Bethesda Magazine: July-August 2015

Potomac Homeowners Take on Pepco | Review: Peter Chang in Rockville bethesdamagazine.com

july/august 2015 $4.95

July/August 2015

Biking Boom Cycling

Biking Boom | Power to the People | Chang’s in charge

isn’t just a workout.

For many, it’s a social outlet, an escape, even a way to get to work.

PLUS:

BethesdaMagazine.com

Has the Capital Crescent Trail gotten too crowded and dangerous?

chevy chase | gaithersburg | kensington | potomac | rockville | silver spring | upper NW Dc

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Shown - Wall Tiles: Dover Acero and Dover Line; Floor Tile: Chester Antracita; Washbasins: Ras; Bathtub: Ras

TILE

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Showroom: 11500 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD 20852 | Ph. 240.290.1120 Outlet / Warehouse: 701 Dover Road Unit B, Rockville, MD 20850 | Ph: 301.294.8193

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T H E

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J A N E

FA I R W E AT H E R

T E A M

SUCCESS REPEATS ITSELF

2014

Readers’ Pick, Best Realtor

Winner

Whether buying or selling a home, the sign that says SOLD is a neighborhood trend!

C

M

Y

5516 & 5518 ROOSEVELT STREET, BETHESDA, MD 20817

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4605 CHESTNUT STREET BETHESDA, MD 20814

7306 DURBIN TERRACE BETHESDA, MD 20817

SOLD - $1,570,000

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The Jane Fairweather Team

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STAYING AHEAD OF THE CURVE.

2

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W I S C O N S I N

C I R C L E

•

C H E V Y

C H A S E ,

M D

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WHO’ S

WATCH I NG O U T

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BETHESDA, MARYLAND

Elevate YOUR LIFESTYLE YOUR PRIVATE ROOFTOP TERRACE AWAITS. And you’ll discover it at Grosvenor Heights, Bethesda’s newest neighborhood. Beautifully situated in a wooded oasis, these distinctive elevator townhomes are within walking distance of Metro, the Shops at Wildwood, Rock Creek Park, and moments from so much more.

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Prices subject to change without notice. Renderings for illustrative purposes only.

Sales Center: 240-285-2338

MHBR #7084 MHBR #3552

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CRAFTED BY YOU, FOR YOU. Not everyone can be as fortunate.

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Life Is A Financial Adventure!

financial goals

At SPC,

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RJFS & SPC Financial, Inc., do not provide tax or legal advice. +Tax services and analysis are provided by the related firm Sella & Martinic, LLC through a separate engagement letter with clients. Sella & Martinic, LLC is independent of RJFS

© Copyright 2015

3202 Tower Oaks Blvd., Suite 400 Rockville, MD 20852 -4216

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— SECURITIES OFFERED THROUGH —

Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC

301-770-6800

www.spcfinancial.com

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tep inside The Palisades of Bethesda and you will immediately be surrounded by indescribable luxury and charming sophistication. Boasting a premier location on the corner of Cordell and Woodmont Avenues, this beautiful new

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866.995.0470 4918 SAINT ELMO AVENUE BETHESDA, MD. 20814

Bainbridge Bethesda’s high-rise apartments bring exquisitely appointed interior features to Woodmont Triangle. Sitting atop the building’s lofty 2-story lobby and amenity space, the studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments in Bethesda are filled with high-end features ranging from chef-caliber kitchens with granite countertops to floor-to-ceiling windows.

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Pictured (L to R): Frank Byskov,CFA®, CFP®, Portfolio Administrator; Stefanie Krzeminski, Client Services Specialist; Fletcher Perkins, CFA,® Portfolio Strategist; Jordan VanOort, CFA®, CFP®, Financial Advisor; David Clark, Financial Advisor; Robert Collins, Managing Director; Steve Cimino, Client Services Specialist; Stephen Clagett, Portfolio Administrator; Sally Mullen, Client Services Specialist; Kristian Price, Chief Operating Officer

Retirement Planning Estate Planning Strategies Educational Planning

Robert J. Collins

of Collins Investment Group has been named a Barron’s Top 1000 Financial Advisor for 2009-2013 and Top 1200 for 2014 and 2015

Access to Lending Services Through Wells Fargo Affiliates

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Barron’s Top 1000 Advisors and Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: The rankings are based on data provided by thousands of advisors and financial services firms. Factors included in the rankings were assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record, quality of practice and philanthropic work. Investment performance isn’t an explicit component.

Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network and its affiliates do not provide legal or tax advice. Any estate plan should be reviewed by an attorney who specializes in estate planning and is licensed to practice law in your state.

Investment and insurance products: NOT FDIC-Insured, NO Bank Guarantee, MAY Lose Value.

Investment products and services offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network (WFAFN), member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Collins Investment Group is a separate entity of WFAFN.

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Westfield Montgomery Mall www.hoamgar.com

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A

s members of Montgomery County Medical Society and MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society, these dedicated physicians have made an extraordinary commitment to caring for the residents of Montgomery County.

Our medical associations have been effective advocates for patients and physician practices for generations. We work to make sure you have access to quality medical care.

We encourage you to consider these physicians for your health care needs.

Shamima Abbas, M.D. Rafat Abbasi, M.D. Farah Abdulsalam, M.D. Jeffrey Abend, M.D. R. Marshall Ackerman, M.D. Cheryl Adackapara, M.D. Janet Adams, M.D. Gifty Afeta, M.D. Manish Agrawal, M.D. George Agritellis, M.D. Eligio Aguhob, M.D. Neda Ahmadi, M.D. Tolulope Akinyemi, M.D. Ella Akkerman, M.D. Zohair Alam, M.D. Gregory Alexander, M.D. Janette Alexander, M.D. Irfana Ali, M.D. Kashif Ali, M.D. Bonnie Allen, M.D. Nestor Alvarado, M.D. Dennis Amini, M.D. Alec Anders, M.D. John Anderschat, M.D. Anders Apgar, M.D. Michael Arenstein, M.D. Rebecca Aronson, D.O. Anuradha Arun, M.D. Sharmila Aryal, M.D. S. Salman Ashruf, M.D. M. Wagdi Attia, M.D. Carolyn Avery, M.D. Brian Avin, M.D. Benjamin Avrunin, M.D. Farzam Ayazi, M.D. Negash Ayele, M.D. Cheryl Aylesworth, M.D. Robert Badwey, M.D. Juan Baez, M.D. Lila Bahadori, M.D. Charles Bahn, M.D. Sima Bakalian, M.D. Husna Baksh, M.D. Murali Balakrishnan, M.D. Monica Bali, M.D. Joseph Ball, M.D. Betsy Ballard, M.D. Sevag Bananian, M.D. Bernard Band, M.D. Paul Bannen, M.D. Herbert Baraf, M.D. Jeanne Barbera, M.D. Joan Barkin, M.D. Neil Barkin, M.D. Maksim Barkinskiy, M.D. Ilana Bar-Levav, M.D. Jay Barnett, M.D. Helen Barold, M.D. Susan Baruch, M.D. Walter Basen, M.D. R. Martin Bashir, M.D. Raymond Bass, M.D. Lawrence Bassin, M.D. Mohammad Baten, M.D. Rajeev Batra, M.D. Michael Baum, M.D. Lainie Baumgarten-Hoover, M.D. Robert Baumgartner, M.D. Steve Behram, M.D. Luciano Belizan, M.D. Chanda Bell-Lamarque, M.D. Andrew Bender, M.D. Bradley Bennett, M.D.

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Oliver Bennett, M.D. Brenda Berberian, M.D. Sunjay Berdia, M.D. Brent Berger, M.D. Jessica Berger-Weiss, M.D.

Velma Casanova, M.D. John Casey, M.D. Maurice Cates, M.D. Michael Cetta, M.D. Srivasavi Chaganti, M.D.

Emma DiIorio, M.D. Howard DiPiazza, M.D. David Doman, M.D. Yanina Drawbaugh, M.D. Craig Dufresne, M.D. Amar Duggirala, D.O. Andrew Dutka, M.D. Kenneth Eckmann, M.D.

Shabnam Foroughi, M.D. Leighton Forrester, M.D. Carol Forster, M.D. Taryn Fortune, M.D. Kamala Foster, M.D. Julie Fox, M.D. Robert Fox, M.D. Acquanetta Frazier, M.D. Francis Freisinger, M.D. Tibor Frekko, M.D. Mary Frekko Kilavos, M.D. Janet Fried, M.D. Roy Fried, M.D. A. Jerry Friedman, M.D. Dennis Friedman, M.D. Evan Friedman, M.D. Roger Friedman, M.D. June Fusner, M.D. Jerome Gabry, M.D. Allen Gaisin, M.D. Albert Galdi, M.D. Vinu Ganti, M.D. James Gardiner, M.D. Antonio Gargurevich, M.D. Carl Gatto, M.D. Joseph Gebeily, M.D. Mulugeta Gebreegzi, M.D. Meaza Gebreselassie, M.D. Richard Gelfand, M.D. Mikhail Gendel, M.D. Robert Gerard, M.D. Gregory Gertner, M.D. Robert Gerwin, M.D. Majid Ghauri, M.D. Rita Ghosh, M.D. Walter Giblin, M.D. Kevin Gil, M.D. Robert Ginsberg, M.D. Caren Glassman, M.D. Mark Gloger, M.D. Alan Gober, M.D. Juvenal Goicochea, M.D. Howard Goldberg, M.D. Lindsay Golden, M.D.

Peter Hamm, M.D. Murray Hammerman, M.D. Brett Hampton, M.D. Sayeh Hamzehzadeh, M.D. John Hanna, M.D. Isis Hannallah, M.D. Ernest Hanowell, M.D. Robert Hardi, M.D. David Harding, M.D. Cyril Hardy, M.D. Tonya Hardy-Jones, M.D. Kalpana Hari-Hall, M.D. Brian Hatot, M.D. Kenneth Hauck, M.D. Chester Haverback, M.D. Christi Hay, M.D. Barry Hecht, M.D. Bernard Heckman, M.D. Jordan Heffez, M.D. Tania Heller, M.D. Ann Hellerstein, M.D. Stephen Hellman, M.D. Kalpana Helmbrecht, M.D. Ali Hendi, M.D. Mark Hendrix, M.D. Philip Henjum, M.D. Jennifer Hensley, M.D. Sandra Hershberg, M.D. Natasha Herz, M.D. David Higgins, M.D. Sorona Hila, M.D. Hugh Hill, M.D. Clifford Hinkes, M.D. Richard Hollander, M.D. Jayme Holstein, M.D. Nashwa Holt, M.D. Steven Hopper, M.D. Michael Horan, M.D. Michael Horberg, M.D. Marianna Horn, M.D. Michael Horn, M.D. I. Robert Horowitz, M.D. Rinelda Horton, M.D. Ebony Hoskins, M.D.

Purnima Joshi, M.D. Herbert Juarbe, M.D. Neil Julie, M.D. Kimberly Kader, M.D. Rachel Kaiser, M.D. Robert Kalfus, M.D. Joel Kalman, M.D. Manisha Kalra, M.D. Faisal Kamdar, M.D. Suvarnarekha Kammula, M.D. Vijay Kannan, M.D. Tony Kannarkat, M.D. Adilakshmi Kansal, M.D. Sue Kanter, M.D. Leon Kao, M.D. Steven Kariya, M.D. Leszek Karowiec, M.D. Robert Karp, M.D. Sean Karp, M.D. Thomas Kasper, M.D. David Katz, M.D. James Kaufman, M.D. Peter Kaufman, M.D. Steven Kaufman, M.D. Balbinder Kaur, M.D. Michael Keegan, M.D. Bruce Kehr, M.D. Patricia Kellogg, M.D. John Kelly, M.D. Eran Kessous, M.D. Marshall Keys, M.D. Nabila Khan, M.D. Madhu Khanna, M.D. Konstantin Khludenev, M.D. Brian Kim, D.O. Rickey Kim, D.O. Haeng Kim, M.D. Michael King, M.D. Kathryn Kirk, M.D. Mark Klaiman, M.D. Pavel Klein, M.D. Carol Kleinman, M.D. Robert Knox, M.D. Richard Ko, M.D.

Johny Edappully, M.D. Harrison Edgley, M.D. Arden Edwards, M.D. Jacqueline Eghrari-Sabet, M.D. Blair Eig, M.D. Mark Eig, M.D. Thomas Ein, M.D. Larry Einbinder, M.D. Mahmud Elbackush, M.D. Daniel El-Bogdadi, M.D. Jonathan Elias, M.D. Norton Elson, M.D. Ali Emamhosseini, M.D. E. W. Emanuel, M.D. Helene Emsellem, M.D. Joel Engelstein, M.D. Roselyn Epps, M.D. Jack Epstein, M.D. Todd Epstein, M.D. Angelo Falcone, M.D. Walter Fanburg, M.D. Christopher Farrell, M.D.

Robert Goldman, M.D. Ellen Goldmark, M.D. Marcia Goldmark, M.D. Michael Goldsmith, M.D. Howard Goldstein, M.D. Smita Gondhalekar, M.D. Benjamin Gonzalez, M.D. Michael Goodman, M.D. Joel Goozh, M.D. Atiya Gopalani, M.D. Antoni Goral, M.D. Ian Gordon, M.D. Shivan Gosine, M.D. Emily Gottlieb, M.D. Sheldon Gottlieb, M.D. Nakul Goyal, M.D. Rajiv Goyal, M.D. Martin Graf, M.D. David Granger, M.D. Hugo Graziani, M.D. David Green, M.D. Gene Green, M.D.

Jean Hou, M.D. Stuart Hough, M.D. Dominique Howard, M.D. Joseph Hsu, M.D. Harry Huang, M.D. Kathy Huang, M.D. Steven Humburg, M.D. Stephen Humm, M.D. Bradley Hunter, D.O. Adrian Hurley, M.D. Mahrukh Hussain, M.D. Joseph Hutter, M.D. David Hwang, M.D. Erica Hwang, M.D. Leon Hwang, M.D. Cheryl Iglesia, M.D. Philip Iorianni, M.D. Plomarz Irani, M.D. David Irwin, M.D. Fredrick Isaacs, M.D. Michael Isaacson, M.D. Vasantha Iyengar, M.D.

Kathleen Farrell, M.D. Nicholas Farrell, M.D. Brent Faulkner, M.D. Behnaz Fayazi, M.D. Bruce Feldman, M.D. Irene Feldman, M.D. Jules Feledy, M.D. Edward Feroli, M.D. John Ferrell, M.D. Irwin Feuerstein, M.D. Robert Fields, M.D. Delia Fine, M.D. Matthew Fishel, D.O. Norton Fishman, M.D. Seth Flagg, M.D. Gawin Flynn, M.D. David Fogel, M.D. Robert Footer, M.D. Eleanor Ford, M.D. Roni Ford, M.D. Douglas Forman, M.D. Michelle Forman, M.D.

Lawrence Green, M.D. Barry Greene, M.D. Madalene Greene, M.D. Saadia Griffith-Howard, M.D. Holly Gross, M.D. Rebecca Gross, M.D. David Grossberg, M.D. David Grossman, M.D. Marc Grossman, M.D. Larry Grubb, M.D. Ning Guo, M.D. Anu Gupta, M.D. Arusha Gupta, M.D. Dilip Gupta, M.D. Naveen Gupta, M.D. Judith Gurdian, M.D. Richard Haar, M.D. Joseph Haggerty, M.D. Shan-e-Ali Haider, M.D. Shelly Hall, M.D. Lee Haller, M.D. Sheri Hamersley, M.D.

Anita Iyer, M.D. Michael Jach, M.D. Ruth Jacobs, M.D. Mark Jaffe, M.D. Susan Jaffe, M.D. David Jager, M.D. Shailini Jain, M.D. Evita James, M.D. Supriya Janakiraman, M.D. Sirisha Jasti, M.D. Uma Jayaraman, M.D. Devon Jeffers, M.D. Eric Jeffries, M.D. Malini Joel, M.D. Adolph Johnson, M.D. Beverly Johnson, M.D. Dawn Johnson, M.D. Janice Johnson, M.D. Laron Johnson, M.D. Earlene Jordan, M.D. Cynthia Joseph, M.D. George Joseph, M.D.

Jonathan Koff, M.D. Joyce Koh, M.D. Louis Kopolow, M.D. Shahin Korangy, M.D. George Korengold, M.D. Julia Korenman, M.D. Girish Kori, M.D. Jessica Korman, M.D. Louis Korman, M.D. Eirene Koroulakis, M.D. Panayiota Koroulakis, M.D. Suzan Kovarick, M.D. Louis Kozloff, M.D. Robert Kramer, M.D. Alan Kravitz, M.D. Roderick Kreisberg, M.D. Oliver Kreitmann, M.D. Shyam Krishnan, M.D. Joan Kristal, M.D. Julie Krivy, M.D. Anita Kulkarni, M.D. Anisha Kumar, M.D. Harjinder Kumar, M.D. Kiran Kumar, M.D. Shailendra Kumar, M.D. James Kunec, M.D. Richard Kurnot, M.D. Olabisi Kuti, M.D. Tun Kyaw, M.D. John Ladas, M.D. Jill Ladd, M.D. Daniel Lahr, M.D. Stephen Lakner, M.D. Diane Laurin, M.D. Genea Lawrence, M.D. Dan Lawson, M.D. Jacqueline Le, M.D. Kathleen Leavitt, M.D. David A. Lee, M.D. David Lee, M.D. James Lee, M.D. John Lee, M.D. Peggy Lee, M.D. Vivian Lee, M.D. Susan Leggett-Johnson, M.D. Lance Leithauser, M.D. Barton Leonard, M.D. Kozue Leone, M.D. Christine LePoutre, M.D.

Anuradha Dahiya, M.D. Monica Dalal, M.D. Monica Dale, M.D. Vrishali Dalvi, M.D. Scott Daly, M.D. Sameer Damle, M.D. Lawrence D’Angelo, M.D. Stephanie Daniel, M.D. Gina Dapul-Hidalgo, M.D. Eleanor Daquioag, M.D. Beverly Darnell, M.D. Harish Dave, M.D. Katherine David, D.O. Kisha Davis, M.D. Nathanael Dayes, M.D. Delia De Paola, M.D. Charlotte Dean, M.D. Maria Defendini, M.D. Arushi deFonseka, M.D. Paul DeMarco, M.D. Michael Dempsey, M.D. Kamalinee Deshpande, M.D. Shikha Deva, M.D. Yuri Deychak, M.D. Michael Diamond, M.D. Victoria Diaz, M.D. Gregory Dick, M.D. Craig Dickman, M.D. Veronica DiFresco, M.D. Lynne Diggs, M.D.

Dedicated physicians.

Daniel Berinstein, M.D. Jay Bernstein, M.D. Jeffrey Bernstein, M.D. Wayne Bernstein, M.D. Ginine Beyer, M.D. Nikhil Bhagat, M.D. Rohit Bhatnagar, M.D. Neena Bhatti, M.D. Faisal Bhinder, M.D. Harjit Bhogal, M.D. David Bianchi, M.D. Edward Bieber, M.D. Elizabeth Biegelsen, M.D. Harry Bigham, M.D. Ann Birk, M.D. Peter Birk, M.D. Mark Birns, M.D. Justin Black, M.D. Janine Blackman, M.D. Vay Blazina, M.D. Steven Bleckner, M.D. Adam Blitstein, M.D. Montague Blundon, M.D. Irina Bobrova-Sherman, M.D. Ralph Boccia, M.D. George Bolen, M.D. Martin Book, D.O. Bruce Bortnick, M.D. John Bosworth, M.D. Thomas Botsford, M.D. Matthew Boyce, M.D. Mary Branton, M.D. Gary Brecher, M.D. Ira Brecher, M.D. William Brems, M.D. James Bridges, M.D. Jeffrey Briggs, M.D. Dawn Broderick, M.D. James Brodsky, M.D. Jason Brodsky, M.D. Sarah Bromeland, M.D. Sara Brooks, M.D. David Brown, M.D. Patricia Brown, M.D. Steven Burger, M.D. Brigitte Burgett, M.D. Ann Burke, M.D. Linda Burrell, M.D. Amy Byer, M.D. Barbara Byers, M.D. Jing Cai, M.D. Miriam Cameron, M.D. Wilhelmina Camina, M.D. Marie Campagnone, M.D. Carson Campe, M.D. Bailey Cannon, M.D. Brian Cantor, M.D. Rachel Cappuccino, M.D. Jill Captain, M.D. Carol Cardinale, M.D. Timothy Carle, M.D. Jose Carpio, M.D.

Theodore Chambers, M.D. Alan Chanales, M.D. Betty Chang, M.D. Dorothy Chang, M.D. Wilbur Chang, M.D. Richard Chasen, M.D. Mary Chasko, M.D. Thomas Chau, M.D. Mohammad Chaudhry, M.D. Kawaljeet Chawla, M.D. Dwayne Chen, M.D. Edward Chen, M.D. Hui-Chun Chen, M.D. Jersey Chen, M.D. Joy Chen, M.D. June Cheng, M.D. Judith Chertoff, M.D. William Chester, M.D. Deborah Cheung, M.D. John Choi, M.D. Mo-Ping Chow, M.D. Nurul Chowdhury, M.D. Jane Chretien, M.D. Cynthia Chrosniak, M.D. Bruno Chumpitazi, M.D. Charles Ciolino, M.D. Maiya Clark, M.D. Nancy Clark, M.D. Daniel Clarke, M.D. F. Murray Claytor, M.D. Katherine Coerver, M.D. Mindi Cohen, D.O. Ezra Cohen, M.D. Harvey Cohen, M.D. Raymond Coleman, M.D.

Caring for our community.

Extraordinary commitment.

Stanford Coleman, M.D. Diane Colgan, M.D. Edward Coll, M.D. Kevin Collier, M.D. Jonathan Collins, M.D. Craig Colliver, M.D. Richard Conant, M.D. Charles Conlon, M.D. Tuesday Cook, M.D. Gary Cooper, M.D. Angela Corbin, M.D. Francisco Correa-Paz, M.D. Audrey Corson, M.D. Tanya Cothran-Ross, M.D. Melvin Coursey, M.D. Kimberly Cover, M.D. Angelette Covin, M.D. Mary Craddock, M.D. Laurie Crain, M.D. Brian Crowley, M.D. Peter Curran, M.D. Timothy Curtin, M.D.

6/5/15 2:28 PM

Amy Levav, M.D. Ilse Levin, D.O. Barry Levin, M.D. Sheila Levin, M.D. David Levine, M.D. Robert Levine, D.O. Zachary Levine, M.D. Robert Levitt, M.D. Carole Levy, M.D. William Levy, M.D. Huamin Li, M.D. Connie Liang, M.D. Murray Lieberman, M.D. Hilary Light-Deutsch, M.D. Debbie Lin, M.D. Samuel Lin, M.D. Michael Lincoln, M.D. Ann Lindgren, M.D. Keith Lindgren, M.D. Martin Liss, M.D. Burt Littman, M.D. Juan Litvak, M.D. Mun-Ting Liu, M.D. Benjamin Lockshin, M.D. Norman Lockshin, M.D. David Lockwood, M.D. Robert Loeffler, M.D. Marc Loev, M.D. Bernadette Loftus, M.D. Gary London, M.D. John Long, M.D. Cresenciano Lopez, M.D. Grace Lopez, M.D. Luz Lopez-Correa, M.D. C. D. Lord, M.D. Dexter Love, M.D. Sheryl Lucas, M.D. Jacob Lustgarten, M.D. Jonathan Lyons, M.D. Peter Ma, M.D. Ainsley MacLean, M.D. Carla MacLeod, M.D. Christopher Magee, M.D. Mindy Maggid, M.D. Steven Maggid, M.D. Benjamin Magno, M.D. Aretha Makia, M.D. Nora Malaisrie, M.D. Farzad Malekanian, M.D. Deborah Malkovich, M.D. Srinivas Mandava, M.D. Azhar Manipady, M.D. Monika Mannan, M.D. Lauren Maragh, M.D. Marlon Maragh, M.D. Sherry Maragh, M.D. Mollyann March, M.D. Lawrence Marcus, M.D. Stuart Marcus, M.D. Daniel Marder, M.D. Nancy Markus, M.D. Anissa Maroof, M.D. Laura Marquart, M.D. Seth Marquit, M.D. Steven Marshak, M.D. Angela Marshall, M.D. Stephen Martin, M.D. J. Alberto Martinez, M.D. Nizamuddin Maruf, M.D. Vivek Mathur, M.D. Alan Matsumoto, M.D. Christopher May, M.D. Frank Mayo, M.D. Vanessa Mayol, M.D. Karina McArthur, M.D. Richard McCarthy, M.D. Nathan McGovern, M.D. William McNamara, M.D. Mohammad Mehmood, D.O. Nicholas Mehta, M.D. Gordon Mella, M.D. Gary Melnick, M.D. John Melnick, M.D. Neeraj Mendiratta, M.D. Roji Menon, M.D. John Merendino, Jr., M.D. John Merendino, Sr., M.D. Melissa Merideth, M.D. James Merikangas, M.D. Wayne Meyer, M.D. Joseph Michaels, M.D. Craig Miller, M.D. J. David Miller, M.D. Laurence Miller, M.D. Christian Millett, M.D. Milton Milne, M.D. Frederick Min, M.D. Gabe Mirkin, M.D.

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Dolly Misra, M.D. Irving Mizus, M.D. Omid Moayed, M.D. Sheela Modin, M.D. Pirooz Mofrad, M.D. Kevin Mohtashemi, M.D. Indira Molai, M.D. Elizabeth Molyneaux, M.D. Marta Mondino, M.D. Jeanne Moneyhun, M.D. Andrew Montemarano, D.O. Eurice Moody, M.D. Louise Moody, M.D. Jean Moorthy, M.D. Jessica Morris, M.D. Michael Morris, M.D. Jennifer Morrison, M.D. Anthony Morton, M.D. Allen Mosenkis, M.D. Ata Motamedi, M.D. Sami Mourad, M.D. Robbie Moyer, M.D. William Mullins, M.D. Douglas Murphy, M.D. Pothu Nagabhyru, M.D. Kanwaljit Nagi, M.D. David Nagle, M.D. Ketan Naran, M.D. Fadi Nasrallah, M.D. Aruna Nathan, M.D. Victor Nava, M.D. Esfand Nawab, M.D. Patricia Nay, M.D. Yeheyis Negussie, M.D. Corliss Newhouse, M.D. Thao Nguyen, M.D. Thuan-Hoa Nguyen, M.D. Vinh Nguyen, M.D. Siu Ng-Wagner, M.D. Ogundu Ngwu, M.D. Dontese Nicholson, M.D. Felicia Nicholsonbrown, M.D. Cosette Nieporent, M.D. Narieman Nik, M.D. Nirjal Nikhar, M.D. Janet Noel, M.D. Samuel Nokuri, M.D. Anna Noriega-Nalls, M.D. Samuel Norvell, M.D.

Roger Peele, M.D. Brenda Pellicane, M.D. Justin Peng, M.D. Marie Pennanen, M.D. Lee Pennington, M.D. Daniel Pereles, M.D. Jeffrey Perlmutter, M.D. Ramani Peruvemba, M.D. Mark Peterson, M.D. Patricia Petrick, M.D. Annette Pham, M.D. Matthew Picard, M.D. Carlos Picone, M.D. Karen Pierre, M.D. Brendan Pillemer, M.D. Thomas Pinckert, M.D. Eugen Pirovic, M.D. Carol Plotsky, M.D. Jonathan Plotsky, M.D. Steven Polakoff, M.D. William Polk, M.D. Eric Pollack, M.D. Richard Pollen, M.D. Jennifer Porter, M.D. Lynette Posorske, M.D. Jerrold Post, M.D. Louise Postman, M.D. Naeem Poursharif, M.D. Gail Povar, M.D. Uma Prasad, M.D. Victor Priego, M.D. Paul Prunier, M.D. Ronald Prussick, M.D. Shannon Pryor, M.D. Y. Howard Pung, M.D. Vasilios Pyrgos, M.D. Brett Quigley, M.D. Jose Quiros, M.D. Karen Rabin, M.D. Bartholomew Radolinski, M.D. Gary Raffel, D.O. Ann Raffo, M.D. Christopher Raffo, M.D. Bhuvana Raja, M.D. Chitra Rajagopal, M.D. Karen Raksis, M.D. Narayanan Ramesh, M.D. Venktesh Rangnath, M.D. Gordon Raphael, M.D.

Katie Ryder, M.D. Christine Saba, M.D. Farzaneh Sabi, M.D. Peter Sabia, M.D. Jesse Sadikman, M.D. Arthur Sagoskin, M.D. James Salander, M.D. Eduardo Salcedo, M.D. Julio Salcedo, M.D. Catherine Salem, M.D. Andrew Saltzman, M.D. Glenn Sandler, M.D. Miguel Santos, M.D. Jennifer Sartorelli, M.D. Srinivas Sastry, M.D. Greg Sater, M.D. David Satinsky, M.D. Purnima Sau, M.D. Michael Sauri, M.D. Aman Savani, M.D. Giulio Scarzella, M.D. Gerald Scheinman, M.D. Amy Schiffman, M.D. Helen Schneider, M.D. Philip Schneider, M.D. Rachel Schreiber, M.D. Jeffrey Schuldenfrei, M.D. Alan Schulman, M.D. Brian Schulman, M.D. Joel Schulman, M.D. Arthur Schwartz, M.D. Frederic Schwartz, M.D. Jerome Schwartz, M.D. Michael A. Schwartz, M.D. Michael J. Schwartz, M.D. Philip Schwartz, M.D. Steven Schwartz, M.D. Heather Schwartzbauer, M.D. Allan Schwartzberg, M.D. Pamela Seam, M.D. Rohit Seem, M.D. Alan Segal, M.D. Marsha Seidelman, M.D. Aimee Seidman, M.D. Mark Seigel, M.D. Sudhir Sekhsaria, M.D. Lulseged Selassie, M.D. Ira Selss, M.D. Samuel Semegn, M.D.

To find a member physician for your health care needs, visit: montgomerymedicine.org or call 301.921.4300.

Sima Nourani-Zenuz, M.D. L. Alberto Nunez, M.D. Cecilia Nwankwo, M.D. Shannon O’Connor, M.D. Carolyn O’Conor, M.D. Tamara Oei, M.D. Donald O’Kieffe, M.D. Roger Oldham, M.D. Elizabeth O’Leary, M.D. Chinedum Olisemeka, D.O. John O’Neill, M.D. Adaku Onukogu, M.D. Ronald Orleans, M.D. Irnest Oser, M.D. Karen Ospina, M.D. Philip Owens, M.D. Kent Ozkum, M.D. Roberta Palestine, M.D. Andrew Panagos, M.D. Yasmin Panahy, M.D. Benjamin Papoi, D.O. Stephen Pappas, M.D. Paul Park, M.D. Ravi Passi, M.D. Mark Paster, M.D. Jayanti Patel, M.D. Karishma Patel, M.D. Piyush Patel, M.D. Rakesh Patel, M.D. Rinal Patel, M.D. Rishi Patel, M.D. Sonal Patel, M.D. Kestutis Pauliukonis, M.D. Pierre-Luc Paultre, M.D. Gary Peck, M.D. Michael Peck, M.D. Pamela Peeke, M.D.

Sushil Rattan, M.D. Niosha Razi, M.D. Elaine Reale, M.D. Jacquelyn Redd, M.D. Ajay Reddy, M.D. Joseph Reilly, M.D. Lori Reitman, M.D. Gerald Renzi, M.D. Guada Respicio , M.D. Amar Rewari, M.D. Mark Richards, M.D. Sanford Richman, M.D. Rachel Ritvo, M.D. James Robey, M.D. Stephen Rockower, M.D. Helena Rodbard, M.D. Harold Rodman, M.D. Samuel Rodriguez, M.D. Allan Rogers, M.D. Gary Roggin, M.D. Bernard Rogus, M.D. James Rosborough, M.D. Madelaine Rosche-Scott, M.D. Mark Rosen, M.D. Barry Rosenbaum, M.D. Robert Rosenberg, M.D. Marvin Rosenblatt, M.D. Mark Rosenblum, M.D. Wendy Rosensweig, M.D. A. Roy Rosenthal, M.D. Russell Rothenberg, M.D. Anne Rothman, M.D. Garry Ruben, M.D. Barry Rubin, M.D. Roy Rubinfeld, M.D. Erik Rubinson, M.D. Laura Rusch, M.D.

George Sengstack, M.D. Baljeet Sethi, M.D. Neelam Shah, M.D. Sidney Shankman, M.D. Deena Shapiro, M.D. Melvyn Shapiro, M.D. Anu Sharma, M.D. Rita Sharma, M.D. Michael Sharon, M.D. Peter Shay, M.D. Reza Shayesteh, M.D. Alan Sheff, M.D. Mohsin Sheikh, M.D. Brian Shen, M.D. Jessica Shen, M.D. Robert Sher, M.D. Peter Sherer, M.D. Sandeep Sherlekar, M.D. Shailesh Sheth, M.D. Jerry Shier, M.D. Cheryl Shih, M.D. I. D. Shocket, M.D. Ronald Shore, M.D. Joseph Shrout, M.D. Yi Shue, M.D. Evan Siegel, M.D. Michael Siegel, M.D. Andrew Siekanowicz, M.D. Shobha Sikka, M.D. Richard Silva, M.D. Albert Simmonds, M.D. Leslie Sims, M.D. Erica Singelmann, M.D. Ravi Singh, M.D. Rosie Singh, M.D. Aneesh Singla, M.D. Christopher Sinha, M.D.

Simona Sirbu, M.D. Amy Siris, M.D. Maral Skelsey, M.D. Dwain Skinner, M.D. Eric Sklarew, M.D. Steven Sloan, M.D. David Smink, M.D. Frederick Smith, M.D. Bruce Smoller, M.D. Kevin Smothers, M.D. Daniel Snow, M.D. Diane Snyder, M.D. Joseph Snyder, M.D. Solomon Sobel, M.D. Cylburn Soden, M.D. Harrison Solomon, M.D. Michael Solomon, M.D. Margaret Sommerville, M.D. Mi Na Son, M.D. Marya Sonny, M.D. George Sotos, M.D. James Sowry, M.D. Michelle Spector, M.D. Daphne Stamos-Keshishian, M.D. Katherine Stanley, M.D. Susan Stein, M.D. Bryan Steinberg, M.D. Sindu Stephen, M.D. Ann Marie Stephenson, D.O. Kathleen Sterling, M.D. Melvin Stern, M.D. William Stern, M.D. Michael Stone, M.D. Charles Stubin, M.D. Robert Study, M.D. Kempanna Sudhakar, M.D. Ashraf Sufi, M.D. Shawn Sumida, M.D. Bonnie Sun, M.D. Thorsten Sundberg, M.D. Narita Surana, M.D. Eugene Sussman, M.D. Pim Suwannarat, M.D. Sandra Swann, M.D. John Swift, M.D. Marvin Tabb, M.D. Rashmi Tadiparthi, M.D. Sandra Takai, M.D. Manbir Takhar, M.D. Barry Talesnick, M.D. Rojack Tan, M.D. Kelly Tanenholz, M.D. Victoria Tankeh, M.D. David Taragin, M.D. Leonard Tassy, M.D. Albert Taub, M.D. Ira Tauber, M.D. Claudia Taubman, M.D. Delara Tavakoli, M.D. Duane Taylor, M.D. Stuart Taylor, M.D. Bahman Teimourian, M.D. Gaby Tesfaye, M.D. Amadea Tette, M.D. Paul Thambi, M.D. Nandini Thillairajah, M.D. Meghan Thomas, M.D. Nicole Thomas, M.D. Angela Thompson, M.D. Glynn Thompson, M.D. Lisa Thompson, M.D. Toni Thompson-Chittams, D.O. Ulder Tillman, M.D. Christian Tischer, M.D. Samantha Toerge, M.D. T. Ann Tonnu, M.D. David Trachtenberg, M.D. Thu Tran, M.D. Robert Trimble, M.D. Phuong Trinh, M.D. Bhaskara Tripuraneni, M.D. Lynn Trombka, M.D. Hugh Trout, M.D. Chun-Ming Tseng, M.D. Edward Tsoy, M.D. Steven Tuck, M.D. Raman Tuli, M.D. Barbara Turner, M.D. Arthur Ugel, M.D. Reed Underwood, M.D. Stephen Vaccarezza, M.D. Nirupama Vadlakonda, M.D. Vincent Vaghi, M.D. Elizabeth Valois, M.D. Martha Van Clief, M.D. Sanjay Vanguri, M.D. Varsha Vanikar, M.D. Alpa Vashist, M.D.

Kathryn Veal, M.D. Judith Veihmeyer, M.D. Brigit Venza, M.D. Nitin Verma, M.D. Michael Vincent, M.D. Alan Vinitsky, M.D. Nicholas Visnich, M.D. Donald Vogel, M.D. Mark Vogt, M.D. Anup Vora, M.D. Felecia Waddleton-Willis, D.O. Christopher Wahlgren, M.D. Kathyann Walcott, M.D. Monica Wallace, M.D. John Wallmark, M.D. Monika Walters, M.D. Dongmei Wang, M.D. Jeffery Wang, M.D. Nan Wang, M.D. Yun Wang, M.D. David Wanicur, M.D. Carla Ward, M.D. Karlene Ware, M.D. Justin Wasserman, M.D. Richard Waugaman, M.D. Zhi-Xin Wei, M.D. Eric Weichel, M.D. Jay Weiner, M.D. Paul Weiner, M.D. Michael Weinstein, M.D. Alan Weinstock, M.D. Mark Welch, M.D. Amy Wells, M.D. David Weng, M.D. Dany Westerband, M.D. Thomas Wherry, M.D. Martha White, M.D. Peter Whitesell, M.D. Lawrence Widerlite, M.D. Devika Wijesekera, M.D. Bryan Williams, M.D. Mayme Williams, M.D. Henry Willner, M.D. Howard Wilpon, M.D. Candace Wilson, M.D. Allison Win, M.D. Thomas Winkler, M.D. Scott Wissman, M.D. Jeffrey Witte, M.D. Victor Witten, M.D. Monford Wolf, M.D. David Wollman, M.D. Megan Wollman-Rosenwald, M.D. S. Grace Woo, M.D. Susanne Woodlan, M.D. Dereje Woreta, M.D. Daniel Woronow, M.D. Angus Worthing, M.D. Victor Wowk, M.D. Christopher Wu, M.D. Wayne Xue, M.D. Edward Yanowitz, M.D. Charles Yarborough, M.D. Josef Yeager, M.D. Gebremedhin Yohannes, M.D. Shadi Yousefi, M.D. Aiqin Yu, M.D. Thomas Yu, M.D. Albert Zachik, M.D. Scott Zaft, M.D. Pamela Zarick, M.D. Reggie Zhan, M.D. Chuanbo Zhang, M.D. Mathew Zimmermann, M.D. Robert Zimmermann, M.D. Bruce Zinsmeister, M.D. Thomas Zorc, M.D. Lester Zuckerman, M.D.

Can you find your physician’s name here?

List current as of 6/3/2015

6/5/15 2:29 PM

July/August 2015 | Volume 12 Issue 4

contents

Biking Boom

By Steve Goldstein

106 | ‘Get Out Of My Lane!’

Tension between drivers and cyclists has led to safety concerns and contentious debates about who rules the road

By Amy Reinink

COVER: photo by skip brown; cyclists from left to right: Dr. Matthew “Matty” Parker, Aziz Elhallou and robb lee

108 | Collision Course

With its beautiful canopy of trees and fabulous location, the Capital Crescent Trail is a local treasure. But its tremendous popularity has created safety concerns. What can be done?

Plus—five locals who bike to work every day.

By Amy Reinink

photo by skip brown

94 | Fast and Furious

Inside the world of local cycling’s weekend warriors

14 july/august 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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6/8/15 5:06 PM

F I N E P RO P E RT I E S I N T E R N A T I O N A L

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6/3/15 3:46 PM

contents

p. 124 A group of Potomac homeowners, including Fred and Stephanie Goodman, have banded together to fight Pepco.

features

150 | Bethesda Interview

After several terrible storms and repeated outages, Pepco began cutting down trees more aggressively than ever before.

A group of Potomac homeowners thinks the utility has gone too far—and last year, they started fighting back.

Lifelong friends Mark Ein and Josh Harris talk about growing up in Chevy Chase, finding success in business, and the challenges and rewards of owning professional sports teams

By April Witt

By David Elfin

140 | On Point

157 | Write On

Bethesda-based needlepoint company Smathers & Branson is celebrating a new partnership with J. Crew

By Sarah Zlotnick

The winners of our annual short story and essay contests

photo by april witt

124 | Power To The People

16 july/august 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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6/12/15 10:45 AM

#W Y D L E R BR OTH E R S TR E N D I N G

WYDLER BROTHER S

D OW N TO E A R T H H E AD I N T H E C LO UDS

N OT ON SOC I AL ME D I A

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Few other famous brothers can even come close to our ratings.

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MD 301.640.5701 | VA 703.457.9000 | DC 202.600.2727 | WydlerBrothers.com

6/10/15 3:51 PM

contents p. 305

departments

p. 294

home

22 | To Our Readers

181

24 | Contributors

182 | house appropriations Coastal-inspired home accents

30 | From Our Readers

184 | Beach House Beautiful A Bethesda couple’s stunning second home has gorgeous water views, eclectic furniture and plenty of room for guests

192 | First Impressions

p. 40

35

Boz Scaggs

good life

202 | home sales by the numbers

221

health

p. 310

art. festivals. day trips. hidden gems.

222 | Be Well

40 | Best Bets 10 can’t-miss arts events

Eve Mills set out to help girls get healthy and build confidence

44 | ARTS Calendar

224 | Saved By A Stranger

Where to go, what to see

49

banter

people. politics. books. columns.

50 | Figuratively Speaking Capital Bikeshare by the numbers

56 | Neighborhood NOTES News you may have missed

293 etc.

When Michael Liu went into cardiac arrest at a Rockville park, a woman he’d never met called 911 and started chest compressions— something anyone can learn how to do

294 | Shop Talk

232 | Being there

From grapes and avocados to sugar-free gum, lots of things can harm our pets

Staff members at Suburban Hospital are volunteering their time to ensure that no patient dies alone

305 | Pets

306 | Weddings Bayside bash

238 | wellness Calendar

60 | Book Report

Summer styles, makeup tips and more.

Plus, a guide to locally-owned shops.

310 | Get Away

dine

New books by local authors, literary events and more

257

62 | Suburbanology

258 | dine review

312 | Driving Range

Peter Chang serves up authentic, fiery cuisine in Rockville

The beach is just one of the many reasons to visit Cape May

262 | Table Talk

319 | Flashback

Baby boomers’ obsession with exercise is good news for orthopedists and therapists

By April Witt

Your cheat sheet for a weekend getaway

What’s happening on the local food scene

68 | Hometown Germantown’s Miracle Field is giving kids with special needs the chance to play ball

266 | Cooking Class

By Steve Roberts

268 | Dining Guide

Vietnamese summer rolls made easy

A shopping center on Rockville Pike was once the site of the state’s largest airport

320 | Family Portrait Snapshot of local lives

AD SECTions women in business 73

Long & Foster Ad Section 169

18 july/august 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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Luxury Apartments, condos & townhomes 210

Ask the experts: Seniors & Aging 241

private school Chart and ad section 284

boz scaggs courtesy photo; Dog illustration by Goodloe Byron; sandal courtesy photo; boy in sprinkler courtesy photo

How four local homeowners achieved eyecatching curb appeal

6/11/15 11:26 AM

T I M EL ES S A RCH I T EC T U R E. U N CO M PRO M I S ED LUXU RY. Michael Harris Homes is renowned for building the finest homes in classic American architecture, with open floorplans and luxury features designed for contemporary lifestyles.

The results are timeless neighborhoods and a home you’ll love living in. Welcome Home.

CURTAIN CALL ON FINAL HOMES

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Single-Family Homes in Bethesda from $1.45 Million (301) 978-3618

www.MichaelHarrisHomesBT.com Open Daily: 11am–5pm MHBR# 3552

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Subject to errors, omissions and changes without notice. See Sales Manager for details.

6/8/15 11:49 AM

What’s online @ bethesdamagazine.com enter our

GIVEAWAYS Our daily news briefing features stories about the community, restaurants, Montgomery County politics and more.

Get the Bethesda Beat daily newsletter in your inbox by signing up at www.BethesdaMagazine.com.

JULY 1 Enter for a chance to win gourmet oils, vinegars, custom-blended seasonings, a salt block, a cookbook, and a private tasting session for four from Cleo’s Oil Bar. The giveaway is valued at $300. www.cleosfineoils.com

MAGAZINE.COM

»digital edition

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»download

the July/August issue on your tablet. To purchase digital issues or a subscription, download the free Bethesda Magazine app on iTunes or Amazon.

»online Extras

Read all of the 2015 short story and essay contest runners-up. The winning entries for this year’s contest begin on page 157. You can also view more photos of the Rehoboth Beach home that’s featured on page 184.

»archives

Explore past issues and stories using our searchable archives.

»social scene

AUGUST 1 Enter for a chance to win a $250 gift card from Coco Blanca, a new furniture and fashion boutique in Wildwood Shopping Center. www.cocoblanca.com

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20 july/august 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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6/11/15 12:21 PM

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INV E ST M E N T MA N AGEMEN T

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F I N A N C I A L & E STATE PLAN N I N G

F I D UCI ARY & TRUST

FAM I LY W E ALTH S ERVIC ES

6/8/15 11:48 AM

to our readers

On Two Wheels For a few years in the late 1990s, I commuted via bike from my home in Chevy Chase to my office in the Watergate complex in D.C. I rode three or four days a week when the weather was good. (I was—and continue to be—a wimp compared to my friend Michael Witt, who has been bike commuting from Bethesda to D.C. year-round for more than 20 years in all conditions other than ice and snow.)

