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Potomac Almanac ❖ January 30 - February 5, 2013 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.comJanuary 30 - February 5, 2013 online at potomacalmanac.com

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Things To DoWinter Fun, Page 3

Hang Out atThis ‘Bus Stop’

News, Page 2

Special LoveTo Honor Chloupek

People, Page 5

Churchill DefeatsRichard Montgomery

Sports, Page 7

Things To DoWinter Fun, Page 3

Hang Out atThis ‘Bus Stop’

News, Page 2

Special LoveTo Honor Chloupek

People, Page 5

Churchill DefeatsRichard Montgomery

Sports, Page 7

Chef Kristen Robinson saysthat even though the daysare shorter, the tempera-tures colder and energylevels lower, winter mealscan be just as inspired asfare served during moretemperate times of the year.

WinterFun withFoodWinter Fun, Page 3

WinterFun withFoodWinter Fun, Page 3

PotomacPotomac

2 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ January 30 - February 5, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Susan Belford

The Almanac

The wind is gusting, snow is rapidly pilingup and blustery conditions have strandedeight strangers in a Kansas diner in thewinter of 1955. What happens next is

anyone’s guess as the characters experience frustra-tion, tears and laughter while they forge romanticconnections and friendships throughout the night.

Churchill High School presents “Bus Stop” — theiconic play by William Inge — on Feb. 8, 9 and 10.

“Bus Stop is an endearing, deceptively simple playthat taps into universal feelings,” said director andChurchill theater teacher Lynda Scionti. “I havewanted to direct this production for some time, andit finally came together with this cast at Churchill.We have wonderfully gifted actors and designers whotogether will bring Inge’s work to life in a most re-markable way.”

This is Scionti‘s second year teaching and direct-ing at Churchill. Besides theater classes, she teachesfilm-making and ninth grade honors English. She isthrilled with the commitment as well as the level oftalent at Churchill and grateful for the other per-forming arts teachers and staff in her department.

The lead part of Bo Decker, a brash young cowboywith abominable manners, is played by senior ErikRigaux. “Playing Bo is a challenge because I had to

portray a man who has no regard for other’s emo-tions and make him into a lovable character,” saidRigaux. “Bo has no idea of how to treat a girl. Heonly knows how to rope a cow; he’s rough and tough,but he does have a soft side.” Bo wants Cherie tomarry him but she keeps running away. He has togather fatherly advice from his sidekick Virgil (AaronRoss) on how to treat a woman.

Junior Elena Freije performs the part of Cherie, apretty young woman who comes from a difficult “hillfolk” background. She is an aspiring nightclub singer,but has never worked in anything other than a cheapdive. “I was first upset with the characters becausethey just morally did not do what they should,” saidFreije. “I learned from this play that appearancesaren’t everything — and that it takes time to under-stand someone. People aren’t always what they seem.It’s a meaningful lesson to take away from this play.”

Other students in the cast are Alexa Taladay aswaitress Elma Duckworth, Sean Dunn as GraceHoylard, owner of the restaurant, Alex Bankier asSheriff Will Masters, Alex Goldman as Dr. GeraldLymann, a former college professor, J.W. Goldmanas Carl, the bus driver and Aaron Ross as ranch handVirgil Blessing.

“This play is both nostalgic and humorous,” Rigauxsaid. “People will enjoy the realism of this heartwarm-ing play. It also includes a variety show in the middlewith singing, guitar playing and even Shakespeare.”

Purchase tickets ($8) for “Bus Stop” atwww.wchsarts.com or at the door. The performancesare Friday and Saturday, Feb. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. andon Sunday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m.

Hang Out at This ‘Bus Stop’Churchill High to presentclassic play next week.

Potomac Almanac ❖ January 30 - February 5, 2013 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Potomac Almanac Editor Steven Mauren

703-778-9415 or [email protected]

See www.potomacalmanac.com

Winter Fun

See Recommendations, Page 8See Easy and tasty, Page 8

Compiled by Ken Moore

/The Almanal

WATCH LOCAL THEATREPotomac Theatre Company Spring pro-

duction of Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” inthe Blair Family Center for the Arts at theBullis School, 10601 Falls Road. Threeweekends of performances, March 8 - 24,Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., Sunday at 2p.m. Call 301-299-8571. Seewww.potomactheatreco.org.

COOL WEEKEND OF JAZZThe Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, 4th annual

show, Feb. 15-18. Hilton Washington D.C./Rockville Hotel and Executive Meeting Cen-ter. The festival provides live musical per-formances, workshops and seminars. Seewww.midatlanticjazzfestival.org.

WATCH HORSE SHOW, INDOORSPotomac Horse Center14211 Quince Orchard Road, North

Potomac, 20878301-208-0200, www.potomachorse.comWatch a horse show indoors:Feb. 24, Potomac Horse Center client

showFeb. 15, Valentine’s Jumper Schooling

ShowMarch 29, Dressage Schooling Show

SKATE, PLAY HOCKEY,BRING A VALENTINE

Cabin John Regional Park Ice Rink10610 Westlake Drive, 301-765-8620www.montgomeryparks.orgwww.CabinJohnIice.comPrivate and group lessons for all ages,

open skating times, hockey clinics for allexperience levels and special events. Openyear round.

Sweetheart Skate, Friday, Feb. 15, 8-10p.m.

Cabin John Ice Invitational, Saturday,March 23, 2013, with a compulsory skillsevent, maneuver team event, and freestyleprogram event from tots to adults.

Parent & Tot Bargain Skates, Wednesdayand Fridays, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Rink re-served for special sessions for tots and theirparents.

KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY CENTER11315 Falls Road, Potomac, 240-777-

6960This is Montgomery County’s busiest com-

munity center, with open gym activities, artsand crafts, exercise classes, leisure classes,group support meetings and socials, senioradult activities, sports programs, summercamps, programs for individuals with dis-abilities, children’s holiday parties, volun-teer opportunities and more. Facilities in-clude a gymnasium, exercise room, meet-ing rooms, art room, lounge area, commu-nity room and social hall. The outdoor area

See Entertainment, Page 8

By Marilyn Campbell

The Almanac

Winter weather often meanslimited open air playtimefor some children. “It is veryimportant for children to get

as much outdoor activity as possible, butthere are times when it is not safe for themto be outside for an extended length of time,or any time at all, because it is too cold. ”said Shannon Melideo, chair of the Educa-tion Department at Marymount Universityin Arlington, Va. “There are many otherthings that children can do besides sleddingand ice skating.”

While experts say many parents fear thattoo much time spent inside can lead to cabinfever, they add that there are a myriad ofways to have winter fun without leaving thewarmth of your home. “There are numer-ous creative opportunities for children toexpress themselves indoors. Parents cansneak in educational experiences when thechildren don’t know it,” said Melideo, wholives in Reston, Va.

Paula Keyes Kun, spokeswoman for theAmerican Alliance for Health, Physical Edu-cation, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD)and the National Association for Sport andPhysical Education (NASPE) offers activityideas that are geared for outdoor play, but

that can easily be adapted for indoors. “Pre-tend you are at a zoo. Identify an animal:Move and sound like that animal. Pretendto be a growing flower: First you are a tinyseed in the ground, and then grow into abig flower.”

