and 67 hospital- 71 Asian people have died. Per number of cases reported, 4,019. sources, Inc. promotes the It provides help to people who
izations. The positivity rate the last 100,000 people, Black people have Residents 80 and older account- full inclusion into community are homeless or in need by pro-
three days dropped to 2.8 percent. the highest death rate of 90.9 fa- ed for the most deaths of any age life of teens and adults with viding basic services, including
The percentage of ventilators in talities/100,000, followed by group (434) and the highest death developmental differences by meals, social services, medical
use was 26 percent, as of Sept. 26. white people (82/100,000), His- case rate of 1,102.8/100,000. providing over 35 therapeutic, support, clothing, and other as-
https://montgomerycountymd. panic people 79.2/100,000, and recreational, social, education- See Give Locally, Page 11
gov/covid19/data/ Asian people (44/100,000).
10 v Potomac Almanac v September 30 - October 6, 2020 Newcomers & Community Guide 2020-21 v www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Newcomers & Community Guide And So It
POTOMAC Continues
Potomac Day Cancelled This Year ALMANAC
www.PotomacAlmanac.com By KENNETH B. LOURIE
By Peggy McEwan That was true in 2002 and is true now, with @PotomacAlmanac Two-plus weeks into my thyroid cancer
COVID-19 still a major health concern. Which is treatment, all is as I anticipated. I’m still not in a
T
here will be no scouts leading the parade why there will be no Potomac Day, no parade, no Newspaper of Potomac comfort zone, routine wise, nor side-effect wise,
down River Road, no bands, no fancy car show, no crafts, no rides, and no business fair.
A Connection Newspaper I am feeling some predicted discomfort. I won’t
convertibles, and no candy thrown out for “It’s a bummer,” Matheson said. “It’s really the An independent, locally owned weekly
self-indulge and list the difficulties that I’m having.
I will say that even though I’m extremely thankful
children to scramble for. only thing we have to get the community togeth- newspaper delivered not to have experienced any of the more severe
Potomac Day has been cancelled because of er.” to homes and businesses.
side effects (blood clots, arrhythmia), I have felt
the pandemic. Matheson said the decision was made in early something. The ‘something’ I’ve felt has been
1606 King Street
This year would have marked the 38th annual May. Alexandria, Virginia 22314 made more complicated due to the synthroid
event which, Jennifer Matheson, director of Op- She said she usually gets started organizing for pill I take daily, since I had my thyroid surgically
erations for the Potomac Chamber of Commerce, removed in late January, 2020. The proper dosage,
Potomac Day in late April, applying for permits Free digital edition delivered to
prescribed to replace the function of the thyroid
your email box. Go to
said she can only remember being cancelled one and signing people and businesses for sponsor- connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe is not easy to determine. As such, I’m not exactly
other time. ships, so the decision had to be made early. feeling myself. I’m not sure who it is I’m feeling
“That was during the sniper,” she said. It turns out to be a good call with Montgomery (as Groucho said because he could never get that
For three weeks in Autumn 2002 the area County still in Phase 2 of reopening, restricting close), but it’s not who I’ve come to feel.
EDITOR & PUBLISHER
was terrorized by a series of apparently random individuals from congregating in large groups. Mary Kimm
The complication I refer to is the effect on my
thyroid replacement medication (synthroid) by my
shootings accounting for ten deaths and three According to the Montgomery County website, mkimm@connectionnewspapers.com
thyroid cancer pills. What happens, I’m told, is
woundings. gatherings of more than 50 people continue to be @MaryKimm
that the synthroid’s effectiveness is partially miti-
“We have an area with lots of families and old- prohibited at all locations and venues, including gated by the cancer medication and as a result, I
EDITORIAL
er people,” Matheson said. “We have to protect but not limited to parties, receptions, parades, PHONE: 703-778-9415 need regular lab work to monitor the situation and
them.” festivals, conventions, and fundraisers. E-MAIL: maintain proper thyroid replacement. If my thyroid
almanac@connectionnewspapers.com hormone is too low, I’ll feel tired and unmotivat-
Nature in Potomac
ed. And since a side effect of the thyroid cancer
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS medication is among others, fatigue, I am tired for
two reasons: the cancer drug itself and the effect
Carole Dell, Kenny Lourie, the same cancer drug has on the synthroid pill,
From Page 4 in that afternoon walk or hike, noticing what we Peggy McEwan, Ken Moore
which has everything to do with my energy level.
with Nature in a Time of Crisis. It is filled with may never have seen or heard before. Taking our Contributing Now, not only am I a two-for-the-price-of-one
ideas and gentle ways to approach those places families to share the joy of so many outdoor de- Photographers cancer patient (non small cell lung cancer and
which for some have become salvation. Like find- lights. Birdsong, dappled light, tree bark, moss- Deborah Stevens, Carole Dell thyroid cancer), I am also a thyroid cancer patient
ing a ‘wild home’ where we go to feel safe and es, salamanders. The natural world soothes and being treated for cancer and for the replacement
of the thyroid. As a result, in addition to juggling
connected. Waking to a deeper appreciation of steadies us . We are fortunate. Nature abounds
Art/Design:
Laurence Foong, John Heinly, two cancers, I am also juggling one cancer with
what lives in our own backyards. We can travel in Potomac. Ali Khaligh two semi competing side effects: feeling tired due
to other worlds in Nature. Places of wonder and Ginny Barnes is an artist, nature lover and en- Production Manager to low thyroid hormone and feeling tired as a side
mystery where we find something new every day. vironmental activist who has made new friend- Geovani Flores effect of the thyroid cancer treatment. I imag-
Many who work at home have learned to delight ships with wild things during the pandemic. ine one or the other would be manageable but
simultaneously, not so much. (I guess it’s another
Where to Give Locally ADVERTISING BOGO-type situation).