I would drive to the office on Monday, bring clothes for the next four days, and then bike the rest of the week. It worked well—usually. Several times I forgot key items of clothing, and twice, my (cheap) bike light gave out while riding up the Capital Crescent Trail in the dark. The trail is a lonely place when it’s pitch dark.

Every day I would see other bike commuters, but not many. Today, that’s changed in a big way. From bike commuters to weekend warriors to casual riders, there’s a biking boom going on in the Bethesda area—and in much of the country.

As we explore in our cover section this issue, the popularity of biking has exploded for a variety of reasons. First, riding is a great form of exercise that doesn’t entail the wear and tear on your body that running does. (That assumes, of course, that you avoid biking accidents.) Biking is also good for the environment—a major motivator for bike commuters—and good for meeting and getting to know people.

In fact, a 2013 story in The Economist titled “Cycling is the New Golf” said that riding is increasingly becoming the networking sport of choice, partly because it can be less competitive than golf.

Not surprisingly, the explosion of biking has caused problems, usually involving bikers colliding (literally and figuratively) with drivers and pedestrians. The Capital Crescent Trail, one of the most widely used rails-to-trails in the country, is often the scene of ugly confrontations between riders and nonriders on weekends.

Our coverage of the biking boom begins on page 94.

Bethesda writer April Witt was working in her home office one day eight years ago when a large, old tree across the street fell. The tree crushed her car, destroyed half her front garden, and downed power and phone lines, setting one neighbor’s front yard on fire and knocking out electrical service in the area. Pepco was on

the scene shortly and worked all night to get the power on.

Falling trees and limbs are Pepco’s nemesis every day, especially during a storm. In 2010 and 2011, Pepco customers experienced repeated power outages, which led Maryland’s Public Service Commission to fine the utility $1 million. When the derecho swept through the area in 2012, countless trees and limbs toppled, knocking out power to nearly 500,000 area customers. Pepco was excoriated by homeowners and business owners, the media and lawmakers.

Responding to a government mandate, Pepco began a massive tree-cutting and trimming program that has improved the reliability of service (and the utility’s reputation). But as Witt reports in our story “Power to the People,” on page 124, Pepco is now in a battle with a group of Potomac residents who don’t want the utility to clear-cut trees on their properties. And the battle has gotten heated, with frequent confrontations between Pepco and residents.

Conflict is inevitable when decisions that are made for the “greater good” affect individuals in a way that isn’t so good.

For example, homeowners along the path of the proposed Purple Line have loudly opposed the project for years.

Despite the protests in Potomac, hundreds of trees have come down, and Pepco has taken a public relations hit.

“I understand from personal experience the damage that one tree falling on power lines can do,” Witt says.

“Everyone I interviewed for this story—from homeowners to utility executives—understands that there must be a reasonable balance between individual property rights, environmental stewardship and reliable electrical services for the region. The point of conflict in the story I wrote is that homeowners who’ve had healthy trees taken down say Pepco has tipped the balance too far toward reliability over trees; and Pepco argues that they are just following new state regulations.”

I hope you enjoy this issue of Bethesda Magazine. Please send me your thoughts at steve.hull@bethesdamagazine.com.

Steve Hull Editor-in-Chief & Publisher

22 july/august 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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contributors

stephanie siegel burke Lives in: Bethesda Hometown: Gaithersburg In this issue: Writes the Best Bets roundup of can’t-miss arts and entertainment events coming up around the county.

“We are so lucky to have so many interesting cultural events right here in our community,” she says.

What she does: She’s a local news writer and editor with a focus on Bethesda and the arts.

michael S. gerber Lives in: Woodley Park, D.C. Hometown: Toledo, Ohio In This Issue: Writes about survivors of sudden cardiac arrest. “As a paramedic, I usually leave patients at the hospital and never see them again. Talking to people who have survived a cardiac arrest reminded me why I teach CPR and why everyone needs to learn how to use an AED.”

Favorite local trails: The Bethesda Trolley Trail and the Capital Crescent Trail Favorite workouts: Yoga, Pilates and running with her 2-year-old in a jogging stroller Recent fitness accomplishment: Ran her first 5K

What he does: Works for the RedFlash Group, a consulting firm that helps clients in the health and public safety sectors tell their stories. He also has volunteered at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad since 2001.

How he got his start: Gerber was roped into writing for the school newspaper as a fifth-grader by his older brother. Ten years later, a job as a reporter at The Hill brought him to the Washington area.

Best summer vacation: After his freshman year of college, Gerber bicycled 4,000 miles from New Haven, Connecticut, to Vancouver, British Columbia, as a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity. “The entire trip was amazing, but the best rides came on the shady rolling hills of north and central Wisconsin,” he says.

SKIP BROWN Lives in: Cabin John Hometown: Hampton, Virginia In this issue: Shot the cover, all photos for the cycling section and the dog paddleboarding photo on page 49. “I’m more of a mountain biker than a roadie but it was great fun to meet and photograph these committed cyclists, many of whom ride to work come rain or shine.” Brown shot the photos of the DC Velo ride (page 94 and 96) from the back seat of a moving VW Beetle convertible. “The peloton moves so fast and waits for no one,” he says.

What he does: Primarily known for his outdoor adventure and travel photography, Brown shoots everything from chefs to politicians. He’s a pioneer in the sport of stand-up paddleboarding in white water and has participated in kayaking, surfing, kiteboarding and hang-gliding expeditions around the world. A longtime area freelance photographer, he is represented by National Geographic Creative, the stock photo and film division of National Geographic.

Favorite local RIDE: Brown enjoys mountain biking on the single-track trails of Schaeffer Farms Mountain Bike Park, the Seneca Creek Watershed and out his back door on Cabin John Trail.

gerber photo by andrew metcalf; burke photo courtesy; brown photo courtesy

How she got her start: Interned at the New York Daily News while studying journalism at New York University

24 july/august 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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editorial Editor-in-Chief

Steve Hull

Design Director

Maire McArdle

managing Editor

Mary Clare Glover senior Editors

Julie Rasicot, Cindy Rich Food Editor

Carole Sugarman Deputy Art Director

Laura F. Goode designer

Emma Gray Pitt Bethesda beat Writers

Aaron Kraut, Andrew Metcalf Web producer

Laura Kottlowski Contributing Editors

Eugene L. Meyer, Cindy Murphy-Tofig, Louis Peck

The hospital you trust for primary care is expanding its specialty and urgent care services.

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Contributing Writers

Leah Ariniello, Stephanie Siegel Burke, Ann Cochran, David Elfin, Brooke Lea Foster, David Frey, Steve Goldstein, Christine Koubek, Christine MacDonald, Maura Mahoney, Nevin Martell, Nigel F. Maynard, Gabriele McCormick, Samantha Miller, Virginia Myers, Kathleen Seiler Neary, Maria Leonard Olsen, Brian Patterson, Archana Pyati, Amy Reinink, Steve Roberts, Rita Rubin, Charlotte Safavi, Jennifer Sergent, Bara Vaida, Mark Walston, Carolyn Weber, Kathleen Wheaton, April Witt Photographers & Illustrators

JP Benante, Skip Brown, Goodloe Byron, Claudine Hellmuth, Darren Higgins, Alice Kresse, Liz Lynch, Gloria Occhipinti, Mike Olliver, Sean Scheidt, Amanda Smallwood, Ben Tankersley, John-Patrick Thomas, Michael Ventura, April Witt, Stacy Zarin-Goldberg Bethesda Magazine is published six times a year by Kohanza Media Ventures, LLC. © 2009 Letters to the Editor: Please send letters (with your name and the town you live in) to letters@bethesda magazine.com.

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202.363.7300

Story ideas: Please send ideas for stories to editorial @bethesdamagazine.com.

Visit to learn more: www.friendshiphospital.com www.facebook.com/friendshiphospital

Open 24/7 365 days

Bethesda Magazine 7768 Woodmont Ave., #204, Bethesda, MD 20814 Phone: 301-718-7787/ Fax: 301-718-1875 www.BethesdaMagazine.com

26 JULY/AUGUST 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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A Decade of Serving the Community.

It’s Monumental.

This year, Monument Bank celebrates a decade of serving customers and the communities where we live and work. The vision that inspired our founding is very much alive today. As we have grown, it is still the same vision of superior service, local accessibility, and corporate citizenship that is critical to our continued success.

Join the businesses who have benefited from our knowledgeable bankers and full range of convenient and customizable products and services. It's Monumental.

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To subscribe: Fill out the card between pages 96 and 97 or go to www.BethesdaMagazine.com.

For customer service: Call 301-718-7787, ext. 205, or send an email to customerservice@bethesdamagazine.com.

For advertising information: Call 301-718-7787, ext. 220; send an email to advertising@bethesdamagazine.com; or go to www.BethesdaMagazine.com.

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For information on events and reprints: Call 301-718-7787, ext. 207; or send an email to marketing@bethesdamagazine.com.

Bethesda Magazine 7768 Woodmont Ave., #204 Bethesda, MD 20814 Phone: 301-718-7787 Fax: 301-718-1875 www.BethesdaMagazine.com

28 JULY/AUGUST 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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Washington’s Finest Diamonds

A family tradition for over 60 years.

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from our readers

A Local Treasure

Congratulations on a great article (“Order Up!,” in the March/April issue) featuring a Bethesda treasure that reflects history, values and community: Tastee Diner.

During its 80 years, Tastee Diner has witnessed dramatic changes but has stood firm as a beacon of friendliness, service and unpretentious hospitality. It’s no wonder journalists can be seen there interviewing politicians and community leaders; it’s no wonder that people from all walks of life and of all ages gather for the comfort Tastee Diner provides. Thank you, Tastee Diner team, for being family to our Bethesda community.

Connie Morella Former U.S. representative from Maryland’s 8th District

Food for Thought

While the May/June issue’s Figuratively Speaking article, “School Lunches by the Numbers,” certainly makes its point that feeding the thousands of Montgomery County students is no small task for MCPS Food Services, it unfortunately paints an inaccurate picture of the actual food those thousands of children are eating every day.

Highlighting stats about whole-grain products, apple slices, milk and salads, as well as the lack of candy and donuts in vending machines, is misleading. In many MCPS school cafeterias, including elementary, MCPS sells a la carte items that most consider to be junk food, such as chips, novelty ice cream bars, Rice Krispies bars and gummy fruit snacks. Middle and high schools sell chips, cookies and ice cream on a daily basis. Breakfast meals consist of processed products like packaged Eggo maple-flavored pancakes and frosted cinnamon rolls. In MCPS schools, you are more likely to see students’ trays with these types of items over apple slices, whole-grain breads and salads. >

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30 July/August 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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IS PROUD TO CELEBRATE

125 YEARS AS A TRUSTED CHOICE

FOR SENIOR CARE IN MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA.

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from our readers

You would do your readers a great service by sharing some other important MCPS school lunch figures, such as the number of bags of chips sold, the budget for processed foods containing chemical additives, and the amount of money that MCPS makes from selling unhealthy a la carte items to our children.

to Do Something’ ” by Ann Cochran in the May/June issue is such a timely and wonderful article. Caregivers want to hear the stories of others who are experiencing challenges. Ann is on target describing the emotional ups and downs while exploring multiple resources to find a solution to safely care for her vulnerable father. Her father’s needs are part of a landscape Emily Warke that keeps unfolding as she seeks help, Parent hoping to stay ahead of it all. Ann’s Westbrook Elementary School story, positive outcome and ongoBethesda ing journey are so valuable for others to hear. I thank Ann for courageously Courageous Caregiver writing such an insightful article—and Almost everyone will be a caregiver Bethesda Magazine for publishing it. sooner or later, and we all seem to start from scratch to gather information Susan Roach and direction. That is why “ ‘We Had Washington, D.C.

‘A Piece of Americana’

The May/June photo essay on Hank Dietle’s Tavern (“99 Years of Beer”) generated a big response. Online, commenters praised the beloved Rockville dive bar and shared their memories.

Travis Marcel Rousset Sr. posted, “My brother and me still have our initials engraved in the first booth from the side door. I believe they are dated 95.”

Tom Gast wrote, “This might sound a little too highfalutin to describe Dietle’s....but it’s a piece of Americana.” To which josfitz replied, “It’s definitely an area institution. Nobody could argue with that.” n Bethesda Magazine welcomes letters to the editor.

Please email your letter to letters@bethesda magazine.com and include your daytime phone number. Bethesda Magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity.

Thank You

for once again recognizing

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Since 1968

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2015

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32 July/August 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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art. festivals. culture. day trips. hidden gems.

good life

photo by Gloria occhipinti

Dig Into Fresh Crabs Nothing says summer in Maryland like hosting your own crab feast. Though it may be easier to eat crabs at a restaurant or to buy steamed crabs to take home, cooking them yourself—and digging into a pile of piping hot Number Ones surrounded by family and friends—is a skill every Marylander should master.

Judy Colbert, author of the cookbook Chesapeake Bay Crabs, likes to add a can of beer to the steaming water for extra flavor. Classic sides such as coleslaw and potato salad are good crowd pleasers, but corn on the cob is Colbert’s favorite. “I use a paint tray and melt butter in it,” she says. “Line the corn up in the paint tray, and it

rolls into the butter well.” You’ll also need wooden mallets, vinegar spiked with Old Bay, knives and, of course, lots of newspaper. “It’s supposed to be casual,” Colbert says. “It’s supposed to be fun, it’s supposed to take longer to eat the crabs than to cook them.”

The following seafood markets and restaurants sell live crabs; it’s smart to call ahead to confirm they have some in stock: Bethesda Crab House, Bethesda, 301-652-3382; and Cameron’s Seafood, Silver Spring, 301-585-5555, and Rockville, 301-251-1000.

— Katharine Keane BethesdaMagazine.com | July/August 2015 35

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good life

There are swimming pools and swimming holes, and then there’s swimming in the cool, freshwater quarry that is Beaver Dam Swimming Club. The former marble quarry in Cockeysville, Maryland, opened about 200 years ago and became renowned for its dolomite, a type of hard marble that was used to complete the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. When demand for marble dropped in the early 20th century,

the pumps that had removed the quarry’s spring water were turned off and the quarry filled. The first swimmers paid 25 cents to enjoy the water in 1936. Today, the 30-acre swim club is home to a Tarzan-style swing. Visitors grip a bar tied to a rope, swing out over the water, and drop in. They can also jump in from rock ledges and floating platforms. There’s a regular swimming pool, grills, picnic tables and a snack bar along the water’s

edge. Volleyball and basketball courts, as well as a second pool, are also on the property.

Admission, cash only, ranges from $11 to $17. The swim club is open through Labor Day (closed weekdays beginning Aug. 24.)

Beaver Dam Swimming Club, 10820 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville; 410-785-2323; www.beaverdamswimmingclub.com.

—Christine Koubek

Photo by Win Mcnamee/Getty images

Swing Like Tarzan

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good life

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Get Lost in a Field Of Sunflowers Toward the end of April every year, about 30 acres of the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area in Poolesville are planted with sunflower seeds. For about two weeks in July or early August, the fields bloom with thousands of sunflowers that grow to about 5 or 6 feet tall. Originally planted as food for the mourning doves that inhabit the area, the sunflower fields have become a popular picnic area and background for family photos. “The vastness of the fields is unreal,” says Julie Powers, a local blogger and photographer. “You don’t get that in the metro region.” The field is also a good place for bird-watching— visitors might see goldfinches, mourning doves or sparrows.

Photo by JP Benante

The McKee-Beshers WMA is located at the intersection of Hughes and River roads in Poolesville. Peak bloom time changes every year; for more information, check the website of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (dnr2.maryland.gov).

—Alexandra Nowicki

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good life

best bets

Our picks for the best things to see and do in July and August

By Stephanie Siegel Burke

July 11

Not Strictly Ballroom 8 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore, $35-$75, www.strathmore.org

Aug. 4

Through Aug. 9

Seeing Double Depending on your age, you may know this story from one of two movies that were titled The Parent Trap, the first starring Hayley Mills in 1961, and the second with Lindsay Lohan in 1998. Based on a 1949 German novel, the tale of 10-year-old identical twins who are reunited at summer camp after being split up by their parents’ divorce has been adapted into nearly a dozen languages. Imagination Stage brings it to life in Double Trouble. Best for ages 5 and up.

Imagination Stage, $12-$35, www.imaginationstage.org

Soul Man An influential musician since the 1960s, Boz Scaggs has incorporated genres such as blues, jazz and soul into his own sound. Hear it in his early days with the Steve Miller Band, his smooth music of the 1970s, and on his eclectic latest album, A Fool to Care. The “blue-eyed soul” singer and musician comes to Strathmore with a repertoire that includes new songs and old favorites.

8 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore, $38-$88, www.strathmore.org

July 11

As If! It’s been 20 years since Cher Horowitz went rolling with her homies and tried to play matchmaker in the classic 1990s film Clueless, based on Jane Austen’s novel Emma. Get a behind-thescenes look at the film when Politics and Prose hosts a reading by pop culture writer Jen Chaney from her book As If! The Oral History of Clueless.

6 p.m. at Politics and Prose, free, www.politics-prose.com

July 16-Aug. 9

A Rose By Any Other Age What would happen if Romeo and Juliet met as retirees in their 70s? Unexpected Stage Company asks this question in Romeo and Juliet: Love Knows No Age, a reimagining of one of Shakespeare’s most well-known plays, set in a senior living community.

Randolph Road Theater, $10-$27.50, www.unexpectedstage.org

Photos Courtesy of The Music Center at Strathmore ( Ballroom with a twist & Scaggs ); simon & Schuster, Inc. ( As If!)

Ballroom with a Twist is a reality TV mash-up that’s a dream come true for dance show fans. The review brings together cast members from Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance to perform live. Bonus: The show includes musical performances by American Idol finalists.

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8x10.5 (Bethesda Magazine)

Large enough to know how.

Small enough to know you.

We didn’t get to be the area’s largest community bank by thinking small. We got here by thinking deeper about your business needs. Thinking of ways to help you succeed that others can’t (or won’t). Because your success is our success. That’s what community is all about. But enough about us. Let’s talk about your business.

EagleBankCorp.com 301.986.1800 MD | VA | DC

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good life

best bets The Way He Looks Tonight

Aug. 7

The Jimi Hendrix Experience BandHouse Gigs, a local nonprofit concert production team, brings together musicians, hair and makeup artists, lighting designers and audio engineers to put on one-of-a-kind tribute concerts featuring the work of iconic musicians. This time, it pays tribute to the legendary Jimi Hendrix.

7:30 p.m. at The Fillmore Silver Spring, $22-$27, www.fillmoresilverspring.com

Aug. 26

All About M.E.

Rock star, Grammy winner, cancer survivor, gay activist. Singer Melissa Etheridge has done a lot during her 25-year career, and those experiences shape her latest album, This is M.E. She will perform numbers from it as well as some of her greatest hits, such as Come to My Window, during her solo show at Strathmore.

8 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore, $45-$85, www. strathmore.org

Stars

Under the Stars Catching a flick outside on a warm night is one of summer’s great pleasures. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and head out to one of these free outdoor film series.

Grammy-winning vocalist Steve Tyrell comes to Bethesda for a two-night engagement, performing the jazz standards and pop classics that characterize his four-decade career. Known for his performance in the 1991 film Father of the Bride, Tyrell is more than a crooner.

As a producer, he has worked with such artists as Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Linda Ronstadt and Diana Ross.

The Bethesda Urban Partnership presents five nights of entertainment during Bethesda Outdoor Movies. The annual series offers a little something for everyone—this year’s films are Sixteen Candles, Chef, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1, Mrs. Doubtfire and The Imitation Game.

8 p.m. at Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club, $35-$45, www.bethesdabluesjazz.com

9 p.m., July 21-25, Corner of Norfolk and Auburn avenues, www. bethesda.org

Corner Cinema

At The Drive - In The Rockville Drive-In movie theater operated from 1954 to 1981, but the Comcast Outdoor Film Festival is bringing back the format for three nights in August.

On the big screen: How to Train Your Dragon 2, Instellar and Guardians of the Galaxy. Though parking spots in front of the 65-foot inflatable screen are limited, visitors without wheels can park a chair or blanket up front. Movies start at dusk; arrive early for food, music and carnival games.

5 p.m., Aug. 21-23, MCPS Board of Education building, 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, www.filmfestnih.org

Photos Courtesy of the Fillmore silver Spring ( Hendrix ); Bethesda Blues & Jazz ( Tyrell ); the music center at strathmore ( Etheridge ); istock ( projector )

Aug. 20, 21

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Quite a duet.

Ridgewells and Strathmore star together in a fresh, new role.

Now, as the exclusive caterer for Strathmore, one of Washington’s premier artistic destinations, Ridgewells is wowing fans in a whole new way. From café dining to special events, our menus enjoy the spotlight throughout the entire arts center.

Come enjoy a mouthwatering creative experience.

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good life

arts & entertainment

calendar Compiled by Cindy Murphy-Tofig

open 90 minutes before showtime. $25$35. AMP by Strathmore, North Bethesda.

301-581-5100, www.ampbystrathmore.com.

July 11 THE VI - KINGS. The band’s British-invasion-meets-American-pop vibe encompasses music by the Beatles, Bob Dylan, the Kinks, the Rolling Stones and the Yardbirds. 8 p.m.; doors open 90 minutes before showtime. $15-$25. AMP by Strathmore, North Bethesda. 301-581-5100, www.ampbystrathmore.com.

MUSIC July 1-Aug. 19 FREE SUMMER OUTDOOR CONCERTS. The weekly concerts will feature Ten Strings and a Goatskin (folk/fusion, July 1), Las Cafeteras (Afro-Caribbean/Afro-Mexican, July 8), Team Familiar (funk/soul, July 15), No BS: Brass Band (New Orleans funk, July 22), Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen (country/bluegrass, July 29), Cheick Hamala Diabaté (African, Aug. 5) and The Railsplitters (bluegrass/roots, Aug. 12). The series culminates with Ukefest (Aug. 19), an annual celebration of the ukulele. 7 p.m.

Wednesdays. Gudelsky Gazebo, The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda. 301581-5100, www.strathmore.org.

Through July 16 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES. The free outdoor concerts, presented by Bethesda Urban Partnership, will include performances by Oasis Island Sounds (Caribbean/reggae, July 2), the Sidleys (rock, July 9) and the Crimestoppers (blues/classic rock, July 16). 6 p.m. Thursdays. Veterans Park, Bethesda. www.bethesda.org.

Through July 30 EVENINGS IN OLD TOWNE. Scheduled concert performers include Vintage #18 (jazz, July 2), Trio Caliente (Latin, July 9),

King Teddy (swing, July 16), Travis Tucker (pop/R&B, July 23) and Fabulous Exaggerations (classic rock, July 30). 6 p.m. Thursdays. Free. City Hall Concert Pavilion, Gaithersburg. www.gaithersburgmd.gov.

Through Aug. 6 SILVER SPRING SUMMER CONCERT SERIES. Downtown Silver Spring comes to life during this annual outdoor music series. 7 p.m. Thursdays. Free. Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring. www.silverspring downtown.com.

Through Sept. 4 FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE. Bring a lawn chair and spend an evening listening to music.

Scheduled performers include The Dreamstreet (classic rock, July 10), Tom Principato (blues, July 17), 49¢ Dress (rock ’n’ roll, July 24), Ruthie & The Wranglers (Americana country, July 31), White Ford Bronco (’90s music, Aug. 7), Billy Coulter Band (American roots rock, Aug. 14) and The Sandra Dean Band featuring Daryl Davis (blues and soul, Aug. 28). No performance July 3. 6:30 p.m.

Fridays. Free. Rockville Town Square. www.rockvilletownsquare.com.

July 10 THE PERSUASIONS. The legendary a cappella group, formed in 1961, has performed and recorded with Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon and Van Morrison. 8 p.m.; doors

July 23 THE FOUR SEASONS. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra pairs the popular Vivaldi work with selections from Handel’s Water Music. 8 p.m. $25-$45. The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda. 301-5815100, www.bsomusic.org.

July 27 THE VAMPS. The British pop band’s recent hits include the song “Oh Cecilia, (Breaking My Heart),” which was adapted from the Simon & Garfunkel song “Cecilia.” 7 p.m. $25.

The Fillmore, Silver Spring. 301-960-9999, www.fillmoresilverspring.com.

July 30 DVOŘÁK’S NEW WORLD SYMPHONY. Conductor Tito Muñoz leads the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra through Dvořák’s portrayal of life in early America. 8 p.m. $25$45. The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda. 301-581-5100, www.bsomusic.org.

Aug. 7 EMILY SKINNER. The singer takes on Broadway’s biggest hits, performing songs

by Lerner & Lowe, Rodgers & Hammerstein and Kander & Ebb, plus works from moremodern theater. 8 p.m.; doors open 90 minutes before showtime. $35-$45. AMP

by Strathmore, North Bethesda. 301-5815100, www.ampbystrathmore.com.

Courtesy of Chopteeth

Chopteeth performs July 18 at AMP by Strathmore.

July 18 CHOPTEETH. The band’s vibrant Afrobeat sound keeps concertgoers dancing all evening. 8 p.m.; doors open 90 minutes before showtime. $20-$30. AMP by Strathmore, North Bethesda. 301-581-5100, www.ampbystrathmore.com.

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THEATER Through July 12 IMPOSSIBLE! A HAPPENSTANCE CIRCUS. The performance is a theatrical collage of classic circus characters and images.

7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. 3 p.m. only July 4. $20. Round House Theatre, Bethesda.

240-644-1100, www.roundhousetheatre.org.

July 10-Aug. 9 THIS LIME TREE BOWER. The play follows three young Irishmen as they tell stories of different events in their lives. Presented by Quotidian Theatre Co. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $30; $25 seniors; $15 students. The Writer’s Center, Bethesda. 301816-1023, www.quotidiantheatre.org.

ART Through July 12 THESE MIRRORS ARE NOT BOXES. The exhibit examines the complex nature of identity through the works of artists Amy Hughes Braden, Milana Braslavsky, Anna U. Davis, Nora Howell, Annette Isham and Lisa Noble. Gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m.

Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.

Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free. VisArts at Rockville, Rockville.

301-315-8200, www.visartsatrockville.org.

Courtesy of Chopteeth

Through July 26 ROAD TO ABSTRACTION. Phyllis Gillie Jaffe’s abstract paintings encourage patrons to think of landscapes differently. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Wednesday; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free.

The Mansion at Strathmore, North Bethesda.

301-581-5100, www.strathmore.org.

July 5-24 ALICE MARSHALL MARTIN, ART GALLERY OF POTOMAC AND ALBERT FELDMAN. The art exhibit will feature work in colored pencil by Martin, mixedmedia from the Art Gallery of Potomac and quilting/fiber by Feldman. Opening reception will be 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. July 5. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Free. Glenview Mansion, Rockville Civic Center Park, Rockville. 240-314-8682, www.rockvillemd.gov.

July 7-Aug. 1 BENTHOS: DISCOVERIES AND MARINE HABITATS IN GLASS. Artist Nikki O’Neill’s glasswork combines her years as a scientist and her studies in studio arts. Gallery hours

are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. July 10. Waverly Street Gallery, Bethesda. Free.

301-951-9441, waverlystreetgallery.com.

July 10 and Aug. 14 BETHESDA ART WALK. Various galleries in downtown Bethesda open their doors on the second Friday of every month. 6 to 9 p.m. Free. 301-215-6660, www.bethesda.org.

July 15-Aug. 16 BOBBY COLEMAN: RE-BUILD. The solo exhibition will feature Coleman’s most recent paintings. Gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free. VisArts at Rockville, Rockville.

301-315-8200, www.visartsatrockville.org.

July 24-Aug. 23 GEN-Y 2.0. The exhibit will feature aspiring artists, ages 17-27, who were chosen by guest jurors. Gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free. VisArts at Rockville, Rockville.

301-315-8200, www.visartsatrockville.org.

Aug. 1-23 FINE ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE CLASS OF 2015 EXHIBITION. Featured artists will include painters, sculptors, printmakers and photographers. Opening reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 7. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free. The Mansion at Strathmore, North Bethesda. 301-5815100, www.strathmore.org.

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Through July 30 THURSDAY MORNING KIDS’ CONCERTS. Scheduled entertainers include Uncle Devin (percussion, July 2), Mr. Gabe & The Circle Time All-Stars (music, July 9), Brian Curry (math and magic, July 16), Yosi Meets Eugene (music and puppets, July 23) and Opera Kids (July 30). 10:30 a.m. Thursdays.

Free. City Hall Concert Pavilion, Gaithersburg. www.gaithersburgmd.gov.

Through Aug. 9 SNOW WHITE AND THE 7 DWARVES. Snow White and her friends learn that friendship and teamwork can make any challenge smaller in this take on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Suitable for children in prekindergarten through fourth grade. 10 and 11:30 a.m. Thursday and Friday, and 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. No performance July 4. $10. The

The{APersuasions cappella icons} July 10

The VI-Kings

{Mixtape of classic hits} July 11

ChopTeeth

{Hip-shaking Afrobeat} July 18

Karen Briggs

{Electrifying violin, eclectic genres} July 22

Hackensaw Boys

{Rowdy folk & Old-Time tunes} July 23

The Songs of Johnny Mercer starring Lee Lessack and Linda Purl July 31 & Aug 1

The Gibson Brothers

{Bluegrass burnished by tradition} presented by WAMU

Aug 6

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BethesdaMagazine.com | July/August 2015 45

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good life Puppet Co. Playhouse, Glen Echo. 301-6345380, www.thepuppetco.org.

ty Recreation Center, Rockville. 240-3148830, www.rockvillemd.gov.

July 9-30 BACKYARD THEATER FOR CHILDREN. Kid-friendly performers include Secret Agent 23 Skidoo (July 9), Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer’s Music Party (July 16), Play Date (July 23) and David Gonzalez’s Aesop Bops (July 30). 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Thursdays. $8.

Backyard Theater Stage, The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda. 301-5815100, www.strathmore.org.

Aug. 7 SCIENCE TELLERS: SUPER HEROES. Science experiments and storytelling mash together for a theatrical, educational experience. 3 p.m. Free. Twinbrook Community Recreation Center, Rockville. 240-3148830, www.rockvillemd.gov.

July 19 JUNIOR DETECTIVE DAY. Gaithersburg police officers help participants complete training exercises focusing on physical fitness. Kids will also see police dog demonstrations, learn about neighborhood safety and explore a police car. Suitable for kids ages 5-12. $10. Kentlands Mansion, Gaithersburg. 301-258-6425, www.gaithersburgmd.gov.

July 22 ERIC ENERGY. The hands-on science show will touch on matter, air, electricity and sound, and include audience participation. 4 p.m. Free. Twinbrook Communi-

A

F I V E

S T A R

Aug. 13-30 DINOSAUR DESPERADOS. The Old West meets the really Old West when dinosaur wranglers introduce kids to creatures from the Mesozoic Era. Suitable for kids in prekindergarten through third grade. 10 and 11:30 a.m. Thursday and Friday, and 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $10.

The Puppet Co. Playhouse, Glen Echo. 301634-5380, www.thepuppetco.org.

SEASONAL July 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION. Live music, family activities and strolling entertainers make for a festive eve-

S E N I O R

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here a rich life doesn’t cost a fortune.

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ning before the fireworks begin at dark. 6 p.m. Free. Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds, Gaithersburg. 301-258-6350, www.gaithersburgmd.gov.

July 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION. Scheduled performances include The Nighthawks, Rockville Concert Band and Fugitive Brass Band. 7 p.m.; fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m. Free.

Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park, Rockville. 240314-8620, www.rockvillemd.gov.

Aug. 14-22 MONTGOMERY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FAIR. Ferris wheel, demolition derby, crafting contests and other scheduled activities and exhibits. 3 p.m. to midnight Aug. 14, 10 a.m. to midnight Aug. 15-22 (carnival opens at noon). $10; children 11 and younger free. Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds, Gaithersburg. 301926-3100, www.mcagfair.com. n To submit calendar items, or to see a complete listing, go to BethesdaMagazine.com.

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46 July/August 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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We want to help local families have sweeter dreams.

Each night, many families sleep on floors just miles away from some of our nation’s greatest wealth. These families need beds. That’s why the Wydler Brothers Team created the 1000 Bed Challenge. For every home bought or sold with Wydler Brothers this year, our lead agent will donate a bed to A Wider Circle, a local charity helping thousands of families in need. To help us reach our goal of donating 1000 beds, we have joined with the generous partners listed below who will also donate beds to A Wider Circle. Please help us deliver sweeter dreams to local families in need.

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Wydler Brothers Team, of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

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people. politics. current events. books. columns.

banter

photo by Skip Brown

Doggie Paddling A 6-year-old Jack Russell terrier named Hamlet has been making a splash lately on the C&O Canal. “People walking by on the towpath all stop, comment about how cute he is, and whip out their cameras,” owner Pat Anderson says of his four-legged, stand-up paddleboard partner. “When we cruise by the paddleboard yoga classes, we really seem to break their concentration.”

Anderson, who is 58 and lives in

By Maura Mahoney

Cabin John, spent part of his boyhood in Cocoa Beach, Florida, surfing every day. When he moved to Maryland in high school, he got into white-water kayaking and continued surfing when he could. He took up paddleboarding three years ago. In April of 2013, Anderson adopted Hamlet from a friend of a friend who fosters dogs for Arlington-based Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. Anderson quickly realized that Hamlet loves company and being outside—so he bought the dog a life

jacket from a company named Outward Hound and plopped him on top of the paddleboard.

Hamlet has fallen into the water occasionally, but a handle on his life jacket helps his owner scoop up the 12-pound pup. Anderson, who owns a video production company called Patrick Telepictures Inc., says the dog gets excited and jumps onto the board whenever he sees his life jacket. Says Anderson: “He’s a showstopper.”

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banter

By David Frey

Figuratively Speaking Capital Bikeshare by the numbers

Capital Bikeshare allows people to rent a bike from one of more than 300 stations in the Washington area and return it later. Here’s a look at the program in Montgomery County by the numbers.

“I actually would do it again.”

Number of Capital Bikeshare annual memberships with Montgomery County billing addresses

1,460

—Epic cyclist Mark Mervine, after an October 2013 Montgomery County station-to-station “Tour de Bikeshare” ride from Takoma Park to the Maryland Soccerplex and Discovery Sports Center in Boyds. (The Gazette, Oct. 30, 2013)

Number of trips expected in the first year

82% of trips take less than

Busiest month Sept. 2014

4,882 trips Slowest month Jan. 2014

916 trips

Number of

bike thefts as of April 7, 2015

1

30

minutes Actual number of trips in the first year

Largest station

Montgomery College, Rockville (21 docks)

L

of stations

14 Cost of one - day membership

$8

Cost of annual membership

$85

013

September : d e h c 2 n u a Initial # Initial # of bikes

Current # of stations

51

210 Current # of bikes

457 Sources: Montgomery County Bikeshare, The Gazette

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Preparing for the future? Let’s have that conversation.

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NOTES

6/3/15 3:34 PM

banter Dana Weiss graduated from Bethesda’s Walter Johnson High School.

outfits they had seen on other shows.

Her lucky break: While surfing the Internet, Weiss stumbled onto the email address of Lou Eyrich, who worked for the Fox hit series Glee and eventually became an invaluable resource for Weiss. “Stylists have been really jazzed to work with me, because for a long time they really didn’t get the credit that they deserved,” Weiss says.

With possessionista.com’s help, the conversation is no longer only about what the celebrities wore, but who chose the outfit for them.

‘I Love That Outfit’ How Dana Weiss became a social media sensation

Weiss tries to be true to herself without upsetting her kids. “I say some racy stuff on the Internet,” she says. “But I always try to keep in mind that I don’t want to embarrass them.”

Why she loves blogging: Though Weiss’ blog has provided opportunities to meet celebrities such as actress Sofia Vergara and Chris Harrison, host of The Bachelor, she loves connecting with readers. A reader emailed, “I wanted to send you a picture of me at my wedding shower, I bought this dress because you posted about it!” Says Weiss: “Those sort of moments—when somebody trusted me enough to take my advice—are really what keep me going.”

The backstory: Weiss decided not to return to work after becoming a mom in 2009. “I was a stay-at-home mom, and pretty quickly I was kind of bored,” she says. So Weiss, who has a background in journalism and public relations, started jotting down some of the outfits that she had seen on TV. “I didn’t even really know what a blog was,” she says. “I just tried to create a webpage to keep track of the clothes I was finding.” Readers quickly discovered the site and began requesting information about

On the shopping scene in Bethesda: Weiss remembers going to White Flint Mall with her friends when she was a kid. “We’d go to J. Chow’s and have a chicken salad and spend hours walking the mall,” she says. “It’s sad to see it doesn’t exist anymore.” Though Weiss is settled in Chicago, she comes to Bethesda a few times a year to visit her parents and sister, and always makes time for a little shopping. “I go to Luna every time I come home,” she says.

“Every time I go there, I get great jeans.”

By Katharine Keane

Walter Johnson High School graduate Dana Weiss had no idea that her hobby of tracking down celebrity outfits would one day become a full-time job and generate more than 58,000 Twitter followers. Weiss’ website, possessionista.com, helps readers figure out where to buy the clothes and accessories they see on TV, such as the red lace dress Juliette Barnes had on in an episode of Nashville or the MAC lipstick Kaitlyn Bristowe wore on The Bachelor. “A possessionista is somebody that helps you to know about stuff,” says Weiss, 39, who lives in Chicago with her husband and two young sons. “I was all about helping people find the stuff they were looking for.”

Known for her sarcasm and wit,

Photo courtesy of Liz LaBoda/© Liz Irene Photography

Latest styling obsession: TV Land’s Younger, which stars Hilary Duff, Sutton Foster and Debi Mazar. Weiss says stylist Patricia Field is a “genius” with mixing and matching, and that she’s very smart about showing “how women use trends to define—and sometimes disguise—their age.”

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banter

A Little Bit Country Homegrown celebrity Chris Carmack talks about playing in a band in high school, having his photo plastered on a skyscraper in Manhattan, and his favorite teacher at Magruder High School

By Katharine Keane

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Known by fans of ABC’s Nashville as the charming and handsome Will Lexington—a closeted gay man trying to make it as a country music star—Chris Carmack considers Montgomery County his hometown.

Carmack, who attended Sequoyah Elementary School in Derwood and Redland Middle School in Rockville, says he developed a passion for theater at Rockville’s Magruder High School.

“Magruder High School, at the time, had a really wonderful drama program headed up by Mr. Michael Deanna, a really dedicated teacher and program head,” Carmack says. After performing in dozens of productions and festivals staged by Magruder, the Class of ’99 alum enrolled at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, then dropped out after two years to pursue an acting career in Los Angeles.

Carmack, 34, is the middle child of three; his parents now live in South Carolina. Here are nine other facts you probably didn’t know about the homegrown celebrity.

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did you know that..... ❰❰ When he was 16 years old, Carmack played the saxophone in a ska metal band—a genre known for its infusion of heavy metal and funk. He says the band had only one real gig, at the Grog and Tankard, which is now closed, on Wisconsin Avenue in D.C. “Our favorite song to play was ‘Take On Me,’ and our lead singer would sing beautifully except for that one top crazy note which our saxophonist would step up to play,” he says. ❰❰ After living in Los Angeles for 12 years, Carmack now resides in Nashville, Tennessee, which he says reminds him of his Maryland roots. “The music is better,” he says, “but in terms of geography and size, it’s felt a bit like home.” ❰❰ For his Nashville audition, Carmack sang “She’s Country” by Grammynominee Jason Aldean, an artist he had never heard of before. “I was very unfamiliar with country music before this job,” Carmack says. “I have since sat next to him at the Country Music Awards, and I really respect his work.” ❰❰ Carmack was a counselor at the now defunct Seneca Creek Day Camp.

“The counselors just wanted to play with the kids, constantly making up new games. We would have a sleepover every two weeks, and our groups would have to prepare skits and songs,” he says. ❰❰ Carmack is a self-proclaimed “geek.” His favorite class in high school? Mrs. Schlossnagle’s anatomy course. “I read the anatomy textbook from beginning to end,” he says. “I found it fascinating!” ❰❰ Carmack got a big break when he was at the Tisch School in New York City—he was hired as a model for Abercrombie & Fitch. “Once you’ve been plastered up 230 feet high in your underwear on the midtown towers, you get a second look at auditions,” Carmack says. In 2003, Carmack was cast as Luke Ward in the teen hit series The O.C.

Photo courtesy of ABC/Bob D’Amico

❰❰ You may have seen him as a high schooler performing at Lakeforest Mall during the holidays. “My one friend would put together a horn ensemble to play Christmas carols at the mall. We would make 20 bucks and blow it on Cinnabon,” Carmack says. ❰❰ Carmack is an adventurous eater. “One of the last times I was in Bethesda visiting friends was during the cicada hatch,” he says. “I have a fond memory of walking down the streets of Bethesda, which were blanketed in moving cicadas, and getting on our old high school mindset and daring each other to partake in the most recent food fad. We stood in front of Saphire Café and picked cicadas off the ground and we ate them. And they weren’t that bad!

I’m sure it was good protein.” ❰❰ Carmack recently released some of his original songs. A departure from the country music he has been singing for the past three seasons on Nashville, Carmack says his music is influenced by John Mayer, Amos Lee and Otis Redding. But he adds, “I like to think of it as being a little bit original.”

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banter

By Aaron Kraut and andrew metcalf

Neighborhood NOTES 270

4

News you may have missed

gaithersburg MD 200

rockville

95 200

I-95

I-270 270

I-495

1 Potomac

2 5 bethesda

495

I-495

1

love thy neighbor

A Chevy Chase woman spent a night in jail after blocking workers from paving over a strip of grass in the driveway that she shares with her neighbors. Deborah Vollmer was ordered by a judge to allow the work and to pay more than $30,000 in legal costs after multiple failed lawsuits to stop the paving, which she argued would hurt the neighborhood’s character. Workers finished paving the stretch in April.

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Tastee Rescue

Witnesses said cars whizzed by a 50-year-old man who collapsed in the middle of Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Bethesda on an April afternoon—until a Tastee Diner employee and another man carried the injured man to

chevy chase

staying funky

The new owner of Bethesda’s famed “Mushroom House” plans to keep the home’s unorthodox look. Brian Vaughn closed on the Allan Road property in May for $920,000. The blue-tinted polyurethane foam that covers the two-story stucco home will stay.

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the side of the road and called 911. “I didn’t think anything of it,” said Larry Hall, the night manager at the Bethesda institution who came to the man’s rescue. “It was the neighborly thing to do.”

3

silver spring

bikeshare for sale

A Craigslist poster in Gaithersburg didn’t quite understand that those heavy red Bikeshare bikes are only for rent. The poster listed one

for sale for $40 and wrote, “I’ve had the bike for like 2 months so I’m sure no one is going to come looking for it.” Shortly after becoming aware of the post, Bikeshare started investigating the situation. A few hours later, the post was “flagged for removal” and taken off the website.

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#Promposals

Promposals—in which high school students ask dates to prom in clever ways—have become so popular that students at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School created a Twitter account to catalog them. Our favorite local promposal? The Wootton High School runner who created a running route on a phone app and ran the course with his potential date. When they were finished, he asked her to look at the route on the app’s map.

It spelled, “PROM?” She said yes.

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banter

Against the Odds Silver Spring’s Ari Ne’eman is changing the conversation about autism

By Maura Mahoney

Ari Ne’eman co-founded the Autistic Self Advocacy Network when he was in college.

Ne’eman has continued his work at ASAN as its president since graduating from college in 2010. That same year, he became the first openly autistic presidential appointee when he was named by President Barack Obama to the National Council on Disability, which advises the federal government on disability policy.

“Fifteen years ago, most people’s perception of the word autism came from something like the movie Rain Man,” Ne’eman says. But now, he says, people are much more likely to be thinking of someone they know who is autistic. “That’s progress,” Ne’eman says.

“People don’t learn from public service announcements. People learn from the

people in their lives.” As a result, he focuses on building inclusive communities, schools and workplaces because he says that’s the way to greater public acceptance and understanding.

Ne’eman’s days are filled with meetings, networking, writing reports and giving speeches. Julia Bascom, the deputy executive director at ASAN, says he’s willing to push himself in ways that most people with autism are not: “He’s an autistic person doing things that are incredibly challenging for him—social situations are not comfortable or instinctive—and he’s doing them constantly, because he believes that what he’s doing matters so much.”

Photo by mike olliver

Ari Ne’eman was 12 when his mother took him for a walk and told him that he was autistic. He says he didn’t understand at first the impact the diagnosis would have on his life. As he grew older, he was bullied at East Brunswick High School in New Jersey, and suffered from serious social anxiety.

Ne’eman, now 27 and living in Silver Spring, says he learned two lessons very quickly: that people often had lower expectations of him because of his disability, and that, fortunately, there was a community of people like him with whom he could connect.

These realizations led him to his life’s work. In 2006, “frustrated by how little the conversation about autism included the voices of those most impacted by autism policy—autistic people ourselves,” he co-founded the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) while attending the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Run by and for autistic people, ASAN isn’t on a mission to find a cure for autism, but rather focuses on services, supports and equal rights.