Other imaginative indoor play ideas Kunoffered include asking children to pretendto be a balloon, first without air, then beingblown up, floating around and finally be-ing popped. Asking a child to pretend tomove like different foods, such as meltinglike a popsicle or popping like popcorn, isalso fun and creative.

Put a pen to paper, say experts. “Becauseof texting and email, many children don’tspend time writing ‘snail mail,’ said ChristieWestermann, a fourth grade teacher atNorwood Elementary School in Potomac.“Children can decorate blank postcards,learn how to properly address a piece ofsnail mail and write special notes to friendsand relatives.”

Melideo agrees that writing can be a funand educational indoor activity, and sug-gests writing thank-you notes for holidaygifts as well as making Valentine’s Day cards

By Marilyn Campbell

The Almanac

The stove is fired-up, a saut pan issizzling and the thud of a steel knifeblade hitting a wooden chopping

block fills the air along with the woodsyaroma of fresh thyme. The temperatureoutside is frigid, but the kitchen feels likean inferno as Chef Kristen Robinson drivesa knife though a fennel bulb, kale leavesand a tough-skinned butternut squash withstaccato succession.

“One of my favorite things to cook in win-ter is potpie with beef, kale and potatoes orsquash,” she said.

While many people lose culinary inspira-tion during the winter, Robinson, a self-ad-mitted “food nerd,” relishes the chance tocreate cold-weather meals with fresh, sea-sonal bounty. She and other local chefs saythat even though the days are shorter, thetemperatures colder and energy levelslower, winter meals can be just as inspired

as fare served during more temperate timesof the year.

“Some people find cooking in winter chal-lenging because a lot of people are focusedon eating tomatoes and tomato salads inthe dead of winter when those vegetablesare not in season,” said Robinson, an Ar-lington, Va., resident and culinary instruc-tor at the Art Institute of Washington.“There are a lot of vegetable options likekale, butternut or acorn squash and pota-toes.”

In the Alexandria, Va., kitchen of nutri-tionist Bonita Lillie of Arlington’sMarymount University, a chill in the air her-alds the arrival of piquant broth-basedsoups brimming with whole grain penne,cannelloni beans and kale, and showeredwith flakes of Parmesan cheese.

“I take advantage of all the vitamin-packed winter produce,” said Lillie. “I startbuilding my meals around the vegetable,then I’d probably have lower fat turkey sau-sage and maybe a side of beans. Cheese andbeans also make good, hearty meals.”

Arlington-based culinary instructor AndieNelson says her biggest cold-weather culi-nary hurdle is that her vigor drops along

with the temperatures: “Like most people,I have less energy in winter,” said Nelson.“So I spend one day making satisfying ameal that I can eat for a few days.”

On her list of winter must-haves is a stewmade with beef that she marinates over-night, Asian-style soups and shepherd’s piewith ground turkey instead of beef. “Othersimple ideas are root vegetables like car-rots, parsnips and sweet potatoes that I

Things To DoIn Winter

Indoor Winter Fun with ChildrenIdeas for entertain-ment when JackFrost appears.

Experts saythat writingcan be a funand educa-tional indooractivity. Trywriting thank-you notes forholiday gifts aswell as makingValentine’s Daycards forfamily andfriends.

Photo by

Marilyn Campbell

The Almanac

Winter Fun with FoodEasy and tasty ideasfor winter meals.

Chicken potpie, a favorite mealof Potomac-area Chef SusanLimb, owner of Praline Bakeryand Bistro in Bethesda.

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Reserve Your Seat Now!301-840-9121, x17

[email protected] call Dana directly at 301-840-1212

FREE Remodeling & Design Seminarswith Hopkins & Porter Construction

How to fall in love with your home again.

Saturday February 9, 10am-1pmThursday February 21, 6pm-8pmSaturday March 9, 10am-1pmThursday March 21, 6pm-8pmSEMINARS• Ways to Open Up Your Floor plan to Fit Today’s Lifestyle• Your Checklist for a Successful Remodeling Project• Design for Life-Aging in Your Home• Kitchens & Baths: The Important Details• Additions – Affordable Solutions with Style

SCHEDULE• Please arrive 15 minutes early for registration• Join us after the seminar for Lunch/Dinner with the Experts• Informal, no-obligation discussions with Hopkins & Porter

DesignersDIRECTIONS Our offices are in the Potomac Oak ShoppingCenter. Take the left entrance to 2nd floor. From Capital Beltway (495):Take River Road Exit 39 (Rte 190) toward Potomac (7.2 miles)—TurnRIGHT on Stoney Creek Rd. (1.4 miles)—Turn RIGHT on Travilah Rd.The Shopping Center is on the LEFT From 270: Take I-370 W (Sam EigHwy)—Turn LEFT onto Great Seneca Hwy. (MD-119 E.)—Turn RIGHTonto Darnestown Rd.—Turn LEFT onto Travilah Rd. (4.0 miles) to GlenRd. intersection; the Shopping Center is on the RIGHT. Transforming the Way People Live, Since 1977

People

By Colleen Healy

The Almanac

The Art Gallery of Potomac wel-comes a new resident art-ist, Habib Hastaie. Hastaie has trav-eled all over the worldto such locations as Iran, India, Japan and Central Eu-

rope. These places inspired him and traces of his travels can beseen in his paintings. He feels “most of my work has a narrativeaspect and shows people in settings that are very geographicaland cultural. I like to tell stories of everyday life of the people.What they eat, their chores, music, things that are common withall of mankind.”

During his travels, Hastaie seeks out artists, performers andmusicians in their own environment to inspire him. “The languageand culture of each place may be different but people are closerthan we think. With my art I hope to close the gap of cultures. Weall have eyes and ears, eat and play music. I’m often inspired topaint after reading the poet Jalal ad-Din Rumi in the original Per-sian. His poems often reflect the idea of unity among men andthat everything goes in a circle.”

Hastaie does not define the narrative in his painting but hopesthat the viewer will take away whatever they would like from thepainting. If one looks closely even in his landscapes there arealways small traces of signs of life by humans such as a road or abridge. His work conveys the idea that “We are all connected.”

Hastaie will be the featured artist at The Art Gallery of Potomacfrom Jan. 29-Feb. 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Sunday, 12-4p.m. The gallery is located at 9945 Falls Road in Potomac. It hasrelocated within the same shopping center and is now next to BigWheels Bikes behind Walgreens. Phone 240-447-9417. For moreinformation go to www.potomacartists.org.

Connecting with people through his travels.

Hastaie Featured at The Art Gallery

Habib Hastaie’s painting titled “Birdsof a Kind.”

Pottery by Habib HastaieArtist Habib Hastaie with his painting CountryRoad, West Virginia.

Photo by Colleen Healy/The Almanac


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See Special Love, Page 6

People

By Susan Belford

The Almanac

Larry Chloupek is training to runthe DC Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon onMarch 16. Not too amazing formany athletes — except that

Chloupek has only one leg and he will runthe marathon using crutches. However, forthis long-time Potomac resident, no chal-lenge seems too difficult. He has alreadycompleted five half marathons. He is aParalympian in volleyball. In 1996, he car-ried the Olympic torch in advance of theAtlanta summer games.

