Bethesda Magazine: November/December Digital Edition

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | $4.95

GIVING BACK | TOP ATTORNEYS

WINTER BUCKET LIST THE LEDECKY EFFECT

JOSH HARRIS' QUEST TO BRING BACK THE

THE CHEVY CHASE NATIVE AND WASHINGTON COMMANDERS OWNER TALKS ABOUT KICKING OFF A NEW ERA MoCo360.media

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023

VOLUME

20

ISSUE

6

PAGE 192 Mary Pat Alcus (right), a Potomac resident, is the Philanthropist of the Year.

ON THE COVER

THE GIVING ISSUE

104

192

The Chevy Chase native and new owner of the Washington Commanders on his goals for the franchise, how sports can unite a community and why he said no to being an accountant

Philanthropist of the Year Mary Pat Alcus gives her all, whether it’s offering her financial xpertise to nonprofi s, encouraging college hopefuls or jumping into the pool to teach kids to swim

BY MIKE UNGER

BY CARALEE ADAMS

Josh Harris’ Quest to Bring Back the Glory Days

The Power of One

198

Guide to Giving We’ve rounded up 41 nonprofi s where you can share your time, talents and money

COVER ILLUSTRATION BY MATT DARTFORD / MDI DIGITAL COVER DESIGN IN COLLABORATION WITH FOVNDRY 12 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | MOCO360.MEDIA

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PHOTO BY MELANIE LANDSMAN

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Your Winter Bucket List A chill is in the air, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to hibernate. Go for a hike or cozy up around a campfi e.

Celebrate the season by taking in holiday lights or cutting your own Christmas tree. Or warm up on a cocoa crawl (booze optional).

Grab your favorite scarf and get going!

PAGE 227 Meet passionate foodies who plan their vacations around their next great meals.

BY STEPHANIE SIEGEL BURKE

126

132

139

184

227

The Bethesda native and GOAT swimmer makes waves wherever she goes

Local lawyers share what it’s really like to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court

BY DAWN KLAVON

BY AMY HALPERN

Here’s who lawyers in Montgomery County and Upper Northwest D.C. recommend among their peers

Local artist Jeffrey Everett turns out beautiful, edgy, unforgettable promos for concerts in the DMV and beyond

For these Montgomery County residents, the search for thrilling dining experiences is the road to happiness

The Ledecky Effect

Courtroom Drama

Top Attorneys

Poster Child

BY NEVIN MARTELL

FROM TOP: ILLUSTRATION BY MARY KATE MCDEVITT; ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA SADKA; COURTESY JEFFREY EVERETT

FEATURES

Will Travel for Food

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: PETE RYAN; DEB LINDSEY; COURTESY PHOTO

1 00 REV I EW The Salt Line sets sail in Bethesda.

2 8 M S . MO CO Rachel Pomerance Berl tackles burning questions.

237 Home

DEPARTMENTS

74

TRAVELER’S NOTEBOOK

The new Moxy hotel, a New Year’s crab drop and more

20 20

TO OUR READERS CONTRIBUTORS

25 Banter 26

SPEED READ

28

MS. MOCO

30

CULTURE COUNTER

32

BEST BETS

34

MUSIC AS MEDICINE

38

The season’s biggest events Michael Bard heals with harmony

A BURIED LEGACY

Long-hidden history in Chevy Chase

TRUE BLOOD

A new book on old crimes

42

SHOPPING

44

FITNESS

69

84

CELEBRATIONS

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a holiday hub

The hue of the season: rich red

A Chevy Chase wedding and Silver Spring reception with Middle Eastern flai

Mad for plaid

242 ISLAND TIME

A Bermuda-born homeowner puts her love of color and pattern to elegant use

253 WELCOME TO TH E NEIGHBORHOOD Bethesda’s Wildwood and Lone Oak

254 HOME SALES DATA

Real estate trends by ZIP code

89 Dining 90 SMALL BITES

New arrivals, discoveries and other morsels of food news

MoCo natives doing cool things

41 Good Life

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DRIVING RANGE

Avoiding awkward holiday convos

On New Year’s resolutions that matter

36

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238 HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS

92

THE HOT LIST

93

PIZZA 101

96

TABLE TALK

Cocktails to sip right now

Andy Brown of Andy’s Pizza dishes out advice Good Ducking Burger debuts; a food truck to inspire gyro worship

100 REVIEW

265 Business 266 BUSINESS ROUNDUP

Notable news from the local biz scene

268 CURING HIV

A new Rockville spinoff may pull it off

270 MADE IN MOCO

The MoCo small business Peach & Paperie creates cards and stickers with a wink

272 WHAT I KNOW

Choice Hotels CEO Pat Pacious on tough lessons learned

The Salt Line docks in Bethesda Row

Advertising Sections

How spin class saved my soul

49

Profil s: Senior Services

159

Profil s: Attorneys

HEALTH

217

Profil s: Financial Professionals

235

Long & Foster

240

Holiday Gift Guide

248

Kitchen & Bath Showcase

258

Private Schools

Pain myths, debunked

FIELD TRIP

Exploring Kensington

16 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | MOCO360.MEDIA

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10/6/23 9:32 AM

TO OUR READERS

HELLO, READERS.

One of the burdens of being sentient is the staggering number of things we care about but have little or no control over.

Sometimes they’re comparatively trivial: Sports fans can agonize or enthuse over x’s and o’s, wins and losses, trades and draft picks—or, in the case of the Washington Commanders, the legacy of a city’s storied franchise. But unless you happen to be named Josh Harris (see story, page 104) or work for him, there’s likely little you can do that will boost the Commanders’ playoff outlook or restore their reputation as an organization. And that’s OK. But sometimes the circumstances are so negative, the scope so vast, that the lack of agency might feel like helplessness: When we witness hunger, war, disease, disaster, poverty and injustice, we can feel as though we have no power and modest influence, yet plenty of feelings of anger, fear, anxiety and despair.

So I will trot out the adage: Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.

Even in the face of massive social problems, there are like minds looking to help where they can. It may be through money—such as support for displaced people or funding for research. It could be through activism—building political will for government policy or intervention. Look around, and you will find countless ways to do good (even in modest amounts).

While you’re feeling inspired, you can turn your time, talents and money to needs that are close at hand. In addition to honoring Philanthropist of the Year Mary Pat Alcus (page 192), this edition features our annual Guide to Giving (page 198), presenting more than 40 organizations striving to improve our community—and “success stories” that show how these groups have made a difference in the lives of individuals.

I hope you’ll use the guide to identify ways you can help—to assert your own ability to remake this corner of the world for the better.

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

LOUIS TINSLEY PETWORTH, D.C.

BACKGROUND: The commercial and editorial photographer has worked all over the country, lighting sets for people ranging from former President George W. Bush to rapper Lil Nas X. He’s a board member of the Washington, D.C., chapter of American Photographic Artists.

IN THIS ISSUE: Shot the Banter item on a new historical crime book, along with the Made in MoCo story about a local stationery company.

ON HIS DOWN TIME: “I like to get out of the city and enjoy nature a bit. I really enjoy Locust Grove and Cabin John. I also love to shoot on film.

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

MIKE UNGER BALTIMORE

BACKGROUND: Unger is a writer and editor originally from Rockville.

IN THIS ISSUE: Interviewed new Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris about his plans for the NFL team’s future and the role he wants it to play in the DMV community.

FAVORITE MONTGOMERY COUNTY HANGOUTS: Quarry House Tavern in Silver Spring and Cuba de Ayer Restaurant in Burtonsville.

COURTESY LOUIS TINSLEY; MIKE UNGER

Lighting a Candle

ANNE TALLENT EXECUTIVE EDITOR

20 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | MOCO360.MEDIA

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SENIOR EDITOR

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MOCO360 REPORTERS

Ginny Bixby, Courtney Cohn, Elia Griffi RESTAURANT CRITIC

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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

“This is a classic Jewish tradition, but when my family is together on Christmas, we do love to get Chinese food and watch a movie.”

Louis Peck, Julie Rasicot, Carole Sugarman COPY EDITORS

Elisabeth Herschbach, Steve Wilder CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Caralee Adams, Jennifer Barger, Rachel Pomerance Berl, Stephanie Siegel Burke, Christine Koubek Flynn, Dana Gerber, Amy Halpern, Dawn Klavon, Buzz McClain, Kristen Schott, Jennifer Tepper, Mike Unger, Carolyn Weber PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS

“We put the It’s a Wonderful Life DVD on continuous replay beginning Dec. 23. We finally replace it with Die Hard on Jan. 1.”

PUBLISHING

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Matt Dartford, Annabelle Gordon, Lisa Helfert, Melanie Landsman, Jing Li, Deb Lindsey, Lindsay Max, Brendan McCabe, Mary Kate McDevitt, Julia Patrick, Chelsea Peters, Brian Taylor, Pete Ryan, Jason Schneider, Hilary Schwab, Louis Tinsley

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“We buy funny onesies for the entire family that we wear Christmas morning. Last year, we were all reindeer.”

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ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER

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DIRECTOR OF EVENTS & SPECIAL PROJECTS

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AUDIENCE PRODUCER

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DIGITAL PRODUCER James Musial

“Every December, my family eats a dinner inspired by the movie Elf, including spaghetti with Pop-Tarts and lots of syrup!”

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Holidays at RANKY TANKY

WITH VERY SPECIAL GUEST

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9/29/23 3:07 PM 10/6/23 9:34 AM

32

Christmas on the Farm and other big events

34

Michael Bard heals with harmony

PHOTO BY LARRY ROMANS; PHOTO BY LINDSEY MAX

AWKWARD HOLIDAY CONVOS / MS. MOCO / A BURIED LEGACY IN CHEVY CHASE

Members of Maryland Youth Ballet perform the “Waltz of the Flowers” from The Nutcracker. PAGE 33

PHOTO BY JERI TIDWELL

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MOCO360.MEDIA | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 25

10/11/23 2:21 PM

BANTER SPEED READ

Talkin’ Around the Christmas Tree Techniques for avoiding awkward conversations that can make the holidays a not-so-wonderful time of the year BY NEVIN MARTELL SEEK OUT ALLIES. “Ahead of time, check in with the people you

think are on your ‘team’ and let them know to help you out if certain topics come up,” says Kaitlin Doyle, a licensed marriage and family therapist at Capital Crescent Collective in Bethesda.

PRACTICE RESPONSES. Don’t try to handle tough questions on the

spot. “Write a script of things likely to happen and how you’re going to respond,” says Marjorie Kreppel, founder and owner of the Counseling Center Group in Bethesda. “You’re building muscle memory, so you’re much more likely to do it correctly when it occurs.”

TALK AHEAD OF TIME. Still traumatized over the conversation with

CHOOSE SAFE CONVERSATION TOPICS. Rather than letting discus-

sions veer into third-rail topics, like the upcoming presidential race, Lizzie Post advises starting convos around small talk topics: the meal, the weather, what you just binged on Netflix. “No, this is not riveting conversation,” says Post, the co-author of Emily Post’s Etiquette: The Centennial Edition and co-president of the Emily Post Institute, “but these topics don’t usually bring in conflict, ideology or identity.”

ASK QUESTIONS. Find out what’s been going on with your fel-

low guests over the past year: their job, their friends, their vacations, their oddball collection of model train memorabilia. “That puts the attention on the other person, which is going to be very protective for you,” Kreppel says.

DIVERT THE DIALOGUE. Suddenly, you find yourself sandwiched between invasive queries about your dating life from an old family friend and your out-of-town cousin. Post recommends simply switching the topic—and being blunt about it. “Tell them, ‘I would love to talk about anything but that,’ ” she says. “Then pivot by asking them about something else they’re going to be able to discuss.”

your aunt about your pregnancy journey last Christmas? Kreppel recommends reaching out to her in advance using the dialectical behavior therapy technique DEAR MAN (Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindful, Appear, Negotiate). “Describe the situation that happened last time, such as, ‘You brought up some very personal questions about whether or not we’re going to get pregnant,’ ” Kreppel says. “Then express how that made you feel, assert what you want, and then reinforce how this will be better for your relationship.”

AVOID SELF-MEDICATING. Taking refuge in a bottle of whiskey

DRAW LINES IN THE SAND. “People think boundaries have to

feud? Kreppel advises excusing yourself to do breathing exercises. By inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for eight seconds, you will activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which will help you calm yourself down.

be complicated, requiring a lot of extra explanation,” Doyle says.

“But something as simple as gently, warmly asking, ‘Please do not ask me about this,’ is fine.”

26 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | MOCO360.MEDIA

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or stepping outside for a few tokes might make you momentarily feel better, but they aren’t going to make your holiday any brighter. In fact, it might get a whole lot darker. “They may make people have a shorter fuse and be less inhibited, so they’re more likely to fly off the handle,” Doyle says. “No matter what, they’re a short-term fix, a Band-Aid on a broken arm.”

JUST BREATHE. Getting riled up about a long-running family

ILLUSTRATION BY JING LI

10/11/23 2:26 PM

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OPRAH WINFREY AND COLUMNIST DAVID BROOKS SHARE A SENTIMENT: THE GREATEST GIFT WE CAN GIVE IS OUR ATTENTION, TO MAKE OTHERS FEEL SEEN AND HEARD.

C’mon, Get Happy How can a type A slow their roll and find true con entment?

Ask Ms. MoCo. BY RACHEL POMERANCE BERL Our area is flush with type A go-getters who set goals and hustle to meet them. So we may be suckers for New Year’s resolutions. But while we’re achieving many of our goals—running marathons, eating healthier, advancing our careers—a sense of contentment can still elude us. What can we strive for in 2024 to make us happy?

You are already there, which is to say, here. The idea that we must arrive somewhere to reach Shangri-la both deludes and derails us—and the type A-ness of this area further fuels the myth. Highpressure jobs and schools may yield achievement and financial success, but they won’t give us or our anxious, burned-out kids lasting satisfaction. Why? Well, there’s always a bigger, better deal—whether it’s a fancier house or car, or the quest to look

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thinner or younger. We are chasing the wrong things.

Specifically, we tend to pursue money, power, pleasure and fame, according to Arthur Brooks, who writes about happiness for The Atlantic, teaches the subject at Harvard and was president of the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative D.C. think tank. In his latest book, Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier, he and co-author Oprah Winfrey contend that happiness, as we conceive of it—a sustained joyful frolic free of hardship—isn’t attainable or meant to be. What is? Brooks and Winfrey say it’s a mix of enjoyment and purpose acquired through faith, family, friends and meaningful work. By focusing on these so-called pillars and employing tools for more equanimity, they say we can all be happier no matter what circumstance makes happiness feel beyond our reach.

Another Brooks—D.C.-based New York Times columnist David Brooks—decries what he calls the lies of meritocracy, which value achievement and self-sufficiency and led to his own loneliness.

“In the course of a career, just by drifting along and paying too much attention to the lies, you come to desire the wrong things.

You desire reputation, and you come to idolize time. You value productivity over people. Instead of settling into deep relationships with people, you always have a clock in your head,” he said in a 2019 speech at Brigham Young University. The columnist, who believes building community begets happiness, shares the same sentiment as Winfrey—that the greatest gift we can give is our attention, to make others feel seen and heard.

And that’s the way to create close relationships—which, according to an 85-year Harvard study, unlock lifelong happiness. In fact, such bonds “protect people from life’s discontents, help to delay mental and physical decline, and are better predictors of long and happy lives than social class, IQ, or even genes,” according to The Harvard Gazette.

In our world of distractions and traffic, to-do lists and social media, relationships matter most.

My mother, Barbara Pomerance, who passed away this year, listened so attentively that countless people emerged with stories about her recall of minute details of their lives. She built a wide and deep social network involving annual trips with dear friends. And while she acknowledged the bittersweetness of life, she focused relentlessly on the sweet. She died in peace after a life well lived.

My advice for all of us—whether you’re a MoCo mover and shaker or one of the few relaxed souls among us: Put the damn phone away. Slow down. Invest in your relationships. Consider how you can help others. And connect, in person, with the people you love. Happy New Year.

Have a question about life in Montgomery County? Ask Ms. MoCo by emailing msmoco@moco360.media.

ILLUSTRATION BY PETE RYAN

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BANTER MEDIA REPORT

Culture Counter

BOOK It’s not by accident that American neighborhoods are often divided by class, says Richard D. Kahlenberg.

Government zoning has created a form of bias against those with less education and income that limits their ability to access good schools and other amenities, says the Rockville author. His book Excluded: How Snob Zoning, NIMBYism, and Class Bias Build the Walls We Don’t See (PublicAffairs, July 2023) tries “to shine a light on a pervasive form of economic discrimination that essentially determines who gets to live where in America,” he says.

BOOK Alice McDermott’s ninth novel, Absolution (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Oct. 2023), focuses on two very different American women who lived in 1963 Saigon, Vietnam. Unlike a memoir, fiction allows the characters to purposefully reflect on their experiences, says the Bethesda author. “That’s why the title is Absolution,” she says. “Is there a way to assess who we were at any given point in history or in our own lives, and understand context in a way that allows us to forgive one another for what we didn’t know?”

BY CARALEE ADAMS

TV ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown has a new host with local roots: Scott Van Pelt. The TV personality grew up in Brookeville and attended Flower Valley Elementary School in Rockville and Sherwood High School in Sandy Spring. Van Pelt has been with ESPN since 2001. He began his new gig at the start of the 2023 NFL season and will continue as host of SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt. The Bethesda resident was slated to be inducted into the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame at the end of October.

BOOK As a religious studies scholar who grew up in Mississippi, Robert P. Jones of Takoma Park says his new book was partly a personal quest to disentangle the role of white supremacy and Christianity in the development of the country. The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the Path to a Shared American Future (Simon & Schuster, Sept. 2023) looks at church doctrine used centuries ago to justify the conquest of Indigenous people and the enslavement of Africans, and how it connects to contemporary ways people are reckoning with this history.

READING LIST Here are the top-selling books at Loyalty Bookstores, 823 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring Nonfictio

1

Lovelight Farms | B.K. Borison

1

Pageboy: A Memoir | Elliot Page

2

Above Ground | Clint Smith

2

A Living Remedy: A Memoir | Nicole Chung

3

The Late Americans | Brandon Taylor

3

4

Nigeria Jones | Ibi Zoboi

ust Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under J the Color of Law | Richard Rothstein and Leah Rothstein

5

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow | Gabrielle Zevin

4

All About Love | Bell Hooks

6

Roaming | Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki

5

7

Yellowface | R.F. Kuang

Renaissance of Our Own: A Memoir & Manifesto on A Reimagining | Rachel E. Cargle

6

Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital | Elise Hu

7

ancing in the Darkness: Spiritual Lessons for Thriving in D Turbulent Times | Otis Moss III with Gregory Lichtenberg

In each edition, Bethesda Magazine will present bestsellers from a local bookstore or library. Please reach out with store recommendations or lists at editorial@moco360.media.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Fiction

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10/12/23 3:09 PM

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BANTER BEST BETS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Nov. 6

GZA and Fishbone GZA, a rapper and founding Wu Tang Clan member also known as The Genius, performs at The Fillmore Silver Spring, backed by a full live band, Phunky Nomads. Sharing the bill is legendary funk/punk/ska band Fishbone, which stood out as one of the few bands of color in the early 1980s L.A. punk scene and went on to influence g oups such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers and No Doubt. livenation.com

Nov. 11

Tartan Terrors Clad in plaid kilts, these musicians bring Celtic music to new audiences, blending traditional instruments such as fiddles, bagpipes an whistles with the guitars, drums and attitude of rock music. They also throw in some humor and step dancing. Catch their show at Germantown’s BlackRock Center for the Arts. blackrockcenter.org

Dec. 1

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas The New Age music group is perhaps best known for its contemporary interpretations of Christmas carols. It claims to be the top-selling Christmas music artist of all time, selling more than 31 million albums. Hear the group’s modern takes on Yuletide classics at The Music Center at Strathmore. strathmore.org

Dec. 15

The Washington Chorus: A Candlelight Christmas The singing group brings tidings of comfort and joy to The Music Center at Strathmore in a program that includes handbells, brass and percussion along with familiar Christmas carols and lesser-known songs. Candles and twinkling string lights onstage add to the ambience. thewashingtonchorus.org

Dec. 16

Tula’s Holiday Drag Show BlackRock Center for the Arts is giving holiday vibes for this drag show starring local queen

Tula, a regular around the region, as well as her fabulous friends. Come dressed in your favorite ugly Christmas sweater and get ready to werk, honey, because after the show you can join the divas for a DJ dance party. blackrockcenter.org

Dec. 16-17

NatPhil: Handel’s Messiah Possibly one of the most recognized pieces of classical music, the “Hallelujah” chorus is a highlight of Handel’s Messiah. The National Philharmonic, joined by guest vocal soloists, performs a new, semistaged dramatic version of the masterpiece at The Music Center at Strathmore. nationalphilharmonic.org

Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve Party with EU Featuring Sugar Bear Ring in the new year at the Bethesda Theater with the iconic Washington, D.C., go-go band known as Experience Unlimited. Gregory “Sugar Bear” Elliott leads the group, best known for its 1988 hit “Da Butt,” famously featured in Spike Lee’s film School Daze. The party includes a midnight balloon drop and party favors. bethesdatheater.com

THEATER Nov. 3

The Magic and Mayhem Tour Magician and mentalist Adam Stone performs illusions, card tricks and mind reading, while Krystal Younglove performs sideshow feats, such as fi e swallowing and enduring a bed of nails. This show at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn is recommended for age 18 and older. gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation

Cabin John Winter Ice Show

Nov. 17-Jan. 7 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

In C.S. Lewis’ story, Lucy and her siblings discover the land of Narnia, where it’s always winter but never Christmas.

Adventure Theatre MTC’s treatment of the classic tale follows the children on their adventure to defeat the evil White Witch with goodness, courage and faith. adventuretheatre-mtc.org

Nov. 24-Dec. 31

A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas Paul Morella’s one-man rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story is an Olney Theatre Center tradition now in its 14th season. This version, in which Morella portrays more than 50 characters, is drawn almost entirely on the original novella. olneytheatre.org

ART Nov. 29-Dec. 20

Small Works by MAA Artists A variety of artwork by members of the Montgomery Art Association is on display at Artists and Makers Studios in Rockville. The pieces, which include paintings, photography and various other media, are all small enough to carry home, making this show perfect for art collectors and holiday shoppers. An opening reception is planned for 5-8 p.m. Dec. 1, and an artist talk is planned for 1-3 p.m. Dec. 9. artistsandmakersstudios.com

FROM LEFT: COURTESY ELMAN STUDIO; ILLUSTRATION BY HEATHER SUN; COURTESY MONTGOMERY PARKS, M-NCPPC

MUSIC

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MIXED NUTS

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Nov. 17

S’more Lights The Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg is known for its fabulous drive-through display. But starting on Nov. 17, a series of special events allows you to experience the 3.5mile trail on foot. At S’more Lights (Nov. 17), families can roast marshmallows, enjoy s’mores and hot chocolate, take pictures with Santa and stroll through the lights display. On Nov. 18, you can do a 5K run/walk through the lights with the Montgomery County Road Runners Club. Sip & Sparkle, which mixes a walk through the lights with adult beverages, is set for Nov. 19, and the whole place goes to the dogs on Nov. 21 for Leashes ‘n’ Lights, which invites people and their pooches to enjoy the holiday sights. gaithersburgmd.gov

Holly Trolley Fest Take a ride with Santa and Mrs. Claus on a historic streetcar during this event at the National Capital Trolley Museum. A model railroad display, crafts for kids and photo opportunities are also featured. dctrolley.org

Dec. 11

Chanukah Fire Truck Parade The first night of Hanukkah falls on Dec. 7 and the Chabad Lubavitch of Upper Montgomery County is celebrating the Jewish festival of lights with a parade including live music and singing, fire jugglers and a whole lot of fire trucks. The brigade starts off at Rockville Volunteer Fire Department Station 3 and passes through Fallsgrove, Potomac Glen, Washingtonian Woods and the Kentlands. It ends at the Simcha Educational Center in Gaithersburg with a community menorah lighting and Hanukkah party. ourshul.org

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Nov. 18

Nov. 11

Just like the holiday season, this tradition starts off with a turkey and ends with a visit from Santa Claus. A 12-foot inflatable turkey leads the annual procession of floats, marching bands, beauty queens, fire engines and performing dog and animal groups through downtown Silver Spring.

Kriss Kringle himself brings up the rear on a float accompanied by holiday music. silverspringdowntown.com

Join the mayor of Rockville and the city council at the Rockville Senior Center to honor the men and women who have served in this nation’s armed forces.

American Legion Post 86 will lead a wreathlaying ceremony, and the honor guard will present a 21-gun salute. rockvillemd.gov In Gaithersburg, join city officials and members of veterans groups at the City Hall Concert Pavilion for a wreath-laying ceremony followed by a city hall reception. gaithersburgmd.gov

Thanksgiving Parade

FROM LEFT: COURTESY ROCKVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT; PHOTO BY JERI TIDWELL

Dec. 2-23

Dec. 2-3

Christmas on the Farm See what the Christmas season might have been like on a historical Montgomery County farm during this event at the Agricultural History Farm Park. Enjoy free cookies and cider, a bake sale of homemade treats, hayrides, and tours of the 19th-century farmhouse. Don’t forget to visit the farm animals that call the park home. montgomeryparks.org

Veterans Day Observances

Dec. 16

Cabin John Winter Ice Show Local figure skaters show off their axels, lutzes and loops during this free showcase at Cabin John Ice Rink in Rockville. Skaters in a wide range of levels, from ages 4 to over 40, perform group numbers, duets and solos. montgomeryparks.org —Stephanie Siegel Burke

There’s more than one way to crack a nut this season. We’ve rounded up five different productions of the favorite holiday ballet The Nutcracker, each with its own distinct flavor.

The Classic: Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet An international cast and Ukrainian principal artists dance in this European ballet classic that also features acrobatics, puppets and handcrafted sets and costumes.

Dec. 2, The Music Center at Strathmore, strathmore.org

The Update: The Hip Hop Nutcracker

Tchaikovsky’s classic score is remixed with hiphop beats, a DJ, a violinist and break-dancing moves, and the setting has been relocated from 19th-century Germany to a modern-day New York City street corner.

Dec. 19-21, The Music Center at Strathmore, strathmore.org

The Friends and Family Version: The Nutcracker by the Rockville Civic Ballet

You might see your pals or neighbors onstage in this performance by the community dance group. It traditionally features 80 dancers ranging in age from 7 to over 70.

Dec. 2-3 and 9-10, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, friendsrcb.org

The One with Strings: The Nutcracker by The Puppet Co.

Actors in masks interact with marionettes and hand puppets in this dreamy version of the story that incorporates elements and music from the original ballet with magic and nursery rhymes.

Nov. 24 through Dec. 31, The Puppet Co. Playhouse, thepuppetco.org

The Student Rendition: The Mini Nut and The Nutcracker by Maryland Youth Ballet

The Silver Spring classical ballet school presents two takes on the holiday classic. The MiniNut, a one-hour abbreviated version, is geared toward younger audiences or those with shorter attention spans. The Nutcracker, MYB’s fulllength production, is a traditional performance featuring Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, dazzling costumes and, of course, beautiful dancing.

The Mini-Nut: Dec. 2, 3, 9, Cultural Arts Center, Silver Spring The Nutcracker: Dec. 15-17 and Dec. 21-23, Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, Montgomery College, Rockville marylandyouthballet.org —S.S.B.

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BANTER PEOPLE & PLACES

Michael Bard (left) with student Talha Aziz

Music as Medicine Five years ago, Bethesda-based guitarist Michael Bard became interested in his instrument’s healing powers. Now that passion is taking him to Carnegie Hall. BY VIVIAN NOBLE KELLER Guitarist Michael Bard has performed for every kind of Washington, D.C., crowd: Choral Arts Society holiday revelers, flocks of Latin dance enthusiasts, even the odd secretary of state or Supreme Court justice. But at his Carnegie Hall debut this November in New York City, the Bethesda resident is honoring a new and special group: the military veterans he has served as a teacher, performer and medical musician.

The art of using music to soothe body and soul dates to at least ancient Greece. These days, through groundbreaking efforts that include the Sound Health initiative—a partnership between the National Institutes of Health and the Kennedy Center, in association with the National Endowment for the Arts— scientists across the country are researching the intricate ways music might be used to ease the symptoms of depression, Parkinson’s disease and other conditions.

Bard, 55, became a part of the growing medical music community in 2018 after reading Waking the Spirit: A Musician’s Journey Healing Body, Mind, and Soul. Written by guitarist Andrew

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Schulman, the book chronicles how hearing Johann Sebastian Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion” through a pair of earbuds rescued its author from a postoperative spiral toward death. Intrigued, Bard began training with the Medical Musician Initiative (MMI), a nonprofit co-founded by Schulman that trains concert-level acoustic musicians how to work with medical teams in intensive care units.

At Massachusetts’ Berkshire Medical Center, Bard’s MMI instructors taught him about how ICU teams operate, how to serve as a team member, and how to identify which music worked best for specific patients. “I was there to learn how to heal and help with positive patient outcomes,” he says.

“You have to find just the right musical prescriptions for each patient’s individual needs.” Bard found, for instance, that slow major-key pieces calm many nonverbal patients. He relies on intuition, based on decades of experience, to tell him whether to play for those patients the second movement from Dvořák’s “New World Symphony,” “Amazing Grace” or another selection.

With a master’s degree in classical guitar, intensive train-

PHOTO BY LINDSEY MAX

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Discover AMP.

“ THE CHEER THAT YOU BROUGHT...FLOODED INTO ME. I COULD HEAR YOU PLAYING LONG AFTER YOU LEFT THE ROOM—EVEN IF IT WAS JUST IN MY HEAD.”

HAROLD LÓPEZ-NUSSA Thu, Nov 9 Dynamic Cuban pianist

—A NOTE FROM RONALD WILGENBUSCH, ONE OF THE PATIENTS MICHAEL BARD HAS WORKED WITH

SOLES OF DUENDE Co-presented with District of Raga

Fri, Nov 10 As the son of a Ukrainian immigrant who served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, Bard enthusiastically signed on. When COVID-19 brought his in-person lessons for Marlow to an end, he continued them via Zoom and won praise for his gentle approach. “He’s just a wonderful person,” says Gary Mason, a Vietnam veteran and retired elementary/middle school teacher living in New Mexico who studied remotely with Bard in 2021 and 2022. “I really appreciated his expert tutelage and patience.”

Talha Aziz, a current student who served in the U.S. Navy from 2003 to 2007, has similar sentiments. “We’re so connected to our devices…when you go to an acoustic guitar, all the noise goes away,” says Aziz, who is a program manager for Oracle. “[Bard] has a perfect temperament…he always puts me at ease.”

Bard has also served as a guest lecturer for Harvard University’s online extension course “Music and the Mind,” where he has helped psychology students and others explore the practicalities and value of music therapy.

Bard’s debut at Carnegie’s 268-seat Weill Recital Hall on Nov. 4 is slated to be an evening of classical, Spanish and Brazilian music. The Veterans Repertory Theater of New York will receive a portion of the concert proceeds. Among the guest artists joining Bard is Bethesda soprano Aurora Dainer, 16, a junior at Walt Whitman High School.

Bard plans to continue his healing work in the years to come. He has seen what music can do, he says—and it’s a reward in itself. “Being part of the transformation veterans and patients experience when learning and listening to music has meant everything to me,” Bard says. “It’s one of the most important things I’ve done with my life.”

Multicultural percussive dance trio

FRESH AIR Tue, Nov 14 Artist in Residence Class of 2024 debut concert

STEPHANE WREMBEL’S DJANGO NEW ORLEANS Fri, Nov 17 Sinti jazz guitar with New Orleans flair

KEVIN BURT & BIG MEDICINE Sun, Nov 19 Straight-up blues

MARTIN SEXTON Thu, Nov 30 Soulful folk-rock guitarist

Jim Saah

ing in flamenco, and experience playing worldwide as a cultural ambassador for the U.S. State Department, Bard also has honed a versatility that serves his new calling well. Following the lead of string instrument luminaries such as cellist Yo-Yo Ma, who has recorded bluegrass and tangos, Bard can play and improvise fluently in numerous styles that easily connect with patients of all nationalities and walks of life.

For years, Bard has held down a heavy performance and teaching schedule featuring ongoing gigs as a member of Trio Caliente, a Bethesda-based band that performs Latin and Brazilian music locally and at music festivals across the country; guest appearances with Choral Arts and other performers; and a student roster that has listed top U.S. government officials along with young wannabe shredders. But after his MMI training, he carved out time to play for the National Institutes of Health’s Pain and Palliative Care service at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda.

Among the service’s patients was retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Ronald Wilgenbusch, who asked Bard to play the “Concierto de Aranjuez” by Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo. “The cheer that you brought… flooded into me,” Wilgenbusch wrote after being discharged, before dying in 2022. “I could hear you playing long after you left the room—even if it was just in my head.”

Word of Bard’s healing music spread to Marlow Guitar International, a Rockville nonprofit that runs the Regis Ferruzza Guitars for Veterans program in cooperation with the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals in Silver Spring.

Designed to help veterans cope with anxiety, stress and other challenges, the program provides participants with a guitar, 15 one-hour lessons and accoutrements such as books, music stands and footstools.

Red Line, North Bethesda station

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BANTER LOCAL LIFE

A Buried Legacy

Two Chevy Chase residents want to cast a light on some long-hidden history in their neighborhood BY AKIRA KYLES

Nadine Chapman (left) and Rachel Peric at Brookville Road Park

The midcentury modern ranches and split-level homes lining Woolsey Drive are tidily landscaped, with house prices in the

area starting at $1.5 million.

Yet buried below lie the bones of enslaved people who worked farmland and maintained households for white landowners in the mid-1800s in what’s now the Rollingwood area of Chevy Chase.

Now, two neighbors who peeked into the area’s bleak legacy are urging the community to acknowledge it. Chevy Chase residents Rachel Peric, 44, and Nadine Chapman, 55, hope to gain support for a statue to mark the site and to introduce local children to its history.

A couple of years ago, Peric says, she was looking into the Chevy Chase Historical Society archives out of curiosity about the neighborhood where she grew up. She discovered that enslaved Black people were buried only a few blocks from her home.

“That prompted me to start reaching out to the historical society to just try to learn more and see if this was a history that our neighborhood could learn more about and ultimately acknowledge and honor the lives of those buried there,” Peric says.

Renata Lisowski, director of the archive and research center at the historical society, estimates that at least five enslaved people were buried in the area. The most likely location of the burial site is east of Brookville Road at the intersection of Wool-

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sey Drive and Rocton Avenue, according to Brian Crane of the Montgomery County Planning Department, who reached that conclusion earlier this year by studying land deeds from the time.

Peric shared her research with a neighborhood email list.

Chapman added a 2021 MoCo360 story about the county’s long history of racism. The two bonded over wanting to highlight that history in their community.

“It just piqued my appetite to make sure that we’re not asleep, that we know what’s going on where we live, and we know our history—the good, the bad and the ugly, and the in-between— and we’re not afraid of it,” Chapman says. “My concern is that if we don’t know our history, we’ll repeat our history.”

Peric and Chapman held a webinar in May in conjunction with the historical society where they shared research findings and asked for help in learning more about the burial site. More than 100 residents, including author Mau VanDuren, participated in the webinar and decided to take part in the initiative to acknowledge the enslaved people. “[Given] my own experience as a partly Jewish person growing up in a very strict Protestant environment in the Netherlands where I was also discriminated against, I just wanted to get involved,” VanDuren says. “If we can…maybe put up a plaque or a sign or

PHOTO BY HILARY SCHWAB

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PHOTO COURTESY MONTGOMERY HISTORY

something that says, ‘This is here and this is significant,’ I think opers to do without historical societies standing in the way. that would be a worthy project.” VanDuren says his contributions Peric and Chapman also recruited at-large county councilmember to the initiative have included research into who was living on the Will Jawando in their efforts to get recognition for the burial site. He farm and their conditions, an effort that proved difficult as there kicked off the webinar and has been “connecting this work to larger weren’t names, but only numbers of the people who were enslaved. efforts in the county focused on racial healing and repair,” Peric says.

Fellow community residents Bonnie and Joe Oppenheimer also “We can’t address the problems of today if we don’t address decided to join the initiative to uncover more about where they how we got here and the history of our community,” says Jawalive. “This is a neighborhood thing which ndo, a Democrat who has worked as a civil requires neighborhood work,” Joe says. “If rights lawyer. we’re not going to do it, it won’t get done.”

Chapman and Peric say they are not looking According to Lisowski, enslaved people to dig up the remains of the deceased; the most likely maintained the farm by taking care of important aspect to them is educating younger animals, cleaning the house and tending to members of the community. “In the next year, I crops. Census records indicate that this farm would love to see that our local schools and just had 32 enslaved people in 1860, she says. our community as a whole have access to this history and are using it,” Peric says. “Then our The fact that the county recognized the site as a burial ground in 2019 is a positive goal also is to identify a site where we can have step, Lisowski says, as similar burial grounds some sort of space of remembrance and hisusually are faced with disputes over whether torical marker and information.” The women Brookville Road looking north, 1910 they exist. For one thing, she says, African plan to contact Bethesda-Chevy Chase High burials—of both enslaved and free people—did not generally have School and Chevy Chase Elementary School to see if they can hold grave markers as we tend to think of them, whether for cost rea- a seminar or some sort of discussion to teach students about the sons or because the community used other means to mark graves, history of the area. such as boulders or dirt mounds. Another reason is that many peoAlthough the acknowledgment may seem small, the two neighple migrated elsewhere after the Emancipation Proclamation and bors say there’s no better place to start to make a difference than weren’t around to speak up about where their ancestors were bur- in their neighborhood.

“We start here in our community,” Peric says, “and this is the ied, she says. Finally, even known burial grounds can be destroyed for the sake of new construction, but that’s even easier for devel- piece we can do.”

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BANTER PEOPLE & PLACES

Scars of the Past

A fascination with true crime predates the internet, as MoCo resident Jack Toomey lays bare in a new book BY COURTNEY COHN It was 1911, and the talk of Montgomery County was Richard Allnutt, who sat in

the county jail in Rockville waiting to go on trial for killing his sister with a pitchfork and permanently injuring his 80-year-old mother and her housemate in Dawsonville—all over a family squabble involving an inheritance.

Just like modern-day lovers of true crime, folks then were as riveted by the facts of the case as they were with the rumors. Some said Allnutt’s wife would serve him delicacies and visit him at

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the jail from Sunday morning to Monday night. Others said Allnutt’s family brought him furniture to make his incarceration more comfortable.

The crime and subsequent trial were documented in fine detail—not on social media or 24/7 newscasts, but in inches of text in The Washington Post. More than a century later, Jack Toomey, 70, has pored over the newspaper’s archives to selfpublish Crime, Tragedy, and Catastrophe in Montgomery County, Maryland 1860 to 1960. Toomey, who took a reporter to the

scene of the crime, writes that Allnutt’s case was “one of the most sensational murders of the era.”

At his trial, Allnutt’s defense essentially pleaded insanity. An alienist (an old-fashioned term for psychiatrist) testified that Allnutt suffered from paranoia, but a doctor from the State Lunacy Board deemed him sane, according to Toomey’s research. Allnutt was found guilty of second-degree murder and served 20 years in the penitentiary. He died in 1932.

Toomey says it’s fascinating to look at

PHOTO BY LOUIS TINSLEY

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PERHAPS THE MOST HIGH-PROFILE STORY IN THE BOOK IS THE TALE OF GEORGE ATZERODT, WHO WAS INSTRUCTED BY JOHN WILKES BOOTH TO KILL VICE PRESIDENT ANDREW JOHNSON.

COURTESY PHOTO

Jack Toomey at the Allnutt house

how trials used to be carried out, what terms were used for mental illness and how the justice system worked a century ago.

He specifically notices a difference between the use of an insanity plea a century ago versus today.

“I think it was a lot more common than it is today,” Toomey says. “They would bring in alienists who would talk to the prisoner for like half an hour.”

Another difference: the length of a trial, he says.

“It wasn’t long back then. There wasn’t

any such thing as a weeklong trial. It was more like two days,” Toomey says.

Toomey has a special interest in the justice system, having spent 26 years with the Montgomery County Police Department—10 as a patrol officer and 16 as a detective. He later wrote a weekly column for the police department’s alumni newsletter, choosing to highlight crimes that occurred 100 to 150 years ago since, he says, “they’re the easiest to write because there was so much coverage.”

For each crime, he says, there were several days of newspaper reports, which is less common today. He also has written stories about what he calls “obscure history” for The Monocacy Monocle print newspaper, which covers news from upper Montgomery and southern Frederick counties.

“There are 82 stories in this book,” Toomey says. “I have 82 more stories that I didn’t include in this.”

Among the more outlandish—but true—stories in Toomey’s book is the depiction of how holiday shopping could be just as unruly in December 1885 as it is today. When a man found out that the item he wanted to buy wasn’t in stock at a Poolesville store, he began arguing with the proprietor. The ensuing quarrel included the customer choking the pro-

prietor, the proprietor hitting the customer in the head with an ice cutter and the customer gnawing off the end of one of the proprietor’s fingers.

The next day, the proprietor accepted the customer’s apology, and no charges were filed.

Perhaps the most high-profile story in the book is the tale of George Atzerodt, who was instructed by John Wilkes Booth to kill Vice President Andrew Johnson while Booth shot President Abraham Lincoln and another person stabbed Secretary of State William Seward. Atzerodt faltered, not carrying out his part of the plan, and escaped to Montgomery County along Frederick Road with help from an unwitting farmer named George Gaither.

Atzerodt spent a night at Clopper Mill before making his way to his cousin’s farm in Germantown, where soldiers caught up with him. He eventually was hanged for his role in the conspiracy.

The story might be mostly lost to history, paved over and built up, but there are little signs still standing—if one knows where to look. The farm is near what is now Northwest High School. The school is located at 13501 Richter Farm Road, which is named after Atzerodt’s cousin.

Toomey’s book, Crime, Tragedy, and Catastrophe in Montgomery County, Maryland 1860 to 1960, which he self-published through BookBaby in August, is for sale online as a paperback and e-book at Amazon and BookBaby.com.

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HEELS

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$145 at Johnny Was, 4867 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 301-263-3505, johnnywas.com

EARRINGS

$68 at Sassanova, 7134 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda, 301-654-7402, sassanova.com

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10/9/23 3:57 PM

GOOD LIFE WELLNESS

Back in the Saddle

How spin class saved my soul—and why I hope you have your own fitness amily BY JACQUELINE MENDELSOHN I could barely even glimpse my black-and-yellow cycling shoes beneath my swollen belly that December morning in 2018. “Mind

over matter,” I muttered to myself as I clipped into the bike.

Stevie Nicks’ raspy voice began to croon, “Listen to the wind blow, watch the sun rise,” and I settled into the beat. Taking in the sea of familiar faces, my self-judgment began to evaporate. My SoulCycle community—my people. Not only had we sweated, cried and whipped our towels in the air together, we had forged deep connections. Friendships that saw me through my divorce, my remarriage and, now, my soon-to-be firstborn.

I had moved from the West End of Washington, D.C., to Bethesda in the fall of 2015 knowing exactly one person—the boyfriend I would end up marrying. Newly divorced and carless, I had secured a one-bedroom rental that happened to be two blocks from a SoulCycle studio. Little did I know that spinning would bring me back to my field hockey and lacrosse days at boarding school, where my freshman-year teammates became lifelong friends.

One evening after work, I finally strode over to a class. The wide-grinned instructor, Michelle, spoke openly about her family relationships, shared stories about her acting career and told us about a recent date. “You are exactly where you are supposed to be,” she emphasized between songs. “Trust the process, Everyone in this room has gone through something hard.” Instead of fight-

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ing back tears, as I had done on and off for months at work, I felt a release as they melded with the sweat dripping down my cheeks.

Over the next several months, SoulCycle became my house of worship, and I came to think of Michelle’s ever-evolving affirmations as thrice-weekly sermons. When I quit my law firm job nearly a year later, I was up to six classes a week and counting.

But it wasn’t just Michelle drawing me in.

As I began to rebuild my life after divorce, the faces of strangers had become those of my closest confidantes. Similar to the locker room banter of my boarding school classmates followed by team dinners and training trips, quick chats in the spin studio turned into yoga, barre and coffee dates. Those soon stretched into lunches and dinners. Eventually we found ourselves consoling one another after miscarriages, celebrating birthdays and even vacationing together on the shores of Nantucket. Just as I still do with a close circle of my school teammates.

On the morning of my wedding to that boyfriend-turnedfiancé, we donned our respective bride and groom tees for a celebratory ride. Dripping with sweat afterward, we clinked our Champagne flutes and cut into a cake made by our friend Polly.

“I couldn’t help myself,” she said with a grin as she pointed to the custom topper—a pair of bicycles.

After my daughter was born in 2018, I began to mix in yoga

ILLUSTRATION BY CHELSEA PETERS

10/11/23 2:51 PM

classes as well as stroller walks with fellow parents. Like spinning, heated yoga provided a sanctuary from the pressures of parenting and working, allowing me instead to focus on the simple movements of my body.

But in March 2020, my routine came to an abrupt halt. Like every fitness studio around the country, SoulCycle and CorePower Yoga closed their doors when the pandemic hit. People feared even masked walks outside. For weeks I lamented the loss of my physical and emotional outlets. Would our friendships go by the wayside, too, I wondered?

A small group of us got our act together for a couple of Zoom happy hours—cocktails encouraged. We shared workout playlists and took the occasional masked walk 6 feet apart on the Capital Crescent Trail. Pregnant this time with my second, I even donned a pair of headphones and tried out a few of the silent disco spin classes in the parking lot of the Marriott in North Bethesda.

With fleeting ambitions of practicing downward-facing dog and cycling while my newborn and toddler napped, I jumped at the chance to livestream yoga classes and purchase a spin bike.

But zero accountability and the inevitable distraction of my husband and kids made it easy to skip those planned workouts. And those occasions when I managed to lay down my mat or clip in?

I had a dark room with a mirror. Music turned up to the loudest decibel. I even had a scented candle. But I didn’t have my community. Turns out, that was the key to it all.

Fast forward to January 2023. Here goes nothing, I thought as I clipped into a bike at the Bethesda studio. “Welcome back,” Michelle said with her signature grin. “Close your eyes,” she encouraged me and the many other riders who had recently returned. “Trust that your body knows what to do.” Within minutes, I felt my mind and body relax as I moved intuitively to the beat—pushups, tap-backs and all. I gazed around the dark room during the last song, feeling the contagious energy of my fellow riders cheering and whipping their towels in sync. I truly came home at that moment—not simply to the end of the class, but to my fitness family here in Bethesda.

Since then, I’ve started getting to know the new staff and riders who’ve flocked in since the pandemic eased, reconnected with old fitness acquaintances and invited my longtime workout buddies over for dinner. Our crew spans five decades. We are lawyers, writers, fitness instructors, publicists, stay-at-home parents and entrepreneurs.

But we are united by a collective basic human desire: to connect.

And that’s how I remembered that exercise can be about more than simply burning calories, boosting endorphins or dutifully checking a box for the day—though it does all those things, too.

It’s about moving your body and connecting with the people around you. Whether you’re passing the ball to a teammate, riding with the pack or flowing on your mat alongside others, group fitness allows you to feel a part of something larger than yourself, drawing you in at times when you might feel out to sea. I’m back in the saddle these days, and I hope you will be, too.

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GOOD LIFE HEALTH

MYTH NO. 1: PAIN IS A NATURAL SIGN OF AGING

We should expect wear and tear on our bodies as we get older. But to “associate pain as a consequence of age is not necessarily a natural progression, nor correlation,” says Jennifer Norton Graham, owner of Graham Therapy and Fitness in Bethesda.

Just because we experience hormonal, neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and other changes as the years pass doesn’t mean that pain is on the horizon, she adds.

While research shows that older adults are more at risk for pain, often because of the increase in falls and chronic diseases, the two aren’t automatically linked, echoes Dommerholt, who is also co-founder of Myopain Seminars, a postgraduate continuing education company for physical therapists and other health care providers.

“There are many elderly people who do not have pain, and there are elderly people with pain—but that’s true in every single age group,” he says.

Pain Points Don’t fall for these six common myths, say local physical therapists BY ROBIN L. FLANIGAN Everybody hurts.

But pain is highly subjective, complicated by a mix of signals in the nervous system that can vary from person to person. And that diversity of experience lends itself to a lot of inaccurate ideas about physical suffering.

“People get misguided in belief systems that don’t make any sense or are outdated,” says Jan Dommerholt, a physical therapist and founder of Bethesda Physiocare. “If you look at what’s known about pain—and there’s a lot that’s known—that research would eradicate 50% to 90% of the myths and misconceptions that still circulate.”

Here are six of those myths, according to physical therapists:

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MYTH NO. 2: NO PAIN, NO GAIN

Here’s a common scenario: People who haven’t exercised in decades decide they need to lose 10 pounds immediately and approach an exercise regimen too aggressively, increasing their susceptibility to pain.

No matter the source, pain is not a

ILLUSTRATIONS BY JASON SCHNEIDER

10/11/23 12:42 PM

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GOOD LIFE HEALTH

“ MOST PEOPLE WOULDN’T IGNORE THE GAS LIGHT IN A CAR OR AN OIL LIGHT THAT IS ON, SO IT IS IMPORTANT TO HONOR THE BODY’S NATURAL RESPONSE.” – JENNIFER NORTON GRAHAM, PHYSICAL THERAPIST

measure of progress. “Just like in baseball—there’s a preseason for a reason,” says Binila Abraham, a physical therapist at Integrative Therapy in Kensington. “You want to slowly work your way up to discomfort, and maybe just a little bit more.

Pushing through something for a long period of time isn’t a good idea.”

It is important to determine what is contributing to the pain, address the area of dysfunction or mechanical limitations, or look deeper into—and tackle—the root cause, says Norton Graham.

“Most people wouldn’t ignore the gas light in a car or an oil light that is on,” Norton Graham says, “so it is important to honor the body’s natural response and work with a health care provider to address any pain complaints and still be successful at achieving the gains.”

MYTH NO. 4: PAIN IS ALL IN YOUR HEAD

While this one is somewhat accurate because the brain receives signals of pain, “pain is very complex,” Norton Graham says.

Abraham explains that if pain lasts six weeks, one of two scenarios is at play: Either tissue damage has healed but the

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It seems like a reasonable assumption that if you have heel pain, the source of the pain is in your heel. But that’s not always the case.

“If only the human body were that simple,” Norton Graham says.

For example, pain felt in the heel could be related to the Achilles tendon, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, the pelvis or low back, or a number of other troubles, she points out.

MYTH NO. 6: PAIN IS PAIN

MYTH NO. 3: REST IS THE ONLY WAY TO TREAT PAIN

Rest often is required when someone has a new or severe injury, such as a broken bone or sprained ankle, because it aids in the healing process and manages inflammation and other acute issues, says Norton Graham.

But rest is by no means a panacea.

“This is an old-school mentality,” says Abraham, who recently entered a program to become a certified therapeutic pain specialist. “Research has shown that even just a basic level of exercise allows for blood flow to the ‘injured joint’ or whatever it is that ails you.”

Abraham points to a saying in the physical therapy world: “Motion is lotion.”

“It helps to sort of massage and get blood flow to the area so it can heal faster,” she says. “Otherwise you have stasis—that’s when things don’t move. You don’t want that.”