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hot list Your guide to Bethesda area happenings — from hot to not

By Aaron Kraut and andrew metcalf

In May, staff from the Montgomery County Planning Department recommended several changes to Norfolk Avenue that include more trees and landscaping as well as “parklets” that would take the place of some curbside parking spaces. Instead of asphalt, the road would be all brick, allowing for a more attractive special events space.

The number of female Maryland blue crabs was estimated at 101 million, less than half of this year’s target of 215 million. What does this mean for you?

Expensive crabs.

As of late May, a dozen live medium-size crabs was going for $75 at Bethesda Crab House.

Two local schools were back in the U.S. News and World Report “Best High Schools” rankings this year after not being included in 2014. Winston Churchill in Potomac and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School came in at Nos. 69 and 161 in the country and were among the top five best high schools in the state.

Readers’ Pick, Best Podiatrist

Montgomery County overturned a finding of “unsubstantiated” child neglect against Silver Spring’s “free-range” parents, Danielle and Alexander Meitiv. The finding stemmed from a Dec. 20 incident in which police picked up the couple’s 10-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter as they walked home alone from a local park. The couple still faces another neglect case resulting from a similar incident in April.

An uncontested election in the town of Chevy Chase turned nasty in May after a secret write-in campaign worked well enough to oust Pat Burda, an incumbent Town Council member and longtime town leader. Fred Cecere, who beat Burda, said he was surprised that he actually won.

Dr. Paul Ross

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine

Bethesda Medical Building 8218 Wisconsin Avenue Suite P-14 Bethesda, Maryland 20814 301.656.6055

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banter

book Report

By Maura Mahoney

What’s on your bedside table?

Best-selling author Alexandra Robbins says nurses had been asking her for years to write a book about them. “They felt the best way to get their messages and secrets across would be in a fun, beach read-y kind of way,” says Robbins, who graduated from Bethesda’s Walt Whitman High School in 1994.

After interviewing hundreds of nurses, Robbins picked four to profile in her new book, The Nurses: A Year of Secrets, Drama, and Miracles with the Heroes of the Hospital (Workman Publishing Company, 2015). “I wanted to find nurses whose stories would create a page-turner, because that’s what makes nonfiction fun, at least for me,” she says.

Chevy Chase resident Sarah Pekkanen’s latest book, Things You Won’t Say (Washington Square Press, 2015), couldn’t be more timely: It’s about a police officer who shoots a teenager.

The book, which was being copy edited when Michael Brown was fatally shot in Ferguson, Missouri, was inspired by a story Pekkanen wrote years ago for The Baltimore Sun about an officer who was involved in a collision that killed a colleague.

“I was curious, what happens when a police officer, who is dedicated to doing good, winds up hurting somebody?” she says.

“What happens to the people around the person in the headlines...? How does everyone cope with the fallout?”

“I am a Roosevelt fanatic, especially crazy about Eleanor Roosevelt, so I read everything I can get my hands on about or by Franklin and Eleanor,” Tripp says. “Right now I’m reading The Essential Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a collection of FDR’s fireside chats and inaugural addresses. …FDR uses vivid, precise language, and his writing voice is friendly, informative, inspirational and energetic.

It’s a great pleasure to ‘hear’ him speaking the words in my imagination as I read them.”

Glen Echo resident and short-story writer Michelle Brafman says her first novel, Washing the Dead (Prospect Park Books, 2015), is a mother-daughter story about forgiveness. The book describes what happens when protagonist Barbara Blumfield returns to her hometown, an Orthodox Jewish community in Milwaukee, to perform a “tahara,” or ritual burial washing, after being exiled from there as a child. “Tahara is such a beautiful ritual,” says Brafman, who teaches fiction writing at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. “I thought this is the way I can tell a story about compassion and love.”

Bethesda resident Susan Schaefer describes her latest book, Nonprofit Board Service for the GENIUS (For the GENIUS Press, 2015), as a userfriendly guide for people who are aspiring, new or veteran board members. Schaefer, a consultant who specializes in fundraising and board development for nonprofit groups, co-wrote the book with District resident Bob Wittig, the executive director of The Jovid Foundation, an organization that supports low-income adults in the District. “We think this will appeal to busy professionals who are looking for an accessible guide to become a better and more sought-after board member,” Schaefer says.

Photo courtesy of Valerie Tripp; Book covers courtesy of Barnes & Noble

Silver Spring resident Valerie Tripp has written more than 50 historical fiction books for doll company American Girl and serves as the editorial director of the Boys Camp Books, a series for grade-schoolers about a group of friends who meet at summer camp. She’s also written hundreds of stories for the Superkids Reading Program, an instructional program designed for children in kindergarten through second grade. We asked her what she’s been reading lately.

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What Bethesda’s Reading

TEEN AUTHORS MIRANDA KENNEALLY, JENNY MARTIN AND LINDSAY SMITH. 7 p.m. The authors will discuss their latest works. Kenneally’s newest book, Jesse’s Girl (Sourcebooks Fire, 2015), is set to be released in July.

Martin’s book, Tracked (Dial Books, 2015), was released in May; Smith’s Skandal (Roaring Brook Press, 2015) is the second book in her Sekret series. 7 p.m.

Free. Montgomery County Public Libraries, Bethesda Library. www.montgomery countymd.gov/library.

Photo by ElisABETH CAREN/COURTESY OF GALLERY BOOKS

July 14

CHRISTINA MCDOWELL. McDowell wrote After Perfect: A Daughter’s Memoir (Simon & Schuster, 2015), which details the fallout from the imprisonment of her father, Tom Prousalis, in the wake of the scandal involving stockbroker Jordan Belfort (the “Wolf of Wall Street”). 7 p.m. Free. Politics & Prose, Washington, D.C. 202-364-1919, www. politics-prose.com.

July 18

JOANNA RAKOFF. Rakoff is the author of My Salinger Year (Knopf, 2014), a memoir about the time she spent as J.D. Salinger’s assistant. 6 p.m. Free. Politics & Prose, Washington, D.C. 202-3641919, www.politics-prose.com.

Hardcover Fiction

July 2

Hardcover Nonfiction

LITERARY events CALENDAR

Data provided by:

Barnes & Noble Nationwide/www.bn.com

Barnes & Noble Bethesda

Paperback (Fiction and Nonfiction)

Christina McDowell

Top - selling books as of May 29 at the Barnes & Noble in Bethesda compared with Barnes & Noble stores nationwide and at www.bn.com

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All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins God Help the Child, Toni Morrison Memory Man, David Balducci A God in Ruins, Kate Atkinson A Spool of Blue Thread, Anne Tyler 14th Deadly Sin, James Patterson, Maxine Paetro 8. Early Warning, Jane Smiley 9. Gathering Prey (Lucas Davenport Series, #25), John Sandford 10. The Liar, Nora Roberts

1. Radiant Angel, Nelson DeMille 2. The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins 3. All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr 4. 14th Deadly Sin, James Patterson, Maxine Paetro 5. Memory Man, David Baldacci 6. Gathering Prey (Lucas Davenport Series, #25), John Sandford 7. Seveneves, Neal Stephenson 8. Beach Town, Mary Kay Andrews 9. The Forgotten Room, Lincoln Child 10. The Scarlet Gospels, Clive Barker

1. The Road to Character, David Brooks 2. The Wright Brothers, David McCullough 3. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, Marie Kondo 4. Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania, Erik Larson 5. I Regret Nothing: A Memoir, Jen Lancaster 6. Grow Your Value: Living and Working to Your Full Potential, Mika Brzezinski 7. The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House, Kate Andersen Brower 8. Clinton Cash: The Untold Story of How and Why Foreign Governments and Businesses Helped Make Bill and Hillary Rich, Peter Schweizer 9. Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End, Atul Gawande 10. Tie: The Quartet: Orchestrating the Second American Revolution, 1783-1789, Joseph J. Ellis; The Beatles: A Hard Day’s Write, Steve Turner

1. The Wright Brothers, David McCullough 2. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, Marie Kondo 3. And the Good News Is…, Dana Perino 4. The Road to Character, David Brooks 5. My Fight/Your Fight, Ronda Rousey 6. A Lucky Life Interrupted, Tom Brokaw 7. Bill O’Reilly’s Legends & Lies, David Fisher 8. Clinton Cash: The Untold Story of How and Why Foreign Governments and Businesses Helped Make Bill and Hillary Rich, Peter Schweizer 9. The Book of Joan, Melissa Rivers 10. It’s a Long Story: My Life, Willie Nelson

1. The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Daniel James Brown 2. The Goldfinch, Donna Tartt 3. David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants, Malcolm Gladwell 4. Mehndi Designs Coloring Book (#4) and Mandalas Coloring Book (#6), Marty Noble 5. The Children Act, Ian McEwan 6. The Husband’s Secret, Liane Moriarty 7. Euphoria, Lily King 8. The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Richard Flanagan 9. A Work in Progress, Connor Franta 10. Orphan Train, Christina Baker Kline

1. A Work in Progress, Connor Franta 2. Mindset, Carol Dweck 3. The Goldfinch, Donna Tartt 4. Leaving Time, Jodi Picoult 5. The Husband’s Secret, Liane Moriarty 6. The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Daniel James Brown 7. The Invention of Wings, Sue Monk Kidd 8. The Four Agreements, don Miguel Ruiz 9. The 5 Love Languages, Gary Chapman 10. Dark Places, Gillian Flynn

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banter | suburbanology

by april witt

forever young I’m not one of the world’s greatest baseball players, I don’t use steroids, and I’ve never dated Cameron Diaz.

Still, I have something in common with baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez: femoral acetabular impingement, or FAI, a hip condition typically associated with high-performance athletes. In my case, it might as well be called boomeritis.

Health-conscious boomers’ dedication to exercise—and stubborn insistence that 55 is the new 35—is generating big business for orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists. Emergency room visits due to sports injuries rose more than 30 percent in the 1990s. By 2003 a national survey found that sports injuries had become the number two reason for visiting a doctor, after the common cold. As our odometers spin, and active boomers exceed the evolutionary warranty on our joints, the number of knee and hip replacement surgeries has soared.

I’m no athlete, but I have participated in the “Suburban Triathlon” of gardening, yoga and personal training. I’ve also danced thousands of hours since I first put on a pink tulle tutu at age 4 and twirled, discovering the joy of propelling myself through the universe with grace and speed. At 50, I felt as strong and energetic as ever. So it seemed like a good idea to turn my Bethesda backyard into some remembered vision of a French park, although the transformation entailed using my left foot like a battering ram to jam a shovel into the hard, clay soil of our garden. A few years later, a trainer at my gym had me doing numerous squats and Spider Man crawls, further stressing my hips. I felt occasional twinges of pain in my left hip. I shook them off.

Maria Kozloski is smarter than I am, and not just because she majored in math at the Massachusetts Institute

of Technology. Kozloski, global head and chief investment officer for private equity funds at the International Finance Corporation, is a longtime runner. When her three children were still infants and toddlers, she trained for a marathon and finished in 2 hours, 56 minutes. Today, at 50, she runs up to 60 miles weekly. She sometimes commutes from her Bethesda home to the District by running along the C&O Canal.

She relies on holistically-minded professionals to help maintain athletic performance while avoiding serious injury.

Weekly, she visits Terrel Hale, a licensed massage therapist and personal trainer who uses something called Active Release Techniques to help runners recover from overuse injuries and improve performance. Hale, who charges $150 a session and sees clients in his Rockville home and Georgetown office, evaluates the tightness and movement of

illustration by claudine hellmuth

Baby boomers’ obsession with exercise is good news for orthopedists and therapists

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banter | Suburbanology

Kozloski’s muscles and tendons. Then he uses pressure and stretching to head off problems. “He’s a great tuneup,” Kozloski says.

Kozloski recently paid $200 to George Mason University’s Sports Medicine Assessment Research & Testing (SMART) Lab to perform a 3-D assessment of her gait. The lab recorded her running and compared her movements with an international database of walking and running injuries to pinpoint areas of weakness or inflexibility that she needs to correct.

I never thought about my gait or its impact on my joints until it was too late. Eventually, my hip pain prompted my insurer, a staff-model HMO, to send me to one of the orthopedic surgeons it employs. That surgeon ordered an MRI of my left hip that, it later turned out, showed FAI, a condition in which

abnormal contact between the ball and socket of the hip results in friction that damages the joint.

If that first surgeon realized I have FAI, he didn’t tell me. When I asked why my hip hurt, he shrugged. A second orthopedic surgeon who works for my HMO later reviewed my MRI and told me that it showed FAI in my left hip.

She also told me, frankly, that she worried that the open, invasive surgical hip repair that she could do might leave me worse off than I was—and that she didn’t know how to do the minimally-invasive arthroscopic hip surgery that A-Rod underwent on both of his hips.

So I turned to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, where A-Rod had one of his surgeries. I paid out of pocket for testing and consultation with one of the world’s leading hip surgeons.

He was kind. His news was grim. The two primary causes of serious arthritis leading to total hip replacements are FAI and a congenital hip deformity called dysplasia. I have both, he told me. I have them in both hips, not just the left.

Finally, I understood my predicament.

If I plot a graph of my life expectancy versus the life expectancy of my hips, the lines head in opposite directions. “This is the calm before the storm,” the surgeon warned. My best hope to avoid double hip replacement was to have arthroscopic surgery to correct my FAI and repair some of the damage it had done.

I didn’t cry. I came home, put Sinatra on, and asked my husband to dance me around the kitchen.

My HMO declined to pay for the hipsaving surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery. My primary care doctor asked

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64 July/August 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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banter | Suburbanology

a supervising orthopedic surgeon who works for my HMO to meet with me to discuss options. He refused, telling my primary care doctor that this meeting would constitute a third opinion, and my plan didn’t cover that.

Then I cried. I still have no idea what I’ll do. Now when I weed my beautiful garden, I lie down on my side so I don’t stress my hips by bending repeatedly.

Abdul-Karim al-Jabbar, 41, knows the exhilaration of athletic accomplishment and the sobering reality of reaching one’s physical limits. A former star running back at UCLA, he played in the NFL from 1996 to 2000. He endured multiple knee surgeries before he took himself out of the game. Now he’s a popular personal trainer (www.thencwc.com) who helps clients vary their movements to bethesda_ad.pdf 1 3/23/15 3:40 avoid injuries. “Exercise is a stress,” he

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says. “It has to be appropriately applied.”

One of his clients is William Conti of Chevy Chase, a mergers and acquisitions lawyer who heads BakerHostetler’s business practice in Washington, D.C. Conti belongs to three gyms and works with three trainers each week, which costs him up to $20,000 annually. One trainer helps Conti build strength and conditioning through boxing. A former collegiate swimmer helps the lawyer perfect his swim strokes. Al-Jabbar works with Conti on sprinting, emphasizing speed and explosiveness. “I’m in better shape now than I was in my 20s, 30s or 40s,” says Conti, 61.

Conti knows he’s supposed to listen to his body and slow down when it tells him to. “From time to time, I still tell my body, ‘Shut the hell up and do what I tell PM you,’ ” he jokes.

“You know where all this is ultimately heading,” I say, thinking Conti’s going to need knee surgery.

“Yeah,” Conti replies with a sardonic laugh. “Death.”

But not today. When Conti was 12, he’d pretend he was Yankees great Mickey Mantle. He’d stand in his backyard, hurl a baseball straight up into the blue yonder, then wait—bat in hand, anticipating—as the spinning white orb came back into view. Then he’d thwack that ball with all his might.

“I’ve really never lost that feeling,” Conti says. “I’ve never grown out of that and hope I never do. I’m still that kid who wants to be Mickey Mantle.” n April Witt (aprilwitt@hotmail.com) is a former Washington Post writer who lives in Bethesda.

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66 July/August 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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banter | hometown

by steve roberts

With the help of volunteers, children learn to play T-ball as Jim Leder (inset) looks over Miracle Field, a baseball field for disabled kids that he helped to create in Germantown.

Batter Up

In the baseball movie Field of Dreams, a ghostly voice tells an Iowa farmer, “If you build it, they will come.”

So he constructs a diamond in his cornfield and the shades of old ballplayers magically appear.

Jim Leder heard a real voice and it was saying, “If you dream it, you can build it.”

The year was 2006. Leder was attending a convention in Montreal and a boy in a wheelchair gave a speech about

playing baseball on a special rubberized field that could accommodate kids with disabilities.

“To this day I can’t explain it, but it hit me,” recalls Leder, a retired dentist who practiced in Bethesda for more than 50 years. “I could not get him out of my system. I came home and said to my wife, ‘It’s the damnedest thing, I keep thinking about this kid, we have to have a field like this.’ ”

Today we do. It’s called Washington Nationals Miracle Field and it’s in Germantown, not Iowa.

Every Saturday morning in the spring and fall, dozens of children with special needs show up. Some use wheelchairs or walkers. They suffer from Down syndrome and cerebral palsy, autism and brain damage. But here, they are all ballplayers.

One of them is Joseph Ryan, a frecklefaced 11-year-old from Kensington whose

Photos by michael ventura

Germantown’s Miracle Field is giving kids with special needs the chance to play ball

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The space to

BE YOU No. Be.

IT’S IN THE AIR. Fresh air, that is. The ideal place to unwind is at North Bethesda Market, where diners can chose to have a drink or share a meal al fresco in the midst of our dynamic marketplace.

Grab an outdoor seat at Seasons 52 or Brio Tuscan Grille, then spend some time shopping at Arhaus or Nest 301. Whether you live in one of our stunning residences or just nearby, dining here is a great way to sample the city without the downtown commute.

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banter | hometown

autism severely limits his vocabulary and attention span. “It feels like home to him when he’s out here, and that’s true of a lot of the kids,” Joseph’s father, Sean, says.

“Baseball has gotten him out of his box.”

Leder’s devotion to baseball goes back to his childhood in Pittsburgh, where he rooted for the Pirates and sold ice cream and hot dogs at their old ballpark, Forbes Field. “I would make $100 or $150 on a Sunday doubleheader,” he recalls.

Life unfolded: the Navy during Korea, dental school, marriage, children. Leder and his wife, Pat, who’s from North Carolina, clashed over where they would live.

They settled on a compromise, Montgomery County, right “in the middle” between their hometowns. “It’s worked out beautifully,” he says.

They raised their three children in Potomac, and Leder, now 84, had a

thriving practice at the corner of River Road and Westbard Avenue. He always treated disabled patients, sometimes for free, even when others declined to do so.

“There’s a large group of people, I think, who are afraid of people with disabilities, they just think it transmits or something like that,” says Leder. “They feel uncomfortable around them.”

Not Jim Leder. After hearing that talk in Montreal, he approached The Kiwanis Club of Bethesda with his idea for a new ballpark. A local couple, Sid and Roxie Hayes, had just left a sizable bequest, to be used for youth baseball, so the timing was good. But the obstacles were enormous.

Dealing with the county bureaucracy was a “miserable occurrence,” Leder says frankly. And the price tag of $1 million far exceeded the Hayes’ gift.

Enter Robbie Brewer, a Bethesda lawyer

who helped convince the Lerner family, which owns the Washington Nationals, to donate $500,000.

Brewer’s mother was confined to a wheelchair in her last years, the result of a childhood bout with polio, and he sees the field as part of her legacy. “Life had dealt her a nasty blow, and I realized there were many people like my mother who need a constructive and positive outlet,” says the lawyer.

I felt many connections as I heard this story. In my hometown of Bayonne, New Jersey, civic clubs like Kiwanis International—which was founded 100 years ago—contributed greatly to the community welfare. When I played first base for the Elks Club Yankees in our local Little League, the Kiwanis Indians were our fearsome rivals.

My twin brother, Marc, like Brewer’s

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On February 1, 1950, Henry Lerch and Wilton Wallace founded the law firm now known as Lerch, Early & Brewer. Today, our nearly 60 attorneys are proud to help businesses, individuals and nonprofits throughout our community, and we thank you for the privilege of working together. Skilled legal advice, thoughtful approaches, personal attention, friendly relationships— these are ideas that work.

Attorneys at Law 3 Bethesda Metro Ctr., Suite 460, Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 986-1300 www.lerchearly.com

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mother, contracted polio as a child and couldn’t play sports. He was in his 40s and coaching his daughter’s soccer squad, he once told me, when he felt like part of a team for the first time in his life.

I was thinking of Marc the morning I visited Miracle Field. The rules are simple. Every child bats. Everyone runs the bases. Everyone scores.

The scene can seem pretty chaotic— one boy dances around the outfield, a girl decides to sit on third base—but as Leder points out, it doesn’t matter. “In the child’s mind, they’re playing baseball,” he says.

The benefits go far beyond the sport itself. Ali Danielson’s son Caleb, age 4, from Montgomery Village, has cerebral palsy and uses a walker. Miracle Field “exposes him to other kids who use walkers; he doesn’t feel like an outsider,” she says.

Magdaline Deegbe’s 9-year-old son Joel has autism, and she sees baseball as therapy. “He learns to follow directions and stay focused—you can’t hit the ball if you’re not focused,” says Deegbe, a Germantown resident.

Eight-year-old Evan Miller, who lives in Derwood, is also autistic, and he’s prone to outbursts “that don’t go over well in other settings,” says his mother, Kelli. “Here there are other people like him, it’s helpful for him to see that. This is an encouraging environment, it’s OK to make mistakes.”

Still, Miracle Field is underutilized, vacant during most of the week. Leder estimates there are as many as 20,000 special needs children in the county but few know about the baseball program.

One reason is that the field lacks what other cities have—a Major League player

who publicizes the facility. And getting special needs children out to Germantown can be a chore. “It’s a joyful time but it’s work for these parents,” Brewer says.

So Leder is trying to recruit other users: T-ball leagues for small children who can fall on the special surface and not get hurt; wounded veterans learning to live and play with prosthetic limbs.

But on Saturday mornings, the field is filled with cheering parents and smiling children. “It’s a happy place,” says Ben O’Hara, a 26-year-old teacher who helps run the countywide program.

“It reminds you there’s some good in the world.” n Steve Roberts teaches journalism and politics at George Washington University. For more about Miracle Field, go to www.miracleleaguemocomd.org.

Skin cancer screening, detection and treatment in a single location: The new Inova Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center.

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8505 Arlington Blvd, Suite 100 Fairfax, VA 22031

Gordon Hafner, MD Surgical Oncologist

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The Inova Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center is the region’s only multispecialty melanoma and cutaneous oncology program.

Providing comprehensive screening, detection – including our Mole Monday clinics - and treatment of early and advanced melanoma stages, our team will also treat Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), advanced non-melanoma skin cancers (squamous and basal cell carcinomas) and Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), all in one multidisciplinary program. We look forward to welcoming new and current patients at our center in Fairfax.

Learn more at inova.org/skin or 703.970.6430

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SAVE THE DATE Fourth Annual Montgomery County Business Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Tuesday, October 27, 2015 11:30 AM The Universities at Shady Grove Conference Center 9630 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, MD 20850

WHAT IS IT?

The Montgomery County Business Hall of Fame, co-founded by Grossberg Company LLP, CPAs and Monument Bank, is a celebration of individuals who have made a real impact on the Montgomery County business community.

The 2015 honorees are: Ron Paul, CEO, EagleBank Dr. Martine Rothblatt, CEO, United Therapeutics Corp.

Kevin Sexton, President and CEO, Holy Cross Health Jim Sweet, President, Smokey Glen Farm Barbequers, Inc.

WHY SUPPORT IT?

All net proceeds from the MCBHOF will benefit the scholarship programs at The Universities at Shady Grove (USG), the University System of Maryland’s regional educational center that brings nine Maryland public universities and more than 80 academic degree programs directly to Montgomery County.

The same type of vision that led to the creation of USG – to do something truly unique and extraordinary – is the type of vision our honorees all share.

PRESENTED BY

Sponsorships to honor these great contributors are available.

For more information, visit our website at www.MCBusHallofFame.com, or contact Lenore Dustin at 301-571-1900 or lmd@grossberg.com

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women in business Profiles

Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP Mike Olliver

See Profile Page 85 Back row (left to right): Jennifer Davison, Emily Stolzenberg, Marna Tucker, Katherine O'Rourke, Sarah Zimmerman Front row (left to right): Elizabeth Selmo, Mary Pence, Molly McGuinness Saxon Not pictured: Marina Barannik

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5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MONICA GARCIA HARMS 1. Sworn into the bar on December 17, 2002, and successfully litigated her first case, a Protective Order, the next day.

2. Raised in California and, as a child, was fascinated with the stars and planets and wanted to become an astronaut. Even attended space camp!

4. Became a partner within three years of joining Stein Sperling, and firmly believes that the people you work with have a lot to do with your job satisfaction.

5. When not working, loves taking her kids to the park, going to concerts or the theater, and trying new restaurants with her husband and friends.

Monica Garcia Harms

Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC 25 West Middle Lane Rockville, MD 20850 301-838-3230 mharms@steinsperling.com www.steinsperling.com

SHAWN HEIFERT

3. Began her legal career working for a nonprofit, The Women’s Law Center of Maryland, representing victims of domestic violence and running a domestic violence clinic in the Montgomery County Circuit Court.

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT DR. RACHEL COHN

2. Founded Wink because no else else combined excellent regular medical care, excellent technology and fun, fashionforward glasses.

3. One of the few optometrists that owns and manages an eye care store.

4. Knows the importance of glasses as the first accessory anyone notices.

5. Expert services for eyewear, contact lens wearers and entire families.

Rachel Cohn

Wink Eyecare Boutique 1095 Seven Locks Road Potomac, MD 20854 301-545-1111 drcohn@wink.net www.wink.net

Tamzin B. Smith Portrait Photography

1. “Starting your own business is unbelievably hard, but unbelievably rewarding, too.”

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Special Advertising Section

Deb is Vice President and a senior mortgage banker. Lisa is her assistant. They were named “Best Mortgage Broker”

by Bethesda Magazine readers for the past four years.

10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT DEB LEVY & LISA BENNETT 1. Deb’s first job was retail, and Lisa’s was selling ice cream.

2. Deb’s competitive spirit keeps her running (marathons…she’s preparing for her 12th.)

3. Lisa loves to cook and would be a celebrity chef in another life.

Deb Levy & Lisa Bennett Supplied Photo

EagleBank residential LENDING 1425 K St., NW Washington, D.C. 20005 240-361-9331 DebLevy@eaglebankcorp.com www.debbielevy.com

4. Deb grew up in Potomac; Lisa in Lewes, DE. 5. Deb went to University of Maryland— Lisa went to Florida State; Lisa roots for the Seminoles, Yankees and Giants – while Deb cheers for local teams: Terps, Redskins and Nats.

6. In 10 years together they don’t discuss religion, politics or sports.

7. If they became lottery winners, Lisa would travel or work at a museum. Deb would pay off her debts and friends’ debts, donate the rest to charity then go to work the next day.

8. Deb runs to and from work – it’s faster to run seven miles than fight D.C. traffic.

9. Lisa is cute, bubbly and smiles all the time. Deb is more intense. Lisa is a worrier. Deb doesn’t stress much.

10. Advice to young women? Don’t be afraid to carve your own niche. Be approachable, agreeable, but try to differentiate yourself. Hold your head up and look around, and practice the courtesy of eye contact vs. cell phone. Say “hi” and be friendly. Take a Dale Carnegie class.

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Deb is Vice President and a senior mortgage banker. Lisa is her assistant. They were named “Best Mortgage Broker”

by Bethesda Magazine readers for the past four years.

10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT DEB LEVY & LISA BENNETT 1. Deb’s first job was retail, and Lisa’s was selling ice cream.

2. Deb’s competitive spirit keeps her running (marathons…she’s preparing for her 12th.)

3. Lisa loves to cook and would be a celebrity chef in another life.

Deb Levy & Lisa Bennett Supplied Photo

EagleBank residential LENDING 1425 K St., NW Washington, D.C. 20005 202-292-1581 DebLevy@eaglebankcorp.com www.debbielevy.com

4. Deb grew up in Potomac; Lisa in Lewes, DE. 5. Deb went to University of Maryland— Lisa went to Florida State; Lisa roots for the Seminoles, Yankees and Giants – while Deb cheers for local teams: Terps, Redskins and Nats.

6. In 10 years together they don’t discuss religion, politics or sports.

7. If they became lottery winners, Lisa would travel or work at a museum. Deb would pay off her debts and friends’ debts, donate the rest to charity then go to work the next day.

8. Deb runs to and from work – it’s faster to run seven miles than fight D.C. traffic.

9. Lisa is cute, bubbly and smiles all the time. Deb is more intense. Lisa is a worrier. Deb doesn’t stress much.

10. Advice to young women? Don’t be afraid to carve your own niche. Be approachable, agreeable, but try to differentiate yourself. Hold your head up and look around, and practice the courtesy of eye contact vs. cell phone. Say “hi” and be friendly. Take a Dale Carnegie class.

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Special Advertising Section

From left to right, Colline Hernandez-Ayala; Barbara Slater Magistro, ASID, IIDA; Clare Marino, RA, LEED-AP

10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT GTM ARCHITECTS

2. With over 25 years in business, GTM proudly serves over 450 clients annually in the D.C. area and nationwide.

3. More than half of GTM’s projects were in Maryland last year.

GTM Architects 7735 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 700 Bethesda, MD 20814 240-333-2015 projects@gtmarchitects.com www.gtmarchitects.com

4. GTM has 50 full-time designers – 30 percent are licensed and LEEDaccredited professionals.

5. GTM staff level employee retention exceeds industry expectations with an average tenure of over eight years.

6. GTM projects won nine awards and honorable mentions in the last year.

7. Colline is currently working on three new multi-family/mixed-use design projects in D.C. In her spare time she edits creative digital films with her son and cheers on the sidelines at his soccer games.

8. Barbara’s studio handles nearly 600,000 square feet of space planning, interior design and base building repositioning projects annually in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. She relaxes by gardening and spending time with her husband.

9. Clare specializes in restaurant renovations and new retail concept projects. She enjoys trying new restaurants and hosting dinner parties.

10. GTM team members show their D.C. spirit at Washington Nationals baseball games and frequent Bethesda happy hours.

Tony Lewis Jr

1. GTM Architects is an award-winning Bethesda-based design firm offering architecture, planning, and interior design.

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Margie is in the Top 1 percent of agents nationwide and has consistently been among the “Top Vote Getters” in the Best of Bethesda Readers’ Poll since 2011.

10 things to know about Margie halem 1. Margie is ranked among The Wall Street Journal's “Top Realtors.”

2. Margie is a Penn State alum and a huge Pittsburgh Steeler fan.

Margie Halem

Supplied Photo

Long & Foster BEthesda Gateway

4650 East West Highway Bethesda, MD 20814 Cell: 301-775-4196 Office: 301-907-7600 margiehalem@longandfoster.com www.margiehalemrealtor.com

3. She's one of five girls and an identical twin. She loved growing up in Pittsburgh and spent three years in Overland Park, KS. 4. She started her successful real estate career in 1984 in Georgetown and has been making families happy ever since.

5. She is an active member of her sisterhood at Temple Beth Ami and supports numerous charities. Margie serves as an ambassador to Montgomery County for Autism Speaks.

6. She is a gourmet cook, recent golf enthusiast and enjoys entertaining and spending time with her family.

7. Her best advice for being a successful businesswoman is to treat others the way you want to be treated.

8. If she wasn't working in real estate, Margie would love to continue her role as an advocate for Autism Speaks.

9. Margie's husband Mitch, her three sons and daughter in-law are her guiding force.

(The Halems' puppy Ella has her well trained!)

10. Margie is grateful for the continued support of her dedicated, loyal and hard-working team.

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TeamPotomac® from left to right, Monica Trubiano, Kelly Standen, Amy Michaels and Yasmin Abadian

“You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar 10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YASMIN ABADIAN

Yasmin Abadian TeamPotomac® Long & Foster, Potomac Village 10200 River Road Potomac, MD 20854 301-983-1212 Yasmin@starpower.net www.TeamPotomac.com

2. Pre-med at UCLA, I graduated with a BSc in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology. I worked in cardiac rehab after graduation.

3. I have identical twin daughters. One graduated from Winston Churchill and the other from Walt Whitman. Both competed on their tennis teams but never played against each other.

4. An exercise enthusiast, I go from Yoga to Tabata classes to Zumba.

5. I meditate and journal every day.

6. I’ve been to 19 other countries. I’d like to add a few more!

7. I believe in investing in people and local businesses. With my husband, Jim McWhorter, I’ve invested in DC Brau Brewery, Brookland Pint, Fruitive and &Pizza. Recently, we took over River Falls Market in Potomac.

8. Jimmy and I give back. Involved in numerous causes, we volunteer at Miriam’s Kitchen where we prepare and serve breakfast to the homeless.

9. I’m certified as an Integrative Coach as well as in Positive Psychology.

10. I led the Top Team at Long & Foster, Potomac Village in 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Hilary Schwab

1. I grew up in Bethesda and was in the very first class at Carderock Springs Elementary. I went to Cabin John Jr. High and Churchill High School.

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Deborah Klotz – Dr. Deb to her patients – and her “dream team” create a warm, safe and amazingly welcoming environment unlike any other dental experience.

women in business | Profiles 10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT Deborah Klotz 1. Deb lends her talents and training to Give Back a Smile, helping those in need receive dental care.

2. With the Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders, she has helped clients through the dental part of their recovery from the damaging results of eating disorders.

3. A competitive triathlete, she has competed up and down the East Coast.

4. Her two sons, Carter and Bennett, are the most amazing parts of her and her husband Rob’s lives.

5. A pesca-vegetarian for almost 20 years, she’s had some outrageous dining experiences.

6. She and Rob met at The George Washington University, and have spent the past 19 years together!

7. Travel has always been important, with an African safari topping her wish list.

8. She grew up with sailing. Her father was a volunteer sailing coach at the U.S. Naval Academy, and she spent most of her life on waters between Rhode Island and Bermuda.

9. She is one of only a select handful of dentists in the area to offer the complete cosmetic experience – a sought-after smile plus facial enhancements including Botox and dermal fillers.

10. Nature and photojournalistic photography are serious hobbies – as seen in the halls of her Bethesda practice.

Dr. Deborah Klotz Mike Olliver

Bethesda Sedation Dentistry

10401 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 200 Bethesda, MD 20814 301-530-2434 sleep@bethesdasedationdentistry.com www.bethesdasedationdentistry.com BethesdaMagazine.com | July/August 2015 79

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10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ANDY ALDERDICE 1. A fifth-generation Washingtonian.

2. Top 1 percent of Long & Foster agents nationally and top W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtor listing team in 2013.

3. 21 years in the real estate business.

4. Obsessed with communicating with clients.

5. Never did quite learn to play the saxophone.

6. Hands-on personal service with clients – what you see is what you get.

7. Will always tell you if it’s not the right time to sell your home or buy.

8. Ably assisted by Jessica, her daughter and full-time agent.

9. Takes on a limited number of clients to ensure heavy focus on each one.

Andy Alderdice, GRI, CRS & Jessica Alderdice W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, a Long & Foster Company 4701 Sangamore Road, LL1 Bethesda, MD 20816 301-466-5898 (cell) 301-229-4000 (office) andy4homes@gmail.com www.andy4homes.com

When not working her real estate magic in D.C., MD and VA, Andy serves on multiple boards and committees of local charitable and civic associations. She is a past recipient of the “Business Person of the Year” award from the Potomac Chamber of Commerce.

Hilary Schwab

10. Jessica can, however, rock an alto saxophone!

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women in business | Profiles

Together with her daughter, Dr. Tricia Terlep, Dr. Linn offers personalized, advanced hearing care that can improve your quality of life.

10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT DR. GAIL LINN 1. Gail grew up in Maryland, in Adelphi and then in Silver Spring.

2. She graduated from High Point High School.

3. She likes to cook. Mediterranean Foods are her favorite, and she recently started making cheeses.

Dr. Gail Linn

Tony Lewis JR

Potomac Audiology 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 105 Rockville, MD 20852 240-477-1010 240-558-1465 gail@potomacaudiology.com www.potomacaudiology.com

4. When she’s traveling she likes to eat the local foods and then go home and try to make them. When she was in India in 2007, she took seven days of cooking classes.

5. Want to play Scrabble? Gail and particularly her husband are top players.

The Linns often take vacations around the Scrabble World Championship.

6. Scrabble has taken them to Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai and London, and Australia this coming fall.

7. She took a long route to audiology: An undergraduate degree in Political Science and History, a Masters in Library & Information Sciences and a Masters and Doctorate in Audiology.

8. Gail prides herself and her team on compassion and unhurried, personalized care, every step of the way.

9. She enjoys having friends over for food and friendship.

10. She likes reading history. The last two books were on Alexander the Great and Napoleon, and she’s now finishing A World Undone, the Story of the Great War.

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5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MARIA G. CORNELIUS 1. 23 years at the firm, which was included on CNBC's 2015 list of “Top 100 Fee-Only Wealth Management Firms” in the U.S.

3. Obsessed with her Fitbit (exercise tracker), wearing it 24/7.

4. Personal core values include a firm belief in the healing power of prayer, a desire to maintain strong family connections and a desire to give back to the community.

5. She and her husband get great pleasure from seeing what wonderful young men their sons have become.

Maria Cornelius CFP® Executive Vice President Burt Wealth Advisors 6010 Executive Blvd., Suite 900 Rockville, MD 20852 301-770-9880, ext. 1312 mcornelius@burtwealth.com www.burtwealth.com

Hilary Schwab

2. A real passion for empowering women with an understanding of their investments and long-term financial planning.

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BITA SALEHI 1. An interior designer and visual artist whose craving for artistry has led her devotion for designing interiors and architecture.

2. She believes every small detail matters when it comes to design, and that’s what makes a simple design exceptional.

4. Bita is an Allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers,International Interior Design Association, and National Kitchen and Bath Association.

5. Based in Bethesda, she serves clients wherever their needs take her.

Bita Salehi

ii Design Studio LLC 6033 Grosvenor Lane Bethesda, MD 20814 office: 301-444-3121 cell: 301-213-3121 info@iidesignstudio.com www.iidesignstudio.com

Hilary Schwab

3. Her ambition is to integrate design solutions, promoting comfort, wellness and resourceful spaces for each client’s needs.

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women in business | Profiles

10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ZELDA HELLER 1. Company sales leader for five straight years.

2. First job: Buying and selling antiques in South Africa.

3. First started in real estate by selling her own house.

4. Remarkable talent for finding parking right at the front door.

5. Favorite place to vacation is Tuscany, Italy.

6. Starts each day with the crossword puzzle, the gym and tofu with mango.

7. Most unique aspect of her business?

The whole world is Zelda’s inventory.

8. Loves ginger candy.

9. Best advice for starting out in business: “Listen, be understanding and remember your professional obligations.”

10. If not helping people buy and sell real estate, she would be an impresario.

Hilary Schwab

Zelda Heller Zelda’s knowledge of real estate and focus on client relationships make her a top choice to buy or sell in the Washington region.

Senior Vice President TTR Sotheby’s International Realty 5454 Wisconsin Ave. Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301-967-3344, Ext 203 202-257-1226 zelda.heller@sothebysrealty.com

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5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT KIRA EPSTEIN 1. Her clients always comment that although they know she is busy, they feel like they are her only client.

2. She still enjoys the excitement every time she ratifies a contract.

4. Recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of “America’s Best Real Estate Agents,” and Realtor Magazine’s “Top 30 Under 30” 5. Regardless of weather, every Sunday evening after a busy “real estate” day, she walks around the monuments with a friend.

“People from all over the world come here to take in what I have in my backyard, and I don’t take it for granted.”

Kira Epstein Vice President Beasley Real Estate, LLC 4800 Hampen Lane, Suite 215 Bethesda, MD 20814 202-957-2272 240-899-8577 (direct) KEpstein@BeasleyRE.com www.BeasleyRE.com

Suppplied Photo

3. Kira appreciates the flexibility working in real estate provides – lunch with friends or picking up a nephew from school.

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ELIZABETH MINOSO & ANNE MARIE DRECHSLER

2. Elizabeth has over 10 years of experience plus a Master's in International Management.

Prior to real estate, she worked with The World Bank and as an analyst at an international financial investment firm.

3. Favorite thing about this area? Both agree it's Washington's multiculturalism.

4. Most rewarding aspect of their jobs?

Meeting interesting people and helping families find a place to call home.

5. Advice to young women just starting out?

Dare to dare.

Elizabeth Minoso & Anne Marie Drechsler Beasley Real Estate, LLC

4800 Hampden Lane, Suite 215 Bethesda, MD 20814 301-275-8181 301-980-6687 EMinoso@BeasleyRE.com ADrechsler@BeasleyRE.com www.BeasleyRE.com

Tony Lewis Jr

1. Anne Marie has 25 years of experience.

Besides numerous awards, she was featured on the Discovery Channel’s Home Finding Series. Her background includes new homes and sales of single family, condominium, and townhomes in the area.

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women in business | Profiles 10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MARINA AND SARAH 1. Sarah and Marina help clients avoid unnecessary acrimony and find solutions that put their children’s interests first.

2. Marina lives in Chevy Chase and is fluent in Russian.

Sarah lives in Bethesda and speaks Hebrew.

3. Given her international background, Marina enjoys working with international family law clients who face multi-cultural legal issues.

4. Before becoming a lawyer, Sarah worked at a women’s advocacy organization in Israel dedicated to improving women’s legal rights.

5. Sarah’s clients value her ability to listen, her compassion and calming presence, and her passionate advocacy on their behalf.

6. Marina enjoys international travel and swing dancing.

Sarah enjoys biking on the Capital Crescent Trail and yoga.

Both love spending time with their families.

7. Marina and Sarah believe that clients achieve better outcomes through settlement of family disputes, whenever possible.

8. Both handle complex family law matters in the District of Columbia and Maryland, utilizing a team approach to help clients achieve their goals.

9. Sarah and Marina are known for their integrity and ability to focus on creative options for each client’s unique needs.

Mike Olliver

10. Marina and Sarah are dedicated to guiding clients through one of life’s most challenging transitions toward a hopeful future.

Widely recognized as top divorce lawyers, the Family Law Group of Feldesman Tucker has been helping clients secure their futures after divorce for more than 40 years.

Marina Barannik & Sarah Zimmerman

Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP 1129 20th St., NW, Suite 400 Washington, D.C. 20036 202-466-8960 4800 Hampden Lane, Suite 200 Bethesda, MD 20814 301-232-1252 mbarannik@ftlf.com szimmerman@ftlf.com www.feldesmantucker.com BethesdaMagazine.com | July/August 2015 85

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10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT NURIT COOMBE 1. Nurit met her husband at grad school. They love sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. 2. She is blessed with a wonderful family, three beautiful children, a live-in mother-in-law and a Golden Retriever mix.

3. She is driven by a sense of right and wrong, and thanks God for her blessings every day.

4. The first 11 years of her professional life she was Marketing Director for the Israeli Armament Development Authority, Rafael USA. She managed numerous missile programs interfacing with U.S. Special Forces and Israeli Defense Forces.

5. She holds a Masters Degree in International Business Management.

6. Real Estate is not just her career, it is her passion.

7. Her clients’ progress and needs are her first concern. She is available practically 24/7 to respond quickly and clearly in this competitive market.

8. Much of her daily time is spent gaining market knowledge. This information is too vital to be gathered on an as-needed basis.

9. Nurit is the #1 RE/MAX agent in Maryland and sold over $43 million in real estate in 2014.

10. She is the #1 real estate agent (among all companies and brokers) in North Bethesda.

#1 Re/MAX Agent in Maryland RE/MAX 2000 11900 Parklawn Drive, Suite 100 Rockville, MD 20852 301-881-1700 301-346-5252 (cell) nuritcoombe@gmail.com www.NuritCoombe.com

Nurit Coombe sold over $43 million in real estate in 2014 and is the #1 RE/MAX agent in Maryland.

Hilary Schwab

Nurit Coombe

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women in business | Profiles 10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ROSE REID DOWNES 1. I’m proud to be named to Morgan Stanley’s Master’s Club, an elite group composed of Morgan Stanley’s top Financial Advisors.

2. My first job was as a customer service representative at the IBM Office Products Division in Washington, D.C. 3. I grew up in Rockville and went to the University of Maryland.

4. My three children are all in public service jobs; as a tax policy advisor working for Sen. Mark Warner, as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and as a hospice nurse at Northwestern University Hospital.

5. The one thing I love most about my job is being able to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

6. One big challenge is keeping clients focused on their investment goals – not on the latest breaking financial news.

7. I love Fritos.

8. Everyone talks about relationships. But properly serving our clients requires a deeper, more personal relationship than most professions.

9. I am a member of Giving Together – a local giving circle.

10. My advice to young women? Make a positive connection with as many people as you can and don’t be afraid to take a chance.

Michael Ventura

As a member of The Perspective Group at Morgan Stanley, Rose is part of a team of advisors providing tailored investment advice and planning to individuals and families.

Rose Reid Downes

Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor The Perspective Group Morgan Stanley 702 King Farm Blvd., Suite 500 Rockville, MD 20850 301-556-2360 Rose.R.Downes@morganstanley.com www.morganstanleyFA.com/PerspectiveGroup

Rose Reid Downes is a Financial Advisor in Morgan Stanley’s Rockville, MD office. Although Rose Reid Downes has compensated Bethesda Magazine to have this Profile featured in its publication, this is not a solicitation nor intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be suitable for all investors. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC. ©2015 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC CRC1201830 05/15

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women in business | Profiles

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Jill’s expertise in best building practices with an eco-friendly perspective benefits families, their homes and communities, which is why she’s considered one of the area’s top-producing agents.