Chloupek will be honored at the “Eveningof Special Love” 30th Anniversary Gala onFeb. 2 for his inspirational commitment tothe organization, Special Love, a mid-At-lantic charity that sponsors camps and pro-vides a community of support for area chil-dren with cancer and their families. CampFantastic and BRASS Camp are two of themany weekend camps for families, teensand young adults held by Special Love togive patients, siblings and parents a placeto share conversations about their experi-ences. The non-profit organization was

founded by Tom and Sheila Baker in 1983to honor their daughter who lost her battleto lymphoma. The Bakers hoped to giveother children with cancer a chance to en-

joy traditional camp activities. Special Lovenow impacts more than 1,000 people an-nually through almost 20 programs eachyear.

Chloupek lost a leg to bone cancer at theage of 7 more than 40 years ago. With thesupport of his close-knit family and the en-couragement of a huge network of friends,he realized he was capable of continuinghis athletic endeavors and participatingfully in any activity he desired. ‘‘There wereno special accommodations given to me, soI just got out there and shot hoops andplayed football, just like the other kids,” hesaid.

After graduation from Churchill HighSchool and American University, he beganworking for the Federal government and isnow is the management liaison director forthe Office of the Director of NIH. He re-turned to Churchill High to serve as base-ball coach for many years — and alsocoaches for other Potomac youth sports or-ganizations including the Potomac AdaptiveSports Association, which he helped tofound. Chloupek chairs the Advisory Boardof the Potomac Community Center — andserves on the Special Love Board.

Fellow board member, Jill Lavin confirmshow she continues to be amazed byChloupek. “He has touched so many livesworking with kids, coaching basketball andbaseball teams and heading the PotomacCommunity Center Board along with a mil-lion other things. I do not know how he does

Chloupek To Be Honored with ‘Special Love Award’Nonprofit’s galaplanned for Feb. 2.

Larry Chloupek (on right) serves as a counselor at BRASS Camp,Special Love’s week-long camp for cancer siblings.

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From Page 5

Special Love To Honor Chloupekit all and he still looks like he is 30-some-

thing. If I were going to use one word todescribe Larry, it’s inspiration. I think he hasdone more for this community than any-one I have ever met and deserves multipleawards.”

To Chloupek, volunteering and helpingothers is second nature. He sets a positiveexample for children with cancer as direc-tor of the Young Adults with Cancer (YAC)program and he also serves as a counselorat BRASS Camp, Special Love’s week-longcamp for cancer siblings where he is oftena frequent target of pranks. “There wasnothing like this when I was going throughmy cancer at age 7,” said Chloupek. “I hadnever met another amputee. I felt like I was

the only one out there with one leg. Thesecamps are meaningful to the child with can-cer and their families because of the net-work of other individuals who have gonethrough the same experiences.”

“Larry is the ultimate role model for achild with cancer,” said Special Love CEODave Smith. “His accomplishments as a can-cer survivor are an inspiration to kids whoare still in the midst of treatment or havebeaten cancer and want to know whatcomes next.” The Special Love Gala will beheld on Feb. 2. To honor Larry Chloupekand to celebrate the 30th Anniversary ofSpecial Love, plan to attend the Gala. Allare welcome. To find out more about theorganization or to donate, go towww.specialove.org. or call 888-930-2707.

Email announcements to [email protected]. Deadline is Thursday at noon.

The Bethesda Urban Partnership is lookingfor volunteers to help assist with various localfestivals including Taste of Bethesda on Oct. 6.E-mail [email protected].

CANTER-Mid Atlantic to open a racehorserehabilitation program with donations fromDelaware Park and the Delaware ThoroughbredHorsemen’s Association earmarked to serveDelaware Park trainers and owners. To find anex-race horse, volunteer, or make a donation,visit www.canterusa.org/midatlantic.

To become a volunteer Bike Patrol member on

the C&O Canal, contact Norman Liebow [email protected] or 301-714-2218.

The Greater Chesapeake and PotomacBlood Services Region of the AmericanRed Cross is seeking volunteers to assist itsblood collections staff. Call the American RedCross Volunteer Office at 1-800-272-0094, ext.1, or e-mail [email protected].

Volunteers are needed to assist sexual assaultvictims and their families through the VictimAssistance and Sexual Assault Programof the Montgomery County Department ofHealth and Human Services. To schedule aninterview visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/vasap or 240-777-1355.

Volunteer Opportunities


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

Kitchen AppealWhen Your Homeis On the Market

Whether you’re a cordon bleu chef or ifyou’re the type that needs to ask fordirections to get to the kitchen, it’s awhole new pot of spaghetti once there’sa “For Sale” sign in the front yard. Thekitchen is one of every home’s mosthighly trafficked and well-loved rooms—and marketing this room can be tricky,if you’re new to the cutting board. Hereare a few ingredients that will help youcook up a successful home sale! Thekitchen is traditionally one of the mostimportant rooms in any home—so toguarantee the sweet smell of success,it’s important to make your kitchenshine. Remember, when you’re showingyour house, it doesn’t matter if it’s ninein the morning or five at night—thecounters should be clear and the cabi-nets should be clean and gleaming. Notonly should your kitchen promote a sen-sation of cleanliness, but by keeping thecountertops clear of utensils and appli-ances, you allow prospective buyers toevaluate its spaciousness and envisiontheir own set of Wusthöf knives hangingon the wall. Sure, everyone loves arefrigeration that’s got character—eve-rything from kitschy magnets and fam-ily photos to the latest set of reportcards and cartoon strips clipped fromthe paper—but when you’re selling ahouse, like the countertops, the fridgeshould be empty so the potential buyerscan pretend they’re looking at theirphotos, fortune cookie fortunes, kid’sartwork and set of magnetic poetry onthe fridge door. Finally, make surethere’s adequate lighting in the kitchenso that all of the amenities and conven-iences can be viewed in their best light.A good rule of thumb is to keep a lowwattage bulb left on above the stove top.This allows buyers to easily find themaster light switch for the kitchen, flip-ping it on the reveal what a beautiful,immaculately kept modern kitchen thatcould be theirs for the taking!

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Sports

In its first game in almost aweek due to weather issues,the Churchill boys’ basketball team showed no real ill-

effects from the unexpected lay-off en route to a 67-58 win overMontgomery 4A South division ri-val Richard Montgomery on Jan.28 at Churchill High School.

The victory improved the Bull-dogs’ overall record to 12-3 andrepresented the team’s sixth con-secutive win, keeping Churchill infirst place in the division with a 7-1 record as well as in the runningfor a high seed in next month’sMPSSAA 4A State Tournament.

For Churchill, the game was dif-ficult throughout as the Bulldogswould extend the lead to betweenseven and 10 points numeroustimes, only to see the Rockets fightback to narrow the score to a one-or two-possession game. Follow-ing a 33-30 halftime lead forChurchill, the teams traded runsin the third quarter and ended thequarter almost where they started,with the Bulldogs holding a 49-47lead.