MYTH NO. 5: WHERE YOU FEEL PAIN MUST BE WHERE THE PROBLEM IS LOCATED

body’s central nervous system remains on high alert, or there’s something else going on that needs attention.

With the first, “the reality is that the [pain] isn’t there anymore, but our brain has gotten stuck in the position of protect, protect, protect,” Abraham says. With the second, “that’s when you hope you’re being seen and treated by a good physical therapist.”

Abraham suggests desensitizing the central nervous system with some good self-talk. “You can’t dismiss what you feel,” she says, “but you can tell your body, ‘I’m doing everything I can to support you. Thank you for giving me the heads up, but you don’t need to dump the adrenaline anymore. We can settle and take a deep breath and move forward.’ ”

Just as people are different, so are their experiences of pain. For the same type of injury, one person may have a much higher sensitivity to pain than another, and to think otherwise “could discount what the individual is experiencing,” Norton Graham says.

Care providers often use a visual analog scale—a validated, subjective measure for acute and chronic pain—to determine pain intensity.

The scale’s questions may include: Is the pain constant, or does it come and go?

Is it different throughout the day? What activities make the pain better or worse?

Does the pain stay in one place or travel down a limb?

Two people with nearly identical injuries may have wildly different responses to the exact same questions, says Norton Graham.

To get the best help, she says to be sure you’re evaluated by a skilled and licensed health care provider who will “truly listen and dive into what is being experienced and conveyed—and more importantly, why pain is being experienced in the first place.”

ILLUSTRATION BY JASON SCHNEIDER

10/11/23 12:42 PM

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The Halem Group C O M PA S S B E T H E S D A Margie Halem is the founding agent of Compass Bethesda and voted “2023 Best Real Estate Agent” by Bethesda Magazine readers. Over three decades, Margie's service-driven approach has built an extensive network of contacts that she leverages for clients' benefit. "[Margie] was always respectable and highly competent handling the sale of my condo," says Lenore Lenkin. "I'd highly recommend her."

7200 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 100 Bethesda, MD 20814 301-775-4196 margie@compass.com margiehalemgroup.com

Ranked among the top 1 percent of agents nationwide by the Wall Street Journal, Senior Real Estate Specialist Margie Halem specializes in helping older adults navigate their unique needs when buying, selling, or relocating. From assisting with moves to coordinating estate sales, Halem and her team of market experts are dedicated to guiding senior clients toward the living situation best suited for this special phase of their lives. "[Margie's] topnotch wisdom, experience, professionalism and patience made selling our house and buying a condo such a good experience for us," says Adele Redisch.

Adds her husband, Bill: "She successfully guided us through both processes and was wonderful to work with."

Whether you envision a cozy condo or an all-inclusive retirement community, Margie knows just where to look, and her

proficiency ensures that you'll not only find a house, but a home, that feels right.

Her personalized approach to senior real estate means client needs and preferences are at the forefront of every decision.

With white-glove client service, innovative marketing strategies, and real access, the Halem Group has created a premium one-stop shop providing clients a turnkey, concierge-style service.

"Margie Halem is an incredible real estate agent [who] always puts her clients first—she provides the information you need and will be your biggest advocate and protect your interests," says Robyn Cohen. "She is personable, knowledgeable and trustworthy and has the resources and tools to get the job done. I have worked with Margie for two home sales, and she will always be my go-to Realtor."

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NOT PHOTOGRAPHED: LORI SILVERMAN, SHANNON IRLANDER AND ASHLEY TOWNSEND

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Maplewood Park Place Voted "Best Senior Living Community"

by Bethesda Magazine readers for the 14th consecutive year, Maplewood Park Place is a resident-owned cooperative community for those 62 and better, offering 19 different one-level floor plans to suit every taste. Conveniently located near two easily accessible Metro stops, Maplewood is minutes from ample shopping, restaurants, cultural

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attractions and top medical centers.

9707 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, MD 20814 301-571-7444 maplewoodparkplace.com

Maplewood Park Place is your doorway to a vibrant, active retirement lifestyle. Since 1995, the resident-owned cooperative community has redefined senior living for active adults ages 62 and better, offering home ownership, a maintenance-free independent lifestyle and a full continuum of care—assisted living, skilled nursing care, personalized memory care and support and rehabilitation services.

"Living at Maplewood reminds me of going on a cruise—except here, we own the ship!" says Maplewood owner resident Diane S. The Maplewood experience features abundant activities, pristine, recently renovated amenities and first-class dining, all easily accessible, comprehensive onsite medical services, 24/7 security and concierge services and a highly attentive, engaging staff.

"The staff here is unbelievable; they can't do enough for you," says Ruth

Snyder, who moved in last March. "I had a sciatica problem when I moved in; Health Center, they have the most fabulous physical therapy services. Any [healthcare service] you need, it's all there."

Snyder says she's living a more engaged life with a full social calendar and many new friends to share meals with. And she still hosts "the old gang" for weekly canasta games in her spacious one-level apartment. The piéce de résistance of her unit, Snyder says, is the glass-enclosed balcony.

Perhaps Maplewood's most differentiating feature, says Snyder's younger sister Paula Alloy, who also moved in last spring, is the community's size—perfect for making meaningful connections.

“Everyone knows each other, and the staff knows all our names,” says Alloy.

“You walk down the hall and 10 people say ‘Good morning.’”

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DR. GAIL LINN, AUD, CCC-A D R . T R I C I A T E R L E P, A U D , C C C - A 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 105 Rockville, MD 20852 240-477-1010 potomacaudiology.com

While their specialty is fitting hearing aids, the primary goal at Potomac Audiology is to provide patients with the best possible hearing care based on individual needs by exploring and evaluating all options and solutions. The focus is achieving the optimal outcome for each patient and his or her unique situation.

Dr. Gail Linn founded Potomac Audiology in 1998 with the mission to provide the highest quality hearing health care. In 2011, Dr. Linn’s daughter, Dr. Tricia Terlep, joined the practice, which expanded to a second office in Frederick, Md. “We’re not just selling hearing aids; we’re improving quality of life,” says Dr. Linn. “We’re helping people hear again, and that’s amazing. If you are, or a loved one is, missing out on the sounds of life, help is available. Every day we work with people who have hearing deficiencies, and we enable them to live the life they want with the best hearing they can have.”

Potomac Audiology recognizes Real-Ear Measurements as a gold-standard best practice in fitting hearing aids. This technique allows audiologists to measure what the hearing aid is actually delivering to the eardrum. Without performing this measurement, there is no way to know whether a hearing aid is providing the correct amplification on the correct frequencies. There is no reason to risk spending thousands of dollars on hearing aids that may not be programmed correctly.

At Potomac Audiology, audiologists make sure that even hearing aids purchased elsewhere are performing optimally.

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Potomac Audiology

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Montcordia H E AT H E R Q . & B E T H M . , C O N C I E R G E C O M PA N I O N S Montcordia is a boutique Concierge Companion Care and Aging Life Care Management agency. Only the best — less than 1 percent of all applicants — are hired to be Montcordia Concierge Companions. Our companions are thoroughly screened for experience, aptitude and emotional intelligence.

They are highly trained and supervised

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to provide a worry-free experience.

2 Wisconsin Cir., Suite 700 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 240-221-5290 montcordia.com

Montcordia provides concierge companion care and care management to discerning clientele so they can live independently with style and dignity.

We carefully curate a mix of collegeeducated professionals with diverse experience and interests dedicated to building genuine connections.

A companion makes life more enjoyable for older adults who need engagement. Companions bring clients to museums, concerts, or coffee at their favorite bakery. On behalf of our clients, Montcordia companions drive, do light housekeeping, do laundry and cook. Some clients prefer to stay close to home and walk in the neighborhood, do gardening, or work on a puzzle or art project.

Companions are also happy to assist with pet care.

Montcordia matches clients with a companion who has similar interests or backgrounds. Companions are available

to visit consistently based on our clients’ unique needs and schedule. And there are no hourly minimums.

"I feel that I am a great fit for the clients I work with," says Heather.

"Despite already having considerable experience, I received extensive training from Montcordia in dementia care, mental health and even The Ritz Carlton's customer service."

Beth enjoys learning from her clients. "I want to hear all the stories! Where they've been in the world. All about their families. I truly enjoy my time with them."

Aging Life Care Management is available for clients and families who could use someone to be an advocate, manage medical or personal affairs and recommend community resources.

Montcordia is not-for-profit and serves Montgomery County, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia.

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Specialty Care Services AL SIMONS, FOUNDER & MANAGING MEMBER Specialty Care Services is committed to meeting the care needs of Washington Metropolitan area seniors in their location of choice—private residence, assisted living facility, nursing home or rehabilitation center—at the best value.

All long-term care insurance plans are accepted, and clients are offered case management at no additional cost.

8555 16th St., Suite 101 Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-585-6300 specialtycareservices.com

Driven by personal experience visiting his grandmother in a nursing home, Al Simons founded Specialty Care Services in 2002 to ensure that area seniors would have the opportunity to receive the highest possible quality of care at home—with the attention to detail, open communication and exceptional care you'd expect from family. For more than two decades, Specialty Care Services has provided older adults in the Washington Metropolitan region with compassionate, expert and highly customized care, allowing them to maintain their independence and live comfortably and safely at home.

"We pride ourselves on delivering customer service that is second to none," says Simons. "Eighty percent of our referrals come from friends and family who have used our services and feel 100 percent comfortable leaving their loved ones in our care."

During initial in-home consultations,

Specialty Care Services' registered nurses take time to truly listen so they can prepare personalized care plans to meet clients' specific wants and needs. Depending on whether they are non-medical (companionship, light housekeeping, meal planning, etc.), skilled home health care (chronic disease care, wound care, memory care and more) or geriatric care management (serving as liaison to families out of town, screening, reviewing financial/legal issues and offering referral information and much more), all caregivers are licensed accordingly, experienced in older adult care or hospital settings and vetted through a rigorous background screening and interview process.

Specialty Care Services also allows clients to select from several carefully matched caregivers, fostering lasting relationships rooted in trust and peace of mind for their loved ones.

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CONCEPTUAL RENDERING

The Grandview The Grandview is a new, vibrant senior living community coming to Bethesda and managed by Erickson Senior Living, a nationwide leader in senior living and well-being. Get your free brochure to learn more about its resort-style amenities, stylish floor plans and smart financial structure. The Grandview is pending approval from the Maryland Department of Aging.

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6701 Democracy Blvd., Suite 150B Bethesda, MD 20817 301-781-6201 TheGrandviewSeniorLiving.com

Construction is underway in Bethesda for Erickson Senior Living's newest, vibrant independent living community for active seniors aged 60 and older. Located just minutes from all the dining, shopping and entertainment Downtown Bethesda has to offer, The Grandview will deliver resortstyle amenities and a wide range of modern, maintenance-free one- and twobedroom apartment floor plans to suit residents' varying styles and budgets.

Take your retirement to new heights with an elevated, carefree lifestyle; at the Grandview, life is better than good—it's grand. From the fitness and aquatics center to game rooms, an urban park with walking paths and a great lawn for movies and concerts, an outdoor bocce court and much more, The Grandview offers many opportunities for residents to stay active and engaged. Its selection of restaurants includes a top-floor venue with a wine bar and stunning views and an onsite medical

center will offer a full range of services from a dedicated staff, ensuring residents can protect their health, well-being and independence.

Since 1983, Erickson Senior Living has been committed to providing exceptional care and service, helping seniors live better lives. Residents at The Grandview will gain more than a rewarding lifestyle; as part of Erickson Senior Living's network of communities, they'll benefit from the strength, experience and resources of a national leader in senior living and health care.

To learn more about The Grandview, call 301-781-6201 or schedule a visit to the sales center for renderings of the 33-acre planned community, fl or plans, virtual tours and information about timeline and pricing.

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Brightview Fallsgrove T O N Y K N I G H T, H O U S E K E E P I N G S U P E R V I S O R 9200 Darnestown Road Rockville, MD 20850 240-314-7194 BrightviewFallsgrove.com

Congratulations to Brightview Fallsgrove Housekeeping Supervisor Tony Knight, winner of Brightview Senior Living’s Housekeeping Associate of the Year! Tony received his award at Brightview's Annual Leadership Conference in February 2023.

Tony is a supervisor who leads by example, and his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and kindness to residents and colleagues are evident every day.

If Brightview published a dictionary, Tony’s picture would be next to vibrant!

He handles requests while moving at lightning speed, has a can-do attitude, and upholds Brightview's STARS values: Service, Teamwork, Action, Reputation, Success. We are lucky to have him represent our Fallsgrove community!

Tony is a native of Panama and was a master printer before joining Brightview.

Tony enjoys spending his free time with family, traveling, and grilling.

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Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

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Family & Nursing Care SANDY KURSBAN, FOUNDER & OWNER Founded in 1968 by Sandy Kursban, Family & Nursing Care is a leading resource for home care services in the Washington Metropolitan region.

Awarded its eighth consecutive National Business Research Institute Circle of Excellence Award in 2023, 98 percent of surveyed clients would recommend Family & Nursing Care to

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friends and family.

1010 Wayne Ave., Suite 1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-588-8200 familynursingcare.com

Family & Nursing Care founder Sandy Kursban says her close relationship with her maternal grandparents inspired her lifelong dedication to helping older adults age with dignity.

"I remember when my grandfather could no longer live independently," Kursban recalls. "There were only two options at the time: 'convalescent homes' or moving in with family."

But as more and more women entered the workforce, leaving fewer at home to fill traditional caregiver roles, Kursban developed a visionary third alternative.

She founded Family & Nursing Care in 1968, transforming the local elder-care industry and pioneering the aging-inplace revolution.

Now one of the oldest, largest and most highly regarded resources for in-home care services for seniors in Maryland and Washington, D.C., Family & Nursing Care has helped tens of thousands

of families by providing access to experienced, compassionate Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who help older adults with activities of daily living and companionship.

For more than 55 years, Kursban has infused her passion for growth, innovation and change into the company's culture. While her son, Neal, is now CEO (her daughter Mindy is the company's attorney), Kursban still runs the Family & Nursing Care Foundation she founded in 2008, awarding grants to community partners who help low-income seniors gain access to in-home care services and providing scholarships to students pursuing CNA certificates.

"My dream when I started the company was to provide older adults and their families peace of mind by offering competent, devoted home care," Kursban says. "The Foundation now allows us to extend this care to more people than ever."

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Riderwood V I B R A N T S E N I O R L I V I N G I N S I LV E R S P R I N G

Riderwood is a Silver Spring-based continuing care retirement community offering independent living and multiple levels of on-site care including assisted living, long-term nursing care, respite care, memory care and home care. Riderwood is managed by Erickson Senior Living, a national leader in senior living and health care. As part of a network of communities under one management company, Riderwood benefits from the size, financial strength and resources to weather even the toughest challenges.

With a wealth of amenities, including a pool, wellness center, medical center, 10 on-site dining venues and more, all connected through climate-controlled walkways, Riderwood operates like a small town under one roof, says Sales Counselor Leire Moulier-Clark.

“Riderwood allows seniors to stay active and independent while enjoying peace of mind,” says MoulierClark. “Call 1-800-610-1560 to request a free brochure.”

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3140 Gracefield Road Silver Spring, MD 20904 1-800-610-1560 | Riderwood.com

Advanced Nursing & Home Care G R A C I E R O Y, R N ; S A M U E L R . L I S H ; M A I M O U N A F O FA N A & T H E L AT E F R A N C E S L I S H

For more than 30 years, Advanced Nursing & Home Care has been advancing the well-being of older adults in Maryland and Washington, D.C., through expert, in-home health care and exceptional customer service, earning its reputation as the trusted local industry leader. Following a comprehensive in-home assessment with clients and families, Advanced Nursing & Home Care designs personalized care plans, allowing older adults to preserve their independence and dignity and safely age in place.

"We strive to not only meet immediate needs but establish lasting relationships and offer a reliable, trusted partner for all stages of care," says founder and CEO Samuel R. Lish.

Winner of Best of Home Care's "Leader in Experience" and "Provider/Employer of Choice" awards, Advanced Nursing & Home Care services come with a promise: your loved one will be treated like family.

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15800 Crabbs Branch Way, Suite 350 Rockville, MD 20855 240-266-9597 | advancednursing.care

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Chevy Chase House A ARON CAMERON-CEP-FOX REHAB; J A N E W O O D A L L ; G E O R G E C O N S TA N T I N O P L E ; L O U I S E S U L L I VA N Chevy Chase House also has furnished studio apartments for seniors needing to transition from a hospital stay or rehab back to home. The rate is valuepriced, the food is delicious and the care is outstanding. Because of those factors, many respite residents decide to make

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the Chevy Chase House their new home.

5420 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, D.C. 20015 202-798-7325 meridiansenior.com/senior-living/dc/ washington/chevy-chase-house

Chevy Chase House is a boutique senior living community offering independent and assisted living options, in one of Washington, D.C.'s most vibrant neighborhoods. It is walking distance to an array of shopping, dining and cultural venues. With well-designed and spacious studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments featuring a wide range of amenities, Chevy Chase House can be the perfect home for older adults looking to downsize and age in place.

Chevy Chase House was designed to allow residents to live as independently as they please, with extra support for everyday tasks available when needed.

Maintenance-free living means residents can fill their days with activities they enjoy. A robust programming calendar includes frequent trips, concerts, happy hours, monthly supper club and other daily activities focusing on the five core dimensions of wellness: physical,

creative, the mind, passions and connections.

FOX Rehabilitation is on site providing Stronger Living, a health and wellness program featuring physical, occupational and speech therapies developed to help seniors become more active, mobile and healthy. On-staff exercise physiologist Aaron Cameron leads several daily classes, including better balance and strength training. Aaron also works oneon-one with residents at the state-of-theart gym at no cost to them. Additionally, in partnership with the Parkinson's Foundation of the National Capital Area, he leads weekly non-contact boxing classes curated to fit the needs of those with Parkinson's.

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CarePlus Home Health T O M N A J J A R , C O - O W N E R , C E O , H E AT H E R K . N A J J A R , D N P, C R N P, C O - O W N E R , C H I E F C L I N I C A L O F F I C E R

For more than 28 years, CarePlus Home Health has provided families in suburban Maryland with in-home care solutions designed to keep seniors thriving as they age.

"We understand the changing needs of older adults and remain flexible with our programming to meet them," says founder and president Tom Najjar.

A Residential Services Agency licensed at the highest level (Level 3), CarePlus uniquely offers specialty care programs and skilled nursing. Its innovative Flex Care program supports clients in independent living communities; CarePlus is proud to be the preferred provider for local senior living communities.

Delivering its core values of respect, compassion and excellence through individualized care, CarePlus was named "A Top Vote Getter: In-Home Healthcare Provider" in Bethesda Magazine’s annual Readers' Poll. CarePlus Better Care. Better Health.

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7361 Calhoun Place, Suite 301 Rockville, MD 20855 301-740-8870 careplusinc.com

Ingleside at King Farm I N G L E S I D E AT K I N G FA R M E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R , K E N YA B R YA N T A N D R E S I D E N T S A L I C E & L A N C E B U H L

Ingleside at King Farm is a modern, dynamic senior living community that offers an engaging lifestyle, a special place where you'll find everything you need to create a remarkable retirement life. Offering a continuum of care— including independent living, assisted living, memory support assisted living, skilled nursing, a social day club and home care services — this progressive, not-for-profit Life Plan community is built within a larger, walkable Rockville neighborhood with easy access to parks, shopping, restaurants and the metro.

"We moved in seven years ago, excited for the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy many independent living activities, the D.C. area and travel, with the comfort of knowing that a memory day program and memory support assisted living would be available if needed," says resident Alice Buhl.

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701 King Farm Blvd.

Rockville, MD 20850 240-455-4559 inglesideonline.org/ingleside-king-farm

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Town & Country Move Management K AT I E D AV I S , D I R E C T O R O F B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E N T Town & Country Move Management provides a total move solution for people of all ages who want a stressand hassle-free relocation. A longtime leader in senior moving, their dedicated move teams help organize belongings, facilitate any necessary downsizing, and complete relocations in accordance with clients' unique preferences.

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A Division of Town & Country Movers, Inc. 7560 Rickenbacker Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20879 703-560-8600 townandcountrymovers.com Moving can be a hassle at any age. But for many older adults, the process can be so overwhelming that they delay or avoid it altogether, even when they want—or need—to move. Town and Country Movers, Inc. is here to help. A family-owned and operated full-service moving company delivering 46 years of award-winning customer service, Town and Country Movers, Inc. is a local industry leader, offering top-quality, customized moving solutions for all ages, particularly seniors.

"Our Town & Country Move Management (TCMM) division provides a quality, stress-free relocation experience designed to give clients peace of mind, knowing all the details of their move have been addressed," says Katie Davis, director of Business Development at TCMM. From sorting through decades of accumulated treasures to moving these coveted belongings into your new home and arranging them to suit your style and functionality, TCMM’s team of compassionate and caring move experts is committed to excellence and will work hard to ensure your move is as seamless as possible. The preferred move management experts at many leading senior and active adult communities in the Mid-Atlantic region, TCMM experienced and skilled professionals draw on backgrounds in space design and organization management to provide a personalized, turn-key approach to each move.

"Whether you're upsizing or downsizing, we provide as little or as much support as you need, from helping you decide what to bring, what to let go of and what to donate to packing, unpacking, setting up, and even designing your new residence so it feels like home almost immediately," says Davis.

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Best Senior Care S E R G E I P E T U K H O V, N ATA L I YA C A N C E L , A L E X P E T U K H O V & F O U N D E R TA N YA R AV I N S K Y

The American population is aging, and according to the American Association of Retired Persons, most older adults would prefer to age in place. Since 2002, familyowned Best Senior Care has provided seniors with premium, affordable, customized care for up to 24 hours a day, helping them live confidently and age gracefully in the comfort of their homes. All caregivers are carefully selected—and vetted—experienced, certified nursing assistants supervised by registered nurses.

After an initial in-home assessment, care plans are developed to meet each client's unique needs.

"We strive for every client to be heard, understood and cared for with dignity and respect," says founder and coowner Alex Petukhov. "As a private, family-owned company, our communication is open, direct and productive, with no bureaucracy to get in the way of a solution."

RSA License # R2041 Licensed as a residential service agency by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Health Care Quality

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17830 New Hampshire Ave., Suite 302 Ashton, MD 20861 301-717-2212 | bestseniorcare.us

At Home Care, Inc. I R E N E C A D Y- H A R R I N G T O N , P R E S I D E N T

They say dog is man's best friend: loyal and dependable, compassionate and empathetic, guardians of health, known to protect their owners. When it comes to senior care, in-home nursing services can be your best friend, providing companionship and unwavering support, enabling quality of life at home with quality care.

One of the Washington Metropolitan area's five oldest licensed home care agencies, At Home Care, Inc. brings affordable assisted living to the comfort of clients' homes.

"One-on-one attention is the best medicine; we provide that," says founder Irene Cady-Harrington.

From personal care and hygiene to meal preparation, shopping, light housekeeping, activity and appointment assistance, medicine reminders, companionship and more, At Home Care Inc. offers a wide range of services designed to make life safer and more enjoyable for individuals needing help with daily living.

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15304 Spencerville Ct. Burtonsville, MD 20866 301-421-0200 athomecareinc.com

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Kensington Park Senior Living MARY MELL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Kensington Park believes in the power of care and community, but also values the preservation of individuality. In Independent Living at Kensington Park, no matter how residents choose to spend their time, they have ample opportunity to feed their mind, strengthen their body

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and nourish their soul.

3620 Littledale Road Kensington, MD 20895 301-946-7700 kensingtonparkseniorliving.com

Why choose Kensington Park Senior Living for Independent Living? Located in the heart of Montgomery County, Kensington Park offers an exceptional lifestyle for seniors choosing freedom from the demands of owning their homes. Its multitude of services and amenities make life easy and enjoyable.

A unique aspect of Kensington Park’s Independent Living is its Kensington At Home service, a licensed home health care provider owned and operated by Kensington Senior Living that offers residents the convenience of care in the comfort and privacy of home.

Kensington At Home creates individualized service plans that meet the needs of residents within whatever length is necessary, even if for 15 minutes. A staffi g coordinator ensures that resident service partners—which include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified medication technicians and certified

nursing assistants—deliver excellent clinical care and support.

Further, Kensington At Home’s team is onsite at Kensington Park, shortening turnaround times for assistance. Care, however, is thorough, and all partners exemplify the Kensington Promise, “to love and care for your family as we do our own.”

The Kensington Park team takes care of it all so residents don’t have to.

Independent Living includes concierge services, three meals a day, evening cocktail hour, monthly Sunday brunch, weekly housekeeping with personal laundry and linen services, maintenance, transportation and social programs.

Without these demands, residents can focus on what makes the day pleasant.

What makes Kensington Park special, beyond its commitment to highly individualized care, is its unyielding promise to love and care for residents as staff do their own families.

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Modena Reserve at Kensington J A N E T B R A D L E Y, E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R Modena Reserve at Kensington by Solera Senior Living is a vibrant, best in class senior living community offering a continuum of care. Gorgeous design and exciting new technology conveniences are paired with charming touches of local history, making Modena Reserve at Kensington a place where residents can live an exceptional life while providing a well-sought destination for family and friends.

10540 Metropolitan Ave. Kensington, MD 20895 240-998-9990 modenakensington.com

Modena Reserve at Kensington brings sophisticated vitality to senior living.

Winner of the 2022 Senior Housing News Architecture & Design Award for Continuing Care Retirement Community/ Life Plan Community Lite, the 135-unit, luxury, resort-style community offers a continuum of care, from independent and assisted living to specialized memory care led by certified dementia practitioners, ensuring that residents are supported with dignity and grace as they move through the aging process.

Conveniently situated in the heart of Kensington, steps from the train station and amidst a hub of social activity, the Modena Reserve at Kensington campus stands on the former site of the historic Curtis Brothers Service Station and Mizell Lumber and Hardware building, which was meticulously remodeled to preserve its original character and now serves as a popular neighborhood café.

Residents of Modena Reserve at

Kensington enjoy all the perks that come with living in an exclusive, five-star, hospitality-focused community, from fine dining, transportation and concierge services to vibrant exercise programs at the Potomac Fitness and Relaxation Suite, enriching cultural events and resident-led discussion groups, lectures, art classes, language classes and much more.

Ultimately, says executive director Janet Bradley, the Modena Reserve at Kensington team strives each day to deliver an unparalleled senior living experience in an environment rich with state-of-the-art safety protocols, innovative technologies, life-enhancing amenities and premium services.

"We take pride in wowing our residents with exquisite cuisine, sophisticated amenities and life-enriching programs that will nourish their minds, bodies and spirits," says Bradley. "Our mission is to help our residents 'Live Exceptional. Every day.'"

H I L A R Y S C H WA B

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

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GOOD LIFE FIELD TRIP

Damascus

Clarksburg

Germantown

Poolesville

Antique Village in Kensington

Olney

Gaithersburg

Rockville

Aspen Hill

Kensington Potomac

Kensington

Silver Spring Bethesda

The town is a shopper’s heaven, with a brewery, picturesque walking trails and architectural treasures listed on the National Register of Historic Places BY RENEE SKLAREW A small town packed with plenty to do,

Kensington is a favorite destination for those seeking a day of discovery. The community’s rich history dates to the late 19th century, when the B&O Railroad inaugurated its first train service to Montgomery County. Today, Kensington’s most impressive architectural marvel is the soaring Washington D.C. Temple, which towers high above the Capital Beltway. Beyond eclectic architecture, there’s Kensington’s plethora of newer treasures. Antiques stores, contemporary boutiques and eateries are nestled around leafy Kensington Park, and there are more restaurants, artisan studios and design shops just across Connecticut Avenue. Kensington may be best known as “Antique Row,” but a new brewery, food market and vibrant murals make this a lively and modern neighborhood.

PHOTO BY ANNABELLE GORDON

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COMING UP At the bustling year-round Kensington Farmers Market at the town’s historic train station, shoppers find unique ood items from local makers and a bounty of seasonal products.

Look for handmade knives from Roaming Stone, Brazilian tamales from Vera’s Bakery, and plant-based food from Sexy Vegie. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Saturdays. kensingtonfarmersmarket.org The Kensington Christmas tree lighting features music, treats and Santa Claus at the Kensington Town Hall. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3. explorekensington.com/farmers-market One of Montgomery County’s top holiday attractions is the annual Washington D.C. Temple Festival of Lights, the wonderland of trees on the grounds of the Mormon temple. Along with more than 400,000 colorful lights, nativity scenes from around the world are on display, and there are a variety of live performances. Free. Dusk to 9 p.m. Nov. 30-Jan. 1. dctemple.org

DRESS Tennis and pickleball enthusiasts will especially love the neoprene tote bags at Pink Dot Styles, a preppy boutique that’s all about color. The owners cater to customers seeking casual, comfortable and local products. 3734 Howard Ave., pinkdotstyles.com PLAY When Sarah Renzi Sanders and Angie Meche Kilcullen teamed up to establish Girls Who Paint, the neighborhood notched a new place to immerse in art and fellowship. The owners are dedicated to showcasing work by fellow women artists. Girls Who Paint is also an Instagram-worthy headquarters for creating—check the website to sign up for a “Sip ’n Paint” party themed around a famous artist. 10419 Fawcett St., girlswhopaint.com MOCO360.MEDIA | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 69

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DINE The newest entry into Kensington’s emerging dining scene: Artha Rini Indonesian Restaurant. Chef/owner Rini transitioned her popular catering service into a dine-in restaurant that serves authentic Indonesian cuisine in a casual setting. Look for such street food favorites as satay, rice platters, gado-gado salad with peanut sauce, and durian fruit shakes.

Fresh local ingredients, combined with red pepper, kaffir lime leaves, curry powder and lemongrass impart richness to this aromatic cuisine. 10562 Metropolitan Ave., facebook.com/artharinicatering CHOOSE Top cuts of meat and sustainably caught seafood are the main attractions at Kensington Market, which sells food of such high quality that local restaurants buy from the family-owned grocer. Inside the pristine cases are plenty of options, from signature crabcakes to filet mignon, along with prepared foods, such as flavorful sauces, imported cheeses and homemade pies. The staff can also prepare platters for your holiday party. 4215 Howard Ave., kensingtonmdmarket.com

Through cutting edge technology and treatments, we go beyond fixing teeth to find the root issues and give you a smile that will last.

301-986-4814 modernhausdental.com

EAT The charcoal aroma from the fresh-cut oakwood tickles your nose, and your mouth begins to water. You’ve entered the inner sanctum of the beloved pizza joint owned by chef Frank Linn.

Before Linn debuted Frankly…Pizza! in 2014, he cooked at top establishments in the region but felt Kensington needed a neighborhood restaurant. His idea was an instant hit, and Frankly…Pizza! remains a destination for excellent pies with red or white sauces. 10417 Armory Ave., franklypizza.com DISCOVER The six spires and angel

Moroni statue on the Washington D.C. Temple are visible for miles. In 1974, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated the iconic 288-foot-tall church of gleaming white marble, now the tallest and third-largest Mormon temple in America. Walk through the wooded grounds to enter the visitors center, where you can learn about the history of the religion and modern aspects of the church. 9900 Stoneybrook Drive, dctemple.org

FURNISH In need of some decor inspiration? Look no further than Tyler Whitmore Interiors, where Tyler Whitmore and Debbie Labonski have expertly rehabbed antiques and luxury furnishings to give them a contemporary look.

The women stage homes for real estate clients, but in their showroom on Howard Avenue they sell distinctive pieces paired with elegant furniture. Open on weekends and by appointment. 4208-A Howard Ave., tylerwhitmoreinteriors.com DRINK The popular BabyCat Brewery has been a welcome addition to the ’hood since opening in November 2022. A colorful mural finished with a cute kitten face (it’s the owner’s cat, Alice, painted by local artist Nicole Bourgea) now covers the outside of this former auto repair shop. The spacious outdoor patio has heat lamps, and the interior bar offers a view of the brewing area. The brewery hosts a roster of weekly events, from Trivia Wednesdays to a regular lineup of live music. 10241 Kensington Parkway, babycatbrewery.com SHOP Kensington is known for its wide array of furniture and vintage stores, but there are a few that stand out. HomeWorks is a favorite thanks to the expert curation by Eva Jimenez and Anabel Hering, a mother-daughter duo who have an eye for eclectic and country-chic items you won’t see elsewhere. Among the delightful finds are Beatriz Ball melamine serveware and Nouvelle candles. 3740 Howard Ave., shophomeworks.com BROWSE The one-of-a-kind merchandise at Olive & Loom is inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle, according to owner Ferzan Jaeger, a Turkish artist who imports luxury housewares and clothing. Stop in to see Jaeger and her daughter hand-dipping architectural candles that are almost too pretty to light.

Her Turkish towels in rainbow colors are another find, along with colorful beaded jewelry. Jaeger also commissions artists to create her lovely beachwear and accessories. 10305 Kensington Parkway, oliveandloom.com

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Special Advertising Section

culture watch Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

TWO GREAT SHOWS!

Jonathon Heyward, Music Director

WWW.BSOMUSIC.ORG | (877) 276-1444

Tickets start at just $19!

Emanuel Ax Plays Brahms

Stravinsky’s The Firebird

Fri, Nov. 18, 8 PM The Music Center at Strathmore The eminent pianist Emanuel Ax performs Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1, consistently exhibiting his “big and pliant sonority, stamina, intelligence, poetic feeling and deep musicality.” (Chicago Tribune) Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony channels the impish wit of his onetime teacher Haydn, while Unsuk Chin’s subito con forza riffs on a phrase from Beethoven over the course of five frenetic minutes.

Thu, Nov. 30, 8 PM The Music Center at Strathmore These Russian-born composers charted routes of resistance and freedom that still resonate today. Tchaikovsky poured his love and anguish into the Violin Concerto that mixed Russian intensity into the impeccable traditions of the Classical masters.

Stravinsky, untested and overlooked in his home country, astonished the crowds in Paris with his supernatural ballet based on the Russian fairy tales of The Firebird. Lera Auerbach, who defected from the Soviet Union as a teenage prodigy, has matured into an experienced talent who pulls no punches.

Stay in the hall post-concert for AfterWords with Heyward to hear Jonathon Heyward and a BSO musician reflect on the concert performance and answer audience questions! Open to all concert attendees.

Creative Voices + Cultural Happenings at CultureSpotMC.com CultureSpotMC.com is a service of the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County

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culture watch Maryland Youth Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, Rockville Dec. 15, 21, 22 at 7 PM Dec. 16, 17, 23 at 1 PM and 5 PM Magical dolls, lifesized mice, dancing snowflakes, and an enchanting kingdom of sweets return to stage this holiday season for Maryland Youth Ballet’s fulllength production of The Nutcracker.

Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, the incredible dancing and dazzling costumes bring to life the classic story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince.

Also presenting our abbreviated version, The Min-Nut, on Dec 2nd, 3rd, and 9th at the Cultural Arts Center, Silver Spring.

WWW.MARYLANDYOUTHBALLET.ORG | (301) 608-2232 TICKETS@MARYLANDYOUTHBALLET.ORG

CELEBRATING 44 YEARS!

Imagination Stage Award-winning Professional Theatre, Classes, and Camps for Children

A Year with Frog And Toad Nov. 15 – Jan. 7 A musical celebration of friendship and holiday fun!

In this hit Broadway musical, two best friends with opposite personalities wake up from hibernation and enjoy hilarious adventures through the seasons. Light-hearted, with a sprinkle of nostalgia, this show is inspired by the acclaimed children’s books.

Tickets start at $12 Classes and Camps for ages 1-18 Our programs nurture and empower young people of all abilities in a fun and inclusive environment.

6-week fall classes are starting now. Winter-spring registration opens November 16. Summer Camp registration opens in early January.

WWW.IMAGINATIONSTAGE.ORG | (301) 280-1660

Universal Longings | Anhelos Universales

A MUSICAL JOURNEY LIKE NO OTHER!

National Philharmonic in partnership with The Washington Chorus The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda, MD Sun, Nov. 5 at 3 PM National Philharmonic and The Washington Chorus join forces for a concert of universal proportions conducted by TWC Artistic Director Eugene Rogers, including the Washington-area premiere of James Lee III’s Breaths of Universal Longings and Venezuelan composer Antonio Estévez’s Faustian Cantata Criolla.

Handel’s Messiah National Philharmonic The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda, MD Sat, Dec. 16 at 7:30 PM. and Sun, Dec. 17 at 3 PM NatPhil presents Handel’s Messiah in a new and novel semi-staged dramatic rendering, drawing on the superb storytelling of all-star soloists soprano Aundi Marie Moore, mezzo soprano Lucia Bradford, tenor Norman Shankle, and baritone Jorell Williams, under the direction of Maestro Piotr Gajewski. From the triumphant “Hallelujah” chorus to the hauntingly beautiful “He Shall Feed His Flock,” this timeless oratorio has captivated audiences for over 250 years.

Tickets start at $19.

All Kids. All Free. All the Time.

WWW.NATIONALPHILHARMONIC.ORG | (301) 581-5100

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Akhmedova Ballet Academy

REALIZE YOUR DREAM!

Akhmedova Ballet Academy dancers present “Mini Nutcracker” Dec. 16 at 2:30 PM “Nutcracker Night” Dec. 16 at 7 PM Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center ABA’s beautiful Mini Nutcracker (age 5-13 years old) and Nutcracker Night is a joy to watch for all ages. Presented by our dedicated dancers who have received the finest quality ballet training utilizing the Vaganova method, a system of training that is consistent, challenging, inspiring and highly successful. Training daily under Jacqueline Akhmedova’s artistic direction, and her professional faculty’s careful guidance and support, students develop the necessary skills to fully discover and realize their greatest individual potential. The second part of the evening show consists of contemporary and character works. Get your tickets online at our website or box office on the day of the show.

WWW.AKHMEDOVABALLET.ORG (301) 593-6262 SCAN FOR MORE!

Arts Barn The City of Gaithersburg’s home for the arts.

Enjoy electrifying performances and more!

Realize your dream Professional Training Program (8-18), Studio Company-Apprentice Program (18-23) For admission and to audition: Contact@AkhmedovaBallet.org

DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW!

The Magic And Mayhem Tour featuring Adam Stone & Krystal Younglove Nov. 3 at 8 PM Fantastical comedy & magic!

Amy LaVere and Will Sexton Captivating Folk/Americana duo!

Nov. 18 Workshop at 3 PM & Concert at 7:30 PM

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

Adventure Theatre MTC Nov.17, 2023 – Jan. 7, 2024 Based on the story by C.S. Lewis, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy discover a secret portal to a magical world called Narnia. With an evil White Witch ruling the kingdom, can Lucy, her new friend Mr. Tumnus, and her family band together to save this land from the eternal winter?

Tickets are $25 each for everyone over the age of 1 WWW.ADVENTURETHEATRE-MTC.ORG | (301) 634-2270

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon In Partnership with The Montgomery Playhouse Romantic comedy with Pride and Prejudice characters!

Nov. 24 - Dec. 10 Fri. & Sat. at 8 PM; Sun. at 2 PM (no performance Dec. 9) Akua Allrich: A Winter Solstice Celebration Joyful jazz for the winter season!

Dec. 9 at 7:30 PM WWW.GAITHERSBURGMD.GOV/AOTG I (301) 258-6394

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GOOD LIFE TRAVELER’S NOTEBOOK

Clockwise from left: The Moxy hotel lobby decor includes cozy seating, surfboards and Jenga; hotel guest rooms; lobby seating; Surf N Santa runners

A Night at the Moxy The new Moxy hotel in Virginia Beach oozes personality through art of all kinds. A Zoltar fortune-telling machine, tabletop shuffleboard and painted wooden surfboards give the hotel’s living-room-like lobby a laid-back, playful vibe. Comfy seating areas include a bench in a rickshaw and throw pillows with cheeky messages such as, “Trust Me, You Can Dance. —Vodka.”

In lieu of a front desk, a bar at the center of the lobby doubles as a check-in spot, where guests receive a room key and a welcome glass of wine, local craft beer or a specialty cocktail—or a poker chip to redeem the free drink later.

Once settled, check out the second-floor fitness center, then skip the stairs and take the indoor slide back down to the lobby. Opened in July, the hotel’s 134 guest rooms are on the smaller side, but well designed with numerous hooks and trays for your clothing and electronics (no closet), comfy beds (king, two queens or “quad queen” bunkbeds), a 55-inch flat-screen TV, tiled walk-in shower

COURTESY DANI ORLEANS; VANESSA NEWTON

BY CHRISTINE KOUBEK FLYNN

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PHOTO CREDIT TK

with a rain showerhead, and balconies, most with an ocean view. The two more spacious king suites include a mini fridge.

Moxy’s location is also an optimal viewing spot overlooking Holiday Lights at the Beach, the city’s annual, nautical-themed drive-through lights display, which runs along the boardwalk’s southern end Nov. 16 through Jan. 1.

Better still, sign up for the Surf N Santa 5 Miler (surfnsanta5miler.com) on Dec. 16 and see the lights on foot.

Open to walkers and runners—including those who like to stop for a beer midcourse—the race holds the Guinness World Record (2016) for the largest Santa run. According to organizers, this year’s racecourse promises entertainment and a ginger-molasses cookies treat stop, plus a post-race luau with live music, food, drinks and a shop full of surfing Santa swag.

Fuel up pre-race at The Belvedere (off the hotel’s lobby) with a delicious omelet, creamed chipped beef and grits, or another breakfast or lunch special. Rates begin at $99.

Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 1201 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, Virginia, 757-452-4515, marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ orfvx-moxy-virginia-beach-oceanfront/overview/

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GOOD LIFE TRAVELER’S NOTEBOOK

Clockwise from top left: The luxurious bathroom in the Abraham Lincoln Suite; an entrée at Sign of the Buck restaurant; The Union Hotel exterior at night.

First opened in 1804, The Union Hotel in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, has, over time, served as a tavern, boarding house and small hotel, according to Leslie Trew Magraw, a former National Geographic travel editor who grew up in the Gettysburg area. She and her husband, Andrew Johnson, purchased the property in 2019 and set about renovating it room by room.

Completed in July 2021, each of the hotel’s 12 spacious suites offers a living area with a sofa and flat-screen TV. The kitchenette has a refrigerator, microwave, Breville espresso maker, coffee maker, assorted local coffees, Nespresso pods, teas and a basket of housemade scones and muffins. The 500-square-foot Abraham Lincoln Suite is the grandest of the suites, with tall windows, a living room bar, walnut desk, kingsize steel bed, and a luxurious bathroom with heated floors, a walk-in shower and a freestanding tub.

A Union theme runs throughout, with subtle nods to Lincoln in pictures and books. “I wanted to create a convivial place where neighbors gather and strangers become friends,” Trew Magraw says. We’re sitting at the bar in the hotel’s

recently added restaurant, Sign of the Buck (a nod to the building’s original name), sipping on The Thistlefields—a cocktail made with gin, Lillet blanc, lavender, pea flower and Earl Grey tea. Sign of the Buck is open for dinner nightly and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Suite rates begin at $175.

Seasonal events in town include the annual Dedication Day (Nov. 19), commemorating the 160th anniversary of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and keynoted by former Gettysburg resident Susan Eisenhower, granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Visit the new Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum (gettysburgbeyondthebattle.org) for immersive exhibits and more than 1,000 artifacts representing the lives of civilians caught in the Civil War’s crossfire. On a festive note, the historic Majestic Theater will host the Nov. 27 movie premiere of A Gettysburg Christmas, starring Kate Vernon, Lee Majors and Gettysburg itself.

The Union Hotel, 27 Chambersburg St., Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 717-337-1334, unionhotelgettysburg.com

COURTESY CASEY MARTIN, JAMIE FISHER

A Historic Union

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Clockwise from top left: Tidewater House; a family watches fi e juggling at First Night Talbot; a giant metal crab is dropped at midnight; a guest room at the Tidewater Inn

COURTESY KAREN DIXON, TOJO PRODUCTIONS, TIDEWATER INN, STEVE BUCHANAN

Crabby New Year This year marks the 30th anniversary of First Night Talbot, a family-friendly celebration in Easton, Maryland, that rings in the new year not with the descent of a giant ball, but rather a giant metal crab, with ceremonial drops of the local mascot at 9 p.m. and midnight.

Four local venues—Town Hall, Avalon Theatre, Academy Art Museum and the Waterfowl Building—play host to music and dance performances, a magic show, face-painting and favorites such as Carlos the Fire-Juggler and Mike Elzey’s Guitar Studio (an air-guitar contest for freestyle jamming). Between activities, you’ll find lovely shops, art galleries, restaurants and food trucks throughout town. First Night Talbot, which is free to all, begins at 6 p.m. Visit discovereaston.com/firstnight-talbot for a full schedule.

No matter what time you choose to welcome the new year, get a good night’s sleep at the Tidewater Inn. This historic property completed an extensive renovation of its 86 guest rooms and suites in the fall of 2019 and added the former Inn at 202 Dover (now The Tidewater House) to its portfolio. The Tidewater House has six luxury suites, each with air-jet tubs and steam showers. Check the inn’s website for details on its Thanksgiving buffet, New Year’s Eve dinner specials and more. Rates begin at $209.

Tidewater Inn, 101 E. Dover St., Easton, Maryland, 410-822-1300, tidewaterinn.com

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ST R STRUCK

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GOOD LIFE DRIVING RANGE

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COURTESY HOTEL BETHLEHEM

Moravian star Christmas ornaments

ONCE AN EPICENTER OF AMERICA’S STEEL TRADE, BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA, IS NOW A HOLIDAY HUB FOR CHRISTMAS LOVERS BY AMY BRECOUNT WHITE MOCO360.MEDIA | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 79

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Top: A festive tree next to the illuminated SteelStacks. Below: Wooden toys and decor at Christkindlmarkt.

PHOTOS BY AMY BRECOUNT WHITE; OPPOSITE PAGE: COURTESY DISCOVER LEHIGH VALLEY; HOTEL BETHLEHEM

B

ethlehem, Pennsylvania, has quite an industrious history, from the hardworking Moravian settlers who chose this fertile Lehigh Valley location in 1741 to the massive furnaces of Bethlehem Steel that dominated the landscape for more than a century. Today the erstwhile Rust Belt town has become a beacon for tourists during the holiday season, having earned the sparkly moniker “Christmas City.”

In fact, some—like the couple I encountered in my hotel lobby during a visit last December—make an annual pilgrimage to revel in its yuletide festivities.

“See you again next year!” they chirped at the front desk clerk with broad smiles—and then, turning to me: “We come every year. We love it here.”

They’re not the only regulars, the clerk assured me. Whether you celebrate Christmas as a religious, secular or commercial holiday, Bethlehem brings the magic.

Yes, there are oodles of Hallmark-y displays—more holiday ornaments than you can count, thousands of twinkling lights and a charming village bazaar (reminiscent of Europe’s famed Christmas markets) packed with artisanal wares and food vendors in tents. In 2022, the town’s annual Christmas tree tour showcased 26 faux firs decorated to the hilt with toyand-game-themed concepts ranging from Dungeons & Dragons to mah-jongg.

But there’s more to Bethlehem than dazzling holiday displays. Intimate and walkable, it claims more original Colonial-era buildings than Williamsburg, Virginia (where most of the buildings are reproductions) and its historic Moravian district is a bastion of Germanic-style architecture, where herringbone-patterned doors and dormered gambrel roofs make for a picturesque walk, day or night.

Outside the visitor center, my friend Carol Bernstein and I meet our guide, Loretta Hein—who is decked out in traditional Czech garb—for a “Christmas City stroll” walking tour. The Moravian religion arose from the early-15thcentury teachings of Jan Hus, a Reformation figure in what is now modern-day Czechia, who advocated against the sale of indulgences and urged greater participation by common folk in religious ceremonies. Hus was burned at the stake in 1415, but his undaunted followers gathered in 1457 to form the Moravian Church.

As we walk, Hein assures us that Moravians are “not a people who have died off”; the religion today has about 60,000 followers in North America. You can still attend a Moravian service at the cupola-topped Central Moravian Church.

The town of Bethlehem was established in 1741 by a group of Moravians who had moved to the British colonies to create a missionary settlement. On Christmas Eve of that same year, the influential Moravian Count Zinzendorf organized a so-called “love feast” (agape service), Hein explains, and the town assumed the name Bethlehem in honor of that holiday

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Main Street in Bethlehem

celebration and the story of Jesus’ birth.

Today, Moravians continue to host these simple, communal meals to promote fellowship on special occasions.

The sect is known for its three-dimensional star, with points radiating in all directions like the Star of Bethlehem.

Though residency in Bethlehem proper was initially limited to Moravians, the townsfolk established the respected Sun Inn across the river in 1758, welcoming travelers no less than George Washington and Ben Franklin. These days, you can grab a seat at the bar and enjoy updated tavern fare and drinks from a local distillery in the restored structure.

Another founding father, John Adams, was struck by the community’s industrial advances, calling it “a curious and remarkable town.” In 1754, Bethlehem boasted the first municipal water system capable of pumping water uphill from the lower river. That riverside area, now a National Historic Landmark District that was also nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is worth a gander—especially if you like older buildings.

To modern minds, the Moravian settlers would be considered more progressive than their contemporaries, given that they educated boys and girls similarly and opened the first boarding school for girls in the colonies. They did not enslave people, Hein adds, and did not differentiate based on skin color.

As evening falls, we are wowed by some seriously illuminated evergreens before crossing the river to the town’s celebrated Christkindlmarkt. Twice recognized by Travel + Leisure as one of the best holiday markets in the U.S., it’s packed with glittering ornaments, Bavarian-style nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks and holiday tchotchkes. The elaborate, lathe-turned wooden cutouts and figurines by Käthe Wohlfahrt, a German craft company, are especially eye-catching, albeit a tad pricey.

I pause to covet a large carving of a holiday scene under a candle-powered spinning windmill.

Elsewhere in the market, we spy glassblowers creating ornaments and ice carvers hard at work. The festive and German-themed cuisine includes

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sausages, potato pancakes and strudels, plus freshly made stroopwafels.

No less captivating are the landmarks symbolizing Bethlehem’s postindustrial rejuvenation. As a company town for more than a century, Bethlehem produced the essential steel for skyscrapers, ships and the U.S. Navy’s heavy armor plating until 1995, when its blast furnaces were finally decommissioned. Today, the former steel plant has been reinvented as SteelStacks, a cultural and historic center that hosts festivals and concerts. Towering over the Christmas tents, campfires and ice rink, its lighted stacks have a steampunk quality that is at once alluring and haunting.

On our second morning, we head to the nearby Easton Farmers’ Market, which claims to be the longest continuously running market in America.

The winter offerings are light—mostly breads, mushrooms and pickles.

Easton is located where the Delaware River splits off into the Lehigh River and, like Bethlehem, has a history that predates the Revolutionary War. To this day, its residents celebrate Independence Day a week later than most—because that’s how long it took for the news of America’s independence to reach them.

A few blocks from the riverfront, the recently revitalized Easton Winter Market fills the central square with live entertainment, a skating rink and small, decorated huts serving up glühwein, stuffed pretzels, craft beer, chocolate and more. As we wander the main streets—home to Lafayette College—and enjoy local fare, we are once again warmed by the people.

Gastronomically, our visit peaks with dinner at Bolete, a celebrated restaurant in Bethlehem. Housed in a former stagecoach inn—parts of which date to 1734—the restaurant offers one of the best soups I’ve ever tasted, a lightly smoky squash bisque. My entrée of cast-seared halibut accented with bacon lardons, crispy Brussels sprouts and oyster mushrooms also delivers. Later, I’m blown away by the tantalizing sweet potato profiteroles that come for dessert—delicate pastry orbs filled with sweet-potato mousse and toasted marshmallows, paired with cinnamon brown sugar ice cream and gingersnap crumble. Yet another festive spin in a valley that has mastered reinvention.