10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT JILL SCHWARTZ

2. Her goldendoodle loves Tuesdays because he gets to travel to broker openings for snacks!

Jill Schwartz

Realtor, Long & Foster 4650 East West Highway Bethesda, MD 20814 301-907-7600 301-758-7224 jillschwartzgroup@gmail.com www.jillschwartzgroup.com

3. Jill enjoys relaxing on the Jersey Shore.

If you’re looking for a beach home, she is licensed in Delaware and New Jersey.

4. She’s the only green-certified Eco-Broker in Maryland and D.C. that has earned the LEED AP Green certification as an EcoSociateTM – the premiere green designation program for real estate pros.

5. Jill is known for finding the perfect home to fit your needs. “Very professional; leaves no stone unturned and thoughtfully aggressive.” R. Guttman, Partner GELAW Firm.

6. Jill’s husband Glenn is a mortgage banker with EverBank. Together, they make a great team.

7. She represents Long & Foster as a Green Ambassador, educating Realtors, buyers and sellers about healthy living, energy efficiency and healthy homes.

8. Jill is passionate about her philanthropic work with Breath of Life Foundation, an organization committed to research of respiratory illnesses related to unhealthy living environments.

9. She’s the 5th-ranked Long & Foster agent in Montgomery County and the 3rd-ranked team agent in the Bethesda Gateway Office.

10. Jill is a “start to finish” Realtor. If you need help navigating financing, builders or a designer, she’s your go-to agent.

STEPHANIE BRAGG

1. Jill specializes in luxury living in Montgomery County, MD. She is also licensed in D.C. and Virginia.

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women in business | Profiles

10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SUSAN GRAHAM HARRINGTON 1. After college, I spent two years in the U.S. Navy, mostly in Pensacola, FL learning to fly planes.

2. I focus on high-level financial planning, helping families manage their financial lives across multiple generations.

3. I work with two other women. Our client base is limited with the goal that I can give personal, detailed attention to each of my clients.

4. Morgan Stanley has an immense number of resources for me to provide my clients with an incredible array of services.

5. I get to meet extremely interesting people. The time I spend on the phone or with clients talking about their families is my favorite part of every day.

6. My husband and I are raising six children (though I think they may be raising us). My oldest just came home from college for the summer.

7. I’m a certified scuba diver and love warm water.

Michael Ventura

Susan Graham Harrington is a Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, where she focuses on family wealth management.

8. This summer my daughter and I are backpacking and climbing with Outward Bound – my fourth Outward Bound trip.

9. My husband and I are backpacking across the Presidential range in New Hampshire, too.

10. My family travels often, because I think it's important to teach my kids about the world.

Susan Graham Harrington, CRPS® Financial Advisor, Corporate Retirement Director, Financial Planning Specialist Morgan Stanley 702 King Farm Blvd., Suite 500 Rockville, MD 20850 301-556-2370 susan.g.harrington@morganstanley.com www.morganstanleyfa.com/grahamharringtoncovell

Susan Graham Harrington is a Financial Advisor in Morgan Stanley’s Rockville office. Although Susan Graham Harrington has compensated Bethesda Magazine to have this article featured in its publications, this is not a solicitation nor intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be suitable for all investors. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. ©2015 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC1201507 5/15

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women in business | Profiles

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5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT Melissa Pappas 1. I started ATHENA Consulting 13 years ago seeking to make a difference and to achieve greater work life balance.

2. I am proud of ATHENA because we have high employee retention rates. This is due in part to our comprehensive benefits offerings, which includes 401k with up to a 5 percent company match.

4. I love lunch meetings. I find people give their undivided attention, since mobile devices are usually put away while eating.

5. With three sons playing high-level baseball, I’m usually somewhere cheering them on every weekend.

Melissa Pappas

Chief Executive Officer ATHENA Consulting

506 Main St., Suite 215 Gaithersburg, MD 20878 301-216-9654 mpappas@athenajobs.com www.athenajobs.com

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3. My dog Katie is our company mascot; She comes to the office every day.

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT JACQUELINE BAND-OLINGER & JILL BALOW

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2. The victory of landing in the perfect home is priceless. We value matching buyers and sellers that fit, and won't stop until the pieces fit perfectly.

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3. The grass grows beautifully on our lawns, but it doesn't grow under our feet. We move our listings.

Jill Balow 301-233-5596 (direct) jbalow@greystonerealty.net

4. Our size fits a buyer and seller looking for personalized service with substantial volume to showcase our expertise.

5. We don't carry a clipboard or whistle, but we'll coach you through the entire process of buying or selling your home.

Jacqueline Band-Olinger 301-928-4669 (direct) jolinger@greystonerealty.net

Tony Lewis Jr

1. With a combined century of living in the Maryland suburbs, we care deeply about our community and have contacts to leverage on your behalf.

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Davida has over 28 years of experience designing and selling tile and custom baths and kitchens for both residential and commercial clients.

women in business | Profiles 10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT DAVIDA RODRIGUEZ 1. I start each day with coffee, TV, yoga and 100 emails from the previous night!

2. My showroom is a one-stop shop for custom and semi-custom cabinetry and the finest selection of tile in glass, ceramic, porcelain, stone and more.

3. Designing and remodeling kitchens and bathrooms is my joy. When a client sees their renovated space for the first time and is thrilled, it makes the hard work all worth it. I love sharing that moment with them.

4. Museums here are the best in the world and are still free! I look to them for creative inspiration.

5. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain is one of my favorite destinations. Who doesn’t want a kitchen or bath that looks like that?

6. Someday, I’m going to open up Davida’s in Miami Beach, my second favorite vacation spot.

7. I grew up in Silver Spring and earned my interior design degree from the University of Maryland.

8. Many weekends, I work with clients, helping them create beautiful kitchens, baths and other rooms in their homes.

9. Every day is a gift: No two projects or clients are alike. There are always new materials.

Nothing is repetitive.

10. If I wasn’t doing this, I’d live in Milan, Italy, designing tiles or jewelry.

Davida Rodriguez Supplied Photo

Davida’s Kitchen & Tiles

435 A&B East Diamond Ave. Gaithersburg, MD 20877 240-361-9331 davida@davidaskitchenandtiles.com www.davidaskitchenandtiles.com www.facebook.com/dknts BethesdaMagazine.com | July/August 2015 91

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women in business | Profiles

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5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CAROLYN SAPPENFIELD

2. Carolyn has been a consistent top producer and most recently ranked #7 in Maryland by the RE/MAX Central Atlantic Region.

3. Carolyn is licensed in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. She specializes in new home construction.

4. Carolyn comes from a family of 11 and has two children of her own. Outside the office, she loves cooking, entertaining and practicing yoga.

Carolyn Sappenfield

RE/MAX Realty Services Bethesda Row 4825 Bethesda Ave., Suite 200 Bethesda, MD 20814 301-652-0400 240-353-7601 Carolyn@CarolynHomes.com www.CarolynHomes.com

5. Carolyn’s secret to success? Exceptional service and proven results!

Hillary Schwab

1. Carolyn is a native Washingtonian. She attended Walt Whitman High School and graduated from American University. Prior to real estate, she was a teacher at The Primary Day School.

5 things to know about Shiva Zargham: 1. I was born and raised on three continents – Asia, Europe and North America. I’ve lived in the D.C. metro area for 30 years and know its many neighborhoods and communities.

3. I am a mother of a teenager and familiar with all the schools in D.C. and MD. 4. I am a design enthusiast, food lover and love to travel the globe.

5. I am a senior partner and Realtor at one of the fastest-growing real estate brokerage firms in the D.C. area.

Shiva Zargham Senior Partner @ Real Living | At Home A Residential Real Estate Brokerage Firm 4600 N. Park Ave., Suite 100 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 240-893-4195 shiva@shiva-re.com www.shivazargham.com

Darren Higgins

2. I am a former CPA with nine years of public and private accounting experience, and I ran a family owned fashion boutique in Bethesda.

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Lisa is a Branding Specialist with Geiger, and recently won the coveted Pyramid Award – equivalent to an Oscar in promotional branding – for outstanding creativity and results.

10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LISA HARWOOD

Lisa Harwood

James Kim

Geiger

9216 Potomac School Drive Potomac, MD 20854 301-537-5332 Lharwood@geiger.com lisaharwood.geiger.com www.facebook.com/ GeigerGirlFanPage

1. I specialize in cool branding ideas that promote an organization's identity, products and services.

6. All our products are Quality Certification Alliance safety compliant, which many online brands are not.

2. I grew up in Bethesda and went to the University of Miami. Always the marketer, I created the first recruiting brochure for their football team.

7. I volunteer for the Jewish Foundation for Group Homes, the Chris 4 Life Colon Cancer Foundation, CPPA and Athletic Advisory Council of George Washington University.

3. I can hit a real target. I adore archery.

8. I love the creativity of branded products with a purpose – taking a message, a brand and a goal, and creating a program to market it.

4. I used to love going to Redskins games with my dad at RFK Stadium. I kept player stats, with yards, pass attempts and passes completed. Our deal was I go to Sunday school and then get to go to the Redskins game.

5. My biggest challenge is people comparing me to the Internet. When you buy online, you don’t get idea development and marketing expertise, or the level of customer service.

9. If I wasn’t doing this, I’d be a sports reporter.

10. One of my 2015 self-promotion campaigns was chosen “Best of the Best” in creativity and results, winning a Promotional Products Association Pyramid Award.

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Inside the world of local cycling’s weekend warriors by steve goldstein photos by skip brown

fast and f

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furious

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it

It begins as a murmur, then slowly becomes a hum. Soon I can make out voices, some joyful, some raised in an argumentative but playful way. Then gears meshing, derailleurs dropping and the kind of whoosh! that’s made by wind or a swiftly moving object. In this case, it’s a peloton (from the French word meaning “little ball or platoon”), a swarm of 40 or more helmeted cyclists clad in brightly colored Lycra jerseys. Seen from my bedroom window on Bradley Lane in Chevy Chase, the little ball is an impressive sight, hurtling, churning, legs pumping, a shape-shifting flock in blurred motion, heading toward Wisconsin Avenue and miles beyond. It is Saturday morning, 7:30; I can set my clock by it.

I have ridden with these guys, or tried to, having been dropped—dropped, from the English word, meaning “left behind or dumped”—shortly after the group left the meet-up spot at East West Highway and Beach Drive at 7 a.m. This is the DC Velo ride, known as the fastest of the many group rides around, a kill-or-bekilled sprint up to Goldsboro, then Massachusetts Avenue, then Sangamore to MacArthur up to Great Falls Park and then looping through Potomac and back to Rock Creek Park via Democracy and Gainsborough. A finish by 9:30. Average speed: 28 mph, nearly twice the pace of good recreational riders. As I said, not for the faint of feet.

These weekend warriors are the elite among the cycling groups in our region.

They cut across all demographics of age, race, gender, education and profession, but they share an unbridled passion for cycling and for the best and fastest bikes they can afford—or not afford, as some admit. They job network, share stock tips and shop talk, and occasionally do deals on two wheels. They party together, go on cycling trips together, analyze the results in stage races like the Tour de France and Spain’s Vuelta, and can quote lines from the seminal bike movie Breaking Away.

Some of the guys even shave their legs to reduce wind resistance.

The warrior mindset is take no prisoners: compete, crush, repeat. Eli Hengst, 43, a local restaurateur who rides with the hard-charging Rock Creek Velo group, says it can be a humbling experience. “Never mind that you’ve been on a construction site all week, you’re opening a new restaurant, that your child is sick, that your girl- or boyfriend left you by text two minutes ago, or that you just got out of the hospital with heart problems— the group does not care,” he says almost gleefully. “You are young, say early 40s, an ‘elite’ category rider, a generally nice person—and you will be pummeled.”

“This is bad in that you might just be dropped in the first five minutes riding up Mass. Ave.,” Hengst says, “and terrible in that the guys dropping you are 10 to 15 years your senior.” Common conversation topics while cycling include where to catch the group rides, where to get coffee, where is the nearest hospital, he says with a laugh. They curse scofflaw riders who give them all a bad reputation, and debate the overused Capital Crescent Trail. A common refrain, Hengst says, is, “Love the trail. Hate the trail riders.”

Some compare the current rage for road biking to golf in the passion and obsession it inspires, its business networking and its group vacations. Yet

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Cyclists with the DC Velo Ride (also pictured on previous page) venture out every Saturday morning and typically average around 28 mph, nearly twice the speed of good recreational riders.

“The warrior mindset is take no prisoners: compete, crush, repeat.” most riders agree that the trend toward fitness has caused golf, a more sedentary pastime, to be pushed aside. Then there is golf ’s forced human interaction. Area auto magnate John Ourisman once told a friend why he prefers bicycling to golf: “If I’m going to spend almost four hours doing something, I want to have control.

On a golf course, one asshat in my foursome and my day is ruined. On a bike, I can ride away from the asshat.”

Bicycling is transportation, but also a means of transporting oneself from the ordinary to the extraordinary, from the usual rhythms of everyday life to a different landscape of living. At their

core, bicycles are simple machines—made much more complex by human ingenuity—but still a vehicle powered by muscle and the motion of legs and arms, asking little, really, but delivering an experience disproportionate to the effort.

I took up bicycling in a serious way in 1990, after a bone spur in my heel limited my running, then my chief form of exercise. Quickly, it seemed, I became a convert, partly because of the sheer exhilaration of going fast, but also because I could see more in a shorter time. I have bicycled in different countries, in many different states, on all kinds of bikes, on all kinds of terrain. Down the slope of a volcano and toward the face of a glacier.

I have joined group tours and ridden on long-distance charity rides, where I experienced the exquisite agony of back-toback “centuries,” or 100-mile rides. I have raced in duathlons—riding and running contests—singly and as a relay. I have ridden in all sorts of horrendous weather.

I have crashed more times than I can count, and sustained the kinds of injuries that linger to this day. I cherish all of these experiences—well, the crashes not so much—and continue to find the joy of cycling unmatched by other pursuits.

Dave Feinberg, 39, a friend and fellow cyclist, says there’s a simple commonality that unites cyclists. “There are all these cultures—the commuters, the

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“The trail opening in 1996 stimulated the start of cycling in Bethesda,” says Nick Griffin, owner of Griffin Cycle on Bethesda Avenue. “We started our rental business then and it launched commuting, which is now a huge part of our business.”

hard core, the Lycrans, the just-toolingarounders,” he says. “If you draw a Venn diagram, there is an overlap—and that nexus is simply that we all love bikes and the joy of riding.”

In 1993, when I moved from Philadelphia to the Bethesda area, there were many things about the Washington area that were not appealing at first. Yet I soon discovered that this was a place of opportunity for cycling, rich with potential, and that Bethesda is a hub with spokes. Confluence of trails, confluence of affluence.

Nick Griffin, who has been peddling bikes since 1971 at Griffin Cycle on Bethesda Avenue, says that older riders trying to reclaim the bodies they once had are among his best customers.

“Lance Armstrong,” he says, “whatever your opinion of him, helped our road business take off, and boomers have the cash to spend on high-end bikes.”

Bethesda’s Rui Ponte owns 20 bikes.

At 56, Ponte has the lean, supple phy-

sique of a bike racer, which he was for many years. Now a successful architect, he is the Kevin Bacon of local cycling groups. As he focused on his career, he found that he missed having a community of cyclists. He evangelized while designing homes in Edgemoor, talking cycling to anyone who’d listen. He invested in a building on Georgetown’s K Street and opened a bike shop called CycleLife USA (now closed) that became a clubhouse for riders.

“Bethesda is almost D.C., but 5 miles to the west you’re in some of the best riding around, so it’s a gateway,” Ponte says.

“There’s affluence and an undertone of health and fitness here due to that.” Ponte’s vocation has prospered through his avocation, too. “When meeting a client who also happens to ride, a common passion always breaks the ice and creates a good spirit for mutual trust,” he says.

In 2003, Ponte was renovating a home at Bradley Boulevard and Glenbrook

Road. “I told my friends we could meet there—I had a portable john,” he says with a laugh. Soon, a morning ride at 6:15 was set for Tuesday and Thursday, and then another on Saturday, often out in the direction of Poolesville. Bethesda Edge Cycling (BEC) was born. “It grew organically,” Ponte says. His email list expanded to 200, including prominent locals such as Ourisman, investment adviser Michael Gildenhorn and business executive Kevin Beverly, whose son and Ponte’s have been friends since grade school. “We’re classic weekend warriors,” says Beverly, a serious rider for 10 years who has a carbon frame Specialized Tarmac—a Benz of bikedom.

BEC draws a crowd of hammerheads.

Other groups, from Performance Bicycle and other area bike shops, tolerate all levels. A Sunday ride gathers at 9 a.m. at Cedar Lane and Beach Drive to bike in Rock Creek Park at a moderate pace, welcoming beginners and the BEC women’s group. On Tuesday and Thursday, riders meet in downtown Bethesda at 6 p.m. for a brisk but relaxed run out to Potomac.

Then there’s the popular N2 (No Name) ride at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, which gathers near the Mormon temple in Kensington and heads out to Poolesville or White’s Ferry, a sight that mimics the Tour de France, with a scrum of brightly colored jerseys flowing along lightly traveled roads, bracketed by the hedgerows of Montgomery County’s dwindling farmland.

A Rock Creek Velo regular named Greg, who asked that I not use his full name, rides fast on weekends and with a weekday lunch group that meets at Strosniders on Arlington Road. He says camaraderie is spiked with competitiveness. “We may chat about the last ride, what rides we plan to do later, upcoming races,” he says. “Focusing on the ride— and not your job, phone, spouse or children—provides an escape. Once the pace steps out, there is no idle chatter.

It’s about turning the screws on others or trying not to get dropped.”

What about the women? Is there sexism among cyclists? Says Hengst:

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With race numbers lining the walls, bicycles hanging from the ceiling, and tools and gear stuffed in cubbies, Michael Gildenhorn’s Bethesda garage is devoted to his cycling obsession.

“Wasn’t it Yoda who said, ‘Dropped or not dropped. There is no gender.’ ” Just as there are bikes designed for women, there are women’s bike groups.

Joan Schaffer, Linda Lawson and Anne Brown are Babes. Bethesda Babes, that is, a subset of the local Babes on Bikes cycling group and not to be confused with the Babe Magnets, who are men, or the Wednesday Irregulars, a mixedgender group, or any of the many other Babes and Chicks groups, including the Dykes on Bikes, who ride motorcycles.

The Bethesda Babes are a free association group, with a core that includes Schaffer, Lawson and Brown as well as semiregulars and pickups, who spot the women riding or at an après-bike coffee shop. Often they’ll meet weekdays at the Bethesda Outdoor Pool to ride the Capital Crescent Trail, which they avoid

on weekends, when it turns chaotic. The Babes ride three times a week, somewhere between 20 and 30 miles. Most have rediscovered riding in adulthood or are using it to rehabilitate a knee injury— or just because riding with other women is fun and frequently ends with socializing and a restorative snack. “We are a small, feisty group of seasoned riders who bike because we enjoy it,” Lawson says. “But we have had a challenge with people who were not prepared to keep up, didn’t have their own extra tubes or pump, and seemed to want to talk more than ride.”

Women are more courteous than men, they contend, and the Babes say they are highly aware of the less attractive habits of other cycling cultures. They ride with purpose but aim to be congenial. When they ride with the Wednesday Irregulars, whose members include some

fast riders, they impose the “Anne Brown rule.” To wit: The leader may go out as fast as she or he wants, but is obligated to wait at any turn until the “sweeper,” or last rider, catches up. Civility also calls for discretion when nature calls, and thus Bethesda is a favorite start and finish because, as Schaffer pointedly notes, “It has places to go to the bathroom.”

The Babes are selective about which men they let ride with them. Kevin Beverly, the business executive, says he was invited a few times, and after his “tryout,” he was allowed to purchase a Babes on Bikes kit, which included a cycling jersey and shorts. “I was ceremonially given a lei,” Beverly says, “and permission to tell people that I have been lei-ed by a Babe.”

Every warrior class has its Attila, its Hannibal, its Crazy Horse. Local cycling has Michael Gildenhorn—not

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Members of the Bethesda Babes cycling group like to start and end their rides in downtown Bethesda. From left to right: Althea Johnston, Joan Schaffer, Holly Clay, Anne Brown, Addie Smith and Linda Lawson.

because he’s the fastest or the flashiest, but because of his devotion to the sport.

In his 14th floor office at Chevy Chase Trust, where he advises clients on how to spend their money, he has invested some of his own in his passion for cycling. The corner room overlooking downtown Bethesda is replete with bike memorabilia, bike parts, even bike art.

Gildenhorn, a youthful 55, took up cycling 15 years ago after participating in a long distance charity ride. “The more I rode, the more I got into the culture,” he says. He sought professional training camps, learned the importance of power training, started tracking his kilojoules.

He rides with a select group of friends who tolerate his bike nerdiness. “We have our rituals: stopping at the same convenience store in Poolesville or at Roy Rogers after riding at Catoctin,” he says.

In 2006, he began leading a group of friends on annual four-day riding trips to Yellowstone and other national parks out West. Recently, they rode the Blue Ridge

Parkway. The group, called No Chains Attached, wears custom jerseys and orders souvenir bike-size license plates for each trip. This September, the friends will head to Glacier National Park. Gildenhorn also has ridden with friends in the French Alps and Pyrenees, including the switchbacks of the fabled 11,000-foot Alpe d’Huez, one of the most challenging climbs on the Tour de France.

Gildenhorn regularly rides his Trek Domane 6.9, a $7,600 Tiffany jewel with $2,000 Zipp wheels that’s crafted for speed and climbing, on the so-called Triple Bypass route from Denver to Vail, Colorado. A fellow traveler he met on the ride turned out to be a Bethesda real estate developer, and now the two are contemplating a business deal. Gildenhorn smiles with satisfaction that his passion has a practical side. Even if it didn’t, he says, “cycling enriches my life.”

For Ponte, the former bike racer, it’s all about the adrenaline rush. “Every movement is amplified, and your focus

is totally on going fast. You have little notice of your surroundings—only using them as a reference for speed,” he says, admitting that he wears a heart rate monitor that sometimes spikes to 175 beats per minute. He smiles at that ludicrously high number. “When I’m racing, my pain receptors go numb until it’s over,” he says.

I was thinking about what Ponte said, recalling a ride on Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park a few years ago. I was trailing a rider at speed, both of us decked out in eye-melting spandex, when for some strange reason he lost concentration and missed the opening in the gates that bar vehicles on weekends and holidays. Up and over his handlebars he flew, landing hard on the asphalt. I stopped and ran over to where he lay, amazed to see him trying to get up. He looked up anxiously at me and asked, “How’s my bike?” n Steve Goldstein is a freelance writer and editor. To comment on this story, email comments@bethesdamagazine.com.

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if these jerseys could talk When cyclists are out on the road, their jerseys can be both a conversation starter and a badge of honor. Bethesda rider Michael Gildenhorn tells the stories behind four of his favorite jerseys.

Since 2006, Gildenhorn has organized a cycling trip for friends to national parks and other iconic biking locations around the country. The group is called No Chains Attached, and Gildenhorn has a custom jersey made for the trip each year. In 2008, about a dozen Bethesda-area riders went to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. “There were forest fires raging nearby, so there was a smoke haze around the lake,” he says. “We couldn’t go up certain roads, and there was ash falling all over us.”

The AIDS Ride was a 3½-day, 330-mile ride from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Washington, D.C. Each night, the riders stayed in a “mobile city” with tents and dining rooms. The ride finished with a trip across Key Bridge into Georgetown and then onto the National Mall. “I don’t think there’s been a larger local charity ride,” Gildenhorn says. “It was epic.”

A one-day, 120-mile ride over three mountain passes in Colorado, the Triple Bypass includes more than 10,000 feet of climbing. This jersey was from the 2010 event, the first time Gildenhorn did the ride. “You’re surrounded by the Rocky Mountains,” he says. “You’re always rewarded after a long climb with a thrilling descent.”

Gildenhorn climbed California’s Figueroa Mountain last year as part of a three-day cycling training camp led by Chris Carmichael, who used to coach Lance Armstrong. The camp, which had about 12 participants, taught riders how to stay in tight formations over long distances. “It required a lot of concentration, but it made for a quicker ride,” Gildenhorn says. “The camp really improved my bike-handling skills.”

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‘get out of my lane!’

Tension between drivers and cyclists has led to safety concerns and contentious debates about who rules the road Jodi Grant was riding her bike along Massachusetts Avenue near Westbard Avenue at 10:30 a.m. on a Friday in August 2012 when it happened.

On her way home from a group ride, Grant was in the far right side of the right lane on a slight downhill when she saw two cars in the left lane.

The car in front was waiting to make a left turn, and Grant noticed that the driver of the second vehicle, a minivan, seemed impatient.

Suddenly, the minivan swerved into the right lane to pass the other car, plowing down Grant and her bike and then speeding away, according to witnesses who called for emergency services and then provided information

for a police report as an ambulance carried Grant away.

The mother of two young girls, Grant woke up in the ambulance. She had a broken neck and back, a concussion, multiple lacerations on her face and 14 shattered teeth. The driver of the minivan hasn’t been found.

It’s an extreme example of a regular occurrence in Montgomery County.

According to a county report released in late 2014, there were 613 reported bicycle-vehicle collisions from 2009 to 2013, and the driver was at fault in 52 percent of them.

In downtown Bethesda, police determined the driver to be at fault in 54 percent of the 37 bicycle-vehicle collisions from 2009 to 2013. Cyclists were

found to be at fault 13 percent of the time. In the remainder of the incidents, cyclists and drivers shared the blame, or the fault wasn’t determined.

The statistics underscore a relationship between cyclists and drivers that can be tense at best and vicious at worst, as illustrated by Washington Post columnist Courtland Milloy in July 2014.

In the column—headlined “Bicyclist bullies try to rule the road in D.C.”— Milloy compared groups of bicyclists with motorcycle gangs, and complained that if you ask a bike rider to obey the rules of the road, “a biker just might spit on your car. Kick the door. Hit the side mirrors. Bang on the hood.” The column sparked outrage among cyclists, who responded with

graphic drawn by amanda smallwood

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graphic drawn by amanda smallwood

angry letters to the editor and online diatribes.

Grant says she’s familiar with the contentious relationship between cyclists and drivers. “I’m a driver, too, and I know it can be frustrating to have to wait behind a bike,” Grant says. “I also know that not all cyclists obey the law, and it irks me when I see cyclists weaving between cars or otherwise behaving unpredictably.” One of the biggest complaints from drivers is that some cyclists run red lights.

Rui Ponte, an avid cyclist and former bike racer, says he has been hit by cars multiple times, sometimes when cars have attempted to pass him while he was riding his bike. “Unless they’re a rider themselves, they don’t have any sense of the speeds at which a bicycle can move,” Ponte says. “I find that it’s safer to take up a whole lane and not give a car room to pass you—if you allow for that space, the car will take it, whether it’s safe to pass or not.”

Maryland law allows cyclists traveling at the speed of traffic to operate in any lane, except where the speed limit is higher than 50 mph (in which case, cyclists may ride on the shoulder). If cyclists are traveling slower than the speed of traffic, the law requires that they stay in the right lane, and as close to the right side of the road as is safe.

However, Maryland law also states that the ride-to-the-right provision does not apply if the lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to ride safely sideby-side in the same lane; in that case, the cyclist may take up the whole lane.

New dedicated bike lanes, a possible solution to the problem, could be part of the next update to Montgomery County’s Bicycle Master Plan, which is being discussed in public meetings throughout the summer, says David Anspacher of the Montgomery County Planning Department.

Currently, there’s only about threetenths of a mile of bike lanes in Mont-

safety tips Be predictable. The best thing drivers and cyclists can do is behave in a predictable manner, Grant says. Making sudden moves—especially those that break or bend traffic rules—makes it difficult for others to respond appropriately.

Take up the lane. Grant says that while she wasn’t at fault in her crash, if she had the morning to do over, she would have taken up the entire right lane, rather than leaving room for a car to pass her. “By doing what I thought was better for the cars, I left room for something terrible to happen,” Grant says.

Make yourself seen. Wear bright or reflective clothing, use bike lights, and ride in a group (according to state law, cyclists may ride two abreast only if the flow of traffic is not impeded).

Be patient. Grant notes that drivers may underestimate the speed of cyclists, who often can keep up with traffic in zones with low speed limits.

“If a cyclist is going 25 mph and the speed limit is 30 mph, cars probably shouldn’t be honking for the bike to get out of the way,” Grant says.

gomery County, and none of them are buffered or protected, Anspacher says.

Unlike a conventional bike lane, which give cyclists their own dedicated lane immediately adjacent to car traffic, a buffered bike lane further separates bikes from cars by incorporating a painted space, or buffer, between the bike lane and vehicular traffic lanes. A protected bike lane uses posts or other physical barriers to add even more protection. In contrast, Arlington County has 34 miles of bike lanes, including 1.2 miles of buffered lanes and onetenth of a mile of protected lanes, according to Henry Dunbar, program director of Bike Arlington.

Better-connected bike trails could also help ease tension. Though Grant isn’t back to riding on the road, she commutes by bike daily to her job

as executive director of the Afterschool Alliance in downtown Washington, D.C. She travels via the Capital Crescent Trail and around the monuments. It’s a 10-mile commute each way—3 miles longer than it would be if she chose to ride on traditional roads.

Improvements to existing bike trails and the addition of new bike trails could also be part of the master plan update, Anspacher says.

Grant and other cycling advocates say that both sides need to be more patient and courteous. “I think that people forget that bikers are your friends and your neighbors—just everyday workers who are trying to find an easier or healthier way to commute to work or to take one more car off the road,” Grant says. “We all need to learn to respect each other more.”

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collision c On a recent weekend afternoon, automated counters along the Capital Crescent Trail found roughly 700 users per hour in Bethesda.

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course

With its beautiful canopy of trees and fabulous location, the Capital Crescent Trail is a local treasure.

But its tremendous popularity has created safety concerns.

What can be done?

by amy reinink photos by skip brown

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m

Michael Witt was riding along the Capital Crescent Trail one Wednesday evening in the spring of 2012 when he came upon a couple dozen members of the Georgetown University crew team out for a training run. They were running in lines of 10 or so people, and Witt called out to let them know he was approaching. The runners at the back of the pack acknowledged him with a wave. But as Witt sped ahead on his bike, the leaders of the pack made a sharp U-turn to change direction—directly into the path of Witt and his bike.

Witt stopped short and somersaulted over his handlebars, landing flat on his back on the pavement. When he opened his eyes, the team was standing in a circle around him. They apologized for the sudden change in direction. Witt apologized for his speed, which he acknowledges was a bit fast for the crowded trail. Then he rode home, and spent the night nursing what he guesses were badly bruised ribs.

For weeks following the accident, Witt couldn’t laugh, cough or sneeze without pain. But he was back on his bike—and on the trail—the next day. “The Capital Crescent is an amazing bike trail,” says Witt, 58, who lives in Bethesda. “It’s as nice as anything I’ve ever ridden. It goes from Bethesda, a great place to raise a family, to one of the most exciting cities in the world, with all types of job opportunities. We have a treasure in that trail.”

Therein lies the paradox of the Capital Crescent Trail, which runs 7 paved miles from Georgetown to downtown Bethesda, with an additional 4-mile section of crushed gravel trail from Bethesda to Silver Spring. For the reasons Witt describes, it has become one of the most popular trails in the country. When county officials recently placed automated counters along the trail, they found roughly 700 users per hour in Bethesda during the busiest part of a Sunday in April—that’s more than 11 people every minute on a trail that’s roughly 12 feet wide.

Because of its congestion, the trail has become the site of nasty accidents, nearmisses and arguments between cyclists and pedestrians. So what do officials do when a trail is so popular that it becomes a cause for safety concerns?

T h e Ca p i ta l C r e s c e n t T ra i l follows the former path of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad’s Georgetown Branch line, which was built in the late 1800s and early 1900s to transport coal and building materials between Chevy Chase, Bethesda and Georgetown.

By the 1980s, trains ran infrequently on the line, and in the fall of 1985, Peter Harnik received a phone call saying that the B&O would soon run its last train on the tracks.

An avid cyclist, Harnik was then living in Washington, D.C., and serving as vice president of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA). He and his fellow cyclists sprang into action. Through WABA’s newsletter, they announced the creation of a group to support the construction of a rail trail along the soon-tobe-abandoned rail bed. The group would later become the Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail (CCCT).

The group held its first meeting at the Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 24, 1985, and quickly amassed a coalition of more than 35 groups, ranging from cyclists to walkers to nature lovers.

Soon after, Harnik and other leaders of the group approached Bruce Adams, then a Montgomery County Council member.

Harnik explained that this rail bed represented a chance for Montgomery County to be a leader in the national rails-totrails movement. Harnik had by then cofounded the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit headquartered in Washington, D.C., that has since helped to build, maintain and connect thousands of miles of trails throughout the country.

“When the national expert on rails-

to-trails comes to talk to you about an opportunity like that,” Adams says, “the only reasonable response is, ‘What do I need to do, and when do I need to do it?’ ” Harnik told Adams that Montgomery County would need to purchase the right-of-way on the Maryland side of the Washington, D.C., border. Because the portion of the corridor in the District was within the C&O Canal National

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Bethesda’s Michael Witt uses the trail to commute year-round. “I love the winter, in part because there aren’t a lot of people out there,” he says. “Sometimes, the more extreme the weather, the more invigorating I find the ride.”

Historical Park, Congress would need to appropriate funds for the National Park Service to purchase the other half. That meant each side would be responsible for roughly $10 million to $12 million.

Adams knew the cost might be a hard sell in tight budgetary times, but he saw a bargaining chip in what was then referred to as the Bethesda-Silver Spring Trolley, a proposed street car that would run on a

single track between Bethesda and Silver Spring. The project eventually grew into the larger and more elaborate Purple Line.

Regardless of what happened with the trail, the county would need to purchase the right-of-way in order to construct the transit line. “I recall other council members saying, ‘If we don’t get the trolley, I want out of that $10 million,” Adams says.

“I told them that honestly, even if we’re

just talking about the trail, this might be the best $10 million you ever vote for.”

In 1988, Montgomery County purchased the right-of-way from the D.C. line to Silver Spring under the National Trails Systems Act. Two years later, the National Park Service purchased the other portion of the right-of-way, stretching from the Maryland-D.C. border to Georgetown.

The 7-mile trail from Bethesda to George-

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town was paved with private and public funds, and was formally dedicated in 1996.

By the mid 1990s, the drumbeat for creating what would become known as the Purple Line became louder, and the question of what to do about the section of rail bed stretching from Bethesda to Silver Spring became more pressing.

“There was a fear among some on the council that if we opened up that section of trail, we wouldn’t be able to have the trolley, because the ‘NIMBYs’ would argue that the transit would harm the trail,” Adams says.

The county council voted in 1996 to fund the removal of tracks and railroad ties on the right-of-way from Bethesda to Silver Spring to create a gravel trail known as the Georgetown Branch Trail.

Adams cast the swing vote.

The Purple Line remains a contentious issue, with some trail advocates arguing that any rerouting or urbanization of the trail to accommodate light rail would change its character. “Every time I hear that the trail is too great to ruin by putting in a rail line, the top of my head wants to fly off,” Adams says. “I just think, ‘Well, there wouldn’t have been a trail if it wasn’t for the possibility of transit.’ ” As debate brewed over the Georgetown Branch Trail, the Capital Crescent Trail from Bethesda to Georgetown grew increasingly popular with bike commuters, walkers, runners and Rollerbladers.

In 2006, nearly 100 members of the CCCT conducted a survey at five locations along the trail to count the number of daily and hourly trips. The data, analyzed by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Department of Parks, showed that more than 1 million people used the trail each year.

Bicycling was the most common use on most of the trail, but at Bethesda Avenue, the survey found 43 percent walkers, 17 percent joggers and 39 percent bicyclists.

Rui Ponte, an architect and avid cyclist who lives in Bethesda and frequently

rides on the trail, opened a bike shop and gym (now closed) in November 2008 near the end of the trail in Georgetown.

He says his business skyrocketed in 2009, when Adrian Fenty, then the mayor of Washington, D.C., pushed to increase the number of dedicated bike lanes in the city. That made it easier for Capital Crescent Trail commuters to safely continue their journeys once they reached Georgetown, Ponte says.

With the explosion of trail usage came increased concerns about safety. Maryland-National Capital Park Police Lt. Rick Pelicano says the number of collisions on the trail reported to park police annually is very low, considering the high number of trail users. There was one reported crash in 2014, a bicycle collision with a car at the intersection of the trail and Kenwood Forest Lane in Bethesda.

There were four in 2012—three at crosswalks involving bicycles and cars, and one on the trail in which two bicycles collided, Pelicano says.

But Pelicano acknowledges that almost all collisions on the trail go unreported to park police. That was the case when Wendy Feldman Block of Bethesda collided with another cyclist when she and her husband, Eben Block, were riding toward Georgetown one sunny Sunday afternoon in late November a couple of years ago. Eben spotted a cyclist wearing headphones, riding toward them on the wrong side of the trail.

“I kept screaming at him, but he never even looked up,” Eben says. He swerved safely out of the way, but Wendy, riding behind him, was forced to veer off the trail and into the woods, damaging the front wheel of her bike and leaving her with multiple bruises and abrasions. The cyclist, a teenage boy, was riding with one adult and one other teenager. The group was gone by the time Wendy composed herself and stood up. Eben and Wendy called a friend to pick them up, but did not report the incident.

Jerry Parks of Bethesda ran and cycled

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WHEELING T WORK

The Dynamic Duo Andrew Glover, 36, grew up riding bikes with his dad in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and his first job after college was as a bike messenger in the District. But it wasn’t until his wife (Mary Clare Glover, managing editor of this magazine) switched jobs in the spring of 2014 that he considered riding with his son, Henry, as a way for the family to put off buying a second car.

Glover bought a front bike seat and a helmet for Henry, who was 18 months old at the time, and carefully planned the mile-long route from their home in Silver Spring to Henry’s preschool in Takoma Park. “I was a little nervous about how Henry was going to react,” says Glover, who planned to drop his son at school, and then ride to the Takoma Metro station. “If I put him in the seat and he was scared and unhappy, the whole plan would be no good.”

On a test ride a few days before the first commute, though, Henry more than cooperated. “He didn’t want to get out of the bike when we finished the ride,” Glover says.

Henry, now 2, likes to chat with his dad on their rides, which take them on a bike path that skirts alongside the Metro’s Red Line in Takoma Park. Henry points out every train that comes by, often calling them Thomas or Percy, two of his favorite characters from the Thomas the Tank Engine series.

They ride in all but the worst conditions, and have matching balaclavas for cold weather and matching blue ponchos for rainy days. “It’s my way of introducing Henry to bikes,” says Glover, an attorney in the Office of the Attorney General in Washington, D.C. “I want him to think that biking is this easy, fun thing to do, and I hope he can enjoy riding bikes as much as I do as he gets older.”

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the Die-hard

When Jenni Voorhees started working at the Sidwell Friends Lower School in Bethesda 37 years ago, there was no question she’d be commuting by bike—despite the fact that she was living in Arlington. This meant a sometimes harrowing trip on roads with heavy vehicle traffic and no bike lanes. “I grew up going everywhere by bike,” says Voorhees, now 59, who spent her childhood in Seattle.

Voorhees continued that commute for nearly 10 years, and says she had a love-hate relationship with Canal Road, which provided beautiful views of the Potomac River, but also, she

says, “an obstacle around every turn.”

One morning, shortly after she began bike commuting, she got a flat tire and realized the tube couldn’t be fixed. Although she had a tube-repair kit, she hadn’t thought to bring a new tube. Another cyclist stopped to lend a hand, produced an inner tube to replace Voorhees’ busted one, and “in less than 10 minutes,” she says, “taught me everything I needed to know about changing a flat in a hurry.”

It wasn’t until Voorhees moved to the White Flint mall area 23 years ago that she truly fell in love with bike commuting. Her kids were young then, and

she says some of her happiest memories are of commuting by bike with them— sometimes with all three at once (two in a trailer and one in a bike seat).

Voorhees’ kids are grown now, but she still enjoys her 5½-mile ride along the Bethesda Trolley Trail to the National Institutes of Health, and then through neighborhoods near Suburban Hospital.

“It’s so freeing,” says Voorhees, who now serves as director of technology for Sidwell Friends Lower School. “There’s no traffic or anything else to create an obstacle to my progress—except maybe a flat tire.”

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on the trail frequently before he suffered damage to the ligaments in his right ankle three years ago. Parks was commuting home on the trail from Washington, D.C., and was forced to swerve left when a runner with headphones turned around quickly and into his path. The collision left Parks with lingering muscle imbalances that continue to hamper his running. He, too, did not report the crash.

Even more common are the near misses. Bethesda’s Brian Kim, a former coach for the Montgomery County Road Runners Club, says he often sees cyclists buzz past runners without warning, runners ignore cyclists’ warning bells or shouts, and cyclists try to pass runners on the left while barely squeezing between the runners and oncoming bike traffic.

In 2007, the CCCT sent a letter to the Montgomery County Council, the county planning board and the National Park Service outlining safety recommendations for the trail. The top recommendation was to widen the trail to 16 feet from roughly 12 feet between downtown Bethesda and Massachusetts Avenue.

Chuck Kines, trail planner for Montgomery Parks, says such a project would be exorbitantly expensive and could threaten the stability of the rail bed.

“The problem with widening is that the trail sits on a rail bed that was only so wide,” Kines says. “In terms of engineering, we’d have to regrade the entire rail bed, which would be very challenging and very costly.”

Pelicano says police and maintenance workers have undertaken several safety initiatives in recent years. This past winter, the county started plowing the Maryland section of the trail after each snowstorm. Workers also have installed or enhanced a 2-foot-wide gravel jogging path alongside the paved trail. And in 2011, the maintenance department reengineered the trail’s crossing of Little Falls Parkway, adding a zigzagging curve to slow bike traffic and installing more signage to alert drivers to pedestrians and cyclists who might be crossing.

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the activist

Colman McCarthy glides down Wisconsin Avenue on his commuter bike, cruising alongside traffic while wearing slacks, a shirt and tie, and a bike helmet.

It’s the opening scene of a video about him that was created by his students at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, where for nearly 30 years he has taught a class in peace and social justice. The longtime activist and former Washington Post columnist says his daily 9-mile round-trip bike commute from his home near American

University to B-CC is an important way for him to live his values.

McCarthy bought his first commuter bike, a Raleigh three-speed, during the 1973 oil crisis. “One of my great joys is cycling past the gas stations and seeing the suckers in there getting ripped off by Big Oil,” McCarthy says. “I know that’s a cheap thrill, but I do allow myself a moment of schadenfreude.”

McCarthy says blustery days provide a unique sense of joy. “You get a feel for the earth and a feel for the

wind that you’re not getting when you’re trapped in a steel, rubbery oily machine,” he says.

McCarthy, 77, credits cycling for keeping him healthy—he takes no prescription medications and has no major health problems. He says it’s good for his spirit, as well.

“Socrates said to do something hard every day, that it’s good for the soul,” McCarthy says. “There’s a long hill up Massachusetts Avenue by the Brazilian Embassy that fulfills that function for me.”

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None of those measures, however, got the public’s attention—and sparked cyclists’ ire—like the installation of speed limit signs along the trail. In 2008, officials with The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission posted 15 mph speed limit signage on the section of trail between downtown Bethesda and the District line. Though all National Park Service trails and many other trail systems carry the same speed limit, few have posted it.

Frequent trail users say it’s unclear whether the speed limit has made the trail any safer. Ron Tripp, chairman of the CCCT, says he rarely sees cyclists passing him at more than 15 mph these days, but says he still receives complaints from pedestrians that cyclists are speeding. “In reality, if a bike is going 15 mph, that could still be five or more times the speed of a pedestrian,” Tripp says. “Any speed along those lines is going to seem excessive from the pedestrian’s perspective. I think a lot of this has to do with perception.”

Kines acknowledges that the speed limit signs are an imperfect solution to a complex problem. “The tough thing about installing signage alerting trail users to different regulations is that you need an enforcement mechanism, which takes time and energy for park police,” Kines says.

Pelicano says park police do stage enforcement waves occasionally. Records indicate that no one has ever received a citation for speeding on the trail, but warnings have been issued, Pelicano says. The department prefers to rely on park volunteers who are armed with a radar gun or a large digital speed sign to stop speeders and educate them about the speed limit and safe cycling practices, Pelicano says.

Even so, Kines says safe and unsafe speeds for cyclists depend on context.

“If someone is speeding along the trail at 2 p.m. on a Sunday, it would appear unsafe and would be unsafe,” Kines says.

“If someone is traveling at the same speed at 4 or 5 a.m. on their way to work, it’s a different story.”

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CCCT Chairman Ron Tripp stands near the trail’s crossing of Little Falls Parkway, which was re-engineered in 2011 to slow bike traffic; more signage was also added to alert drivers to pedestrians and cyclists who might be crossing.

O n a s u n n y S at u r day in April, the Capital Crescent Trail near downtown Bethesda is packed. Couples are walking hand in hand under the canopy of green trees. Kids on tricycles putter along ahead of families with strollers. A few cyclists meander down the trail at slow speeds. A dog walker manages the leashes of three golden retrievers, and a teenage boy rolls by on a skateboard.

But if you watch long enough, you’ll see people who aren’t behaving safely—and even a few conflicts. A family walks five abreast, blocking others from passing. A few minutes later, a young man walks along with headphones, seemingly oblivious to a biker ringing his bell furiously to pass.