However, in the fourth quarter,sensing some urgency, Churchillturned up the defensive pressureand pounded the boards to pullaway from Richard Montgomerymainly behind the play of guardsMalik Harris and Dominique Will-iams, who were solid all night forthe Bulldogs. Harris, a junior, fin-ished with a career-best 29 points,including a 9-for-10 performancefrom the free-throw line. Williams,

a senior, added 22 points and was7-for-8 from the line. Many ofHarris’ and Williams’ free throwslate helped Churchill seal the vic-tory.

“Malik and Dom obviously wereimportant factors for us tonight —they were our one-two punch to-night,” Bulldog head coach MattMiller said after the game. “Theycombined for 51 points and reallyhelped us close out the game withsome stellar free-throw shooting.”

For Williams, the night was alsospecial for another reason. Thethree-year varsity player brokeChurchill’s all-time steals markwith 127 with his first steal of theevening in the second quarter.“That is a great achievement forDom,” Miller said. “To break arecord that was formerly held formany years by Eric Smith whoplayed at Georgetown and in Fi-nal Fours, and, of course, that wasbroken last season by ThomasGeenen, is really a tribute to allthe hard work and effort that Domhas put into this team over the pastthree seasons.”

Churchill once again demon-strated what is developing into astrength for the young Bulldogs —rebounding on both ends of thecourt. The Bulldogs held a 29-18advantage over the Rockets on theglass. Senior Bryant Wheatley ledthe way with 13 rebounds, includ-ing five offensive boards.

“We have been emphasizing theneed to rebound — all five guys,”Miller said. “Bryant has really

taken the lead in that area andstepped up his game, but it wasgood to see both Malik and Jesse(Locke) hit the glass hard as well.”

Next up for the Bulldogs will bean important divisional matchupwith Walter Johnson on Wednes-day, Jan. 30 at Walter Johnson.

“Our guys know that WJ is a dan-gerous team that is right there forthe division lead and that we haveno room for anything less than ourbest effort,” Miller said. “The divi-sion is still tight and we haven’twon anything yet. As I told ourguys after the game, if we start

celebrating too soon, we will becelebrating second or third placein the division in a blink of an eye.So we have to remain focused oneach game, one at a time.”

— Churchill boys’

basketball program

Churchill’sMalik Harris,seen earlierthis season,scored acareer-high29 pointsagainstRichardMontgomeryon Jan. 28.

Churchill Defeats Richard Montgomery, 67-58Records fall as Bulldogs maintain hold on division lead.

Photo by

Harvey Levine

The Almanac

Potomac Almanac Sports Editor Jon Roetman

703-224-3015 or [email protected]

See www.potomacalmanac.com


POTOMACALMANAC

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From Page 3

Winter Fun

Entertainment Ideas for Childrenfor family and friends. She says this is an idealway to incorporate writing skills with fun: “Youhave to ask yourself what your child can dodevelopmentally,” she said. “If they can writetheir name, then they can make the rest of thecard with stickers. Children can make two orthree each day and they will have somethingthey are proud of, and family members alwaysneed to be told they are loved.”

Fourth grade teacher Alysha Akbar, a gradu-ate student in the education program at GeorgeMason University in Fairfax, Va., adds, “Whilethe winter weather has prevented my fourthgraders from enjoying outdoor recess, the coldhas not kept their hands idle,” she said. “Manyof my students enjoy making beautiful, three-dimensional snowflakes. We hang them fromthe ceiling and they are very simple to make.

The children also keep busy indoors playingwith Lego blocks, drawing and, of course, read-ing.”

Melideo says that creating a family photoalbum where children get to create the cap-tions or playing a game of charades are alsogreat indoor pastimes. “Play charades with atheme, where maybe one person comes upwith clues, throws them into a hat around atheme like the holidays or a family experience.Children are using creativity, memory, connect-ing in a fun way and getting excited an ex-pressing themselves. Westermann adds thatstudents can practice math skills while whet-ting their taste buds by choosing a favorite dishto prepare: “Have your children dream upsomething yummy to eat [like] cookies,brownies or cinnamon rolls, then look onlinefor a kid-friendly recipe,” she said. “Children

can hone their math skills through measuring.Monkey bread is a fun, easy and yummy recipefor children.” Using modern technology to con-nect with family members who live in otherparts of the country is another indoor pastime,say experts. “Call, Skype or Facetime and readto grandparents or other family members,” saidMelideo. “Children practicing reading beforefor an audience helps them develop fluency.Parents should encourage them to rehearsebeforehand. They can also read a poem orsomething that they wrote. This is also a self-esteem boosting exercise because they get posi-tive feedback from the grandparents or rela-tives.” Melideo concludes by suggesting scav-enger and treasure hunts: “You can even startwith an outdoor hunt where the treasure bringsthem back inside to find hot cocoa and cook-ies.”

Easy and Tasty Suggestions for Winter MealsFrom Page 3

roast with sea salt and olive oil,” said Nelson.“I also make crispy kale where I remove theleaves from the stems, sprinkle the leaves withsea salt and olive oil and roast for about 20minutes. They make a great snack.”

Potomac-area Chef Susan Limb, of PralineBakery and Bistro in Bethesda, also enlists themake-ahead method during winter: “When youget home from work, you don’t feel like cook-ing and you don’t have a farmer’s market dur-ing winter,” said Limb. “I like to make larger

batches of hearty soups that can be a mealrather than an appetizer. They take longer tomake, but you can [cook] them on the week-end, put them in the freezer and pull themout during the week.”

CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE POTPIES areanother of Limb’s favorites: “It is not very dif-ficult matter. It is a matter of getting the rightvegetables like celery, carrots and onions, andboiling them with the chicken.” Robinson saysthat if used correctly, a crock pot can be a craftyweapon in the arsenal of the kitchen weary. “A

lot of people find crock pot food bland becauseit is often under-seasoned, but you can do alot in a crock-pot,” said Robinson. “I think whathappens is that the average American homecook thinks the crock pot does the work foryou, but you need to add much more season-ing than you do with regular cooking.”

Robinson adds that many vegetarians feelleft with limited options during winter months.“I make a vegetarian bulgar wheat, quinoa,pink lentils and mushroom,” said Robinson. “Iteats like a hearty, meaty chili. Another thingyou can add to vegetarian chili is barley.”

Recommendations for Things To Do in WinterFrom Page 3

includes two baseball fields andan in-line hockey rink, and lightedbasketball and tennis courts. Thecenter offers table tennis, billiardsand foosball, a gymnasium, weightroom, social room, meeting rooms,and hundreds of classes throughthe Department of Recreation.

ALL ARTS ON DECKGlen Echo Park7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen

Echowww.glenechopark.orgOriginally a Chautauqua retreat,

then an amusement park, GlenEcho National Park now hosts avariety of arts, environmental andhistory programs. Classes are of-fered in pottery, painting, photog-raphy, glass art, silversmithing,textiles and other arts, as well asin dance, writing and music. Danc-ing in the Spanish Ballroom is apopular social event.