COURTESY ARTSQUEST — JEFF AUGER; SAYRE MANSION; BOLETE — ALISON CONKLIN

The ice rink at SteelStacks.

Below: Sayre Mansion; Bolete

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ADVERTISEMENT

IF YOU GO… Where to Stay Live it up at the stately and centrally located Hotel Bethlehem (hotelbethle hem.com), thrice named “the best historic hotel in America” by USA Today, and dine at its lightfilled estaurant, 1741 on the Terrace. The Hyatt Place Bethlehem (hyatt.com) offers an easy walk to town and free parking. Or, stay closer to SteelStacks across the river at the 1858 Sayre Mansion (sayremansion.com), which offers afternoon tea.

Where to Eat & Drink For a caffeine fix

sip a coffee drink at Bitty & Beau’s (bittyand beauscoffee.com), which lives its mission of providing jobs for people with disabilities. Bethlehem’s popular Apollo Grill (apollogrill.com) has a hoppin’ happy hour and a wide-ranging menu. Treat your taste buds to some magic at critically acclaimed Bolete (boleterestaurant. com), where the seasonal menus showcase regional ingredients and plenty of culinary ingenuity. In Easton, check out Sette Luna (sette luna.com), a Tuscan trattoria with fresh salads, fun pizzas and a proper beverage program listing craft suds and Italian wines, plus Italian liqueurs, amari and grappa.

At the indoor Easton Public Market (eastonpublic market.com) you’ll fin everything from noodles and tacos to barbecue. For drinks, go for the local stuff at Social Still distillery (socialstill. com) and Bonn Place Brewing Co. (bonnbrewing.com) in Bethlehem, and Seven Sirens Brewing Co. (sevensirens.beer), which has brewpubs in both Bethlehem and Easton.

COURTESY SOCIAL STILL DISTILLERY

What to Do This year, Bethlehem’s

Christkindlmarkt (christmascity.org) opens Nov. 17 and runs on weekends through Dec. 17. The ice rink at SteelStacks (steelstacks.org) is open daily from Nov. 21 to Jan. 15, with 75-minute skating sessions. The “Rise and Fall of Bethlehem Steel” tour departs from the SteelStacks visitor center at 1 p.m. every Friday through Sunday. For bibliophiles, the Moravian University book shop (moravian.bncollege.com) claims to be the oldest continuously operating bookstore in America.

Amy Brecount White frequently writes about immersive travel.

Older Adults Can Now Feel Financially SAFER in Maryland Financial fraud is a valid and substantial concern when it comes to caring for aging seniors. Millions of susceptible adults are targeted each year, amounting to estimated losses in the billions of dollars. While many younger family members worry about older generations being swindled, many seniors prioritize their independence. Two years ago the Maryland legislature acknowledged the prevalence of senior financial abuse by unanimously passing the long awaited SAFE Act. The SAFE Act, which stands for “Stop Adult Financial Exploitation,” finally establishes a civil remedy in Maryland for cases of financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. Until the SAFE Act, the only viable remedies were criminal in nature and largely ineffective at deterring the behavior because a conviction requires proof “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

The Act protects all adults over 68 from financial exploitation as well as others unable to perform certain tasks of daily living. The definition of “financial exploitation” is intentionally broad – it includes almost any misappropriation, misuse, or transfer of assets belonging to a susceptible adult or any older person from an individual or joint account. A key component to the legislation is what happens if the victim is successful in proving financial exploitation.

In addition to being able to recover the full value of the property that was improperly transferred, the victim may also be entitled to attorney’s fees and treble damages (triple the amount of actual damages awarded). The significant financial penalty is intended not only to allow victims to obtain competent legal counsel since the payment of legal fees is better protected but also, hopefully, to deter exploitation from the onset.

If you or a family member are suffering from what you believe is financial exploitation, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Sarah J. Broder is an estate planning attorney. She focuses her practice on all aspects of estate planning, from helping clients prepare necessary documents for wealth, asset and beneficiary protection, and succession planning, as well as charitable gift planning techniques.

SARAH J. BRODER Senior Associate Estate Planning

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301-340-2020 www.steinsperling.com

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GOOD LIFE CELEBRATIONS

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SMALL WORLD THIS COUPLE’S SHARED MIDDLE EASTERN BACKGROUND WAS FRONT AND CENTER AT THEIR CHEVY CHASE WEDDING AND SILVER SPRING RECEPTION BY DANA GERBER THE COUPLE: Simone Nasry (maiden name Bak), 35, works as a consultant at Accenture Federal

Services in Arlington, Virginia. Daniel Nasry, 32, is a theology teacher at Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Maryland. They live in Arlington with their dog, a mini Australian shepherd-poodle mix named Basil.

HOW THEY MET: Shortly after returning from his family’s annual summer trip to Egypt in 2017,

Daniel, then a graduate student at Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey, was telling his friends in the program “how amazing it would be to meet someone who understood the culture, valued it, could speak Arabic, and felt a draw toward that region of the world,” he recalls. One of his friends thought of someone from college who fit this description: Simone, who, like Daniel, is part Egyptian. Soon after their friend introduced them, they started talking every Sunday over Skype (Simone was living in Washington, D.C., at the time), bonding over their shared background and community-mindedness. She took the train to meet him in person in early 2018, and the rest is history. I don’t know how this is going to play out, Simone remembers thinking, but I’m pretty sure this is my person.

THE PROPOSAL: On Aug. 17, 2019, during a trip to the Red Sea in Egypt with Daniel’s fam-

ily, Daniel arranged a private meal for the couple on the beach. Daniel had previously told Simone he was not ready to get married, so she was taken aback by the flowerstrewn table and their favorite songs playing in the background. “And then one thing led to another, and Danny got down on one knee,” recalls Simone. “There was a lot of crying on my part.”

THE CEREMONY: After their engagement, Simone and Daniel planned for a

May 2020 wedding, but the pandemic forced them to change course. They ended up tying the knot three times. First, in 2020, they wed through the courts over Zoom while wearing their pajamas. Shortly after, they hosted a virtual religious ceremony with family and friends. Finally, on Nov. 12, 2021, they held an in-person ceremony at All Saints Church in Chevy Chase with about 80 guests. “The wedding is just as much about the witness you make in front of your community as it is about the commitment you’re making between you two,” says the bride. The liturgy was done in a mix of English and Arabic, and the couple also included a take on the Christian tradition of a footwashing ceremony. “It felt important as a sign of what we’re willing to do for each other,” she says.

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GOOD LIFE CELEBRATIONS

THE RECEPTION: “We wanted to have a massive dance party and just

a big open space,” says Simone, and the Silver Spring Civic Building offered just that—plus plenty of opportunities for special touches from the newlyweds. Friends put together the simple greenery arrangements on each table, and the guestbook took the form of a Jenga tower, with people writing messages on the wooden blocks.

“It’s a way to do something fun while we reminisce,” Daniel says.

A photo booth with a glittery backdrop kept guests entertained throughout the evening, and the photo strips in magnetic sleeves served as the party favors. “There wasn’t a sense that it had to be perfect,” the groom says of the big day. “Like, we’ve already been married, and now it’s just time to really live it up together.”

THE FOOD: The pair called on D.C.-based Fava Pot to cater the buf-

fet-style spread of Egyptian food, which included chicken kebabs, falafel and koshary, Egypt’s national dish made with pasta, rice and lentils. “It tastes like stuff you’d get in the home,” says Simone. Since the dinner was heavier fare, the couple kept it simple for cocktail hour: tables of their favorite snacks—gummy worms and dark chocolate for Daniel, granola bars and nut mixes for Simone. The cake, a decadent chocolate raspberry truffle from Firehook Bakery in D.C., was paired with other desserts—such as chocolate cupcakes and millionaire’s shortbread—made by their friend who runs GreenIsland Bakery, also in D.C. “A lot of our wedding was a reflection of the two-way relationship of our community,” says Simone.

THE OUTFITS: Simone picked out a strapless Marchesa gown from

nonprofit-run Cherie Sustainable Bridal in Savage, Maryland. “It was just ornate,” says the bride, who finished off the ensemble with a veil passed down from her mother and a pair of floralembroidered shoes handmade by an artist in Indonesia. Daniel, meanwhile, “had never actually gotten a suit that fit me,” so he took the opportunity to don a custom-made maroon number.

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THE MUSIC: Several musician friends of the couple arranged and

performed the ceremony music—Simone walked down the aisle to “I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles, and the newlyweds left the church to “In My Arms” by Jon Foreman. When it came to the reception, “people were dancing so hard the entire night that they forgot to drink,” recalls the bride. After the couple’s first dance, to John Legend’s cover of the Beach Boys classic “God Only Knows,” guests boogied (and did the limbo) to a mix of Arabic dance songs and international pop tunes. “It was just like, ‘Come as you are, and dance in whatever way makes you feel free,’ ” Daniel says.

THE HONEYMOON: The May after they said “I do,” the pair jetted off

to Bonaire in the Caribbean for a 14-day honeymoon. “It’s best known for scuba diving, and we got certified to scuba dive,” says the groom—but partway through the trip, the newlyweds got COVID. “Then we just stayed inside until the time where we were better and watched movies about scuba divers,” Simone says with a laugh.

VENDORS: Ceremony, All Saints Church; cake, Firehook Bakery; desserts, GreenIsland Bakery; DJ, DJ Hussam; dress, Cherie Sustainable Bridal; flowers, Danisa Flowers; food, Fava Pot; hair and makeup, Alina Karaman; photo booth, Efotoz; photography, Jessica Nazarova Photography; reception, Silver Spring Civic Building; suit, Ezra Paul Clothing.

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ONE BETHESDA METRO CENTER | BETHESDA, MD 20814 301.657.1234 | WWW.BETHESDA.REGENCY.HYATT.COM

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La Ferme’s sidecar (and nine other cocktails to try)

93

Andy Brown of Andy’s Pizza dishes out advice

PHOTO BY BRENDAN McCABE; PHOTO BY SCOTT SUCHMAN/COURTESY ANDY’S PIZZA

A REALLY GOOD DUCKING BURGER / GYRO WORSHIP / SMALL BITES / COMINGS & GOINGS

Oscar Munoz tends to the seafood at the raw bar at The Salt Line. PAGE 100

PHOTO BY DEB LINDSEY

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DINING SMALL BITES

BY JACQUELINE MENDELSOHN

COMINGS

NEW

& GOINGS

IN TOWN

Motorkat Revs Up

01

Dalia’s Falafel, previously a Kensington pop-up, opened a permanent location in Bethesda in July that offers sandwiches and bowls.

Restaurateur Chris Brown and Executive Chef Danny Wells

6939 Laurel Ave., Takoma Park, motorkat.com

02

Tequila Modern Mexican was scheduled to open its doors in Rockville Town Center this fall. It is the Mexican eatery’s second outpost in the Mid-Atlantic.

03

Flower Child is great for feeding groups.

Peace and Love and Food

“Peace in” and “peace out” are inscribed on the moss-green doors

leading into Flower Child, a secret weapon among some locals when hosting a family or a group for the holidays. The Arizona-based eatery has been dishing up good-for-the-soul food in Bethesda since 2019, but we especially love it when preparing to feed lots of mouths. Check out their bundles, which start at $59 and serve four to six, and their catering menu packages, which begin at $146 and feed eight to 10. All group meals include your choice of ethically sourced RESTAURANT salmon, shrimp, chicken, steak or tofu.

Sides range from roasted broccoli and smashed gold potatoes to vegan cauliflower “risotto” and gluten-free mac and cheese, among other seasonal dishes. Large versions of all proteins, sides and salads are also available à la carte. Eating for one? Try the local favorite “Mother Earth” bowl, which boasts portobello mushrooms, sweet potato, avocado, cucumber, broccoli pesto, charred onion, leafy greens, red pepper miso vinaigrette and hemp seeds atop ancient grains.

DISCOVERY

10205 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, iamafl werchild.com

Pinch of Wisdom “Trust your gut. If a batter or dough doesn’t look right in your bowl, you may need to adjust the moisture in the recipe or mix it more.

Once it goes in the oven, there’s no fixing a bat er that’s not right.”

—JAIMIE MERTZ, OWNER OF THE RED BANDANA BAKERY IN BETHESDA

Aventino Cucina by chef Mike Friedman will feature traditional Roman cuisine, an Italian-centric wine list and housemade gelato. The Bethesda restaurant and its sister, AP Pizza, were set to open this October.

04

San Pancho is bringing San Francisco Missionstyle burritos to Takoma Park this fall in the space previously occupied

by Cielo Rojo, which is expanding to a new location down the street.

05

Ala Bethesda was scheduled to open this fall with a Levantine menu similar to the D.C. original.

06

The Grove was expected to bring Mediterranean fine dining o Cabin John Village this fall.

FROM LEFT: PHOTO COURTESY MOTORKAT; PHOTO COURTESY FLOWER CHILD; PHOTO COURTESY JAMIE MERTZ

have done it again: The local duo behind Zinnia in Silver Spring and Takoma Bev Co in Takoma Park have come up with yet another instant neighborhood favorite.

Motorkat, which opened in May in Takoma Park and is named after a motorcycle-riding feline that once cruised its streets, offers dinner and weekend brunch in a warm space marked by tufted crimson banquettes, wood tables and pendant globes that illuminate an extensive bar. There’s also a back patio for dining alfresco during warmer months. The menu emphasizes a raw bar as well as seasonal vegetables and sustainably sourced proteins prepared on a wood-fi ed grill. Shared plates include a spring onion pancake, curried fried chicken with forbidden rice and Wells’ classic ancient grain salad—a holdover from his time at Republic, which previously occupied the space. Desserts, such as banoffee trifle (a banan concoction invented by Brits) and crème brûlée, are made in-house.

Don’t miss the dollar oysters and discounted martinis during weekday happy hours.

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DINING THE HOT LIST

10 Seasonal Sippers Ward off any chill with these of-the-moment cocktails

BY JACQUELINE MENDELSOHN

1

COCTEL DE ALGARROBINA WHAT Pisco, algarrobina syrup,

8

ANTIPASTI DIRTY MARTINI WHAT House tomato gin, basil,

9

SIDE CAR WHAT Courvoisier VS cognac, Grand Marnier,

10

cream, egg white, cinnamon WHY This carob concoction akin to eggnog is typically served on Christmas in Peru; why not celebrate early? WHERE La Canela, 141-D Gibbs St., Rockville 2

pumpkin spice liqueur, cream WHY Keep the Thanksgiving vibes going all season with this spiced dessert of a drink.

WHERE Old Angler’s Inn, 10801 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac

lemon, simple syrup WHY This sweet winter sipper is just as enticing as its summer sister, the margarita. WHERE La Ferme, 7101 Brookville Road, Chevy Chase 4

SPICED PEAR MARGARITA WHAT Bozal mezcal, housemade

GRAY WOLF RYE WHISKEY WHAT A Maryland-made take on

a classic WHY Order it neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail; whichever, you’ll appreciate this spirit’s warm notes of cinnamon, vanilla and oak. WHERE Quarry House Tavern, 8401 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring

olive brine, mozzarella, cherry tomato, Castelvetrano olive WHY Order a pair of these savory coupes to accompany Caruso’s antipasti for two. WHERE Caruso’s Grocery, 11820 Trade St. (Pike & Rose), North Bethesda 3

PUMPKIN SPICE WHITE RUSSIAN WHAT Vodka, Kahlúa,

SPRITZLER WHAT Aperitivo Cappelletti, sparkling wine,

housemade grapefruit cordial, soda, Alpino bitters WHY This herbal spritz served with a lemon wheel and olive comes with major après-ski vibes. WHERE The Girl & The Vine, 7071 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park

pear puree, ginger syrup, agave, lime WHY Lick the cinnamon sugar rim before slurping down this smoky yet sweet elixir.

WHERE Gringos & Mariachis, 4928 Cordell Ave., Bethesda; 12435 Park Potomac Ave., Potomac 5

BULL IN A CHINA SHOP WHAT Tito’s vodka, chamomile tea,

agave, honey-lemon ginger simple syrup, mint WHY A calming citrus cocktail to warm you (and your throat). WHERE Hawkers, 7117 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda 6

SMOKE FASHIONED WHAT McClintock Bootjack rye, Angostura

bitters, honey maple syrup, orange, applewood smoke WHY Watching this old fashioned get smoked tableside is as alluring as the drink itself. WHERE J. Hollinger’s Waterman’s Chophouse, 8606 Colesville Road, Silver Spring 7

THE BOUBOULINA WHAT Ilegal Joven mezcal, roasted beets, lime, ginger honey syrup, fennel WHY A bright beet blend that’s sweet and earthy enough to appeal to even the most modest of mezcal drinkers. WHERE Melina, 905 Rose Ave. (Pike & Rose), North Bethesda

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PHOTO BY BRENDAN McCABE

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DINING HOW TO

“ THE BEST PIZZA CRUST IS JUST FLOUR, WATER, SALT AND YEAST.” —ANDY BROWN

Andy Brown

Just Dough It

PHOTOS BY SCOTT SUCHMAN / COURTESY ANDY’S PIZZA

Andy Brown of Andy’s Pizza explains how to make the perfect pie at home BY MEREDITH LINDEMON Making homemade pizza crust seems like a good idea. Until you actually try it and end up with a doughy wad of creosotetasting garbage.

Andy Brown is the owner and operator of Andy’s Pizza, the famed New York-style pizza chain that took over D.C. and Northern Virginia and opened a location in Brown’s hometown of Bethesda in September. Here, Brown explains how to make crust properly so the dream of cooking a crisp pizza in an outdoor oven can become a reality. All it takes is a few simple ingredients and several days of your life.

“The best pizza crust is just flour, water, salt and yeast,” Brown says. “The most important ingredient is time—we give all of our dough three days in the fridge before we pull it out and prove it. That’s cold

fermentation.” And it’s absolutely crucial, he says. “That fermentation process develops flavor and texture. …We’re looking for that bready flavor, and we find three days is the magic mark.”

Next, consider where you’re making the pizza, because that will determine the type of ingredients to buy. In an outdoor oven (which is where everyone wants to make a pizza), the temperature should be 900 degrees, Brown says.

In an indoor oven, the temperature should be as high as the oven can go. “If you’re cooking in an outdoor oven, you’re going to want a really low-gluten flour with a low protein percentage, like an Italian import double zero,” according to Brown, who says you can get double zero flour, an extra finely milled variety, at the grocery store. “If you’re cooking in your kitchen, and you’re looking for a New York-style pizza, use a high-protein flour—this is probably the best flour available at the grocery store.”

Before you add the toppings, make sure to proof the pizza dough in the oven first, letting it first get a little crispy.

Then you’re ready for the good stuff, but Brown recommends using a light hand: “Raw vegetables give off lots of water and will make your pizza dough floppy.” And, he says, you can go wrong with too much cheese—it will turn into a gooey blob that won’t melt properly.

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10/11/23 10:05 AM

DINING TABLE TALK

BY DAVID HAGEDORN • PHOTOS BY DEB LINDSEY

Ashish Alfred in the kitchen making burgers

Smash Hit

First the bad news: Duck Duck Goose, the charming, 35-seat French bistro that

Chef Ashish Alfred

ASHISH ALFRED‘S GOOD DUCKING BURGER BLENDS HIS INDIAN ROOTS WITH HIS FRENCH CUISINE TRAINING.

chef Ashish Alfred opened in Bethesda in 2016, is no more. Now the good news: Alfred, who was born and raised in Montgomery County and still lives here part time, has replaced it with a burger concept called Good Ducking Burger, which opened Oct. 1.

Alfred explains how he came to this decision. “My other Duck Duck Gooses [in Baltimore and D.C.’s Dupont Circle] are working just the way I want them to in terms of service, food and revenue,” he says. “But with everything being more expensive now, especially labor, and losing the 25 patio seats when the season is over, the situation became untenable in Bethesda.” GDB still has table service and a full, but pared back, bar. Fine china is out; aluminum trays are in.

Alfred has always wanted to do a burger concept that blended his Indian roots with his French cuisine training and tried out the concept successfully as a ghost kitchen at DDG Baltimore last year. The menu’s beef smashburgers are available as single, double or triple “fatty patties” (as Alfred calls them), all served on brioche buns.

I enjoyed a sneak peek and taste this summer at DDG Dupont Circle, and it was all I could do to restrain myself while watching him make the signature Good Ducking Burger, griddling the bun and two patties, draping the meat with melting American cheese, then assembling the masterpiece with house mayo and sriracha-based “sexy sauce,” lettuce, tomatoes and onions and smashing the whole thing one more time to meld all the flavors. Eating it was a gloriously messy and

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The Basic Ducking Burger (with lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo), alongside dolled-up fries with green curry and tamarind chutney and a mango lassi

satisfying affair. The verdict? The burger is (rhymes with) ducking good!

Other winners at GDB include a burger made with truffle butter, Gruyere cheese and caramelized onions, and another (Walks Like a Duck) that has shredded duck confit worked into the beef patties. That one gets topped with Gruyere and pickled red cabbage. There’s a killer fried chicken sandwich (“butter chicken on a bun,” says Alfred) dressed with makhani (spicy tomato and cream)

sauce, housemade pickles, and three chutneys (cilantro, tamarind and raita).

For a vegetarian offering, Alfred griddles and smashes two cumin-y vegetable samosas (like empanadas, these made with potatoes, peas and onions) into patties and tops them with griddled paneer and three chutneys. Don’t miss the fries topped with makhani sauce, chutneys, sexy sauce and loads of chopped cilantro. Burgers range in price between $14 and $18.

GOOD DUCKING BURGER, 7929 Norfolk Ave., Bethesda; 301-312-8837; gdburger.com

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DINING TABLE TALK

Gyro Worship I’m gyro crazy, so when I heard that Rockville’s Mastiha Bakery started a food truck in August, I made a beeline one

Saturday afternoon to Saints Row Brewing in Gaithersburg, where it was stationed that day, to check it out. Soon enough, I was digging into a warm Mastiha pita stuffed with spit-roasted marinated sliced chicken and pork, tomatoes, pickled red onions, feta cheese, tzatziki and terrific French fries dusted with salt seasoning spiked with garlic, paprika and oregano.

The truck, Mastiha Taverna, is co-owned by Mastiha Bakery owner (and Silver Spring resident) Katerina Georgallas and Rob Theriot, both 41. Theriot co-owns The Girl & The Vine deli and wine bar in Takoma Park and, on a trip to Greece to celebrate his 40th birthday, got the idea to do something Greek as a new

Co-owners Katerina Gerogallas and Rob Theriot in front of their food truck

Mix Gyro Classic Pita with chicken, pork, tomato, cucumber, red onion, feta, tzatziki and fries

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project. He contacted Georgallas, from whom he had been buying baklava, pita bread and cookies. “After six months of conversation, the truck is what we came up with,” Theriot says, “with the idea that it would become a casual brick-andmortar taverna one day.” Georgallas’ landlord had a food truck he wanted to sell, which they took over, reoutfitted and had painted in various shades of blue reminiscent of Greek island homes.

Theriot, who was the corporate chef of D.C.-based Tryst restaurant for 15 years, handles the cooking and operations. The menu features gyros (chicken, pork or a combo of the two) that are available as pitas ($8 or $10), salads ($10) or platters ($10) that come with rice, salad and a dip.

Dips ($7 or $8) include tirokafteri (roasted peppers, Greek cheese and oregano), revythi (hummus) and tzatziki. Mezze, such as spanakopita, prassopita (crispy

triangular phyllo-and-leek pies), cheese croquettes and kolokythi (zucchini fritters) round out the menu with two kinds of tomato and cucumber salad ($8 or $10) The truck is sometimes stationed in front of the bakery from noon to 7 p.m.; otherwise, it parks at various Montgomery County locations, such as the Silver Spring location of the Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church of Washington D.C., Saints Row Brewing and Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard in Dickerson.

Consult the schedule posted on the website for hours and locations. Cap a meal at the truck with Georgallas’ terrific pastries ($6 to $8), such as olive oil cake, baklava and kourabiedes, delicate almond cookies coated with confectioners’ sugar.

MASTIHA TAVERNA, in front of Mastiha Bakery, 2387 Lewis Ave., Rockville; mastihataverna.com

SOON ENOUGH, I WAS DIGGING INTO A WARM MASTIHA PITA STUFFED WITH SPIT-ROASTED MARINATED SLICED CHICKEN AND PORK, TOMATOES, PICKLED RED ONIONS, FETA CHEESE, TZATZIKI AND TERRIFIC FRENCH FRIES.

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The bucatini with littleneck clams, housemade pancetta and Jimmy Nardello peppers

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ANCHORS

AWEIGH

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The Salt Line docks in Bethesda Row with excellent seafood, tasty cocktails and a buzzy bar scene

BY DAVID HAGEDORN • PHOTOS BY DEB LINDSEY

moky hints of bacon waft from my first satisfying spoonful of clam chowder at The Salt Line, a D.C.-based restaurant that opened in Bethesda Row in July.

The luscious, creamy broth embraces me like a favorite sweater slipped on in the fall air’s chill because it’s exactly what I want chowder to be—kissed with bacon; rife with chopped clams, celery and potatoes; slightly briny from the mollusks’ liquor; and not thickened with pasty roux. This version, even with refined garnishes of housemade oyster crackers and finely chopped chives, doesn’t reinvent the wheel, which exemplifies The Salt Line’s appeal; it offers New England-inspired dishes—mostly fish and seafood—prepared with alacrity and without pretension.

D.C. restaurant veteran Eric McKamey (Mintwood Place, Masa 14, Momofuku—all closed) helms the Bethesda kitchen.

This location is the third for parent company Long Shot Hospitality, whose partners are its executive chef Kyle Bailey, Paul Holder, Jon Ball, Gavin Coleman and Montgomery County resident Jeremy Carman. The original Salt Line debuted in 2017 next to Nats Park; the second opened in the Ballston neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia, in 2021. The company also owns Dauphine’s in downtown D.C. “Ever since we opened in 2017, we’ve had guests from Montgomery County asking us to open there,” says Bailey. “So when the opportunity came up to take over [this] space, we jumped at it.”

D.C.-based GrizForm Design Architects outfitted the 7,500-square-foot space,

The Salt Line 7284 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 240-534-2894; thesaltline.com

FAVORITE DISHES: Blue cheese martinis; seafood tower; sea scallop ceviche; Nashville hot soft-shell crabs (a seasonal offering); bucatini with clams; Smith Island crepe cake

PRICES: Appetizers: $9 to $22; Entrees: $26 to $58; Desserts: $12 to $16

LIBATIONS: Beer drinkers are in luck at The Salt Line, which features 14 draft and six canned beers (most around $7), including many brews from Maryland and D.C. Ten craft cocktails ($13 to $18) are designed to pair nicely with seafood dishes, such as a bracing gin and tonic made with housemade cranberry tonic, and the Someone Spiked the Spa Water with gin, matcha, cucumber, lime and housemade lime-green tea cordial.

There are 38 offerings on the wine list, (4 sparkling, 17 white, 5 rosé/orange, 12 red), which favors French and Californian provenances. Bottles range between $54 and $168, with most around $70.

Fifteen wines are available by the glass ($12 to $28).

SERVICE: Well-trained, friendly and professional

Edin Hernandes (left) and Oscar Munoz tend to the seafood at the raw bar.

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DINING REVIEW

which seats 170, including 24 at the bar and 60 outside. The theme, natch, is nautical, with mahogany striped paneling in the bar referencing a Chris-Craft boat, lots of gleaming subway tile, frosted geometric pendant globe lighting and plenty of seafarer photos and bric-a-brac: boat blueprints, fish spears, compasses and the like. A wall sculpture made of crisscrossing ropes and boat cleats adds even more interest. Other elements include booths in sage green pleather or beige tufted wool, dark wood floors, high ceilings and plenty of windows.

But best of all are multiple soundproofing panels on the ceiling. The result? A reading of “quiet conversation” on my decibel app instead of the usual “jackhammer” that’s the norm in today’s concrete dining rooms.

The Salt Line’s bar is already a bustling see-and-be-seen scene, a perfect place to pony up with a tangy, briny blue cheese martini or two (the vodka is infused with blue cheese) that pairs beautifully with a seafood tower, an idea planted subliminally by the lavish display of oysters, lobster tails and craggy crab claws piled up on crushed ice at the entrance.

A Bloody Mary shooter topped with a mignonettebaptized oyster on the half-shell is a grand way to jumpstart a meal at The Salt Line. Then, crudos are the way to go. Two that I sampled showcase their proteins beautifully. The first, thinly sliced sea scallops marinated in

orange and lime juice and zest, commingle with shaved red radish and red onion while Peruvian yellow pepper provides back heat kick and bits of fried hominy offer crunch. The second, rockfish cut into cubes and dressed with coconut milk, fish sauce, Thai chiles, lime juice, pickled chiles, crispy fried shallots and tiny cubes of cucumber and mango, follows the same formula for success as the scallops: simple, clean and pristine with a balance of heat, acid, sweetness and saltiness.

Other starters of note include “stuffies,” top neck clams with a crunchy coating of breadcrumbs tossed with smoky linguica sausage, lemon juice and hot sauce; and a garlicky fennel, arugula and pickled cherry pepper salad topped with tender sliced grilled squid that would benefit from more squid and fewer croutons. The hot dip of pimento cheese and crab meat served with puffy Old Bay-dusted shrimp crackers is a perfect shareable nosh to enjoy while making menu decisions. Consider a side dish—an enormous

The blue cheese martini is garnished with brine-andcheese olives and pickles.

Sea scallop ceviche with aji amarillo, salsa criolla and crispy hominy

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The Salt Line’s bar is a great place to take advantage of the late-night happy hour menu. twice-baked potato loaded with Gruyere cheese, bacon, sour cream and chopped scallions—as an indulgent appetizer instead.

For entrees, head right to the bucatini with littleneck clams, pancetta, sweet red Jimmy Nardello peppers and garlic swathed in onion puree as a thickener. It’s another dish that lets the seafood shine without extraneous impediments. My fingers are crossed that they bring back the Nashville hot fried chickeninspired soft-shell crabs when the season rolls around again.

The two large, meaty crustaceans are dipped in buttermilk, dredged in crab-spiced flour, deep-fried and drizzled with hot honey enhanced with black garlic and cayenne pepper. They are literally finger-licking good.

Another solid entree, listed under “Classics,” is Ritz crackerencrusted baked cod, the flaky fish offered with wilted spinach and Yukon Gold potato purée and finished with lemon-pepper butter. A less-is-more approach wins the day with this dish, but not with the Portuguese stew of clams, mussels, chorizo, salmon and potatoes, whose thin, drab broth lacks depth and needs a flavor and texture zhuzh, stat!

The Salt Line makes a respectable lobster roll with 4 ½ ounces of chunky meat (which, by the way, they will serve with romaine lettuce wraps instead of a roll if you ask) and offers

a Peekytoe crab roll, too. Bailey says he prefers the fine, flaky texture and sweetness of that variety of crab meat indigenous to Maine to our mid-Atlantic blue crab. He and I part company in that regard.

The limited non-seafood options at The Salt Line include a warm roast beef and American cheese sandwich with horseradish cream, a smoked New York strip steak and a kick-ass double patty smashburger. On the dessert front—not the strong suit at The Salt Line— Smith Island crepe cake made with alternating layers of crepes and chocolate mousse is a rich coda.

I predict The Salt Line will do well in Bethesda Row because of its wide appeal, whether it be families with young children having an early dinner, couples on a date night or folks looking for a fun, lively bar perfect for socializing. (They offer a late-night happy hour menu after 9:30 every evening with drink specials and half-price oysters.) The food and cocktails are straightforward and well prepared, the staff is knowledgeable, efficient and friendly, and the place offers something not seen at many restaurants these days: the ability to hear the conversation taking place at your table. On my next trip there, I’ll be at table 79 in the back corner enjoying some oysters and a side order of peace and quiet.

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JOSH HARRIS' QUEST TO BRING BACK

THE CHEVY CHASE NATIVE AND NEW OWNER OF THE WASHINGTON COMMANDERS ON HIS GOALS FOR THE FRANCHISE, HOW SPORTS CAN UNITE A COMMUNITY AND WHY HE SAID NO TO BEING AN ACCOUNTANT

BY MIKE UNGER | ILLUSTRATION BY MATT DARTFORD / MDI-DIGITAL

ILLUSTRATOR NAME TK

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FORTY-SIX HOURS BEFORE HIS FOOTBALL TEAM KICKS OFF A NEW ERA, ONE THAT ITS FANS HOPE WILL ERASE A QUARTER CENTURY OF MISERABLE MEMORIES, WASHINGTON COMMANDERS OWNER JOSH HARRIS—A LIFELONG FAN HIMSELF—IS SITTING IN A ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF PLANET WORD, THE DOWNTOWN D.C. MUSEUM DEDICATED TO LANGUAGE. HUNDREDS OF WORDS, STACKED 22 FEET HIGH, COVER ONE OF THE WALLS. AMONG THEM: BELIEF. A native of Chevy Chase, the 58-year-old Harris is a former wrestler who has always believed in the power of sports to unite, which is why he pivoted to the world of sports after making a fortune in business. In 2011, he bought the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, and his sports and entertainment company has gone on to add the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, part of the British soccer club Crystal Palace, and a host of other venues and smaller teams to a portfolio that also includes the NFL’s Commanders, which he purchased in July for a record $6.05 billion.

Harris waits to walk across the street to Franklin Park for a season-opening pep rally for fans who have put their faith (another word on the wall, located right next to greedy, which has been used more than once to describe the guy Harris bought the team from) in him and his all-star ownership group of minority partners— which includes Montgomery County magnate Mitchell Rales and NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson. He’s contemplating what those first moments in the FedEx Field owner’s box might mean to him.

“I’ve owned sports teams, and this feels like a playoff game to me,” says Harris, whose Sixers and Devils have made postseason runs. “A lot of work has gone into getting the team prepared for opening day and also getting the stadium prepared. Thousands of details. I feel tremendous anticipation and excitement.”

The son of an orthodontist and a teacher, Harris attended The Field School in Washington, D.C., before earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. He went on to Harvard Business School, where he met his wife, Marjorie (they have five children together), and at the age of 25 co-founded the private equity firm Apollo Global Management.

Forbes estimates his net worth at $6.6 billion.

Despite all his success, Harris still yearns for competition.

“Sports has been a triple play for me,” he says. “Being around the best athletes in the world, giving me an avenue to compete. As I get on to, let’s say, my more mature years, being able to help a city is very important to me.”

Chief among his long list of priorities is finding a new home to replace the reviled FedEx Field.

Although the team spent $40 million on upgrades to the stadium before the season, remaining there is not in the long-term plan. Under former owner Dan Snyder’s reign, Maryland, Virginia and the District showed little appetite for luring the team, but now that Harris has taken over, that seems to have changed. If he’s able to turn around his beloved onceproud franchise, he will become a hero in his hometown. That’s the dream—which is one of the bigger words on the wall.

We spent 45 minutes talking to Harris on that Friday afternoon in September before the regular-season opener. The interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length.

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As an owner, when you watch your team play, can you just be a fan? Or do you always have a million different things running through your head?

It’s like being a fan on steroids. It’s turbocharged. I can only compare it to when I was just a fan versus now. My emotions are much greater. At the same time, you’re hosting literally thousands of people. You have to be available to a lot of different people. When you win a big game, the elation that you feel is incredible. When you lose, I get into a bad mood. What I do now, because it’s not fair to my family and other people that are close to me, I become a little more stoic. I give myself a little time to get over it. I try to not show it on the outside.

When you’re at the game, obviously people are watching you, and so I feel a lot of stress. The players are playing the game so there’s not a lot you can do about it, so you need a little bit of training to keep your emotions on the inside.

Were you a big sports fan growing up?

I was all in on sports. We missed the Senators, so we would go down to Memorial Stadium and watch the Orioles. There were no Nationals. I was there when

JOSH HARRIS AGE: 58 FROM: Chevy Chase, Maryland LIVES IN: Miami, Florida

FROM LEFT: COURTESY WASHINGTON COMMANDERS; GETTY IMAGES

COLLEGE: B.S. in economics from the University of Pennsylvania; MBA from Harvard Business School OCCUPATION: Managing partner of the Washington Commanders. Founder and managing general partner of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. In connection with the HBSE portfolio, he is the managing partner of the Philadelphia 76ers and a co-managing partner of the New Jersey Devils. Founder of 26North, an alternative asset management firm FAMILY: Wife, Marjorie, and five child en

the Capitals came. We were there for the opening of the Washington Bullets in Landover at Capital Centre.

But the dominant sport in Washington always was football. That was the sport that, by far, we mostly focused on.

Do you remember your first game at RFK Stadium?

I do remember being at RFK as a really young person, walking down East Capitol Street. I remember walking in, feeling the noise, and hearing the fans roaring and cheering. I remember looking up at [then-owner] Jack Kent Cooke’s box. It was an amazing place.

What was it about the franchise in that era that you so respected and admired?

It was always a winning franchise. It was a uniter of Washington. I had this amazing year in 1982-83 when I saw the Red— the Commanders—I almost slipped up—beat Dallas, and then that famous John Riggins run on fourth and one [to win Super Bowl XVII]. For me, sports was always very important, and the Commanders always stood for unity and winning and values.

You were a wrestler growing up and in college.

The wrestlers I’ve known speak about the sport in almost spiritual terms. What is it about wrestlers that sets them apart?

Wrestling changed my life in terms of the discipline and intensity that it brought to who I was as a person. In wrestling, you go out on the mat and it’s you against another human being. They’re trying to drive your head into the mat and dominate you physically.

There’s nowhere to hide. It’s a combat sport. There’s nothing like the experience of getting physically dominated as a learning experience to then say, ‘I didn’t like that. I don’t want that to happen again. How can I avoid that happening again?’ That’s about running and lifting and training and practicing and putting a tremendous amount of grit and tenacity into your lifestyle and who you are as a person. Wrestlers tend to over practice. They tend to constantly work, condition. No one’s ever accused me of being outworked. It pushes you to your absolute limit. You’re exerting 120 percent of your being, of your soul, to survive. There’s no one that’s going to help you but you. Life is tough, so you have to prepare and be ready for it.

You went to the Wharton School at Penn and then on to Harvard Business School. What attracted you to the world of business?

My dad had been an orthodontist. My mom was a teacher and then a homemaker. I knew absolutely

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“ I WANT THE TEAM TO BE SOMETHING THAT MY KIDS CAN BE PROUD OF, THAT THE CITY CAN BE PROUD OF, THAT FANS AND THEIR KIDS CAN BE PROUD OF.” nothing about business. I went to Penn and I took an econ class and I really liked it. Then I found out there was this school called Wharton, which turned out to be the best undergraduate business school in the country.

I said, Wow, maybe I should do that. I found my calling early as an investor. A lot of people are blessed with innate skills. I was blessed as an investor and a business builder. I remember senior year my dad saying, ‘You should be an accountant; that’s really the safe way to go.’ I said, ‘No way.’ I went to Wall Street.

That was the top of the food chain in terms of where the best and the brightest people wanted to go. I went to a place called Drexel Burnham Lambert, which at that point had created the high-yield market. I went to this thing called the Financial Analyst Program, which is like a boot camp for finance where you work 100 hours a week but you learn about the most interesting deals with the smartest people. At the end of that two years, I said, ‘I’m going to apply to one school, and if I get in, I’ll go; otherwise I’m going to keep working.’ Harvard Business School let me in. I always kept shooting above. With young people I always say, ‘Shoot for the moon; shoot for the stars.

Dream big. Even if you miss, you’re going to be better off.’

Why did you decide to get into sports?

When I look back on it now, something inside of me was very moved by sports, both in terms of my personal affinity to playing it—later in life I did marathons and triathlons, and I’m still very into fitness—but also the sort of common purpose and the shared experience that sports gives a city. Deep in my memory—I didn’t know it at the time—was this notion that sports brings people together. I had heard that the Sixers might be for sale. The Sixers hadn’t won for a long time and had lost a little bit of their way. They were losing a lot of money, and the city had gotten tired of them. I called them, and then 18 months later I led a group to buy the Philadelphia 76ers. They were between 25th and 30th in the league in terms of revenues.

We rebuilt the Sixers and we won more than 50 games the last five seasons. We love Philly. They are

sports passionate and they have supported the team, and they are constantly holding us accountable in many ways. We are a championship contending team.

We haven’t quite pushed through yet, which creates frustration for everyone, most of all me. But we’re right there. We have to slay the leprechauns at some point: We have to beat the Celtics.

How involved in on-the-field/court/ice personnel decisions are you?

I believe in hiring and retaining and motivating and holding accountable the best coaching staff and front office people, and then trying to support them through organizational building. And creating edges relative to competition around the league. Obviously, players win championships. Owners don’t win championships. Player selection, game strategy, player health and safety, all that stuff is advancing scientifically very quickly. We’re on the cutting edge of everything in terms of trying to support the franchises.

I’ve been doing a bunch of that here already in terms of looking at how we can support [head coach] Ron [Rivera], [executive vice president of football/player personnel] Marty [Hurney], [general manager] Martin [Mayhew] and their staff as to the analytics, player health, sport science. We’re starting to make some strides in our thought process. You’ll probably see some new people showing up soon.

As far as being involved, I think on really big decisions that are millions and millions of dollars that are franchisechanging decisions, I’m of course going to be involved. On smaller decisions, I like to be briefed, I like to see how people are thinking, but I’m not going to micromanage.

What did you find most surprising or disturbing about the way things were done with this franchise once you took over?

The franchise was in need of significant investment.

In the stadium, everything from plumbing and leaks and bathrooms to sound systems, ovens. On the football side, it’s the same thing. There’s a lot of things to

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Josh Harris talks to the public at FedEx Field during a fan rally announcing the team’s new ownership on July 21. do here. On the sports side, it’s a tent for the players’ families, it’s Gatorade stations, it’s extra hot tubs so the players don’t have to wait for them and can get home.

Dozens and dozens of small items.

The interesting thing to me also was that the players had noticed that in their own stadium sometimes there were more opposing fans versus home fans. They said, ‘We really appreciate you being here because we think that now our stadium’s going to feel like a home field.’ That was really surprising to me.

accountable for the organization. That’s a huge responsibility that keeps me up at night because life is complicated. Things happen. You do your absolute best, but I spend a lot of time thinking about how do we set this thing up so we stand for integrity, excellence, inclusion, diversity. I’m proud to say that the team and [president] Jason [Wright] have done an amazing job. Ron and his staff have an incredibly inclusive organization. We’re upping everyone’s game, but it’s a bumpy road. It’s not a straight line.

What do you feel your role is in terms of rehabilitating the team’s reputation in the community and within the league?

I want the team to be something that my kids can be proud of, that the city can be proud of, that fans and their kids can be proud of. That’s how I’ve tried to live my own life. I want it to stand for excellence and integrity, and so we’ve come in very quickly and sent that message. We’re asking a lot of the business staff and certainly the front office and the coaching staff and everyone. To build a championship contending team, you need to pace everything up.

In sports, when you own a franchise, it’s very different than business. The public holds you personally accountable. There’s so much publicity that people expect you, as the managing partner, to be

Obviously there’s been a lot of talk about a new stadium. What are a few of your favorite stadiums or arenas, and what qualities do they share?

I always start with football and winning games, because no matter what else we do, if we’re not successful at that, we’ll be judged harder. If we’re successful at that, it’s easier. I think RFK was a place where if you were coming in as an opposing team you didn’t want to be there. So it was like an extra man on offense and defense. I was talking to Troy Aikman, and he said, ‘I didn’t like to go in there.’

You want that, and then you want a place that’s accessible, that’s inclusive, and where the fan experience is elevated. That’s a complicated mosaic. Really big picture is creating positive economic activity for places that might need it. Building a stadium in

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From left: Commanders minority owner Mitchell Rales, former Commanders quarterback Joe Theismann and Josh Harris watch the team practice at training camp in Ashburn, Virginia, on July 26.

Let’s talk about nicknames. I’m not going to ask you about changing the nickname, but what are the components that make up a good nickname?

Look, right now we’re really focused on football, the fan experience and engaging with the city. Right now we’re focused on avoiding distraction, and we’re all behind the Washington Commanders.

Sports is a very zero-sum game, but in your first year, aside from wins and losses, how are you going to judge the success of the season?

Certainly everyone’s always going to judge wins and losses, and that’s the way it should be judged. We got here at training camp, so the reality of it is our ability to affect that [this year is minimal]. We think Coach Ron is a good leader, and we’re very excited about the season. The other components are going to be: Have we created engagement with the city? Have we started achieving change on the narrative? Have we started to make this team something that people are proud of?

Have people started reengaging? Are there more home fans than away fans at our games even when we play the Giants? …I’m not going to mention any other teams.

I don’t want to get myself into trouble (laughs).

“ I ALWAYS START WITH FOOTBALL AND WINNING GAMES, BECAUSE NO MATTER WHAT ELSE WE DO, IF WE’RE NOT SUCCESSFUL AT THAT, WE’LL BE JUDGED HARDER.”

COURTESY WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Newark [New Jersey], building our [Sixers] practice facility in Camden [N.J.], building where we’re attempting to build in Philly, these are all things where we’re helping thousands of people and using contractors from diverse backgrounds. We’re really focused on how do we create economic activity in the right places.

The overall goal would be to do all of that. Obviously, it’s going to take some time to figure out.

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Do we own that noise? And then, have we improved FedEx Field?

Have we started to make strides in the community in terms of helping people? Have we started to make some progress on our thought process around the next venue of the Washington Commanders?

You and your wife, Marjorie, founded Harris Philanthropies in 2014. What’s your philosophy when it comes to philanthropy?

My grandfather was a U.S. postal worker from Philly. My other grandfather was an appliance repairman. Their parents left Eastern Europe to avoid religious persecution and came through Ellis Island. My dad and my mom went to college, the first in their families. And now here I am, and I’ve experienced tremendous success through business. I always look at it as if someone paid it forward, someone gave me the opportunity to have this, and so I look at my life as I have a finite amount of time.

I’m religious. My job is to make the world a better place and impact the most people as quickly as I can.

We’re big investors in after-school sports. Backing entrepreneurs. Basic financial literacy. Then we do health and wellness for communities in need. Education. We gave the largest gift to the [Philadelphia] Police Athletic League in history.

It’s super exciting for me to be able to come home to the area where I grew up and be able to help people.

Do you spend much time in Montgomery County these days?

Well, my mom still lives in Friendship Heights. I went and visited my old house in Chevy Chase. I just knocked on the door. It’s right near East West Highway and Beach [Drive]. It looks similar. I grew up in a three-bedroom house, two levels on a quarter acre.

I just knocked on the door and they answered. We had a long discussion. It was pretty funny.

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Ice skate outdoors

Ice skating in Rockville Town Square

Play in the ‘snow’ SNOW IS NO SURE THING in Montgomery County. Last year, most places in the region saw just a dusting of the white stuff. But at Winter City Lights in Olney, snow is guaranteed every night in the form of bubblebased fla es every half hour. The 1.5-mile walk-through holiday light display opens for the season on Nov. 18 and runs through Dec. 30. More than 1 million individual lights make up the show, including a light canopy programmed to twinkle along with music and a 52-foottall Christmas tree. There’s also an eight-lane, 15-foothigh snow tubing slide and ax throwing for an extra fee. Tickets start at $31. →wintercitylights.com

FROM TOP: COURTESY MONTGOMERY PARKS / M-NCPPC; COURTESY WINTER CITY LIGHTS

LACE UP YOUR SKATES and get ready to feel the wind in your hair as you glide on the ice at two of Montgomery County’s outdoor skating rinks. Whether you’re practicing spins and jumps or teetering and clinging to the wall, you’ll have a good time in the frosty air. Take your sweetheart to Rockville Town Square ice rink, with its Christmas tree and holiday music, for your own Rockefeller Center moment, no Amtrak tickets required. Or meet your besties at Silver Spring’s Veterans Plaza ice rink after dark, when the colored lights on the canopy above lend the place a dance club vibe. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner. Both locations offer lessons for all ages.

You can rent skates for $6 at either location or bring your own. Online reservations are required at the Silver Spring location and highly recommended in Rockville. Tickets are $10-$11 in Silver Spring; $10-$13 in Rockville. Both locations are open until 10 p.m.

Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. With plenty of restaurants and cafes around both locations, you can make it a date and follow your skate sesh with a drink or a bite. → rockvilleiceskating.com → silverspringiceskating.com

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Cut your own Christmas tree CHRISTMAS MAY STILL BE WEEKS AWAY, but if you want to cut your

own tree, you shouldn’t wait until the last minute. For the past few years, tree farms have been selling out—sometimes just two or three weekends after Thanksgiving. In Montgomery County, Butler’s Orchard in Germantown and Naughty Pine Nursery in Dickerson offer cut-your-own Christmas trees.

At Butler’s, you can cut your own Douglas or Canaan fir t ees on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting Nov. 24. Reservations, available online starting in mid-November, are recommended. Saws are available, but bring your own if you have one. Staff will shake and bale trees, and then tie them securely to your vehicle. Holiday Harvest Days are Wednesdays through Sundays in the Farm Park, where you can choose from a selection of precut trees and play on the park equipment. Expect a visit from Santa at the park on select Saturdays. The farm market also has a custom wreath department.

Naughty Pine Nursery opens Nov. 24 and will have Norway and blue spruce trees and Douglas fi s available for DIY-ers to cut on Saturdays and Sundays until Dec. 23. The nursery, which also sells seasoned fi ewood, provides saws, measuring poles, baling and twine for you to secure your tree to your vehicle.

→butlersorchard.com →npnursery.com

FROM LEFT: GETTY IMAGES (3); FLICKR USER ALI EMINOV

CHRISTMAS TREES 101: A PRIMER

BLUE SPRUCE With its silvery blue hue and symmetrical, narrow pyramidal shape, the blue spruce is an attractive choice, but the National Christmas Tree Association warns that its needles are sharp and can have an unpleasant odor when crushed. The tree is also known for its strong fragrance and moderate needle retention.

NORWAY SPRUCE The upwardly slanting branches of the Norway spruce make it ideal for holding heavy ornaments and lights. It has a strong aroma and dark green needles, which it tends to shed. But buying it fresh and keeping it watered and away from radiators can help with needle retention.

DOUGLAS FIR One of the most popular and widely cultivated Christmas tree varieties, the Douglas fir has s ft blue-green needles and a sweet fragrance. Its classic conical shape and strong branches make it perfect for showcasing ornaments. It’s also known for excellent needle retention, making for easy cleanup after the holidays.

CANAAN FIR Similar in appearance to balsam and Fraser firs, the Canaan fir has rich dark green needles and a classic conical shape. These trees have a milder fragrance and sturdy branches to hold decorations.

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Go on a cocoa crawl HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR HOT CHOCOLATE? Marshmallows or whipped cream? Peppermint or chile powder? Boozy or not?

Try a variety of specials at the Takoma Cocoa Crawl from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 16 in Takoma Park. It works just like a pub crawl, but rather than popping in and out of different bars for pints, you stop into various restaurants, cafes and shops for steaming mugs of chocolate. In addition to traditional hot cocoa, expect concoctions such as vegan hot chocolate with almond milk, cane sugar and a touch of hot chile, and adult cocoa spiked with scotch and Drambuie, or mezcal. Businesses provide single-use mugs or to-go cups, so you can take your cocoa and get some holiday shopping done, too. Several shops offer special discounts just for the occasion.