“I love seeing older couples going for walks on the trail, and young children

walking with their parents,” Wendy Feldman Block says. “I wouldn’t want the trail to lose that sense of community. But that means that for cyclists traveling near the upper side of the speed limit, the trail is just not a good place on the weekends.”

Kines says one of the most common conflicts is between cyclists and dog walkers. “You’ll hear about a leash stretching across the trail that was blocking a cyclist, or about walkers three or four abreast who are blocking the trail, oblivious to people behind them,” Kines says. “It makes cyclists and others upset that there isn’t more common courtesy.”

From a policy perspective, Kines says continuing to educate the public is the best way to keep the trail safe. For the past several years, the CCCT has published a

brochure on trail safety, and has worked with neighborhood groups to teach trail etiquette. The suggestions are simple: Keep dogs on a short leash. Walkers and runners should eschew headphones so they can hear cyclists trying to pass them. Cyclists should alert pedestrians with a loud bell, whistle or voice before they pass. Pedestrians should acknowledge a bike’s warning bell with a wave.

Several trail users say they believe the safety campaign has been successful. “I think it’s just making people aware that there are many different speeds and reaction times on the trails, and that we all have to respect one another,” Ponte says.

Even some who have been involved in collisions on the trail say they consider it generally safe. “I figure I’ve

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WHEELING T WORK

the late bloomer

Growing up, Margaret McBurney went on many bike rides with her father, but her interest in cycling fell off in adulthood. It wasn’t until she started commuting from her home in Kensington to her job as an executive assistant at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda that she thought about taking up her old hobby again.

“NIH is only about 2½ miles away from me,” says McBurney, now 54.

“I’m not a big fan of driving, and I knew it would have the added benefit of giving me daily exercise.”

So eight years ago, she set out on

her hybrid bicycle headed toward the NIH for the first time. She acknowledges that the first few years were full of learning experiences.

Once, she accidentally left her work outfit at home and had to wear her biking clothes all day. When she got her first flat tire, she found a place to lock up her bike and walked the rest of the way home. Now she keeps an extra change of clothes at work and always carries a bicycle pump.

She also has learned to appreciate the bike racks on the front of Metro buses, which she takes when she encounters a thunderstorm or other

severe weather.

Three years ago, McBurney invested in some additional gear—waterproof and windproof pants and a jacket, for example—so she could ride every day, year-round. She also changed routes so she could travel through quieter neighborhoods, rather than on commuter thoroughfares.

“It takes me about 25 minutes, and it’s a truly pleasant view of daily life,” McBurney says. “I see nature—deer and rabbits and birds—and I also see children waiting at bus stops. Sometimes it’s so enjoyable I think, ‘If only I didn’t have to turn into work!’ ”

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WHEELING T WORK

the convert

When Dave Dabney became executive director of the Bethesda Urban Partnership 16 years ago, he realized he’d need to change some of his habits.

As part of his new role, Dabney, who had spent the previous 25 years in the auto industry, would be responsible for encouraging traditional commuters to consider more sustainable alternatives.

“I realized that if I was going to try to mitigate traffic within a vibrant urban setting by convincing people there were alternatives to driving alone in a car, I had to be able to walk the walk and not just talk the talk,” says Dabney, 68.

So, on an early-spring day in 2000, Dabney loaded his bike into the car, drove from his home in Olney to Lake Needwood in Derwood, and then embarked on his first two-wheel commute.

“The first time I ventured out, I didn’t know where I was going, and I learned that one wrong turn can lead you to end up in downtown Rockville, not downtown Bethesda,” Dabney says.

There have been other occasional mishaps, such as the time six years ago when Dabney’s front wheel skidded on damp asphalt, resulting in a crash that left him with a broken wrist. He

didn’t ride again for two months, and has been careful on rainy or humid days ever since.

But once he learned the route, Dabney says he grew to enjoy the hourlong, 12.8-mile ride, which mostly follows Rock Creek Trail. “I found it to be really peaceful,” he says.

Dabney now commutes on his Trek mountain bike at least once a week during warm weather. When he tells people he bikes from Olney or Derwood to downtown Bethesda, they often say, “Really? I didn’t know you could do that.”

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made over 9,000 trips each way over the past 21 years, and rode about 110,000 miles,” says Witt, who in all that time has been in just one accident.

T h e B e t h e s da - S i lv e r S p r i n g Trolley played a huge role in the trail’s creation—and experts say that even after all these years, the trail’s future still hinges on whether the Purple Line will be built, which Gov. Larry Hogan was expected to decide in mid-June. Plans call for the section of the trail from Silver Spring to Bethesda to be wide enough to accommodate the commuters it would likely attract along the Purple Line, and Kines says that could create demand for a wider path along the rest of the trail.

“Once that section of trail becomes paved and wider, and once it actually connects to a number of additional Purple Line stations, I think that’s going to be a complete game changer for the trail as a whole,” Kines says. “More users of the trail is imminent, and there will certainly be increased pressure to widen the trail south of Bethesda.” Kines anticipates increased 24-hour use of the trail and possibly the addition of lighting.

Adams says he can imagine the Capital Crescent Trail growing to resemble New York City’s High Line, a repurposed elevated rail line that features professional landscaping and common areas with picnic tables and play areas for kids. It is the site of yoga classes, after-school programs and concerts. Because the trail is so crowded, bicycles, skateboards, scooters and nonservice dogs are prohibited.

“One of the attractions of the High Line is that the whole world is there,” Adams says. “The fact that it’s packed makes it feel even more like you’re in a special place.

The Capital Crescent Trail can be a commuter thoroughfare during rush hour, but I think that the rest of the time it could be focused on community building.” n Amy Reinink is a frequent contributor to the magazine who also writes for Runner’s World and other outdoor publications. To comment on this story, email comments@ bethesdamagazine.com.

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Power to the People After several terrible storms and repeated outages, Pepco began cutting down trees more aggressively than ever before. A group of Potomac homeowners thinks the utility has gone too far—and last year, they started fighting back.

text and photos by april wit t

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r e

Potomac homeowner Howard Siemers scans Pepco’s right of way every morning so he can warn homeowners in nearby neighborhoods when tree-cutting crews head their way.

Siham Ainane, an Ivy League - educated suburban mom, drives through the curving, tree-lined streets of her Potomac neighborhood most mornings, looking to see if the men she views as invaders are back. Howard Siemers, one of her closest neighbors in the Fallsreach subdivision, is on patrol, too. The former Marriott finance executive scans the horizon with binoculars. He does this so often that his wife has taken to calling him Paul Revere.

A mile away in the Inverness Forest subdivision, Fred Goodman is at his backyard lookout post before 7 a.m. The small-business owner stares at a phalanx of orange and white bucket trucks—a makeshift industrial parking lot that utility giant Pepco established near several once-quiet, forested neighborhoods. Goodman watches as an army of Pepco treecutting contractors arrive for work. They start their truck engines with a roar that fills him with dread. Once Goodman sees the direction the tree-cutters are heading, he calls Siemers and the day’s cellphone relay begins.

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Workers for tree-cutting contractor Asplundh have grown accustomed to protests in Potomac. This worker cuts branches from a Bradford pear at an entrance to Inverness Forest. About 15 homeowners gathered nearby to try to save the tree.

For more than a year, homeowners in at least eight Potomac neighborhoods have engaged in a struggle to try to stop Pepco from cutting down trees on their private property.

These neighborhoods abut a lengthy Pepco right of way with power lines that provide electricity to tens of thousands of customers, including homes, businesses, hospitals, police stations, firehouses and critical government facilities. Pepco representatives say the utility has not only the legal right, but the clear mandate, to trim or cut down trees it deems potentially hazardous to its lines. To that end, Pepco has invoked a series of easements that it purchased in the 1950s, when these Potomac neighborhoods were farmlands, not subdivisions. The exis-

tence of these easements surprised many homeowners, because they don’t appear on their subdivision plots or individual deeds—and their title insurers failed to find them during routine searches. Pepco maintains that the easements, which are legally recorded in older county land records, allow the utility to send bucket trucks and chain saws into people’s gardens and cut down trees, even against homeowners’ will. For every tree the utility cuts down, homeowners are promised a $200 coupon to use for a replacement plant.

Stunned Potomac residents along the right of way have returned from work or vacation to find that Pepco contractors have cut down most of the trees in their yard. Some homeowners defy Pepco,

standing under their own trees and their neighbors’ trees to prevent the utility’s contractors from cutting them down.

More than once, Montgomery County police officers have been called to referee the fray.

Homeowners who oppose Pepco argue that the utility is deforesting Montgomery County in the name of reliable electric power. What is at stake, they say, is not just environmental devastation, but their property values, their faith in government to work on behalf of its citizens, and their sense of power to protect their homes. As trees topple in Potomac, they take with them a suburban way of life in which the parents of small children hang swings from ancient oaks—and expect the trees will still be standing when grandchil-

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dren someday come to play.

“This is a heck of a way to live after four decades in Potomac,” says Goodman, an Air Force veteran who owns a company that helps equip public libraries. “This is the first time in my entire life that I have felt like I was not in control of my own property.”

On Saturday mornings,

it’s common to find Potomac homeowners walking their dogs on Pepco’s right of way. It is about 80 yards wide and looks like a poorly mowed field. Rows of rusting steel towers and wooden poles carry parallel power lines beyond the horizon in either direction. Citing security concerns, Pepco declined to disclose some details of the right of way. Viewed from above via Google Earth, the high-voltage transmission lines snaking through Potomac appear to extend more than 10 miles from a utility facility in Rockville to another in Germantown. Pepco’s transmission corridor looks like a long dry river, hundreds of acres of rare open ground in a dense suburban landscape.

Pepco and its Potomac neighbors coexisted more or less peacefully for decades until power outages prompted demands for reform. Maryland’s Public Service Commission (PSC), which regulates utilities, fined Pepco $1 million for bad performance in 2011 and the Business Insider website named Pepco the most hated company in America.

The Maryland Electricity Reliability Act, which was sponsored by Montgomery County legislators, required regulators to set new performance standards and penalties for utilities that failed to meet them. The PSC formed a working group, including representatives from utilities and jurisdictions such as Montgomery County, to come up with a new mandate to improve power companies’ performance by, among other things, better “vegetation management.”

The resulting standards—known as RM 43—dictate how close tree branches can grow to different types of power lines.

According to Pepco, if 25 percent or more

Fred and Stephanie Goodman have taken to guarding their Potomac home and posting “no trespassing” signs to try to keep tree-cutters from coming into their backyard.

Piles of logs—the remains of trees that have been cut—have become a common sight in Potomac.

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of a tree’s crown needs to be removed in order to keep all limbs the required distances from power lines, then a certified arborist for the utility determines if they will cut the tree down instead of prune.

Because the new guidelines were so aggressive, Montgomery County officials initially said that the county might come up with different vegetation management rules within its borders. Pepco objected and prevailed, according to public records and interviews. When RM 43 went into effect in May 2012, it mandated that no jurisdiction in the state could override its directives. The following month, the June 2012 derecho ravaged the region and left 483,639 Pepco customers without power, some for days. Pressure on Pepco to perform mounted. Trees came down.

“We appreciate the value that trees bring to a community from aesthetics, the beauty, the environmental benefits,” Pepco Vice President Jerry Pasternak says. “But trees that grow too close to power lines are safety hazards and [have] potential impacts, negative impacts, on reliability.”

Maryland’s new vegetation management mandates “don’t give us the flexibility of saying, ‘That tree looks healthy, let’s take a chance that it won’t fall,’ ” Pasternak says. “We go out there with an open mind to look at every tree. We look at where it is located in relation to the lines.

We look at its condition. We look at its health. We look at its species. We look at the growth rate.”

When Pepco cuts down trees over homeowner objections, “it doesn’t mean we’re not listening,” Pasternak says. “It means they are the wrong trees in the wrong place. They need to be removed to provide the required clearances.”

Pepco’s ability to keep its customers’ lights on has improved, in large part because of its new tree trimming and cutting practices, Pepco Senior Media Relations Manager Sean Kelly says. Based on data Pepco reports to regulators, the average number of outages per customer decreased 8.6 percent from 2012 to 2014, and the average number of hours outages

lasted decreased nearly 24 percent.

State regulators don’t require Pepco to report how many trees it has cut down in Montgomery County, and Pepco representatives declined to disclose that information. For homeowners living along the Pepco right of way in Potomac, the new vegetation management mandates in RM 43 combined with Pepco’s old easements have meant one thing: the War of the Trees.

In the upscale subdivision of Potomac Crest, homes often sell for more than $1 million, and residents tend to be educated high-achievers. Dr. Jake Liang, a senior investigator at the National Institutes of Health, and Gail Prentiss, a law-

yer, bought their house in 2011, knowing that it backed up to a Pepco right of way.

They were attracted to the dense backyard woodland. Big trees screened from their view the Pepco power lines. When they looked out their windows, they saw green. “It was almost like we thought, nobody can ever build behind our house: how nice,” Prentiss says.

They were shocked to learn in the spring of 2014 that Pepco planned to cut down almost every big tree in their backyard. Pepco had a type of easement called an inquisition—recorded in 1959—that the utility said gave it the right to cut down any tree it wished up to 75 feet into Liang and Prentiss’ yard. The couple, along with three other sets of Potomac Crest home-

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For nearly two months this spring, tree-cutting contractor Asplundh set up an industrial parking lot in the Pepco right of way, which cuts through several neighborhoods in Potomac.

owners, went to court to get a temporary restraining order (TRO) that would stop Pepco from cutting their trees while they researched the easement and considered their options.

A Montgomery County judge granted a TRO on Aug. 19, 2014. A Pepco lawyer dropped a clue about the resources the utility was putting into the fight. According to the hearing transcript, he told the judge that $10,000 wouldn’t cover Pepco’s attorneys’ fees for one day.

The homeowners knew they would need an expert witness who was trained and certified as a “utility arborist” if they were going to win the next round in court.

They said they had no trouble finding arborists who could attest that most of

their trees were healthy and posed little credible threat to Pepco lines. But since utility arborists usually work for utilities, they couldn’t quickly find one who was willing to testify against Pepco—and risk poisoning their own employment pool, Liang says. They even searched out of state.

Pepco’s lawyers framed the case as four disgruntled households objecting to tree-cutting that benefited legions of customers.

On Oct. 16, 2014, the judge lifted the TRO. Within a week, Asplundh, a tree contractor working for Pepco, took down mature trees in all four of the litigants’ backyards. David Silverman and his wife were hardest hit. They lost 60 trees on and around their property—oaks, maples, pines—and now had views of the power

lines on three sides of their town house, Silverman says.

“They didn’t leave us a 4-foot tree or a 6-foot tree,” says Silverman, manager of new business for Cigna HealthCare.

“There was no management of the vegetation. They just clear-cut.”

On the other side of the Pepco right of way in Fallsreach, Siham Ainane heard what happened in Potomac Crest. She didn’t know the homeowners who’d taken Pepco to court, but tracked down Liang at his NIH office and called for advice.

She was beginning to understand the trouble heading down the right of way.

RM 43 in conjunction with the old ease-

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power to the people

Montgomery County police have been called on to referee disputes between Pepco’s tree-cutting crews and homeowners. On April 30, these homeowners were among about 15 who gathered along Deborah Drive to try to save one of the Bradford pears that line an entry to Inverness Forest.

ments gave Pepco sole authority to decide which trees to cut down, with no provision for independent review or appeal.

It also exempted utilities statewide from having to grind the stumps of the trees they removed, which left homeowners an ugly mess that was expensive to clean up. The utility could outspend even well-heeled homeowners in a court fight.

State regulators backed Pepco, stating in a public document that the utility’s treecutting in Potomac followed state mandates. Local elected officials sounded sympathetic when homeowners contacted them, but said they were powerless to stop the cutting. And since Pepco was painting blue dots on the back side of trees it planned to cut down—facing the utility’s right of way, rather than the homes—a lot of Ainane’s neighbors and homeowners in nearby subdivisions weren’t aware of how many trees they were slated to lose.

Ainane, 49, grew up in Morocco, the daughter of a successful, strong-willed man who taught his children to stand up for what they believed was right. She came to the United States at 18 to attend the University of Pennsylvania. The more she learned about the tree-cutting, the more her father’s voice rang in her ears. Cutting down

so many healthy trees against homeowners’ wishes struck her as wrong, she says.

Ainane and a few neighbors—including Howard Siemers, 62, the former Marriott executive—started tying lengths of yellow crime-scene tape around trees with blue dots, so even homeowners who weren’t following the drama would take notice.

Ainane consulted an environmental lawyer who spoke to a group of concerned Fallsreach homeowners. He gave them a simple idea: Generate a list of neighbors willing to mobilize quickly and stand under each other’s trees whenever Pepco’s contractors showed up to cut. Save

one tree at a time, one day at a time.

Some people in the neighborhood didn’t think it was a good idea to defy Pepco. Donn Layne, a tree activist and board member for the Fallsreach Homeowners Association, received an email from another board member asking whether the protesters thought they were living in the 1960s.

In mid-December last year, Pepco treecutting contractors parked their trucks next to a modest brick home on a wooded lot along Pepco’s right of way in Fallsreach. Albert Wang and his wife built the house in 1979 so their sons could attend Potomac public schools. Wang, who holds an advanced degree in public planning and worked for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, made sure his builder preserved mature trees. The Wangs loved their trees, especially the maples. Even into retirement, they enjoyed raking their golden leaves each fall.

The Wangs were away, visiting relatives, when Pepco’s tree-cutters arrived. By the time neighborhood activists mobilized, almost every tree on the Wangs’ property had been cut to stumps. With all nine large trees along Pepco’s right of way gone, the rusting utility towers that had always been close, but hidden, now loomed large.

Pepco’s crew moved next door, where activists managed to halt work by standing under trees. Pepco called the police.

Officers came and eventually went, saying

David Silverman and his wife were hardest hit. They lost 60 trees on and around their property, and now had views of the power lines on three sides of their town house.

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power to the people

Local activists began tying yellow crime-scene tape around trees slated to be felled.

that as long as the tree activists were on private property, and had the homeowner’s permission, it was a civil matter. It is a scene that has played out over and over in the months since.

Standing under trees, it turned out, worked—even though it was too late for the Wangs. “Every time I turn into my driveway, I see no shade. I see ugly Pepco towers,” Albert Wang says. “This house is like a stranger to me.”

As trees came down along Pepco’s right of way, homes and subdivisions that once were hidden from one another by woodlands came into sight.

People could see their connection to one another. New alliances formed across all kinds of former divisions—neighbors who jokingly described themselves as “right of Attila the Hun” found common cause with a Democratic precinct cap-

tain, and people who likely wouldn’t have met if not for the War of the Trees had each other on speed dial.

In Inverness Forest, businessman Goodman joined the activists after Pepco foresters said several of his trees had to go. Goodman’s father was a White House press photographer. Goodman had met famous politicians and had a front-row view of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. He prides himself on being genial and able to negotiate calmly and effectively with anyone.

Fed up with talking to Pepco representatives, the Goodmans and several neighbors put up signs along their back property lines that warned: “Private Property: No Trespassing.”

A core group of tree activists from Fallsreach, including Ainane and Siemers, fanned out farther along Pepco’s right of way, tying yellow crime tape on trees

slated to be felled, seeking more homeowners who were willing to defend their trees by standing under them when the cutters arrived. They told everyone willing to listen: “You don’t have to roll over and play dead for Pepco.”

That sounded good to Hilde Dachtera, 82, of the Glen Park neighborhood. Her mature oak and maple trees sheltered birds and memories. They shaded the garden she’d planted with her late husband. She didn’t want to let them go without a fight.

On Dec. 16, 2014, Pepco hung door tags on several homes on Dachtera’s block of Aldersgate Road, announcing that they’d soon be trimming and cutting trees there.

A few days later, Pasternak, the Pepco vice president, spent hours in the cold, walking yard to yard with Dachtera and her neighbors, looking at trees and explaining that RM 43 obligated the utility to remove limbs and trees that threatened their power lines.

“Every morning at 7:30 a.m. we kept seeing trucks and hearing saws going in the neighborhood,” Aldersgate Road resident Robin Winterrowd, 53, says.

“Nobody could sleep. With the saws going, we couldn’t even hear Christmas music.” Winterrowd and her neighbors were afraid to leave their homes to buy holiday presents or groceries in case the tree-cutters came while they were out.

“We saw them clear-cut a property not far from us, and that terrified us,” Winterrowd recalls. “We were under siege.”

In late December, Pepco’s tree-cutters reached their block. Winterrowd and neighbor Bette Wilkes, 82, decided it would be less stressful to work with Pepco than to fight them. Wilkes reluctantly let the workers take down an old white oak at her back fence line. For the first time in the nearly 50 years that she’d lived in her house, she could see the power lines from her kitchen window.

Several days later, on Jan. 5, Dachtera was asleep when a neighbor called to alert her that the tree-cutters were in her backyard. It was before 7:30 a.m. They’d let themselves in through her side gate.

She called Siemers, and the tree activists

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power to the people rushed over. Dachtera and Pepco both called the police. When officers arrived, Wilkes says one told her and Dachtera that it was too cold for them to be out, and if they didn’t go inside, he’d take them to Shady Grove hospital for a three-day mental evaluation. “I took it as a threat and felt very intimidated,” Wilkes says.

Still, the octogenarians won the round.

The cutters left, and Dachtera sent an email to Pepco, telling them not to come back without a court order.

R e s p o n d i n g t o homeowners’ complaints, state Del. Aruna Miller and state Sen. Brian Feldman—both of whom had sponsored the 2011 legislation that resulted in regulators adopting RM 43—proposed parallel bills that might have spurred utilities in the state to save more trees, trimming them instead of cutting them down. Activists figured the legislation didn’t have teeth, but was

better than nothing. After Miller’s bill failed to make it out of committee in March, Feldman withdrew his bill from consideration.

Miller says that RM 43 saves utilities money by allowing them to cut down trees that they otherwise would have to pay to trim every four years indefinitely.

“I think Pepco is very heavy-handed in their approach,” says Miller, who plans to try again to pass legislation that addresses the issue. “I empathize with the residents.

I think there is a better way to do this.”

On March 2, when the Fallsreach tree activists showed up at a Pepco worksite in their neighborhood, a photographer hired by Pepco recorded them, according to a utility spokesman who played the videos for a reporter. The photographer documented Ainane ducking under a tape that was cordoning off the work area and demanding that the cutting stop. When the Pepco photographer

came close to Siemers, the activist threw up a straight-arm, keeping the photographer at bay and covering the lens of the camera with his hand. Pepco later said activists had pushed the camera into the photographer’s face.

The Pepco photographer also recorded Wang, 75, the retired regional planner whose trees were cut down while he was on vacation. In the video, Wang stands next to the open window of a parked police cruiser, trying to explain to the female officer in the driver’s seat why, more than two months later, he is still distraught over the loss.

“It’s a civil matter,” says the officer.

Taking his trees when he wasn’t home was like something that would happen in a communist country, Wang says on the video. “Civil matter,” the officer repeats.

If Wang had been home, he tells the officer, he would have gotten a gun and defended his property by shooting the culprits.

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power to the people

Albert Wang and his wife used to see nothing but mature trees on one side of the brick home where they’ve lived since 1979. Pepco cut down the Wangs’ trees while the couple was out of town.

Bette Wilkes reluctantly allowed Pepco to cut down a large white oak on her property in December. She asked treecutters to leave a small piece of the tree behind for her to give each of her grown children, reminding them of a lost icon of their childhood.

“Now you are threatening violence?” the officer says.

“Yes,” Wang says.

Don’t, the officer tells him.

On March 20, Pasternak sent the president of the Fallsreach Homeowners Association a letter saying that activists were endangering themselves and treecutting crews by entering their work zones. The activists were slowing Pepco’s overall tree-cutting efforts and costing the utility money, Pasternak complained. “I urge you to take appropriate action to stop this interference,” Pasternak wrote. Otherwise, the homeowners’ association would not be receiving the coupons for the replacement plantings that Pepco had promised and might be “subject to legal action,” including paying damages for Pepco’s costly work slowdown.

Within a few weeks, Pepco set up a huge staging area for Asplundh bucket trucks and workers’ cars in its right of way directly behind the homes of the families in Potomac Crest who’d taken Pepco to court. Homeowners in adjacent subdivisions woke to the sound of workers arriving, truck engines roaring to life, and incessant beeping as they backed up.

The view of the parking lot from Inverness Forest, across the way from Potomac Crest, was ugly. But it had strategic advantages. Goodman started watching from his house each morning to see which way the trucks headed out. Then he called Siemers to warn him and alert the others.

Up and down the right of way, people got up and dressed early to be ready to face Pepco. Others canceled vacations.

“We don’t know when they are coming,” Goodman said in mid-April. “We don’t know if it is safe to leave the house. If you are not there to protect your trees, they tear them up. We feel threatened 100 percent. When you call your government for help and they say no, that’s a terrible way to feel, living in America.”

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power to the people

Hilde Dachtera (left) managed to fend off the Pepco tree-cutting crews who wanted to take down several mature trees in her garden. Dachtera is pictured with two neighbors who helped her, Bette Wilkes (center) and Marilyn Van Degrift.

down,” Goodman said, “I’d buy them lunch, then this could all be over.”

On the morning of April 28, the activists’ cellphone relay began as usual.

Bucket trucks headed for Fallsreach. One Asplundh truck parked just across the street from the Wangs’ largely denuded yard.

The tree-cutters were working on a giant evergreen when Ainane arrived.

She stepped into their work zone and stood under the tree to stop them. One worker was several feet off the ground in a bucket. Both sides agree on that much.

Ainane and Pepco spokesmen give different accounts of what happened next.

According to Ainane, an Asplundh tree-cutter began moving his bucket away from her, but a Pepco supervisor told him to keep cutting. It was the first time that had happened, Ainane says.

She says she was terrified as branches crashed around her. Her heart pounded, she had trouble breathing, and she bolted, running straight down the Pepco right of way toward a second bucket truck that was parked close to her home, she says. She collapsed, thinking she was

having a heart attack, and became disoriented, she says. Someone called 911, and an ambulance took her to the hospital, where, scratched and muddy, she received several hours of medical treatment to stabilize her vitals, she says.

According to Pasternak, a large branch had already been cut, and had become tangled, before Ainane stepped under the tree; then the branch dropped due to gravity, not intent. Ainane behaved recklessly by entering their work zone, he says. After Ainane bolted down the right of way, workers in the first truck realized that their bucket was no longer operational, leaving a tree-cutter temporarily stranded above ground, he says. Two Asplundh workers saw Ainane take keys from the second truck, Pasternak says.

After Ainane collapsed and was receiving emergency medical care, the keys from two Asplundh bucket trucks were found on her and retrieved by a Pepco forester, Pasternak says.

Several hours after Ainane was taken to the hospital, a Pepco senior claims adjuster, D.L. Mattox, filed a police incident report accusing Ainane of taking the keys from the ignition of two Asplundh

bucket trucks that morning. The report doesn’t name the Asplundh employees who reportedly saw Ainane take the keys.

Pepco declined to name them or allow an interview with the forester who says the keys were found in Ainane’s possession. Asplundh did not return calls seeking comment. “Complainant Mattox stated that, at this point, he was not looking to press charges, but merely just wanted today’s incident document, (sic)” the police incident report reads.

Ainane says she didn’t take the trucks’ keys. She insists she’s been falsely accused in order to discredit the tree activists and avoid liability for her medical emergency.

If someone found keys in her possession, they were planted when she was in medical distress and unable to protect herself, she says.

Siemers, who was at the protest that day, says activists never even considered trying to immobilize the tree-cutters’ bucket trucks. “Why would we?” he says. “Just standing under the trees is working.”

Two days after Ainane went to the hospital, an Asplundh crew began cutting one of the Bradford pears that line the Deborah Drive entrance to Inverness Forest. Siemers and Goodman stood under one tree as Asplundh workers began cutting. A worker was dropping branches within a foot of Siemers, both men say. Siemers bellowed at the worker to stop.

Nearby, more than a dozen Inverness Forest homeowners protested quietly, holding signs that read: “Stop Cutting Our Trees.” Several said their homes didn’t abut Pepco’s right of way, but they’d seen enough trees fall to feel that they, too, had a stake in what was happening to their neighborhood. One was a dentist who said he’d planted many of those Bradford pears himself, decades before.

Police arrived and told the protesters that the roadway, which crosses Pepco’s right of way, was county property; they had to move or face arrest.

The following day, Goodman wrote to Montgomery County Executive Ike

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Leggett, imploring him to help aggrieved homeowners. On May 11, Goodman and representatives from eight Potomac neighborhoods sat around a conference table at the county office building in Rockville. The homeowners showed Leggett photos of yards denuded by Pepco and asked him to call Pepco President Donna Cooper, urging her to stop cutting their trees. Leggett agreed to help.

In an interview, the county executive said he was surprised by the magnitude of Pepco’s tree-cutting depicted in the homeowners’ photos. “From my perspective it seems extremely aggressive and somewhat radical,” Leggett said. “Hopefully, we can find some middle ground.”

On June 2, Cooper held a town meeting in a Rockville auditorium with nearly 100 homeowners from Potomac and elsewhere in the county. “Our beautiful county should now be known as Stumpgomery,” Goodman said. Cooper agreed to halt Pepco’s tree-cutting along its

Pepco President Donna Cooper listens to customers at the June 2 meeting.

Potomac right of way, at least temporarily, while she reviewed homeowner concerns and considered options.

Meanwhile, Jake Liang and Gail Prentiss recently spent several thousand

dollars to re-landscape their yard in Potomac Crest. Prentiss says she thinks about moving out of Maryland.

Next door, Gregg Berman says that without the trees in his backyard, his utility bills have skyrocketed. To help mitigate the situation, he’s had his windows tinted.

David Silverman, who lost 60 trees on and around his property in one day, says his house will never again be a magical refuge surrounded by mature oak, maple and pine trees. He accepts that, but says, “I don’t think anybody can stop Pepco.”

That doesn’t mean some people in Potomac will stop trying. On a recent evening, Hilde Dachtera and her closest neighbors sat in her garden in Glen Park, drinking a glass of wine and celebrating that her trees, at least for now, are still standing tall. n April Witt (aprilwitt@hotmail.com) is a former Washington Post writer.

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On Point

A respectable pastime, needlepoint has been practiced throughout the years by first ladies, doting grandmothers, Northeastern girlfriends— and, more recently, Smathers & Branson, a Bethesda-based retailer that is celebrating 10 years in business and a new partnership with J. Crew. The story of how two prep school boys became the most sought-after purveyors of one of the Waspiest crafts in history begins with belts and a Bethesda basement.

By Sarah zlotnick | photos by sean scheidt

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Smathers & Branson co-founder Austin Branson grew up in Bethesda.

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Clockwise from top left: Carter (left) and Branson at a 2013 company Halloween party in Washington, D.C.; celebrating in 2011 at a friend’s wedding in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, where the groomsmen all wore custom-made Smathers & Branson belts; finishing up a photo shoot in 2013 in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; posing in Vietnam with some of the sewers who received reading glasses provided through a companysponsored charity project.

early in their freshman year at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. Branson, a Bethesda native, played for the school’s lacrosse team, and Carter, who grew up in Maine, was friends with several upperclassmen on the team. The boys were close during their freshman and sophomore years, and decided to study abroad together in Florence, Italy, in the fall of 2002, their junior year.

Surrounded by the romance of Europe, Branson did what many young Americans had done before him: He fell in love. Her name was Maisie Lynch. She had grown up in Greenwich, Connecticut, and had come to Florence by way of Trinity College in Hartford (she became Branson’s wife in 2008). For Branson’s birthday that November, she presented

him with a needlepoint belt. Handstitched with a pink elephant and martini motif, it was a new kind of accessory for the young government major. Enamored by the style, he threaded it through his belt loops several times a week. “I wore it because she made it, but also because it was so unique,” he says.

By coincidence, Carter’s girlfriend, who was also from the Northeast, made him a similar belt—this one with sailboats—around the same time. When the young men returned to Bowdoin for spring semester, the compliments started rolling in.

Where’d you get that?

“Find a nice girlfriend,” they’d joke.

But as the inquiries became more frequent, Branson and Carter got to talking.

“Getting your own business going was everyone’s dream,” Branson remembers.

“And this was a great niche.”

Things got serious senior year. More interested in exploring their idea than the Bowdoin syllabus, Carter and Branson arranged a joint independent study with visiting art professor Anna Hepler and associate economics professor Gregory Paul DeCoster. “The hardest part was convincing the administration to let us do it,” Carter says. “In a lot of ways, that was our first sale.”

The study freed up time for the budding businessmen to focus on next steps.

Lynch taught Branson how to needlepoint, and he practiced stitching on the bus ride home from lacrosse games. Hepler took a liking to Branson and Carter,

photos courtesy of smathers & branson

Austin Branson met peter carter

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The company’s belt collection includes themes such as fishing, golfing and hunting.

photos courtesy of smathers & branson

despite the fact that they had no experience in visual arts. She guided them through multiple explorations of color, pattern and theme, and connected them with art students on campus. With their insight, the young men passed hours in the studio working through designs. The first: a Bowdoin polar bear drinking beer.

The economics portion of their study was devoted to building a business plan.

They focused on consumer research, creating a meticulous breakdown of their potential target market—a group they identified as “traditional” men living on the East Coast. “We detailed the activities they liked, where they lived, the places they traveled, and where they shopped,” Carter says.

Though they took summer jobs immediately after graduation—Carter taught tennis, Branson was a caddy—this time there was a reason to work beyond earning beer money: Peter Carter and Austin Branson were going into business.

In certain circles, the waistcinchers consuming the attention of 22-year-olds Austin Branson and Peter Carter go by another moniker: The Breakup Belt.

Needlepoint is labor intensive, requiring many hours of tedious, row-by-row stitch work. Done by hand, and often by a young woman for her beau, a belt can take so long to make that a couple may no longer be together by the time the project is complete.

“That was the barrier for entry into the business,” Branson says. “You spend $300 or more on materials, and then it’s 40-plus hours of work. Our goal was to cut the price in half, and have no personal time involved.”

In September 2004, a few months after the young men had graduated, Carter moved into Branson’s childhood home in Bethesda’s Sumner neighborhood. Using Carter’s middle name, they created a limited liability company called Smathers & Branson and set up shop in the base-

ment. They refined their needlepointing skills several days each week at The Point of It All, a shop in Friendship Heights.

At home, Branson’s mother, Patricia Branson, then an English teacher at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School in D.C., kept them fed. Branson’s father, Bob, a real estate developer, served as a business mentor.

“Austin’s father is a very savvy businessman,” Carter says. “Each night at dinner, he’d ask us about our day, and we’d talk through all sorts of issues.”

Through the blind luck of connection (Carter’s college girlfriend’s aunt was in the textile business), they were introduced via email to a man named Quang, a potential manufacturing partner in Vietnam. Branson and Carter declined to provide the man’s last name.

“He was a raw, inexperienced gentleman who wanted to start a business,” Branson says. “He had no idea what needlepoint was, but he engaged with us and showed that he was interested.”

The similarities between Quang and Smathers & Branson were grounds enough to begin a working relation-

ship. Carter and Branson packed a box with every component that went into making a belt: construction diagrams, instructions on the spacing of holes, designs painted onto needlepoint canvas, material swatches, and the very belts that inspired their business. Quang received the shipment in his tiny rice village outside of Hanoi and got to work making a sample, which he shipped back to Smathers & Branson for inspection. It was good, but not quite good enough. So they sent back requests for improvements— twice. In September and October, they went through three rounds of samples.

Though there was improvement with each round Quang shipped back, the quality still wasn’t quite up to par.

Branson and Carter were frustrated, but Quang’s persistence over email kept them going: I’ll get this right. I know I can do this.

Branson’s father encouraged them to take a big but necessary leap. “Before you throw in the towel, go over,” Bob Branson said. “And don’t leave Vietnam until you get it right.”

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I n N ov e m b e r 2004, Carter and Branson touched down in Hanoi. The young men dressed in navy blazers for their first in-person meeting with Quang, who was surprised to learn that he had not been communicating with a middleaged married couple. They spent the day getting to know each other in Quang’s windowless office.

“We didn’t have a translator,” Carter says. “There wasn’t enough money for that.” Humor—and a whole lot of pointing—were instrumental in getting their ideas across.

Carter and Branson spent a month in Quang’s hometown that first visit. They worked closely with the villagers hired

by Quang to sew the belts, overseeing their progress and troubleshooting how to tighten up designs.

Over time, confidence in Quang—and the quality of the needlepoint—reached a level that satisfied both sides. “We left knowing this was going to work,” Branson says. “Or at least that it had a chance.”

Using money saved from their summer jobs, Carter and Branson placed their first official order with Quang. In early 2005, 500 needlepoint belts arrived on the Branson doorstep in Bethesda.

That initial batch of Smathers & Branson designs reflected a careful study of their target demographic. There was a fly-fishing motif, American and nautical flags, and a few drink-centered designs. Also in the delivery: a golf pattern and a horse-racing theme.

Armed with their first batch of inventory, Branson and Carter hit the road.

First stop: South Carolina, where a friend of Carter’s mother had agreed to host the first Smathers & Branson trunk show.

“She invited friends over, and we told our story,” Branson remembers. “They loved the uniqueness of it. We didn’t fit the image of who should be selling needlepoint.”

Where they did fit, however, was with the potential recipients. The belts they

were hawking were gift items, and the trunk show attendees were eyeing them for their husbands and sons—men who looked and acted a lot like Carter and Branson. Their belief in the product was all the convincing the audience needed.

“We sold 30 or 40 belts,” Branson says.

“It was way more than we expected.”

Sixty percent of Smathers & Branson revenue came from trunk shows all over the East Coast that first year. The rest rolled in the old-fashioned way: from wholesale orders placed by men’s stores that Branson and Carter cold-called in each state they visited.

“It was hysterical, rogue salesmanship,” Branson says. “We’d walk in with a backpack and ask to talk to the buyer.

In most places, that’s frowned upon— you should set up an appointment, not just knock on the door. But that was our option at that point.”

Some stores were initially skeptical about moving a $150 belt that wasn’t crocodile leather—but it worked.

Charleston, South Carolina’s Grady Ervin & Co. was the first shop to sell Smathers & Branson products, and D.C.’s Sherman Pickey followed soon after. Of the 30 accounts they pursued, 29 said yes on

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Branson often brings his dog, Moose, to work with him at the company’s office in Bethesda.

the first try. Business wasn’t huge, but it was growing steadily by the month.

“All of our inventory fit in the back of a station wagon at that point,” Branson recalls. “If a store called, we’d pull over and ship from the nearest post office.”

Thanks to low overhead—“We paid for what we made, and we’d sell it as soon as we made it,” Branson says—the company was profitable after its first spring.

“We never borrowed a cent,” Carter adds.

“And we’ve never taken outside capital.”

Over the years, Smathers & Branson has grown intelligently, deliberately

and without any public relations efforts.

Business boomed by word of mouth— one men’s store would tell another about the colorful needlepoint belts that were outselling traditional leather. At home, benefit sales at Landon School, Georgetown Preparatory School and St. Albans School, Branson’s alma mater, became key sources of revenue and new contacts.

Product expansions happened no more than three or four at a time. “We can only grow as fast as we can stitch,” Carter says.

Key fobs came first, then dog collars. Wallets, flasks and coasters rolled out in the next batch. At first, Quang contracted with

about 50 sewers; now it’s close to 5,000. To this day, every Smathers & Branson product is hand-stitched in Vietnam.

One of Carter and Branson’s goals from their Bowdoin days was to make collegiate designs. They reached out to the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) and obtained the rights to sell merchandise for more than 85 colleges and universities. To date, key fobs stitched with school logos are among the fastest-moving Smathers & Branson products, scooped up like candy by alumni and students at bookstores and specialty shops in college towns.

The CLC partnership also paved the

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on point

********************************* “It was hysterical, rogue salesmanship,” Branson says.

way for conversations with Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League.

Fans can now show their support for 22 baseball teams and 15 hockey teams with needlepoint belts, flasks, wallets and more. Golf has also been a popular arena for the brand, and a chance connection with Bob Ford, the head pro at Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Florida, has led to profitable partnerships with country clubs across the nation.

Five years in, Bergdorf Goodman came calling, and a five-year stint at the luxury department store in New York City was enough to introduce Smathers & Branson to Asian markets. Collaborations with Brooks Brothers, Duck Head, Southern Tide, Woolrich and other stalwarts of prep have followed.

Media and celebrity placements, important sources of exposure that are often fought for, hard, by hired publicists,

“We’d walk in with a backpack and ask to talk to the buyer.

In most places, that’s frowned upon—you should set up an appointment, not just knock on the door. But that was our option at that point.” happened without much effort. Jeffrey Pfeifle, then president of J. Crew, picked his Smathers & Branson belt as a “favorite thing” in a magazine profile, and in 2010, The New York Times Fashion & Style section ran a profile of the company. Though President Barack Obama has yet to sport one, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush have been spotted in Smathers & Branson American flag belts.

A staff that began as two recent college graduates now counts 23 full-time

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employees. But Branson and Carter haven’t forgotten the foundations of the company. Quang remains their sole partner in Vietnam—he’s replicated the beltmaking processes he honed in his own village in dozens of others in the northern part of the country.

“What we do is difficult, but it’s nothing compared to what he does,” Carter says.

They’ve grown close to Quang’s family, as well: His son Nghia spent the summer of 2012 interning at Smathers & Branson

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on point and living with Carter in Bethesda.

Despite knowing almost no English upon his arrival, Nghia was a hit with the other interns, who were formally tasked with talking to him as much as possible while packing orders and checking inventory.

Nghia returne d to work in the Smathers & Branson production department the following summer. With his English improving, he helped smooth out several communication issues between Carter and Branson and his father.

“He’s the only person that has seen operations on both sides of the ocean,” Carter says. Heir apparent to his father’s company, Nghia’s insight has been invaluable to Branson and Carter as they think about where the business might go from here.

Entrepreneurship has a sexy image—huge risks based on gut instincts, flashy offices with frat house-worthy amenities—but like most successful small busi-

ness owners, Carter and Branson have taken a more cautious approach. You won’t see pingpong tables or kegerators at the company’s headquarters in Bethesda’s West Wood Center II, off River Road (they moved out of the Branson basement in 2006). “We’re not frivolous with how we spend,” Branson says. “For better or worse, it’s one of our guiding principles.”

They also aren’t frivolous with how they plan for the future. Goals—even the lofty ones, such as a flagship store— are firmly grounded in realities. Though their 2013 holiday pop-up shop in Northern Virginia’s Mosaic District proved successful, it will take the right combination of size, location (they’re eyeing Bethesda Row or Georgetown) and nearby foot traffic to commit to a permanent retail spot.

Their strategy has paid off. Smathers & Branson declined to disclose revenue numbers, but said that they sold 230,000 products across all categories in 2014; in

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their first year, they sold 2,800. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the company, and with it comes a partnership with the most ubiquitous retailer of prep right now: J. Crew. The retailer began selling select Smathers & Branson-designed key fobs and card wallets in stores this spring, and will debut a custom collaboration with Smathers & Branson this fall.

It will be their highest-profile partnership to date, but not an entirely necessary one. Smathers & Branson seems to do just fine on its own. Branson likes to tell a story of a former Smathers & Branson employee attending a bill-signing with President George W. Bush. When the employee mentioned that she worked for a needlepoint belt company, the president said: “Is that those Bowdoin belt boys?” n Sarah Zlotnick (zlotnick.sarah@gmail. com) lives in the District and writes often about fashion and weddings.

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Josh Harris (left) and Mark Ein developed a love of business in college and a sense of community from owning professional sports teams.

Right: Harris (left) and Ein in eighth grade.

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interview

photo by liz lynch; yearbook photos courtesy of mark ein

heavy hitters

Lifelong friends Josh Harris and Mark Ein talk about growing up in Chevy Chase, finding success in business, and the challenges and rewards of owning professional sports teams By david elfin | photo by liz lynch

Josh Harris and Mark Ein have lived parallel lives. Ein’s dad was a physician, Harris’ an orthodontist. The pair, who are both 50, grew up around the corner from each other in Chevy Chase, played soccer together as kids, were in the same class at the University of Pennsylvania, worked on Wall Street in their early 20s at competing firms, and then went on to Harvard Business School.

Harris, the co-founder and senior managing director of Apollo Global Management, and Ein, founder and CEO of Venturehouse Group

and chairman of Kastle Systems and Lindblad Expeditions, have made fortunes in business. Today, however, they’re famous because they own sports franchises. Harris, who lives in New York City, is the principal owner of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils. Ein, who lives in McLean, is the founder and owner of the five-time World Team Tennis champion Washington Kastles.

The friends, who have remained close after all these years, sat down recently for an interview with Bethesda Magazine.

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interview Where did you meet?

Harris: We met in second grade at Rollingwood Elementary, and then we played on the same select soccer team, the Chevy Chase Chargers. We went through eighth grade together. Then I went to The Field School and Mark went to B-CC. Which one of you was the better athlete?

Ein: The soccer team was the center of our lives from second grade through sixth grade until our coach moved away. We were both the short, scrappy guys. It was two seasons, spring and fall, so it was pretty intense. We lived around the corner from each other—I lived on Rolling Road and Josh lived on Brooklawn Terrace—and we would hang out after school. We had basketball hoops in our driveways, but we would go play basketball, baseball and soccer at the playground at Rollingwood or at Candy Cane City.

Harris: We both went to Camp Inverness in Potomac. I remember woodworking and playing tetherball.

And both of our families belonged to CCRA [Chevy Chase Recreation Association] pool.

Were you both big fans of D.C.’s teams growing up?