Also at Glen Echo, AdventureTheatre (www.adventuretheater.org, 301-634-2270) is one of thearea’s longest running children’stheater companies, and the Pup-pet Co. Playhouse (www.puppet

co.org) offers shows as well as wasfor children to be involved.

CELEBRATE CHINESENEW YEAR

Chinese New Year is Sunday,Feb. 10 and is the year of thesnake. Exhibits and weekendevents at Lake Forest Mall Feb. 4-17, www.visit shoplakeforest.comWatch for local events at PotomacLibrary and Potomac ElementarySchool, which has a Chinese lan-guage immersion program.

VISIT THE RIVER CENTERPotomac Conservancy’s River

Center at Lock 8, 7906 RiversideDrive, www.potomac.org

Off Clara Barton Parkway be-tween Cabin John and Carderockexits

Potomac Conservancy operatesenvironmental awareness pro-grams out of Lockhouse 8 alongthe C&O Canal.

Canal Stewards Cleanup, Sun-day, Feb. 10, 2013, 10 a.m. tonoon. This clean-up event is partof the Canal Steward Program,engaging volunteers to be caretak-ers of a site within the C&O CanalNational Historical Park. Call 301-

608-1188 ext. 215.Birding for Beginners, Sunday,

Feb. 10, 1-2:30 p.m., Learn basicbirding techniques from NationalPark Service Ranger Kelly Fox. Allages welcome.

EXPLORE WINTER NATURELocust Grove Nature CenterCabin John Regional Park, 7777

Democracy Boulevard, 301-765-8660, www.locustgrovenature.org

Locust Groves offers a variety ofnature activities, indoors and out-doors, throughout the winter andrest of the year. A sampling:

❖ Treats for the Animals. Maketasty treats for wild animals thatmay have a hard time finding foodin the winter. Ages 3-6. $5. Thurs-day, Feb. 14, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

❖ Full Moon Hike. Stop to lis-ten for calls of barred owls and tolook for other nocturnal creatures,Ages 3-12. $5. 7:30-8:30 p.m.

❖ Groundhog Celebration. Cel-ebrate Maryland’s second largestrodent, with a hike, anatomy anadaptation exploration and slideshow. Ages one and up. Free. Feb.2, noon to 2 p.m.

❖ Tale of Tails. Explores sights,sounds, textures and movements

of the natural world. Ages 2-4. Feb.6. $5. 10-10:45 a.m.

❖ Cabin John Hike. Hike twomiles on the Cabin John Streamtrail, look for signs of early spring.Ages 6-12. $8. Feb. 22, 2-3 p.m.

❖ Evening Campfire. Take offthe chill with a campfire gather-ing. Bring s’more fixings. Hotchocolate provided. Ages 3-16. $5.6:30-8 p.m.

VISIT GREAT FALLSGreat Falls Tavern Visitor Cen-

ter11710 MacArthur Blvd.301-767-3714Open year round, seven days per

week from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.w w w . n p s . g o v / c h o h /

planyourvisit/greatfallstavernvisitorcenter.htmThe Historic Great Falls Tavern

has stood at Lock 20 on the C&OCanal since 1831, and now servesas the visitor center at the GreatFalls section of the park.

Easy access to the Great Fallsoverlook, one of the area’s mostincredible views of the PotomacRiver.

Activities offered year round.


Call Specific Agents to Confirm Dates & Times

When you visit one of these Open Houses, tell the Realtor you saw it in thisConnection Newspaper. For more real estate listings and open houses, visit

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com and click on the “This Week in Real Estate” link.

OPEN HOUSESIN POTOMAC

FEBRUARY 2 & 3

For an Open House Listing Form,call Deb Funk at 703-778-9444 or e-mail

[email protected] listings due by Monday at 3 P.M.

Bethesda (20817)0 Persimmon Tree Rd...................$1,650,000..Sun 12-3.............Jill Aharon..Coldwell Banker ..301-983-02006904 Persimmon Tree Rd................$899,999..Sun 12-3.............Jill Aharon..Coldwell Banker ..301-983-02007017 Barkwater Ct...........................$829,000.....Sat 1-3 ..Theres Kellerman..WC & AN Miller ..301-233-4090

Potomac (20854)11225 River View Dr....................$2,395,000....Sun 1-4......Leslie Friedson.....Long & Foster ..301-455-450611421 Twining Ln.........................$1,299,000....Sun 1-4......Leslie Friedson.....Long & Foster ..301-455-450611408 Falls Rd.............................$1,199,000....Sun 1-4......Leslie Friedson.....Long & Foster ..301-455-45066 Blueberry Ridge Ct.......................$729,500....Sun 1-4................Nita Neri.............Weichert ..703-893-1500

Rockville (20852)11800 Old Georgetown Rd #1405...$548,335...Sat 11-6............Bob Lucido......................Toll ..410-979-602411800 Old Georgetown Rd #1212..$456,335...Sat 11-6............Bob Lucido......................Toll ..410-979-60241009 Brice Rd.................................$429,900....Sun 1-4..Stephanie Horwat.............Weichert ..301-385-611511750 Old Georgetown Rd #2312...$396,335...Sat 11-6............Bob Lucido......................Toll ..410-979-6024

PetConnect Rescue

“Adopt Me, Please…”Daphne is an affectionate and unique-looking 2-year-old Shepherd/Lab mixwho is playful and a willing learner. Veryactive, we are looking for a dog-experi-enced person willing to spend time withher. Daphne weighs 40 pounds, is spayed,housebroken, and up-to-date on vaccinesand preventatives. She will do best in ahome without other dogs and while shedoesn’t harm cats, she does like to chase them. Daphne is heart-worm negative, in good health and ready for a loving home.

For more information, please e-mail Diane [email protected] and/or fill out our online application at

www.petconnectrescue.org.To donate or volunteer, please visit our Web site above.

in partnership with

Normandie Farm Restaurant

invite you to a

NETWORKING EVENT!Thursday, February 7th, 2013

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

10710 Falls Road

Potomac, MD 20854

Cost: Potomac Chamber Members: $10.00

Non-Members: $15.00

Cash Bar available

NORMANDIE FARM IS GENEROUSLY PROVIDING

HORS D’OUERVES FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT!

To reserve your place and/or for additional information,

Call the Potomac Chamber of Commerce:

301-299-2170

Or reserve your spot online at www.potomacchamber.org

R.S.V.P. by February 4, 2013

Bring your business cards and plenty of conversation!

If you would like to donate a door prize,

please call Jennifer at the Chamber office.

THE POTOMACCHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Copyright 2012 RealEstate Business Intelligence. Source: MRIS as of January 15, 2013.