For advertising information Granted, it’s a living and it sure beats the al-
sales@connectionnewspapers.com ternative. Still, I was hoping one set of side effects
703-778-9431 would be enough rather than having to consider
From Page 10 open spaces, and rural lands in Montgomery a second set (side effects of the side effects, if you
sistance. 8210 Dixon Ave., Silver Spring, 20910, County’s Agricultural Reserve for the benefit of Display Advertising: will). My concern is compounded by something
301-585-6463 www.shepherdstable.org. all Washington Metropolitan area residents. Kenny Lourie 301-325-1398 my oncologist was wary of doing years ago:
Write P.O Box 24, Poolesville, MD 20837, call klourie@connectionnewspapers.com Treating the side effects, in addition to treating the
The Fisher House program supports members of 301-461-9831 email info@mocoalliance.org or Debbie Funk
cancer. Moreover, he said that often it’s the side
the military and their families when they travel effects that become so debilitating and harmful
visit www.mocoalliance.org. Display Advertising/National Sales that the actual cancer treatment itself has to be
great distances for specialized medical care. Fish- 703-778-9444
stopped. And though your quality of life might
er House Foundation donates “comfort homes,” Spirit Club Foundation Inc. is a non-profit or- debfunk@connectionnewspapers.com
improve - with the reduction/elimination of the
including at Walter Reed in Bethesda. These ganization organized to ensure that people with David Griffin side effects, the cancer is now left untreated and
homes enable family members to be close to a disabilities and other health-related challenges Marketing Assistant cancer left untreated generally speaking, doesn’t
loved one at the most stressful times. have the opportunity to exercise and learn about 703-778-9431 usually mind it’s own business, if you know what
I mean? In either scenario, you’re unlikely to be
Fisher House Foundation, Inc., 12300 Twin- fitness and nutrition in an integrated setting.
dgriffin@connectionnewspapers.com
smelling any roses.
brook Pkwy, Suite 410, Rockville, 20852, 301- 10417-B Metropolitan Ave. Kensington, MD Jerry Vernon And not ‘smelling any roses’ is what I’m most
294-8560, info@fisherhouse.org or www.fisher- 20895, 03-883-4364, spirit-club.com Executive Vice President worried about. Stopping treatment for the thyroid
house.org. 703-549-0004 cancer would be bad enough, but what about my
jvernon@connectionnewspapers.com
MCPAW (Montgomery County Partners for An- previous pre-existing stage IV, non small cell lung
KindWorks seeks to inspire action for a kinder imal Well-Being) is the non-profit partner of the CIRCULATION
cancer diagnosed Feb. 2009? I’m currently not
receiving any treatment for that as we defer to the
world by meeting pressing community needs and Montgomery County Animal Services and Adop- circulation@connectionnewspapers.com
thyroid cancer. If I have to stop the thyroid cancer
building community by mobilizing individuals to tion Center (MCASAC) working through MCA- treatment because of the side effects, will I then
assist in many kinds of volunteer service. SAC to keep homeless pets healthy and happy re-start the lung cancer treatment for which I had
KindWorks, Inc., 7979 Old Georgetown Road, while awaiting adoption. Goals are: Reduce the Potomac Almanac is published
very minor side effects. Is treating the back-up (so
10th Floor, Bethesda, 20814; Call 301-246-2452, number of animals that come to MCASAC; pam- by Local Media Connection LLC to speak) cancer better than not treating the new
email info@DoKindWorks.org or visit www.do- per, protect, and provide emergency veterinary primary: thyroid cancer? As you can possibly tell,
I am potentially between a rock and a very hard
kindworks.org. care for animals inside MCASAC; educate and en-
Five Time First Place place.
gage the community in causes for animal welfare. Award-Winner Nevertheless, as my oncologist emailed me a
Friends in Action is a program that provides in- Visit http://www.mcpaw.org. Public Service month or so ago when we received the results of
tensive case management to low income Mont- MDDC Press Association my third tumor biopsy (which was taken from a
gomery County families. Families are assigned to PetConnect Rescue was founded in 2005, in tumor inside my lung rather than outside from a
Four Time
an FIA case manager that will help create goals in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and has evolved Newspaper of the Year
lymph node), “Thyroid cancer is better than lung
cancer.” And though I certainly liked the sound
areas of education and employment, health and into a vibrant animal rescue organization. Their An Award-winning Newspaper
of that when I first read it, the present complica-
mental health, parenting, budgeting, home man- mission is to save the lives of abandoned dogs in Writing, Photography, Editing,
tions were not yet a part of the discussion. But
Graphics and Design
agement, and practical life skills. 301-762-8682 and cats and place them in loving and permanent that’s what being a cancer patient is all about: an
www.iworksmc.org/friends-in-action. homes. PO Box 60714, Potomac, 20859; 1-877- evolving existence of good, bad and indifferent
838-9171; info@petconnectrescue.org. www. information with nary a guarantee in sight.
Montgomery Countryside Alliance promotes petconnectrescue.org
Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for
sound economic, land-use and transportation The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.
policies that preserve the natural environment, — Peggy McEwan
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com v Newcomers & Community Guide 2020-21 Potomac Almanac v September 30 - October 6, 2020 v 11You can also read