Harris: I went to the opening of the Capital Centre in 1973. My dad and I walked through a ravine because the parking lot wasn’t quite finished, and my dad fell and hurt his rib. We were original season-ticket holders. It was great for me that we had our own team.

And growing up in Washington, you were a Redskins fan.

Ein: Like Josh, I grew up rooting for the Redskins and the Bullets, but I was also a ball kid at the Evening Star summer tennis tournament.

Did you two ever fight?

Ein: In fifth grade, the school bully set Josh and me up for a fight in front of the whole school. That’s the only fight

I’ve been in during my whole life. It wasn’t really a fistfight. Josh jumped on my back and I carried him around.

Harris: There might have been a few punches thrown, but there was no damage done. I remember that his father called my father, who drew a face on a punching bag and said, ‘If you ever want to hit someone, hit this.’

Did you remain friends when Josh left for The Field School?

Harris: We lost touch in high school, but we had already started to hang out with slightly different crowds. I was on the wrestling team, and maybe for a while I wasn’t in the best group.

Ein: I wasn’t mad at Josh for leaving. I was already playing soccer and tennis, so we were going in different directions.

Did you each choose Penn without the other knowing?

Harris: We found out that we were both going to Penn the summer before college, and we started hanging out again. We never roomed together at Penn, but we would hang out a lot. I was in Phi Delta Theta and he was in Sigma Alpha Epsilon. We were in a lot of the same classes, and we would play basketball together and intramural soccer and hang out at [off-campus bars] Doc’s and Smokey Joe’s.

How did you both end up studying business?

Ein: I had an accounting class at B-CC that I enjoyed. I always gravitated towards business, but when you grow up in Chevy Chase, you’re not focused on it. Then you get to Penn, and all the kids’ parents worked on Wall Street and you’re so behind. I didn’t even know what Goldman Sachs was until my junior year. I thought it was a department store. So many of the Wharton kids’ parents work in that world. I feel really fortunate that I found business; that it wasn’t just what everybody in our community did. You’re also passionate

about other things when you grow up in Chevy Chase, Bethesda or Washington.

You’re mindful of what’s going on in the world, and you want to make a difference with your resources and your time.

Harris: My dad, who was an orthodontist, never pushed me to go into the medical field. I had been accepted into The College of Arts and Sciences, not Wharton, but freshman year I really liked economics and statistics, so I transferred to Wharton. I didn’t even tell my parents at first. They were shocked, but they were supportive.

They thought I was going to be in liberal arts, but I had found something that I was really interested in.

Ein: I had started in The College, too, but when I was looking in the course catalog at what classes I wanted to take sophomore year, they were all business classes, so I transferred to Wharton.

What did you do during your college summers?

Harris: I had a lemonade stand the summer after my freshman and sophomore years at Penn. I became a partner with an older gentleman in a business called Lemon Squeeze that had stands at the National Zoo and other places.

It was his concept and he funded it, but I managed it. Before that, I had had paper routes, so I guess I was always inclined towards business.

Ein: I worked at GW hospital during my college summers because my dad, who was a physician, thought my brother and I should be exposed to it, but he was fine with us not going into medicine. I had a soda machine business with two friends at Penn.

We bought the business from some guys before us. They had maybe two machines, and we added three more.

We also did bulk sales to fraternities.

We sold it when we graduated.

You both went right to Wall Street afterward. That’s just what everyone from Wharton did, right?

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interview Harris: We wound up working right down the street from each other on Broad Street. I was at Drexel Burnham Lambert, and Mark was at Goldman Sachs. You took a job with an investment banking firm because it was an entry into finance. You work a crazy amount of hours, but you get a crash course in analytics and finance. I thought that was something worth going through.

Ein: We were sharing one-bedroom apartments with other guys. We lived pretty close to each other. We were working 100 hours a week, and we’d meet up after work or on weekends.

We also shared beach houses together on Long Island.

Harris: After two years at Drexel, I went to Harvard Business School. That was the only school I applied to.

Ein: Harvard was also the only business school I applied to [two years later]. I said that if I didn’t get in, I wouldn’t go to business school.

It’s almost like the two of you are twins; you’ve done so many of the same things over the years.

Harris: It is a little strange if you start talking about it.

So how did you decide to buy sports franchises?

Ein: Ted Leonsis was a very influential guy for me in thinking about doing this, and wonderfully helpful when we got started, as the Lerners have been, too.

Harris: Mark, as much as anyone, convinced me to buy a team.

Mark owns one team in his hometown.

Josh, how do you manage two teams in different markets, one of which is about 90 minutes from your home in New York City?

Harris: It’s very easy. There are certain conflicts, but I’m probably at half of each team’s home games and some more on the road because they play in the New

York area a lot. I go to a lot of games.

Ein: I could see owning franchises in other sports. Josh and I have talked about doing this together. The thing I struggle with is doing it somewhere else. If it’s not in your hometown, it’s harder to make an impact. I love what I do. I couldn’t be happier. I’ve become really good friends with my players. It’s difficult when you can’t re-sign some of them, but you get through it.

What’s your relationship like with the fans?

Harris: Philly fans are very passionate about sports, but they’re also smart.

They believe in grit and passion and bringing it every night, and that’s the way we run our teams. So even though we’re going through some rebuilding, we’ve connected with the fans a lot, and they’ve been really supportive. You need to be transparent and smart and have a plan, but ultimately it’s about winning. Philadelphia hasn’t had an NBA championship team since 1983.

The fans want to win, but people way more often than not say, ‘Really appreciate what you’re doing. Keep it up.’ But you get criticism, sure.

Ein: We have a really good fan base.

People talk about how much the Kastles mean to their families and their kids.

I’ve always loved tennis. When I started the team, it was really as a platform to give back to the community where I had grown up. We’ve won five championships, but our founding principles had nothing to do with winning and losing.

They were bringing the city together and creating a center of fun activity, exposing the sport of tennis to a wider audience, and helping our local charitable partners.

I wrote those down at the beginning, and those are still our four pillars.

I’ve learned a lot from sports that I’ve been able to take back to business. It’s all about culture and standing for something bigger than winning or losing. Our payroll is middle of the pack. We have good players, but we don’t have the best

of the best. But people really care. It’s about representing your community, the name on the front of the jersey. The fans love it, the players take a lot of pride in it, and they win. During the [Kastles’ 34-match] winning streak [from 201013], we had 10 match points against us, and every time we found a way to win.

How does owning sports franchises affect your families?

Harris: I have five kids, and I think they’re all going to go in different directions. The minute I bought the Sixers, my oldest son took up basketball, and that’s all he wanted to do. He’s incredibly opinionated about basketball, so he has disagreed with some of our moves. His next-oldest brother, the minute I bought the Devils, took up hockey. Everyone knows where my kids go to school, but it would be different if I owned the Knicks and the Rangers. Mark and I were raised in upper middle-class families. My kids are growing up very differently, but we try to instill upper middle-class values in them: humility, hard work, a sense of purpose. We spend a lot of time on that.

I’m a competitive guy, and what drives me is not really the next dollar, it’s about creating true excellence, either with the sports franchises or at Apollo. It’s about making them institutions that my family and the community can be proud of.

Ein: We’re about to have our first child, so we’re pretty far from those talks.

How often are you two in touch these days?

Ein: We go skiing together. We have been to multiple NBA All-Star Games and U.S. Opens together. We talk about business. We talk about sports.

We talk about family. We talk about friends.

Harris: We can be in touch four times in a week and then not for a month, but I probably see Mark 20, 30 times a year. I was in his wedding.

I consider Mark one of my closest friends.

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interview Is there a downside to owning a professional sports team?

Harris: What’s been a little surprising to me is how long it takes to build truly elite franchises in these two sports.

We’re doing it the only way I know how to do it, which is from the bottom up, brick by brick. We’re slowly creating something that I think will be truly elite. I can’t say when that will happen.

There aren’t that many opportunities to improve your team. There are trades, there’s free agency and there’s the draft.

Your ability to impact the team takes a lot longer than you would think. There are 29 other owners that are really smart and really competitive.

When I run races in Philly, people recognize me, but it’s not invasive. Someone had a ‘Go Josh’ sign during the Philly marathon, and [the media] interviewed me afterwards. Owning a sports franchise is a public asset. You give up your anonymity and some privacy, but that’s

the trade-off that you make. It’s a little bit of a political position.

We owned a $50 billion company called Lyondell Chemical. No one really cares about the price of polypropylene, but people care who’s going to be in the starting lineup for the Sixers on any given night. There’s a public interest in sports that transcends the level of economic impact because it captures people’s heart and minds.

Ein: The first year, when we didn’t win a lot and we would lose at home, the place would be dead. Winning wasn’t our first goal, but we learned that winning really helps to achieve those other goals. The best entrepreneurs are purpose-driven, mission-driven. They start things not to build a great business or get rich. They do it because they see a need in the world and they have an idea that they want to happen, to create something that they believe in. The analogy to

sports is: The more you win, the more that you can have that other impact.

What has been the highlight for each of you as an owner?

Ein: My best memories are actually not when we won matches or championships.

They are sitting in a stadium that we built and looking around at thousands of people from your community sitting with their kids, creating the same memories that Josh and I had as kids going to games with our parents. That’s so unbelievable.

Harris: My best memory so far has been when we were the eighth seed in the 2012 NBA playoffs and we knocked off the Chicago Bulls, who were the top seed. I jumped into the stands. The guy with his face painted red and blue grabbed me and it was tough to get out of there. n David Elfin is a Bethesda resident and the author of seven books on Washington sports.

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Illustrations by John-Patrick Thomas

The complexity of personal relationships and the struggle to be accepted were recurring themes in this year’s short story and essay contests.

Many of the hundreds of entries addressed those issues, exploring the roles that family members and others play in defining who we become.

The winners of the contests, which were jointly sponsored by Bethesda Magazine and the Bethesda Urban Partnership, received cash prizes ranging from $250 to $500 at the Bethesda Literary Festival in April. Their stories and essays appear on the pages that follow.

You can read the runners-up from both contests at BethesdaMagazine.com and at www.bethesda.org.

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Winner Adult Short Story Contest

Vanessa Wang of Rockville holds a master’s degree in fine arts in fiction writing from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science in civil engineering from National Taiwan University. She grew up in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Taipei, Taiwan, and has lived in many cities including Tokyo and Madrid. Her writings in English and Chinese have been shortlisted for the David T.K. Wong Fellowship, and published in Asian Fortune, Kweli journal and World Journal.

La Rambla

By Vanessa Wang

La Rambla, like any street, has two ends: One leads to the center of Barcelona, the other leads to the Mediterranean Sea. The street performers leave by the sea end each night—I don’t know why they always choose to go that way.

They wave goodbye to me now, as it is past midnight, and like a school of fish in Brazilian-carnival-like costumes, they sashay toward the moonlightspilled ocean.

“Fernando!” they call out to me. Some walk over and playfully mess with my hair. They like doing that because I was born with dwarfism, with a large head that only reaches their waists. They think of me as a little brother, although I am older than most of them.

I watch them disappear into the horizon where land and sea meet. Of course, they don’t really walk into the water. They must turn left or right at the Columbus Circle, but how would I know, since I never follow them? Anything is possible on La Rambla.

I am the only performer who goes the other way, toward the center of the city.

The others do not know where I go, or what happens there, either.

The autumn breeze feels cool in my face as I bike along the empty street, with rows of plane trees on either side. I wear a canvas bag across my chest and carry a ladder under my arm. Inside the bag are the things I use to make a living: knives, flammable juggling balls, gas lighters and torches. I use the ladder to climb up to my small performing stage, higher than everyone else’s, on La Rambla.

It takes me about 15 minutes to reach the other end of the street. There, right before the downward staircase leading to the metro station, is La Ballarina, a life-size marble statue. I hop off my bike.

It is for her that I come here each night.

The sculpture stands on a pedestal, with her back to the city, facing the street. She is positioned in an arabesque, balancing on one leg en pointe, the other leg extended behind her. She stretches one arm at a 45-degree angle before her, as if reaching toward something in the direction of her gaze. She (continued on page 163)

courtesy photo

About the Author

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Winner Young Adult Short Story Contest

What They Really Wanted

About the Author

courtesy photo

By Kara Watkins - Chow

The lit tle boy was not the only one at his school made of paper. There was a sweet girl with lovely ringlets of alphabet streamers, and another boy whose frequent growth spurts threatened to tear his very binding. There were the twins, both so densely freckled that it was impossible to say whether their skin was blank white and splattered with ink, or construction paper black and speckled with correction fluid. But our little boy was the only child in town whose paper body was recycled.

Once, the boy’s mother and father had a different nice little paper boy. He was athletic despite his delicate composition, and preciously affectionate. He was his parents’ pride and joy—perfect and beautiful and whole. Until the rainstorm. Now, as all parents of paper children know, water damage devastates the fibrous skin of their offspring. So as soon as they can walk, paper children are taught to carry an umbrella and are stuffed into tall rubber boots on any day the sun so much as flickers. But the athletic boy grew careless one afternoon as

he played tag with his flesh-and-bone friends in the neighborhood park. He did not watch the sky as it darkened and roiled, and he did not heed his friends’ warnings as the clouds piled up like scoops of peppery ice cream.

The first drops he did not notice. He was sprinting—faster, fleeter than the clumsy, meaty bodies that pursued him.

As the rain grew more insistent, he began to worry. But no, he was not afraid of a little rain, was he? He was going to win, just as he always won kickball games and footraces and schoolyard fights. Before long, the droplets were bleeding through his bloodless limbs and pushing gaps through his already crumpling layers.

By the time his parents were fetched, only a sopping puddle of scraps remained.

In desperation, they collected the damp pulp and vowed to heal their son. They should not have been surprised to see him go—it was why there were so few paper men and women, really. They were just too vulnerable. Their paper casings could not be knit back up like flesh, and they had (continued on page 166)

Kara Watkins-Chow lives in Kensington and graduated in June from Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring. She plans to pursue her interests in language and writing by studying communications at the University of Southern California in the fall.

This is her first published story.

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Winner Adult ESSAY Contest

About the Author

What I Learned in History Class

By Kate Laulumets

Racism died before I was born.

I learned this one afternoon in 1988, clustered with 13 other fourth-graders around a wobbly card table in the dank classroom of St. Mark’s School. Our teacher had set out a series of fuzzy black-and-white photographs from Very Long Ago, which she tapped one at a time with her dagger-like fingernail, offering the briefest possible explanation for each.

First was a photo of black men on stools at a lunch counter. This, she stressed, was important. Then there were drinking fountains labeled COLOREDS ONLY, and restrooms labeled exclusively for WHITES; these things were obviously unfair.

I remember shivering quietly in my hand-me-down dress, trying to work out what a jim crow was (if it wasn’t a bird), and thinking fountains and toilets were rather stupid things to be dividing people about. Surely there was something more to it; something bigger? My 9-year-old mind lurched brazenly down the path of WHY… .

B u t i t’s o v e r n o w, t h e t e a c h e r announced. And just like that, history class was done, too; we were sent back to our desks, and got out our Weekly Reader to discuss current events.

Racism stayed in history class.

Racism, I would learn, meant buckled scars crisscrossing the back of a former slave. It was a newspaper ad, circa 1840: LIKELY NEGROES FOR SALE. It was the wretchedly detailed plan of a cargo hold, illustrating just how many Africans could be shipped to the New World at once. It was a pool, a restroom, an entrance FOR WHITES ONLY. It was a drawing of a woman pleading for her child not to be sold away. It was grown men shouting at another little girl, this one just trying to go to school.

Now, we in the fourth-grade class of 1988 had never seen any of these things.

They were only pictures and stories, facts to memorize for a test; as a reality, they felt foreign and impossibly long ago.

When our teacher told us racism was dead, we believed her. (continued on page 168)

courtesy photo

Kate Laulumets, who lives in Ashton, was born 30-some years ago to an American mother and Estonian father (a refugee from Soviet-occupied territory). She has been a maid, teacher, trial attorney, archaeological assistant, homeschooler, costumed interpreter and herder of goats. While she ponders what sort of adventure to pursue next, she tends to a small farm in the woods of Montgomery County. A thorough history nerd, she is often found exploring old places, ruffling through archives, and trying to convince someone to let her fire an antique cannon. In 2011, her writing was recognized as Best Foreign Language Essay in a contest sponsored

by Estonia President Toomas Hendrik Ilves.

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Winner Young Adult ESSAY Contest

The Saxophone and I

About the Author

courtesy photo

By Sofia Laguarda

It took me a week to make a noise on the saxophone, and even then, it sounded like a balloon deflating. I was 9 and had decided to join the school band, a group of third- to sixth-graders who devoted themselves for weeks on end to stirring renditions of “London Bridge,” “Shoo, Fly, Don’t Bother Me,” and “Hot Cross Buns.” I had wanted to play the flute, but was told by the director that what they really needed was another saxophone.

So there I was, sitting on one of the metal folding chairs that lined the multipurpose room and crying from the frustration and exertion of contorting my face and blowing while an army of flutes and clarinets played hot...cross...buns.

Hot...cross...buns. Perhaps from the sheer force of my yearning to play such beautiful music one day, my saxophone gave a strangled cry, and I moved into the ranks of the band.

Here’s the thing: When you’re one of three saxophones and the other two are sixth-grade boys who are, as a linguist might say, “totally over it,” you start to

wonder how much nicer it would have been to play with 10 other girls on flutes.

Everyone seemed to match their instrument, the clarinets and violins and single cello all graceful, delicate, precise. Counting the odds and ends of my saxophone, its twists and bumps, the keys that were too spaced out for my hands, I wondered what that made me. I puffed my cheeks and blew another horrifying squawk.

It wasn’t easy to pretend I didn’t play the saxophone, either: I would lug the huge case home every day, alternating between hands every 10 seconds so that neither arm got too sore, and envying the ones who could slip their instrument away in a backpack. When I played, my fingers would slip and the notes would shriek while the sixth-graders wandered off, claiming they already knew this song.

(How could anyone ever possibly grow tired of “Hot Cross Buns,” one might wonder.) My parents suggested I recruit another girl to the saxophone section, but the only friend who had any interest in joining the band decided to play—sur(continued on page 168)

Sofia Laguarda is a rising senior at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C. She recently joined her school chorus and had to drop jazz band as a result, which made her think about her relationship with music and why she continues to play the saxophone.

Sofia decided to combine her interests in music and essay writing by entering the Bethesda Magazine contest. She also loves creative writing and is an editor for Sidwell’s literary magazine and humor newspaper. Her top five passions include feminism, desserts, mental health awareness, watching Downton Abbey, and beaches, not necessarily in that order.

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The Judges about local news and schools as a longtime freelancer for The Washington Post and was managing editor of The Montgomery Journal. An adjunct professor for the School of Communication at American University in Washington, D.C., she lives in Silver Spring with her husband and two daughters.

1

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Adult Short Story Contest

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Adult and Young Adult Essay Contests

1

Swift Stiles Dickison, a professor at Montgomery College since 2001, has taught a variety of writing and literature courses. He also has served as the associate editor of the Potomac Review for several years. Dickison has traveled and worked in the Caribbean, Europe, China, Australia and New Zealand. He holds a master’s degree and a doctorate in English and has taught at colleges including Frederick Community College, Gettysburg College and Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

2

Barbara Esstman is the co-editor with Virginia Hartman of A More

Perfect Union: Poems and Stories About the Modern Wedding. Esstman is also the author of The Other Anna and Night Ride Home. Her short stories and essays have appeared in Lear’s magazine and Confrontation, among other publications, and she has won the Redbook fiction award and been nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Her articles have appeared in The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and the St. Louis PostDispatch. She teaches creative writing at area universities and at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda.

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Julie Rasicot is a senior editor at Bethesda Magazine. She often writes about education, and for three years wrote a blog covering local schools for the magazine’s website. She also blogged for Education Week, wrote

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Susi Wyss is the author of The Civilized World, a novel in stories set across Africa that was named a “Book to Pick Up Right Now” by O, The Oprah Magazine. Her work has received awards from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County. She lives in Silver Spring and is working on a second novel.

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Elizabeth Word Gutting’s fiction, nonfiction and book reviews have appeared in The Washington Post, The Rumpus, The Quotable, Treehouse and Defying Gravity, an anthology of D.C. female writers published by Paycock Press. A resident of Washington,

Courtesy Photos

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Aaron Hamburger was awarded the Rome Prize in Literature by the American Academy of Arts and Letters for his short story collection, The View From Stalin’s Head. His novel, Faith For Beginners, was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award. His writing has appeared in The New York Times and The Washington Post, among other publications. He has received fellowships from The Edward F. Albee Foundation and the Civitella Ranieri Foundation, and has taught writing at Columbia University, New York University and George Washington University, and in the University of Southern Maine’s Stonecoast MFA in Creative Writing program.

A Capitol Hill resident, he’s working on a novel titled The White Noose.

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La Rambla

D.C., she has received fellowships from George Mason University, the Vermont Studio Center and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts. She was a 20082009 Fulbright Scholar. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, she has lived in rural Ohio and the Mission District of San Francisco, and on a tangerine farm on the island of Jeju in South Korea.

Young Adult Short Story Contest

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Madelyn Rosenberg grew up in Virginia and lives with her husband and children in Arlington. After working for more than a decade at daily newspapers, she turned her attention to creative writing. She is the author of six books for kids, including Nanny X, How to Behave at a Tea Party and Dream Boy, a novel for young adults she wrote with her friend Mary Crockett. She also works as a freelance magazine writer.

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Robin Talley’s first novel, Lies We Tell Ourselves, about two girls on the front lines of the school desegregation battle in 1959 Virginia, was a Junior Library Guild selection and a finalist for a Lambda Literary Award. Her second young adult novel, What We Left Behind, will be released by Harlequin Teen in October. Talley and her wife live on Capitol Hill with an anti-social cat and a goofy hound dog. She also works in communications for a nonprofit organization in Dupont Circle.

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Caroline Tung Richmond is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in The Baltimore Sun and Highlights, among other publications, and on USAToday.com. Her debut novel, The Only Thing to Fear, was published

by Scholastic Press in 2014. A self-proclaimed history nerd, Richmond lives in the Washington, D.C., area with her husband, their daughter, and the family dog, Otto von Bismarck, named for the German chancellor.

(continued from page 158)

looks proud but sad, with her chin tilted upward and her eyes cast down.

What is she is gazing at? Some say she is looking toward the Mediterranean Sea, her real home, for she was a mermaid before being turned into stone. Some say she is looking at the future of Barcelona.

Yet others call her the guardian angel of La Rambla. I read all of this in a guidebook about Barcelona.

“Buenas noches, Lena,” I greet her, bowing with one arm over my waist.

Behind me, I can hear the yellow-eyed man snoring. For as long as I can remember, there has been a man sleeping under the bench across from Lena. The man has just one good eye, and when he’s awake it glows with a cat-like ferocity. The other eyelid is sewn shut, in an uneven line, as if a kid had done it for him.

I bring out a piece of cloth and a bottle of marble cleaner from my canvas bag. I position my ladder next to Lena’s pedestal and, taking a step up the ladder, start wiping her foot. There is a tiny speck of pigeon shit on the ballet slipper strap. As I work on the stain, I can feel the veins and muscles on her fully stretched instep—so fine is the sculptor’s work. Lena’s ballet skirt has the weightless appearance of silk, and as I wipe across its surface I lighten my touch.

When I was still a child, a storm flooded La Rambla, toppling trees and power lines, and in the process, Lena’s arm broke off. Back then, it was Papá who juggled the fire torches while I collected tips for him. I waited many days for the city to fix La Ballarina, until I realized that no one was coming.

I found that people walked past the ballerina sculpture without noticing her.

On a street known for its “human statues”—artists dressing up as trees and bronzes and such—tourists show little interest in actual inanimate objects.

How funny that a statue was trying to look human, while humans pretended to be statues.

I took it upon myself to mend Lena’s

arm, and over the years I have made it my personal duty to keep her clean and presentable. There is still a slight crack on her shoulder blade, from where the arm broke off.

Since the first time I noticed Lena, I have grown from a child into a middleaged man, the tips of my black sideburns turning silver over the years. But Lena has remained exactly the same. Almost. If you look closely, you can see some very tiny lines forming around her lips and the corners of her eyes. Weather cracks, people would say, but I know otherwise. Also, just to be objective—not that I care the least bit—her breasts have sagged a little.

As these thoughts go through my head, I realize my hands have lingered on Lena’s small breasts. A tiny sigh escapes her lips. The marble begins to feel warmer and the texture of her skin softens. I feel tiny, rhythmical heaves under my palm. Color rises to the surface of her skin, a healthy, rosy color. I put my hands to the sides of her waist, knowing what is coming, and soon I feel her weight falling against me, the delicate balance of the arabesque position lost with the suddenness of turning from stone into flesh.

Lena seats herself on the pedestal, always needing a few minutes to rest her muscles.

“Couldn’t they have given me an easier position to stand in all day?” she complains, massaging her calves. Her hair, which a few seconds ago had been a tight bun carved into white marble on the top of the head, has unraveled. It falls down her shoulders in waves of auburn locks.

“An easier position wouldn’t be so pretty,” I say with a smile.

Every blink of her sea-green eyes and every movement of her silky hair blowing in the night wind reminds me of her mortality, which, less than a minute ago, had been nonexistent. The flush on her cheeks, her wince of pain, give her a new look of vulnerability. Now, she bleeds, hurts and ages.

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La Rambla

“Shall we go?” I ask, extending my hand in invitation.

I wait for her to place her hand over mine, to smile shyly as she always does, as if she is agreeing to a dance. Instead, Lena frowns.

“You promised.” There is a sense of betrayal in her voice.

“I’m sorry,” I say quickly. “I missed you.”

Lena lets out a long sigh. “Never mind.

Let’s just enjoy the night while it lasts.”

Her words, though spoken gently, pierce me. “I could not keep myself away,” I say. “Forgive me.”

With Lena sidesaddled on the backseat, I ride past the fountain in Plaça de Catalunya to my apartment three streets away.

We must be a funny sight, a dwarf riding a kiddie bike with a beautiful woman twice his height behind him. Thankfully, Lena has the grace of a true ballerina and is able to easily keep her legs raised above the ground for the entire 10-minute ride.

My apartment building stands in a very narrow lane without streetlights.

Our only illumination is the waxing gibbous moon. As I bring the bicycle to a stop, I’m not sure how the rest of the night will proceed.

“Let’s not waste time staying mad at each other,” she says.

We undress and get into bed, but her words have poisoned the mood, the expectations. When she moans and digs her fingers into my back, I do not know whether it is the pain of ecstasy or sadness. As I breathe the floral scent from the nape of her neck and bury myself into the hollows of her flesh, I feel that I am hurting her somehow, placing my own pleasure before her happiness.

Afterwards, we are drained, the sheets underneath us damp and rumpled. Both of us shift around, trying to get comfortable. We’re tired, but I can feel both of us wanting to get away from the bed.

I look at my watch. The hands show five past three. Since it is summertime, we have perhaps two more hours together.

The blue moonlight comes in through the window and shines a streak across the bed. Lena studies her reflection in a hand mirror, tracing the tiny lines on her face. No one, taking one look at Lena’s thick, dark lashes and sea-green eyes would notice anything but her beauty, but to Lena, those first hints of wrinkles might as well be acid corroding her skin.

I remember the first time I showed her a mirror, how she had laughed at the idea of spending any time looking at oneself when there is so much else to experience in the world.

A month ago, however, she asked me not to wake her again. She said that stones are meant to lead a much longer life, that she was giving up too much for her half-human existence. What irony, for she is becoming more human than she knows. “What would people think when they see that the statue is growing old?” she said.

Reluctantly, I agreed. But I’ve broken my promise, again and again.

“I guess it’s easy for you to give up on me,” I say. “You are not the one who has to live with the memories.”

She puts down the mirror and looks at me. Her large eyes dance from side to side: calculating, torn between vanity and affection for me. She’s still so innocent about the ways of the world that the idea of hiding one’s feelings is foreign to her.

“Statues aren’t supposed to age,” she says carefully.

“People don’t even notice you,” I mumble, then regret it. “I’m sorry,” I quickly add.

Lena looks away.

“Shall I cook something for you?” I ask, rising from the bed.

There is only a wooden table to divide my bed from my kitchen. From the fridge I take out a bowl of chopped wild mushrooms, green onions and spinach.

I also take out milk, goat cheese and three eggs.

“What are we eating tonight?” asks Lena, creeping toward the side of the bed that is closer to the kitchen.

“Quiche,” I say.

“What is that?”

“You’ll see.”

I sauté the fresh shiitakes, black trumpets, morels and chanterelles in melted butter, adding green onions, garlic and goat cheese. These I spoon into a piecrust. I pour eggs, milk, salt and pepper into the filling and set the pie into the oven.

“How long before we can eat?” Lena asks. She’s always hungry during our nights together.

“About 20 minutes.”

Lena comes over and sits at the table, her lean body wrapped in the bedsheet.

Her pink leotard, skirt, tights and ballet shoes are in a pile at the foot of the bed.

Suddenly she rises and picks up the tights and puts them on. She laces up the ballet shoes, crisscrossing the pink ribbons over her ankles. She steps into her leotard, and ties the skirt around her waist with a floppy bow.

I help her push the table toward the fridge, creating a tiny space between the stove and the bed. In that tiny square, not much larger than the area of four or six pedestals, she starts to dance.

She opens her arms to the sides of her body, and looks toward the tip of her right middle finger. She raises an arm and takes a few steps forward, always with one pointed foot crossed behind the other. Her eyes follow her right arm, her gaze in the direction of her movements. At one moment, she lifts her chin proudly; at another, she lowers her head in sadness. There is no music, but I can hear the melody in her movement and feel rhythm in her every gesture. In one bold step forward, she balances on one leg en pointe and raises the other leg behind her, ending in the familiar arabesque.

I clap fervently. “Bravo!”

Lena smiles, her eyes cast to the

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In an uncertain world,

Rest easy. ground. “Thank you,” she says, and returns to the table. “Which is more beautiful? The static pose of a perfect arabesque, or the one I did just now—in motion but lasting only a second?”

I think for a few seconds. “They are both beautiful because they are both done by you.”

I take the hot quiche from the oven and put it on the table between us. I cut Lena a large slice.

She takes a bite and opens her eyes wide in surprise. “Amazing!”

“You like it?”

She takes another huge bite. “Food is one of the best parts of being human,” she says with her mouth full.

I watch Lena eat up half the quiche.

“Have you been happy with me?” I ask.

“Yes,” she says, smiling, not even pausing to consider. Her expression reminds me of watching kids on La Rambla, an ice cream cone in one hand, a balloon in the other, their eyes darting back and forth on the street, taking in every detail, feeling that now, right now, is the best moment in their lives.

While the sky is still dark, I take Lena back to her pedestal on La Rambla. I can hear the sound of her breathing in the silence of the night. Let the sun never rise, I plead. On La Rambla, such a wish is not completely impossible, I think.

“People have many theories about your gaze,” I say. “I have never asked you—what are you looking at?”

“I don’t know,” she says sadly. “When I turn back to stone I forget everything.

Only my sculptor knows the answer.”

“When I was a kid, I thought that you were watching over me. Guarding me.”

“Well, who knows? Maybe I am.”

Is this the last night between Lena and me? I do not know, and neither does she, but when the first ray of light reaches her, she will turn back to stone, assuming the arabesque position in which she was created. As another day on La Rambla begins, she will be free from wondering. n

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What They Really Wanted (continued from page 159)

no bones to brace them against the world.

And yet, these parents were determined and blind. They pressed their son’s pulpy remnants onto wire screens and tenderly trimmed the dried sheets. They pressed the pieces together, bending and creasing and rolling until a full paper boy lay on the table before them. Not an exact replica, they thought, but near enough.

When he opened his eyes, the mother saw that the new boy’s pupils were muddled and scratchy, when the first boy’s had been crisp and smooth. Despite the first boy’s youth, his skin had been worn and stretched by running, and wrinkled by laughter. It was old enough to be set in its ways and did not appreciate being forced to form different parts of the body. The new boy’s skin was angry. It was confused and sad and frustrated and unsure. No other body in the world struggled like this, and nobody could even begin to imagine the anguish that slithered through his bitter skin. The recycled boy was alone.

The other paper children teased him for his rougher skin—spread by inexperienced hands—and for the way he stuttered when his tongue remembered it ought to be fingers and kneecaps. It was the reason, you see, that no other paper child had ever been recycled. It simply didn’t work. And so the recycled boy lived meekly, flinching at his own rasping voice and shuddering as he bandaged endless rips in his rebellious skin. He tried to soothe his paper surface, penciling encouragement between his knuckles and under his chin, tiny happy words that did not make up for his loneliness. His gritty eyes could not cry, and his stiff lips could barely frown, and his parents did not care. They were too disappointed by this quiet, thoughtful, sensitive boy who was not fast, not strong, not popular, not cheerful, not right.

Not the same. When they still were.

While his brother had enjoyed being team captain, the recycled boy did not enjoy sports because he did not enjoy being picked last. Instead, he found illustration the way the ringleted girl had

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Voted Best Financial Advisor found poetry. (She adored the lopsided columns of printed shapes filling up the page. The way her paper palm held a haiku perfectly.) It is a curious side effect of being made of paper, it seems, to become completely enveloped and absorbed by it. While some skin people become doctors, intrigued by the revolting mysteries of their own insides, many more become dancers or carpenters or professors. But all paper people seem to end up carving their livelihoods and their pastimes out of paper. So the recycled boy began to draw.

He liked to visit the art supply store.

He liked the calm, smooth, linoleum tiles and the whisper of silky brushes rattling in plastic holders. The leaves that filled the stacked sketchpads did not repulse him—those bleached and slivered hides.

He was jealous of their possibility and purpose and value. That paper was wanted and bought and used and kept and protected by a shell of paint and graphite and charcoal.

He had a particular interest in color— his own body cloaked in the drab, mottled gray of dishwater. He kept booklets of colors, pages upon pages of spiralbound rainbows. The precise pink glow of being wished a happy birthday. Soft, pale yellow like sunlight filtering through creamy kitchen curtains on a mild weekend morning. Deep gray-green peace and the relief of home after a long day.

He experimented in his color diary until he found just the right shade for his own loneliness. Mixing a pure and somber blue had frustrated him for weeks, until he realized that he did not, in fact, feel blue—he only thought he did—and he had to start over. Finally he blended the most scathing orange he could muster, a new shade of the neglected hue that no one else would ever get the chance to appreciate. Satisfied, he tucked the barely dry sheet beneath his bed before rinsing his brushes and scraping his palette clean. He switched off his lamp and crept beneath baseball-patterned blankets that could not warm a body that could not generate heat. There, motionless and

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What They Really Wanted soundless, he slept. He dreamed of an origami maker, a gift wrapper, a caring girl who would understand paper the way he understood paint.

In the morning, our paper boy did not wake. His recycled body lay in bed until his parents decided that he was not worth recycling again. They only tucked him into the far corner of the grimy attic, where moths burrowed into his ears and no rain would ever reach him. n

What I Learned in History Class (continued from page 160) Because history class never allowed that racism could still—did still—happen.

It never hinted that racism lived in our playground jokes.

It never explained why that one cousin couldn’t ever bring her husband by on holidays, or why, since her marriage, her name was mentioned only in whispers, seldom with affection and never with pride.

It never advised what to do when an elder described a biracial gymnast as an ape, lookin’ like she gone back to Africa.

As we progressed through school, history class became a growing collection of things obviously unfair, but also done and over. We never learned to see ourselves as a piece of a continuing story. We never considered the something more to racism, the something bigger, the frightening WHY; we never pondered racism’s knack for sticking to people in a way that they can’t see it, nor the fact that we ourselves might be carrying it unwittingly, passing it on.

Racism died before I was born.

So I learned; so I have been unlearning, steadily, stumblingly, ever since. n

The Saxophone and I (continued from page 161) prise, surprise—the clarinet.

So I learned to deal with the half-hour periods of loneliness, and with carrying a loud, bright instrument in a crowd of mostly boys. In the end, I think it was good for me. The saxophone wasn’t something I could hide behind, either in sound or in the useless but pervasive gendering of instruments that seemed to rule school bands. I was used to being in groups, to always having a friendly face. But for once I had to rely on myself, and trust that what I had to play was worthwhile without someone telling me, which is something I’ve always had trouble with. Playing the saxophone unlocked a bit of the performer in me that I’m glad to have found.

Plus, I think I would have zero arm strength if not for that heavy case. n

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Gorgeous New Home In Bethesda CC CHURCHILL CLASSICS

Top 1% of Long & Foster Agents in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area

DESIGN BUILD RENOVATE

#2 Top Producing Team 2014 in #1 Billion Dollar Office

Spectacular New Home with Amazing Golf Course Views 10006 Woodhill Road, Bethesda $2,425,000 Breathtaking views of private golf course and lake from this exceptional new custom home by Churchill Classics and Studio Z architects on premier half-acres lot. Over 6,500 square feet of upgraded features including 6 bedrooms, 5 1/2 baths, gourmet kitchen, owner’s suite with private balcony, walkout lower level, screened porch, oversized deck and much more!

Sondra Mulheron 301.785.9536 smulheron@LNF.com

Pam Schiattareggia 301.802.7796 pam.scat@LNF.com

www.HomesbySondraandPam.com Bethesda Gateway Office 301.907.7600 ®

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Congratulations to our

TOP 1% MORTGAGE ORIGINATORS In America 2014

1

Contact your nearest Mortgage Consultant, today!

A 2015 Top Vote Getter

Bethesda All Points Miller Sales 4701 Sangamore Rd, Bethesda MD 20816

Daniel Jay, NMLSR: 192494 (301) 529-4006

Bethesda Sales 7700 Old Georgetown Rd, Ste 200, Bethesda MD 20814

J. Ryan Dailey, NMLSR: 193608 (301) 580-8236 Jonathan Okun, NMLSR: 221383 (443) 610-8371

Bethesda Gateway Sales 4650 East West Hwy, Ste 202 & 204 Bethesda MD 20814

Jumbo Home Financing When you need a sizeable mortgage, we have sizeable options.

Thomas O’Keefe, NMLSR: 193925 (301) 237-4335

20% down on fixed or adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) products with loan amounts up to $2 million (5/5 ARM jumbo loan up to $3 million also available)

Sarah Beason, NMLSR: 347524 (202) 251-8190

15% down on fixed or ARM products with loan amounts up to $1.5 million (No Mortgage Insurance required)

Joseph Dawson, NMLSR: 1005488 (703) 376-1967

N. Bethesda/Rockville Sales 6000 Executive Blvd, Ste 100, N Bethesda MD 20852

Glenn Benson, NMLSR: 174521 (202) 494-3175

10% down on fixed or ARM products with loan amounts up to $750,000 (80/10/10 – No Mortgage Insurance required) Home Equity Line of Credit financing options may be available for qualified borrowers2

Chevy Chase Miller Sales

Primary residence or second/vacation home jumbo financing options available

5518 Connecticut Ave. N.W. Washington, DC 20015

Condos may be eligible

Greg Scholl, NMLSR: 71793 (240) 601-9448 Joseph Dean, NMLSR: 1121579 (301) 641-1241

Potomac Miller Sales

Scenarios above are not available on all loans. Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC will help you carefully consider each of your home financing options so you can determine the home loan that is right for you.

10200 River Rd, Potomac MD 20854

Michael Joseph, NMLSR: 191985 (240) 832-6600

Rockville Centre Sales 795 Rockville Pike, Rockville MD 20852

Joseph Nalls, NMLSR: 330614 (301) 529-8611

Spring Valley Miller Sales 4910 Mass. Ave., N.W. #119 Washington, DC 20016

Addie Gil, NMLSR: 195643 (703) 350-6709 Sean Watson, NMLSR: 1121578 (215) 307-5031

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1. Mortgage Executive Magazine, Winter 2015 Edition. (Access at http://mortgageexecutivemagazine.com/MEM2015Winter/) 2. Home Equity Lines of Credit offered by an independent third party and will be subject to their qualification and underwriting guidelines.

Not available in North Carolina or West Virginia.

All first mortgage products are provided by Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC. (877) 275-1762. Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC products may not be available in all areas. Not all borrowers will qualify. Licensed by the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance. Licensed by the Delaware State Bank Commissioner. Also licensed in District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

NMLS ID #75164 (NMLS Consumer Access at http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/) ©2015 Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC. All Rights Reserved. (06/15) #MC151042 Expires 10/15

6/10/15 10:45 AM

Wendy Banner

& The Banner Team ® ®

301.365.9090 | Wendy@BannerTeam.com | www.BannerTeam.com

Bethesda

$1,795,000

Potomac

$1,395,000

Bethesda

$1,350,000

Contemporary colonial in Avenel with 7,500 square feet of living/entertainment space. Features main level owner’s wing with study and separate sitting room, 5 bedroom suites, 2-story living room, walls of windows and a walkout lower level.

Sun-filled brick rambler with contemporary flair, open floor plan with over 8,200 finished square feet, on sprawling 2 acre landscaped lot, with iron fenced yard, In-ground swimming pool, multiple patios and sunken terrace, Koi pond and 2 car garage.

Updated brick colonial featuring sweeping views of the TPC golf course at Avenel! Upgrades include new driveway, all new windows/doors, new HVAC system, renovated owner’s bath, back-up generator and Polk surround sound system.

Potomac

Potomac

Potomac

$1,950,000

$1,249,900

$1,725,000

Mediterranean home on sprawling 2.92 acre wooded lot with heated pool and cabana/guest house. Custom details, dynamic floor plan features sun filled great room with bar and fireplace, main level library, huge owner’s suite with private deck, loft and luxurious bath.

Renovated home in Mazza Woods with 6 bedrooms and 4 baths on gorgeous wooded 2 acre estate! Featuring renovated kitchen, updated baths, main level library, 2 fireplaces and a walkout lower level!

Renovated and expanded home on quiet cul-de-sac conveniently located at the Bethesda/Potomac line!

Featuring over 8,000 square feet, custom finishes, main level owner’s suite, gourmet chef’s kitchen with granite counters, upgraded HVAC, generator and solar panels!

Potomac

Potomac

Potomac,

$1,650,000

$1,299,000

$3,695,000

Unique floor plan in Avenel. Features approximately 8,000 square feet, 6 bedrooms, 6 full baths, great room with floor to ceiling fireplace, main level study, elegant owner’s suite with separate his/hers closets and bonus room. Lower level with rec and exercise rooms.

Brick Colonial on quiet cul-de-sac with upgrades galore!

Featuring renovated gourmet kitchen with solarium breakfast area open to family room, sunroom, study, hardwood floors and 2 fireplaces. Owner’s suite with his/hers closets with Elfa system and ensuite bath.

Over 17,000 square feet featuring custom finishes and soaring ceilings with walls of intricate windows, chef’s kitchen, great room and banquet size dining room.

Owner’s suite with sitting room, deck, his/hers dressing rooms and sauna. Indoor sport court and home theater!

Potomac

Potomac

Bethesda

$3,295,000

Elegant and timeless estate on 2.68 acres. National Grand Award winner for Outdoor Living Space in 2009!

Incredible mouldings, wine cellar, walk-out lower level, main level library, chef’s kitchen and finished 3rd floor!

Spectacular views overlook pool and parkland.

$935,000

Stately Colonial on 1/2 acre lot with cleared, usable yard steps from Potomac Village. Main level study, family room with fireplace, gourmet kitchen with granite counters and formal living/dining rooms. Walkout lower level with guest suite, recreation room and side entry.

$3,750,000

Builder’s own dream home loaded with extras! Four finished levels with elevator to all floors. 6 fireplaces, main level study and billiard rooms. Rec room with level walkout, theatre, spa area with sauna, massage, exercise rooms and 4 car garage and back-up generator.

4650 East West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland | 301.907.7600

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Castles…

Luxury Homebuying: What Does it Take to Own a $1 Million+ Home?

If your idea of a dream home leans toward a castle or an opulent city condominium, you’re probably looking for a home that will cost you $1 million or more. While that may be a pie-in-the-sky idea for many people, moving up into a luxury home isn’t necessarily as hard as it seems. Buying a $1 million-plus residence definitely requires financial resources, but you may be surprised to find that low interest rates, additional inventory of lavish homes and a willingness of lenders to approve large loans are all contributing to resurgence in the luxury home market.

Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS®, told Bloomberg News that he anticipates that sales of homes worth $1 million and more will increase over 10 percent in 2015 compared to last year’s sales. Similarly, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported that in January 2015 applications for home loans for $1 million to $5 million properties increased 16 percent compared to January 2014—another indication of momentum in the luxury home market.1

Living a life of luxury in a $1 million-plus property While the classic picture of a $1 million-plus property may be an expansive single family home with manicured grounds and maybe even a swimming pool, the reality is that many $1 million homes are condos in cities such as Washington, D.C. A luxury condo may not have the space of a sprawling single family home, but what it lacks in square feet is easily made up for by amenities that often rival a grand hotel. For example, you might find spa services, resort-style swimming pools, state-of-the-art fitness centers and hotel-like reception areas, among other lavish amenities.

Financing a luxury home purchase Whether you’re looking for an equestrian estate or a chicand-sleek condo, you’ll need to finance your luxury home.

While some high-end buyers have the means to pay cash for their purchase, if you need to take out a loan, the good news is that lenders are more amenable to approving jumbo loans.