In December 2012, 33 Potomac homes sold between $2,675,000-$805,000.Home Sales

Address ..................................... BR FB HB ......... Postal City .......... Sold Price ........... Type .................. Lot AC .... PostalCode9030 CONGRESSIONAL PKWY ............ 5 ... 5 ... 4 ............. POTOMAC ............ $2,675,000 ............. Detached ................. 3.11 ................. 208549904 RIVER VIEW CT .......................... 6 ... 6 ... 2 ............. POTOMAC ............ $2,175,000 ............. Detached ................. 1.33 ................. 2085410000 BENTCROSS DR ....................... 5 ... 5 ... 2 ............. POTOMAC ............ $2,150,000 ............. Detached ................. 2.15 ................. 208549851 AVENEL FARM DR ...................... 6 ... 5 ... 2 ............. POTOMAC ............ $2,150,000 ............. Detached ................. 2.01 ................. 2085412708 GREENBRIAR RD ...................... 5 ... 6 ... 2 ............. POTOMAC ............ $1,550,000 ............. Detached ................. 2.00 ................. 2085410560 MACARTHUR BLVD .................. 6 ... 6 ... 3 ............. POTOMAC ............ $1,465,000 ............. Detached ................. 0.50 ................. 208549904 GLENOLDEN DR .........................5 ... 4 ... 1 ............. POTOMAC ............ $1,210,000 ............. Detached ................. 0.40 ................. 2085410809 NANTUCKET TER ..................... 5 ... 4 ... 2 ............. POTOMAC ............ $1,200,000 ............. Detached ................. 0.94 ................. 208547600 LAUREL LEAF DR ....................... 4 ... 4 ... 1 ............. POTOMAC ............ $1,150,000 ............. Detached ................. 0.36 ................. 208548302 TURNBERRY CT ......................... 4 ... 3 ... 1 ............. POTOMAC ............ $1,030,000 ............. Attach/Row Hse ....... 0.08 ................. 208548021 COBBLE CREEK CIR .................... 5 ... 4 ... 1 ............. POTOMAC ............ $1,020,000 ............. Detached ................. 0.19 ................. 208549415 TURNBERRY DR ......................... 3 ... 3 ... 1 ............. POTOMAC ............ $1,000,000 ............. Attach/Row Hse ....... 0.08 ................. 208549224 FALL RIVER LN ............................5 ... 4 ... 1 ............. POTOMAC .............. $965,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.31 ................. 208549416 TOBIN CIR ................................. 7 ... 4 ... 1 ............. POTOMAC .............. $950,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.54 ................. 208549905 CONESTOGA WAY ...................... 4 ... 3 ... 1 ............. POTOMAC .............. $900,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.44 ................. 2085410404 HOLBROOK DR .........................4 ... 2 ... 1 ............. POTOMAC .............. $889,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.47 ................. 208548508 SCARBORO CT ............................5 ... 3 ... 2 ............. POTOMAC .............. $870,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.28 ................. 2085412725 LINCOLNSHIRE DR .................. 4 ... 3 ... 1 ............. POTOMAC .............. $805,000 .............. Detached ................. 0.25 ................. 20854

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

WEDNESDAY/FEB. 6Open House. 10 a.m. at Christ

Episcopal School in Rockville.Families can learn about the schoolwith a presentation, tour and more.Register at www.CESrockville.org or301-424-6550.

SATURDAY/FEB. 9Fourth Annual Cecily’s Advocacy

Workshop. 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. atMcLean School of Maryland, 8224Lochinver Lane. Get tools andinformation on how to help children,students and clients that are non-traditional learners. Visitwww.mcleanschool.org for more.

Design and Remodeling Seminar.10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Hopkins & Porter,12944-C Travilah Road, #204. Free.Many subjects will be discussed,including how to let light in. Discussyour project with professional staffand more. Reservations required, 30-840-9121 #17.

MONDAY/FEB. 18Job Search Training for Seniors.

Features help with resumes,interviewing skills, personal jobsearch plans and more. Classes areheld at the Ann L. Bronfman Center,12320 Parklawn Drive, Rockville.Visit www.accessJCA.org or 301-255-4215 to register.

THURSDAY/FEB. 21Design and Remodeling Seminar.

6-8p.m. at Hopkins & Porter, 12944-C Travilah Road, #204. Free. Manysubjects will be discussed, includinghow to let light in. Discuss yourproject with professional staff andmore. Reservations required, 30-840-9121 #17.

SATURDAY/FEB. 23Mini-Conference. Montgomery

County Master Gardeners is holdingits conference at Agricultural HistoryFarm Park, 18410 Muncaster Road,Derwood. Enjoy a day-long eventwith workshops, door prizes,networking and more. Registrationends Feb. 15. $50 or $90/two [email protected].

ONGOINGBeginner’s Yoga Classes at Village

Yoga. Village Yoga is adding a newBeginner’s Yoga Class, Mondays, 8p.m. Continues our Thursday, 7:30p.m. Beginner’s Gentle Flow class aswell. 10154 River Road. 301-299-1948. Visitwww.villageyogayogi.com.

Bulletin Board


A CLEANING SERVICESince 1985/Ins & Bonded

Quality Service at a Fair PriceSatisfaction Guaranteed-

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

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Serving All of N. Virginia

• All Concrete work• Retaining Walls • Patios• Decks • Porches (incl. screened) • Erosion & Grading Solutions• French Drains • Sump Pumps• Driveway Asphalt Sealing

R&N Carpentry

✦BASEMENTS ✦BATHS ✦KITCHENSForeclosure specialist/Power washing

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No jobs too large or smallFree est. 37 yrs exp. Licensed, Insured

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IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS

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320-B Maple Ave. East, Vienna, VA 22180

“The Best Homes are Built by US”

Design/BuildLarge Additions, Second Story Additions,

Whole House Remodeling & Custom Homes.www.ushc.info

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

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Falcon RoofingRoofing & Siding (All Types)

703-975-2375falconroofinginc.com

Soffit & Fascia WrappingNew Gutters • Chimney Crowns

Leaks RepairedNo job too small

ROOFING ROOFING

FIREWOOD

FIREWOODMixed Seasoned Hardwood

$130 half cord$220 full cord

Call Joe at301-856-4436

301-602-9528 Cell

EmploymentEmploymentZone 5: Potomac

Ad Deadline: Tuesday 11 a.m. • 301-983-1900

21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements

26 Antiques

We 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]

Home & GardenHome & GardenCONTRACTORS.compotomacalmanac.com

Zone 5 Ad Deadline:

Monday Noon

301-983-1900

Zone 5:

• Potomac

Zone 5 Ad Deadline:

Tuesday 11 a.m.

301-983-1900

Zone 5:

• PotomacEmploymentEmployment

CLASSIFIEDDEADLINESZones 1, 5, 6........................Mon @ noonZones 2, 3, 4........................Tues @ noon

E-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 @ 1:00

E-mail ad with zone choices to: [email protected] or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411

Newspapers & Online

HOW TO SUBMIT ADS TO

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 Packet

The 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

Rockville

Potomac

BethesdaChevyChase

NorthPotomac

Washington,D.C.

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Great Papers • Great ReadersGreat Results!

Employers:Are yourrecruiting adsnot working inother papers?

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NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTERNo sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits!

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Weekdays 9-4

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Freelance ReporterTo cover news plus events features

in Mount Vernon. Rewarding,flexible work, pay is nominal.