→mainstreettakoma.org

Get toasty by a campfire GRAB YOUR CREW AND SOME MARSHMALLOWS for a winter campfi e party. Campfi e rings are available to rent year-round in fi e Montgomery Parks locations: Maydale Nature Classroom in Colesville, Robert C. McDonell Campground in Rockville, Locust Grove Nature Center in Bethesda, Brookside Nature Center in Wheaton, and Black Hill Visitor Center in Boyds.

Each location has a different seating situation. Some have wooden or stone benches; others have picnic tables nearby. But each rental comes with wood—no chopping needed. Just BYO kindling, such as small dry sticks and twigs; fi e starter; and s’mores supplies, or whatever else your group enjoys roasting on an open fi e.

→ montgomeryparks.org/campfire-ring-rentals

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COURTESY LONE OAK FARM BREWING COMPANY

Chill in a tent

THE BEER IS COLD, BUT THE TENTS ARE WARM all winter at Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co. in Olney. Round at the base and pointy on top, the cozy yurt-style tents are decked out with couches, chairs, cushions, rugs, blankets and heaters. Small tents ($132.50) fit up o eight people; large tents ($159) accommodate up to 12. Bring your own food, or order snacks, such as hot dogs, soft pretzels, pizza and mac and cheese from the brewery. A tent, which comes with a private server who will deliver your food and beverages, is all yours for 1 hour, 45 minutes. → loneoakbrewingco.com/book-now MOCO360.MEDIA | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 117

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See the lights IN ADDITION TO WINTER CITY LIGHTS, there are plenty of light shows to see whether you want to walk, drive, run or even cruise on a trolley.

BROOKSIDE GARDENS’ GARDEN OF LIGHTS takes viewers on a half-mile outdoor walk through dazzling displays set amid the gardens. Be sure to pick up a hot chocolate to keep you warm as you walk (drinks and snacks are available for purchase). Nov. 17 through Dec. 31 (closed Nov. 20-23 and Dec. 24-25); $10 per person; free for children younger than 5.

→ montgomeryparks.org

THE WASHINGTON D.C. TEMPLE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS in Kensington offers free admission and runs Nov. 30 through Jan. 1. Walk the grounds and see trees adorned with more than 400,000 bulbs.

There are also free nightly musical performances inside the visitors center auditorium. Reserve tickets online.

THE WINTER LIGHTS FESTIVAL at Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg loops through illuminated trees and holiday scenes on a 3.5-mile path. If you want to stay warm, hop into your car, turn on some holiday music and cruise through (Nov. 24 through Dec. 31, closed Dec. 25; $15-$30 per vehicle). You can also enjoy the lights while you work up a sweat during Run Under the Lights, a 5K run and walk through the display (Nov. 18, $40). Another option? Ride an open-air trolley ride at the Sip & Sparkle event on Nov. 19. Stop by the heated tent before or after your ride for wine and cider tastings, food and live music ($30, 21 and older).

→gaithersburgmd.gov →mcrrcrununderlights.com

COURTESY WASHINGTON DC TEMPLE VISITORS’ CENTER

→dctemple.org/festival-of-lights

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Take a hike Festival of Lights at the Washington D.C. Temple

Get cooking

COURTESY SUR LA TABLE

THE WEATHER MIGHT BE FRIGHTFUL, but the kitchen at Sur La Table will be warm and cozy, filled with th aroma of buttery pastries or savory braised meats as you brush up on your culinary skills. The shop at Pike & Rose in North Bethesda offers a variety of inspirational in-store cooking classes for individuals (age 14 and older), families (age 7 and older) and “Date Nights,” when you cook with a partner (Valentine’s Day plans done!

You’re welcome). The menu is always changing, but look out for classes such as Dinner in Portugal, Handmade Ravioli and The French Pastry Shop. You also can expect themed baking and cooking classes to coincide with various holidays and seasons (think Thanksgiving Remix or Winter Wonderland 3-Layer Cake). The classes, which are led by professional chef instructors, are hands-on, so plan to work and maybe get a bit messy. Most single-time classes range from $59 to $99 per person. → surlatable.com/cooking-classes

WINTER HIKES CAN BE QUIET, peaceful and invigorating. Not to mention no mosquitoes! The county parks department offers hikes and nature programs for groups of all ages from “Babes in Backpacks” to seniors throughout the season. Go easy on the Champagne and kick off 2024 with a First Day Hike, a Maryland State Parks program that encourages hiking on Jan. 1.

Last year, Patuxent River State Park in Brookeville hosted ranger-led First Day Hikes, and Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg offered a self-guided option.

Check the Department of Natural Resources’ website for details on First Day Hikes for 2024. →montgomeryparks.org →dnr.maryland.gov

Teatime at Strathmore

WARM UP WITH A “CUPPA” during Afternoon Tea at the Mansion at Strathmore. Teatimes include tea, light lunch fare and musical performances. Each event has a different theme with music and food to match. In December, all teas are holiday themed, including two Charles Dickens Teas and Talks (for adults) and two Mrs. Claus Teas (for kids).

February teas include Chinese New Year Teas, Valentine’s Day Teas and South American Teas. Reservations for the winter season, which runs in December and February (the Mansion is closed in January), become available in early November. Call the Tea Reservation Line to book your spot; no online reservations are available, $38.

→ Tea Reservation Line: 301-581-5108

Cooking class at Sur La Table

strathmore.org/events-tickets/afternoon-tea

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Get crafty

Scarves at FiberArt.Studio

MAYBE YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION is to learn something new or to pick up a new hobby. If you need some ideas to get started, we’ve got you covered. At WoolWinders in Rockville you can learn to knit and crochet, then take your new skills to the next level and create a full project, such as a hat, sweater or scarf. FiberArt.Studio in Bethesda offers lessons and classes in knitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidering and other fiber crafts. At Glen Echo Park, you can take classes in ceramics, glassblowing, stone carving and silversmithing. Weisser Glass Studio in Kensington offers classes in stained and fused glass and mosaics. Get an early start and you might have some handcrafted gifts ready for the holidays. →woolwinders.com →fiberart.studio →glenechopark.org →weisserglass.com

Give back THE WINTER SEASON, with Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is full of opportunities to spread kindness. Whether you’re donating food to the needy, raising money for a community arts organization, or making chew toys for shelter animals, there’s a way to lend a hand to nonprofi s throughout the county. Don’t know where to start? MoCo360’s Guide to Giving in this issue, starting on page 198, rounds up dozens of nonprofi s worthy of your time and cash. Ahead of the holidays, the Montgomery County Holiday Giving Project, organized by the Department of Health and Human Services, works with schools, social workers and a variety of nonprofi s, faith-based organizations and local governments to connect needy families with groups that can help. When it comes to supporting community groups, thousands of neighbors walk the walk—or rather run the 10K—at the annual Turkey Chase Charity Race, which raises money for the YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase and the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rotary. Each January, the Montgomery County Volunteer Center organizes a Day of Service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, inviting county residents to participate in service projects at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center and other sites throughout the county. So why not swap a few hours of Netflix or some community love? Your heart will grow three sizes, and that’s not just from the holiday cookies. →moco360.media →montgomerycountymd.gov/hhs/pacs/holiday-giving.html →turkeychase.com/race/md/bethesda/ymcaturkeychase →montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteercenter/volunteers/mlk.html

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Visit an independent book or music store IF YOU’RE SHOPPING for a gift for a hard-to-please person this holiday season, or even if you’re just looking for a place to hang out and warm up, get yourself over to an indie book or record store.

Most of these businesses are true labors of love by owners who have a deep and sincere interest in their wares and their customers. At Kensington Row Bookshop, you can find old and n w books, as well as literary gifts, games and puzzles. Comic enthusiasts should check out Big Planet Comics in Bethesda, where you can find n w and old comic books, graphic novels and manga. Record collectors can peruse the bins of vinyl at Art Sound Language record store in Chevy Chase, D.C., or Analog Market in Silver Spring, which sells records, collectibles, locally made crafts, and Bump ‘n Grind Coffee, so you can get both a caffeine and music fix

→kensingtonrowbookshop.com →bigplanetcomics.com → Art Sound Language, on Instagram @artsoundlanguage

FROM LEFT: COURTESY FIBERART.STUDIO; COURTESY KENSINGTON ROW BOOKSHOP

→bumpngrind.co

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Get high

Cockpit view at Dream Aero

GO AHEAD, GET HIGH. No, not like that. Although recreational use of marijuana did become legal in Maryland in July, we’re talking here about literally—or virtually—gaining altitude. If the weather outside has you climbing the walls, head to an indoor rock-climbing gym, where you can scale rock walls and boulders under the cover of a roof. The county’s newest spot, Sportrock Rio in Gaithersburg, is set to open by the end of the year, boasting 35,000 square feet of climbing, with walls up to 60 feet tall. Movement in Rockville has 38,000 square feet of varied climbing terrain. While it may seem intimidating to newbies, the sport is welcoming even for beginners, with certified s aff and coaches providing advice and motivation.

→sportrock.com/rio →movementgyms.com

AND FOR THOSE WHO DREAM of jumping out of planes instead of flying them, iFLY Montgomery indoor skydiving facility in Gaithersburg is the place to go. You’ll gear up in a fligh suit and step into a giant vertical wind tunnel that enables you to fly and float on a colu of air—no parachute needed. Rates start at $69.99 per person for two fligh s, each which lasts about 60 seconds. Discounts are available for multiple fligh s and/or fl ers. →iflyworld.com

COURTESY DREAM AERO

FOR A DIFFERENT WAY to venture up into friendly skies, Dream Aero at Westfield Mon gomery mall in Bethesda lets you feel what it would be like to pilot a Boeing 737. The flight sim lator is designed to look and move like an actual cockpit. Choose a flight oute and learn how to take off, climb, maneuver the aircraft, descend and land. Rates start at $195 for up to three people for 30 minutes. →dream.aero/dc

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Go swimming EVENTUALLY, THE WINTER WEATHER might have you longing for a summer vacation. But if a trip to Cancun isn’t in your plans, you can still strap on your goggles and make a splash at an indoor pool. The county recreation department runs four indoor pools that are open year-round: the Germantown Indoor Swim Center, the Eunice Kennedy/ Sargent Shriver Aquatic Center, the Martin Luther King Jr. Swim Center and the Olney Swim Center. The Germantown, Kennedy/Shriver and Olney pools all have water slides, and all four have fun features like fountains, hot tubs and diving boards or platforms (cannonball!). The Gaithersburg Aquatic Center offers a 25-yard main pool with a diving area and adjacent shallow teaching area, and the Rockville Swim & Fitness Center has two indoor pools, plus a whirlpool and sauna. The warm air, smell of chlorine and sound of splashing water might just make you forget that it’s freezing outside.

→montgomerycountymd.gov →gaithersburgmd.gov →rockvillemd.gov

Indoor pool at Olney Swim Center

FROM TOP: COURTESY MONTGOMERY COUNTY RECREATION; GETTY IMAGES

Here comes Hanukkah THE JEWISH “FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS” starts at sundown on Dec. 7 this year and lasts eight crazy nights. Traditionally, it’s observed by lighting a menorah, playing dreidel and eating oily foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and jelly doughnuts. Looking to make some new Hanukkah memories? Events such as candle lightings, concerts and even a latke bar are taking place around the community to celebrate the holiday, so put on your yarmulke because here comes Hannukah. Load up on crispy fried goodness at the latke bar during the Spuds and Studs: Latke-Palooza & A Cappella Concert at the Bender JCC of Greater Washington on Dec. 13 ($50). After a reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres and latkes (the “spuds” part), enjoy a performance by New York-based a cappella group Y-Studs (the “studs” part), which is known for its unique take on Jewish music infused with fresh energy and bright harmonies. For a kid-friendly event, the JCC hosts Shabbat: Shabbang Hanukkah Edition ($10 children, $15 adults), which features a Shabbat dinner followed by a reading by author Ilan Stavans of his story “The Mexican Dreidel.”

→benderjccgw.org

Stephanie Siegel Burke is a freelance writer and editor specializing in local news, arts, culture and events. She lives in Bethesda with her husband, two children and one dog.

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INAUGURAL

INSPIRE INSPIRE WOMEN WHO

LUNCHEON

More than 170 people enjoyed lunch during a panel discussion with the 2023 Women Who Inspire honorees.

This year’s luncheon was held at the Downtown Bethesda Marriott

Honorees Anne Khademian, Donna Westmoreland and Susan Lee with Executive Editor Anne Tallent (second from right)

The event was designed to support MoCo360’s mission to inform, connect and inspire our community.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Carla Young of the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce signs the inspiration mirror.

PRESENTING

PHOTOS BY HILARY SCHWAB

GOLD THE UNIVERSITIES AT SHADY GROVE PNC PRIVATE BANK Attendees listen to the panel discussion.

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Staff from I.M.P. with Women Who Inspire honoree and I.M.P COO Donna Westmoreland (third from right)

PHOTOS BY HILARY SCHWAB

Guests mingle during the networking portion.

3:51 PM

Honorees, officials, community members and representatives of MoCo360 pose with a laugh.

Guests from PNC Private Bank joined the celebration.

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MoCo360 owners Jillian and Scott Copeland kick off the event with an empowering welcome message.

Women roll out in support of the Women Who Inspire.

3:53 PM 10/10/23 4:04

LEDECKY THE

EFFECT

Katie Ledecky of Team United States leads the field at the Fukuo a 2023 Teekay caption teekay tktktktk World Aquatics Championships.

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Bethesda native and GOAT swimmer makes waves wherever she goes BY DAWN KLAVON

S

wimmer Katie Ledecky has done it hundreds if not thousands of times.

This time, it’s July 29, 2023, she is in Fukuoka, Japan, and she is in lane four for the 800meter freestyle final. It’s the 26-year-old Bethesda native’s favorite event, one she hasn’t lost since 2010. A win would make her the first swimmer to win a gold medal six times in the same event at the World Aquatics Championships.

Longtime observers—and Bethesda has plenty— know her secret.

“It’s not some God-gifted natural ability; she’s not tremendously talented in any particular way,” says Bruce Gemmell, Ledecky’s coach from Nation’s Capital Swim Club. “The success comes from her heart and her head and her wanting to compete and wanting to get better, and she wants to get better every day. The consistency of that is what sets her apart.”

Swimming has taken Ledecky far from her hometown, where her parents, David and Mary Gen, still reside. She has competed at Olympic Games in London (2012), Rio de Janeiro (2016) and Tokyo (2021), amassing 10 Olympic medals, seven of them gold. The prolific athlete holds the 800-meter and 1500-meter freestyle world records, and 18 of the 20 Katie Ledecky is seen with her gold medal from the fastest 1500-meter freestyle times ever.

Women’s 800m Freestyle final on day even of the She wants to keep the streak going. Next up? Paris in Fukuoka 2023 World Aquatics Championships.

2024 and hopefully Los Angeles in 2028.

“I’m confident that I’m not going to be done in Paris—L.A. 2028 is definitely in the cards at this point,” Ledecky says in a phone call from Gainesville, Florida, where she trains year-round.

“L.A. is very appealing. It’s truly exciting that there’s going to be a home Olympic Games— Summer Olympics. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. …I don’t think I could pass that up.”

But for now, she is stepping up on the starting block in Japan and pressing her goggles to her face one more time. It’s the last moment any of her competitors will be anywhere near her.

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2006 2012

Ledecky, 15, wins her fi st gold medal at the London Olympics

2003 2015 Katie, age 9, gets an autograph from Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps

Katie starts swimm ing at Palisades Pool in Cabin John at age 6

s graduate Ledecky e Ridge n to S from the School of rt in ea H ed cr a S Bethesda

On the other side of the world, Ledecky has left an indelible mark on Bethesda and the Montgomery

Ledecky says Greenberg and company “are really, really nice, so we always try to stop in and say hello.”

County area. From setting the athletic tradition at her alma Her perfect day when she’s back in town would include mater, Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, to popular- practice with her club team at Nation’s Capital Swim Club at izing a namesake, protein-packed omelet at Ize’s Deli & the Georgetown Prep location in North Bethesda, and maybe Bagelry, to visiting countless patients at Children’s National a visit to the coaches and students at Stone Ridge, Ledecky Hospital, the Olympian might travel the globe but says, says. She also prioritizes grabbing lunch with old high school friends and home time with family.

“Bethesda will always be home for me.”

She still nurtures those relationships.

Her mom, Mary Gen Ledecky, adds that Ledecky’s swimming career started at her daughter’s other favorite spots include “My grandpa used to tell the age of 6 at Palisades Swim & Tennis Whole Foods and Ledo’s Pizza on River my mom, ‘Take the lead, Road and Millie’s Spring Valley. Over the Club in Cabin John. She went on to attend keep the lead,’... I think Stone Ridge in Bethesda and would fresummer she also visited the Smithsonian’s it’s a good mantra, not quent Ize’s in Rockville, grabbing breakNational Zoo, “which was a family favorite just for swimming but fast between early swim practices and spot growing up,” says Mary Gen. for really anything, to high school classes. Her mom would preLedecky competed in her first Olymnot rely on other people pic Games in London while still in high order an omelet for her with tomato, to set the pace—to go out school, winning a gold medal in the 800cheese and bacon; a bagel; hash browns; and be a leader.” and chocolate milk, and pick up the meal meter freestyle at age 15. Across the Atlanon the way to school. The deli eventually tic, classmates and teachers attended a —KATIE LEDECKY renamed her favorite dish “Katie’s Gold watch party on campus.

Medal Omelet” and newspaper clippings chronicling “You’ve never seen a room explode the way that this Ledecky’s successes line the walls. room exploded,” says Stone Ridge Head of School Catherine “She’s like family to us,” says Lee Greenberg, the owner Karrels, describing the crowd the moment Ledecky won.

She graduated from Stone Ridge in 2015, and her coaches of Ize’s for more than 20 years. “We got to watch Katie grow up and go through her first set of Olympics—it’s been a great credit her rise to swimming fame as one reason the athride and an exciting story to watch her grow into the amaz- letic department at the PK-12 school has churned out more ing person she is.” extraordinary swimmers, including fellow Olympian Phoebe

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PHOTOS COURTESY FAMILY OF KATIE LEDECKY

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BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

BEST OF

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 BEST OF BETHESDA

150

Editors’ & Readers’ Picks Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky

DC NW || UPPER SPRING DC | SILVER NWDC UPPER | ROCKVILLE SPRING SILVER NW ROCKVILLE/ |Silver | KENSINGTON || POTOMAC / Upper POTOMAC/| Rockville Spring CHASE || GAITHERSBURG CHEVY Kensington / Potomac CHEVY Gaithersburg /| KENSINGTON Chase /GAITHERSBURG ChevyCHASE

2016

swimming for the 2016 Olympics and has coached Ledecky for years. In 2013, 8-year-old Erin dressed up as Ledecky for Halloween.

“My parents and my friends made fun of me one time because someone asked me who my favorite Olympian was and I said Katie instead of my brother,” Gemmell says.

Walker remembers Ledecky as “a competitor who is fierce, and with a smile.

She’ll be done with the race and congratulate anybody who is next to her, pat them on the back, tell them they had a good swim—very modest in her victories.”

Upon graduating, Ledecky took a gap year to prepare for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil where she earned four gold medals and one silver and set two world records. She continued swimming while majoring in psychology, with a minor in political science, at Stanford University and graduated in 2021.

When she comes home to Bethesda, Ledecky still enjoys visiting patients at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C.—a habit she’s had for years.

“I think it’s one of the first places I’d been to post-London in 2012,” Ledecky says. “I try to go back and visit, especially

Bacon (class of 2020) and Erin Gemmell (class of 2023). There is a chance that all three could be swimming for Team USA at the 2024 Olympic Games.

In 2020, Ledecky and Bacon sent Stone Ridge swim coach Bob Walker a photo of the two of them in their Stone Ridge shirts at the Olympics training camp. Walker had it blown up into a lifesize cardboard cutout, which the team brought with them to national Catholic championships last year so that Ledecky and Bacon could be seen cheering the team from the pool deck.

“Her influence survives—even in cardboard,” says Stone Ridge assistant coach Paul Boman.

Gemmell, a University of Texas freshman, competed with Ledecky in July at the World Championships, both a part of the U.S. women’s 4x200-meter freestyle relay.

“I actually got to dive off of her—she went first and I went second—that was a really special moment for me,” Ledecky says. “I’ve known Erin since she was 7.”

Gemmell, an 18-year-old from Potomac, hails from a powerhouse swimming family. Her brother, Andrew, swam at the 2012 London Olympics for Team USA, and her father, Bruce, coached women’s

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 $4.95

More than

She takes a gap year and earns four medals at the Rio Olympics

2020

2021

She competes in the Tokyo Summer Olympics, winning two gold medals

2023 Ledecky gradua te Stanford Unive s from majoring in ps rsity, ychology

The 26-year-old makes history by six becoming the fi st swimmer to win gold medals in the same event at the She World Aquatics Championships. s for also breaks a tie with Michael Phelp hips most golds at the World Champions title. by earning her 16th individual world

PHOTOS COURTESY FAMILY OF KATIE LEDECKY; BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES

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around the holidays. It’s important to bring good cheer around lete but even better person!”

Even her competition has nice things to say: that time around the hospital to young kids and their families.”

“Katie Ledecky is an amazing role model,” Summer Ledecky signs autographs, makes bedside visits and gives patient-led interviews that are broadcast to every hospi- McIntosh, Canadian Olympic swimmer, world record tal room. She once went to the hospital holder and world champion wrote in an email. “It is truly an honor to stand beside on the day a long-term patient was being Katie on the blocks and race at the highreleased, just to say goodbye before that AVERAGE NUMBER OF est level of our sport.” person, a swimmer, went home.

YARDS SHE SWIMS DAILY Ledecky continues to compete in that “Her commitment to caring and heal16,000 echelon, training with male distance swiming is so genuine, authentic and priceless,” (the equivalent of 9.09 miles) mers at the University of Florida (UF). says Dr. Kurt Newman, president emeritus at Children’s National, in an email. “As she Twelve-time Olympic swimming medalist AVERAGE WEEKLY NUMBER won more races and medals and became Dara Torres visited UF’s pool and watched OF HOURS IN THE GYM more famous, her routine did not change.

Ledecky work.

10.5 She would call when she was in town and “I had to pick my jaw up off the floor ask if she could come over, see a few kids, last time I went to UF watching all the kids AVERAGE WEEKLY NUMBER maybe play bingo with them. It would just training—she’s right there with the guys, OF HOURS IN THE POOL totally transform the experience for these or beating them,” Torres says. kids and also for the doctors and nurses Ledecky’s UF training partner is two25+ who were caring for them.” time Olympic gold medalist Bobby Finke, 23.

Ledecky’s fan club may have started in Bethesda, but it’s “I never want Katie to beat me and Katie doesn’t want grown over the years, particularly with fellow Olympic ath- me to beat her,” he says, noting that he nervously watched letes, including gold medal gymnast Simone Biles who says videos of her outswimming her male counterparts when in an email that she is a “big fan,” adding “She’s a great ath- she swam at Stanford. “I’m like, I can’t let that happen!”

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It has happened, though, Finke notes.

The two are all business in the pool, but since both pro athletes are sponsored by sportswear company TYR, they end up horsing around at photo shoots together.

“We’ll push each other into the pool— there’s a couple videos going around where I push Katie into the pool and Katie gets me back,” Finke says. “I’ll just be standing there for one of the photoshoots and Katie just runs by and pushes me in.”

PRE-RACE MEAL

Plain pasta, olive oil, parmesan cheese, occasionally chicken

NUMBER OF OLYMPIC MEDALS WON 10

(Of the seven gold medals she has won, six were individual race medals and one was a relay medal.)

Back at the 800-meter race in Japan, Ledecky has spent eight minutes and 16 lengths of the pool pulling away from her competition. Even the NBC Sports announcers marvel at her impressive pace and huge lead over what they call “the best 800 field in history.”

As she touches the wall, she has more than four seconds to watch the next swimmer, China’s Li Bingjie, finish. Ledecky’s win breaks a tie with fellow Maryland native Michael Phelps for most golds at the World Championships by earning her 16th individual world title.

“For me, during the race it felt like any other race and then yeah, of course, afterwards there was a little more excitement around that,” she says.

“My grandpa used to tell my mom, ‘Take the lead, keep the lead,’ and my mom has always joked that that’s how I swim my races,” Ledecky says. “I think it’s a good mantra, not just for swimming but for really anything, to not rely on other people to set the pace—to go out and be a leader. Go out there and do your own thing and don’t wait for someone else to do it, and then continue on. That’s what I’ve been doing in my career—continued on. I haven’t looked back since 2012.”

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C O U R T R O O M LOCAL LAWYERS SHARE WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE TO ARGUE A CASE BEFORE THE U.S. SUPREME COURT

BY AMY HALPERN • ILLUSTRATIONS BY JULIA PATRICK It was the morning of May 4, 2020, and attorney Lisa Blatt was about to make history. From a podium that she set up in her Chevy Chase dining room, Blatt was moments away from presenting oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court in the first-ever SCOTUS case conducted by telephone.

“My [19-year-old] daughter was there keeping time,” she says, “and my husband was in charge of keeping the dog away from the house so he didn’t bark.”

The case was The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office v. Booking.com, and Blatt was representing the hotel-booking website. She was arguing that the company should be allowed to trademark its name over the objections of the Patent and Trademark Office, which had denied the company’s application on the grounds that “booking” is a generic word and therefore not eligible for trademark protection.

Blatt knew the ruling would carry major implications. It would likely affect not just her client, but also hundreds of other companies whose business model revolved around a trademarked web address that consisted of a generic word or two followed by dot com.

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THE ATTORNEYS

But with the world on lockdown due to COVID-19, and the Supreme Court forced to shift from the model it had used for more than 200 years, Blatt was at a disadvantage: She couldn’t read the justices’ facial cues or body language to gauge whether her arguments were resonating with them or falling flat.

Standing in her dining room in the black suit and white blouse she wore when arguing before the court, she could only hear the justices’ voices over the speakerphone, which was connected to the landline by a 30-foot extension cord. “The mechanics of this were incredibly elaborate,” she says. “We spent a lot of time with the court personnel preparing for it and kind of going through…what happens if the phone doesn’t work.”

As she stood at the podium, waiting for the familiar call of oyez, oyez, oyez to bring the court to order over her speakerphone, Blatt could only hope it would all go smoothly.

Except in narrow circumstances, attorneys must be members of the U.S.

Supreme Court bar to practice before the high court, and nearly 200,000 attorneys from all over the country are official members, according to bar records. Yet the actual pool of frequent advocates—those who have represented numerous clients at the high court over many years—is closer to 25, insiders say. Many in this elite club, such as Blatt, live in or around Montgomery County, and their recurring appearances before the court’s nine mercurial justices have given them a celebrity status of their own—and plenty of stories about what it’s like to stand before the highest court in the land.

“It’s an amazing institution. It’s incredible,” Blatt says. “You can’t practice before them without loving them.”

Blatt heads the Supreme Court and Appellate practice at Williams & Connolly in down— LISA BLATT town D.C. She has argued 46 cases before the high court—more than any woman in history—and she has a win rate of nearly 90%, according to her law firm bio.

She won the USPTO v. Booking.com case 8-1 (only Justice Stephen Breyer dissented).

Blatt says the case also paved the way for a new protocol that the court has kept in place even after returning to in-person oral arguments in October 2021. Now, after each side finishes oral arguments, “each justice has an uninterrupted [session] to ask the advocate questions,” she says.

“ THE ONLY REALLY ZANY [QUESTIONER] WAS JUSTICE BREYER… BECAUSE HE WOULD ASK SUPER CRAZY, WILD HYPOTHETICALS.”

Previously, explains Chevy Chase attorney Peter Keisler, 95% of what the advocates were doing was responding to justices’ questions. “It was a free-for-all,” he says, with justices interjecting as they saw fit.

A longtime partner—and now senior counsel—in the D.C. office of Sidley Austin, Keisler argued his first case before the Supreme Court more than two decades ago. He says the pre-COVID protocol of pummeling advocates with questions started in the 1980s, when William Rehnquist was chief justice and Antonin Scalia joined the court. Scalia “was always a very active questioner…and it seemed that every justice who joined the court [after him] was a more active questioner than the justice that preceded him or her,” Keisler says. Back then, there was a strict 30-minute limit per side for oral arguments, he says, and Rehnquist “was a maniac as to time.”

Indeed, “it was like facing target fire,” recalls Bethesda’s Jeff Wall, who has argued 30 cases before the high court.

“On the lectern, there’s a light that comes on when you have a certain amount of time remaining. And then a red light when your time is up…[and under Rehnquist] when your red light came up [you were] expected…to stop midsentence,” he says.

Now, advocates can get their oral arguments out uninterrupted, but with “nine active questioners,” Blatt says, arguments can sometimes run long. Between both sides’ orals and the justices’ questions, Blatt’s 2022 case of Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts v. Goldsmith went on for close to two hours, she says—nearly twice the pre-pandemic limit.

COURTESY WILLIAMS & CONNOLLY LLP; SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP; SULLIVAN & CROMWELL LLP; LATHAM & WATKINS LLP

From left: Lisa Blatt, Peter Keisler, Jeff Wall and Gregory Garre

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In the end, she won the case 7-2, with all but Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Elena Kagan siding with her that the Andy Warhol Foundation had infringed on photographer Lynn Goldsmith’s copyright when it commercialized a series of Warhol silk screens based on Goldsmith’s 1981 photograph of the singer Prince.

“For the advocates,” Blatt says, having more time to speak is always “a lot more fun.”

Those who practice regularly before the high court prefer the term “advocate” over “attorney” to describe their role because “our stock-in-trade really is our advocacy, Wall says. “It’s what we take pride in and how we judge ourselves within the profession.” There’s no higher compliment, he says, than being told you are an excellent advocate.

GETTY IMAGES

Guessing what they’ll ask

Bethesda’s Gregory Garre, head of Latham & Watkins’ Supreme Court and Appellate practice, has argued 48 cases before the high court. “The court today is much more focused on historical arguments than it was 10 years ago,” Garre says, meaning that all the justices these days, including Ketanji Brown Jackson, the most recent confirmation to the court, tend to look not only at modern precedents, but the historical events surrounding a constitutional provision.

Garre says he typically holds two moot courts to practice his cases in front of colleagues who are tasked with poking holes in his arguments and asking questions he’s likely to hear from the justices. Yet he has still experienced some “colorful” exchanges with justices that he didn’t anticipate, including one about whether dogs were used to track down 19th-century serial killer Jack the Ripper, and another back-and-forth about what would happen if Big Bird accidently uttered the “F-bomb” on Sesame Street.

“The only really zany [questioner] was Justice Breyer…because he would ask super crazy, wild hypotheticals,” Blatt says. “Justice Scalia probably had the most combative jousting style…and Justice [Sandra Day] O’Connor….would always ask for a yes or no answer.

Down on S C O T U S ?

O

nly 44% of Americans view the Supreme Court favorably, according to the latest Pew Research Center poll.

That’s the lowest favorability rating since Pew began polling the public about the court in the late 1980s.

Pundits blame the court’s declining approval numbers on recent controversial decisions involving abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, student loans and affirmati e action—as well as a series of news reports involving justices accepting potentially inappropriate gifts and mingling with high-profile partisan dono s.

Critics have called for reforms, including expanding the court. Last spring, U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Takoma Park) was among 14 co-sponsors of a bill to boost the number of justices from nine to 13.

Tom Goldstein, a Bethesda attorney who has made frequent appearances before the nation’s top court, has even spoken out against its ability to render fair and impartial decisions since the addition of three Trumpera appointees: Brett Kavanaugh, Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett.

Goldstein and his wife, Amy Howe, cofounded SCOTUSblog, an independent news source for all things Supreme Court-related.

When Goldstein announced his retirement earlier this year from the Bethesda law firm that he founded more than a decade ago, he said it was partly in response to the Supreme Court’s evolving character, according to Reuters. “In the important civil rights and social cases, the court’s conservative super-majority makes it very difficult for the

little guy to win,” Goldstein told Reuters at the time. (Goldstein did not respond to Bethesda Magazine’s requests for an interview.)

Other local attorneys Bethesda Magazine interviewed who argue regularly before the court say that while the current makeup of the court is more conservative than in recent years, every case is decided on its merits.

For example, says Bethesda’s Jeff Wall, the court’s 2020 ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, found that the 1964 Civil Rights Act protects gay, lesbian and transgender employees from discrimination based on sex. The decision was 6-3, with Gorsuch, President Donald Trump’s fi st appointee to the court, writing the majority opinion—joined

by Chief Justice John Roberts and the court’s four liberal justices. “The court sometimes does reach outcomes that people are predicting, but oftentimes it doesn’t,” Wall says.

“It is a court that will reach conservative legal results more often. But that does not mean that…folks presenting different arguments can’t get a fair shake.”

A self-proclaimed liberal Democrat, attorney Lisa Blatt wrote an article in 2018 for news website Politico that supported Kavanaugh’s nomination. “I still think he’s an incredible justice,” she says now, even though she is “extremely pro-choice” and Kavanaugh voted with the majority last year in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization to overturn Roe v. Wade. “I was disappointed, but not surprised [in the ruling],” she says. “[As an advocate] you don’t have to like every decision.”

—Amy Halpern

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“ ...ONE OF THE MOST THRILLING THINGS…IS EXITING…THROUGH THE GREAT BRONZE DOORS AND WALKING DOWN THE COURT STEPS… HAVING JUST SURVIVED AN ARGUMENT.” —GREGORY GARRE “In terms of individual styles…Justice Jackson’s very animated and fun,” Blatt says.

Before the pandemic, Justice Clarence Thomas was often criticized in the media for not asking enough questions, but that was because he didn’t want to become part of the frenzy, Blatt says. Now “he is known as one of the best questioners,” she says.

“There’s usually a pause after the advocate gives his or her opening remarks to see if Justice Thomas has a question, and he usually does.”

Up close and personal

Few people realize how close the attorneys are to the justices when making oral arguments, says Wall, who heads the Supreme Court and Appellate practice for Sullivan & Cromwell. The lectern is only about 6 feet from the chief justice’s face, he says, with the most senior justices flanking the chief justice and the most junior on the wings.

You are so close to the chief justice, Wall says, “that you can’t see all nine [justices] in your field of vision…it’s a difficult balancing act to be able to argue to all nine.”

Wall says he’ll never forget his first case before the Supreme Court 14 years ago. He had recently joined the U.S. solicitor general’s office and was asked to argue on behalf of the federal government in support of New York City. “I was terrified.

I couldn’t sleep the night before, so I got up and went to the office in the wee hours of the morning to practice,” he says.

Wall had been instructed that his first words before the court were supposed to be: Mr. Chief Justice and may it please the court, yet he recalls that Scalia bellowed out a pointed question before he had a chance to get settled at the lectern. But once he got in his introductory line, he says, “the nerves fell away.”

Wall won the case, but what was even more meaningful was that “it turned out… in the courtroom was a clerk in the chief justice’s chambers, and she’s now my wife and we have two beautiful kids,” he says.

Bethesda’s Neal Katyal, who is a New York Times bestselling author, a partner in the D.C. office of Hogan Lovells, and a frequent guest on MSNBC, has argued 43 cases before the Supreme Court— more than any other minority attorney, according to his personal website. Yet he still gets nervous every time he appears, he says.

“I wear the exact same thing to the court every time: my dad’s Sikh kara bracelet, socks my mom gave me, a tie my aunt gave me and a suit I bought a while ago,” the 1991 Dartmouth College graduate told his alumni magazine in 2018.

Garre says that no matter how many times he argues before the court, “one of the most thrilling things…is exiting… through the great bronze doors and walking down the court steps…having just survived an argument.”

But that long, magisterial flight of stairs happens to be “one of the brightest spots in D.C. on a sunny day,” he adds, “so you have to proceed with caution to make sure you don’t finish your day by tripping on the steps and tumbling to the bottom.”

Staying under the radar

Keisler says that the cases that don’t get

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As Maryland's first Certified B Corp legal practice, we proudly serve as general counsel to businesses and nonprofits in the Mid-Atlantic region with a dedication to joyful, purposeful work that transforms our communities and drives positive change. much media attention are the most exciting to argue because the justices aren’t coming in with preconceived notions.

“If you’re arguing one of the big headline cases…you are coming in pretty late to the game,” he says. “But if you’re arguing about, you know, what’s the maximum compensation rate for a disabled longshoreman, it may be that when [the justices] open your brief, that’s the very first time they’ve thought about that.”

Keisler’s long resume includes stints at the U.S. Justice Department and the White House counsel’s office, and two nominations that required appearances before Congress. Yet, he says, “there’s nothing like the direct interaction and focus an advocate has in the court.”

Think about it, he says: Lobbyists go to Congress and appear before committees where members are shuffling papers or walking in and out of the room, or they go to the executive branch and likely meet with staffers.

But at the Supreme Court, “for an hour plus, you’re there with the nine decisionmakers…and they really are the decision-makers,” he says. “And they’re not focused on anything else. They’re not talking to anyone else. They’re not coming in and out. They’re not shuffling papers on some other matter. They are completely engaged in the case at hand.”

As for the longshoreman-compensation case he argued before the court in 2012, Keisler says he was told shortly afterward by a friend that Justice Samuel Alito was making public remarks along the lines of everyone thinks we spend all our time deciding about affirmative action and abortion, and Alito referenced the longshoremen case as an example of how dry and technical most of the cases are that come before the court.

“And I will tell you,” Keisler says, “I was pleased that my case had been singled out.”

Journalist Amy Halpern has worked in print and television news and as the associate producer of an Emmy Award-winning documentary. She lives in Potomac.

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Navigating the law can be complicated and intimidating for many people, and having a good attorney as a guide is essential. But findin the right one isn’t always easy. We asked 1,900 attorneys who practice in Montgomery County whom they would want to represent them if they needed a lawyer, and 350 responded, nominating more than 175 attorneys. We contacted the top vote recipients by email or phone to confir their areas of expertise and that they work in the county. Here are the top attorneys, listed alphabetically under 27 practice areas.

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ADOPTION

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Kathryn E. Deckert Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC Rockville 301-838-3330 steinsperling.com

Jennifer Fairfax Family Formation Law Offi e | Jennifer Fairfax, LLC Silver Spring 240-863-2441 jenniferfairfax.com

Emily Gelmann Nichols Gelmann LLC Rockville 301-762-8999 ng.legal

Sarah F. Horowitz The Law Offi e of Sarah F. Horowitz, LLC Chevy Chase 240-583-0592

Erin L. Kopelman Lerch, Early & Brewer Bethesda 301-347-1261 lerchearly.com

Bianca M. Pinnock Shulman Rogers Potomac 301-230-5207 shulmanrogers.com

Jane Rodgers Markham Law Firm Bethesda 240-396-4373

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Catelyn Slattery Family Formation Law Offi e | Jennifer Fairfax, LLC Silver Spring 240-245-7765 jenniferfairfax.com

Sogand Zamani Zamani & Associates PLLC Washington 202-510-9112 zamaniassociates.com

Bradford S. Bernstein Miles & Stockbridge P.C. Rockville 301 517-4811 mslaw.com

Douglas M. Bregman Bregman, Berbert, Schwartz & Gilday, LLC Bethesda 301-656-2707 bregmanlaw.com

David Bulitt Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA Rockville 240-399-7888 jgllaw.com

Julie B. Christopher Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC Rockville 301-838-3257 steinsperling.com

Jonathan M. Dana Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP Washington 202-466-8960 feldesmantucker.com

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Lillian Hummel Fierst & Fink, P.C. Rockville 301-762-8872

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Jennifer Davison Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP Bethesda 202-466-8960 feldesmantucker.com

Regina A. DeMeo Law Offi e of Regina A. DeMeo Bethesda 240-621-0559 reginademeo.com

Suzy Eckstein Oakley & Eckstein, LLC Rockville 301-424-8081 oakleyeckstein.com

Steven J. Gaba Steven J. Gaba Attorney and Counselor at Law Rockville 301-738-7770 mdfamilylaw.net

Emily Gelmann Nichols Gelmann LLC Rockville 301-762-8999 ng.legal

Jeffrey D. Goldstein Law Offi e of Jeffrey D. Goldstein, LLC Rockville 301-838-7047 rockvillelaw.com

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Bianca M. Pinnock "I don’t have a magic wand, and there are some situations where that is what you need and unfortunately, my tools are the law alone."

Heather Q. Hostetter Hostetter Strent LLC Bethesda 301-657-0010 hostetterstrent.com

Anne Marie Jackson Feldman Jackson, PC Bethesda 301-715-8117 feldmanjackson.com

Jessica Markham Markham Law Firm Bethesda 240-396-4373 markhamlegal.com

COURTESY PHOTO

Julie B. Christopher Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC Rockville 301-838-3257

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Your Priorities Are Our Priorities We appreciate how your legal issue affects you, your family, your business, and your future. At Stein Sperling, we evaluate our performance based on how well we advocate for your interests, accomplish your objectives, and keep you informed.

Whether working with our attorneys in estate planning, family law, business law or any of our other 7 practices areas, we are committed to keeping our clients informed, prepared and protected.

No matter how high the stakes, no matter how complex the legal issue, we see law on a personal level.

Stein Sperling’s attorneys included in Bethesda Magazine’s Top Attorney listing are: Beth Irving, Darla McClure, Andrew Schwartz, Karen Shapiro (Business Law); Drew Cole, Jeff Schwaber (Commercial Litigation); Julie Christopher, Kathryn Deckert, Sondra Douglas, Monica Garcia Harms (Family Law); Jamie Alvarado-Taylor, Steven Vinick (Personal Injury); David De Jong, Eric Rollinger, Mark Schweighofer (Tax Law)

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ST EI N S PER LIN G ATTORNE YS AT LAW

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J. Stephen McAuliffe III Miles & Stockbridge P.C. Rockville 301-517-4829 mslaw.com

Kate McDonough McDonough Law Silver Spring 301-592-1295

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Elizabeth J. McInturff JDKatz, P.C. Bethesda 240-743-5410 jdkatz.com

Katherine O’Rourke Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell Bethesda 202-466-8960 feldesmantucker.com

Paul Reinstein Reinstein, Glackin & Herriott, LLC Rockville 301-850-7349 rghlawyers.com

Deborah E. Reiser Deborah Reiser Family Mediation, LLC Rockville 301-461-4186 lerchearly.com

Meg Rosan Bulman, Dunie, Burke & Feld Chevy Chase 301-656-1177 bulmandunie.com

Rebecca C. Shankman Feldman Jackson Bethesda 301-715-8110 feldmanjackson.com

Bethany G. Shechtel BGS Law, LLC Rockville 301-579-3123

Darcy A. Shoop Darcy A. Shoop LLC Rockville 301-340-7950 (offi e), 301-980-4105 (cell)

Sarah J. Zimmerman Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP Washington 202-466-8960

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Howard Soypher Webb Soypher McGrath Bethesda 301-298-8401

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Rebekah Sullivan District Family Law Washington 202-450-5880

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Robin Taub Paradiso, Taub, Sinay, Owel & Kostecka P.C. Bethesda 301-986-7900

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Trish Weaver Lerch, Early & Brewer Bethesda 301-841-2433 lerchearly.com

Stuart A. Berman Lerch, Early & Brewer Bethesda 301-657-0729 Bradford S. Bernstein Miles & Stockbridge P.C. Rockville 301-517-4811 Aindrea Conroy Ethridge, Quinn, Kemp, Rowan & Hartinger Rockville 301-762-1696 eqlawyers.com

Glenn M. Cooper Lerch, Early & Brewer Bethesda 301-657-0732

Deborah L. Webb Webb Soypher McGrath Bethesda 301-298-8401

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Steven Weisbaum The Weisbaum Law Firm, LLC Rockville 301-279-0977

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Sogand Zamani Zamani & Associates PLLC Washington 202-510-9112 zamaniassociates.com

Diane E. Feuerherd Miller, Miller & Canby Rockville 301-762-5212

Jeffrey D. Goldstein Law Offi e of Jeffrey D. Goldstein, LLC Rockville 301-838-7047

Timothy Maloney Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA Greenbelt 240-553-1206 jgllaw.com

J. Stephen McAuliffe III Miles & Stockbridge P.C Rockville 301 517-4829 mslaw.com

Donna E. McBride Miller, Miller & Canby Rockville 301-762-5212

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Stanley J. Reed Lerch, Early & Brewer Bethesda 301-657-0177 lerchearly.com

John S. Weaver Z Family Law Rockville 301-388-5528 zfamilylaw.com

Trish Weaver Lerch, Early & Brewer Bethesda 301-841-2433 lerchearly.com

BANKRUPTCY CREDITORS James M. Hoffman Offit urman, P.A. Bethesda 240-507-1710 offitkurman.co

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Steve M. Klepper Kramon & Graham Baltimore 410-347-7405

Paul E. Alpuche Jr. Lerch, Early & Brewer Bethesda 301-657-0183

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BRAMNICK CREED LITIGATION & DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Congratulations To Bramnick Creed Lawyers Michael Bramnick and Joseph Creed For Being Voted 2023 “Top Lawyers”

MICHAEL J. BRAMNICK “ Top Lawyer” in Civil Litigation

JOSEPH M. CREED “ Top Lawyer” in Employment Law and Civil Litigation

Bramnick Creed focuses on:

 Civil Litigation  Contract Disputes  Construction Law, including Mechanic’s Liens, Payment Claims, and Owner/Contractor Disputes

4520 EAST WEST HIGHWAY SUITE 700 BETHESDA, MARYLAND 20814 MAIN: (301) 945-7800

 Real Estate Litigation  Employment Law, including Representation of Both Private Sector and Government Employees

Mike@BramnickCreed.com JCreed@BramnickCreed.com

 Judgment Enforcement

www.BramnickCreed.com

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Ginny Cascio Bonifacino Nazareth Bonifacino Law Benefit L C Rockville 240-202-4302 dmvbusinesslawyers.com

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Karen N. Shapiro Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC Rockville 301-838-3222

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Michael Gottlieb Momentum Law Group Rockville 301-658-2205

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Suzanne L. Rotbert Miles & Stockbridge P.C. Rockville 301-517-4836

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Andrew L. Schwartz Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC Rockville 301-838-3327

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Hardeep Grover CapEx Legal Washington D.C. 703-362-4886

Jon D. Pels Pels Law Bethesda 301-986-5570

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THE HARDEST PART ABOUT BEING AN ATTORNEY

Ginny Cascio Bonifacino "For our clients, we sometimes have to advise them on difficult situations such as erminating an employee … and there isn’t any correct answer. But [we have to] provide advice on how they should legally proceed, then they have to make the decision themselves."

CIVIL LITIGATION Bradford S. Bernstein Miles & Stockbridge P.C. Rockville 301-517-4811

mslaw.com

Michael J. Bramnick Bramnick Creed, LLC Bethesda 301-547-3647 bramnickcreed.com

COURTESY PHOTO

Bradford S. Bernstein Miles & Stockbridge P.C. Rockville 301 517-4811

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ONE Man FIVE Decades of Experience FIFTEEN HUNDRED High-Stakes Divorce

Cases Skillfully Navigated

Once again, Jeffrey Greenblatt has been selected by his fellow attorneys as one of the area’s top 25 divorce attorneys.

Jeffery practices family law exclusively. He zealously guides his clients through complex and highly emotional divorce, custody, visitation, alimony, division of assets, and domestic violence cases.

His aggressive advocacy for his clients’ interests is regularly affirmed by top industry arbiters, including Best Lawyers in America® 2011-2024, Maryland and District of Columbia Super Lawyers®, an Avvo Superb rating and a Martindale-Hubble® AV rating (highest rating available).

People who have family law issues benefit from his counsel.

240.399.7894 | JGREENBLATT@JGLLAW.COM MARYLAND | JGLLAW.COM

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Drew LaFramboise Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA Greenbelt 240-553-1174

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COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS Brian D. Bichy Selzer Gurvich Bethesda 301-634-3151

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CONSUMER Ruth O. Katz Lerch, Early & Brewer Bethesda 301-657-0188 lerchearly.com

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Michael Rowan Ethridge Quinn Kemp Rowan & Hartinger Rockville 301-762-1696 eqlawyers.com

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For over half a century, the lawyers at Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell (FTLF) have provided guidance for families navigating the complex waters of family law in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. FTLF’s family law attorneys provide sophisticated, solution-focused representation that empowers clients to move forward confidently into their futures. Whether it’s through negotiation, litigation, Collaborative Law, or mediation, FTLF’s team works tirelessly to craft successful strategies that align with their clients’ unique goals. Our attorneys take a holistic approach in achieving a resolution that protects both their clients’ interests and the well-being of children. FTLF Family Law attorneys have consistently been recognized by MoCo360, Washingtonian, and Northern Virginia Magazine, and named a “Best Law Firm” designation by US News-Best Lawyers.

www.ftl f.c om Mar yland | Washington, DC | Virginia | 202-466-8960

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ELDER

CRIMINAL DEFENSE Kush Arora Price Benowitz LLP Rockville 202-417-6027

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David Benowitz Price Benowitz LLP Rockville 202-271-5249

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Paul F. Kemp Ethridge Quinn Kemp Rowan & Hartinger Rockville 301-762-1696 eqlawyers.com

John Patrick Kudel Karp, Wigodsky, Norwind, Kudel & Gold, P.A. Rockville 301-762-3770

Timothy Maloney Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA Rockville 240-553-1206

Lillian Hummel Fierst & Fink, P.C. Rockville 301-762-8872

jgllaw.com

fie stfink-la .com

Bruce L. Marcus MarcusBonsib, LLC Greenbelt 301-441-3000

Jeffrey David Katz JDKatz, P.C. Bethesda 240-650-2522

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Pilar Camus Nichols Nichols Gelmann LLC Rockville 301-762-8999

Morris Klein Morris Klein, Esquire Bethesda 301-652-4462

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Stanley J. Reed Lerch, Early & Brewer Bethesda 301-657-0177

Elizabeth J. McInturff JDKatz, P.C. Bethesda 240-743-5410

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Michael Rowan Ethridge Quinn Kemp Rowan & Hartinger Rockville 301-762-1696

Mary Jo Broussard Speier Speier Law Firm, LLC Rockville 301-468-5657

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Rene Sandler Sandler Law LLC Rockville 301-610-9797

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Steven B. Vinick Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC Rockville 301-838-3298 steinsperling.com

DISABILITY Lillian Hummel Fierst & Fink, P.C. Rockville 301-762-8872

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Helen M. Whelan Landsman Law Group Rockville 240-403-4300

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EMPLOYMENT (EMPLOYEE) Meredith “Merry” Campbell Shulman Rogers Potomac 301-255-0550 shulmanrogers.com

Joseph M. Creed Bramnick Creed, LLC Bethesda 301-760-3344

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Gregg C. Greenberg Zipin, Amster & Greenberg, LLC Silver Spring 301-587-9373 zagfirm.co

Jay P. Holland Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA Rockville 240-553-1198 jgllaw.com

Mary Lombardo RLG Law Rockville 301-340-1616 rlg-lawyers.com

Scott Mirsky Miller, Miller & Canby Rockville 301-762-5212

millermillercanby.com

Seema Morse The Law Offi e of Seema Morse, LLC Olney 202-489-4239 Michael J. Neary Lerch, Early & Brewer Bethesda 301-657-0740

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Jon D. Pels Pels Law Bethesda 301-986-5570 pelslaw.com

James Edward Rubin Rubin Employment Law Firm, P.C. Rockville 301-760-7914 rubinemploymentlaw.com

Diane A. Seltzer The Seltzer Law Firm Bethesda 301-500-1555 seltzerlawfirm.co

David P. Shapiro McMillan Metro Faerber, P.C. Potomac 240-778-2332 mcmillanmetro.com

Michal Shinnar Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA Greenbelt 240-553 1802 jgllaw.com

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Trusted Leaders In the Practice of Family Law Domestic Violence and Addiction • Divorce For Business Owners • Mediation • Overcoming Conflict in Custody Cases • Child Support • Premarital Agreements • Estate & Trust Litigation

wsmfamily.com 4340 East-West Highway • Suite 401 • Bethesda, MD 20814 • 301-298-8401

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Erika Jacobsen White Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA Greenbelt 301-220-2200

Seema Morse The Law Offi e of Seema Morse, LLC Olney 202-489-4239

EMPLOYMENT (EMPLOYER)

Michael J. Neary Lerch, Early & Brewer Bethesda 301-657-0740

jgllaw.com

Russell B. Berger Offit urman, P.A. Bethesda 410-209-6449 offitkurman.co

Meredith “Merry” Campbell Shulman Rogers Potomac 301-255-0550 shulmanrogers.com

Michael Gottlieb Momentum Law Group Rockville 301-658-2205

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James Hammerschmidt Lerch, Early & Brewer Bethesda 301-841-0819 paleyrothman.com

Jay P. Holland Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA Rockville 240-553-1198 jgllaw.com

Darla J. McClure Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC Rockville 301-838-3284 steinsperling.com

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Scott Mirsky Miller, Miller & Canby Rockville 301-762-5212

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Diane A. Seltzer The Seltzer Law Firm Bethesda 301-500-1555 seltzerlawfirm.co

David P. Shapiro McMillan Metro Faerber, P.C. Potomac 240-778-2332 mcmillanmetro.com

Karen N. Shapiro Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC Rockville 301-838-3222 steinsperling.com

FAMILY & DIVORCE Lisa Seltzer Becker Offit urman, P.A. Bethesda 240-507-1780 offitkurman.co

Tammy Begun Price Benowitz LLP Rockville 301-637-0377

Jennifer Davison Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP Bethesda 202-466-8960

Brandon A. Bernstein Law Offi es of Brandon Bernstein, LLC Bethesda 240-395-1418

Kathryn E. Deckert Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC Rockville 301-838-3330

Edouard J.P. Bouquet Brodsky, Renehan, Pearlstein & Bouquet Gaithersburg 301-469-3352

Regina A. DeMeo Law Offi e of Regina A. DeMeo Bethesda 240-621-0559

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Suzy Eckstein Oakley & Eckstein, LLC Rockville 301-424-8081 oakleyeckstein.com

Robert C. Eustice The Law Offi es of Robert C. Eustice Bethesda 301-755-3940 eusticelaw.com

Darryl Feldman Feldman Jackson, PC Bethesda 301-715-8110

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Casey Weinberg Florance Collier Florance Van Scoy Bethesda 301-245-2564 cfvlaw.com

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TIMES CHANGE FAMILIES CHANGE WORK WITH A LAW FIRM THAT CAN KEEP UP

Appointments available by remote video conference and in person in Potomac, Gaithersburg, Bethesda, Edgewater, Riverdale, Rockville, Chevy Chase, Towson and Washington D.C. Families are ever-evolving. So is the law that governs their disputes.