Source: 1. Bloomberg Business, Why Lenders Love the $2.5 Million Home Loan

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Bethesd

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‌to Condos While in the past jumbo loans required higher down payments and carried a higher interest rate than conforming loans, these days jumbo loans cost about the same as conforming loans. Even though jumbo loans are inherently riskier for lenders simply because the loan size is larger, the credit profile, income and assets of jumbo loan borrowers are generally of high quality. Some lenders are beginning to allow borrowers to make a down payment of less than 20 percent on a jumbo loan as long as they have the income and assets to support the loan payments and a strong credit history.

As an example, if you opt to buy a $1 million home with a 20 percent down payment ($200,000) and finance the rest with a 30-year fixed-rate home loan at 3.9 percent, your monthly payments would be approximately $3,775 for principal and interest. You would also need to pay property taxes and homeowners insurance on a monthly basis, as well as closing costs for the home. To qualify for the loan, your debtto-income ratio for your housing payments generally would need to fall below 40 percent, although some lenders make exceptions for borrowers who are providing larger down payments or have significant cash reserves.

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Consulting with your real estate agent for additional resources A real estate agent experienced with the luxury homes market can help you narrow your priorities and find the right home for your needs. An important element of any housing choice is to estimate the staying power of a particular home or neighborhood, and a real estate agent can look at the past performance of a property’s value and help you evaluate whether the home will hold onto its value.

If you’ve made the decision to move up into a luxury home, the Long & Foster team can help you find, finance and insure your home. Representatives of Prosperity Home Mortgage are available in most Long & Foster offices in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions to assist prospective buyers with financing. A professional real estate agent can help you evaluate the value of various luxury homes and time the sale of your current home and the purchase of your next. In addition, Long & Foster agents have a range of contractors they can recommend to provide service to buyers and sellers before and after they buy a home.

6/8/15 11:01 AM 6/12/15 11:35 AM

Bethesda’s Best Kept Secret Elizabeth Russell 202.966.2598 direct 301.580.0540 mobile

Pleasant, Practical & Persistent I want to be your REALTOR®!

www.ElizabethRussell.info Elizabeth.Russell@LongandFoster.com At the farthest reach of a quiet cul-de-sac neighborhood lies Bethesda’s best kept secret; a hidden garden oasis awaits you. Welcome to 6633 Lybrook Court, three quarters of an acre backing onto mosquito-free spring-fed Booze Creek. Perfectly placed to take visual advantage of these mature gardens is a mid-century three-story home designed and renovated over the years to welcome the many garden vistas into the interior spaces. A rear screened porch and terraces expand and extend the living and entertaining space with a gracious ease that makes the flow in and out seem effortless. $1,656,633

Foxhall Office 202.363.1800 ®

301.996.9344 Cell 240.497.1722 Office dsc4homes@aol.com www.DennisSColeman.com 9704 Clydesdale Street Potomac Village, Maryland ◆ $1,349,000 Welcome to this spacious, six bedroom, five and a half bath, all-brick home on a gorgeous half acre lot. Perfect for all manners of entertaining, this home has a dramatic two-story foyer flanked by formal living and dining rooms. The skylight-lit kitchen features all new stainless appliances and opens to the inviting two-story family room with stone fireplace. The second floor features a cathedral-ceilinged master suite with two walk-in closets and a fabulous all new bath, plus four additional bedrooms, one with loft and two additional baths. Two full bathrooms and an office with custom built-ins complete the second floor amenities. The fully-finished lower level offers a second large family room with fireplace, full bath and a game room. This incredible house is a short walk to Potomac Village. Move in and enjoy!

Top 1% Nationwide Top 100 of all 12,000 Long & Foster Agents ®

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Bethesda Avenue Office 240.497.1700

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Andy Alderdice

Bethesda

$1,475,000

Sophisticated and spacious, this 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath Colonial is idyllically set on a cherry tree-lined street. With 6,000+ sq. ft. on 3 levels, this home is an entertainer’s delight with large open rooms and a custom sun room addition.

Darnestown

$1,449,000

Stately and elegant, this 4 or 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath estate is idyllically set back to park land on a stunning 2 acre lot. Highlights include a dramatic, 2-story family room and an extended balcony overlooking the infinity pool, hot tub, and outdoor fireplace.

Rockville $320,000

Bethesda

$1,100,000

This gracious 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath Colonial features expansive rooms for entertaining, gorgeous, randomwidth hardwood flooring throughout and a spectacular one-acre lot.

A 5th generation Washingtonian assisting many MD, DC and VA residents in the sale and/or purchase of their first and subsequent homes since 1994.

Call her to schedule a private consultation.

301.466.5898

andy4homes@gmail.com

Immaculate 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath, 3 level townhome with refinished wood flooring, renovated kitchen and baths, community pool and recreational facilities.

UNDER CONTR AC T

Bethesda $799,900 Sparkling expanded Colonial in Wyngate with a fantastic 2-story addition. Four bedrooms and 3 full baths on the upper level includes master suite with sitting room.

3-season porch too!

www.andy4homes.com Miller Bethesda All Points Office 301.229.4000

301.996.9344 Cell 240.497.1722 Office dsc4homes@aol.com www.DennisSColeman.com 8025 Glengalen Lane Chevy Chase, Maryland ◆ $2,275,000 Welcome to this stunning custom home, built with a wonderful combination of old world elegance and graciousness and all of today’s amenities. The moment you drive onto the carefully thought through, and excellently executed, front courtyard you know you have arrived at a very special home. From the imported marble tile, plaster mouldings and beautifully trimmed arches, to the virtually new stainless steel appliances, steam shower and inhome telephone/security system, this home will meet the needs of the most discerning buyer. Six bedrooms, main floor office and laundry room, five and a half baths, two family rooms, music room and so much more. Truly a home where you can just move in and enjoy!

Top 1% Nationwide Top 100 of all 12,000 Long & Foster Agents ®

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Bethesda Avenue Office 240.497.1700

6/9/15 11:18 AM 6/10/15 10:57 AM

Miller Bethesda All Points Office

4701 Sangamore Road Bethesda, MD 301.229.4000

#1 W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors® Office • #10 Long & Foster Office for 2014

Congratulations to Susan Sanford and her Extraordinary Team!

The #1 Miller Office 2014 Was Our Best Year Ever!

Susan Sanford

VP, Managing Broker ssanford@LNF.com Office Direct:

301.320.8300

Breaking All Office Records!

W.C. & A.N. Miller REALTORS Bethesda All Points Office is the flagship office for Miller Realtors Companywide. We are home to successful and top-producing agents seeking an executive approach to their business as well as new agents ready to launch successful real estate careers. Call me for a confidential interview to find out why top producing and new agents join my office and choose to stay!

VICKI PORTER

TAMMY GRUNER DURBIN

301.325.2965 • Vicki.Porter@LNF.com Licensed in DC, MD & VA

301.996.8334 • TGDHomes@LNF.com

Serving MD and DC Associate Broker Consistent top honors and producer in the Bethesda Miller Group, Long & Foster Companies and Nationwide.

25 years of a proven track record = Results Commitment to Excellence

Innovative Marketing Expert ● Your Montgomery County Expert raised in Bethesda ● Helping buyers and sellers make their real estate dreams come true! ● SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) experienced in down-sizing ● Call Vicki for the real estate results you desire! ●

www.VickiPorter.net

WALSH RICHARDS

●

●

●

JOAN NORRIS

BRINGING YOU EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR NEIGHBORHOODS • Native Washingtonian • 37 Years of Real Estate Experience • First-time Buyers, Downsizing, Estates I look forward to hearing you say: “I didn’t know it could go so smoothly!”

• Realty Alliance Award Recipient, Top 5 Percent North America • SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) • Staging, marketing, and negotiation expert

Let my experience work for you!

Licensed in MD, DC & VA

ELLEN COHEN Always There for YOU!

Cell or Text 240.462.6000 ecohen@LNF.com • www.EllenCohen.com Contact me for Potomac, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Bethesda and Rockville homes for sale.

Moving up, down OR away • Certified Residential Specialist • Licensed to represent Sellers & Buyers in MD-DC-VA • Long & Foster Gold Club Hall of Fame • Seniors RE Specialist

202.420.1820 ● LeighSlaughter@LNF.com REALTOR® DC MD VA

SMOOTH SALES BETTER BUYING

Results driven Native Washingtonian committed to finding you the perfect home.

Professional and personal level of service Over 45 years of diverse commercial and residential real estate experience to help you throughout the selling and buying process.

301•602•5017 • Joan.Norris@LongandFoster.com Licensed in MD and DC

301.351.4517 • SCochran@LNF.com www.SCochran.com

LEIGH ADAMS SLAUGHTER

301.706.3151 ● Walsh.Richards@LongandFoster.com Licensed in DC, MD & VA ●

SHARRON COCHRAN

BUY. SELL. RENT. INVEST. TED DUNCAN

301.785.7966 • Ted.Duncan@LongandFoster.com Licensed in DC, MD & VA #4 Individual Agent Miller Bethesda Office #9 Individual Agent Companywide #6 Individual Agent Companywide (volume) • Exceptional knowledge and ability serving Sellers and Buyers • Unparalleled home pricing • Outstanding Negotiator • Service well beyond expectations

Potomac, Maryland

$1,200,000

Updated 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath Colonial in River Falls. Beautiful renovation, gourmet kitchen, bright sunroom addition, gorgeous master suite, hardwood floors, finished basement.

Whitman School district. Shown privately – not in MLS.

Call Our Award-Winning Managing Broker Susan Sanford to find out why top producing and new agents join our office and choose to stay! 301.320.8300 | ssanford@longandfoster.com

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Creig Northrop Realtor®

301.761.5997 NorthropTeam.com

® ®

The #1 Real Estate Team in Maryland for all Brokerages!*

Gaithersburg $1,400,000 7300WarfieldRoad.com

24006BurntHillRoad.com

Clarksburg $1,200,000

Kenwood Park $1,200,000

Hampshire Greens $900,000

Mission Hills $726,900

Cedar Creek Estates $685,000

Naples Manor $650,000

Gum Springs Farm $575,000

Woodside $525,000

Washingtonian Village $469,000

16525HarbourTownDrive.com

14543CutstoneWay.com

2006HanoverStreet.com

office 301.770.0760

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126MissionDrive.com

14201ShorehamDrive.com

5DeardenPlace.com

5825MarburyRoad.com

17534CharityLane.com

Old City #2 $569,000

811FourthStreet610.com

Longmead $334,000

13800TabionaDrive.com

*By volume according to The Wall Street Journal & REAL Trends since 2010.

6/10/15 10:58 AM

Agency

® ®

for viewing Long & Foster Real Estate’s exclusive “Showcase of Homes” No matter what your buying, selling or investment goals are, our agents can help you take advantage of real estate opportunities. When you’re ready to take the next step, we welcome you to contact one of our sales offices or expert sales associates.

Readers’ Pick— Best Real Estate Agency

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interior design. architecture. home sales.

home

photo by Ivana Biela

To read about this waterfront home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, turn to page 184.

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home | house appropriations

Resort WARE

Coastal-inspired accents that lend any home a relaxed, vacation vibe

By Carolyn Weber

2

1

A versatile piece to toss over your toes or ottoman, this textured throw is woven of 100 percent cotton, with stripes in shades of watery blue. Find the Oversized Aqua Ombre throw, which measures 50 by 60 inches, for $29.99 at World Market in Rockville (301-816-2480; www.worldmarket.com).

2. Star of the Table

Bring a feeling of sun and sand to your dining table with this pretty, casual dinnerware. Images of sea life grace the easycare, shatter-resistant Coral and Starfish melamine plates. A mixed set of four goes for $34 at the Pottery Barn in Friendship Heights (202-244-0537; www.potterybarn. com).

3. Gone Sailing

This elegant black-and-white yacht print triptych is showcased in subtle silver leaf frames. Each piece is 20 inches wide and 44 inches high, and together they retail for $1,279 at Arhaus in Rockville (301-2302973; www.arhaus.com).

all images courtesy

1. Coastal and Cozy

3

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5

all images courtesy

4. Surf’s Up

This fun, navy blue-and-white-wave indoor/ outdoor pillow measures 20 inches by 13 inches and is priced at $32 at Crate and Barrel in Spring Valley (202-364-6100; www. crateandbarrel.com).

6

5. Bright Idea

A rope lamp adds a nautical touch to a room, without using color or pattern. The Riata Lamp Ensemble is made of abaca, costs $168, and is available at Anthropologie in Chevy Chase (301-654-1481; www. anthropologie.com).

6. Who Ordered the Squid?

The 20,000 Leagues rug from The Rug Market America is constructed of durable polyester, so it makes a bold statement indoors or out. A 5-by-8 size is $299, and available through the Blue House in Bethesda (301-656-6088; www.thebluehousebethesda.com).

Carolyn Weber lives in Silver Spring and frequently writes about architecture and home design.

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home

Gary McFall and Rob Ramoy spend a lot of time on the front porch of their home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

184 July/August 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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beach house beautiful A Bethesda couple’s stunning second home has gorgeous water views, eclectic furniture and plenty of room for guests

By Gabriele McCormick | photos by Ivana Biela

On July 4 last year, Rob Ramoy, Gary McFall and 125 of their closest friends and relatives sipped cocktails on the second-floor deck of the couple’s Rehoboth Beach house overlooking Silver Lake. Around 9 p.m., Ramoy cued up Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture just in time for the start of fireworks exploding over the Atlantic Ocean.

For more than half of their 40 years together, Ramoy, 66, a real estate broker and former theater teacher at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, and McFall, 63, a former Yves Saint Laurent buyer for Saks Jandel, have owned houses in Rehoboth Beach. They discovered the Delaware community in the late 1980s, when the rental market on New York’s Fire Island, where they had rented a beach house every year, got too expensive. One summer, a friend

recommended that they check out Rehoboth Beach on their way home to Bethesda. They were charmed by the small-town feel and persuaded by the two-and-a-half-hour drive—no plane or train reservations necessary.

They soon bought a classic 1940s cottage on Norfolk Street in South Rehoboth, which they stripped down to the studs and renovated. In 1990, they sold that home and bought another property on the shore of Silver Lake, where they built a 2,000-square-foot house with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a floating gazebo.

After 14 years there, they decided they wanted more room to accommodate visiting family and friends, and looked into renovating. “According to a city of Rehoboth ordinance, we could’ve only added about 300 square feet, and it would’ve cost us a fortune to do it,” Ramoy says.

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home

McFall (left) and Ramoy say when they arrive at the house, they ditch their car since they can bike or walk to downtown Rehoboth.

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The black-and-white foyer provides a wow factor when guests enter. Against the far wall is an old chest sprayed silver with a pair of gray marble 19th-century cassoulets on top.

In the summer of 2011, Ramoy saw a “little tiny” real estate ad in the Cape Gazette and ripped it out. “I said, ‘Gary, it’s impossible for them to offer a house on Silver Lake with a pool and detached two-car garage with an apartment above it for this price.’ We just had to go look.”

At the southern end of Silver Lake, a large waterfront lot on Silver Lake Drive was being subdivided into four parcels.

Echelon Custom Homes was building one house on spec to attract the interest of other potential buyers—and offering it at the bargain price Ramoy had seen in the ad.

The Echelon agent put Ramoy and McFall in the bucket of a cherry picker

and lifted them up so they could see the view of the lake and the ocean beyond from what would be the second story of the house. “The view, the view, the view,” Ramoy says. “We decided to go for it.”

The couple put their house on the market, and a woman approached them almost immediately. “She walked by all the time and was evidently in love with the house,” McFall says. “We basically named our price.”

Meanwhile, when another Bethesda buyer wanted to build a larger home that required two lots, Echelon asked Ramoy and McFall if they would trade their chosen lot for another. But the new lot was deep and narrow. They were hesitant.

“We didn’t want a squished town house feel,” Ramoy says. Echelon designer Tim Tice laid out the parameters of the house with tape, and the couple saw that it could work. Plus, Echelon agreed to honor the original advertised price.

During the winter of 2011-2012, McFall spent hours in front of his laptop working with Tice and 3-D software that allowed him to “walk through” the three-story, five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom house plans, which included a one-bedroom guest apartment above the garage.

“I’d say, ‘OK, let’s take out that wall, move this wall. And make this a little higher,’ ” McFall says. The construction began in early 2012 and took about 10 months.

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home

To take advantage of the water views, Tice placed the great room and master bedroom at the front of the house. He also made sure that there were clear sight lines in the house to the front and back.

That meant views of the ocean, lake and backyard pool from every floor.

During the planning, Ramoy and McFall thought a lot about their future life in the house, where they plan to retire. They knew that eventually they may have a master bedroom on the first floor, so they put in an elegant full bath with marble tile and a shower bench, and also installed an elevator.

In the foyer, the couple laid dramatic— and expensive—black and white marble

tile diagonally for impact, and used more affordable tile in other parts of the house.

“They wanted a grand feel in the foyer,” Echelon designer Matt Adler says. With its eye-catching floor, silver console table and oversize print of Greta Garbo, the entryway sets a whimsical tone for the rest of the house.

The couple splurged on the great room fireplace, which Adler calls a “Rolls-Royce of gas fireplaces.” An oversize unit made by Heatilator, it doesn’t require a glass front, can be converted to burn wood, and is lined with real brick.

They also installed a top-of-the-line Viking range, and a collection of highend, quirky chandeliers throughout the

house. The men especially like the Currey & Co. chandelier in the foyer that was made to look like pieces of white coral dusted with beach sand, and the custommade black feather chandelier hanging in the sitting room off the kitchen.

Adler says the 12-foot ceilings, which the couple insisted on to keep the rooms from feeling narrow, were a challenge.

“Designing a shower with a 12-foot ceiling is tricky,” Adler says. “I had to readjust my whole sense of scale.” In the kitchen, the high ceilings created an extra expanse of wall above the cabinets.

Instead of making the cabinets taller, McFall suggested installing transom windows. “It was a creative solution,” Adler

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The living room carries over the foyer’s black and white theme. McFall added splashes of red, stripping and repainting an armoire from a previous beach house and purchasing red lacquered dining chairs (bottom right). McFall loves to cook, so he selected a high-end Viking range and a double oven for the kitchen. He uses the convection microwave as a third oven when entertaining.

says. “They double the amount of natural light in the room.”

The men say the house reflects both of their styles. “I’m the more formal one; Rob is more beachy from his years growing up on Long Island,” McFall says.

Adler describes the home as upscale but still coastal.

The eclectic furniture is a mixture of new, old and repurposed pieces.

Some are sentimental, including the gilt American eagle mirror that belonged to Ramoy ’s grandmother, and the French bergère chairs in the great room that came from the furniture store once owned by McFall’s parents. McFall had the mirror painted white and hung it in BethesdaMagazine.com | July/August 2015 189

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home

McFall and Ramoy love to entertain around the pool at night when underwater lights change from purple to red to green.

Below: The third-floor deck provides the lake and ocean view that convinced the couple to buy the property.

the blue guest room upstairs; he stripped the chairs, painted them white and had them reupholstered in a zebra print.

There’s also an oil painting of the Intracoastal Waterway by McFall’s grandfather, and a large fishbowl with Ramoy’s collection of sea glass from beaches around the world.

Ramoy and McFall often sit on one of their three decks and watch joggers, bicyclists and bird-watchers. One of McFall’s favorite places to relax is the nook that’s nestled under the third-floor stairs. “I love to just sit there and read,” McFall says. “You love to sit there and talk on the phone,” Ramoy says, laughing.

On summer afternoons, the couple likes to walk to the town’s boardwalk, have a bucket of Thrasher’s fries and people watch. Ramoy says that when they first started coming to Rehoboth in the late ’80s, there was a “Keep Rehoboth Family Friendly” campaign in progress. People were concerned about a gay couple buying a house in the neighborhood.

“You weren’t free to be yourself,” Ramoy says. Now, the men find themselves in a place where being gay is accepted and they feel welcome. “Rehoboth offers us a place to be us,” Ramoy says. “To enjoy life like everyone else.”

Ramoy and McFall spend as much time as they can in Rehoboth, making the trip from Bethesda year-round. McFall says one of the “drawbacks” of building their dream house is that everyone wants to stay there. His mother and two tween nieces are frequent weekend houseguests, as is Ramoy’s 21-year-old nephew, who is lobbying to turn the unfinished basement into a theater room. McFall’s older niece, who has a baby, likes to stay in the guest apartment over the garage.

“We didn’t really need a house this big,” Ramoy says. “But we built it and they come.” n Gabriele McCormick is a frequent contributor to Bethesda Magazine.

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Lisa and Brett Carmel, shown here with twins Vivian and Max and dog, Josie, added a cottage-style mailbox and other quaint touches to boost the curb appeal of their 1930s Bethesda home.

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First

photo by michael ventura

Impressions How four local homeowners achieved eye-catching curb appeal

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home | house appropriations

Cottage Charm

Brett and Lisa Carmel were attracted to the 1930s charm of this Cape Cod-style home in Bethesda’s Westhaven neighborhood, but wanted to up the quaint factor when they bought it more than a decade ago.

The house, which they share with their 12-year-old twins, was painted white and peeling, so they hired painters to power wash and lightly handscrape it to reveal some of the red brick underneath. “It was an experiment,” Brett says, “and it worked out well

because we haven’t done anything to it since 2004.”

The couple made more changes to the façade in 2012 while working with Anthony Wilder Design/Build on a major addition to the rear of the house. Project architect Sean Mullin designed a custom surround to convert the square entry opening to an arch, and also changed the shape of the second-floor dormers, adding an eyebrow to each window. The final touch: a curbside mailbox that stands out thanks to its cottage style.

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Liriope

exterior house photo by michael ventura; Product photos all courtesy

Several mature oak trees provide cover for the Carmels’ yard, so they opted for shade-tolerant shrubs such as viburnum, laurel, and hydrangea, and a hearty ground cover called liriope. Find the muscari variety of liriope for $7.99 per gallonsize container at American Plant in Bethesda (301-469-7690; www.americanplant.net).

Paint

The homeowners painted the front door, storm door and shutters a warm, deep blue color to stand out against red and white brick. They chose Farrow & Ball Hague Blue in an exterior eggshell finish. It’s $115 per gallon at Farrow & Ball in Friendship Heights (202-4796780; www.farrow-ball. com).

Sconces

The sconces are vintage, but you can get the look with the Concord 2-light outdoor sconce, with seeded glass and an oil-rubbed bronze finish, for $179 from Ballard Designs (800-536-7551; www.ballarddesigns.com).

Urns

The Carmels punctuate their mostly green yard with pops of color in the window boxes and urns.

Get a similar look with the 26-inch tall Allen + Roth fiberglass planter, which retails for $79 at Lowe’s in Gaithersburg (301-208-0400; www.lowes.com).

Shutters

The shutters, with a cute diagonal design, are original to the house. A very close match, the Atlantic Classic diagonal cut board-n-batten shutters are $288 per pair from Millwork. com (855-564-5596; www.millwork.com).

Mailbox

The mailbox is turned sideways to emphasize the curved bracket. The Liberty cedar mail post is $179 and the “Steel Strong Box” is $129 at Walpole Outdoors (800-343-6948; www.walpolewoodworkers.com).

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TIED TOGETHER Susan and Rick Matus have made many changes to their 45-yearold Potomac home since they purchased it in 1998. This is not surprising, considering that they both work at Case Design/Remodeling in Bethesda, she as a project developer and he as a senior vice president.

Their first project was painting the orange-toned brick a pale green and adding black shutters and white trim.

The couple also pushed the recessed front door out a few feet and converted the deep side alcoves into concealed storage—paneled doors hide a milk delivery container on one side,

and sports equipment and shoes on the other. The new entry portal features a mix of materials, including a gabled roof that’s clad in standing seam brown metal, and a beadboard barrel vault ceiling that’s stained to match the new front door. Chunky brackets painted bright white support the structure.

The couple extended the stoop and built a slate patio, enclosed on one side by a curved stone wall that’s a great perch to sit on and chat with neighbors. Even the new mailbox at the curb has white brackets and a green painted panel. “The whole look is tied together, from the street to the house,” Susan says.

Bench

The Amalfi bench from Grandin Road comes in seven colors and sells for $229 (866-668-5962; www.grandinroad.com).

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exterior house photo courtesy case design/remodeling; Product photos all courtesy

Knocker

Baldwin’s ring knocker is available in 20 colors, including the oil-rubbed bronze shown here, for $119 through W.T. Weaver & Sons in Georgetown (202-333-4200; www.weaverhardware.com).

Lighting

The arts and crafts-inspired Harbor Collection wall lanterns flanking the portal are $359 each through Hinkley Lighting (866-3443875; ww.hinkleylightinglights.com).

Window Box

Find the black metal Living Accents deck planter for $25.99 at an Ace Hardware store, such as Strosniders in Bethesda (301-654-5688; www.strosniders.com).

Brackets

The steel brackets that support the new entry portal were covered with decorative cedar brackets and painted white. “You can buy a lot of decorative elements without having them customized,” Susan Matus says, “and they are not very expensive.” The Pro Wood Market smooth cedar brackets style #02T4 are $172.50 each (800-9155110; www.prowoodmarket.com).

Door

The entry door was customized with fulllength sidelights so the family dog can watch the action on the street. The Simpson Door Co. Craftsman Collection two-panel, threelite model in cherry is priced from $1,400 to $1,500 and available through Fisher Lumber in Rockville (301-424-6500; www.fisher lumber.com).

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Clean and Modern

This split- level Brick rambler in the Somerset neighborhood of Chevy Chase didn’t look like much when Cathi Davis and Frank Loversky bought it in 2007. But Davis liked the 1950s home’s modern bones and thought it had loads of potential.

She hired architect Lou Balodemas and showed him her collection of magazine clippings. “Most of the images had corrugated metal siding,” Davis says, “so that’s what we went with.” The material wraps the front of the house and continues several feet back on the sides, for a finished look. Deep roof

overhangs protect the metal from the elements. The remaining exposed brick was painted gray to blend in.

Balodemas used commercial-grade storefront windows to open up the front of the house and flood the dining room with natural light. “The living spaces are in the back of the house and quite private,” Davis says.

The custom front door was painted a bright, orange-red. The color is repeated on the trim, along with a dark purple. “I wanted an all silverygray house, then Lou suggested a pop of color,” Davis says.

Siding

The corrugated metal wall panels from Metal Sales Manufacturing Corp. are distributed locally by the Roof Center in Bethesda (301-656-9231; www.roofcenter. com). They are sold by the sheet, and priced at $2.50 per square foot.

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exterior house photo by anice hoachlander, hoachlander-davis photography; Product photos all courtesy

Garage door

The carport was enclosed to create a single-car garage, and it has an obscured laminated glass door. “When the lights are on, it really glows,” Davis says. Part of Clopay’s Avante Collection, the door starts at $3,000, installed, through Gaithersburg Garage Door Inc. (301-990-6200; www.gaithersburggaragedoor.com).

House numbers

These contemporary, dark aged-copper house numbers can be flush-mounted or installed for a floating effect. Find them for $8 each at The Home Depot in Bethesda (301-634-3726; www.homedepot.com).

Door Hardware

A stainless steel lever will never go out of style. Get the look with Omnia Industries D12012 mortise lockset, priced around $480 through Union Hardware in Bethesda (301-654-7810; www.unionhardware. com).

Mailbox

The simple vertical mailbox from Restoration Hardware doesn’t detract from the clean modern façade. It’s available in six finishes and priced from $62.50 to $89, online or through the store in Georgetown (202-625-2771; www.restorationhardware.com).

Paint

For accent colors, Davis chose C2 Paint in cayenne (C2-570) for the front door and blackberry (C2-773) for the trim. A gallon of exterior latex eggshell is $69.99 at www.c2paint. com or the Luu Color Center in Rockville (301-984-0066).

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exterior house photo by anice hoachlander, hoachlander-davis photography; Product photos all courtesy

Warm and Welcoming

Rather than leave the Brookmont neighborhood they’d called home for more than 20 years, Tracey and Bob Robison chose to raze their rambler and build a shingle-style house on the same spot. The challenge for architect Greg Wiedemann was to design a 5,900-square-foot house on a small lot that blended with the scale of the older, surrounding homes.

Wiedemann used a neutral pal-

ette and natural materials, including vertical v-groove siding on the first story and cedar shingles above. “We wanted a coastal New England look,” Bob Robison says. “A beach house, but not on the beach.” A porch was a must-have for the family of five, which uses the space to host friends and neighbors regularly. The partially recessed front porch adds character and reduces the perceived size of

the house. “From the street, it looks smaller than it is,” Bob says.

Architectural details such as the Juliet balcony, window box, and dentils along the gambrel roof add traditional character to the façade. Tidy landscaping and a winding path to the front door accentuate the homey, welcoming design. “We wanted a sense of permanence,” Robison says. “A house that the kids would want to come home to.”

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Address plaque The address plaque is positioned under the sconce to maximize visibility. Get the look with the Oakview cast aluminum address plaque from Frontgate for $109 to $265 (888-263-9850; www. frontgate.com).

Window box Similar to the custom wood window boxes on the Robisons’ home, Yorkshire window boxes are selfwatering and made of low maintenance PVC. Sold in lengths of 2 to 6 feet, they’re priced from $99.95 to $179.95 at Plow & Hearth in Rockville (301-984-0031; www. plowhearth.com).

French Doors

Lamppost

A handsome lamppost supplements the light from the porch, and the boxy design echoes the look of the columns. Good Directions’ Lazy Hill Farm Barrington 104-inch lantern post is very similar, and listed at $259.99 from Wayfair.com (877-929-3247). Lamp sold separately.

Two narrow French doors with sidelights provide views from the second story and add architectural interest to the front of the home. All of Marvin Windows and Doors’ Ultimate Swinging French doors are made to order, range from $3,250 to $3,800, and are available through Barrons Lumber in Gaithersburg (301-948-6600; www.barronslumber.com).

Pavers

Natural stone creates a graceful path to the front porch, and the retaining wall adds a layer of separation from the street.

Pennsylvania bluestone starts at about $10 per square foot at Carderock in Bethesda (301-365-2100; www.carderock.com).

Carolyn Weber lives in Silver Spring and frequently writes about architecture and home design.

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by the numbers

Data provided by

April’s Most Expensive

Home Sales Courtesy of Washington Fine Properties

20817 (Bethesda)

9053 Holly Leaf Lane List Price: $2.9 million Sale Price: $2.6 million Days on Market: 486 Listing Agent: Marsha Schuman, Washington Fine Properties Bedrooms: 7 Full/half baths: 8/2

Courtesy of Washington Fine Properties

Courtesy of Long & Foster Real Estate

20816 (Bethesda)

5708 Bent Branch Road List Price: $2.6 million Sale Price: $2.4 million Days on Market: 154 Listing Agent: Marc Fleisher, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 5/2

20815 (Chevy Chase)

4722 Dorset Ave. List Price: $4.3 million Sale Price: $4.2 million Days on Market: 19 Listing Agent: Lauren Davis, Washington Fine Properties Bedrooms: 6 Full/half baths: 5/1

20015 (Upper NW D.C.)

3724 Ingomar St. NW List Price: $1.6 million Sale Price: $1.63 million Days on Market: 0 Listing Agent: Erich Cabe, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Bedrooms: 7 Full/half baths: 4/1

20016 (Upper NW D.C.)

5520 Hawthorne Place NW List Price: $2.3 million Sale Price: $2.2 million Days on Market: 343 Listing Agent: Eric Murtagh, Evers & Company Real Estate Bedrooms: 6 Full/half baths: 5/1

20814 (Bethesda)

7809 Fairfax Road List Price: $2.15 million Sale Price: $1.95 million Days on Market: 162 Listing Agent: Wendy Faraji, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 3/1

20818 (Cabin John)

6710 Tomlinson Terrace List Price: $1.19 million Sale Price: $1.17 million Days on Market: 10 Listing Agent: Zorica Tomic, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 3/1

20832 (Olney)

4817 Chichester House Road List Price: $705,000 Sale Price: $705,000 Days on Market: 110 Listing Agent: Joseph Huff, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 4 Full/half baths: 2/1

20850 (Rockville) 13532 Cleveland Drive List Price: $1.15 million Sale Price: $1.15 million Days on Market: 7

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The Fleisher Group w/

Long & FosTer reaL esTaTe, Inc.

EXTRAORDINARY COUNTRY VILLA  PRESTIGIOUS RAPLEY COMMUNITY

Potomac. Welcome to this extraordinary sophisticated country villa impeccably designed by acclaimed architect, Michael Marshall, and constructed by award-winning Natelli Builders. This sensational home combines the finest top quality materials with expert workmanship and reflects the pride of ownership. From the spectacular Great Room with two-story custom wood beamed ceiling to the gourmet chef’s Kitchen with two separate islands to the custom-milled English Library with complex ceiling design and palladian picture window to the embassy size formal Living and Dining Rooms with dramatic volume ceilings and distinct fireplaces, no detail has been compromised in presenting this home of distinction. Complementing the first floor is a fabulous transitional Gallery/Foyer with European vaulted ceiling and exterior French doors as well as a luxurious Master Bedroom Suite with distinct fireplace and exotic hardwood floors. Further enhancing the home’s appeal are two upper level guest Bedroom Suites and a fully finished lower level complete with Recreation/Game Room, full service custom milled Bar, large Exercise Room/ Fifth Bedroom, Guest Bedroom, and two deluxe full baths. This very special home is beautifully sited on a half-acre lot featuring a large courtyard with designer pavers, multi-tiered flagstone terraces and breathtaking professional landscaping highlighted with specimen plantings and mature trees. Ideally located in the prestigious Rapley community within Avenel, this unique home presents an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for its future owners. Offered at $3,495,000.

thef leishergroup Marc Fleisher

www.thefleishergroup.com 202.364.5200 x 2927 (O) 202.438.4880 (C)

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by the numbers 20854 (Potomac)

Listing Agent: Arturas Lickunas, Keller Williams Realty Bedrooms: 4 Full/half baths: 3/1

20851 (Rockville)

5904 Saint Lo Ave. List Price: $425,000 Sale Price: $425,000 Days on Market: 211 Listing Agent: Abdul Chaudhry, Rehman Realty Bedrooms: 4 Full/half baths: 2/0

20852 (North Bethesda/Rockville) 11009 Rosemont Drive List Price: $1.15 million Sale Price: $1.15 million Days on Market: 5 Listing Agent: Nurit Coombe, RE/MAX 2000 Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 4/0

mASterWork

17909 Fraley Farm Road List Price: $859,900 Sale Price: $855,000 Days on Market: 229 Listing Agent: Ken Venkatesh, RE/MAX 2000 Bedrooms: 7 Full/half baths: 4/1

231 Bristol Downs Drive List Price: $450,000 Sale Price: $450,000 Days on Market: 161 Listing Agent: Ricardo Riley, RE/MAX Realty Group Bedrooms: 4 Full/half baths: 3/1

14704 Essington Road List Price: $769,000 Sale Price: $760,000 Days on Market: 11 Listing Agent: Lisa Johnson, Weichert Bedrooms: 4 Full/half baths: 3/0

Martins Addition. Dramatic floorplan & grand proportions on three finished levels.

Gorgeous 13,000+ sq ft lot w/ garden views. Walk to shops on Brookville Road.

Easy access to downtown Bethesda & DC. $2,700,000 Eric Murtagh 301.652.8971

20855 (Rockville)

20877 (Gaithersburg)

20853 (Rockville)

Selling

8741 Persimmon Tree Road List Price: $2.5 million Sale Price: $2.35 million Days on Market: 624 Listing Agent: Christopher Nagel, Rory S. Coakley Realty Bedrooms: 7 Full/half baths: 5/3

20878 (North Potomac/Gaithersburg) 13211 Query Mill Road List Price: $1.45 million

the

Sale Price: $1.4 million Days on Market: 616 Listing Agent: Zelda Heller, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 4 Full/half baths: 4/1

20879 (Gaithersburg)

7247 Antares Drive List Price: $689,000 Sale Price: $677,500 Days on Market: 43 Listing Agent: Kathy Byars, McEnearney Associates Bedrooms: 4 Full/half baths: 3/1

20882 (Gaithersburg)

7900 Windsor Knoll Lane List Price: $699,900 Sale Price: $660,000 Days on Market: 168 Listing Agent: Audrey Primozic, Weichert Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 4/1

20886 (Gaithersburg) 9702 Eclipse Place List Price: $548,500 Sale Price: $530,000 Days on Market: 175 Listing Agent: Deirdre Burrell, RE/MAX Realty Group

AreA’S FineSt ProPertieS

exCePtionAl oFFering

Bethesda.

Elegant new home by the Kelly Co w/ grand proportions & highend designer finishes. No detail overlooked. 5 BR, 4.5 BA. Scenic, peaceful street.

Walk to Metro. $1,649,000 Eric Murtagh 301.652.8971 Marina Krapiva 301.792.5681

viSit uS BetheSdA/Chevy ChASe 7032 WiSConSin Avenue Chevy ChASe, md 20815 301.656.1800

timeleSS treASure

Chevy Chase. Exceptionally well-renovated residence & seamless expansion w/ over 4,400 sq ft. Generous room sizes, open spaces & glorious light throughout. 4 BR, 4.5 BA, loft, office & patio. $ 1,295,000 Eric Murtagh 301.652.8971 Karen Kuchins 301.275.2255

SPlendid retreAt

Chevy Chase. Spacious home has LR w/ fp, formal DR, renovated kit, 4 BR, 3 BA, & screened porch w/panoramic views of the patio & lush natural backdrop. Near downtown Bethesda. $1,059,000 Eric Murtagh 301.652.8971 Karen Kuchins 301.275.2255

FriendShiP heightS 4400 JeniFer St nW WAShington, dC 20015 202.364.1700 WWW.everSCo.Com

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Deb Levy and Lisa Bennett

They say the kitchen is the hearT of the home‌ Trust your instincts when you find the right house.

Trust us to find the perfect mortgage financing to make the house your home.

Service | mortgage options | Local Bank | home Lending Team Deb Levy, Vice President/Senior mortgage Banker NMLS# 481255

| 202.292.1581 | deblevy@eaglebankcorp.com

Lisa Bennett, Loan Consultant NMLS# 482234

| 202.292.1582 | lbennett@eaglebankcorp.com

ReLocatioN SpeciaLiStS • We LeNd iN eveRy State

mD | DC | Va | www.debbielevy.com

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by the numbers Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 3/1

20895 (Kensington)

4537 Everett St. List Price: $1.25 million Sale Price: $1.2 million Days on Market: 112 Listing Agent: Debra Marko, Robert K. Wormald Inc. Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 4/1

20901 (Silver Spring)

20903 (Silver Spring)

13412 Windy Meadow Lane List Price: $623,000 Sale Price: $623,000 Days on Market: 204 Listing Agent: Spencer Stouffer, Miller and Smith Homes Bedrooms: 4 Full/half baths: 4/1

20910 (Silver Spring)

20904 (Silver Spring)

126 Hamilton Ave. List Price: $829,000 Sale Price: $829,000 Days on Market: 10 Listing Agent: Tamara Kucik, W.C. & A.N. Miller Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 4/1

240 Mowbray Road List Price: $850,000 Sale Price: $740,000 Days on Market: 102 Listing Agent: Zelda Heller, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 5/2

20902 (Silver Spring)

20905 (Silver Spring)

11110 Luttrell Lane List Price: $689,000 Sale Price: $665,000 Days on Market: 244 Listing Agent: Barbara Ciment, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 4/1

20906 (Silver Spring)

10512 Sweetbriar Parkway List Price: $449,500 Sale Price: $442,000 Days on Market: 81 Listing Agent: Jean Bourne-Pirovic, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 4/1

1111 Noyes Drive List Price: $895,000 Sale Price: $906,600 Days on Market: 8 Listing Agent: Elizabeth Brent, Keller Williams Capital Properties Bedrooms: 4 Full/half baths: 3/1

20912 (Silver Spring)

323 Reserve Gate Terrace List Price: $870,000 Sale Price: $870,000 Days on Market: 20 Listing Agent: Bonnie Sanger, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 4/1

Your dreams Your success Your life

500 Elm Ave. List Price: $599,000 Sale Price: $676,000 Days on Market: 6 Listing Agent: Elizabeth Brent, Keller Williams Capital Properties Bedrooms: 3 Full/half baths: 3/0 Note: Some sales and list prices have been rounded off.

Real estate counselors for exceptional properties.

888.907.6643 (Direct) 240.497.1707 (Office) ColeyReed@gmail.com www.ColeyReed.com ColeyReedHomes on

4457 MacArthur Blvd., NW, DC in The Palisades 206 July/August 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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by the numbers

Real Estate Trends (by zip code )

April 2014

April 2015

20015 (Upper NW D.C.) Number of Homes Sold 6 Average Sold Price $1.1 Mil. Average Days on Market 19 Above Asking Price 3 Below Asking Price 3 Sold Over $1 Million 3

April 2015

Number of Homes Sold 24 Average Sold Price $1.1 Mil. Average Days on Market 39 Above Asking Price 6 Below Asking Price 13 Sold Over $1 Million 10

37 $1.1 Mil. 78 15 19 19

20817 (Bethesda) 20 $1 Mil. 7 11 8 11

20016 (Upper NW D.C.) Number of Homes Sold 21 Average Sold Price $1.5 Mil. Average Days on Market 56 Above Asking Price 8 Below Asking Price 10 Sold Over $1 Million 15

April 2014

Number of Homes Sold 3 Average Sold Price $813,333 Average Days on Market 49 Above Asking Price 0 Below Asking Price 2 Sold Over $1 Million 1

April 2015

20854 (Potomac)

20818 (Cabin John) 20 $1.3 Mil. 55 14 6 12

April 2014 Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

41 39 $1 Mil. $934,254 57 66 12 12 18 22 11 9

20855 (Rockville) 1 $1.1 Mil. 10 0 1 1

Number of Homes Sold 4 7 Average Sold Price $506,475 $560,071 Average Days on Market 10 89 Above Asking Price 2 1 Below Asking Price 2 5 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

20812 (Glen Echo)

20850 (Rockville)

20877 (Gaithersburg)

Number of Homes Sold 2 0 Average Sold Price $1.2 Mil. N/A Average Days on Market 18 N/A Above Asking Price 0 N/A Below Asking Price 2 N/A Sold Over $1 Million 1 N/A

Number of Homes Sold 16 18 Average Sold Price $664,375 $718,995 Average Days on Market 19 36 Above Asking Price 3 4 Below Asking Price 13 11 Sold Over $1 Million 2 2

Number of Homes Sold 7 11 Average Sold Price $355,486 $364,045 Average Days on Market 93 58 Above Asking Price 2 2 Below Asking Price 3 8 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

20814 (Bethesda)

20851 (Rockville)

20878 (North Potomac/Gaithersburg)

Number of Homes Sold 6 11 Average Sold Price $382,917 $360,681 Average Days on Market 29 42 Above Asking Price 3 4 2 6 Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

Number of Homes Sold 32 32 Average Sold Price $727,447 $685,891 Average Days on Market 18 58 Above Asking Price 9 7 13 16 Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million 2 1

20852 (North Bethesda/Rockville)

20879 (Gaithersburg)

Number of Homes Sold 12 16 Average Sold Price $750,167 $663,813 Average Days on Market 25 26 Above Asking Price 4 5 Below Asking Price 6 9 Sold Over $1 Million 2 2

Number of Homes Sold 10 12 Average Sold Price $428,539 $417,041 Average Days on Market 68 40 Above Asking Price 1 4 Below Asking Price 6 7 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

20853 (Rockville)

20882 (Gaithersburg)

Number of Homes Sold 20 26 Average Sold Price $437,525 $470,969 Average Days on Market 39 47 Above Asking Price 8 7 Below Asking Price 8 12 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

Number of Homes Sold 13 11 Average Sold Price $560,346 $451,700 Average Days on Market 110 125 Above Asking Price 1 1 Below Asking Price 11 10 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

18 $1 Mil. 21 8 9 9

15 $1 Mil. 71 5 8 6

20815 (Chevy Chase) Number of Homes Sold 20 Average Sold Price $1.2 Mil. Average Days on Market 55 Above Asking Price 5 Below Asking Price 11 Sold Over $1 Million 7

24 $1.4 Mil. 63 9 12 16

20816 (Bethesda) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

13 $1 Mil. 10 8 5 7

21 $1.2 Mil. 60 6 13 8

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April 2014

April 2015

April 2014

April 2015

April 2014

April 2015

20886 (Gaithersburg)

20901 (Silver Spring)

20910 (Silver Spring)

Number of Homes Sold 7 10 Average Sold Price $430,429 $424,880 Average Days on Market 85 126 Above Asking Price 3 1 Below Asking Price 4 8 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

Number of Homes Sold 21 22 Average Sold Price $429,174 $473,450 Average Days on Market 25 46 Above Asking Price 7 9 Below Asking Price 9 9 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

Number of Homes Sold 8 21 Average Sold Price $506,250 $587,319 Average Days on Market 12 49 Above Asking Price 2 10 Below Asking Price 4 9 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

20895 (Kensington)

20902 (Silver Spring)

20912 (Silver Spring)

Number of Homes Sold 20 24 Average Sold Price $580,654 $645,600 Average Days on Market 29 59 Above Asking Price 6 6 Below Asking Price 10 14 Sold Over $1 Million 0 2

Number of Homes Sold 21 32 Average Sold Price $366,306 $381,495 Average Days on Market 69 38 Above Asking Price 9 14 Below Asking Price 11 13 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

Number of Homes Sold 12 16 Average Sold Price $413,156 $465,234 Average Days on Market 134 30 Above Asking Price 2 10 Below Asking Price 5 5 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

20896 (Garrett Park)

20905 (Silver Spring)

Number of Homes Sold 1 0 Average Sold Price $1.5 Mil. N/A Average Days on Market 138 N/A Above Asking Price 0 N/A Below Asking Price 1 N/A Sold Over $1 Million 1 N/A

Number of Homes Sold 14 12 Average Sold Price $489,796 $503,433 Average Days on Market 85 50 Above Asking Price 3 3 Below Asking Price 10 7 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

Information courtesy of MRIS as of May 15, 2015. Listing information should be independently verified. MRIS is real estate in real time™, enabling real estate professionals to list and sell more than $100 million in real estate each day in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia and markets in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. MRIS powers MRIShomes.com, the only real estate home search site in the Mid-Atlantic brought to you by the Multiple Listing Service. Visit MRIShomes.com or text MRIS2Go to 87778 to download the MRIS Homes™ app for real-time local listings. Note: Some sales and list prices have been rounded off.