Email letter, resume plus clips [email protected]

Connection Newspapers in Old Town Alexandriahas an immediate opening for a Full ChargeBookkeeper. Duties include payroll, tax filings,accounts receivable and payable, invoicing, generalledger and financial statements. Applicant must bean expert in Quickbooks and proficient MicrosoftExcel. Applicant must possess a strong work ethic,people skills, team attitude and be able to multi-task. Near King Street Metro. Free parking. Flexiblehours, 24-30 hours/week. Email cover letter, resumeto [email protected]

Bookkeeper

The biggestthings arealways the

easiest to dobecause there isno competition.

-William Van Horne

Light tomorrow with today!.-Elizabeth Barret Browing


Email community entertainmentevents to [email protected]. Deadline is Thursdayat noon. Photos encouraged.

ONGOINGArt Exhibition. The Art Glass

Center Gallery’s ongoingexhibitions feature the work ofresident artists Diane Cabe,Christine Hekimian, Sue Hill,Michele Rubin, Sherry Selevan,Bev and Zayde Sleph and JanetWittenberg. Sculpture, vessels,functional art, and jewelry are alsofor sale. Classes are taught year-round for beginner, intermediateand advanced students. Fridays 10a.m.-2 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-4p.m., and Sundays noon-4 p.m. AtGlen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthurBlvd. Call 301-634-2273 or visitwww.artglasscenteratglenecho.org.

Glassworks. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4p.m. Glassworks is the D.C. area’sfirst glass school. Classes aretaught year-round for both newand advanced students. At GlenEcho Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd.Call 301-634-2280 or visitwww.innervisionglassworks.com.

Photoworks. Photoworks is aresource for both student andprofessional photographers todevelop their talents throughclasses, workshops, andexhibitions. Open Saturdays 1-4p.m., Sundays 1-8 p.m., andduring all scheduled classes andworkshops. At Glen Echo Park,7300 MacArthur Blvd. Call 301-634-2274 or visitwww.glenechophotoworks.org.

Yellow Barn Studio & Gallery.Saturdays and Sundays, noon-5p.m. The Yellow Barn Studio &Gallery presents free exhibitions ofemerging artists’ work. Eachweekend features the work of adifferent artist. Most artwork is forsale. At Glen Echo Park, 7300MacArthur Blvd. Call 301-371-5593 or visitwww.yellowbarnstudio.com.

Science & Nature. Saturdays andSundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. WeekendNature Programs at LivingClassrooms Children’s MuseumLiving Classrooms Children’sMuseum at Glen Echo Parkpresents engaging science andnature activities for the family.Encounter live animals, take aninterpretive hike, explore theindoor anthill and tree slide andmore. Free for members/childrenunder 2; $5 for non-members. AtGlen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthurBlvd. Call 202-488-0627, ext. 242or visit livingclassroomsdc.org/Site-BasedPrograms.html.

SilverWorks Studio & Gallery.Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdaysand Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.SilverWorks Studio & Gallery is aworking silversmith studio andincludes an ongoing exhibitionand sales of the work of artist-in-residence Blair Anderson. At GlenEcho Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd.Call 301-634-2228 or visitwww.silverworksglenechopark.org.

WEDNESDAY/JAN. 30Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at

The Mansion at Strathmore, 10701Rockville Pike. Deborah Bond andher band Third Logic will performnew music. $15. Visitwww.strathmore.org for tickets.

Fundamentals of Drawing. 7-9p.m. at VisArts, 155 Gibbs St.,Rockville. Children in grades 6-12can enjoy this six-week class andlearn how to give dimensionalqualities to objects and more.$120/six-weeks. Register atwww.visartscenter.org or 301-315-8200.

JAN. 30 THROUGH MARCH 10Theater Performance. At

Winter Fun

Mr. Barnaby and the Toymaker(Christopher Piper).

‘Toyland’ at Glen EchoPuppet Co. presents “Toyland,” an adaptation of

Victor Herbert’s operetta for children, “Babes inToyland, a condensed version of the 108-year-oldchildren’s classic. The Crooked Man is out to graball the toys in Toyland, and it’s up to Tom, thePiper’s son, and Little Bo Peep to sing and dancetheir way, with the help of Mother Goose andfriends, to a happy ending.

“Toyland” runs Jan. 18-Feb. 10, Fridays at 10 and11:30 a.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m.and 1 p.m. Tickets are $10. Group rates available.Visit www.thepuppetco.org or call 301-634-5380.

Imagination Stage, 4908 AuburnAve., Bethesda, showcases “AnimeMomotaro,” a Japanese folktalethat teaches about inner strengthand the ability to stand up againstbullying. Tickets range $12-$25and available online atwww.imaginationstage.org or301-280-1660.

FRIDAY/FEB. 1Music Performance. China

National Symphony Orchestraperforms at 8 p.m. at MusicCenter at Strathmore, 5301Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda.Tickets range $25-$65. Visitwww.strathmore.org or 301-581-5100.

Performances. 9 p.m. at Mansionat Strathmore, 10701 RockvillePike. See Bellflur’s “Ghosts of theHandsome Skin,” a project thatincludes musicians, artists,authors, actors, dancers andchoreographers from theWashington, D.C. area. $12/online; $15/door. Visitwww.strathmore.org or tickets.

Contra Dance. 7:30-11:30 p.m. atthe Spanish Ballroom at GlenEcho, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., GlenEcho. Dance to live music byAnadama. $10. 301-634-2222.

SATURDAY/FEB. 2Music, Dance and Painting. 3

p.m. at 10116 Lloyd Road.Farewell party for “PersianDreams.” $10, space is limited sopurchase tickets in advance.Portion of the proceeds go to theOMID foundation. Visitwww.omid-e-mehr.org or 202-276-9419.

“Love and Let Love.” 8 p.m. atBradley Hills Presbyterian Church,6601 Bradley Blvd., Bethesda. Seea cabaret about love’s ups anddowns presented by the PeabodyOpera Department. Free willoffering. 301-365-2850.

Swing Dance. 8 p.m.-midnight atSpanish Ballroom at Glen Echo,7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo.Flying Feet Enterprises presentsdancing to the Daryl Davis Band.Lesson starts at 8 p.m. $15. E-mail [email protected] or 301-634-2222.

Tiny Tots. 10 a.m. at Glen Echo,7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo.Children up to age 4 can enjoy ashort 30-min show. Lights stay on,doors open and everyone has agood time. $5/person includingbabies-in-arms. Pre-purchase orno-obligation reservationsrecommended. Visitwww.thepuppetco.org or 301-634-5380.

SUNDAY/FEB. 3Photography Lecture. 1 p.m. in

the Buchanan Room at VisArts.Professional photographers willdiscuss their work. $20/event;$70/series for early registration.$25/event; $80/series for regularregistration. Visit

www.visartsrockville.org for more.Waltz Dance. 2:45 p.m.

introductory workshop at SpanishBallroom at Glen Echo, 7300MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. 3:30-6 p.m. is the dance. $10. Visitwww.WaltzTimeDances.org or301-634-2222.

Argentine Tango. 6:30-11 p.m. atBallroom Annex at Glen Echo,7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo.Enjoy music by DJ Rene Davila.$15 with the lessons at 6:30 p.m.for beginners or 7:30 p.m.intermediate lesson or both lessonsand dancing; $10 just dancing at8:15 p.m. 301-634-2222.