In a world in which the legal issues affecting families are constantly changing, why would you work with a law firm that does things the same way they always have?

Strickler, Platnick, & Hatfield calls itself the “Modern Family Law Firm” because our attorneys stay on the cutting edge of everything to do with family law. We work with clients in all family configurations. We remain current with every new development in the law. We use the latest technology to further our clients’ goals and make their experience of the legal process better.

POTOMAC LOCATION 1201 Seven Locks Road, Suite 360-7A Potomac, Maryland 20854

CONGRATULATIONS Geoffrey S. Platnick for being named a 2023 Top Attorney!

GAITHERSBURG LOCATION 9841 Washington Boulevard, Suite 500-22 Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878

Phone: (240) 617-0404 • Fax: (240) 406-4390 • info@modernfamilylawfirm.com

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Steven J. Gaba Steven J. Gaba Attorney and Counselor at Law Rockville 301-738-7770

Monica Garcia Harms Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll, PC Rockville 301-838-3230

Emily Gelmann Nichols Gelmann LLC Rockville 301-762-8999

Cheryl L. Hepfer Offit urman, P.A. Bethesda 240-507-1752

Jeffrey N. Greenblatt Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA Rockville 240 399-7894

Heather Q. Hostetter Hostetter Strent LLC Bethesda 301-657-0010

Anne Grover Grover & Badalian, LLC Rockville 301-358-1813

Anne Marie Jackson Feldman Jackson, PC Bethesda 301-715-8117

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Sheila Kadagathur Hostetter Strent LLC Bethesda 301-657-0010

Kate McDonough McDonough Law Silver Spring 301-592-1295

Lynette Kleiza Lerch, Early & Brewer Bethesda 301-841-0193

Rhian McGrath Webb Soypher McGrath Bethesda 301-298-8401

Erin L. Kopelman Lerch, Early & Brewer Bethesda 301-347-1261

Elizabeth J. McInturff JDKatz, P.C. Bethesda 240-743-5410

Jessica Markham Markham Law Firm Bethesda 240-396-4373

Catherine H. McQueen Offit urman, P.A. Bethesda 240-507-1718

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Pilar Camus Nichols Nichols Gelmann LLC Rockville 301-762-8999

Geoffrey S. Platnick Strickler, Platnick & Hatfiel Potomac 240-617-0405

Keith Rosa Goitein Rosa, LLC Bethesda 240-221-1747

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Bethany G. Shechtel BGS Law, LLC Rockville 301-579-3123

Katherine O’Rourke Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell Bethesda 202-466-8960

Paul Reinstein Reinstein, Glackin & Herriott, LLC Rockville 301-850-7349

Meg Rosan Bulman, Dunie, Burke & Feld Chevy Chase 301-656-1177

rghlawyers.com

bulmandunie.com

Darcy A. Shoop Darcy A. Shoop LLC Rockville 301-340-7950 (offi e), 301-980-4105 (cell)

Brian K. Pearlstein Brodsky Renehan Pearlstein & Bouquet Gaithersburg 301-965-6349

Donna K. Rismiller RLG Law Rockville 301-340-1616

Michael Rowan Ethridge Quinn Kemp Rowan & Hartinger Rockville 301-762-1696

Howard Soypher Webb Soypher McGrath Bethesda 301-298-8401

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Bianca M. Pinnock Shulman Rogers Potomac 301-230-5207 shulmanrogers.com

rlg-lawyers.com

Christopher W. Roberts Roberts Family Law Rockville 301-337-1060 cwrfamilylaw.com

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Rebecca C. Shankman Feldman Jackson Bethesda 301-715-8110 feldmanjackson.com

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Elyse L. Strickland McMillan Metro Faerber, P.C. Potomac 240-778-2314 mcmillanmetro.com

Vennard Wright CEO, Wave Welcome

SUPPORTING BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES IN THE DMV Shulman Rogers’ Black-Owned Business Program launches its second award cycle, supporting the establishment and growth of black-owned businesses by expanding access to legal representation Apply by November 1, 2023 | Winner will receive a year of complementary legal services

Winner of 2023 Black-Owned Business Program

“Winning the 2023 Black-Owned Business Program was a game changer for Wave Welcome.

Working+123-456-7890 with the attorneys Shulman 123 Anywhereat St., Any City Rogers has helped our company grow.”

1 2 5 0 5 P a rk P o t o m a c A v e nue , P otoma c , Ma ry la nd | 301.230.5200 | Shulma nRog er s .com MOCO360.MEDIA | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 153

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districtfamilylaw.com

Heather R. Sweren Brodsky Renehan Pearlstein & Bouquet Gaithersburg 301-869-1700 brpfamilylaw.com

Robin Taub Paradiso, Taub, Sinay, Owel & Kostecka P.C. Bethesda 301-986-7900 familylawattys.com

Donna E. Van Scoy Collier Florance Van Scoy LLC Bethesda 301-246-3582

Deborah L. Webb Webb Soypher McGrath Bethesda 301-298-8401

Soo Lee-Cho

"My job is to help them figu e out what they Steven Weisbaum don’t know."

The Weisbaum Law Firm, LLC wsmfamily.com

Rockville 301-279-0977

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Sogand Zamani Zamani & Associates PLLC Washington 202-510-9112 zamaniassociates.com

Sarah J. Zimmerman Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP Washington 202-466-8960 feldesmantucker.com

cfvlaw.com

HEALTH CARE

IMMIGRATION

Hardeep Grover CapEx Legal Washington, D.C. 703-362-4886

Himedes Chicas Jezic & Moyse Wheaton 240-292-7200

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jezicfirm.co

David P. Shapiro McMillan Metro Faerber, P.C. Potomac 240-778-2332

Mohammad “Mo” Ali Syed Offit urman, P.A. Bethesda 240-507-1784

mcmillanmetro.com

offitkurman.co

COURTESY PHOTO

Rebekah Sullivan District Family Law Washington, D.C. 202-450-5880

WHAT I WISH MY CLIENTS KNEW BEFORE THEY HIRE ME

TO OUR 2023 TOP ATTORNEYS

Brian Pearlstein Edouard Bouquet Heather Sweren

www.BRPfamilylaw.com 16061 Comprint Circle • Gaithersburg, MD 20877-1321 Tele: 301-869-1700 • Fax: 301-926-7844

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LAND USE/ZONING Becki L. Young Grossman Young & Hammond Silver Spring 301-917-6900

Stuart R. Barr Lerch, Early & Brewer Bethesda 301-961-6095

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lerchearly.com

INSURANCE

Peter E. Ciferri McMillan Metro Faerber, P.C. Potomac 301-251-1180

Scott D. Nelson Walker, Murphy & Nelson, LLP Rockville 301-519-9150 walkermurphy.com

INTELLECTUAL Ginny Cascio Bonifacino Nazareth Bonifacino Law Benefit L C Rockville 240-202-4302 dmvbusinesslawyers.com

mcmillanmetro.com

Casey L. Cirner Miles & Stockbridge P.C. Rockville 301 517-4817 mslaw.com

Michael A. Faerber McMillan Metro Faerber, P.C. Potomac 301-251-1180 ext. 305 mcmillanmetro.com

Erin E. Girard Miles & Stockbridge P.C. Rockville 301 517-4804 mslaw.com

millermillercanby.com

Soo Lee-Cho Bregman, Berbert, Schwartz & Gilday, LLC Bethesda 301-656-2707

Patricia A. Harris Lerch, Early & Brewer Bethesda 301-841-3832 lerchearly.com

bregmanlaw.com

Sean P. Hughes Miller, Miller & Canby Rockville 301-762-5212

millermillercanby.com

Phillip A. Hummel Miles & Stockbridge P.C. Rockville 301 517-4814 mslaw.com

Jody S. Kline Miller, Miller & Canby Rockville 301-762-5212

Nancy P. Regelin Shulman Rogers Potomac 301-230-5224

shulmanrogers.com

MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE Valerie Grove Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA Rockville 240-553-1218 jgllaw.com

Congratulations to our 2023 Bethesda Magazine Top Attorneys Donna McBride

Proudly serving businesses and individuals in our community since 1946.

• Land Use & Zoning • Real Estate • Litigation • Eminent Domain & Condemnation • Business & Tax • Employment Law • Estates & Trusts Law

Jody Kline

Michael Campbell

Robert Gough

Diane Feuerherd Taggart Hutchinson

Miller, Miller & Canby 200-B Monroe Street, Rockville, MD 20850

301.762.5212 • millermillercanby.com

Scott Mirsky

Kevin D’Anna

Sean Hughes

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NONPROFIT Michael Nakamura Shulman Rogers Potomac 301-230-5255 shulmanrogers.com

Steven M. Pavsner Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA Rockville 240-553-1211 jgllaw.com

Tiffany D. Randolph Shulman Rogers Potomac 301-945-9258 shulmanrogers.com

Sidney Schupak The Schupak Law Firm Rockville 240-833-3914 schupaklawfirm.co

Ginny Cascio Bonifacino Nazareth Bonifacino Law Benefit L C Rockville 240-202-4302 dmvbusinesslawyers.com

Kevin K. D’Anna Miller, Miller & Canby Rockville 301-762-5212

millermillercanby.com

Jeffrey David Katz JDKatz, P.C. Bethesda 240-650-2522 jdkatz.com

Robb A. Longman Longman & Van Grack LLC Bethesda 240-324-7705 lvglawfirm.co

David P. Shapiro McMillan Metro Faerber, P.C. Potomac 240-778-2332 mcmillanmetro.com

PERSONAL INJURY Jamie L. Alvarado-Taylor Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC Rockville 301-838-3252 steinsperling.com

Fred A. Balkin Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC Rockville 301-838-3225 steinsperling.com

Joshua Berman Dross Berman LLC Rockville 240-403-7200

Sondra M. Douglas Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC Rockville 301-838-3274 steinsperling.com

David Felsen Felsen & Sargent, LLC Rockville 301-251-4010 mdlawyers.com

Drew LaFramboise Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA Greenbelt 240-553-1174 jgllaw.com

Ivonne Corsino Lindley Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC Rockville 301-838-3217 steinsperling.com

drossberman.com

PELS LAW Attorneys at Law

SPECIALIZING IN COMPLEX CIVIL LITIGATION: Business Contract Dispute Building and Construction Serious Injury or Death Criminal Defense

MARYLAND OFFICE:

VIRGINIA OFFICE:

4845 Rugby Avenue, 3rd Floor Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 986-5570

8229 Boone Boulevard, Suite 610 Vienna, Virginia 22182 (703) 684-1897

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Timothy Maloney Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA Rockville 240-553-1206

Tiffany D. Randolph Shulman Rogers Potomac 301-945-9258

jgllaw.com

shulmanrogers.com

Daniel S. Shaivitz Bulman, Dunie, Burke and Feld Chevy Chase 301-656-1177

Donna E. McBride Miller, Miller & Canby Rockville 301-762-5212

Meg Rosan Bulman, Dunie, Burke & Feld Chevy Chase 301-656-1177

millermillercanby.com

bulmandunie.com

Steven B. Vinick Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC Rockville 301-838-3298

Michael Nakamura Shulman Rogers Potomac 301-230-5255

Michael Rowan Ethridge Quinn Kemp Rowan & Hartinger Rockville 301-762-1696

shulmanrogers.com

eqlawyers.com

Jon D. Pels Pels Law Bethesda 301-986-5570

Sidney Schupak The Schupak Law Firm Rockville 240-833-3914

pelslaw.com COURTESY PHOTO

schupaklawfirm.co

bulmandunie.com

steinsperling.com

WHAT I WISH MY CLIENTS KNEW BEFORE THEY HIRE ME

Steven B. Vinick

"There’s a great quote that I like to use frequently when I have a younger client: ‘Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment.’ I just wish sometimes for criminal clients that perhaps they would think twice before they engage in some form of conduct, but then I guess I wouldn’t be needed."

SOGAND ZAMANI, ESQ.

MODERN LAWYERS FOR MODERN FAMILIES Adoption | Family Law Assisted Reproductive Technology

ZamaniAssociates.com 2121 K Street, NW, Suite 900 • Washington, DC 20037 202.510.9112

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John Yannone Price Benowitz LLP Washington, D.C. 202-568-6379

Daniel P. Hodin Lerch, Early & Brewer Bethesda 301-841-0188

Stephen B. Jackson Heise, Jorgensen & Stefanelli P.A. Gaithersburg 301-977-8400

Taggart Hutchinson Miller, Miller & Canby Rockville 301-762-5212

REAL ESTATE (COMMERCIAL)

Taggart Hutchinson Miller, Miller & Canby Rockville 301-762-5212

SCHOOL AND EDUCATION

David De Jong Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC Rockville 301-838-3204

pricebenowitz.com

Douglas M. Bregman Bregman, Berbert, Schwartz & Gilday, LLC Bethesda 301-656-2707 bregmanlaw.com

Michael G. Campbell Miller, Miller & Canby Rockville 301-762-5212 millermillercanby.com

Peter E. Ciferri McMillan Metro Faerber, P.C. Potomac 301-251-1180

lerchearly.com

millermillercanby.com

Beth M. Irving Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC Rockville 301-838-3224 steinsperling.com

Stephen B. Jackson Heise, Jorgensen & Stefanelli P.A. Gaithersburg 301-977-8400 heise-law.com

mcmillanmetro.com

REAL ESTATE (RESIDENTIAL)

Kevin K. D’Anna Miller, Miller & Canby Rockville 301-762-5212

Michael A. Faerber McMillan Metro Faerber, P.C. Potomac 301-251-1180 ext. 305

Michael A. Faerber McMillan Metro Faerber, P.C. Potomac 301-251-1180 ext. 305

Robert E. Gough Miller, Miller & Canby Rockville 301-762-5212

millermillercanby.com

mcmillanmetro.com

mcmillanmetro.com

millermillercanby.com

Michael Gottlieb Momentum Law Group Rockville 301-658-2205

Daniel P. Hodin Lerch, Early & Brewer Bethesda 301-841-0188

Robert E. Gough Miller, Miller & Canby Rockville 301-762-5212

Taggart Hutchinson Miller, Miller & Canby Rockville 301-762-5212

Hardeep Grover CapEx Legal Washington, D.C. 703-362-4886

Beth M. Irving Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC Rockville 301-838-3224

momentumlawyers.com

millermillercanby.com

capex.legal

lerchearly.com

millermillercanby.com

steinsperling.com

heise-law.com

Lisa Seltzer Becker Offit urman, P.A. Bethesda 240-507-1780 offitkurman.co

Ginny Cascio Bonifacino Nazareth Bonifacino Law Benefit L C Rockville 240-202-4302 dmvbusinesslawyers.com

Brian K. Gruber Law Offi e of Brian K. Gruber Rockville 301-657-3777 bkgpc.com

Natasha Nazareth Nazareth Bonifacino Law Benefit L C Rockville 240-202-4302

dmvbusinesslawyers.com

Michael J. Neary Lerch, Early & Brewer Bethesda 301-657-0740 lerchearly.com

Jaime E. Seaton BGS Law, LLC Rockville 301-579-3123

millermillercanby.com

steinsperling.com

Jeffrey David Katz JDKatz, P.C. Bethesda 240-650-2522 jdkatz.com

Robb A. Longman Longman & Van Grack LLC Bethesda 240-324-7705 lvglawfirm.co

John Pontius Pontius Tax Law, PLLC Bethesda 301-787-6470 pontiustaxlaw.com

Eric J. Rollinger Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC Rockville 301-838-3324

steinsperling.com

Mark W. Schweighofer Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC Rockville 301-838-3233 steinsperling.com

bgslawllc.com

TRUSTS AND ESTATES

TAX

William A. Goldberg Lerch, Early & Brewer Bethesda 301-907-2813

Paul E. Alpuche Jr. Lerch, Early & Brewer Bethesda 301-657-0183 lerchearly.com

lerchearly.com

Jeremy D. Rachlin Bulman, Dunie, Burke & Feld Bethesda 301-656-1177 ext. 305 bulmandunie.com

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PR OF IL E S Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

LISA HELFERT

Attorneys

Nichols Gelmann LLC

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Attorneys Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Sandler Law LLC RENE SANDLER, ESQ. For more than 25 years, Rene Sandler, Esq. and Sandler Law LLC, have provided exceptional legal services to clients facing serious criminal or traffic consequences and those identified in Child Protective Services investigations in need of specialized representation.

11 N. Washington St., Suite 630 Rockville, MD 20850 301-610-9797 sandlerlawllc.com

Q What makes you and your firm different from others?

A From the very first contact with a prospective client, I critically process all of the information provided and carefully develop a case plan. Learning to listen to someone precisely, typically in a moment of crisis for them, is essential in identifying both immediate, short- and longterm goals. I am particularly sensitive to any collateral issues a person might face including administrative consequences, security clearances, workplace concerns, and broader family law issues. I often collaborate with other attorneys in these subject areas to provide comprehensive representation for a client.

Q How do you defend clients?

A Words often used to describe my approach to the defense of clients are fierce, experienced, compassionate, prepared, hardworking, and detail oriented. Cases are strategically planned in accordance with the individuality of each person I represent, and the specific set of issues and facts presented for each individual and their family.

SuperLawyers Top 50 female attorney and Top 100 lawyer in the State of Maryland and am also asked regularly to appear as a legal expert on television and radio on criminal issues.

The award that really brings me pride is being recognized as a Top Lawyer by Bethesda Magazine. I have local roots, having been born and raised in Montgomery County, MD. I have maintained lifelong connections, so being recognized where I have grown up means a great deal to me.

LISA HELFERT

Q What recognition has been the most significant?

A I am proud to have been consistently named as a

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David Bulitt J O S E P H , G R E E N WA L D & L A A K E , P. A .

For decades, Bulitt has focused his practice on complex family law cases, zealously navigating clients through all areas of divorce and family law matters. Clients regard David as a thoughtful strategist and skilled negotiator at the mediation table as well as a staunch advocate in the courtroom.

111 Rockville Pike, Suite 975 Rockville, MD 20850 dbulitt@jgllaw.com 240-399-7888

jgllaw.com

Q What guides you in your family law practice?

A Divorce is emotionally draining and can be the most difficult time in a person’s life. I try to be as respectful of that as I possibly can. My goal is to help clients reach a favorable resolution that protects their rights, their assets and their children. I started in the 1980s as a trial lawyer and was in court multiple times a week back then.

When settlement is not the best option, I know my way around a courtroom and am fully prepared to try the case as aggressively as is needed to achieve the best result possible for my client.

Q Aside from practicing law, what accomplishment has given you great satisfaction?

H I L A R Y S C H WA B

A I have enjoyed writing books with my wife, Julie. In July 2023 we published our second book together, Secrets of Strong Couples. Our first book, The Five Core Conversations for Couples, was released in 2020 and won several literary awards. The two of us have seen relationships from very different vantage points. What we have learned about couples and what they can do to stay together has filled a book—and now two. I have really enjoyed working with Julie. We are frequent guests on DC Fox 5 and some local shows as well as podcasts and national radio shows.

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CHRISTINE M. SORGE, ESQUIRE Selzer Gurvitch Rabin Wertheimer & Polott, P.C. is a real estate, estate planning, business, tax, land use and litigation law firm in Bethesda. We deliver innovative solutions to meet the needs of investors, developers and business owners throughout the metropolitan area. On October 1, 2023, Christine Sorge became the firm’s managing shareholder.

4416 East West Highway, Suite 400 Bethesda, MD 20814 301-986-9600 selzergurvitch.com

Q Why is Christine Sorge becoming the managing shareholder significant to the firm’s clients?

Q Why should a new client hire your firm for its legal needs?

A Selzer Gurvitch Rabin Wertheimer

on our clients. We are a boutique firm focusing our practice primarily on transactional business, real estate, tax, estate planning and general litigation.

Our lawyers apply traditional values of honesty, integrity and hard work on behalf of our clients. We ask the right questions, listen carefully to the answers and collaborate to develop and execute strategies designed to cost-effectively achieve our clients’ legal, business, estate planning and personal objectives.

Our first-generation attorneys laid the cornerstone and set very high standards for the firm. Our next-generation attorneys are resolved to build upon and strengthen that foundation by honoring our relationships and working hard to obtain the best results for our clients.

& Polott, P.C. was founded in 1982 and up to now has been managed by firstgeneration attorneys. Christine is the first next-generation attorney to be given the honor and responsibility of managing this more than 40-year-old firm.

Appointing a next-generation attorney as managing shareholder symbolizes the commitment we are making to maintaining and strengthening our relationships with our clients—many of whom and whose families have been with the firm for decades—for many years to come by introducing them to the attorneys who will carry these relationships forward and serve our clients into the future.

A Our focus is and always has been

H I L A R Y S C H WA B

Selzer Gurvitch Rabin Wertheimer & Polott, P.C.

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Strickler, Platnick & Hatfield, PC G E O F F R E Y S . P L AT N I C K As an investment in your immediate and long-term future, hire the best attorney you can afford. Experienced attorneys often bring a divorce to a quicker and more favorable resolution as compared to their inexperienced counterparts who charge less.

TONY J. LE WIS

1201 Seven Locks Road, Suite 360-7A Potomac, Maryland 20854 240-617-0404 modernfamilylawfirm.com

Q Can you explain the types of child custody in Maryland?

A There are two components to child custody: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody determines which parent can make important decisions concerning such things as a child’s education, medical care, religion and welfare. Sole legal custody means that one parent may unilaterally make decisions. Joint legal custody requires that both parents make major decisions together. Courts also have the authority to issue orders that are hybrids of these arrangements.

Physical or residential custody determines time-sharing arrangements with each parent. Physical custody schedules may impact child support.

Ideally, parents work out custody arrangements that meet their children’s best interests.

Q When presented with a range of hourly billing rates from different attorneys, how does a person weigh the options in selecting one?

A Thinking it will surely result in savings, some people choose the lawyer with the lowest hourly fee. This is not an ideal metric.

An attorney’s rate is often based upon their experience. Usually, the more experience an attorney has, the better their reputation and the higher the billing rate.

It should take an experienced attorney less time to perform tasks because he or she is likely to know what to prioritize.

And experienced attorneys, by working smarter, often bring divorces to quicker and more favorable resolutions as compared to their inexperienced (albeit less expensive) counterparts. Decreasing the time spent on the case lowers the bill. Generally, with an experienced family law attorney, you are likely to get better results, making the higher hourly fee worth it.

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B ACK ROW: MICH A EL FA ERBER , DAV ID SH A PIRO, ELYSE S T RICKL A ND, A NDRE W MILNE SE ATED: HOWA RD ME T RO, PE T ER CIFERRI

McMillan Metro Faerber, P.C Awards & Honors 6 Top Attorneys – Bethesda Magazine, 5 Super Lawyers Honorees & 2 Rising Stars Honorees, 5 The Best Lawyers in America® awards, 1 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America award, 2023 Best Law Firms® award, 2023 Top Leader in Law award – The Daily Record, Best Real Estate Attorney – Potomac Lifestyle Reader’s Choice Awards McMillan Metro Faerber, P.C., has provided

Q Why choose McMillan Metro Faerber?

Q How do I know which of your attorneys is best for my case?

A We pride ourselves in offering the

A McMillan Metro Faerber’s 15 attorneys

depth of knowledge and quality of resources that our clients may expect from a larger firm, while not sacrificing the personal touch and reasonable rates offered by a mid-size firm. Our strong reputation in the DMV is reflected by our longstanding clientele, reliable referral network and respectful and collegial atmosphere among our attorneys and staff. We gain the confidence of our clients by providing efficient communication and devoted advocacy.

are divided into real estate, corporate, estate planning, litigation and family law practice areas. Our attorneys are well-versed and up to date on the law and trends in their respective fields and use that knowledge to give zealous and dedicated attention to each client's matter. When issues straddle more than one practice area, we take a collaborative approach to involve other attorneys on our team with the experience and knowledge to develop an appropriate strategy with effective results.

effective legal representation to its real estate, 30 years.

7811 Montrose Road, Suite 400 Potomac, MD 20854 301-251-1180 mcmillanmetro.com

STEPHANIE WILLIAMS

corporate and individual clients for more than

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Collier Florance Van Scoy D O N N A E . VA N S C O Y, C A S E Y W E I N B E R G F L O R A N C E , H E AT H E R S . C O L L I E R Awards & Honors Top Divorce Attorneys; Washingtonian’s Top Lawyers – Family Law (including Hall of Fame 2022); American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers; Best Lawyers in America; Super Lawyers (including

H E AT H E R F U E N T E S

Top 100 Attorneys; Top 50 Women) 7315 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 250W Bethesda, MD 20814 hello@cfvlaw.com 301-276-4371 cfvlaw.com

Q Why did you start your own law firm?

Q What makes Collier Florance Van Scoy different?

A We were all accomplished litigators

A Our firm exclusively practices family

and experienced negotiators who shared a commitment to our clients. We wanted to be able to provide the level of service and attention that we know families need during a tumultuous time in their lives. We understand the importance of being with our clients every step of the way, and we know they value the level of support and guidance we provide. Our complementary skill sets and perspectives enlarge the scope of our services. And we care deeply about serving and improving the legal profession.

law. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we fiercely advocate for our clients. We often take a team approach; each client benefits from our collective skills, strengths and experience. In addition to representing our clients well, we are each active members and leaders in a variety of legal and community organizations, including local and state bar associations, the Women’s Bar Association, and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. We are often appointed by the court to serve as attorneys for children or as divorce mediators. Our reputation for excellence has been recognized many times; we’re routinely listed among the region’s best divorce lawyers in both Washingtonian and Bethesda Magazine.

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E R I N K O P E L M A N , E R I K A R E N A , LY N E T T E K L E I Z A , M I R A N D A R O S S , M A K I A W E AV E R & GLENN COOPER 7600 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 700 Bethesda, MD 20814 301-986-1300 lerchearly.com

Q What should I expect from my divorce attorney?

A If you are going through or are contemplating separation or divorce, you need information. Our attorneys are responsive: they’re excellent listeners, they answer their phones, and they include you in the process every step of the way, so you understand your rights and responsibilities. When working with us, you always know exactly where things stand in your case.

Lerch Early clients benefit from the experience of a boutique family law shop within a large, full-service law firm that provides support when needed.

Some divorces involve complex real estate, business, tax, employment, estate or criminal defense issues. When they do, our clients benefit from close collaboration between our divorce attorneys and their colleagues in the

firm’s other practice areas. We are handson, capable and fully involved in every step of the process.

Q When should I go to court for a divorce?

A Ideally, disputes are resolved amicably, without the need for litigation. Lerch Early attorneys are highly skilled at negotiation, mediation and collaborative law. When people are unable to come to an amicable resolution, they need attorneys who excel in the courtroom. Lerch Early’s divorce attorneys are always prepared and are known to be strong advocates before the courts in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia.

LISA HELFERT

Lerch, Early & Brewer, Chtd.

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Nichols Gelmann LLC E M I LY G E L M A N N & P I L A R N I C H O L S Led by Emily Gelmann and Pilar Nichols, our team has 40-plus years of experience guiding clients through deeply personal issues of law in Maryland and Washington, D.C. We put your goals first in a strategic, personalized, processdriven approach. We pride ourselves on transparency and honesty, so you know what to expect.

LISA HELFERT

301-762-8999 www.ng.legal

Q What types of issues does Nichols Gelmann focus on?

A Our attorneys focus on the most personal areas of individual legal issues, primarily family law. This includes divorce, custody issues, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, property agreements, protective orders and more. You can see a complete listing of our focus areas on our website.

Q What sets Nichols Gelmann apart from other family law firms?

A We guide our clients through emotionally challenging situations with respect, compassion and unwavering support. Whether going through a divorce, post-divorce challenges or defending your rights in court, clients often come to us in a state of crisis. We bring order to chaos and take the time to thoroughly understand your concerns and the issues

at hand. We use modern, client-friendly tools to keep you informed along the way.

Q If divorcing spouses get along well enough, do they each really need a lawyer?

A The short answer is yes. Consulting with an attorney will help ensure that you’ve considered and addressed all issues, taken advantage of any benefits you may not otherwise be aware of, and that agreements are clearly stipulated.

Ensuring things are done correctly upfront can prevent long-term costs and heartache.

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Lisa Seltzer Becker, Attorney at Law OFFIT KURMA N, PA 2023 Bethesda Magazine Top Attorney for Family Law 2023 Bethesda Magazine Top Attorney for Education Law 2023 Super Lawyer “I understand that my clients are often facing overwhelming and life-changing problems. I am compassionate to their needs while relentlessly advocating on their behalf.”

7501 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1000W Bethesda, MD 20814 240-507-1780 offitkurman.com/attorney/lisa-becker

Q What kind of law do you practice?

A Both family law and education law. I have 25 years of experience.

In my family law practice, I handle divorces, property distribution, alimony, child support, high-conflict custody cases, modifications, domestic abuse, enforcement actions and pre- and post-marital agreements. I represent clients in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

In my education practice, I represent students in disciplinary matters involving suspension or expulsion.

These cases include Title IX matters, harassment and academic dishonesty. I handle special education cases (IEPs) and seek accommodations for students (504 plans) where they have disabilities or special needs. I protect students’ rights in bullying and free speech matters, and handle school transfers. I represent K-12 students across Maryland and in the District of Columbia. I serve as an advisor to students in higher education (colleges, universities and graduate schools) in Title IX and disciplinary matters on a national basis. I represent professors in Title IX matters and advise private schools and daycare centers regarding compliance, bullying and school policies.

Q What makes your family law practice unique?

A My work in education, especially with children with disabilities, provides me with unique experience that is very useful in my custody cases with special needs children.

especially when the stakes are high. There is nothing more important in a family law case than one’s children. For college students, the impact of suspension or expulsion is truly life-altering.

H I L A R Y S C H WA B

Q What motivates you in your cases?

A I enjoy fighting for children, students and parents,

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Malech Law LLOYD A. MALECH, ESQ. Lloyd A. Malech graduated from Rutgers’ General Honors Program cum laude. He received his Juris Doctorate from GW University Law School. For more than 25 years he has successfully represented individuals in family courts throughout Washington, D.C. and Maryland. He has received numerous honors and awards for excellence and distinction in family law.

7910 Woodmont Ave., Suite 1430 Bethesda, MD 20814 202-441-2107 malechlaw.com

Q Who is the right advocate for your family law issue?

A Malech Law understands that every person’s needs are unique and applies decades of experience with thousands of different family law scenarios to craft the right approach to each particular situation. Our in-depth knowledge of family law in Maryland and Washington, D.C. gives insight into possible outcomes of different strategic approaches. Is it time to negotiate or time to fight? We can help you reach a resolution that allows you to move on with your life. Our approach involves listening with compassion and applying our expertise with meticulous precision. Everyone deserves an advocate who understands the big picture while holding the details in mind. At Malech Law, our ability to listen, advise and advocate makes us the right team for superior representation.

Q How do I prepare to meet with my family law attorney?

H E AT H E R F U E N T E S

A We understand that family law disputes are consuming, personal and scary. We work with our clients to make them as comfortable as possible in this trying time. The best way to prepare to meet with your attorney is a combination of organization and self-reflection. Try to collect your key documents related to the family matter— we help identify these—and then spend time thinking about the outcome that you hope to achieve.

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Grover & Badalian

Q How does Grover & Badalian stand apart from other family law firms?

Q What should a new client do before meeting with your firm?

ANNE GROVER, ESQUIRE KRISTINA BADALIAN, ESQUIRE C A R O L I N E PA L M E R , E S Q U I R E

A When asked to describe what is special

A Homework, homework, homework. We

about our firm, I think of three ways in particular that we support our clients that is unique and powerful. First, we partner with our clients in a way that allows them to feel supported, involved and informed at all times. That relationship is essential to a successful case outcome. Second, we pride ourselves on thinking critically, being thoughtful, patient and creative.

Third, we are connected and involved in our legal community, which allows us to build the kind of relationships with the courthouse, our opposing counsel and our potential experts in a way that enriches not only our experience in a case, but also our client’s experience.

ask clients to please bring information about their expenses, income, assets and liabilities. They should also bring information about their children, any special needs or interests that they have, their opinion of the calendar they think will work best for them, and any issues our client and the other parent have had when trying to make decisions for the children and themselves. If we represent the spouse who was less involved with the financials of the family, we ask for copies of several years of tax returns and several years of statements for banks, investments and credit cards. Finally, we ask clients to run their own credit history.

At Grover & Badalian, LLC we are strong advocates, trusted by our clients and experienced in complex financial and highly charged custody cases.

11 N Washington St., Suite 630 Rockville, MD 20850 301-358-1813 gbfamilylawyers.com

H I L A R Y S C H WA B

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

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Attorneys

PR OF IL E S

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Feldman Jackson, PC F R O N T: A N N E M A R I E J A C K S O N , D A R R Y L FELDMAN B A C K : M A G D A L E N A D ’A I U T O , B R Y N B A F F E R , RACHEL DE ROSE, REBECCA SHANKMAN Awards & Honors Best Law Firms, Family Law, Washington, D.C.; Top Divorce Attorneys; Washington’s Top Lawyers - Family Law, D.C. Metro Area; American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers; Best Lawyers in America; Best Lawyers - Ones to Watch; MICHAEL VENTURA

Super Lawyers.

7600 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 625 Bethesda, MD 20814 301-715-8110 FeldmanJackson.com

Q What can I expect from an initial consultation?

A Involving a lawyer in your family dispute is a difficult step to take. Our entire practice at Feldman Jackson concentrates on family law. Our singular focus ensures that we are well-equipped to handle any divorce, from the most straightforward to the most complicated.

Since every situation is specific to one’s experiences, the initial consultation is the first opportunity to develop a road map to determine how the law can best fit your circumstances.

Q What should I do to prepare for my initial consultation?

A Your interests can be best protected only if you are forthcoming about all the facts of your case, so be honest and don’t be embarrassed. Bring documents and relevant notes such as a summary of

assets, tax returns and any agreements that provide background. It’s also helpful to have a general sense of the issues you want to address. Are there co-parenting or financial concerns? We will discuss them to help set specific goals.

Be prepared to ask and answer questions. We ask tough questions based on the experience gained in our years of representing clients. It is also appropriate for you to ask questions or get clarification. Remember, it is OK to vent. Expressing emotion is normal in difficult circumstances.

Although scheduling a first meeting may be hard, the attorneys at Feldman Jackson offer compassion, guidance, advocacy and most importantly, a sense of control over our clients’ future.

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Attorneys Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Hostetter Strent, LLC R A C H E L G R O S S B E R G , A M Y S T R E N T, S H E I L A K A D A G AT H U R & H E AT H E R H O S T E T T E R 7201 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 675 Bethesda, MD 20814 301-657-0010 hostetterstrent.com

get your daughter off to the college of her dreams. Time to buy the headboard, the bedding, the heavy jacket for those cold winters—and of course snacks for the minifridge. But, under Maryland law, child support ends on your child’s 18th birthday or at high school graduation if your child turns 19 before that date. So, whose responsibility is it to pay for these expenses? At Hostetter Strent we can help you navigate the law and creatively deal with important issues that are not mandated by law, including expenses for college students.

H E AT H E R F U E N T E S

Q When does child support end in Maryland?

A You finally made it to graduation day! Now it’s time to

Altman & Associates G A R Y A LT M A N , P A R T N E R ; B R E N D A B O S C H , D I R E C T O R ( R I G H T ) CORYN ROSENSTOCK, DIRECTOR (LEFT) F R O M L E F T ( B A C K ) : D A N I E L L E L E N D I N O , AT T O R N E Y ; K AT H E R I N E R U E S C H , S E N I O R AT T O R N E Y ; S Y D N E Y H E L S E L , AT T O R N E Y ; L E A N N E B R O Y L E S , D I R E C T O R 11300 Rockville Pike, One Central Plaza, Suite 708 Rockville, MD 20852 301-468-3220 | altmanassociates.net

Q What changes in life should prompt a legal documents review? developing special needs should be an alert for an estate plan or an update, as would the death of your appointed guardian or trustee, or an adult child with an addiction problem. What if you don’t trust your child’s spouse and want to protect your assets? Our population is aging; most of us know someone caring for a relative with some age-related cognitive decline. While the pandemic is still fresh in our minds, the possibility of becoming ill or incapacitated is a strong incentive to have the proper documents in place: a will, power of attorney, advanced medical directive, financial power of attorney and a trust.

H L A R Y S C H WA B

A Changes like getting married, having a baby, or a child

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Attorneys

PR OF IL E S

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Reinstein, Glackin & Herriott, LLC

Q Why shouldn’t I handle my divorce or custody/support case myself, or hire the least expensive attorneys I can find?

FA M I LY L AW AT T O R N E Y S

A The end of a marriage involves many

185 Admiral Cochrane Drive, Suite 115 Annapolis, MD 21401 301-850-7349 rghlawyers.com

MICHAEL VENTURA

FROM LEFT: BRENDAN MADDEN, RANDALL HERRIOTT, MAUREEN GLACKIN, PAUL REINSTEIN, SHELBY WHALE AND DANIEL RENART

emotional and complicated financial decisions at a very turbulent time.

At Reinstein, Glackin & Herriott our lawyers care deeply about the wellbeing of individuals we represent in divorce and custody proceedings. There are many factors and legal options to be considered, often unbeknownst to the client. If you are concerned about the impact of leaving the family home when it comes to property division or child custody decisions, our lawyers can offer guidance. Maryland is an equitable division state, meaning that if you and your spouse cannot come to an agreement about division of property, the courts will divide it fairly. That doesn’t necessarily mean 50-50. If you or your

spouse is a member of the military, or one or both of you have a retirement plan, there are numerous financial issues that must be considered. And a change in circumstances after a separation or divorce, such as living arrangements, income change or remarriage can all affect a previous custody or support agreement or court order.

Q What is the range of expertise your firm can offer?

A Our attorneys have been recognized for their knowledge and legal experience in the areas of contested divorce, child custody/ parenting/visitation issues, child support, alimony/spousal support, division of assets, modifications and enforcement, corporate issues, high net-worth divorce, divorces involving family-owned businesses, military divorce, same-sex marriage, appeals and other complex family issues.

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Attorneys Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Offit Kurman, P.A. M A R S H A L L YA A P 7501 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1000W Bethesda, MD 20814 offitkurman.com/attorney/marshall-yaap/ Marshall.Yaap@OffitKurman.com

practice, my goal is to work efficiently, creatively and collaboratively to resolve all matters through settlement to the benefit of our clients. When settlement cannot be reached, I can be a strong advocate for clients in litigation.

I listen to each client to understand their goals and strive to achieve those goals with compassion and professionalism.

My practice focuses on child custody, child support, divorce, property division, alimony, domestic violence cases and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. By hiring our firm, clients gain the benefit of working with a law firm that offers large-firm capabilities and remains laser-focused on effectively serving every client.

MICHAEL VENTURA

Q Why should I hire you for my family law case?

A As principal attorney and leader of our family law

Roberts Family Law, LLC C H R I S T O P H E R W. R O B E R T S , AT T O R N E Y 27 Wood Ln. Rockville, MD 20850 301-337-1060 chris@cwrfamilylaw.com cwrfamilylaw.com

Q What gives you confidence in your work as a family law attorney? their families. I believe that versatility is key; there are no cookie-cutter solutions. I focus on every client’s particular needs and tailor my representation and personal service to each client. I strive to make thoughtful, diligent representation my bottom line.

I regularly handle complex financial and child custody matters and have frequently been appointed by the court as a best interest attorney to represent children. I subscribe to my own version of the Hippocratic oath: an attorney’s presence in a person’s life should help, not hurt. To that end, I help my clients find the most effective, efficient path to resolution.

H E AT H E R F U E N T E S

A I understand that people are complicated, and so are

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Attorneys

PR OF IL E S

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

RLG Law At RLG Law, we practice in the areas of divorce, custody, third party custody rights, adoption, employment law, business planning and formation, trusts and estates law, and civil litigation. We combine experience and compassion to provide effective legal representation with integrity, professionalism, and an unrivaled commitment to our clients’ best interests.

MICHAEL VENTURA

51 Monroe Pl., Suite 1401 301-340-1616 Rockville, MD 20850 rlg-lawyers.com

Q How do clients benefit from working with your firm?

A Our clients benefit from the reputation we have built and from our goal-centric approach. Our reputation is guided by the fundamental principles of integrity, professionalism and results. We employ these principles in all aspects of our representation. With each client, we develop a plan that is custom tailored to achieve the client’s desired goals in the most cost-effective way.

While some firms market themselves as being aggressive litigators or collaborative peacemakers, we handle all resolution methods. We effectively handle matters involving mediation, alternative dispute models, collaborative methods, litigation and everything in between.

At RLG Law, we consider ourselves in partnership with clients. We don’t just tell them what to do, we explain all options and the most likely outcomes. Working

in partnership, we map out a plan and create a strategy to achieve our clients’ goals, keeping them informed throughout the entire process. We are vigilant about staying in communication with clients.

Q How has the changing economy impacted family separation and divorce?

A More than ever, individuals need unique and creative solutions. Any cookie-cutter solution is simply unrealistic. We’ve always utilized technology and innovative strategies to resolve cases either in trial or through settlement discussions, which puts us in an advantageous position to help our clients during these uncertain times. We have the capability to explore and implement creative solutions tailored to helping our clients achieve their goals.

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Law Offices of Robert C. Eustice ROBERT C. EUSTICE 7910 Woodmont Ave., Suite 1160, Bethesda, MD 20814 3863 Plaza Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030 O/C: 301-755-3940 bob@eusticelaw.com | eusticelaw.com

experiences. I’ve approached these and other family law matters with compassion, devotion and clarity for more than 30 years. About a year ago, having enjoyed these challenges of family law while actively practicing in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia, I felt it was time for me to narrow my focus to helping clients resolve their family law matters amicably, without contested litigation. I will also be actively serving as a mediator for couples moving forward. I became of counsel to Brandon Bernstein’s law firm to continue to provide the full spectrum of legal services in family law matters, with Brandon handling cases that need to go to trial. We work very well together to resolve all types of family law cases.

MICHAEL VENTURA

Q Has your practice changed over time?

A Divorce and custody disputes are traumatic

Law Offices of Brandon Bernstein, LLC BRANDON BERNSTEIN 7910 Woodmont Ave., Suite 1160 Bethesda, MD 20814 240-395-1418 brandonbernsteinlaw.com

Q What are some of your guiding principles?

A I’ve always felt great pride in ensuring my clients are

Q What is a recent development in your practice?

A A much-admired fellow attorney, Robert Eustice, became of counsel last year. His 30-plus years of experience and knowledge of family law in—Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.— has been invaluable to our clients.

TONY J. LE WIS

well taken care of. My reputation and the relationships I build with my clients are of paramount importance to me.

They trust me to find successful and practical solutions to their problems and I greatly value that trust. This dedication, combined with efficiency and personalized attention, gives clients confidence from start to finish.

We have extensive experience in court as well as in alternative and mediation-based solutions.

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Attorneys

PR OF IL E S

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

The McKeon Law Firm S H E L LY D . M C K E O N , E S Q .

JESSICA S. KERN, ESQ. Shelly McKeon has been recognized by Washingtonian magazine, is included in Maryland Super Lawyers and DC Super Lawyers and was selected to the Maryland Daily Record’s Power List: Family Law. Jessica Kern has received the Client Champion recognition from Martindale-Hubbell, and the firm holds

TONY J. LE WIS

the highest Martindale-Hubbell rating.

Q Is getting a divorce going to cost me as much as I fear?

A Money is a concern when facing a divorce, but fears about cost are often exaggerated. Working with a family law attorney to become educated on every option allows you to make informed decisions. Many issues can be settled through mediation, which tends to be more cost effective than going to court.

Costly mistakes tend to happen when those divorcing attempt a do-it-yourself approach and later have to spend money to fix those mistakes. Think of working with a family law attorney as a worthwhile investment in your future.

3 Bethesda Metro Ctr., Suite 700 Bethesda, MD 20814

Q Is there a downside to mediation?

A There are certainly financial and

17 B Firstfield Road, Suite 101 Gaithersburg, MD 20878

emotional upsides to a civilized divorce.

The one downside of mediation is this: when couples choose to save money by

301-417-9222 mckeonlawfirm.com

attending mediation on their own, they risk the more dominant spouse prevailing unfairly, so it is important for each party to have legal representation. I often help clients mediate successfully, with the knowledge that mediation can be halted at any time if it’s not working out.

Q Once a divorce is finalized, is there a way to make modifications later?

A Divorce settlements and agreements are not always the final word on how two parties move forward with their lives. Life changes. Kids get older. One of you might get a new job, become disabled or move away. Sometimes, the other person isn’t sticking to the agreements. Remedies can be negotiated in mediation or pursued through the court. An experienced family law attorney can guide you to a resolution.

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PR OF IL E S

Attorneys Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Jay Holland J O S E P H G R E E N WA L D & L A A K E P A 6404 Ivy Ln., Suite 400 Greenbelt, MD 20770 240-553-1198 jgllaw.com

Q If I experience sexual harassment at work, what can I do about it?

A Start by reporting the harassment internally.

The organization is required to conduct a thorough investigation. If that doesn’t happen, file a complaint with the EEOC or state agency. You can also file a lawsuit.

The law forbids retaliation for reporting discrimination or harassment.

fraud. I recently settled several cases regarding fraud in health care. The consequences were not just monetary; driven by profit, doctors performed unnecessary surgeries. Doctors, medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies violate the law by providing financial benefits with the expectation of influence.

H I L A R Y S C H WA B

Q What does it take to be a whistleblower?

A It takes persistence and specific knowledge of the

McDonough Law K AT H R Y N M C D O N O U G H Awards & Honors Routinely named a Top Family Law Attorney by Super Lawyers (each year since 2012), Bethesda Magazine and Washingtonian; named Maryland Daily Record Leading Woman (2011) and Family Law Power Player (2023).

100 Lexington Drive, Second Floor Silver Spring, MD 20901 301-592-1295 | mcdonough-law.com

Q In what kinds of cases are you appointed by the court to serve as a best interest attorney to represent children? attorney (BIA), they consider several factors. Sometimes one of the parties requests a BIA. In general, this happens when the needs of a child require investigation or advocacy.

Considerations are a high level of conflict; history of inappropriate adult influence or manipulation; past or current child abuse or neglect; physical or mental health problems of a child, parent or guardian; unusual educational concerns; actual or threatened family violence; alcohol or drug abuse; a pending relocation. Any other relevant factor could prompt a judge to appoint a best interest attorney. I have been honored to serve as one.

IRENE ABDOU

A When judges decide whether to appoint a best interest

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Attorneys

PR OF IL E S

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Felsen & Sargent, LLC

Q What are some cases that have been the most challenging and satisfying?

F R O M L E F T: J O N W. S A R G E N T, PA R T N E R & D AV I D F E L S E N , PA R T N E R

challenges. Clients come to us seeking help in some of the most difficult circumstances.

While we have been recognized for our work in some high-profile criminal matters, we dedicate ourselves to clientcentered, pragmatic representation in all cases. Obviously, those charged with significant crimes have their liberty at risk. But those who come to us for custody matters have the welfare of their children at risk. We do our best to guide clients though all the challenges in the case. That may be one of the reasons we have been Bethesda Magazine’s Best since 2019.

It is always satisfying when we can achieve the client’s goals in any case.

Felsen and Sargent, LLC, is known for David Felsen’s excellent work in criminal matters and for partner Jon Sargent’s skill in divorce, custody and visitation, division of property, child support and all matters relating to family law.

TONY J. LE WIS

600 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 201 Rockville, MD 20852 301-251-4010 mdlawyers.com

We work hard to analyze cases, make appropriate recommendations and zealously advocate to make sure our clients’ interests are protected.

A Every case presents its own unique

Q What does client-centered care mean to you?

A We make sure people feel valued and heard when they come in to discuss their case. We treat clients as individuals, not case files, throughout the process.

Of course, excellent representation is key to caring for clients, and so is keeping them informed. Both provide as much confidence and peace of mind as possible in stressful circumstances.

We communicate regularly, and our clients know they can count on us to let them know right away when we have a question or if there are any developments in the case. We take time explaining all options and potential outcomes.

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PR OF IL E S

Attorneys Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Bulman, Dunie, Burke & Feld, Chtd.

JEREMY D. RACHLIN, DANIEL S. SHAIVITZ & MEGAN N. ROSAN Our lawyers are active in the community and regularly selected by our peers for inclusion in Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America and Martindale-Hubbell Judicial Edition.

4610 Elm St. Bethesda, MD 20815 301-656-1177 | bulmandunie.com

Q Why have Montgomery County residents referred their friends and family members to Bulman Dunie for more than 85 years? other attorneys who know and trust the quality of our work. We recognize each of our clients has different needs and goals. When our clients trust us with their divorce, their accident case or their family’s estate planning needs, they receive individualized attention in a small firm atmosphere. We focus on practical, cost-effective solutions, without all the jargon, and provide our clients with genuine warmth, empathy and care.

H I L A R Y S C H WA B

A The bulk of our referrals come from prior clients and

John Pontius, Esq. P O N T I U S TA X L AW, P L L C AT T O R N E Y S M AT T H E W H A G H I R I & JOHN PONTIUS Awards & Honors Top Attorneys, Bethesda, Arlington and Northern Virginia Magazines Super Lawyers, MD and DC Super Lawyers Tax Section Council, Maryland State Bar Association Chair, State/Local Tax Committee, DC Bar Offices in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia PontiusTaxLaw.com

Q In what areas have you represented clients with complex tax issues? sensitive and serious tax matters before the IRS and state authorities. Areas include FBAR exams, offshore and domestic disclosures, FATCA, FIRPTA, tax planning, unfiled tax returns, tax liens and levies, employment taxes, trust fund recovery penalty and audit exams as well as appeals, penalty abatement, and U.S. Tax Court litigation along with defense of tax fraud and tax evasion.

MICHAEL VENTURA

A I represent individual and business clients with

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Attorneys

PR OF IL E S

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

JDKatz PC J E F F R E Y D . K AT Z , M A N A G I N G PA R T N E R E L I Z A B E T H J . M C I N T U R F F, PA R T N E R ; C H A I R , L I T I G AT I O N D E PA R T M E N T N I A L L D . M C M I L L A N , AT T O R N E Y At JDKatz PC we practice in the areas of complex commercial and civil litigation, fiduciary litigation, estate and tax planning, and business law. Our clients receive personalized attention with big firm results. Trust in our experience, rely on our reputation and secure your future with JDKatz PC, where excellence

STEPHANIE WILL AMS

in legal counsel meets unwavering client satisfaction.

4800 Montgomery Ln. #600 Bethesda, MD 20814 240-650-2522 jdkatz.com

Q What does your motto “Personalized Attention, Big Firm Results” say about your firm?

Q What does your recent growth mean for your clients?

A "Personalized Attention, Big Firm

advantage. Our expanded team and resources mean even greater legal prowess, offering comprehensive solutions for our clients’ diverse needs.

We provide an extensive range of specialized services backed by our unwavering commitment to personalized client care. Our growth is founded in our ability to provide exceptional legal support tailored to our client’s unique circumstances. With our firm's continued success and stability, clients can trust in our ability to navigate their legal challenges effectively.

A Our recent growth is to our clients’

Results" is the foundation of how we practice law at JDKatz. We are experienced and professional litigators in the areas of complex commercial civil litigation, business law, trusts and estates, elder law and general litigation matters. We deliver high-quality results with our client-centric approach.

At JDKatz, we prioritize close client relationships, tailor legal solutions to individual needs, and provide a hands-on approach. We are able to offer the unique advantage of obtaining top-tier legal services in a more intimate, accessible and attentive setting, presenting our firm as a blend of the best of both worlds.

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Attorneys Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Steven J. Gaba AT T O R N E Y A N D C O U N S E L O R AT L AW 200A Monroe St., Suite 200, Rockville, MD 20850 301-738-7770 | sgaba@mdfamilylaw.net mdfamilylaw.net

Q What alternatives are there to adversarial litigation? good for ongoing family relationships, especially when children are involved. Alternatives to litigation include the collaborative divorce practice and mediation. Both of these methods of alternative dispute resolution allow parties the greatest levels of privacy and control over outcome.

Individuals who participate in alternative dispute resolution processes achieve more durable results and have fewer post-divorce disputes. I encourage my clients to pursue non-adversarial approaches to resolving their custody and divorce cases whenever appropriate. With more than 30 years of family law practice in Montgomery County, I have guided hundreds of clients to positive results with a minimum of the emotional trauma often associated with litigated custody and divorce cases.

STEPHANIE BRAGG

A Resolving family law issues through court battles is not

Longman & Van Grack LLC R O B B L O N G M A N , A D A M VA N G R A C K & T H E O D O R E K I V I AT Awards & Honors Maryland Super Lawyers, Civil Litigation; MartindaleHubbell, AV Preeminent Rating; AVVO, Top Attorney; Top Tax Attorney, Bethesda Magazine, 2021; Montgomery County Bar Association, Ethics Committee; American Bar Association, Tax Committee 10411 Motor City Drive, Suite 750 Bethesda, MD 20817 240-324-7705 | rlongman@lvglawfirm.com lvglawfirm.com

Q What makes Longman & Van Grack different from other law firms? indispensable advisers, helping them make smart legal decisions through experience, integrity and personalized service. Our commitment to the best possible outcome for our clients is cemented in our unique client-centered approach. Each attorney is a personal legal representative asserting their clients’ legal position whether standing up in a courtroom, negotiating contracts, addressing a tax problem, or drafting a will, and we take that responsibility seriously.

H I L A R Y S C H WA B

A Our client-centered mission is to become our clients’

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Attorneys

PR OF IL E S

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Price Benowitz KUSH A ROR A , TA MMY BEGUN, DAVID BENOWIT Z & JOHN YA NNONE 110 N Washington St., Suite 206 Rockville, MD 20850 409 7th St., N.W. #200 Washington, D.C. 20004 202-444-4444 pricebenowitz.com | divorcefirm.net maryland-criminallawyer.com | criminallawdc.com

Q Why should I choose Price Benowitz for my legal needs?

H I L A R Y S C H WA B

A Price Benowitz is a regional powerhouse dedicated to providing stellar representation for accident/injury cases, criminal defense and family law. With a commitment to excellence that runs deep in our DNA, we take pride in serving our community with unmatched passion, integrity and excellence. What truly makes our team exceptional is an unwavering commitment to our clients’ best interests.

We approach each case with meticulous attention to detail, a relentless pursuit of the optimal outcome and a deep understanding of the nuances of the law. Equipped to handle even the most complex cases, our team of legal professionals leaves no stone unturned in getting the best possible result.

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POSTER PHOTO CREDIT TK

LOCAL ARTIST JEFFREY EVERETT TURNS OUT BEAUTIFUL, EDGY, UNFORGETTABLE PROMOS FOR CONCERTS IN THE DMV AND BEYOND B Y N E V I N M A R T E L L

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POSTER ART & PHOTO COURTESY JEFFREY EVERETT

ILLUSTRATOR NAME TK

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THE DERWOOD BASEMENT STUDIO OF DESIGNER-ILLUSTRATOR JEFFREY EVERETT IS COLORFUL CHAOS. THE WALLS ARE COVERED IN MUSIC POSTERS AND ALTERNATIVE ART, WHILE A MANTEL OVERFLOWS WITH DESIGN AWARDS AND AN ARRAY OF SMILEY-FACED DUMPSTER FIRE TOYS. Along two walls are massive filing cabinets and shelves where the 47-year-old artist with a trim brown beard, chunky black-frame glasses and tattoo-bedecked arms haphazardly stores the more than 400 concert posters he has designed over the past two decades for the likes of Foo Fighters, Lou Reed, Blondie, Alanis Morissette, Childish Gambino and Iggy Pop. Over 350 of them are being collected in a hardbound coffee-table book titled Let It Bleed, a collaboration with Joe Procopio, the founder of Silver Spring’s Picture This Press.

Procopio was first wowed by Everett’s posters a decade and a half ago when he saw them hanging on the walls of clubs. “He

has an incredibly strong design sense in his work,” Procopio says. “It’s well-conceived, thought out, impactful design. His work often has a slightly edgy quality, but also a humorous quality to it as well.”

A Kickstarter campaign for the book earlier this year raised more than $57,000, with more than 500 supporters chipping in. Depending on the printing and production process, the book should be available by the beginning of December at picturethispress.com, local bookstores and on Amazon.

A lifelong fan of punk and alternative, who grew up in Sterling, Massachusetts, before moving to D.C. in 1995, Everett always wanted to work in the music industry, but he was initially unclear about how to make that happen. He earned an undergraduate degree in graphic design from American University in 1999 before embarking on a career of what he calls “do-gooder work,” creating logos for nonprofits and designing their newsletters. Though he enjoyed the work, it left him unfulfilled.

Hoping to switch up his trajectory, he enrolled in a two-year design program at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where he ended up taking a screen-printing class. Feeling compelled to make something physical with the skills he was accruing, Everett began contacting bands he loved and asking

The Bouncing Souls PHOTO CREDIT TK

Sept. 11, 2010, at the Black Cat in Washington, D.C.

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Designer and illustrator Jeffrey Everett has created concert posters for musicians including Blondie, Foo Fighters, Lou Reed and Iggy Pop.

if he could design posters for their upcoming concerts. His first poster was for a double bill in 2003 featuring his two favorite artists: world-music-inspired punk band Firewater and Scott McCloud, front man of the post-hardcore band Girls Against Boys. They loved the poster, he says; he loved the work; and a trajectory into the music industry was found.

Though he got a full-time design job after graduating in 2004—he now works as the art director for the National Institutes of Health—concert posters became an equally rewarding side hustle. He began approaching bands with a simple proposition: “I’ll send you a JPEG of the poster. You can say how great it is. I’ll pay for everything. I’ll sell the posters at the show and give you half the money. And they were like, ‘Yeah, cool.’ ” In the beginning, agreements were made with a virtual handshake via email. These days, he’s officially hired by the band, venue or merchandise manager. He doesn’t sell

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his poster only happened because I reached out to the band,” Everett recalls. “I was terrified, because I love them.”

Everett was psyched when he got the thumbs-up, but then he spent a week agonizing over the idea for the poster. Ultimately he took inspiration from their song “Fight to Live,” which includes the lyrics, “I’m on the train and I’ve got my phones/ People all around but I’m good all alone/I won’t worry what I need to be/Wherever I am, that’s the place to be.” There were no discussions with the band—he just drew an

posters at the shows anymore, but many are available for purchase on the website of his company, Rockets Are Red (rocketsarered.bigcartel.com).

Over time, his creative process has evolved. He sketches a loose image, shows one or two posters from his portfolio in a style similar to the new one he is envisioning, and has a conversation with the band about his idea. “I’ll get inspiration from interviews and lyrics,” says Everett, who also borrows heavily from his love of pro wrestling, hot rods, tattoo culture and movies. “I really try to understand the band. Not necessarily how the band wants to be seen, but more the way a fan would want to see them.”

Since he suffers from tendinitis, the act of drawing is painful, so he uses a digital pen with a Wacom tablet, creating in Adobe Illustrator. He favors thick, chunky linework reminiscent of comic books and pop art, emphasizing the graphic elements and making his posters stand out—even in a dark venue.

Despite having worked with so many of his heroes, who often sign his posters for him as a thank you, Everett is modest about his work. “I still legitimately feel lucky whenever somebody writes me an email and asks me to make them a poster,” he says. “I’m humbled.”

image of a girl on a late-night Metro, her headphones on, her expression set to don’t-bother-me.

“I wanted it to feel authentic,” Everett says. “It’s my homage to the city.”

To make sure he got all the details right, he rode the Metro while he was sketching. The top of the poster mimics the design aesthetic of Metro’s signage, he included a Metro map, and he artfully captured the design lines of the subway car. Similarly, he adorned the girl with music references to make her feel like a real-life fan. Her backpack sports the logos for iconic punk bands including Gorilla Biscuits, Dead Kennedys and Black Flag (eagle-eyed observers will notice he also sneaked in D.C.’s flag).

Everett wanted to infuse his subject with a vulnerability that resonated with him, so he turned inward during the creative process. “I have never been, like, the manliest of men,” he says, “even though I’m a heavy dude who takes up space and is covered with a beard. I grew up in a redneck town where being an artist or being into punk would get the football team coming after you. So I put myself into this.”

It took him a week to finish the piece, but the investment was worth it. He won an award from AIGA50, which honors outstanding design work in the DMV and West Virginia.

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Fort Reno Concert Series 2010

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ne of the organizers of the long-running free outdoor concert series at Fort Reno Park in Tenleytown, D.C., contacted Everett with a simple directive: They needed a poster with widespread appeal for an event they were hosting to raise money for the next season of shows.

Everett already had a strong connection to Fort Reno, having seen concerts headlined by D.C. hardcore legends Fugazi and ska-soul pioneers The Pietasters. But it was the concerts he didn’t attend that inspired the image. “I remember walking home from work late at night, and in the distance you could see the stage and hear the music,” he says. “I wanted to capture that feeling.”

Though it took him a week to conceive the poster, it only took

him a day to design it. “I’m not going to do a piece until I can visualize the whole thing,” he says. “I still make decisions as I go and have an inner conversation, but I want to go into it with a fully fleshed-out idea.”

Blending dark blue, turquoise and pops of pink, the poster features a record and guitar picks creating a flower. Resting on the petals is an insect with wings made from a map of D.C., including the location of Fort Reno. “It’s not a deep thought,” he says. “It’s just music stuff that makes people happy. It’s not solving world hunger.” But the poster did have the requisite widespread appeal and he sold out his copies quickly, so mission accomplished.

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Idles

May 11, 2019, at the Rock & Roll Hotel in Washington, D.C.

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rowing up, Everett found Black Flag front man Henry Rollins to be a positive male role model. “His approach was, ‘You’re angry, you’re depressed, you’re lonely, go do something with it,’ ” Everett says. “That was the exact opposite of most punk rock, which says, ‘You’re angry, go burn a

would hassle those who looked different. The MAGA contingent was running wild. So it was nice to hear adults saying, ‘You can be angry. You don’t need to take the high road.’ ” Discovering they would be playing in D.C., he contacted the band and “practically begged” to do posters for the gig. After the band members agreed to consider his ideas, he sent three sets

in a sling with his free hand holding an IV drip bag. “It’s not what you’re expecting,” Everett says. “He’s supposed to be this big, tough dude, but he was getting broken as an attraction.”

The three posters took him a month to finalize with the band. “There were sketches upon sketches upon sketches,” he recalls. “They’re very conscious of art; they love art.”

DISCOVERING THEY WOULD BE PLAYING IN D.C., [EVERETT] CONTACTED THE BAND AND “PRACTICALLY BEGGED” TO DO POSTERS FOR THE GIG. car. You’re depressed, go drink and snort heroin.’ ” When Everett heard the 2018 album Joy as an Act of Resistance from the British rock band Idles, he found positive guidance that reminded him of Rollins’ outlook. “It hit right when full Trumpism was going on,” Everett remembers.

“I would get on the Metro and people

of triptychs. They chose a set of three unconventional portraits of iconic characters who appear in their song “Colossus”: stuntman Evel Knievel, and pro wrestlers “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.

In Everett’s poster, Knievel is portrayed bruised and battered, one arm

When the band returned to play the Anthem in 2022, Everett had a chance to meet bass player Adam Devonshire, who not only remembered the posters, but said he had the one of “The Million Dollar Man” hanging up at home, Everett recalls. That was big for the artist.

“I’m not anonymous,” he says. “I’m in his house. That’s cool.”

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Social Distortion

Nov. 21, 2022, at The Guild Theatre in Menlo Park, California

New Found Glory Aug. 1, 2022, at UC Theatre in Berkeley, California

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his is almost a joke poster,” concedes Everett, who was asked by the pop-punk band to create it for a show commemorating the 20th anniversary of their beloved 2002 album Sticks and Stones, featuring the bouncy breakout hit “My Friends Over You.” Everett initially pitched the group on a pair of posters, each with a car on it. When the posters were placed side by side, the cars collided in the middle. Sadly, he recalls, the band didn’t see his vision and asked for another idea. Everett decided to go for an image with a humorous bent, transforming the band into Meow Found Glory.

To create the punky pussycat, he relied on two models. The first was his tuxedo cat, Yoshi. The second was his youngest son, Alex, whose leather jacket makes an appearance. Everett leaned all the way into the feline theme, including an “All cats are beautiful” pin and another with “Black Pawer” and a raised cat paw to mimic the iconic Black Power symbol. He interspersed these with pins for iconic punk acts: Minor Threat, Black Flag and the Misfits. The X’s on the back of the cat’s paws are a symbol for being straight edge, an abstinence-minded punk rock lifestyle.

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ne day last fall, Everett got a call.

Did he want to make a set of four posters to commemorate four shows in California by legendary punk rockers Social Distortion? Hell yes, he did.

There was a caveat: Could all the posters work together so they could be hung side by side to create a larger image? It would be difficult, but doable.

Oh yeah, and they had to be at the printer in a week, a massively accelerated timeline for any poster, much less four that were interrelated. Incredibly challenging, but it could be accomplished—if every star aligned precisely.

When Everett was having the conversation about the assignment, he was standing outside a tattoo parlor in Baltimore, where he was getting some work done. As he scanned the street, he came up with the idea for the posters: a series of brownstones, each housing a different store. In the first poster, two people are playing guitar in front of a music store, where a pair of motorcycles are parked; the second shows a tow truck outside a pawn shop; the

third depicts a liquor store with a car being towed; and the last shows a pinup-worthy, punk-styled girl sitting on the back end of the towed car outside a haircuts and tattoos joint.

The band loved the art, but requested a series of changes, Everett says, that stressed him as he burned midnight oil to meet the insanely tight deadline. The motorcycles needed to be Harley-Davidsons rather than Triumphs. Then they wanted the car to be a specific hot rod owned by singer Mike Ness.

And the guy playing guitar should be Mike Ness. Finally, the guitars in the window of the pawn shop needed to be Gretsch and Rickenbacker, not Fender.

Despite all the work and edits, Everett got the posters done in time for the shows, earning accolades and adoration from the band for nailing the assignment—and then going far above and beyond. He designed the images so the last poster connects to the first to create a fully circular image.

Today, this quartet of posters hangs in the newly opened Punk Rock Museum in Las Vegas.

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Mary Pat Alcus at Montgomery College’s Rockville campus

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PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR: M A R Y PAT A LC U S

The POWER of ONE THE POTOMAC RESIDENT GIVES HER ALL, WHETHER IT’S OFFERING HER FINANCIAL EXPERTISE TO NONPROFITS, ENCOURAGING COLLEGE HOPEFULS OR JUMPING INTO THE POOL TO TEACH KIDS TO SWIM

BY CARALEE ADAMS | PHOTOS BY MELANIE LANDSMAN

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Alcus helps a camper with a rocket-launching activity at Horizons Camp.

It was through her kids that Mary Pat Alcus says she got hooked on volunteering.

When her daughter, Claire, was in fifth grade, they began doing regular service projects together with five of her friends from Norwood School in Bethesda and their moms. The girls chose what to do—from sorting at Manna Food Center in Gaithersburg to weeding at the Red Wiggler Community Farm in Germantown— and where to give their money.

After three active years with the MotherDaughter Giving Circle, created by the Greater

Washington Community Foundation in Montgomery County, Alcus wanted a similar experience for her son, Colin. She partnered with the Community Foundation to start the Kid to Kid Giving Circle at Norwood. About 40 seventh and eighth graders met after school monthly to volunteer and pool their money for charity—giving away about $10,000 in each of the two years the group existed.

“It had a massive impact on me,” Alcus says of the exposure to the county’s needs with her kids, which provided an on-ramp to more volunteering just as she was contemplating retirement. “I could see the path of a second act of service that would keep me intellectually stimulated and using my professional talents.”

In 2010, Alcus left her job at Mercer, an investment consulting firm where she had worked for 22 years. Ever since, Alcus, 60, has shared her investing expertise and held leadership positions with several organizations centered on education and disadvantaged youths.

In recognition of her service, the Community Foundation of Montgomery County has named Alcus the 2023 Philanthropist of the Year.

“Mary Pat has a gift for explaining finances,” says Anna Hargrave, executive director of the Community Foundation. “She has this collaborative spirit, combined with strategic thinking, that makes her so effective at helping you figure out how do we go from great to amazing.”

At the Community Foundation, Alcus joined and ultimately chaired the local Montgomery County advisory board in addition to serving on the regional board of trustees. During her tenure, she also chaired the foundation’s investment committee and its Sharing Montgomery Grants Committee.

Alcus recalls her years growing up in Chappaqua, New York, when her mom set an example of service by working on the town council, volunteering at church and mentoring young people. “So it was pretty easy for me to figure out the kinds of things I wanted to model for my kids—and I feel confident they will, in turn, do the same thing,” she says.

In 1985, Alcus met her future husband, Darren, through mutual friends at a Mardi Gras parade in his hometown of New Orleans. They both graduated with degrees in economics— Mary Pat from Vanderbilt, Darren from Dartmouth—and got jobs in New York. They went to Duke for their MBAs and married in 1989.

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MARY PAT ALCUS AGE: 60 LIVES IN: Potomac EDUCATION: B.A., Vanderbilt University; MBA, Duke University FAMILY: Husband, Darren Alcus; daughter, Claire, 27; son, Colin, 25 OCCUPATION: Institutional investment consultant, retired in 2010 PHILANTHROPY HIGHLIGHTS: Chair, Montgomery College Foundation; board trustee, Norwood School; past board chair, Greater Washington Community Foundation; past president, Horizons Greater Washington

The Alcuses moved to Potomac in 2002. Darren, president of corporate banking for Capital One in Bethesda, credits his wife with connecting his company and their family with volunteer opportunities. “She leads it,” Darren says.

“We follow fast and willingly.”

In the nonprofit sector, Mary Pat Alcus likes to go deep by offering strategic financial advice and doing hands-on service. She says she believes in the transformational power of education and has devoted much of her time to organizations that support kids’ learning.

When Horizons Greater Washington, a nonprofit organization that operates a summer enrichment program for low-income students, needed volunteer lunch helpers at its Norwood site, Alcus stepped up. Students start the sixweek academic and swim instruction program in kindergarten, and most return every year through eighth grade. Alcus became involved with Horizon’s gala and development committee and was a member of its board for six years, including two as president.

Over the past decade, the number of students Horizons serves in Montgomery County has grown from 30 to 135, according to Executive Director Mike Di Marco. Alcus has helped it expand revenue streams and set up a permanent endowment for the organization.

Alcus continually finds ways to go the extra mile, Di Marco says. For instance, in 2018, at an end-of-the-summer potluck for about 300 at which Horizons provided fried chicken and families contributed homemade Latino and Ethiopian side dishes, Alcus started a new tradition. She bought Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School T-shirts for the five program graduates who were about to start there in the fall.

“It was meant to inspire the whole community, even the youngest kids, to keep their eye on the prize,” says Alcus, who remained behind the scenes as a teacher presented the shirts to the students—who all put them on immediately to pose for a photo. “It was something they might not otherwise have had because it’s an extravagance, if money is tight … It’s a small donation

“ She has this collaborative spirit, combined with strategic thinking, that makes her so effective at helping you figu e out how do we go from great to amazing.”

—Anna Hargrave that can actually have a huge impact on that child’s journey through high school to just own that shirt.”

The next year, the tradition got trickier when there were 11 students going to a variety of public and private schools in the area. But Alcus remained committed and got T-shirts for each student for their respective school that year and for years afterward.

Adds DiMarco: “This small gesture goes a long way to helping our students build a sense of belonging at a new school.”

Both of Alcus’ kids have volunteered at Horizons—Claire on the administrative side and Colin as a swim instructor for two summers

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Alcus with campers assembled for swim lessons at Horizons Camp at Montgomery College’s Germantown campus

during which Alcus was also a volunteer, jumping into the pool for lessons as needed. A highlight of the summer was a friendly competition among students from the three Horizons sites dubbed the Swim Olympics. The first year, the Norwood kids had fun, but when it came to the awards, Alcus says, “we got destroyed.” She and Colin were determined to work on the kids’ racing dives and teach them water polo, so the kids would be prepared.

“The next summer, we came in first by a mile.

We actually destroyed the other two teams. It was to the point, we might have taken it a little too seriously,” Alcus says with a laugh, noting that the middle school students have become so advanced, some joined their school swim teams and work as lifeguards.

During the summer of 2020, when her kids were home during the early days of the pandemic, Alcus and Claire were looking for ways to help out—and get out. They signed up regularly through Community Food Rescue’s app to deliver groceries from Manna Food Center to families in the county. They took separate cars

to cover more ground, dropping off food on the doorsteps (during that contactless time of COVID-19), but they were often buoyed by the glimpses of smiles and waves from the recipients, Alcus says.

In July, Alcus became board chair of the Montgomery College Foundation, where she has been a member since 2017. In addition to big-picture leadership at the community college, Alcus and her husband have supported the school’s Student Emergency Assistance Fund and various scholarships.

In 2020, Jorge Torres graduated with a degree in biology from the University of Maryland at Shady Grove (after two years at Montgomery College) thanks to a pathway scholarship from the Alcuses that covered the cost of his fouryear degree. Now the 26-year-old is in his second year of dental school in Baltimore. As a first-generation college student, Torres says he especially appreciated Mary Pat’s advice and letters of encouragement.

A few years ago, the Alcuses took Torres to a Capitals hockey game along with their son,

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Colin, who is the same age, when the two were sophomores in college. Over a dinner of burgers at Clyde’s and the car ride to and from the arena, the couple tried to impart words of wisdom, Mary Pat recalls.

“We were just trying to encourage him to keep going and let him know he had our total support,” she says.

“Their support motivated me to focus on my studies and gave me confidence,” says Torres, who hopes to practice dentistry in Montgomery County and eventually set up a scholarship for other students in need.

In mentoring children and young adults, Alcus says she wants to convey that there are endless possibilities for their lives. Her message: “Do the work and you can be whatever you want to be.”

Alcus is also known as an inspiration to other philanthropists in the community.

For eight years, she served on the steering committee for The Power of Pink, a funding organization created by Karen Leder that supports breast health, including mammograms for women regardless of income. For the organization’s 10th anniversary in October 2021, Alcus quietly raised over $30,000 to create a permanent endowment for the cause, surprising Leder with the gift at the annual luncheon. “She is really kind, thoughtful and smart,” Leder says of Alcus. “She has a natural gift to empower people to want to get involved.”

In their family, Colin and Claire say their mom created an environment in which they wanted to help others, and that has continued.

Colin, 25, who studied finance in college, says he welcomed the chance at his company in Atlanta to mentor underprivileged high school students. Claire, 27, now a medical student at the University of Miami, has been a volunteer tutor and helped kids in need navigate the college application process. She credits her mom for making volunteering fun and instilling in her an expectation to serve, even after she left Montgomery County. Adds Claire: “I realized my life didn’t feel quite as fulfilling without somehow making an effort to give back to my community.”

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2023 Guide to

Giving Photos by Lisa Helfert

We’ve rounded up 41 nonprofi s where you can share your time, talents and money

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ABOUT THIS

GUIDE

All of the organizations on this list have been recommended by Greater Washington Community Foundation, Spur Local or the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County. The nonprofits provided a description of their work and ideas for ways to help. If an organization offers Student Service Learning hours SSL or internships I , we noted that under volunteer opportunities. For more local nonprofits vetted by these organizations, visit moco360.media.

FEED THE HUNGRY AfriThrive (afrithrive.org) is dedicated to food justice and equity to alleviate hunger and improve the well-being of underserved African immigrants. It provides access to healthy and culturally appropriate food, youth skills development and economic opportunity. The organization operates a mobile food pantry, a 2-acre farm and a community garden, along with training programs designed to stabilize families.

HEADQUARTERED: Silver Spring SERVES: Montgomery County and surrounding counties BUDGET: $1,000,000 WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $100 sponsors a one-year community garden permit and provides seeds for one family.

• $1,000 provides healthy and culturally appropriate produce bags for 120 families.

SSL

I

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• One day: Volunteer on Fridays for food repacking and distribution in Aspen Hill.

• Ongoing: Volunteer at the Poolesville farm by planting, weeding, watering and harvesting.

Crossroads Community Food Network (crossroadscommunityfoodnetwork.org) is building a more resilient and inclusive food system in the Takoma/Langley Crossroads community. Programs include Crossroads Farmers Market, where an innovative SNAP-matching program is reducing food insecurity among 2,000-plus people annually; bilingual business support; an affordable shared-use commercial kitchen for food entrepreneurs; and healthy eating education.

HEADQUARTERED: Takoma Park SERVES: Takoma Park and Langley Park BUDGET: $828,723

WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $250 provides a week’s worth of SNAP-matching dollars for five individuals at Crossroads Farmers Market.

• $750 helps offset the cost of food licenses for 10 lowincome food entrepreneurs.

SSL

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Weekly: Help market shoppers, vendors and staff.

• One day: Support small food business owners and staff during the annual Crossroads Community Food Fair (May).

Manna Food Center (mannafood.org) works to end hunger through food distribution, nutrition education and advocacy in Montgomery County. Last year, Manna distributed 3.8 million pounds of food to individuals, children and seniors.

Manna values partnerships with community groups, businesses and farms to address immediate needs and create sustainable, healthy communities.

HEADQUARTERED: Gaithersburg and Silver Spring SERVES: Montgomery County BUDGET: $8,654,031 WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $100 delivers a month’s worth of diet-specific groceries to a senior citizen or person with disabilities who cannot access Manna’s food sites.

• $500 creates 100 weekend bags of shelf-stable foods to supplement a family’s meals, distributed weekly at more than 50 MCPS elementary schools.

SSL

I

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• One day: Prepare food boxes and sort canned goods.

• One day: Host a food and funds drive.

The Upcounty Hub (theupcountyhub.org) provides food and essential items to more than 1,200 families every week.

It provides, without barriers and with dignity, food and integrated essential services to community members in upper Montgomery County.

HEADQUARTERED: Germantown SERVES: Upper Montgomery County BUDGET: $1,253,593 WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $100 pays for four Thanksgiving meals for families.

• $1,000 supports 10 families with nonperishable foods and fresh produce for a week.

SSL

I

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Ongoing: Volunteer to pack or deliver food.

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Guide to Giving

HELP SOMEONE GET HEALTHIER Care for Your Health (care4yourhealth.org) delivers

information and feel less alone. In addition to its free programs, NAMI MC’s communities of peers conduct advocacy and outreach to break the silence around mental health and remove the stigma that prevents many from seeking the help they need.

HEADQUARTERED: Rockville SERVES: Montgomery County BUDGET: $704,334

inclusive, trusted and multicultural health care where it is needed, fostering autonomy and quality of life for all members of the community. The organization provides health care at community events, in the office, and at home. It has developed innovative programs such as Hospital at Home and integrated behavioral health with grief counseling.

HEADQUARTERED: Silver Spring SERVES: Montgomery, Prince George’s and Howard counties BUDGET: $1,702,850

• $50 covers a support group for 20 individuals.

• $500 pays for training for four volunteers living with mental illness.

WHAT A DONATION BUYS:

SSL

• $40 sponsors laboratory tests for uninsured patients.

• $200 pays for a home visit by a nurse practitioner.

• Ongoing: Facilitation opportunities for individuals with lived experience relevant to mental health.

SSL

I

Mary’s Center (maryscenter.org) provides health care, education, workforce development and social services to about 65,000 people annually to build healthier and stronger communities. Mary’s Center embraces culturally diverse communities to provide them with the highest quality of care, regardless of their ability to pay.

HEADQUARTERED: Washington, D.C. SERVES: Metro region BUDGET: $94,681,841

WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $200 covers the cost of a behavioral health appointment for an uninsured participant.

• $1,000 pays the college application fees for two high school seniors in the after-school program.

I

I

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• One day: Host a drive to help bring resources to isolated seniors or assist with pop-up clinics.

• Ongoing: Fundraising; data support.

SSL

WHAT A DONATION BUYS:

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• One day: Collect new toys or participate in a holiday toy drive with friends and family.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Montgomery County (namimc.org) envisions a future in which all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares. Trained volunteers with lived experience lead classes and support groups grounded in established, evidence-based resources, helping individuals, families and caregivers access critical

GIVE A CHILD A CHANCE Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success (ACES) – Montgomery College Foundation (acesmontgomery.org) is a collaboration among Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery College and The Universities at Shady Grove that provides individualized support and interventions that increase college enrollment and completion among students who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

The program provides academic coaching, interventions and career experiences to about 2,500 students enrolled in the three institutions each year.

HEADQUARTERED: Rockville SERVES: Montgomery County BUDGET: $5,011,362 (MCF); $2,955,834 (ACES)

WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $250 helps a student purchase textbooks for one semester.

• $1,000 provides a scholarship that keeps a student working toward their degree.

SSL

I

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• One day: Share your own career story as a guest speaker or offer career shadow experiences.

• Ongoing: Take on an intern at your company.

CollegeTracks (collegetracksusa.org) empowers firstgeneration-to-college students and students from immigrant and low-income households in Montgomery County, helping them bridge systemic opportunity gaps to get to

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SUCCESS STORIES

Brandon Vreeland Red Wiggler Community Farm

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n a warm and breezy morning in late August, a dozen workers gather under a shade tree at Red Wiggler Community Farm. “Today’s big thing is carrots. We’re all going to be orange by the end of the morning,” jokes Melissa McLearen, farm manager of the 12-acre organic operation in Germantown.

Brandon Vreeland, 31, is among those being given an assignment at the meeting. To get to work that day, he left his home in Gaithersburg at 7:30 a.m. to catch a ride on MetroAccess, the public transportation service for people with disabilities.

The farm employs about 15 adults with developmental disabilities who work alongside volunteers and staff to grow about 40 different crops of vegetables each season. Half of the produce is distributed to low-income residents in Montgomery County; the other half is sold as communitysupported agriculture (CSA) shares.

In 1996, Woody Woodroof dreamed up this idea after working at group homes with people with disabilities. “I noticed the need for meaningful paid work that was inclusive and not isolated,” says Woodroof, founder and executive director of Red Wiggler, who started the farm in Comus and moved it to its current location in Ovid Hazen Wells Recreational Park in Germantown in 2005.

Vreeland has been a grower at Red Wiggler for nine years—fi st as a volunteer and then on payroll in 2016, working 12 hours a week. Because of a genetic

disorder that affects his physical and intellectual abilities, his energy is limited. After graduating from Quince Orchard High School, he tried a variety of jobs in retail but thrived at Red Wiggler, says his mother, Katy Vreeland.

“He really likes getting outside,” she says. “He is someone who needs to be busy.”

Weather conditions can make things grueling, she adds, but Brandon has learned to adapt to working in the heat and rain.

His favorite job? “Mowing,” says Vreeland, who also likes helping with irrigation and harvesting. “I love it,” he says of working at Red Wiggler during its growing season from April through Thanksgiving.

Vreeland lives with his parents, and every Wednesday he enjoys showing off a bag of vegetables that he brings home. “It’s very fulfilling or people to work with the earth, to see the product that comes when you put the hard work in,” says Katy, who says the best part of working at the farm is the staff’s continued acceptance of Vreeland. “They are constantly trying to get him to grow. They want him to progress, but they never do it in a way that makes him feel like he’s failing.”

Red Wiggler has become a leader of sorts, as Woodroof is helping build a network of 200 “care farms” across the county. “The future for us,” he says, “is to help others do what we’re doing—be successful, grow the workforce, be connected and create community amongst these unique farms.” —Caralee Adams

Brandon Vreeland, 31, has been a grower at Red Wiggler for nine years.

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and through postsecondary education and onto a career pathway. They believe that every student deserves a pathway to prosperity, and that education will help build a brighter future for Montgomery County.

HEADQUARTERED: Silver Spring SERVES: MCPS high school students and alumni BUDGET: $2,697,651

WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $250 helps one high school senior submit the FAFSA (two hours of support).

• $1,500 provides one year of postsecondary admissions and financial advising for a high school senior (99% are accepted into college/postsecondary education).

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Weekly: Help students navigate the postsecondary admissions and financial aid processes; build networks.

Horizons Greater Washington (horizonsgreaterwashington.org) is a tuition-free academic and enrichment program serving K-8 students in families from underserved communities in Washington, D.C., and Montgomery County. The organization offers an intensive summer program and school year programming that builds critical skills in reading, math, swimming, and social and emotional development to prepare its students for successful school years and transitions. Horizons is a nine-year program that serves nearly 430 students annually at three sites.

HEADQUARTERED: Washington, D.C. SERVES: Metro region BUDGET: $1,621,000

WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $100 covers the cost of high-quality classroom supplies, art supplies and books for one student.

• $600 provides swim instruction for three students.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Weekly: Serve as a guest speaker, classroom volunteer or tutor.

Identity (identity-youth.org) works with Latino and other historically underserved youths and their families, benefiting more than 50,000 residents annually at school, in the community and on playing fields. Identity helps youths develop social-emotional skills, improve at school, and get ready for work, and also provides wraparound services such as case

management, nonclinical emotional support and counseling.

HEADQUARTERED: Gaithersburg SERVES: Montgomery County BUDGET: $12,163,618

WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $100 provides a full semester’s transportation for two workforce clients, enabling them to participate in internships or attend career training.

• $500 trains a cohort of community members to cofacilitate nonclinical emotional support groups, helping neighbors and family cope with anxiety, stress and other difficult emotions.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Occasional: Help with backpack drive, sports tournaments and other events during school holidays.

Open Door Sports (opendoorsports.org) is aimed at kids with disabilities and from low-income households who are often left out of the play and confidence-building that afterschool sports programs provide. At no cost to families, ODS offers weekly adapted sports classes year-round in which each child is paired with a middle school or high school volunteer peer buddy to play soccer, basketball and bocce.

Across warm-up activities, skill development drills and scrimmages, players improve their self-esteem while having fun in an inclusive and supportive environment.

HEADQUARTERED: Kensington SERVES: Montgomery County BUDGET: $162,500

WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $50 pays for T-shirts for six kids with disabilities.

• $125 buys soccer equipment for three months of adapted soccer programs for 224 children.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Ongoing: Youth peer buddies program; adult volunteers needed for events.

STRENGTHEN THE SAFETY NET Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB) (caab.org) creates opportunities on an annual basis for 3,000 low- and moderate-income community members to build financial security, savings and wealth for the future. For 27 years, CAAB has addressed the historically rooted and pervasive race/wealth

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SUCCESS STORIES

Shaelyn Edwards Eck Round House Theater

F

or Bethesda’s Shaelyn Edwards Eck, the Round House Theatre’s Teen Performance Company was a chance to learn from professionals about how to work behind the scenes and on stage—plus bond with students from across the county who share a passion for the arts.

The 2022 graduate of Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School was part of the company from their freshman through their senior years. At fi st, they gravitated to set design, but then became interested in script writing and acting.

“I learned so much about theater in those four years that I would not have been able to learn in a traditional school theater program,” says Edwards Eck, 19. “I just loved doing theater at a level where I could really express my creativity and engage in theater in a more hands-on way.”

Each year, about 25 teens are selected by audition to participate in the company. Instead of teachers running the production, Round House puts teens in charge of shows that are specifically commissioned or young audiences.

In the fall, they attend master classes on everything from sound design to acting. “The whole company gets to hear a little bit about all of the artistic areas that contribute to getting a show to the stage from people who are actually working and doing it all the time,” says Danisha Crosby, director of education at Round House, located in Bethesda.

The schedule intensifie in the winter as students

gather several times a week and—with the mentorship of professionals—produce a show. “You’re respected as a team, but also as a performer and an artist at the same level as adults. The guidance is there, but it’s not overbearing,” Edwards Eck says.

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company moved performances online and developed new media skills. Edwards Eck says the teens became very close working long hours together, and it was a unique opportunity to meet students from other schools, including some who were home-schooled.

Some go on to pursue a theater career, but many, like Edwards Eck (who took a gap year after graduation and began attending Le Cordon Bleu, a culinary arts institute in Paris, this fall), say the experience taught them skills such as team building and collaboration that will be useful no matter what they do.

The teen company is one of many programs at Round House that Ed Zakreski, managing director, says are intentional about reflec ing diverse populations that make up Montgomery County and the D.C. metro area. The theater also makes tickets available for students age 13 through college at no cost in its “Free Play” initiative.

“The mission of Round House is to be a theater for everyone,” Zakreski says. “It permeates through everything we do.”

—Caralee Adams

Shaelyn Edwards Eck, 19, worked alongside theater professionals.

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gap through five primary areas of programming: financial capacity building, individual matched savings accounts, cash transfer programs, credit-building initiatives, and public information campaigns.

HEADQUARTERED: Washington, D.C. SERVES: Metro region BUDGET: $2,757,438

WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $250 provides a free financial education workshop.

• $500 provides a free one-on-one financial coaching session.

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• None at this time.

East County Service Consolidation Hub at Kingdom Fellowship AME Church (kgcdc.org) distributes food, diapers and essential health items to adults, children, families and seniors. The Hub also collaborates with community stakeholders to host COVID-19 awareness testing and vaccine events; offers case management, youth and workforce development programs and services; and offers other health screenings, including diabetes testing, blood pressure screenings, STI testing and education.

HEADQUARTERED: Silver Spring SERVES: East Montgomery County BUDGET: $400,000

WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $40 buys one fresh produce box and an assortment of protein for a family of four.

• $750 provides 50 families with a range of proteins (chicken, fish, beef and turkey).

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• One day: Volunteer at a diaper distribution.

• Ongoing: Volunteer at weekly food distributions and/or packing events.

IMPACT Silver Spring (impactsilverspring.org) works to achieve racial and economic equity in Montgomery County by creating and sustaining community-based spaces where people and organizations hold dialogue, build relationships of trust and mutual benefit, raise awareness, and take action collaboratively—all to promote equity and justice. IMPACT believes that achieving true equity and justice requires transformation at the personal/interpersonal,

neighborhood and systems levels.

HEADQUARTERED: Silver Spring SERVES: Montgomery County BUDGET: $1,318,057

WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $150 ensures language justice by providing interpretation for multilingual community events.

• $500 purchases a pair of goals for a youth soccer team.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• As needed: Teach English as a second language (ESL) classes.

• As needed: Volunteer as a youth soccer coach (minimum age 18).

Interfaith Works (iworksmc.org), founded in 1972, supports neighbors in need by providing vital services and a pathway to greater stability. IW’s 170-member staff and 7,000 volunteers provide emergency shelter, supportive housing, essential needs and employment programs to more than 35,000 Montgomery County neighbors each year.

HEADQUARTERED: Rockville SERVES: Montgomery County BUDGET: $11,767,873 WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $100 can buy clothes, shoes, uniforms, etc. to help a recently employed person start a new job.

• $1,000 can help two families avoid being evicted from their homes.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Ongoing: Sort/organize donated clothes and goods; prepare/deliver meals for shelter clients; organize recreational activities at shelters and homes.

Main Street Connect (mainstreetconnect.org) is an affordable, accessible, inclusive apartment building and a membership-based community center for people of all abilities. A few blocks from Rockville Town Center, Main Street offers a variety of social, cultural, educational and wellness programs—everything from boxing classes and art workshops to professional lunch-and-learns. Main Street is a movement of inclusion, empowering people with and without disabilities to come together and lead happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives. (Main Street’s founder CONTINUED ON PAGE 206

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SUCCESS STORIES

Anupam Ghosh CollegeTracks

A

nupam Ghosh says he was always interested in computers and knew he wanted to go to college.

His mom was adamant about him going, too, but having only attended school in India, she didn’t know exactly how to help.

At Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Ghosh met with staff from CollegeTracks, a nonprofit o ganization that helps students get into and through college. With guidance from its staff and volunteers, Ghosh was able to complete his financial aid orms, get free waivers for college admissions tests, connect with scholarships and apply to several schools. Ultimately he was accepted to the University of Maryland and received a four-year scholarship that covered his tuition and expenses.

“CollegeTracks being there was vital to make sure I got into college—connecting all the dots with the forms and applications,” Ghosh says. Once at College Park, he says, the Silver Spring-based nonprofit continued o support him through the transition—which was more difficult than he xpected.

“I got super stressed out and scared. It was my fi st time away from home,” Ghosh says of his fi st few weeks as a freshman in 2011. He was on the verge of dropping out when he contacted CollegeTracks. A volunteer met with Ghosh at a B-CC football game and persuaded him to stick it out for the semester. Ghosh says the volunteer became like a second mom, providing comfort and easing his

anxiety. A college success coach connected him with tutoring resources and encouraged him to meet with professors during office hou s.

Four years later, in 2015, Ghosh completed his bachelor’s degree in computer science. Now 30, he’s a software engineer working for an education curriculum company. He was able to buy a house in Germantown, where he lives with his parents, younger brother and dog, Soldier, a tiger-striped pit bull mix.

Ghosh now serves on the CollegeTracks board and says he is eager to share his experience with other students and encourage them to persevere through any obstacles they may face.

Like Ghosh, most of CollegeTracks’ clients are from diverse backgrounds; 71% are fi st-generation college students, 60% are low-income, 95% are from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group, and 73% are from families who speak a language other than English, according to CEO Mecha Inman. CollegeTracks operates with a combination of volunteers and staff in fi e county high schools: B-CC, Paint Branch, Wheaton, Watkins Mill and Quince Orchard.

The organization has helped nearly 9,000 students since it started in 2003. Inman says enrollment in the program in 2022-23 was up 22% over 2021-22.

“CollegeTracks essentially puts rocket boosters on other people’s lives,” Ghosh says, “and they accelerate where they want to be.” —Caralee Adams

Anupam Ghosh, 30, got an education with help from CollegeTracks.

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and executive director, Jillian Copeland, owns MoCo360 with her husband, Scott.)

HEADQUARTERED: Rockville SERVES: Montgomery County BUDGET: $1.2 million

the economic and social value of local farms, and the necessity of growing cities and farms in harmony.

HEADQUARTERED: Poolesville SERVES: Montgomery County BUDGET: $336,337

WHAT A DONATION BUYS:

WHAT A DONATION BUYS:

• $360 provides financial aid for one adult for a one-year CORE membership • $500 covers the cost for one adult with special needs to attend a three-month social skills program

• $50 makes a regenerative agriculture seminar possible for local farmers.

• $250 pays for six months of educational newsletters.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• One day: Help with community events, such as MLK Day of Service and Soulfull Springfest • Ongoing: Join and assist with Friday Vibes and other weekly programs

MHP (mhpartners.org) is dedicated to making home possible. Since 1989, MHP has preserved and expanded access to quality affordable housing. MHP is a private nonprofit that provides more than 2,800 homes in Montgomery County and surrounding communities. It accomplishes its mission by housing people, empowering families and strengthening neighborhoods.

HEADQUARTERED: Silver Spring SERVES: Metro region BUDGET: $10,653,936

WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $250 provides supplies for an after-school homework club.

• $1,000 helps cover two field trips for 72 children to the National Zoo. SSL

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• One day: Wrap holiday gifts for young residents.

• Ongoing: Help with an event such as a neighborhood, property or trail cleanup.

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advocates for land and transportation policies that encourage farmland preservation, forest protection and improved water quality for the benefit of the entire region. Deeply engaged in safeguarding Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve, MCA works to support current farmers and add to their ranks; to advocate for regenerative agriculture practices; and to increase the presence of local food in area markets, restaurants, schools and food banks. MCA ensures that politicians, students and the public are educated about

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Ongoing: Volunteer on the farm, at events or with pro bono skills.

HELP SOMEONE BUILD SKILLS AND FIND A GOOD JOB CareerCatchers (careercatchers.org) provides personalized employment and job-skills counseling to the area’s most vulnerable residents. CareerCatchers’ approach focuses on professional development, in-house training, education and long-lasting engagement to ensure each client’s continued success in moving out of poverty and advancing in their career. These efforts affected 883 participants last year, of whom 309 participated in training, 279 received job retention services and 218 obtained new jobs totaling over $9 million in value.

HEADQUARTERED: Silver Spring SERVES: Metro region BUDGET: $925,223

WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $500 prepares a client with career coaching and job readiness.

• $1,500 ensures a client receives ongoing services, from intake to starting a new job.

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Montgomery Countryside Alliance (mocoalliance.org)

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Ongoing: Grant writing; workshop presenting; teaching computer skills; tutoring ESOL, GED, etc.

Future Link (futurelinkmd.org) works with 300 Montgomery County young adults—many of them first-generation, remedial-level students facing challenges like homelessness, trauma and poverty—helping them navigate the path to a promising career. The program begins with a 15-week college-level seminar that empowers students and equips them with essential workplace skills. Next comes a suite of

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SUCCESS STORIES

Hosanna Kabagema Docs in Progress

L

ast spring at Wheaton High School, Hosanna Kabagema heard about students meeting after school to make documentaries and thought it sounded like a fun chance to hang out with her friends. The experience was more than a good time, says the 16-year-old sophomore, because she also learned how to interview, edit film and app eciate the story of someone she otherwise would not have met.

That’s exactly the goal of Docs in Progress, a nonprofi organization in Silver Spring that provides training and support for budding filmma ers.

“Especially after the pandemic, there is a hunger for getting together in the classroom with others,” says organization co-founder Adele Schmidt. “People come with a purpose. It’s not just that they want to learn how to use a camera. They say, ‘I have a story. How do I do this?’ ” Indeed, the organization’s tagline is: “Everybody has a story,” notes CEO Barbara Valentino.

Docs in Progress offers workshops and fellowships for artists to produce films It also introduces young people to documentaries through educational programs such as Village Reels, in which high school students tell the stories of older residents.

For her Village Reels project, Hosanna and two other students were paired with Isabel Langsdorf, whose mother and grandmother were killed in Germany during the Holocaust. She was

adopted as an infant and now lives in Kensington.

“I thought her story was unbelievable,” Hosanna recalls after reading Langsdorf’s biography, which was given to the students as background. “She kept on mentioning [in the interview] how she was a very lucky person. And I thought, Wow, she was a true survivor.”

Going into the interview, Hosanna says she expected Langsdorf to be grim because of everything that had happened to her. Instead, she found her to be warm, greeting the teens with cranberry scones and apple juice. Hosanna says she was grateful to Langsdorf for opening her home and allowing them to share her story. “She was full of life and wisdom,” Hosanna says, impressed by all the languages Langsdorf could speak and the elaborate art in her home.

Docs in Progress held a community premiere for the Village Reels students, their sources and families in June (the shorts also appear on Docs in Progress’ YouTube channel). Watching her completed short fil and others made by students, Hosanna says she felt a sense of connection and appreciation for the life experiences that could provide lessons for her.

“When you see regular people grocery shopping or taking a walk in your neighborhood,” she says, “you have no idea what was going on in their past or beyond the surface.”

—Caralee Adams

Hosanna Kabagema, 16, learned about moviemaking and much more.

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services—mentorships, paid internships, career exploration, scholarships and professional networks—to help students finish college or trade school and enter the workforce. Each year, dozens attain college degrees, professional certifications and full-time employment.

HEADQUARTERED: Rockville SERVES: Montgomery County BUDGET: $656,483

SERVES: Metro region BUDGET: $2,185,031 WHAT A DONATION BUYS:

WHAT A DONATION BUYS:

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• $100 pays for a student textbook.

• $500 supports a networking event for 25 students.

• One day: Help with digitizing historical records.

• Weekly: Assist with family photo opportunities in the lobby.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Ongoing: Mentor, tutor or provide career coaching.

Red Wiggler Community Farm (redwiggler.org) is a sustainable care farm where people with and without developmental disabilities come together to work, learn and grow healthy food. Red Wiggler successfully balances vegetable production alongside its inclusive mission, providing opportunities for all individuals to be teachers and leaders.