Contra and Square Dance. 7-10:30 p.m. at Spanish Ballroom,7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo.Anadama will provide the music.Lesson starts at 7 p.m. $12/non-member or $9/FSGW member.Visit www.fsgw.org or 301-634-2222.

THROUGH FEB. 3Art Exhibit. Saturdays and Sundays

from noon-6 p.m. in the PopcornGallery at Glen Echo, 7300MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Enjoya collection of artwork inspired bythe Valentine’s Day holiday. Visitwww.glenechopark.org or 301-634-2222.

MONDAY/FEB. 4Painting in the “Right” State of

Mind. 7-9:30 p.m. at VisArts, 155Gibbs St., Rockville. Students canwork in oils or acrylics and paint aseries of abstract canvases andmore. $200/eight-week class.Register online at 301-315-8200 orwww.visartscenter.org.

THROUGH FEB.4Exhibit. Photoworks Gallery at Glen

Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd.,Glen Echo, presents“Deconstructed Dance” featuringworks by Madeline Smith, asophomore at Bethesda-ChevyChase High School. A series ofblack and white silver printscreated for the Middle YearsProgram. Free. Open Saturdaysfrom 1-4 p.m. and Sundays from 1-8 p.m. Visitwww.glenechophotoworks.org.

TUESDAY/FEB. 5Music. A John Denver tribute

performance at 8 p.m. at the MusicCenter at Strathmore, 5301Tuckerman Lane. Tickets rangebetween $28-$48 and can bepurchased at www.strathmore.org.

Imitation is the Highest Form.Students can learn about mixingpaint, painting techniques andmore during this five-week sessionfrom 7-9 p.m. at VisArts, 155Gibbs St., Rockville. $100/student.Register at www.visartscenter.orgor 301-315-8200.

FEB. 6 THROUGH MARCH 2Art Exhibit. Gallery B presents its

February exhibition, featuring

photographers Howard Clark,Martin Evans, Stephen Hoff andDave Montgomery. The exhibit willbe on display at Gallery B, locatedat 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Suite E,Bethesda. Gallery hours areWednesday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m.

THURSDAY/FEB. 7Blues Dance. 8:15-11:30 p.m. at

Ballroom Annex at Glen Echo,7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo.Capital Blues presents a beginnerworkshop at 8:15 p.m. withdancing starting at 9 p.m to bluesmusic from every corner of thegenre. $8. [email protected].

FRIDAY/FEB. 8Drama Performance. Winston

Churchill High School presents“Bus Stop” at 7 p.m. at the school.$8 online at www.wchsarts.com orat the door.

Opening Reception. 6-9 p.m. inconjunction with the Bethesda ArtWalk. Gallery B presents itsFebruary exhibition, featuringphotographers Howard Clark,Martin Evans, Stephen Hoff andDave Montgomery. The exhibit willbe on display at Gallery B, locatedat 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Suite E,Bethesda.

Contra Dance. Lessons start at 7:30p.m. with dancing from 8:30-11:30p.m. in the Spanish Ballroom atGlen Echo, 7300 MacArthur Blvd.,Glen Echo. Music provided by GlenEcho Open Band. Beginnerswelcome. $10/adults; 17 andunder free. [email protected].

Friday Night Eclectic. 9 p.m. atMansion at Strathmore, 10701Rockville Pike. $10/online; $12/door. Stone Kawala & the Treespresent a celebration of the vocalarts. Visit www.strathmore.org.

FEB. 8 THROUGH MARCH 18Art Exhibit. Photoworks Gallery at

Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthurBlvd., presents “Signs of Life” byElizabeth Steuart. See natural andman-made elements woventogether in compositionsreminiscent of a stage set. Visitwww.glenechophotoworks.org.

SATURDAY/FEB. 9Drama Performance. Winston

Churchill High School presents“Bus Stop” at 7 p.m. at the school.$8 online at www.wchsarts.com orat the door.

Opening Reception. 4-7 p.m. Sixlocal printmakers will share theircreative journeys using traditionaland other techniques with mixedmedia. In the Popcorn Gallery atGlen Echo, 7300 MacArthur Blvd.,Glen Echo. Visitwww.glenechopark.org or 301-634-2222.

Red Dress Ball. 8 p.m.-midnight atSpanish Ballroom at Glen Echo,7300 MacArthur Blvd. $15. [email protected] for more.

I don’t quite know how to start this col-umn so I’ll begin with its ending: “I’m fine.”

I am asked as much, if not more, than thenext person how I am doing. It’s a standardcourtesy offered up every day between manyunsuspecting askers and most often providesanswerers an opportunity to nonchalantlymove the conversation along without toomany fits and starts. For a cancer patient likemyself, however, whose status, situation andstory is likely known in advance (generallyspeaking) of most casual meetings that occur,the question/greeting, though well-intended,doesn’t exactly fall on deaf ears, and certainlydoes not conjure nonchalance; at least not inmy head, and that’s where this problemreally starts.

Of course, I want people interested in myhealth. Of course, I want people to be cour-teous and respectful to me. Of course, I wantpeople to engage me and treat me like thenon-terminal patient I’m not. I aspire to benormal so I want to be treated normally, andnormally, being treated as such wouldn’tbother me. And it doesn’t bother me, really.What it does do however, is jump-start/remind my brain of my less-than-ideal healthcircumstances: stage IV non-small cell lungcancer (NSCLC). Hardly the cross I wanted tobear beginning at age 54 and a half – after alife of not smoking, with no immediate-fam-ily history of cancer.

And given the fact that I semi pay atten-tion to my surroundings and take notice ofwhat I see and hear, when asked a questionof health-related substance – sincerely, I amloathe to answer the question “monosyllab-ically.” If I do control my responses and don’tburden the questioner with a brief buthumorous accounting of my most recentcancer-related anecdote, in my head I willhave already gone there and done that:meaning, just because I don’t say anything,don’t presume for a second that my brainhasn’t already considered how in fact I amdoing and reviewed all the gory details. Sowhether anybody intended it – and I’m notsure anybody did, when I’m asked this mostinnocent of questions, my reaction is any-thing but. My reaction is a non-verbal, instan-taneous re-living of the past four years,beginning with my visit to the EmergencyRoom on January 1, 2009. And as much as Ithink about my circumstances – on my own,what few breaks I allow myself are invariablycut short when someone, anyone has thegood nature to inquire how I’m doing.

Still, being ignored is no good. Beingtreated with kid gloves is no good. Being cau-tious is no good. Being super-sensitive is nogood. Being over-reactive is no good. Beingpitied is no good. Being alone is no good.Moreover, being diagnosed with a terminalform of cancer is absolutely no good. Asmuch as I want to live long and prosper andconsider all the hope the future has to offer,cancer controls from within, often subcon-sciously. That’s what I hate the most; thechanges it causes in your head: your reac-tions, your assessments, your sense of pro-portion, your sense of self, etc. It’s all differ-ent. I can live with it, but it does cause me tosometimes make mountains out of molehillsand molehills out of mountains; with very lit-tle consideration of the mole.

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

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