Through its Community Supported Agriculture, Red Wiggler equitably distributes 50% of its total vegetable yield to lowincome residents in Montgomery County.

HEADQUARTERED: Germantown SERVES: Montgomery County BUDGET: $800,000

WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $100 enables a classroom of low-income students to visit Red Wiggler free of charge.

• $1,000 provides a week of vegetables to low-income school groups.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• One day or weekly: Participate in on-farm education and volunteer opportunities.

SPARK SOMEONE’S IMAGINATION Adventure Theatre MTC (adventuretheatre-mtc.org) cultivates new generations of artists and audiences by creating memorable theatrical productions and by providing young people the highest quality musical theater training.

ATMTC serves students at all skill levels and families from diverse communities, about 35,000 people annually.

HEADQUARTERED: Glen Echo

• $100 covers one week of a director’s rate for a production at a local elementary school.

• $250 covers the materials to create costumes for one actor in a mainstage production.

• $450 covers the artist’s fee for custom show illustrations.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

ArtStream (art-stream.org) offers performing arts opportunities to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (including autism) through classes, workshops, theater companies and cabarets.

HEADQUARTERED: Rockville SERVES: Metro region BUDGET: $810,714

WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $75 funds a full costume for one actor in a Theatre Company performance.

• $300 sponsors a public-speaking workshop for selfadvocacy and preemployment skills.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• One day: Costume/prop shop cleanup or backstage support.

• Weekly: Mentor actors with disabilities as they create an original show or volunteer in performing arts classes.

The Civic Circle (theciviccircle.org) brings civics alive for very young children with music and drama through assembly and after-school programs. It aims to empower students to understand and participate in democracy, inspiring compassionate, informed and engaged citizens.

HEADQUARTERED: Silver Spring SERVES: Montgomery County BUDGET: $98,999

WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $150 covers the cost of one Teaching Artist workshop, helping students lift their voices by writing and performing civic songs, poems and stories.

• $400 covers the cost of two performers to deliver The Civic Circle’s musical assembly show, Vote for Me, reaching about 250 students (grades 3-5) in a Title I school in Montgomery County.

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WHY I

GIVE O

n a daily basis, I am reminded—both personally and professionally—of the power of education. Personally, I have been incredibly fortunate to attend some of the most prestigious higher education institutions in the country. Professionally, I have the privilege of engaging with students from all walks of life who are seeking the opportunities that only a quality education can provide.

Dr. Kpakpundu Ezeze

“On a daily basis, I am reminded— both personally and professionally— of the power of education.’’

DR. KPAKPUNDU EZEZE MONTGOMERY COLLEGE FOUNDATION DONOR

As founder and president of Future Quest, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in educational planning and college placement, I work primarily with first-generation college-bound teens. Additionally, I am a part-time counselor/adjunct professor on the Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus.

While meeting with students to discuss their academic and life goals, I am often privy to the struggles they face—especially many of the African American, male students.

Throughout my career in higher education, I have been acutely aware of the additional hurdles many first-generation students encounter, most notably, students of color. Often, they experience financial challenges and find themselves in communities and environments that feel unwelcoming and that can be difficult to navigate.

When I learned about the Presidential Scholars Program at Montgomery College, I was immediately drawn to its mission “to increase the representation of African American males in high workforce needs areas.”

In addition to providing financial assistance and a community of support, the Presidential Scholars Program offers its scholars access to mentors and coaches who share my belief in empowering these students to thrive both scholastically and socially.

I wholeheartedly believe in and support the students in the Presidential Scholars Program, which is Why I Give to the Montgomery College Foundation.

I hope you will join me.

DR. KPAKPUNDU EZEZE

MAKE A LASTING DIFFERENCE Join others like Dr. Ezeze who support Montgomery College as donors by contacting Joyce Matthews at joyce.matthews@montgomerycollege.edu or 240-687-0654.

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SUCCESS STORIES

Sonia Climaco Impact Silver Spring

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onia Climaco says Impact Silver Spring gave her a chance to learn new skills and make new connections at just the right time.

The Aspen Hill mother of two, who had felt isolated during the early days of the pandemic, was excited to hear about free craft and business classes the nonprofit o ganization was offering through its Community Trade Academy.

“My dream was always to become an entrepreneur as an artisan,” says Climaco, 42, via an interpreter. “Thanks to Impact, it gave me the push to start my own business.”

Climaco, who came to Maryland 17 years ago from El Salvador, learned to make a variety of items, including earrings, bracelets and keychains, and how to sell them at area fairs.

The money she earns supplements her husband’s income and allows her to buy extra things for their family.

“It has helped me leave my comfort zone and develop myself—and I’ve been able to meet other people,” says Climaco, who also teaches crochet classes to others at Impact.

Since 1999, Impact Silver Spring has been providing programs and services to empower parents, leaders and workers in the area.

Carmen Hernandez, senior network builder at the organization, came up with the idea for the academy after listening to residents—many of whom were homemakers and artisans in their home countries— express a desire to develop their talents and

find connections in the communit .

The academy began in January 2023, and Hernandez helped write curricula for the 10-week classes on skills including entrepreneurship, piñata making, cooking for the food service industry, jewelry making and sewing. About 100 community members have participated in the training courses so far, and demand is accelerating, Hernandez says.

Climaco had met Hernandez in a civic leadership training class years earlier at Impact and says her invitation to join the academy was welcome. She has taken classes in entrepreneurship, sewing, jewelry making and pinata making.

“Carmen appeared again like an angel,” Climaco says. “It had been very frustrating to be closed in [during the lockdown phase of the pandemic] and having to do everything at home. Carmen arrived at the right time.”

Climaco hopes to expand her business, Sonia’s Craft Design, eventually opening her own store with a workshop. She says it’s unusual to find an o ganization that offers training at no cost, and she has recommended Impact classes to others.

Climaco’s daughters, ages 5 and 12, have picked up crochet hooks and made some bracelets of their own—and enjoy when they notice someone with their mother’s creations.

Adds Climaco: “They are happy. …They say, ‘Look, Mom, that person is wearing your earrings!’ ” —Caralee Adams

Sonia Climaco, 42, lived her dream of becoming an artisan entrepreneur.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• One day: Guest speaker, videographer, community service fair representative.

• Weekly: Assist with social media and/or graphic design.

Create Arts Center (createartscenter.org) engages diverse communities with meaningful, accessible and equitable art education programs and arts-based mental health services with licensed art therapists. For 36 years, Create has worked to level the playing field by ensuring that everyone can access innovative art therapies and approaches to learning through the arts.

HEADQUARTERED: Silver Spring SERVES: Metro region BUDGET: $725,153

WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $75 provides materials for the Teen Portfolio Program.

• $285 covers the cost for one student for a semester of smARTkids, a free after-school program for children from

low-income households.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Weekly: Assist teaching artists with weekly art classes and/or potentially help to install and prepare work in the Tamar Hendel Gallery.

Dance Exchange (danceexchange.org), fueled by generosity and curiosity, expands who gets to dance, where dance happens, what dance is about, and why dance matters. Dance Exchange offers programs for all ages and experience levels; provides affordable studio space to local artists and organizations; and creates intergenerational, socially engaged performances and projects.

HEADQUARTERED: Takoma Park SERVES: Metro region BUDGET: $585,000

WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $100 provides a partial scholarship for the Youth Exchange program.

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• $1,000 supports Dance Exchange’s Climate Initiative, which energizes and engages with climate solutions through equity-centered creative practice and inquiry.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• One day: Seasonal building cleanup days.

• Weekly: Registration support for Saturday Takoma Park MOVES class.

DC Beauty of Beijing Opera (dcbbo.org) aims to promote cultural diversity in the eastern U.S. Programs include performances, workshops and training classes about Beijing Opera, a typical theater form in ancient China and a UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

HEADQUARTERED: North Potomac SERVES: Metro region BUDGET: $29,546

people of all ages each year at a unique historic site.

History meets a diverse present and vibrant future at Glen Echo Park, with its antique carousel, social dances, public festivals and music events, live theater and puppetry, summer camps, classes and more. The partnership also sponsors artist-led projects and events that combine history, the environment, and the arts to reflect and educate the diverse community it serves—and everyone can access park programs through subsidies and scholarships.

HEADQUARTERED: Glen Echo SERVES: Montgomery County BUDGET: $2,109,000

WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $100 covers 50 carousel tickets.

• $500 pays for art supplies and instructor fees for a hands-on art activity.

WHAT A DONATION BUYS:

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• $100 covers the cost for a family of four to attend a threehour performance for the public.

• $500 pays for a local organization to receive a workshop for target audiences for up to 60 minutes.

• Ongoing: As needed at local events.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

InterAct Story Theatre (interactstory.com) creates

has a story. By developing, encouraging and celebrating new and diverse voices, Docs fosters a supportive community for documentary filmmakers of all ages and expertise.

It offers workshops, free screenings and a young artist program, including an intergenerational filmmaking series, Village Reels.

HEADQUARTERED: Silver Spring SERVES: Metro region BUDGET: $327,000

original interactive plays designed expressly for kids and the grownups who love them. Through its professional touring theater and extensive arts education programs, InterAct’s merry band of performers and teaching artists weave together drama, music, dance and creative opera with content curricula for all ages, reaching almost 25,000 children and adults in a typical year. Meanwhile, community programs like the popular monthly Wheaton Family Theatre Series (free and open to the public) give families the opportunity to engage in live theater, and the annual KidStory Theatre Festival features original creative writing by kids, for kids.

HEADQUARTERED: Silver Spring SERVES: Montgomery County BUDGET: $313,135

WHAT A DONATION BUYS:

WHAT A DONATION BUYS:

• $50 covers a scholarship for a two-hour workshop (e.g., The Smartphone Documentarian).

• $250 buys snacks for summer teen filmmaking workshops.

• $150 sponsors a creative drama workshop for one classroom.

• $500 sponsors a theatrical performance for an elementary school.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• One day: Help with special events, including setup, breakdown and operations.

Docs in Progress (docsinprogress.org) believes everyone

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• One day: Event/project-related work.

Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture (glenechopark.org) works with a wide variety of arts organizations and artists to offer programs for 170,000

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Ongoing: As needed; at performances, volunteers serve as ushers and supervise the youth craft table.

InterPLAY Orchestra (interplayorchestra.org) is a community orchestra comprising 40 adults with cognitive

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and/or physical disabilities who “interplay” music in collaboration with high school seniors, college students and professional musicians. InterPLAY Orchestra operates year-round, including weekly rehearsals and three concert performances each year.

HEADQUARTERED: Bethesda SERVES: Metro region BUDGET: $154,057

WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $500 provides instruments for two orchestra members.

• $1,000 provides one annual tuition scholarship for one orchestra member.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• One day: Assist with concert performances.

• Weekly: Become a Bandaide, student or adult volunteers with basic musical training who play alongside and/or assist individual orchestra members to play their instruments during rehearsals and concert performances.

Kalanidhi Dance (kalanidhi.org) inspires appreciation for Kuchipudi dance through artistic excellence, creative performances, high-quality educational programs and collaborations. More than 20,000 people have attended Kalanidhi’s live and virtual performances and Dancing Stories programs. Kalanidhi has a worldwide reach of over 10 million viewers through social media performances.

HEADQUARTERED: Bethesda SERVES: Metro region BUDGET: $354,879

WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $75 provides necessary supplies for the annual kids camp.

• $500 pays for Kalanidhi Dance’s artists and performers to reach more diverse audiences through community programs for senior citizens, schools, libraries and more.

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There is ONE DEATH by suicide EVERY 11 MINUTES in the U.S. EveryMind is a 24/7 call center for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, offering crisis intervention as well as supportive listening. It is also one of the largest providers of school-based mental health services in Montgomery County.

Together, we can combat the mental health crisis in our schools and in our community by amplifying access to holistic mental health services.

Scan the QR code to DONATE TODAY

www.everymind.org Your mental wellness. Our mission.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

WHAT A DONATION BUYS:

• One day: Help with special events at Kalanidhi Dance.

• Weekly: Assist staff with administrative and pre-event tasks or remotely assist with social media content creation and grant writing.

• $150 pays a junior dancer to train younger students and develop their own teaching and choreography skills.

• $300 funds a scholarship for one student to attend a summer intensive workshop, including training with visiting artists.

Mayur Dance (mayurdance.org) is dedicated to teach-

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ing and performing Indian classical dance, specializing in the Odissi style. It focuses on creating new generations of practitioners and appreciators of its art form by conveying its passion and expertise to students of all ages, and by bringing performances to diverse audiences in the DMV. Mayur dancers perform on professional regional and international stages, but also at local schools and senior centers.

Mayur is proud to embrace both traditional foundations and modern sensibilities in its work.

HEADQUARTERED: Potomac SERVES: Metro region BUDGET: $71,737

• One day: Assist with prop and costume construction for a performance.

• Weekly: Social media support.

Sustain Tomorrow, Act Today!

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Olney Theatre Center for the Arts (olneytheatre.org) produces and curates performances for the diverse audiences in our community, and educates, learns from, supports and inspires a more inclusive generation of theater-makers. Its season includes family-friendly musicals, reimagined classics, thought-provoking new plays, joyful concerts and more. The organization also enriches learning for thousands of students through performances, camps

With 15 Years of environmental stewardship, Bethesda Green continues to inspire action for a thriving planet!

Greening Businesses | Empowering Youth Beautifying Communities | Fostering Innovation

Join us in creating a greener future for all!

CONTACT US info@bethesdagreen.org

Contribute here:

VISIT US 4825 Cordell Avenue Suite 200 Bethesda, Maryland 20814 (2nd Floor)

LEARN MORE AT

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Guide to Giving and workshops at Olney Theatre and in schools.

HEADQUARTERED: Olney SERVES: Metro region BUDGET: $9,020,000

HEADQUARTERED: Sandy Spring/Olney SERVES: Metro region BUDGET: $1,218,454 WHAT A DONATION BUYS:

WHAT A DONATION BUYS:

• $250 pays for a folk artist to host an intergenerational arts workshop.

• $500 covers a folk arts musical performance at a museum event.

• $100 allows five students to attend a matinee for free.

• $450 supports 10 free tickets for nonprofit partners and those who face barriers to attending live theater.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• One day: Support community celebrations like SummerFest.

• Year-long: Serve as an usher to help welcome audiences.

Sandy Spring Museum (sandyspringmuseum.org) is located on 7 acres, with 3 acres of forest, and connects diverse communities and advances social equity through shared and inspiring experiences of our region’s cultural heritage. Experience folk art exhibits, participatory folk music jams and performances, folk dance performances, folk arts workshops and nine resident artists on-site.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• One day: Participate in an online monthly transcribe-a-thon.

So What Else (sowhatelse.org) improves the lives of children and families in Greater Washington, providing access to food security, basic necessities and high-quality out-of-schooltime enrichment programs, including two after-school musical theater programs and a middle school summer camp where students produce, compose and direct their own musical production.

HEADQUARTERED: North Bethesda/Kensington

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SERVES: Metro region and Baltimore BUDGET: $3,129,700 WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $35 provides weekly groceries for a family of five.

• $100 a month sponsors a weekly creative after-school program and meals for one child.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• One day: Volunteer at the free walk-up food pantry or indoor thrift store at the headquarters.

• Weekly: Volunteer at a creative after-school program.

Urban Artistry (urbanartistry.org) is an internationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to the performance and preservation of art forms inspired by the urban experience.

Founded in 2005 by Junious Lee Brickhouse as the first urban dance-focused studio in the DMV, UA serves as a cultural ambassador for often unsung communities, developing collaborations that support artists past, present and future.

It focuses on dance forms born in Black and brown urban communities: breakin’, house, hip-hop, popping, locking, punking and more.

HEADQUARTERED: Silver Spring SERVES: Metro region BUDGET: $140,053

WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $50 supports weekly classes for two youth students.

• $500 brings artists respected as elders in urban dance styles to the DMV. I

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Weekly/Monthly: Assist staff with administrative and pre-event tasks.

The Writer’s Center (writer.org) supports writers and anyone who wants to write. The organization offers 300 writing workshops every year in all genres and for all experience levels, as well as dozens of free literary events, both virtual and in person.

HEADQUARTERED: Bethesda SERVES: Metro region BUDGET: $929,418 WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $50 provides a scholarship for a writer to attend a one-session workshop.

• $150 covers the honorarium to bring a nationally renowned author to a free public event.

REACH OUT TO THE ELDERLY American Muslim Senior Society (amssmd.org) offers a Halal Meals on Wheels program that serves over 500 senior residents of Montgomery County, providing nutritious and culturally appropriate meals to this primarily immigrant and low-income community. In a wide variety of languages, trained volunteer ambassadors work with clients to identify the challenges they face and help them gain access to health care, housing, transportation and more. Weekly check-ins and regular deliveries of warm meals and fresh produce provide companionship and address hunger.

HEADQUARTERED: Rockville SERVES: Montgomery County BUDGET: $419,000 WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $50 covers delivery of four meals to an elderly resident.

• $500 makes training possible for three new volunteer ambassadors.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Ongoing: Outreach and senior support ambassadors needed.

Silver Spring Village (silverspringvillage.org) has a vision of caring neighbors helping older neighbors to thrive. Just three staffers and over 100 trained volunteers serve more than 270 members—older adults who wish to live in their homes as long and as independently as possible. Volunteers provide transportation and technology coaching, take notes at medical appointments, and assist with household tasks and errands. Regular visits and phone calls reduce social isolation and loneliness and help identify when more support is needed. A full calendar of more than 900 educational, recreational and social events (many of which are open to the public) encourages seniors to make friends, learn new things and stay healthy.

HEADQUARTERED: Silver Spring SERVES: Silver Spring BUDGET: $240,217 WHAT A DONATION BUYS: • $50 buys event refreshments for 15 seniors.

• $250 pays for 10 hours of individualized services counseling.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Ongoing: Variety of roles to support local seniors.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: • None at this time.

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Financial Professionals

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Ameriprise

David Hurwitz SEE PROFILE PAGE 223 MOCO360.MEDIA | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 217

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Financial Professionals Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

BRIAN MACKIN

KIRSTIE MARTINEZ

GLEN BUCO

KRISTAN ANDERSON

MATT COHEN

BRIAN HORAN

VICTORIA HENRY

ROD HUERTA

LAURA NASH

GLENN GUARD

Specialty Fee-only fiduciary firm Individualized financial planning Personal, innovative solutions Customized portfolio composition Achievements & Awards Top Fee-Only Financial Advisers 2022 Top Financial Professionals 2023 Five Star Wealth Managers 2022 2010 Corporate Ridge Road, Suite 530 McLean, VA 22102 703-847-2500 WestFinancial.com

Q Who is West Financial Services?

A WFS provides financial services on a fee-only basis, acting as a fiduciary for clients. For more than 40 years, West Financial Services has put client relationships first with our financial planning approach. To us, financial planning is more than just a process or colorful charts—it is how we get to know clients and help them realize their goals and aspirations. Through creative solutions, personal attention, and honest communication, we always do what is in our clients’ best interests.

The decisions we make and the advice we provide reflect our belief and responsibility to “do the right thing.”

Q What makes your client experience unique?

A Our personalized approach to everything we do is what sets West Financial apart. If you call our offi e, we answer the phone.

Our financial planning team has extensive experience developing comprehensive, tailored plans. Our portfolio managers concentrate on analyzing the market and delivering a hands-on approach to managing client portfolios, with an eye toward tax efficiency. Our relationship managers get to know our clients and their families at a very personal level to help anticipate financial needs, and life events.

And our client service associates are here to guide you through implementation.

Together, our team ensures our clients are well-prepared for the future and leave a lasting legacy. If you are looking for a high-touch, wealth management fi m who offers premium fi ancial services, give us a call today.

COURTESY PHOTOS

West Financial Services

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Gartenhaus Wealth Management, LLC A FINANCIAL ADVISORY PRACTICE OF AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC H O WA R D P E R L R O T H , A P M A , F I N A N C I A L A D V I S O R , C H I E F O P E R AT I N G OFFICER A boutique practice that quickly responds to changing markets, we offer 61 years of combined experience with investment approaches uncommonly used for accounts less than $25 million.

Ongoing portfolio reviews help make sure portfolios match your goals and risk tolerance. We are nimble to meet client needs and deliver prompt trading in response to market fluctuations.

Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. Client experiences may vary. Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.

Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser.

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. 2022 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

2400 Research Blvd., Suite 110, Rockville, MD 20850 301-670-5505 | howard.perlroth@ampf.com

Q What services do you and your practice provide?

A Comprehensive financial planning, investment management, and insurance analysis. We also provide advanced portfolio management specializing in alternative correlated assets tied to clients’ financial planning goals. The customized plan determines our client’s target rate of return and risk tolerance.

Q What do you find most satisfying about your work and what is your biggest challenge?

A Receiving hugs from clients. We enjoy seeing our clients achieve their goals and love receiving pictures as they enjoy life. A challenge is getting clients to understand the need for a financial plan and how their plan should dictate their rate of return.

Approach to investing dives into spending habits which can lead to interesting conversations.

Q What is your investment approach?

A The rich are getting richer. Instead of complaining, copy them. We

MICHAEL VENTURA

seek return of principal first, then return on principal second. CURA PERSONALIS (Latin), meaning “care of the whole person”—not just their money. The majority of our meetings start and end with hugs.

Q What piece of advice do you most frequently get asked for and what's your answer?

A Can I retire? Most people think retirement is only about finances.

We green light retirement once there is a goal and plan in place for your money, mind and body.

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Q What is Founders Bank?

A Founders Bank is a modern version of

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP M A R T I N M C C A R T H Y, C O - F O U N D E R A N D C E O J O N AT H A N H I G G I N S , C O - F O U N D E R , P R E S I D E N T, C H I E F B A N K I N G O F F I C E R G E R A R D M C L O U G H L I N , C O - F O U N D E R , E V P, CHIEF CREDIT OFFICER K A REN GR AU, E V P, CHIEF FIN A NCI A L OFFICER

what a community bank should be: onepart technology and one-part local bank.

The bank is FDIC insured and officially opened for business in April of 2020 with a full-service branch and corporate offices in the Friendship Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Founders Bank seeks to build stronger communities by serving businesses, organizations and the professionals that run them throughout the greater Washington area. Experienced bankers offer business loans, real estate loans (owner occupied, investment, construction and development), deposit and treasury management services, as well as consumer loans.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS VINCE BURKE, III, CHAIR PAT R I C K D O R T O N P I N K I E D E N T M AY F I E L D MARTIN MCCARTHY O B I O R A ( B O) M E N K I T I D AV I D P O L L I N J O H N R YA N I I I K E L LY S H O O S H A N 5225 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20015 202-792-1600 founders.bank

Q Why do businesses and individuals choose Founders Bank over other banking options?

A Customers choose Founders Bank to enjoy the latest technology, a userfriendly approach to banking and superior customer service provided by local bankers that care about the communities we serve throughout the greater Washington area. The pandemic and other recent events reminded many businesses and individuals of the importance of having the right banking partner. Founders Bank wants to be your banking partner.

MICHAEL VENTURA

Founders Bank

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Capital Harvest Wealth Partners G R E G PA N G , C H I P R O C K E Y, N A J A LTA F, J A S O N W R I G H T, R O B G O L E , G E N E R U C K E R "Truly value the one-on-one personalized financial advisory services provided.

Honest, fair, always put my interests and needs first." - Five-year client of Capital Harvest Wealth Partners (Non-compensated client testimonial; may not represent all client experiences; no guarantee of future performance or success.)

H I L A R Y S C H WA B

4350 East West Hwy., Suite 510 Bethesda, MD 20814 703-772-8842 | 301-471-1576 CapHarvest.com Securities and investment advisory services offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. (WFS), member FINRA/SIPC. WFS is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of WFS. Please visit our website for additional disclosures.

Q What services do you or your firm provide?

Q What makes your client experience unique?

A Our experienced and trusted advisors

A Everyone is unique, so at the heart of

offer an array of financial services for all ages and income ranges within Maryland and Virginia. You might be new to managing your personal finances, but we're not. With more than 100 years of combined experience, over 2,500 clients served, and $600 million in assets under management, we'll guide you every step of the way as you embark on your financial journey. Our services include: Financial Planning, Retirement Planning, Investment and Wealth Management, Asset Transitions and Titling, Estate Planning, Tax and Education Planning, 401(k) and 403(b) Planning.

our planning process, we focus on getting to know you and what's most important to you. Our financial planning process begins with carefully listening to the needs and goals of each individual, family and business we serve. We start by reviewing the health and composition of your complete financial picture and thoroughly analyzing your risk tolerance, current asset allocation, and financial milestone goals.

Our in-depth discovery process helps us understand your defining values, priorities and concerns so we can help you invest in what matters most. With this information, we help you make confident decisions about your wealth and tailor a financial plan to your desired current and future outcomes. Throughout your life, from one generation to the next, we are here to help you find your financial solution and create a brighter financial future.

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Sherman Wealth Management, LLC BRAD SHERMAN, PRESIDENT Awards & Honors Named “Top Financial Advisor 2022” by Washingtonian Magazine; Named "Top 100 Financial Advisor 2023" by Investopedia; Named “Top Financial Professional 2022” by Bethesda Magazine; featured in CNBC, MarketWatch and The Wall Street Journal; co-host, “Launch Financial,” a weekly podcast.

9841 Washingtonian Blvd., Suite 200 Gaithersburg, MD 20878 240-428-1622 | bsherman@shermanwealth.com shermanwealth.com

Q What differentiates the Sherman Wealth Management client experience? fiduciaries. We always put you first, delivering cost and taxefficient solutions. We do not take commissions from investment vehicles, mutual funds or any other financial product, meaning we work just for you. We keep things uncomplicated by using stateof-the-art technology and understandable language making a difference for people who may be intimidated by the complexity and seeming exclusivity of personal finance and wealth management. We take a custom holistic approach to our clients’ financial future, incorporating short and long-term goals.

H I L A R Y S C H WA B

A As a fee-only Registered Investment Advisory firm, we are

Sandbox Financial Partners B R I A N S A L C E T T I , A I F, C I M A , C E O , M A N A G I N G P A R T N E R 6903 Rockledge Drive, Suite 300, Bethesda, MD 20817 301-214-4190 | brian@sandboxfp.com sandboxfp.com

our clients in the best position to succeed financially so they can "live more and worry less." Your "financial sandbox" involves integrating and planning your finances, investments, insurance, estate and taxes. Envision having an entire team focusing on your complete financial future, providing unbiased advice to you and your family alone.

Sandbox meshes a boutique feel with big firm capabilities; as independent financial advisors and fiduciaries, we provide advice and guidance that's always in your best interest.

At Sandbox Financial Partners, we're an experienced and highly credentialed team that's been frequently recognized for our track record of success and for continuously evolving as technology, regulation and generational client needs require increased vision, transparency and trust.

TONY J. LE WIS

Q Why Choose Sandbox Financial Partners?

A We listen, understand, educate and take initiative to put

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JACKSON WILES, FINANCIAL PLANNING SPECIALIST

DAVID POWELL, FINANCIAL ADVISOR

CAROLINE DANGEL, CRPC, ASSOCIATE FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Ameriprise

Q What type of client do you specialize in?

Q What makes your client experience unique?

D AV I D B . H U R W I T Z , C F P, C R P C , C R P S , R I C P, A P M A , B FA , P R I VAT E W E A LT H A D V I S O R , CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PL ANNER

A Our typical clients are retirees who

A First and foremost, we listen. We learn

have accumulated between one million and twenty million in assets. These are intelligent people who want to work with an experienced professional in areas that they are not as knowledgeable in, such as financial planning, tax planning strategies, estate, and investment management. They want a trusted confidant who can help them achieve their goals and reduce the amount of time and stress associated with managing their finances. Our clients prefer to engage with us on an ongoing basis, so they can take periodic time outs to discuss their finances and then return to enjoying retirement.

about each of our clients—their goals and personal situation, and their personality and communication style. This enables us to personalize our advice and deliver it in the most impactful way. We have a structured process that addresses our clients’ financial and emotional needs, and we always endeavor to make things as easy as possible. Our proactive service model is designed to help our clients cut through the noise while staying informed about the markets, tax planning and estate-tax laws. Our services are delivered by a team of professionals; each having a defined role and areas of specialty. We do all the heavy lifting, and our goal is to unburden our clients and help them make confident financial decisions, so they can get back to living and enjoying their lives.

We shape financial solutions for a lifetime 4800 Montgomery Ln., Suite 620 Bethesda, MD 20814 301-263-8509 david.b.hurwitz@ampf.com Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. Client experiences may vary. Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal H I L A R Y S C H WA B ; C O U R T S E Y P H O T O S

ANDREA NOEL RODRIGUEZ, CRPC, CLIENT SERVICE MANAGER

advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation.

Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.

Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Member FINRA and SIPC.

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A S H L E Y I D D I N G S , C I M A , C P WA , M A N A G I N G D I R E C T O R ; R O B I N D O B B S , C F P, S E N I O R V I C E P R E S I D E N T; M I C H È L E WA LT H E R T, C F P, CRPC, MANAGING DIRECTOR Wealthspire Advisors is an independent advisory firm small enough to provide customized service while large enough

Q What services does your firm provide?

A Ashley: We are fiduciary advisors who lead with financial planning, taking a collaborative and consultative approach to wealth management. We’re dedicated to guiding people through every stage of their financial lives. Our insights and support help them navigate major life changes such as retirement, divorce and widowhood.

to offer world-class resources. Putting

Q What makes your client experience unique?

people’s needs and aspirations first, the

A Michèle: We believe our approach to

practice is centered on optimizing its

helping clients should be customized and that our services should involve the highest level of attention and care. We work hard to establish trust with our clients. It’s the foundation of what we do.

Robin: We recommend at least quarterly meetings at the onset; after that it’s a personal preference. We love for clients to stay engaged and for there to be a

clients’ finances and making a positive difference in people’s lives.

12435 Park Potomac Ave., Suite 500 Potomac, MD 20854 301-383-8861 wealthspire.com

healthy, ongoing flow of communication between us so we can step in quickly to assist them as needed.

Q What made you want to become a financial advisor?

A Ashley: I knew I wanted to focus on helping people with their money. This profession provided me with a unique opportunity to use my quantitative and more creative problem-solving skills while allowing me to build meaningful relationships with people.

Q What do you find most satisfying about your work?

A Michèle: The “a-ha!” moments are very powerful—and empowering. When something “clicks” for a client and we see their confidence build so that they’re able to make informed decisions about their money—that is one of the most rewarding things about what we do.

TONY J. LE WIS

Wealthspire Advisors

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Burt Wealth Advisors M A R I A C O R N E L I U S , C F P, E X E C U T I V E V I C E PRESIDENT "We become a lifelong financial partner to each client, helping them navigate their finances and investments to achieve their life goals and live their best life," says Maria Cornelius. Burt Wealth Advisors was named among the Top Financial Experts in Washingtonian

MICHELLE WODZINSKI CA PERS

Magazine from 2020 to 2023.

6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 500 North Bethesda, MD 20852 301-770-9880 mcornelius@burtwealth.com burtwealth.com For information on awards criteria please see https://burtwealth.com/disclosure-documents and click on awards criteria.

Q Why choose Burt Wealth Advisors?

A Our boutique firm has served the

Q How do you measure success?

A Every client is different and through

metro area for more than 30 years. We partner with our clientele, offering an all-in-house service that encompasses retirement, tax, estate, and investment management, including social security maximization, Medicare filing, and longterm- care planning. We listen carefully, as the subject of money is very personal, and clients can be emotional when talking about financial goals or dealing with the financial markets.

All our advisors are Certified Financial Planners (CFPs), a certification that requires in-depth expertise and education in many areas including investments, insurance, taxes, and estate planning.

All CFPs of Burt Wealth work together as a team. When you’re a client, you’re being supported by a robust group of knowledgeable professionals.

our fiduciary-led, objective advice we can help all types of clients who are seeking financial freedom. In a world of one-sizefits-all financial advice, our advice is custom and specific to every client.

The underlying goal in everything we do is creating peace of mind. We engage all clients in the financial planning process. I love seeing the “lightbulb” go off when a client begins to understand an investment concept for the first time or finally sees a pathway to financial freedom and retirement that they didn’t know existed. With that, they’re more confident and more empowered to live their best life.

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PR OF IL E S

Financial Professionals Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

specialize in?

ERIK A L . MA RINO, VICE PRESIDENT

A We work with clients who typically own

“B. F. Saul has the knowledge and relationships with specialty insurers to meet the complex insurance needs of businesses, families and individuals, giving them more time to do the things they love. As unfortunate as claim situations are, I find solace in knowing my clients are properly protected should the unexpected happen.”

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Q What type of client do you

homes valued at over $2 million, have multiple properties, high-end vehicles, collections of art, jewelry or wine, and need umbrella insurance limits of more than $5 million. We can be most helpful to those clients paying at least $10,000 a year for all their insurance policies (home, auto, valuables, umbrella, watercraft) combined.

Q What is the biggest challenge in your job?

A The current insurance market poses the biggest challenge for us. Increases in natural disasters nationwide are resulting in large losses for insurance carriers, higher premiums, and more and more carriers leaving the homeowners insurance market altogether. Today, affordable homeowners insurance can

be difficult to find. As an independent insurance agent, we represent many insurance carriers and work hard to find the policy that best meets our clients’ needs—at a reasonable rate.

Q What piece of advice do you get asked most often and what is your answer?

A It’s critical for high-net-worth individuals to carry umbrella policies— policies that offer liability coverage over and above what their other policies offer—and to be sure they have adequate coverage. We continually get asked, “How much umbrella insurance do I need?” The answer isn’t black and white. It depends on your risk tolerance, lifestyle, assets and a variety of other factors. It’s best to reach out to us for a thorough evaluation so that we can assist you in determining the most appropriate limit.

LISA HELFERT

B. F. Saul Insurance

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Will Travel for Food For these Montgomery County residents, the search for thrilling dining experiences is the road to happiness

BY DAVID HAGEDORN

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA SADKA

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Dr. Youssef Obeid in Copenhagen, Denmark, outside Noma, which often tops “best restaurants” lists

r. Youssef Obeid was on a business trip to Germany seven years ago when he decided to heed a friend’s suggestion to skip the Munich beerhouses and head an hour south of the city to dine at Restaurant Überfahrt in the Althoff Überfahrt hotel on Lake Tegernsee. It turned out to be life-altering advice for Obeid, a Rockville resident and prosthodontist with a practice in Chevy Chase; he had always been interested in food and wine, but this experience, which he shared with his girlfriend at the time, was on another level. It was his first visit to a place that had earned the highest accolade—three

stars, designating “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey”—from the French-based Michelin Guide, the dernier mot of food criticism among fine-dining aficionados.

Service staff greeted Obeid and his companion by name on arrival, proffering glasses of Champagne and welcoming them into the elegant dining room, a study in beige. Amuse-bouches before the nine-course, 249€ (around $273) tasting menu arrived at the table in the form of a 3-foot-tall pine tree from which pine cones and edible cubed and spheroid snacks dangled. A second offering, a cheese spread presented

“The staff saw my excitement, and the food kept coming, one amazing dish after the other, more than what was ordered.”

—DR. YOUSSEF OBEID

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PHOTOS COURTESY YOUSSEF OBEID

From top: Obeid with Chef Hans Neuner in Ocean’s kitchen in southern Portugal; the summer salad served to Obeid at Azurmendi in Spain

on a rock and decorated painstakingly with herbs and tiny greens to resemble moss, was like taking a walk in the forest. “I was like a kid in a candy store,” says Obeid, 53. “The staff saw my excitement, and the food kept coming, one amazing dish after the other, more than what we ordered. It was wintertime, and the smell of truffles throughout the dining room was intoxicating.”

The master sommelier gave a crash course in superlative German wines, along with vintages from Spain, Chile and Portugal. The chef at the time, Christian Jürgens, visited Obeid’s table and offered the couple a tour of his pristine kitchen. When Obeid mentioned after dinner that Slyrs, a Bavarian distiller, was coming out with its latest 12-year-old malt whisky, Jürgens pro-

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From top: Hiša Franko in Soca Valley in Kobarid, Slovenia; Obeid with the cooking staff at Geranium restaurent in Copenhagen, Denmark

duced a bottle he had recently procured, and poured freely. “Überfahrt” means “crossing” in German, a passage from one place to another, a fitting metaphor for Obeid’s arrival in the fine-dining world, where he intends to stay. “After that experience, I was hooked,” he says. “When I returned to the States, I started planning my next trip.”

Since then, Obeid’s eating travels

have taken him to, among other places, Portugal (for restaurants including Vila Joya, Casa de Chá da Boa Nova and Ocean); Denmark (Noma, Geranium); Spain (Akelarre, Azurmendi, Asador Etxebarri); France (Mirazur, La Chèvre d’Or, Le Saint-Martin); Slovenia (Hiša Franko) and Italy (La Leggenda di Frati, Enoteca Pinchiorri, Dario Cecchini, Osteria Francescana).

The langoustine soup at Akelarre in San Sebastian, Spain

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ome people spring for Terra Club tickets to the Nats, which may set them back about $500 a pop per game. Others take theater trips to New York, where orchestra seats on Broadway easily go for over $300 a seat. Obeid and other local foodies (a moniker they accept proudly) prefer their adventures edible, whether seeking out establishments with Michelin stars, finding the best Indonesian joint or hiring a chef to prepare a lavish meal in their Airbnb rental. “I used to go to cities for monuments,” Obeid says. “Now I focus on the dining.”

For these folks, food is the thing.

They’re the people—we all know them, and some of us are them—who use restaurants as landmarks when giving directions (Where’s Rockville City Hall? About three blocks from Bob’s Shanghai.) or come to life when you mention a city they’ve eaten in (Philadelphia? Have you been to Kalaya? You’ve GOT to go there!).

Take Behrad Behbahani, 38. A scroll through the North Bethesda business analyst’s Instagram feed (@behradeats) is a

culinary travelogue displaying visits to restaurants worldwide, among them La Cime, Ginza Ishizaki and Kashiwaya in Japan; Maito in Panama; Le Chique, Pujol, Máximo and Rosetta in Mexico; and Tadokoro in San Diego. After the multiweek European vacation Behrad and his wife, Zeeba Behbahani, took this summer, mouthwatering posts showed oysters on the half shell with pineapple and Nixta licor at Restaurant Dekxels (The Hague); a platter of smoked sausages with pickled pig knuckles at Wirtshaus Max und Moritz and Sichuan pigeon at Restaurant Tim Raue (Berlin); rabbit with garlic sauce at Café Imperial and brook trout with radishes at La Degustation Bohême (Prague); Alpine char with peaches at Steirereck (Vienna); octopus with cucumbers and mano at Essência Restaurant (Budapest); and delicate baklava at Hayvore (Istanbul).

Behrad has long been interested in food. While growing up in Montgomery County (he’s a Thomas S. Wootton High School graduate), going out to eat was a rare but exciting occurrence.

Rockville’s Timpano Italian Chophouse, which closed in 2017, was a favorite destination for veal parmigiana, but a visit to Café Atlantico in the District (also closed) was a turning point.

“They made tableside guacamole, which wasn’t ubiquitous at the time,” he recalls. “As a teenager, I was amazed that this kind of service existed. It stuck in my head.” As Behrad entered the workforce in downtown D.C., he’d follow neighborhood blogs and consult Washingtonian magazine’s list of the top 100 restaurants and try new places, taking advantage of Restaurant Week to indulge in the pricier locations.

Behrad started dating Zeeba in 2012.

Their first dining experience together was on Valentine’s Day that year at The Bombay Club in Washington. Zeeba shares her husband’s interest in restaurants, especially Asian establishments.

(Bob’s Shanghai 66, A & J Restaurant and Shanghai Taste in Rockville are among their favorites.) Together, they’d watch food-based shows and documentaries

From left: Behrad and Zeeba Behbahani dine at Mirador de Ulía in Spain’s Basque region; a tatin of corn and foie gras at Disfrutar in Barcelona

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on television, such as Jiro Dreams of Sushi and Netflix’s Chef’s Table series.

Anthony Bourdain’s books and shows, especially No Reservations and Parts Unknown, were inspirations. Behrad’s Instagram feed pays tribute to Bourdain with a quote from his 2000 breakout memoir, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly: “Life without veal stock, pork fat, sausage, organ meat, demi-glace or even stinky cheese is a life not worth living.”

The Behbahanis married in 2017 and honeymooned in Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain’s Basque Country. Known for its pintxo (bite-size snack) culture and concentration of Michelinstarred restaurants, the area is a hub for gourmands. Behrad’s Instagram feed is

“[Etxebarri] was just out of this world.

The countryside was incredible. Green rolling hills with fog rolling in.”

PHOTOS COURTESY BEHRAD AND ZEEBA BEHBAHANI

—BEHRAD BEHBAHANI filled with photos of multicourse meals at Mirador de Ulía, Mugaritz, Arzak and Nerua, the latter inside the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum. “Nerua was a standout experience because we booked the chef’s table, and it was just the two of us with the sous-chef and chef explaining the inspiration of each dish and how it related to the local scene,” Behrad explains. He recalls that the meal, which included such dishes as sea bass tartare with Iranian caviar, and lamb cheek and ear with cauliflower puree and sake, cost about 400€ ($438) for two, including a bottle of Txakoli wine. The couple returned to the Basque Country last year, dining at Elkano, Azurmendi and Asador Etxebarri. Nabbing tables at these exalted restaurants is a challenge, requiring planning up to a year in advance and being ready to act the moment the reservation slots are

released online, though it may be to no avail. “Etxebarri was difficult. When we got the time slot, you had to wire them 200€ ($219) per person from the bank for them to confirm. There was no way to send it online,” Behrad says. “But it was just out of this world. The countryside was incredible. Green rolling hills with fog rolling in. We were there for six hours, but the time flew.”

Obeid also waxes poetic about Etxebarri. “If you want to eat food in its purest form cooked by fire, this chef, Victor Arguinzoniz, is the guy. All the flavor comes from the fire, how close the food is to the fire. Salt is the only condiment.

And smokiness. He managed to grill caviar. Who does that? That was the place that I thought, This is what real cooking is all about. Real food cooked superbly in an amazingly great location worth traveling to.”

From top: Lobster at Azurmendi; the Behbahanis with Chef Patrick O’Connell at The Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Virginia

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Jon Lahey at Be Our Guest restaurant inside Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

“We watch Instagram reels of influencers, such as @hyperfoodies and @nomtasticdc, and figure out the restaurants we want to try for our Saturday night date nights.”

—JON LAHEY

Malaysian restaurant in Chinatown, Sushi on Jones in the West Village (a four-seat outdoor chef’s choice tasting menu-only sushi restaurant with a 45-minute time limit) and, in Flushing, Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao (for soup dumplings) and Joe’s Steam Rice Roll.

“Then we may stop by the barbecue carts in Chinatown for grilled skewers at 11 or 12 [at night]. My dad and I used to do that in Jakarta,” Melly says.

The Laheys—he’s 43, she’s 40—have lived in Montgomery County since 2006.

Jon owns his own real estate company, and Melly is an agent there. When Jon was in college at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, he fell into working as a mystery shopper in restaurants— he doesn’t remember how—and became hooked on dining out. He developed a taste for fine dining when a foodie friend with a per diem from her embassy job would take him on restaurant jaunts. One of the things that brought the Laheys together (they met in 2001 and married in 2008) was their mutual love for food. “We watch Instagram reels of influencers, such as @hyperfoodies and @nomtasticdc, and figure out the restaurants we want to try for our Saturday night date nights,” Jon says.

The Laheys are especially fond of Japanese food and will sometimes extend layovers in Japan just to eat on the way home from visiting family in Indonesia.

On one trip, they made the mistake of meeting up with friends from the States who weren’t foodies and wouldn’t eat sushi because of the recent Fukushima nuclear accident. “I understand their fear, but who goes to Japan and doesn’t eat sushi? It was really annoying, and

Jon is still bitter about it,” Melly says.

“But we ended up enjoying great udon, dipping ramen and okonomiyaki [cabbage pancake] with them.”

“I was irked,” Jon confirms. “We did have sushi, just not with them.”

The couple raves about Kame Omakase, a sushi restaurant in Las Vegas they visited in 2019 and 2022. Last year’s signature omakase ($500 per person) of sashimi, appetizers, sushi, premium hand rolls and other dishes included a cavalcade of high-end luxury ingredients, including live lobster and shrimp, toro (fatty tuna), Hokkaido uni (sea urchin), aka-yagara (prized red cornetfish, which have a long, narrow body and an equally long flutelike mouth), caviar, truffles, foie gras and A5 Japanese wagyu beef, the highest grade. They leave the kids with sitters when going out for lavish dinners and date nights. “I only take them to low-key places,” Melly explains. “They have expensive tastes. They already love toro and uni.

We’d go broke if I took them out for that!”

LEFT PHOTOS COURTESY JON AND MELLY LAHEY; RIGHT PHOTOS COURTESY JAMIE AND JOHN PARRECO

t’s not unusual for Jon and Melly Lahey, both of whom are originally from Indonesia, to put their 10-yearold daughter and 6-year-old son in the car and head to Philadelphia for a day of eating, leaving their Rockville home at 10 a.m. and returning late at night. “Everything’s about food for us,” Melly says, laughing. “Philly is the hub of Indonesian food, and we go there probably once a month for that. We love Hardena [in South Philly] and a to-go place called Sky Cafe, and one called Martabak Ok for dessert and snacks,” she says. Other haunts include Suraya Market, Restaurant & Garden in Fishtown for Middle Eastern fare, Kalaya for Southern Thai, Penang for Malaysian and, for pizza, Angelo’s Pizzeria. New York City is a frequent food destination for overnight trips. The Laheys are fans of Nyonya, a

Sushi chefs at Kame Omakase in Las Vegas making Maine lobster sashimi (below)

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hen John and Jamie Parreco, Rockville residents since 2012, started dating in 2001, they wanted to do the normal dating thing— trying new restaurants—but there was a problem. “I was closed-minded about food,” Jamie says. “When I was growing up in Long Island, what my mom didn’t like, we didn’t eat. She didn’t like strawberries, so we didn’t eat them.”

Jamie’s go-to dish in restaurants was penne alla vodka, until John called her out for always ordering it and induced her to try new things. On a trip to New Zealand in 2005, Jamie had an epiphany in an Indian restaurant. “I remember it like it was yesterday, sitting there thinking, We should do more of this. I finally woke up to this world of food,” she says, suddenly ruing a lifetime of eating “meatloaf on Mondays and Subway sandwiches.” A foodie was born.

In 2007, the couple, who had been dating long distance, bought a condo in Kensington. They were young (Jamie is 41; John is 40) and didn’t have a lot of money, but went to places

like Food Wine & Co. (now closed), Olazzo and Persimmon. They’d try more expensive restaurants in D.C. during Restaurant Week. As their careers and salaries grew, so did their food budget, which allowed them to try places such as Pineapple & Pearls, Rose’s Luxury, Tail Up Goat and The Dabney, all in Washington. Their first tasting menu experience was at Komi (now closed)

in September 2012, celebrating Jamie’s 30th birthday. That dinner inspired an idea for the upcoming Valentine’s Day. Rather than sitting in a packed restaurant with an expensive prix fixe menu, Jamie hired professional chef Danny Boylen II and his Takoma Parkbased company, Cogito Ergo Sauté, to cater dinner for 10 in her home just before Valentine’s Day. “I Googled different chefs and liked his vibe. He’s super easy to work with and likes to impress but not act like a know-it-all chef.” Boylen has catered this nowannual event, which has grown to 12 guests, around Valentine’s Day every year since, sending guests home with a lasagna to enjoy on the actual holiday.

Jamie took the personal chef idea on the road. She and John travel for work frequently (she’s a meeting planner for a D.C.-based medical association; he’s in acquisitions) and make an effort to wind up in the same place at the same time, extending work trips into vacations.

Miso-glazed Chilean sea bass prepared by a personal chef for the Parrecos in Sonoma, California

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Above: The kitchen of an Airbnb the Parrecos rented in Sonoma, California, to celebrate John’s birthday. The couple hired a personal chef to prepare dinner for 12 there.

That night’s menu included a doughnut strawberry shortcake (below left) and boneless beef short rib (below right).

“I remember it like it was yesterday, sitting there thinking, We should do more of this.

I finally woke up to this world of food, [suddenly ruing a lifetime of eating] meatloaf on Mondays and Subway sandwiches.”

—JAMIE PARRECO

Michelin restaurant in Washington, Virginia. Other names that pop up are Sushi Nakazawa, the 2-star Michelin restaurant Jônt, and 1-star Xiquet, all in Washington, D.C., and plenty of Montgomery County restaurants, among them Chadol Korean BBQ, Spanish Diner, Silk Road Choyhona, Yekta and Kenaki Sushi. But when it comes right down to it for these pleasure seekers, there’s no place like not home.

“If you were to tell me that there is a spot open tomorrow at Noma [in

PHOTOS COURTESY JAMIE AND JOHN PARRECO

In March, to celebrate John’s 40th birthday, they rented an Airbnb in Sonoma, California, with other friends and, through the recommendation of the Airbnb host, hired chef Linda McCulloch and her company, Cuisine by Lela, to prepare dinner for 12.

“You get to enjoy the people you’re traveling with and the house you rented,” Jamie explains. “You don’t have to worry about Ubers and drinking, and it’s great to come back from [wine] tastings and have there be someone cooking in the kitchen.” The menu included three bites (ahi poke; brown sugar bacon and mini grilled cheese; and caramelized onion galette); an amuse-bouche (Dungeness crabcake); a wedge salad; a sea bass and short ribs duo; and a doughnut strawberry shortcake. The five-course meal cost $150 per person for food, plus tax, gratuity and $200 for a server. A wine pairing would have been $75 per person had they not brought in wine from wineries they had just visited. Jamie also hired a chef for a girls trip to Puerto Rico in January, and for a trip she took with John to Costa Rica in April. (When they travel, the Parrecos typically leave their two children, ages 2½ and 14 months, with a nanny and sitters.)

All of these foodies also enjoy partaking in the DMV’s food scene. Several have been to The Inn at Little Washington, chef Patrick O’Connell’s 3-star

Denmark] or Etxebarri [in Spain] and there’s a plane leaving at 7,” Obeid says, “I would gladly go there, have dinner and come back the next night.”

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Gift Guide

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

t h e mo s t w on d er fu l t i m e o f the y e ar Discover the magic of the holiday season at Cabin John Village.

Unique gifts, festive flavors and special memories await.

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@CABINJOHNVILLAGE

ALL-NATURAL AND SPECIALTY FOODS OVER 112 LOCAL VENDORS CRAFT BEER & WINE BAR and

CATERING

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A one stop site to find creative, artistically crafted repurposed, uncommon, green and ingeniously made wares for everyday use.

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Melt away holiday stress with a spa experience tailored to your needs

Best. Gift. Ever.

Gift cards available online northbethesda.woodhousespas.com 2 PASEO DR. NORTH BETHESDA, MD 20852 | (240) 317-3114

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HOME HOME TOUR

This painting serves as a reminder of the owner’s Bermuda origins.

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Island Time

COURTESY KELLEY PROXMIRE INTERIOR DESIGN + GTM

A Bermuda-born homeowner puts her love of color and pattern to elegant use BY JENNIFER BARGER

F

or a house built and decorated during some of the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hilary Cusack’s 6,500-square-foot colonial in Bethesda’s Bradley Manor feels like a bright and joyful retreat. “I asked to be surrounded by beauty and serenity in a nest that would comfort me,” says Cusack, a homemaker originally from Bermuda who relocated from Concord, Massachusetts, to be close to two of her four adult children who live in this area.

Location drew her to purchase the site of her new home, which shares a back fence with the home of her eldest daughter, son-in-law and their three young children. But the house that was already there didn’t work for her—the 1960s colonial had cramped rooms and a prominent two-car garage. So, after buying the property in 2019, Cusack opted to tear it down and start fresh, living with her daughter’s family for 18 months while the new house was built.

“She wanted a place with curb appeal, a good connection to the outdoors, and space for her out-of-town family to stay when they visit,” says Luke Olson of GTM Architects, the Bethesda firm Cusack tapped to dream up a five-bedroom, five-bath, two-story neoclassical house with an impressive front portico. “It’s arched and has decorative glass, which ties into an arched doorway inside,” Olson says. “It creates a sense of purpose.”

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HOME HOME TOUR

In the great room, designer Kelley Proxmire mixed reupholstered pieces (the green velvet chair, the shieldback armchair) with new items, such as a sectional sofa in a tweedy herringbone.

When visitors step inside, they enter a showstopping two-story foyer with a curving stairway that sweeps up the right wall before turning to meet the open second-floor landing. At the back of the entry hall, Olson’s barreled archway leads to a cozy great room.

“With that arch, which is flanked by paneling and doors, we created a seamless transition from a highceilinged room to the lower-ceilinged den,” says Adam Goozh, co-founder of Chesapeake Custom Homes & Development, the Kensington company that executed GTM and Cusack’s vision. “It creates this warm, nice detail as you move from room to room.” Wallpaper in Thibaut’s Easom Trellis print and a vintage settee upholstered in a green and white Gastón y Daniela fabric both ground the entry space.

Three mini wings branch off from the foyer: a primary bedroom suite and library/home office for Cusack to the left, a formal dining room to the right, and, at the back of the house, a great room, screened-in porch and what Olson calls “a pretty substantial kitchen that acts as a day-to-day dining space.”

At the top of the swooping stairs, GTM kept the open landing bright with a bank of three windows. The space doubles as a reading nook (with a window seat flanked by built-in bookshelves) and as a connection to the four en suite bedrooms and laundry room upstairs. “It all works so well, because the house fills up with my children and grandchildren around the holidays,” Cusack says.

To decorate the interiors, Cusack employed Kelley Proxmire after finding the Bethesda designer’s website.

“I’m kind of formal-fancy, I don’t have a run-of-the-mill Ethan Allen style,” Cusack says. “I liked how Kelley

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COURTESY KELLEY PROXMIRE INTERIOR DESIGN + GTM

“I like light and color, and since this kitchen doesn’t get morning sun, I knew it had to be white,” says Hilary Cusack of the sleek space. In her formal dining room, a green and blue painting of Bermuda inspired the decor, particularly the verdant grass cloth wallpaper.

elevated my kind of mix.” Cusack, who was born and raised in Bermuda, felt she’d discovered a kindred spirit who loved colors and prints as much as she did.

The pair started working together during COVID lockdowns in 2020, when Cusack would drive to Proxmire’s house and meet with her from a distance. “I didn’t even get out of my car; I’d just roll down the window,” Cusack says. “Kelley and her assistant wore masks and sat at a card table in her front yard to present their ideas.”

Proxmire was inspired by her client’s classical style and island heritage. “On the dining room wall, there’s a landscape painting by Bermuda artist Sheilagh Head in blues and greens,” Proxmire says. “The whole project jumped off from that.”

That formal dining room, where Cusack now hosts Thanksgiving for her clan (she has three daughters and one son, plus eight grandchildren), was wallpapered in a green grass cloth. Other riffs on Head’s dreamy painting: a pair of generous host chairs upholstered in Schumacher’s Arborvitae fabric, and crisp white drapes trimmed in an ocean blue Samuel & Sons applique tape. “Kelley had to talk me into some of the trims in the house, but I think they add something special,” Cusack says.

Throughout the home, “we worked with a lot of the furniture she already had, reusing things by refinishing or reupholstering them,” Proxmire says. In the dining room, there’s a vintage sideboard repainted in a muted gray, and the home office holds a beloved lounge chair and ottoman that Proxmire refreshed with a springlike

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green Kravet velvet, finished with blue cording. “I live in this space, and mainly in this chair, with my computer or a book,” Cusack says.

Wallpaper, a constant in the project, lines the backs of the office’s built-in bookcases. Artwork from the owner’s world travels fills the room—a wooden Brazilian wildcat under the delicate desk, a papyrus print of an ancient Egyptian goddess on the wall. “This is my power room, and that’s Isis,” Cusack jokes.

A small private hallway connects the office to Cusack’s primary suite, one of two in the house. “She wanted a ground floor owner’s suite, but we also did one upstairs for resale value,” Olson says. The suite on the first floor holds a clean-lined, all-white bathroom, outsize walk-in closet, and a large bedroom overlooking the spacious backyard.

In that boudoir, Proxmire brought in the greens from the rest of the house as well as a serene pink. “Hilary loved these Lee Jofa toiles, which are so in and so retro,” Proxmire says. A new headboard upholstered in Jofa’s Floral Bouquet plays off a vintage bench recovered in emerald velvet, along with the window curtains in Schumacher’s small-scale Duma Diamond print in white and green cotton.

“It’s a very restful room, and it helps that she had fantastic art from Bermuda to hang in there,” Proxmire says.

An extra-deep window seat is flan ed by built-in bookshelves. It was designed with Cusack’s grandkids in mind, and many shelves hold kids books.

COURTESY KELLEY PROXMIRE INTERIOR DESIGN + GTM

HOME HOME TOUR

Let us help you find your place in the world.

FOR SALE

13117 Lutes Drive, Silver Spring $755,500

SOLD

3039 Macomb St. NW #16 $325,000

SOLD

9039 Sligo Creek Pkwy #612 $325,000

LEASED

5906 River Road $4,800

#1 BROKERAGE IN THE U.S. AS OF 2022 CLOSED SALES VOLUME. SOURCE: REALTRENDS 3/16/22

The Calkins Group of Compass Licensed in DC | MD | VA M: 240.501.1424 O: 301.304.8444 thecalkinsgroup.com Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. All measurementsand square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. 7200 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 100 Bethesda, MD 20814

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Small landscapes of buildings and shorelines tie the bedroom to Cusack’s island heritage. “All of those pictures have stories, whether it’s a painting of a cottage my family owned or prints by Bermuda artists,” Cusack says.

The open floor plan space at the rear of the house features multiple windows overlooking the backyard.

Goozh outfitted the generously proportioned all-white kitchen with cabinets from Hagerstown Kitchens and Mara Blanca quartz countertops. “She asked for a white space that didn’t feel cold,” he says.

Proxmire added outsize drum pendants from Visual Comfort and upholstered stools in a vinylized fabric (better for smaller kids) to pull up to the kitchen island. “There’s room for everyone in the big open kitchen, particularly with such a large multifunctional island. It’s been great with my grandchildren for everything from making rock candy to rolling homemade pretzels,” says Cusack, who says she spends a lot of time in the kitchen. “I love the deep Rohl sink and the induction cooktop—it has clean lines and a quick boil point.” The window over the sink is framed with a valance in Thibaut’s Mitford fabric. A matching wallpaper went up in the adjoining laundry room—yep, the house has two—which does double duty as a mudroom.

The kitchen adjoins the informal dining area and a great room. The great room’s fireplace faces a new Kravet/Lee Jofa sectional sofa in a camel-colored herringbone tweed as well as armchairs Proxmire redid in—what else?—an island green.

Just a few feet away, a screened-in porch outfitted with sofas and decorated with an oversize plate Cusack purchased in Italy is both a private retreat and the site of occasional family celebrations. “During the pandemic, we had Christmas dinner out here all wrapped up in coats,” she says.

Best of all, the porch has a terrific view of the arched garden gate between Cusack’s backyard and her daughter’s. It’s a whimsical feature Cusack wanted to re-create after seeing one in The Secret Garden on Broadway. “That’s the emotional heart of the home,” she says, “seeing that every day.”

Jennifer Barger is a local design and travel writer. Follow her on Instagram @dcjnell.

Care TO

LIVE WELL

At Montcordia, we provide Concierge Companion Care & Aging Life Care Management services to discerning clientele so they can live independently with style and dignity. Call us today for a private consultation and discover how you or your loved ones can enjoy all of life’s precious moments — from the comfort of home.

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S HO W C A S E

Kitchen & Bath

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Kitchen & Bath Studios Inc. 7001 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301-657-1636 | designnow@kitchen-bathstudios.com kitchenbathstudios.com

BIO Kitchen and Bath Studios has built a reputation for being the premier design center in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Our showroom features five cabinet lines that provide a vast selection of styles finishes and price points. Contact us today and receive a free design layout with expert consultation from one of our six designers on staff.

Top photo is a beautiful contemporary in custom stain slab door cabinets and lower photo is traditional inset white paint by Christiana Cabinetry. Our spacious showroom displays cabinets from Christiana Cabinetry, Signature, Crystal, Executive and Designers Choice. We have counter tops in stone, wood, stainless steel, Quartz and Corian.

Our experienced designers include Nancy Kotarski, NCIDQ; Karen Hourigan, CKD; Jerry Weed, CKD; Peggy Jaeger, CKD, ABD; and Jordan Weed, CKBD. Call for a free consultation, Monday-Friday 9-5, Saturday 10-3.

COURTESY PHOTOS

OUR WORK

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Kitchen & Bath

S HO W C A S E

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens 12223 Nebel St., Rockville, MD, 20852 jack@rosenkitchens.com | 240-595.6732 BeautifulRosenKitchens.com

BIO As Bethesda Magazine’s only Five-Time Winner for Best Kitchen Design Firm, Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens, Inc., continues to be one of the most renowned kitchen design firms in the Washington, D.C. area. Offering custom cabinetry for culinary, closets, entertainment and work-from-home spaces, with outstanding service for over 41 years.

COURTESY PHOTOS

OUR WORK Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens is widely recognized for creating spaces with synergy – designed just for you. The photo at the top shows a modern kitchen with sleek cabinetry, a custom glass wine wall and a waterfall island featuring an eat-in countertop.

The second photo shows the complementary floor-to-ceiling wet bar perfect for social gatherings. Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens, Inc., believes every award-winning space should be laid out to fit one’s lifestyle and serve as the central hub for gathering, entertaining or working from home.

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Kitchen & Bath Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

KONST Union 7550 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 110 | Bethesda, MD 20814 301-654-7810 | konstunion.com

BIO KONST Union is the Washington, D.C. metro area’s trusted source of exclusive bathroom furniture and fixtures. Our innovative showroom brings to North America a curated selection of luxury European bath brands, including Fantini, Effegibi, Noorth, Artelinea and Crosswater London. Come experience first-hand the innovative style, comfort and precision manufacturing that distinguish the fine art of bathroom design.

A contemporary bathroom from Noorth goes beyond aesthetics and functionality to delve deeper into the true meaning of individual comfort and well-being. Turning to nature as its main source of inspiration, the Italian manufacturer reinterprets the aesthetics of the Japanese bath with its Azuma Collection. Here, the wallmounted double vanity in warm wood conceals spacious drawers with a simple open shelf beneath for additional storage and display.

The tub’s contrasting silky smooth finish recalls pebbles polished by water, while the cork stool stands like a rock in a Zen garden.

Together, the dialogue between volumes, surfaces and lines translates into a sophisticated and timeless elegance where fluid shapes only appear to be simple and are always modern.

NOORTH MILLDUE EDITION

OUR WORK

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Kitchen & Bath

S HO W C A S E

Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

KONST SieMatic 7550 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 130, Bethesda MD 20814 301-657-3800 | konstsiematic.com

BIO SieMatic is the exclusive source for the leading German cabinet manufacturer in the D.C. metro area. Our flagship showroom features three distinct style collections—Pure, Classic and Urban—each with its own array of design elements and materials. You’ll also find such coveted brands as Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele, Gaggenau, Zip Water and The Galley.

COURTESY PHOTOS

OUR WORK SieMatic’s meticulous attention to detail can be seen in every element of its new Mondial collection. Each detail has been carefully considered to enhance your culinary experience and elevate your lifestyle. Here, the harmonious blend of textures and finishes—from the contrasting lacquer cabinets to the dramatic marble surfaces to the glass and brushed metal accents—ensures equal parts personal style and functionality.

Less visible but just as innovative, precision engineering delivers hard-working cabinetry with creative storage solutions that promise clutter-free organization, while the seamless integration of modern technology brings a new level of convenience to daily routines. Each component has been designed to create a space that is both visually stunning and highly functional, making it a joy to cook, entertain and gather with loved ones. Timeless aesthetics and impeccable craftsmanship make Mondial a true investment in luxury and longevity.

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Kitchen & Bath Special A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Chesapeake Kitchen Design 8001 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 102, Bethesda, MD 20814 301-652-7880 | chesakitdes.com

BIO Chesapeake Kitchen Design has been helping Washington area homeowners transform their kitchens and bathrooms into luxurious new spaces for over 40 years. From stylish and expansive kitchens that are perfect for entertaining to ornate and spa-like bathrooms, our team has completed a wide range of luxury remodeling projects throughout the greater Washington D.C. community.

With Chesapeake Kitchen Design, it has never been easier to get your luxury remodeling project off the ground. We offer free in-home estimates to discuss your project with you, measure your space, and help you make informed decisions for a perfect remodeling experience.

All our projects are assigned a construction crew including a site foreman who is in daily contact with the project coordinator. Together they coordinate the flow of materials and job specialists to ensure a smooth installation.

We proudly employ the most experienced remodelers and custom cabinet installers in the area. As a fully licensed and insured remodeling contractor, we deliver a seamless installation for all your project’s furnishings including custom cabinetry from our trusted manufacturers, natural stone countertops, lighting, fixtures, flooring, backsplashes and more. Our team operates in a clean, organized workspace that protects your property and minimizes disruption to your home’s privacy and comfort.

COURTESY PHOTOS

OUR WORK

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HOME WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Wildwood/ Lone Oak

270 200

Suburban living with commuter convenience

Wildwood/Lone Oak 495

BY CAROLYN WEBER

Bethesda’s Wildwood and Lone Oak neighborhoods are

bounded by Interstate 270 on the east and north, Old Georgetown Road on the west and Interstate 495 on the south.

Grosvenor Lane divides the two areas.

The ZIP code is 20814.

COURTESY FEDERAL REALTY

AMENITIES Easy access to so many major roadways, including Route 355, makes these neighborhoods convenient for commuting downtown or up I-270, and the GrosvenorStrathmore Metro station is close by, too. The Wildwood Manor swimming pool is another attraction. Nestled in a wooded site, it has a competitive swim team and an active social calendar, and will undergo a full pool renovation in the coming year. Westfiel Montgomery mall, with more than 120 stores, is just up the street, and The Ratner Museum is located on the corner of Lone Oak Drive and Old Georgetown Road and showcases local artist Phillip Ratner’s sculpture, painting, graphic arts and etched glass work. The children in the neighborhoods attend public schools at nearby Ashburton Elementary School, North Bethesda Middle School and Walter Johnson High School.

VIBE The family-friendly suburban location has sidewalks for safe stroller and dog walking. Fleming Local Park has a playground, tennis and basketball courts, a ball field and a pavilion with picnic ables—and it’s on the Bethesda Trolley Trail, a hiker and biker path that connects Rockville to downtown Bethesda.

HOUSING STOCK The houses in Wildwood Manor are primarily midcentury brick ramblers and split-levels, with a newer enclave, Wildwood Estates, built on the north side of the neighborhood in the late 1990s.

There is more new construction in Lone Oak, as many of the older Cape Cods and small colonials are being razed to make way for larger and modern farmhouse-style homes.

Grosvenor Heights is a luxury townhome community built in the last decade.

LANDMARKS The most popular spot in the neighborhoods is The Shops at Wildwood on Old Georgetown Road. It’s the upscale HOME SALES DATA

16

HOMES SOLD FROM JAN. TO AUG. 2023

11

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

home to Balducci’s gourmet market, Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream & Treats, several casual restaurants—such as Fish Taco and Flower Child—with outdoor seating, and boutiques including Red Orchard and Indigo Octopus, as well as banks, a barber shop, a dry cleaner and Starbucks, of course.

COMING SOON The Mercury at Wildwood, a new mixed-use development adjacent to The Shops at Wildwood, will feature 60 apartments above retail, restaurants and parking. It is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024.

$1.224M

MEDIAN SALE PRICE

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HOME BY THE NUMBERS

AUGUST’S MOST EXPENSIVE

HOME SALES

Data provided by

A peek at one of the area’s most expensive recently sold houses SALE PRICE:

SALE PRICE:

LIST PRICE: $4.25 MILLION Address: 12815 River Road, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 65 Listing Agency: Washington Fine Properties Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 4/1

LIST PRICE: $2.7 MILLION Address: 6828 Granby St., Bethesda 20817 Days on Market: 4 Listing Agency: Compass Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 5/1

SALE PRICE:

$6.8 million

LIST PRICE: $7 MILLION Address: 3953 52nd St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016 Days on Market: 27 Listing Agency: Washington Fine Properties LLC Bedrooms: 7 Full/Half Baths: 5/1

SALE PRICE:

$5.8 million

LIST PRICE: $5.45 MILLION Address: 6207 Garnett Drive, Chevy Chase 20815 Days on Market: 413 Listing Agency: Premier Properties Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 6/1

SALE PRICE:

$3.85 million

LIST PRICE: $3.95 MILLION Address: 10809 Red Barn Lane, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 45 Listing Agency: RE/MAX Realty Services Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 7/1

SALE PRICE:

$3.7 million

LIST PRICE: $3.85 MILLION Address: 10622 Alloway Drive, Potomac 20854

Days on Market: 37 Listing Agency: Taylor Properties Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 7/3

SALE PRICE:

$3.27 million

LIST PRICE: $3.4 MILLION Address: 5626 Macarthur Blvd. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016 Days on Market: 50 Listing Agency: Thos D. Walsh Inc. Bedrooms: 7 Full/Half Baths: 6/1

SALE PRICE:

$3.12 million

LIST PRICE: $3.2 MILLION Address: 5445 Potomac Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016 Days on Market: 33 Listing Agency: Compass Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 4/1

SALE PRICE:

$2.93 million

LIST PRICE: $3.1 MILLION Address: 5106 Wilson Lane, Bethesda 20814 Days on Market: 59 Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 6/1

$2.91 million

SALE PRICE:

$2.89 million

LIST PRICE: $2.89 MILLION Address: 5208 Danbury Road, Bethesda 20814 Days on Market: 2 Listing Agency: Douglas Elliman of Metro DC Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 5/1

SALE PRICE:

$2.76 million

LIST PRICE: $2.68 MILLION Address: 11300 Glen Road, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 321 Listing Agency: Fairfax Realty Select Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 6/3

SALE PRICE:

$2.71 million

LIST PRICE: $2.8 MILLION Address: 3308 Winnett Road, Chevy Chase 20815 Days on Market: 357 Listing Agency: Realty Advantage Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 5/1

SALE PRICE:

$2.65 million

LIST PRICE: $2.65 MILLION Address: 4554 Klingle St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016 Days on Market: 5 Listing Agency: Washington Fine Properties Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 4/1

COURTESY HRL PARTNERS AT WASHINGTON FINE PROPERTIES

$3.9 million

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SALE PRICE:

SALE PRICE:

SALE PRICE:

LIST PRICE: $2.7 MILLION Address: 7404 Ridgewood Ave., Chevy Chase 20815 Days on Market: 19 Listing Agency: Long & Foster Real Estate Inc Bedrooms: 4 Full/Half Baths: 4/1

LIST PRICE: $2.39 MILLION Address: 1 Oaklyn Court, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 16 Listing Agency: TTR Sothebys International Realty Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 4/1

LIST PRICE: $2.3 MILLION Address: 10207 Iron Gate Road, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 6 Listing Agency: Washington Fine Properties Bedrooms: 4 Full/Half Baths: 6/1

$2.59 million

$2.39 million

$2.3 million

SALE PRICE:

SALE PRICE:

SALE PRICE:

LIST PRICE: $2.48 MILLION Address: 8535 W Howell Road, Bethesda 20817 Days on Market: 181 Listing Agency: Rory S. Coakley Realty Inc. Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 6/1

LIST PRICE: $2.4 MILLION Address: 5915 Lone Oak Drive, Bethesda 20814 Days on Market: 2 Listing Agency: RE/MAX Realty Services Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 5/0

LIST PRICE: $2.25 MILLION Address: 4244 Alton Place NW, Washington, D.C. 20016 Days on Market: 73 Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 3/1

$2.49 million

$2.38 million

SALE PRICE:

SALE PRICE:

LIST PRICE: $2.2 MILLION Address: 3404 Livingston St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20015 Days on Market: 2 Listing Agency: Compass Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 3/1

LIST PRICE: $2.35 MILLION Address: 4549 Chelsea Lane S, Bethesda 20814 Days on Market: 0 Listing Agency: Non-Subscribing Offic Bedrooms: 4 Full/Half Baths: 5/0

$2.43 million

$2.34 million

$2.3 million

SALE PRICE:

$2.23 million

LIST PRICE: $2.23 MILLION Address: 6407 W Halbert Road, Bethesda 20817 Days on Market: 19 Listing Agency: Rory S. Coakley Realty Inc. Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 4/1

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AND PROVEN RESULTS IN TODAY’S MARKET, LET’S TALK!

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Carolyn Sappenfield, Principal 5607 ROOSEVELT ST, BETHESDA, MD 20817 6BR/5.5BA • 5,285 SF • $2,510,054 • BROUGHT BUYER

SO

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8509 HEMPSTEAD AVE, BETHESDA, MD 20817 5BR/3.5BA • 3,500 SF • $1,540,000

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Licensed in MD, DC & VA

240.353.7601 Carolyn@CarolynHomes.com Scan for our listings!

7204 SELKIRK DR, BETHESDA, MD 20817 4BR/6BA • 5,961 SF • $1,475,000

8302 WOODMONT AVE #703, BETHESDA, MD 20814 2BR/2.5BA • 1,994 SF • $1,400,000

RE/MAX Realty Services • Bethesda Row • 301.652.0400 • 4825 Bethesda Avenue #200 • Bethesda, MD 20814 23 Carolyn Homes-Bethesda-OCT.indd 1

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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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HOME BY THE NUMBERS

BY ZIP CODE

REAL ESTATE TRENDS AUG. 2022

20015 (Upper NW D.C.) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

13 $1.5 Mil. 9 6 6 12

20016 (Upper NW D.C.) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

20814 (Bethesda) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

20815 (Chevy Chase) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

20816 (Bethesda) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

20817 (Bethesda) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

AUG. 2022

AUG. 2023

Number of Homes Sold 2 $649,950 Average Sold Price Average Days on Market 5 0 Above Asking Price Below Asking Price 0 0 Sold Over $1 Million

1 $835,000 1 1 0 0

AUG. 2023

12 $1.5 Mil. 8 5 5 12

20 $2.2 Mil. 19 6 11 20

16 $2.3 Mil. 38 4 11 15

15 $1.6 Mil. 12 6 4 11

14 $1.8 Mil. 23 1 11 12

22 $1.9 Mil. 11 11 7 20

19 $1.7 Mil. 51 11 8 15

22 $1.5 Mil. 9 12 8 19

13 $1.6 Mil. 10 6 5 11

40 $1.6 Mil. 15 18 16 33

29 $1.6 Mil. 18 15 8 25

20818 (Cabin John)

20832 (Olney)

Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

20850 (Rockville) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

20851 (Rockville) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

19 12 $800,894 $805,541 23 16 8 3 11 7 3 1

25 $875,775 21 9 11 7

12 $897,995 11 10 2 4

13 6 $492,692 $548,754 19 16 5 3 7 2 0 0

20852 (North Bethesda/Rockville) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

20853 (Rockville) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

14 $975,716 14 4 6 6

9 $749,322 9 5 3 1

26 $647,697 15 10 13 1

16 $680,500 10 11 5 1

AUG. 2022

AUG. 2023

55 $1.3 Mil. 22 20 28 38

32 $1.7 Mil. 26 17 12 28

11 $782,581 10 6 3 2

10 $753,660 7 8 1 2

20854 (Potomac)

Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

20855 (Rockville)

Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

20877 (Gaithersburg)

Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

11 9 $573,863 $567,211 16 10 3 6 5 1 0 0

20878 (Gaithersburg/North Potomac)

Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

27 26 $989,755 $1 Mil. 10 20 12 16 11 7 8 12

20879 (Gaithersburg)

Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

11 3 $700,940 $515,333 13 9 5 2 4 1 2 0

20882 (Gaithersburg)

Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

15 10 $804,498 $866,549 9 16 8 7 5 2 5 3

256 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | MOCO360.MEDIA

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AUG. 2022

20886 (Gaithersburg) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

20895 (Kensington) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

AUG. 2022

AUG. 2023

20901 (Silver Spring)

18 12 $627,444 $662,006 11 13 8 9 4 1 0 0

Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

18 $611,730 17 9 8 0

20902 (Silver Spring)

24 18 $827,625 $1.1 Mil. 19 39 9 9 12 8 4 8

Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

24 $613,562 19 15 8 0

AUG. 2022

AUG. 2023

20910 (Silver Spring)

25 $690,686 34 14 6 1

Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

12 $775,250 12 5 3 0

20912 (Silver Spring)

21 $596,944 15 12 6 0

Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

8 $673,137 8 5 1 1

AUG. 2023

8 $756,612 11 6 1 1

9 $1.1 Mil. 13 4 1 5

Information courtesy of Bright MLS, as of Sept. 15, 2023. The Bright MLS real estate service area spans 40,000 square miles throughout the mid-Atlantic region, including Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. As a leading Multiple Listing Service (MLS), Bright serves approximately 85,000 real estate professionals who in turn serve more than 20 million consumers. For more information, visit brightmls. com. Note: This information includes single-family homes sold from Aug. 1, 2023 to Aug. 31, 2023, as of Sept. 15, 2023, excluding sales where sellers have withheld permission to advertise or promote. Information should be independently verified. Reports reference data provided by ShowingTime, a showing management and market stats technology provider to the residential real estate industry. Some sale and list prices have been rounded.

An offer for new or existing Citi banking customers

$500 off

typical fees and expenses due at final closing

an interest rate discount for the life of the loan

Ask how you can take advantage of Mortgage Relationship Pricing

for the love of

Enjoy a discount with Citi’s Mortgage Relationship Pricing *

-OR-

feeling right at home. for the love of progress

SM

Avi Katzoff Home Lending Officer 240-593-2814 avi.katzoff@citi.com citi.com/avikatzoff NMLS# 540392

Isabel Caicedo Home Lending Officer 202-445-6391 isabel.caicedo@citi.com citi.com/isabelcaicedo NMLS# 482303

* Citi Mortgage Relationship Pricing — A Citibank deposit account is required to receive the interest rate discount or closing cost credit.

Automated monthly transfers of the mortgage payment from a Citibank Deposit Account using automated drafting will be required. Actual interest rate discount or closing cost credit will depend on the level of the Citi Eligible Balances, which will be verified after final loan approval.

Deposit Account Balances must be in the account five (5) Business Days following final loan approval and Investment Account balances must be in the account six (6) Business Days following final loan approval. Citi eligible accounts include a personal, consumer Citibank Deposit Account in which the borrower is a direct signer, Citibank IRAs, and Investments held in linked Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“CGMI”) accounts. The borrower must be an account holder on investment accounts. IRA and annuity positions shown on linked CGMI Account statements are eligible (except tax qualified annuities under sections 401, 403, or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code). Balances from Citibank Business / Commercial accounts, ERISA accounts, Keogh accounts, Bank Collateral accounts, Foreign accounts, Fiduciary accounts, and Trust accounts where the borrower is only listed as the Beneficiary are excluded. All Custodial type accounts are excluded with the exception of Custodial IRA accounts through Citibank or Pershing LLC where the borrower(s) is the beneficiary, which are eligible unless otherwise noted. Citibank IRAs that are not linked to a Citibank Deposit Account are excluded.

The closing cost credit offer will be applied at closing and may not be used prior to closing. In Texas, the credit may not result in you receiving cash back.

If you are interested in Citi’s banking account relationship offers, please contact your Home Lending Officer or Mortgage Representative. Speak to your loan officer about whether the relationship offer is best for you.

Citi Eligible Balance

Relationship Pricing Benefit

$1 – $49,999.99

$500 off closing cost

$50,000 – $199,999.99

1/8% (0.125%) off interest rate

$200,000 – $499,999.99

1/4% (0.250%) off interest rate

$500,000 – $999,999.99

3/8% (0.375%) off interest rate

$1,000,000 – $1,999,999.99

1/2% (0.500%) off interest rate

$2,000,000 or more

5/8% (0.625%) off interest rate

Citibank Mortgage Relationship Pricing for Citibank account holders can only be applied prior to loan closing and is subject to account and balance validation. Citibank Mortgage Relationship Pricing is subject to change without notice.

Glossary of terms for this offer: Business Day means Monday through Friday and does not include federal holidays; Eligible Balances means total funds showing in the account at the time we verify the balances less any funds we determine you will need for a down payment or closing costs; Deposit Account means a Citibank personal checking and/or savings account as well as certificates of deposit and money market accounts; Investment Account means IRAs and investments held in Citigroup Global Markets Inc. accounts.

Terms, conditions and fees for accounts, programs, offers, products and services are subject to change without notice at any time. Offer may be modified or withdrawn at any time without notice. Offer cannot be combined with other offers, except when applied with specific Community Lending Programs. Offers are not applicable on Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit. This is not a commitment to lend.

This offer contains information about U.S. domestic financial services provided by Citibank, N.A. and is intended for use domestically in the U.S. Investment products are offered through Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“CGMI”), Member SIPC (http://sipc.org). Citibank and CGMI are affiliated companies under the common control of Citigroup Inc.

© 2023 Citibank, N.A. NMLS# 412915. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. Citi, Citi and Arc Design and other marks used herein are service marks of Citigroup Inc. or its affiliates, used and registered throughout the world.

322802 - Bethesda Magazine Ad.indd 1

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PRIVATE SCHOOLS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Private Schools

OOL

DES

A • GR

H • SC

DER

N • GE

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IO CAT • LO

ION LAT U P R T PO CHE IZE DEN TEA SS / U S T T A N S L GC TAL UDE • ST RATIO • TO • AV

Academy of the Holy Cross

9-12

Girls

Kensington

400

14

11:1

Auburn School

K-8

Co-ed

Silver Spring

Barrie School

3 months-Grade 12

Co-ed

Silver Spring

65

10

380

16

10:2 Lower School, 13:1; Middle-Upper School, 10:1

Bullis School

K-12

Co-ed

Potomac

1020

15

7:1

Geneva Day School

2 yrs-K

Georgetown Hill Early School

Infant/Toddler, 2 yrs-K

Co-ed

Potomac

165

18

6:1

Co-ed

Bethesda/ Chevy Chase

120

Varies by age

Varies by age

Green Acres

3 yrs-Grade 8

Co-ed

North Bethesda

160

11

7:1

The Harbor School

PS 2-Grade 3

Co-ed

Potomac

70

11

6:1

Lowell School

PK-8

Co-ed

Washington, DC

330

18

9:1

The Maddux School

PK-2

Co-ed

Rockville

45

10

4:1

McLean School

K-12

Co-ed

Potomac

495

10+

7:1

Primary Day School

PK-2

Co-ed

Bethesda

144

16

8:1

The Siena School

5-12

Co-ed

Silver Spring

150

10

10:1

The Siena School, Virgina Campus

3-12

Co-ed

Oakton, VA

50

10

10:1

The Siena School, Satellite Campus Opening 2024

3-4

Co-ed

Silver Spring

30

10

10:1

St. Jane de Chantal

PK-8

Bethesda

300

PK: 16; K-8: 19

16:1

Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

PK-12

Bethesda

774

16

11:1

Washington Episcopal School

PK3-Grade 8

Co-ed Co-ed PK-K Girls 1-12 Co-ed

Bethesda

330

14

7:1

We believe success starts with respecting children and honoring their individuality.

We believe an engaged learning community has to be authentic, inclusive, and diverse.

We believe in the power of progressive education.

We are Lowell School. www.lowellschool.org admissions@lowellschool.org Helping children love learning since 1965.

Lowell is a co-ed PK–8th school in Washington, DC.

258 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | MOCO360.MEDIA

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Essential Information on

N

FF SA

U

IGIO

EL •R

TIO ILIA

M FOR

NI •U

S • BU

ION TS) UIT UDEN T T T S WE AY S • LO (5-D

18 Independent Schools

N ITIO L TU 12 A U N E • AN GRAD

ES

UAG

ANG NL D G I RE RE • FO OFFE

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

TE

BSI

Catholic

Yes

Ride-On $30,450

$30,450

Spanish, French, Latin

None

No

No

Please inquire

N/A

No

Yes

$21,480

N/A $36,210 (includes books)

None

Yes

Yes

$41,250

$54,540

None

No

No

$8,600

N/A

N/A Spanish, French, Independent Study French, Spanish, Latin, Mandarin Spanish, Chinese, Sign Language

None

No

No

Varies by age

N/A

None

No

Yes

$21,000

None

No

No

None

No

None

No

E •W

E

HON

•P

AcademyOfTheHolyCross.org 301-942-2100 TheAuburnSchool.org

301-588-8048

Barrie.org

301-576-2800

Bullis.org

301-299-8500

GenevaDaySchool.org

301-340-7704

Spanish

GeorgetownHill.com

301-527-1377

N/A

Spanish

GreenAcres.org

301-881-4100

$16,000 half-day

N/A

Spanish

TheHarborSchool.org

301-365-1100

Yes

$23,115 (half-day)

N/A

Spanish

LowellSchool.org

202-577-2000

No

$38,000

N/A

N/A

MadduxSchool.org

301-469-0223

McleanSchool.org

301-299-8277

None

Yes

Yes

$44,000

$56,000

Spanish, Latin, American Sign Language

None

No

No

$28,900

N/A

Spanish

ThePrimaryDaySchool.org

301-365-4355

None

No

No

$48,426

$49,755

Spanish

TheSienaSchool.org

301-244-3600

None

No

No

$48,426

$49,755

Spanish

TheSienaSchool.org

703-745-5900

None

No

No

$48,426

N/A

N/A

TheSienaSchool.org

301-244-3600

Roman Catholic

Yes

No

$10,125

N/A

Spanish

DeChantal.org

301-530-1221

Catholic

Yes

Yes

$31,900 (PK-K)

$44,900

Spanish, French, Latin

StoneRidgeSchool.org

301-657-4322

Episcopal

Yes

No

$15,000

$40,000

Spanish, French, Latin

W-E-S.org

301-652-7878

MOCO360.MEDIA | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 259

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PRIVATE SCHOOLS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Experience The Maddux School Magic!

Register for a Tour!

November 2 & 30 December 7

Pre-K through Second Grade

Small classes in nurturing environment Flexible, differentiated instruction Innovative curriculum and teaching methods Targets social skills, academic success and self- esteem Integrated support for different learning styles

Building Strong Foundations for Learning and Friendship www.MadduxSchool.org 260 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | MOCO360.MEDIA

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Celebrate

HAPPINESS

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1123_Full page ad template.indd 29

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PRIVATE SCHOOLS

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11931 Seven Locks Road Potomac, MD 20854 301 340 7704 genevadayschool.org

Enriching curriculum. . .

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We will grow with you.

Maryland Green School

Readers' Pick Best Preschool 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014 & 2012 Finalist 2023

New Family Registration Begins January 8th!

ST. JANE DE CHANTAL SCHOOL

OPEN HOUSE November 10 th Januar y 29 th

Now offering bilingual programs!

Pl ea s e reg i s ter v i a em a i l : CTOM SH EC K@D EC H A N TA L .O R G

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262 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | MOCO360.MEDIA

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PRIVATE SCHOOLS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CARING | CHALLENGING | COMMUNITY Bullis School inspires students to be critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and impactful global citizens.

Grades K-12

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MOCO360.MEDIA | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 263

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PRIVATE SCHOOLS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

this is who we are Evening Open House eursday, November 16 6:30–8:30 pm (Adults Only)

For information contact the Admission OOce: 301-365-4355 or admission@theprimarydayschool.org

The Primary Day School educates boys and girls during the four most important learning years of their lives, helping children ourish academically, socially and emotionally.

Empowering leaders to serve with faith, intellect and confidence.

OPEN HOUSE

MIDDLE SCHOOL (Grades 5-8) • Friday, November 10, 2023 LOWER SCHOOL (Pre-K-Grade 4) • visit our website for Gator Gatherings We are an all-girls grades 1-12, Catholic, independent school, with co-educational Pre-K and Kindergarten, located in Bethesda, Maryland.

Bus transportation is available throughout the Washington metropolitan area.

www.theprimarydayschool.org Bethesda, MD

Now accepting applications for the 2024-25 school year

WWW.STONERIDGESCHOOL.ORG

Opening Grade 3 in Silver Spring for 2024!

Join us for a campus tour or an upcoming open house to learn more about our Montessori and Project-Based Learning programs.

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264 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | MOCO360.MEDIA

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268

272

An HIV cure may start with a new local company

CEO Pat Pacious on tough lessons learned

PHOTO COURTESY AMERICAN GENE TECHNOLOGIES; BRIAN TAYLOR

WAGSHAL’S: NOW IN BETHESDA / LOCKHEED MARTIN IS HIP / HELP FOR LOCAL SMALL BIZ

Shannon Ho of Gaithersburg in front of stationery she designs for her own company, Peach & Paperie PAGE 270

PHOTO BY LOUIS TINSLEY

1123_BIZ_opener.indd 265

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BUSINESS ROUNDUP

BY JULIE RASICOT

Fashion Statement

A HELPING HAND Local small businesses financiall impacted by the ongoing construction of the light-rail Purple Line are receiving aid from Montgomery County through a state-funded grant program, according to county officials

$5K

GRANTS FROM THE ROUGHLY $1 MILLION GRANT PROGRAM WERE AWARDED IN THREE PHASES.

$545 THOUSAND

WAS AWARDED TO 109 BUSINESSES IN EARLY 2022 AND THE SPRING OF 2023 DURING THE FIRST TWO PHASES.

20

IS THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES A BUSINESS COULD HAVE TO APPLY FOR ONE OF THE GRANTS.

Who could have guessed that wearing the logo of

Former auto repair garage and gas station Bonfield s is now home to Wagshal’s Grand Bodega in Bethesda. Wagshal’s is a D.C.-based deli and market offering gourmet goods.

Wagshal’s Bets on Bethesda

Wagshal’s, the D.C.-based deli and gourmet market, has launched its fi st Montgomery County location in a Bethesda building with a history as storied as its own. Wagshal’s Grand Bodega opened Aug. 24 in the vintage former home of Bonfield’s, a 1920s auto repair garage and gas station at 6124 MacArthur Blvd. that operated for roughly 70 years.

The newest location of Wagshal’s, itself in business since 1925, offers a combination of the products and services available at its various D.C. locations, including a meat and seafood market, fresh produce, a deli, prepared meals and Pitmasters Back Alley BBQ. The distinctive look of the former auto repair garage long ago caught the eye of Bill Fuchs, Wagshal’s owner and president, whose family bought the food business from the Wagshal family in 1990, according to Wagshal’s Family of Fine Foods CEO Jay Comfort. Comfort says Fuchs noticed the building when he was commuting from Northern Virginia after buying Wagshal’s. Decades later, the building went on the market and Fuchs bought it.

“It was really kind of love at first sight,” Comfort says.

Montgomery County’s $6.7 billion operating budget for the fi cal year that began on July 1 and ends

30, 2024, includes investments that stand to affect the local economy. Spending increased in INVESTING IN MOCO onsomeJuneareas and decreased in others when compared with the budget of the previous fi cal year.

ALCOHOL BEVERAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF TECHNOLOGY & ENTERPRISE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

$52.2 MILLION (UP 2.4%)

$70.7 MILLION (UP 3.6%)

FUNDING FOR URBAN DISTRICTS $11.5 MILLION (UP 11%) MONTGOMERY COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP. $6 MILLION (DOWN 3%) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND $3.45 MILLION (DOWN 13.5%) COUNTY BUSINESS INCUBATORS AND ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIPS $3.2 MILLION (DOWN 24%) WORKSOURCE MONTGOMERY $2 MILLION (DOWN 8%) Source: Montgomery County government. Some numbers and percentages have been rounded.

266 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | MOCO360.MEDIA

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the world’s largest defense contractor could be a hip style move? That seems to be the case in South Korea, where Doojin Yanghang Co. is offering an online streetwear collection featuring Bethesda-based Lockheed Martin Corp.’s logo and even illustrations of its F-35 figh er jets and other military products.

Lockheed Martin, according to the company, works with Equity Management Inc. on licensing agreements, and the agency arranged the company’s pact with Doojin, which has relationships with several global brands.

The streetwear taps into a trend in South Korea that features apparel sporting the logo of brands that have nothing to do with fashion, such as CNN, National Geographic and Yale University, according to published reports.

Fashionistas can check out the streetwear line at lockheed martinapparel.co.kr, where models sport T-shirts, hats, hoodies and pants in shades of white, gray and black. Prices start at about $44 for a T-shirt.

PHOTO BY DEB LINDSEY

10/11/23 10:30 AM

Jennifer Parker Porter, MD, FACS Owner and Medical Director 2023 Bethesda Magazine Best Cosmetic Surgeon Winner Jigar Sitapara, MD Wilmina Landford, MD

www.chevychaseface.com 7201 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 515 Bethesda, MD 20814 301-652-8191

Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery_v2.indd 1 1123_Full page ad template.indd 37

10/10/23 11:15 AM 10/10/23 4:02 PM

BUSINESS BIOTECH

American Gene Technologies CEO Jeff Galvin

Rockville biotech company could be helping thousands in its backyard BY ELIA GRIFFIN A functional cure for HIV is the goal of Addimmune, a new spinoff company

of Rockville-based biotech American Gene Technologies (AGT).

“Think about how that’s a dream come true for nearly 40 million people in the world and 1.2 million people in the United States,” says Jeff Galvin, AGT’s CEO and the expected future CEO of Addimmune, in reference to statistics from, respectively, the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Institutes of Health defines a functional cure in this case as

“the long-term control of HIV replication without treatment.”

AGT has spent the last 15 years developing gene and cell therapies and running programs for immuno-oncology and a cure for phenylketonuria, an inherited metabolic disorder. Addimmune was launched in June after AGT’s successful—if small—Phase 1 clinical trial of its single-infusion HIV gene therapy, AGT103-T. Creating Addimmune as a spinoff allows the company to accelerate research and focus resources on future clinical trials, Galvin says.

There are thousands of people in Addimmune’s backyard hoping for a cure.

In Montgomery County, more than 3,600 people were living with HIV at the end of 2021, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

Melvin Cauthen, the administrator for HIV/STI services at Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services, says funding from a federal initia-

tive, Ending the HIV Epidemic, has helped the county address the health issue. The county is working on making its clinics and services visible and accessible to those in need of care.

Cauthen says that when it comes to the research and development of treatments and cures for HIV, county officials keep an eye on the latest news but ultimately look to the CDC for guidance.

“Right now, we’re focused on making sure that [people living with HIV] are healthy while the folks who are working in the labs are coming up with hopefully what will be a cure,” Cauthen says.

Results from AGT’s Phase 1 trial were published in November 2022 in Frontiers in Medicine, a peer-reviewed scientific journal for medical advancement. Thirteen participants with HIV were enrolled in the trial.

Published results from the Phase 1 trial show no serious adverse events were

COURTESY AMERICAN GENE TECHNOLOGIES

Mission: Curing HIV

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IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MORE THAN 3,600 PEOPLE WERE LIVING WITH HIV AT THE END OF 2021.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023 | $4.95

FALL ARTS | THE HOMESCHOOLING TREND | HAUNTED HISTORY | MOCO'S HUNGER PAINS

Brooke Eby, 34, takes the fight against Lou Gehrig's disease

– MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

to social media

observed among participants and 100% of participants demonstrated an active immune response to HIV, even after they stopped taking HIV treatment (antiretroviral therapy).

According to Addimmune, its gene and cell therapy modifies the genes of HIVinfected CD4 T cells to prevent HIV infection, reduce depletion of the CD4 cells and prevent infected cells from releasing new HIV virus particles. Per the National Institutes of Health, CD4 T cells coordinate the body’s immune response but HIV destroys CD4 cells, thus weakening the immune system.

Galvin explains that scientists use a lentivirus—an RNA virus commonly used in gene therapy—to modify the CD4 cell by stripping a receptor off the cell’s surface that HIV uses as a door handle to get inside.

According to Galvin, there is a long path ahead as its work moves through the regulatory process to prove to the Food and Drug Administration that the therapy is safe and effective.

This year, AGT submitted the final report of the Phase 1 trial to the FDA and is now concentrating on the next steps toward a Phase 2 clinical trial, which is expected to begin in late 2024 to early 2025, according to a spokesperson for Addimmune. The Phase 2 trial will seek to further evaluate the potential effects of AGT103-T on immune response in a larger patient population.

Since the regulatory process can take years, a spokesperson for Addimmune was hesitant to put a deadline on when a cure might be available, but says in a statement, “Our team of dedicated scientists and researchers is diligently working on this critical challenge.”

Meet six risk-takers who are breaking barriers and changing the world

2 YEARS (12 ISSUES) OF

BETHESDA MAGAZINE FOR ONLY $16.00 MOCO360.MEDIA/SUBSCRIBE CODE: HAD923

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BUSINESS MADE IN MOCO

Owner Shannon Ho has had a passion for paper since she was in middle school.

Punny Business As other teens were glued to their PlayStations

or focused on racking up friends on their MySpace pages, a young Shannon Ho was discovering her passion for greeting cards.

“My love for snail mail started back in middle school,” says Ho, who grew up in Olney and attended Farquhar Middle School and Sherwood High School.

“My friends and I would always be the ones in charge of making cards for the graduating seniors in our youth group, and I always thought it was so special to be able to create and give from the heart.”

Fast forward to 2017, when Ho put her career in public health communications on hold to start Peach & Paperie, a wedding stationery company.

Three years later, she expanded her product line to include greeting cards. “Peach” in the company name is a subtle nod to summertime—seasons spent with best friends creating those cards.

“I think it is kinda fun and unexpected to receive

a card in the mail these days, especially with technology,” says Ho, now 32 and a calligrapher and stationery designer who lives in Gaithersburg. “My cards are meant to bring a smile to whoever sees them.”

Peach & Paperie’s products offer lighthearted messages, often with puns, and original, whimsical art (picture a graduation card with a grinning llama wearing a mortarboard and diploma, along with the words “Congrats on Your Dip-Llama!”). There are cards for birthdays, holidays, graduations, thank yous or just because. Even a get-well card emblazoned with a frowning waffle wearing a hot water bottle and the message “Sorry You’re Feeling Waffle.”

“My most popular one is probably a birthday card that has a corgi on it that says ‘Go Shorty—It’s Your Birthday,’ ” Ho says. “People also love a baby card

TOP PHOTO BY LOUIS TINSLEY; PHOTO COURTESY SHANNON HO

The MoCo company Peach & Paperie creates cards and stickers with a wink BY DAWN KLAVON

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that says ‘Congrats on the Little Dumpling’ and it has a picture of three little dumplings.”

Though she never studied art formally, Ho says it was always a creative detox from her 9-to-5 jobs.

Many of her cards revolve around her Chinese culture, with a number of her illustrations based on Asian food, such as sushi stickers on a sheet titled “That’s How We Roll,” and sushi notepads that say “Soy Many Things To Do.” Juggling her daughter, Millie, who was born in June, Ho works alone out of her home, first compiling ideas for products and sketching out illustrations on her iPad. Next, she uses Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to lay out everything on her computer before sending it to her printer.

“My husband usually helps me behind the scenes and at the [craft] markets,” she says of Joe Ho, her spouse of five years. “He’s also the pun approver of the business.”

Peach & Paperie products are available at Gaithersburg’s Locally Crafted store, at the website peachandpaperie.com, at online wholesale marketplace Faire, and in various shops across the country.

“I THINK IT IS KINDA FUN AND UNEXPECTED TO RECEIVE A CARD IN THE MAIL THESE DAYS.” – SHANNON HO, FOUNDER OF PEACH & PAPERIE The company sells about 1,000 cards a year, and Ho hopes to expand to more shops across America in 2024. In addition to greeting cards, wedding stationery, notepads, gift tags, magnets and stickers, Ho offers watercolor paintings of homes and customized stationery. Cards cost $5 each, and bundles of six can be purchased for $25.

Look for Ho’s cards at the Locally Crafted Makers Market on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rio in Gaithersburg. Peach & Paperie will also have a booth at outdoor markets at Mosaic in Fairfax, Virginia, on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 16-17.

“People just pick them up and giggle—they think they’re adorable,” says Heather Luxenberg, co-owner of Locally Crafted. “They’re punny without being offensive.” Adds co-owner Stacey Hammer, “Customers smile when they see her products.”

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BUSINESS WHAT I KNOW

“ YOU’RE HUMILIATED IN FRONT OF EVERYBODY BECAUSE YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO BE THE GUY IN CHARGE. IT’S 2 O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING AND YOU CAN’T SEE THINGS OTHER THAN LIGHTS OR BLIPS ON A RADAR SCREEN.”

Navy, “lost the bubble.” Ships were moving everywhere, and I had no idea what we were doing or what we were going to do next. And the embarrassing thing is when you have to call the commanding officer and say, “I need you up here on the bridge.”

‘ My Biggest Mistake—and What I Learned From It’ Pat Pacious is president and CEO of Rockville-based Choice Hotels International, which counts some 625,000

rooms in 7,400 hotels in 45 countries and territories. As one of 11 children growing up in Montgomery County, Pacious (who declined to provide his age) realized a Navy ROTC scholarship was key to paying for college, which is how he came to learn a hard lesson as a young officer in charge of a ship in the dead of night. Here’s what he learned when he “lost the bubble.”

One of the biggest things that happened to me that has been key to managing my career happened in the Navy. You

get qualified in the Navy to stand on the bridge of the ship and maneuver it in a fleet exercise. This was probably my third or fourth time doing that, but I took the watch without being prepared. About 15 or 20 minutes in, I had, what they call in the

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You’re humiliated in front of everybody because you’re sup-

posed to be the guy in charge. It’s 2 o’clock in the morning and you can’t see things other than lights or blips on a radar screen, so it’s not obvious what’s happening out there. Where’s your ship in the fleet? Where is it supposed to be in the next move?

It’s a dangerous game: There are 450 people on that ship who are depending on me to make sure we don’t run into another ship or get in the wrong place. The consequences were major, and it was clear to me early on I better call the commanding officer and tell him I’m in over my head here.

That mistake really taught me. There’s an old adage, “prior

proper planning prevents poor performance”—there’s a Navy version that’s a little more salty—but it’s really about being prepared for when you are going to take on something that you haven’t done before. In our business today, if we’re going to do something major, it’s all about that prior planning and thinking a couple of moves ahead.

At the end of the day, the commanding officer said, “You did

the right thing. Calling me was the right thing instead of letting it cascade into a bigger problem.”

I’ve never forgotten that experience. I was probably 21 or 22

at the time. It’s a reminder to me that you learn from those mistakes and you say to yourself, Well, the next time I’m going to be better prepared. If there would be one mistake early in my career that really set me on a different trajectory, that would be it.

—As told to Buzz McClain

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