Home

7735 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 700 Bethesda, Maryland

w w w . g t m a r c h i t e c t s . c o m BethesdaMagazine.com | July/August 2015 209

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Special Advertising Section

SHOWCASE Luxury condos, townhomes & Apartments

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Special Advertising Section

Apartments & Townhomes

Flats At Bethesda Avenue

courtesy of StonebridgeCarras, LLC

bio

7170 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, MD 20815 888-647-0476

StonebridgeCarras, LLC is a privately held real estate investment and development firm focused on high quality mixed-use projects – office, retail, residential and hotel – that realize the broad benefits of transit-oriented development in the Greater Washington/ Baltimore region. Major projects include The Flats and The Darcy at Bethesda and Woodmont Avenues, and Flats 8300 at Wisconsin Avenue and Battery Lane.

the project: The finishing touch on Bethesda is here – Flats at Bethesda Avenue. Discover apartment residences that offer a living experience that’s new and entirely distinctive. Our amenities – such as the sophisticated rooftop lounge, demonstration kitchen featuring guest chefs, naturally inspired courtyard with its quiet pathway to the Capital Crescent Trail and attentive concierge service – will have you feeling that you live in a private resort. With expansive, light-filled spaces, fine finishes, hardwood floors throughout and premium elfa® shelving, you’ll find our residences create a living environment that’s modern and refined.

Here, in Bethesda’s most prime location, shopping, gourmet dining, and entertainment are not only at your doorstep, they’re all right downstairs – including Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Paul Bakery, Chop’t, Silver and PassionFish. We invite you to see our finely designed and spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury apartment residences – and become part of a community unlike any other.

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Apartments & Townhomes

the Palisades of bethesda apartments & penthouses

bio

4835 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814 301-725-4723 | thepalisadesapts.net

Since 1965, the name Southern Management has been synonymous with quality, service and value. Whereas other companies may simply manage or own their apartment communities, Southern Management does both – assuring the highest standards in the business. It’s what makes us the leader in apartment home living, and your first choice when searching for the perfect community.

Step inside The Palisades of Bethesda and you are immediately surrounded by indescribable luxury and charming sophistication. Boasting a premier location on the corner of Cordell and Woodmont avenues, this beautiful high-rise promises a living experience far exceeding expectations. With free concierge services and all utilities included, The Palisades provides a perfect blend of convenience, comfort and customer service. Residents of The Palisades enjoy luxury without comparison. With sophisticated colors and contemporary wood and marble finishes, the lobby lounges and library resemble private clubs while the private fitness studio offers personal training in a windowed, spacious and bright facility – and no fees are charged for any of it. The Palisades is within walking distance of countless shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities, as well as the Bethesda and Medical Center/NIH Metro. These are just a few reasons The Palisades has established a reputation as one of the most coveted residential communities in the Metropolitan area.

courtesy of The palisades of bethesda

the property:

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Special Advertising Section

Apartments & Townhomes

Toll Brothers Hampden Row

bio

4915 Hampden Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814 301-718-6353 | HampdenRow.com

Toll Brothers City Living® is the urban development division of Toll Brothers, Inc., the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes.

Toll Brothers City Living brings the same quality, value and service familiar to our luxury home buyers throughout the country to some of the most dynamic urban markets, including Bethesda.

courtesy of Toll Brothers City Living®

the project: Located on a quiet corner in downtown Bethesda, just a short distance from Metro and the restaurants and shops of vibrant Bethesda Row, Hampden Row has been designed to achieve a new standard in luxury living, blending traditional design with modern touches for the way you live today. Hampden Row is a collection of 55 one- to threebedroom condominium residences that feature the latest appliances and finest luxury finishes. Many residences also include private outdoor space. The onsite amenities—including 24-hour attended lobby, parking and rooftop terrace—have been thoughtfully designed for convenience and to enhance a lifestyle of luxury.

Hampden Row is now selling and expected to deliver its first residences in late fall of 2016. Prices range from the mid-$400,000s to over $4 million. The Sales Gallery is located at 4912 Hampden Lane in The Shoppes of Bethesda.

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Apartments & Townhomes

4701 Willard bio

4701 Willard Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 888-825-1728 | 4701Willard@eqr.com

We are committed to providing you a home that fits your personal lifestyle. Equity Residential offers a broad and inspiring range of rental communities in the most sought-after cities in the country.

4701 Willard is a community we are proud to showcase.

“Spacious, inspiring and exciting” describe the newly renovated 4701 Willard. Located in Chevy Chase, 4701 Willard is just steps away from shopping, restaurants and an active nightlife scene. Discover the ultimate in sophisticated city living found in this vibrant neighborhood. Our newly renovated apartment homes have granite countertops, stainless steel energy-efficient appliances, beautiful wood flooring and generous closet space. Many apartments boast spacious sun rooms from which to enjoy spectacular views of the National Cathedral, Bethesda and much more.

Included in 4701 Willard’s impressive amenity package are an expansive clubroom, state-of-the-art fitness center, rooftop swimming pools, a tennis court and 24-hour full-service concierge.

Courtesy of Equity Residential

the project:

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Apartments & Townhomes

7770 Norfolk bio

7770 Norfolk Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814 Live7770Norfolk.com

Headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland, The JBG Companies is a private real estate investment firm that develops, owns and manages office, residential, hotel and retail properties. Since 1960, JBG has been active in the areas where it invests, striving to positively impact local communities.

courtesy of JBG

the project: 7770 Norfolk is a new highly appointed condominium situated in downtown Bethesda’s sought-after Woodmont Triangle. Designed by award-winning FXFOWLE Architects with interiors by internationally renowned firm Cecconi Simone, every element of this extraordinary condominium has been crafted to stand out and apart.

Home to a collection of unique residences, 17 soaring floors are topped off by a sweeping rooftop terrace, sprawling pool and outdoor living rooms with expansive, unparalleled views. With on-site amenities including a full-service concierge, private fitness center, sophisticated resident lounge and reserved garage parking, these residences feature finishes and amenities for five-star living at your own pace.

Superior living awaits. Claim one of the area’s most desirable neighborhoods as your own.

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Apartments & Townhomes

Octave 1320 bio

1320 Fenwick Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-320-8484 | Octave1320.com

Octave 1320, located two blocks from Metro and walkable to downtown Silver Spring, is being developed by ProMark Development.

ProMark’s Principals have been developing in Montgomery County for four decades and have a track record of successful and neighborhood changing projects. Design is by BKV Group. Sales by W.C. & A.N. Miller, a Long & Foster Company.

Octave 1320 offers one- and two-bedroom condominium homes in vibrant downtown Silver Spring. The condominiums are now selling, and the building is scheduled to deliver in the Fall of 2015. One bedrooms are priced from the low $200s and two bedrooms from the mid $300s.

Octave 1320 will feature 9’+ ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glass, and every home will have a walk-out balcony, Juliet balcony or terrace. Other sought-after design features include engineered wood floors, stainless steel appliances, all-wood cabinetry, and quartz countertops. Residents also will have use of a fitness room, an attended front desk, a rooftop Sky Lounge that can be rented out for private parties, and a roof deck offering 360-degree views reaching to downtown Bethesda. Octave 1320’s enviable location is just two blocks from Metro and residents will be able to walk to Whole Foods, Giant, the Fillmore, AFI Theater and a variety of restaurants.

Courtesy of Octave 1320

the project:

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Apartments & Townhomes

Potomac Highlands bio

Seven Locks Road, Potomac, MD 301-803-4800 | WinchesterHomes.com/Bethesda

By focusing on personalization and unique features, Bethesda-based Winchester Homes, a member of the TRI Pointe Group, has helped more than 11,000 families create their perfect home. This focus is backed by award-winning craftsmanship, sound environmental building and a commitment to charitable giving.

courtesy of Winchester Homes

the project: Winchester Homes is bringing the luxurious personalization of its Camberley townhomes to Potomac Highlands, a new community set to open spring 2016 in Potomac.

Potomac Highlands is an intimate enclave of just 23 exquisite townhomes located off Seven Locks Road. It’s minutes from Westfield Montgomery Mall and offers easy access to commuter routes like I-270 and I-495. Each home features three fully finished levels with a garage, starting from the low $1 millions.

The community borders the Cabin John Stream Valley Trail. Families will enjoy the tot lot and the beautiful park just across the street. And they’ll love sending their children to excellent Montgomery County schools.

To learn more about the unique luxury of Camberley townhomes and to be first to hear the latest news on Potomac Highlands, visit WinchesterHomes.com/Bethesda and sign up to be a Potomac Highlands VIP. BethesdaMagazine.com | July/August 2015 217

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Apartments & Townhomes

crown bio

10000 Fields Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 301-424-4141 | SmartUrbanLiving.com

Crown is inspired by innovation. With streets named for musicians, artists and writers, Crown offers a lifestyle like no other. Amenities include a pool/clubhouse, parks, trails and even a climbing wall.

Downtown Crown offers a grocer, shops and restaurants like Ted’s Bulletin and Coastal Flats – all within a short walk.

With unique floor plans and city features–like rooftop terraces with fireplaces–the homes at Crown are far from ordinary. Each of the five homebuilders at Crown has produced stunning designs not available anywhere else in the county.

It’s more than the gourmet kitchens, great rooms and private garages. There’s an innovative spirit that makes the homes at Crown fresh and exciting.

Four distinct neighborhoods mean a full range of home styles. Townhomes, ranging from 1,700 square feet to 3,360 square feet on four levels, are currently selling in Crown West. KB Home, M/I Homes and Pulte Homes are offering 3, 4 and 5-bedroom models. Ryland Homes is selling 3-bedroom condominium towns in Downtown Crown, ranging from 1,460 square feet to more than 2,320 square feet. And big news: Luxury custom builder Wormald Homes just opened their first model home in Crown West!

Crown is located just off I-270, minutes from the Shady Grove Metro station.

courtesy of crown

the property:

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BethMagBethesdaCondo_0715.pdf

1

6/3/15

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Urban Living at its Best!

301-530-HOME (4663)

BethesdaCondo.com

Enjoy Life.

Live Urban.

For 10 years, we've enjoyed urban living in the heart of Bethesda Row. We step outside our condo to Sunday Brunch, walk our grandkids to the park and library, slip into DC via Metro, have 18 movie screens within two blocks, shop the Farmer's Market, and browse the bookstore for the latest best sellers on the weekends!

Urban living adds hours of leisure time to our busy lives. But most importantly, it gets us out of the car and into our community.

C

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Come join us!

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Jane & David Fairweather

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Visit our website for what's new in the condo market and get into your community!

www.BethesdaCondo.com

Untitled-3 1

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Find a physician:

855-JHM-3939 jhmdc.org

Untitled-3 1 JHM_print_BethesdaMag_8.4.14.indd 3

When you’re looking for a primary care doctor, it’s all about accessibility— a physician who’s happy to take on new patients, is open to a variety of insurance plans and who’s connected to an exceptional network of specialists. It’s about giving you the best care, where you need it. As part of Johns Hopkins Medicine, Sibley Memorial Hospital, Suburban Hospital and Johns Hopkins Community Physicians are working together to give you more options for excellent primary care in the Washington, D.C. area.

Discover what’s possible.

6/4/15 8/4/14 5:21 4:29 PM

fitness. wellness. medicine.

photo by Ben Tankersley

health

Cabin John mom Eve Mills (right) co-founded the Montgomery County chapter of Girls on the Run, an afterschool self-esteem-building and fitness program. For more, see page 222.

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health | be well

off and running

Eve Mills wanted to help girls get healthy and build confidence. Along the way, she found a passion of her own.

By Kathleen Seiler Neary | Photo By Ben Tankersley

Nine years ago, Cabin John resident Eve Mills was looking for a branch of Girls on the Run (GOTR), an after-school self-esteem-building and fitness program for girls in grades 3-8, for her two daughters. When she found that the nonprofit didn’t have a Montgomery County chapter, she helped start one. “I wanted my girls to hear about these life lessons not only from me as a mom, but from other adult role models,” Mills says.

Volunteer coaches—mostly teachers, moms and running enthusiasts— lead small classes twice a week for 10 weeks, weaving in running games and stretches while they talk about topics such as healthy eating, bullying, gossiping and body image. Each season ends with a 5K run (3.1 miles) that starts at Westfield Montgomery mall. This past May, there were 5,000 participants—2,500 girls from 115 public and private schools in the county, plus a grown-up “buddy runner” for each.

“One of my favorite topics is getting rid of self-talk. The girls write on paper something that goes through their mind that’s negative,” says Mills, 49. “They crumple it up, run a lap and then they throw it in a box.”

In 2013, Mills, now director of operations for GOTR of Montgomery County, started a coed running club at Bethesda’s Thomas W. Pyle Middle School, where her younger daughter just finished eighth grade (she also has a son). She’s been so inspired by GOTR that in 2006, at the age of 41, she decided to enter the Marine Corps Marathon. She thought she’d do just one marathon, but found it so exhilarating that she ran another. And another.

Then it was on to ultrarunning, mountaineering and rock climbing. She’s run across the Grand Canyon and summited 14,411-foot Mount Rainier.

After co-founding Girls on the Run of Montgomery County, Eve Mills, who recently broke her arm, decided to enter her first marathon.

Kathleen Seiler Neary, who lives in Kensington, is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in The Washington Post and Parenting, among other publications.

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Eve Mills ON

the power of running Girls just want to have fun

Teamwork

“The girls have a goal of a 5K. They run at their own pace and their own distance, playing games. So they hardly realize they’re running, but they are getting some exercise, and they’re using that to reinforce the lesson of the day.”

The Fab 40s

“Any time you start exercising is good, but if you wait too long, stuff falls apart.

Sometimes you haven’t been able to because you’re busy with kids. I feel like the 40s is an opportunity to reset, get back on the track of taking care of yourself.”

“The younger girls look up to the older girls. And the older girls like to mentor the younger girls, so they really create a team.

There’s the feeling of being part of something bigger than themselves. Our goal [at the 5K] is to have them cross the finish line. We don’t time the race—it’s not about speed. And they have a celebration after.”

Running with friends

“It’s very social. When I tell people that, they say, ‘How can you talk and run?’ You should be able to run at a pace that you can have a conversation. And that’s what I tell the kids when I train them, too. If you’re not talking, you’re not breathing.

And you’re working too hard.”

The 5K finish line

“A lot of them run with their parents and like to run out ahead of their parents at the last couple of steps. The pride on the parents’ faces is unbelievable.”

“To me, there’s a certain amount that’s a good pain.

You know when it’s a sharp pain. You know when it’s a serious injury. But if it’s just soreness from what you enjoy doing? Then you just keep doing it.”

“

Starting young

“

Aches and pains

“It’s never too soon. They’re so impressionable, and they’re not at that point quite yet where they’re embarrassed about things like speaking up. And the conversations become very lively. Everybody has something to say.”

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health

Michael Liu and son Nathan.

Heather Von Kurtze and her daughter, Alexandra Hofacre

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Sa ved by a Stranger Heather Von Kurtze (left) and her daughter, Alexandra, were at a playground when Michael Liu, an avid runner, stopped by with his son, Nathan, and collapsed suddenly.

When Michael Liu went into cardiac arrest at a Rockville park, a woman he’d never met called 911 and then started chest compressions—something anyone can learn how to do

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S

Sitting on his living room couch in shorts and a T-shirt, Michael Liu looks good for someone whose heart stopped beating last year. The 32-year-old’s sinewy legs and lean torso are more like those of an athlete than a cardiac patient.

But on May 14, 2014, he came within seconds of dying.

It was a Wednesday afternoon, and Liu—a patent examiner for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office who teleworks from his Rockville home—went for a run with his son, Nathan, who was in a stroller.

A veteran of four marathons, Liu was running 5 miles almost every day. He usually stopped midway through his route to let Nathan, then 22 months, play in a park.

Liu remembers nothing from that day, but Rockville residents Heather Von Kurtze and her daughter, Alexandra Hofacre, do. Von Kurtze had picked up 9-year-old Alexandra from school and gone to College Gardens Park, where she sat on a bench and worked while the fourth-grader played.

A cool mist fell on the playground, keeping the crowds away. Von Kurtze and Alexandra were alone when Liu arrived with Nathan and collapsed suddenly, falling face down onto the ground just a few yards away.

Although the terms are often

used interchangeably, sudden cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack.

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating properly and blood no longer supplies oxygen and other nutrients to the heart, brain, kidneys and other organs.

It is often the result of a heart attack— a blockage of a coronary artery that can cause heart muscle tissue to die—but there are other causes as well. The American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that more than 325,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital in the United States each year. Risk factors include cardiovascular disease or a fam-

ily history of cardiac arrest. Men are two to three times more likely than women to suffer from sudden cardiac arrest.

In most cases, the heart’s electrical activity does not cease completely.

Instead, the heart’s electrical pathways go awry—the cells are still firing, but in a disorganized, chaotic pattern that doesn’t allow the muscle to contract. An electrical shock, or defibrillation, can stop the aberrant activity, and often the heart will resume beating. Without that jolt, the lack of blood flow will almost certainly be fatal within minutes.

Liu still doesn’t know why his heart stopped that afternoon. When a healthy and athletic person in his 30s suffers sudden cardiac arrest, experts say, heart attacks often are not the cause. There were no known heart problems in Liu’s family. Doctors found no blockages or clots in his coronary arteries, and he hadn’t used cocaine or other drugs sometimes linked to cardiac events.

Sometimes the heart stops and no one can figure out why. It can be due to genetic abnormalities that aren’t visible on electrocardiograms, or medications that make people more susceptible to abnormal heart rhythms, according to cardiologists.

Liu went into cardiac arrest while he was running, something he did all the time without difficulty. Looking back, he says, there were signs over the past few years that something might have been wrong.

He had felt light-headed a few times while running or playing basketball, but those episodes passed quickly.

“Fainting during exercise, while playing basketball for example, has a much worse prognosis than fainting that occurs while someone’s not exercising,” says Dr. Eric Lieberman, a cardiologist with Johns Hopkins Community Physicians Heart Care in Rockville. “A person who faints while getting their blood drawn or at rest, that’s not associated with an increased risk of cardiac arrest. [But] if there’s a his-

Bethesda resident David Belkin went into cardiac arrest while playing basketball eight years ago. Another player, who happened to be an emergency physician, started CPR and sent others to look for an automated external defibrillator. “You do kind of live your life thinking about how precious life is—because you never know,” Belkin says.

tory of losing consciousness during exercise—that should be evaluated.”

Liu went to his cardiologist after his near-fainting spells. The doctor performed EKGs and a stress test, but saw nothing that concerned him.

David Belkin, a longtime Bethesda resident, doesn’t recall any symptoms or warning signs before his cardiac arrest. He remembers waking up on a basketball court at Lakeside Elementary School in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, thinking that he had passed out.

He was embarrassed, and didn’t want to interrupt the pickup basketball game that his son-in-law had brought him to

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David Belkin

him once. Within seconds, he woke up.

More than eight years later, Belkin continues to play softball and tennis regularly, but his wife won’t let him play basketball. He also serves on the board of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving survival rates through public outreach and education. “You do kind of live your life thinking about how precious life is—because you never know,” says Belkin, who still doesn’t know what caused his cardiac arrest. He celebrates what he calls his “second birthday” every year on the anniversary of the incident.

T h e r e w e r e n o d o ct o r s

near his family’s vacation home.

“I felt a little nauseous and dizzy, and I figured, OK, I just was dehydrated, I collapsed, I’m fine—just take me over to the bench,” says Belkin, a consultant to nonprofit organizations. “That’s when they told me that my heart stopped, and I said, ‘Come on, you’re crazy.’ ” An ambulance arrived minutes later, but Belkin actually had an emergency physician to thank for his survival.

Roman Matlaga, a regular at the Sunday morning game, usually has nurses, EKG monitors and other equipment when he treats a patient in cardiac arrest, but in this case, his quick actions on the court are the reason Belkin can sit in his East

Bethesda home with his wife, Ellen, and talk about the events of February 2007, just days after his 65th birthday.

When Belkin fell to the court just after nailing a fadeaway jump shot—“A shot that I don’t usually make,” he says—Matlaga raced to him. Unable to feel a pulse, the physician started CPR. He also told the other players that the school probably had an automated external defibrillator—better known as an AED—and sent them to find it.

A few minutes later, with the help of a school janitor and congregation members gathered for Sunday services at a nearby church, the AED pads were on Belkin’s chest, and the machine shocked

around at College Gardens Park. Liu’s guardian angel was Von Kurtze—if she and Alexandra had decided to skip the park that afternoon, Liu may not have survived.

“There’s a gentleman who was jogging with a baby. He came over and collapsed just a few seconds ago,” Von Kurtze told Jeff Purcell, the 911 dispatcher at the Montgomery County Emergency Communications Center. Purcell stayed on the line with her for the next five minutes, asking questions and providing instructions.

Von Kurtze told Purcell that Liu was lying on his stomach with his eyes open, but he was not responding. Purcell asked her to roll him onto his back to see if he was breathing. “I don’t feel breaths coming from him,” Von Kurtze said. “His lips are blue.”

“Heather, you need to start doing CPR right now,” Purcell said.

Von Kurtze, a voice-over artist, had taken a CPR class nearly a decade earlier. But she had never performed chest compressions on a real person, and had never faced a situation like the one she confronted that day not far from her King Farm home.

“Put the heel of your palm in the cen-

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ter of his chest right between his nipples,” Purcell said. His tone was reassuring and assertive. “Put the other hand on top of that hand. Pump the chest hard and fast at least twice per second. You need to let the chest come all the way up in between pumps. You need to count out loud.”

He began counting with her. “One, two, three, four,” she said, short of breath.

“One and two and three and four.”

Finally, after what seemed to Von Kurtze like an eternity but was actually only a few minutes, paramedics arrived. Von Kurtze and her daughter stepped back and let them work. They entertained Nathan, who sat calmly in the stroller while his father lay on the ground nearby. After several minutes, firefighters placed Liu in an ambulance and left the scene. Von Kurtze and her daughter went home, wondering for weeks whether Liu had survived.

A s a pa ra m e d i c, I like to think

that I help people, sometimes even saving patients who were on the brink of death. But while paramedics often get the chance to make a difference in someone’s life, it’s rare that we have patients literally seconds from death who go on to have long and productive lives because of our treatment. Sudden cardiac arrest

can be one of those cases, but even then, the interventions performed by EMS and hospital staff often only work thanks to the actions of bystanders.

For many years, CPR was regarded as solely the realm of lifeguards, paramedics and nurses. Although others received training—often in school or baby-sitting classes—few people who suffered cardiac arrest received CPR before first responders arrived. Paramedics, once on the scene, performed chest compressions and defibrillated, but we also quickly inserted breathing tubes, started IVs, and administered medications. The body of research on cardiac arrest was limited, and medical treatments often were based on scientific theory rather than scientific evidence.

Cardiac arrest survival rates throughout most of the nation have been stagnant, hovering at around 10 percent for half a century, research shows. But in the last decade, a shift has occurred as medical researchers have found new ways to study cardiac arrest, and some communities are demonstrating improved survival rates.

The interventions most associated with survival were found to be early defibrillation and early and continuous chest compressions, while the effec-

“There’s a gentleman who was jogging with a baby,” Heather Von Kurtze told the 911 dispatcher. “He came over and collapsed.”

tiveness of some of the more advanced procedures—intravenous medications, breathing tubes—hasn’t yet been demonstrated. The AHA and other groups began advocating “hands-only CPR” instruction for the public for two reasons: people feared contracting infectious diseases and didn’t want to perform mouthto-mouth breathing, and the chest compressions seemed to be more critical to survival. When people who were walking and talking suddenly collapsed in cardiac arrest, they had oxygen in their bodies that could last several minutes, much like when you hold your breath underwater. They just needed that oxygenfilled blood to be circulated throughout their bodies; chest compressions could perform that role. And anyone could be taught to do chest compressions.

Dave Hedrick felt a little rundown and hot before going to the Silver Spring YMCA on July 19, 2005, but he assumed that was because he had been outside most of the day. Hedrick, then an employee of the Montgomery County Parks Department, had attended a picnic in Cabin John Regional Park in sweltering heat and humidity. But he and his wife, Patsy, also a parks department employee, were committed to their exercise routines. The last thing Hedrick remembers is stepping onto the treadmill.

“As probably 99 percent of the dummies in the world don’t do, I didn’t put that little monitor thing on that stops the treadmill,” he says. “I was a walker.”

During his walk, a blood clot in a coronary artery cut off the oxygen supply to part of Hedrick’s heart. The heart attack caused his heart to stop beating, and he lost consciousness.

“The next thing I knew, I woke up at Adventist Hospital in Takoma Park and my wife was saying, ‘OK, be calm. You had a heart attack.’ I remember thinking to myself, ‘No I didn’t. I didn’t have one of those,’ ” he says with a laugh in his Silver Spring home, nearly a decade later. When

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Dave Hedrick still carries a list of the names of the people who helped save his life when he collapsed at the Silver Spring YMCA in 2005. If it weren’t for them, he says, he wouldn’t be enjoying walks and baseball games with his wife, Patsy.

he woke up in the hospital, Hedrick had burns on his face from the treadmill—“It looked like somebody had taken sandpaper to the side of my face,” he says—but he knew he was lucky to be alive.

Hedrick, now 64, searches his wallet for a list of names that he still carries: the neighbor who helped pull him from the treadmill to the floor, the YMCA lifeguard—only 16 at the time—who helped perform CPR and assisted with an AED. “I heard that she had gone home and worried that she didn’t do things right,” Hedrick says, his eyes welling with tears. But if the neighbor, lifeguard and others who helped Hedrick at the gym that day hadn’t acted as they did, he says, he wouldn’t be going for walks with Patsy and enjoying Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts baseball games on summer evenings.

Vo n K u rtz e h a d similar concerns after the incident with Liu. Was there more she could have done? Did she help save a life or simply witness a man’s death? She had no way of knowing what happened next. She and Alexandra didn’t even know Liu’s name—when the ambulance doors closed, they assumed they would never see him again. Privacy laws prevent health care workers from providing information about a patient, and Von Kurtze didn’t know if she should even try to seek it out.

While Von Kurtze, her daughter, and first responders were scrambling to save Liu, his wife, Mary, was relaxing at home just a mile away. She cherished the times when her husband took Nathan for a run and she could relax for a few minutes alone. Mary knew those moments would become even more rare

in the future. She was 11 weeks pregnant. She and Liu, who met at church, had only recently told a few friends.

The police used Liu’s phone to call Mary, but couldn’t reach her because she had left her phone downstairs in their King Farm town house. She found out something was wrong when an officer came to her front door and told her she needed to pick up her son at the park because her husband had been taken to the hospital. The officer reassured her that Nathan was OK—police officers were entertaining him with YouTube videos—but he had no details about her husband’s condition.

At the hospital, she learned that her husband had been defibrillated several times, that his heart was now beating on its own, and that he had even started breathing on his own—a good sign. But doctors said he probably had been in cardiac arrest for about 10 minutes, and it only takes a few minutes without oxygen for brain cells to begin dying.

Liu remained in a medically-induced coma in the intensive care unit at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center as the staff initiated the hypothermia protocol. Recent studies have shown that there may be a beneficial effect to lowering the body temperature of a cardiac arrest victim in the first day or two after the incident.

“It’s been nothing short of miraculous,” Lieberman says of the impact of inducing hypothermia on cardiac arrest survivors.

During the hypothermia treatment, patients are kept heavily sedated to prevent seizures and other side effects.

Because of the sedation, doctors cannot tell for days whether a cardiac arrest survivor’s brain will function normally when—or if—that person wakes up.

“At that point, I knew that it looked… really, really, really bad,” Mary says. Doctors wouldn’t commit to a prognosis, telling her they would have to wait and see.

That Friday, 48 hours after Liu collapsed

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in the park, his family started to realize that he might never wake up.

“That was probably the worst night for all of us,” she says. “I was preparing to live life without him.” A friend recommended that Mary consider naming her baby after Michael.

Throughout the weekend, Liu showed minimal signs of life, biting his breathing tube when the sedation began to wear off.

But he still wasn’t stable enough to wake up, forcing further sedation. His kidneys were failing, he developed lung problems, and he looked yellow and bloated. Finally, on Tuesday, May 20, after six nights of sitting vigil, Liu’s friends and relatives received their first piece of good news: An EEG scan of his brain showed activity—the initial indication that Liu was not brain dead. The next day, his neurologist told Mary that he graded Liu’s brain activity as a three out of five. “Not great, but not bad,” Mary recalls thinking.

Then, an MRI surprised everyone when the results indicated no signs of brain damage. And on Saturday, when his doctors tried weaning him off sedation, Liu woke up. He doesn’t remember his first words, but he recalls being annoyed that his family kept asking if he knew who they were. Of course he did, he says. What he didn’t know was why he was in the hospital. At first, his family told him it was pneumonia—not technically a lie, as that illness had appeared on the list of complications Liu experienced—because they didn’t want to cause too much stress.

A cardiologist later told Liu that his heart had stopped beating normally for an unknown reason and that without CPR and defibrillation, he would have died. The doctor said Liu could go back to his normal routine after he recovered, but first he would need to have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) surgically placed next to his heart.

An ICD recognizes when the heart experiences an abnormal rhythm and delivers a shock—hopefully averting cardiac arrest and restoring a normal heartbeat.

Michael Liu’s wife, Mary, gave birth to the couple’s daughter, Mikayla, six months after she nearly lost her husband.

Liu was also advised to find a running partner, someone who could get help if he were to collapse again. He could not believe what he was hearing.

Several weeks after the incident, Von Kurtze received a call from a Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service official asking if she would come to a press conference at Travilah Fire Station 32 on Darnestown Road in Rockville, where she and Alexandra would be honored for their efforts to save Michael Liu, who also would be there.

“When she called me on the phone, I started to cry,” Von Kurtze says. It was the first time she had heard that Liu survived—and that he was OK.

On Aug. 28, Liu and his wife met with Von Kurtze, her daughter and several of the responders who had helped save his life. It was his 32nd birthday. “I’m so touched to know that…I have a second chance at life and a second lease on life with my family,” Liu told television news crews.

Three months later, he and Mary were back at Shady Grove hospital, this time to celebrate the birth of their daughter, Mikayla. n Michael S. Gerber is a writer and consultant in Washington, D.C., and volunteers as a paramedic with the BethesdaChevy Chase Rescue Squad. To comment on this story, e-mail comments@bethesda magazine.com.

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Being there Staff members at Suburban Hospital are volunteering their time to ensure that no patient dies alone

By amy reinink | photos by michael ventura

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Patricia Gabriel, a clinical nurse educator at Suburban Hospital, volunteers with the No One Dies Alone program, which provides dying patients with a companion in their final hours.

Patricia Gabriel was sit ting at her desk at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda one day last year when an email popped up in her inbox: A patient was dying. Could anyone come and sit with him?

Gabriel, a Bethesda resident who serves as a clinical nurse educator for the hospital’s emergency, trauma and pediatrics units, scanned the open time slots for sitting with the patient and noticed one in the late afternoon.

In the fall of 2013, she’d signed up as a volunteer with No One Dies Alone (NODA), a national program that aims to provide dying patients with a companion in their final hours

if they don’t have family or friends nearby. Though many nurses and other clinicians volunteer with the program, the role doesn’t involve medical care. Instead, volunteers promise to bear witness to a patient’s final moments. They read to the person or play music. Sometimes they are silent, simply holding the patient’s hand.

Gabriel, whose children are grown, didn’t have to be anywhere after work that day, so she replied to the email, saying she would report to the patient’s room that afternoon. She knew nothing about the man she was going to see, aside from the fact that he was just days or hours from death.

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being there

When Mary Aguilera-Titus (left), a massage therapist at Suburban, told hospital chaplain Barbara McKenzie about No One Dies Alone, McKenzie loved the idea but wondered if employees would volunteer their free time to help. They did.

Suburban Hospital chapl ain Barbara McKenzie’s phone rings during the week whenever a doctor or nurse determines that a patient is very close to dying. At night or on weekends, McKenzie; Mary Aguilera-Titus, who was instrumental in bringing the program to Suburban; and chief nursing officer Barbara Jacobs receive notice via pagers. Then one of them sends an email to NODA volunteers, such as Gabriel, and builds a round-the-clock visiting schedule based on the responses.

“If there’s a longer projection of death, we do work on moving the patient out of the hospital and into a hospice facil-

ity,” Jacobs says. “NODA really works with patients who we believe will die fairly soon. And this is one area of medicine where we’re really playing a guessing game. Often, our best guesses are not right, which can make it hard for a patient’s family.”

In some situations, the patient’s relatives live far away and can’t be there; other times, the patient is alone in the world and never receives any visitors. Volunteers sat with one Suburban patient, a man in his mid-50s, so his wife could get home at mealtimes to feed the couple’s kids. In another case, the wife of an elderly patient was having trou-

ble getting to and from the hospital to see him—they didn’t have family in the area—so NODA volunteers stayed with the man when she couldn’t be there. One morning, Aguilera-Titus sat with him for a few hours, then another volunteer came on her lunch break. When the man’s wife arrived, Aguilera-Titus checked in on her throughout the afternoon. The man died later that day.

“We had a lovely interaction with his wife, who was so grateful,” says AguileraTitus, who lives in Silver Spring. “It was just the two of them—they didn’t have a big circle of supporters around them. We became that circle for her.”

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An email popped up in Patricia Gabriel’s inbox one day last spring: A patient was dying. Could anyone sit with him?

A nurse named Sandra Clarke founded NODA in 2001, after an experience she had with a patient at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene, Oregon. The patient was one of seven people Clarke was caring for that night. He was elderly, ill and had a “Do Not Resuscitate” order.

He asked if Clarke would stay with him, and she assured him that she would sit with him as soon as she checked on her other patients. By the time she returned, he was dead. “I felt awful,” Clarke wrote the following year in Supportive Voice, the newsletter of Supportive Care of the Dying: A Coalition for Compassionate Care. “It was okay for him to die, as it

was his time—but not alone.”

Aguilera-Titus, a massage therapist at Suburban who volunteers for Montgomery Hospice and often works with terminally ill patients, had heard about the NODA program while taking a course in 2009 on being a companion for the dying, and thought it could serve an unmet need. She brought the idea to Suburban in 2011; Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring also has NODA volunteers.

McKenzie loved the idea. As chaplain, the Burtonsville resident is accustomed to being with patients in their final hours.

But she wasn’t sure how many hospital staffers would be interested in volunteering. She wondered if nonclinical workers would be comfortable around death. And she wasn’t sure if clinicians would be able to turn off their instinct to treat or help patients—or if employees would be willing to fit another obligation into their busy schedules.

She floated the idea in meetings and put a notice in Suburban’s in-house newsletter. Roughly 30 employees went through the daylong training session to become volunteers. Nineteen of those employees came from nonclinical departments, she says, including information technology (IT), food services and human resources.

NODA volunteers companioned their first dying patient in February 2013, and have sat with 15 patients since then.

“Part of my job is being a witness to important life milestones,” McKenzie says. “We’re always with another person at the beginning of our lives. I believe it’s important to bear witness when someone is transitioning and passing on, too.”

N O DA vo l u n t e e r s usually know very little about the patients they sit with, often nothing more than a first name or initials. They say it’s irrelevant—their job is to be with the patient, not to get caught up in the person’s past. That was the case for Gabriel when she left her desk on the first floor of Suburban Hospital last spring and walked upstairs to meet her patient in his private hospital room. The elderly man couldn’t speak or open his eyes, as is the case with most patients NODA companions. Gabriel sat down and introduced herself. “I told him that I was there to be a support to him so he would have someone with him on his journey,” she says.

It was a warm, sunny afternoon, and Gabriel described the view from his room in detail. “It’s a beautiful day.

There’s a blue sky,” she said. “The sun is shining. There are leaves on the trees.”

Then she reached into the bag of materials that NODA provides for volunteers: An MP3 player with various musical choices, books of poetry, and spiritual readings from multiple faiths.

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She played classical music at first, but after a few minutes she turned on big band tunes, thinking that the patient probably had been a teenager in that era.

The television was on a channel showing waves crashing on a shoreline. The room was a comfortable 70 degrees. Gabriel noticed that it felt calm and peaceful.

She sat by the man’s bedside and held his hand. “It has always been my practice to talk to patients, whether they’re responsive or not, and I do think that there was a perceptible relaxation of his body when I first spoke to him,” she says. The man died the following day, with another volunteer by his side.

Gabriel, a nurse for 40 years, says she has seen plenty of patients face their final moments alone. “In health care, you’re always being pulled in many different directions,” she says. “There are patients who want you to stay with them, and the best you can usually do is to say that you’ll make it back as soon as you can.”

During the NODA orientation, volunteers learn about their duties as “compassionate companions.” They’re told that they can read to patients, play soft music for them, and light an electric candle.

They also learn what death looks, sounds and smells like, such as the “air hungry” gasps a dying patient may experience. Volunteers say that far from being frightening or sad, the experience of sitting with a patient feels peaceful and sacred, a time when the world stops as they behold something important and special.

“I think when we stop and sit with someone, especially an individual you know precious little about, you’re kind of enveloped in the mystery of this person and of this life,” Aguilera-Titus says.

For many, the desire to volunteer stems from a personal experience with death. Gabriel’s father died when she was a teenager. Other family members were home, but no one was in the room with him at the moment he passed.

Aguilera-Titus lost her father 12 years

Milton Alcazar, a service desk analyst for Suburban’s IT department, sat with a dying patient for the first time last fall, reading to the man and holding his hand.

ago, and two of her sisters died of breast cancer in the summer of 2006.

“It’s one thing to know on an intellectual level that death is a part of life,” she says.

“It’s another when your world gets turned upside down by personal grief and loss.

Every time I’m with a patient, I stop and think: This is someone’s loved one, and is just as important as my own loved ones.”

Milton Alcazar, a service desk analyst for Suburban Hospital’s IT department, lost his father in December 2013. His mother and sister were present for what they said was a peaceful passing, and Alcazar traveled to Bolivia for his father’s burial.

Still, the regret of missing his father’s death weighed on him. “Even though I know it’s not possible to make up for the moment when I was not there for my father, I felt like volunteering to be there for someone else’s family member would be a good thing to do,” he says.

The first time Alcazar sat with a patient, one evening after work last fall, he found himself with an elderly man who seemed restless. Alcazar had been reading Scripture, but he stopped and laid his hand on the man’s shoulder. “When I did that, he took a deep breath and got very

calm,” Alcazar says. “I think that’s when he knew that somebody was with him, and I think it made him feel more at ease.”

Alcazar spent the rest of his two-hour shift reading to the man in a quiet voice, and reassuring him by holding his hand.

“It made me feel very close to him,” he says.

When the next volunteer showed up to relieve him, Alcazar didn’t want to leave.

“I really just wished I could be there with him longer,” he says. On his hourlong drive home to Centreville, Alcazar didn’t listen to music like he usually does. He drove in silence, he says, his mind lingering on moments from throughout the night: what it felt like to lay his hand on the man’s shoulder, the sound of the man sighing in what seemed like peace. When Alcazar arrived at work the next day, he learned that the man had died early that morning.

“It makes you stand back and look at how precious life really is,” Alcazar says.

“It was humbling.” n Amy Reinink is a frequent contributor to the magazine who also writes for Runner’s World and other outdoor publications. To comment on this story, email comments@ bethesdamagazine.com.

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Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad founding members circa 1940.

A lot has changed in 75 years.

Craig Pernick Chevy Chase resident since 1990 Volunteer EMT since 2004

Our dedication to this community has not.

More than 75 years ago, members of the community came together to ensure their neighbors had help during times of crisis. Since then, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad has become worldrenowned for the thousands of hours of training its dedicated responders go through each year and the high-tech, sophisticated equipment it brings to each emergency. But one thing hasn’t changed: The commitment of the BethesdaChevy Chase Rescue Squad to the community we serve.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors for 75 Years. bccrs.org 301.652.0077 5020 Battery Ln., Bethesda, MD 20814 @BCCRS facebook.com/BCCRS

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health

wellness

calendar Compiled by Cindy Murphy-Tofig

diabetes. Adventist HealthCare Washington Adventist Hospital, Takoma Park. Registration required. Call 301-891-6105 to register. www.adventisthealthcare.com.

July 7 and Aug. 4 THYROID CANCER SUPPORT GROUP. 6:30 p.m. For patients, caregivers, family members and friends. Aquilino Cancer Center, Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, Rockville. www.adventisthealthcare.com.

July 14, July 28, Aug. 11 and Aug. 25 ALL CANCERS/CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP. 12:30 p.m. For patients, survivors, family members, caregivers and friends.

Aquilino Cancer Center, Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, Rockville. Call 301-634-7500 to register for orientation before attending the group. www.adventisthealthcare.com.

RUNNING/WALKING July 4 AUTISM SPEAKS 5K. The race is presented by Autism Speaks, an autism advocacy organization. Proceeds go toward funding research and increasing awareness of autism. 8 a.m.; a 1-mile walk starts at 8:10 a.m. Potomac Library parking lot, Potomac. $40 (June 1-July 3); $45 on race day; $20 for ages 14 and younger. www.autismspeaks5k.org.

July 10 MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S MILE. 7 p.m. This one-mile race will be run in heats, based on your expected time. Rockville High School, Rockville. $10 for 18 and older; $5 younger than 18; free for members of Montgomery County Road Runners Club. www.mcrrc.org.

July 18 DARCARS ROCKVILLE ROTARY TWILIGHT RUNFEST. 8:45 p.m. The annual race will include an 8K (just under 5 miles) and a 1K or 2-mile family fitness run/walk.

The family run/walk begins at 8 p.m. The fee for the 8K is $34 through June 7; $39 from June 8-July 17. The family fitness run/walk is $12. www.rockvilletwilighter.org.

July 26 TWINBROOK STROKE & STRIDE. 7:30 a.m. This inaugural aquathlon includes a 350-meter swim and a 3-mile run. Register as an individual or as part of a relay team.

Twinbrook Swimming Pool, Rockville. $60; $105 for a relay team. www.triitnow.com.

Aug. 22 EASTERN COUNTY 8K AND FUN RUN. 7:30 a.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Silver Spring. $10 for 18 and older; $5 younger than 18; free for members of Montgomery County Road Runners Club. www.mcrrc.org.

SUPPORT GROUPS Support groups are free unless otherwise noted.

July 2 and Aug. 6 BLOOD CANCERS SUPPORT GROUP. 6:30 p.m. For people with myeloma, leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers. Hope Connections for Cancer Support, Bethesda. 301-634-7500, www.hopeconnectionsforcancer.org.

July 7 and Aug. 4 DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP. 5 p.m. The group is for patients with diabetes or pre-

July 15 and Aug. 19 OVARIAN AND GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER SUPPORT GROUP. 6:30 p.m. For patients and cancer survivors. Holy Cross Hospital Professional and Community Education Center, Silver Spring. 301-592-9124, www.holycrosshealth.org.

July 16 and Aug. 20 PARENTS WITH A CANCER DIAGNOSIS. 6:30 p.m. For parents who have received a cancer diagnosis and are seeking ways to discuss it with their children. Hope Connections for Cancer Support, Bethesda.

301-634-7500, www.hopeconnectionsfor cancer.org.

July 21 and Aug. 18 BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP. 6:30 p.m. For patients, caregivers, family members and friends. Aquilino Cancer Center, Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, Rockville. www.adventist healthcare.com.

July 27 and Aug. 24 LUNG CANCER SUPPORT GROUP. 2:30 p.m. For individuals with lung cancer and caregivers. Hope Connections for Cancer Support, Bethesda. 301-634-7500, www.hopeconnectionsforcancer.org.

Photo Courtesy of MCRRC/Dan Reichmann

The Midsummer Night’s Mile takes place on July 10 in Rockville.

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SCREENINGS/CLASSES/ WORKSHOPS July 2 and Aug. 6 HYPNOSIS FOR SYMPTOM REDUCTION. 10:30 a.m. A certified hypnotherapist will teach techniques that can help manage pain, stress and anxiety. Hope Connections for Cancer Support, Bethesda. Free. 301-634-7500, www.hopeconnectionsforcancer.org.

July 6 GOOD FENCES, HAPPY FAMILIES: SETTING LIMITS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN. 7:30 p.m. Get tips for building and maintaining boundaries. For parents of children ages 18 months-5 years. Parent Encouragement Program, Kensington. $35; $31.50 for PEP members. 301-929-8824, www.pepparent.org.

July 7 TAMING THE ELECTRONIC BEASTS. 7:30. Learn a process to set limits on screen time and determine other media rules. For parents of children ages 5-12. Parent En-

couragement Program, Kensington. $35; $31.50 for PEP members. 301-929-8824, www.pepparent.org.

July 7, 14 and 21 FOR MEN ONLY WORKSHOP: GET TING A HANDLE ON YOUR GRIEF. 6:30 p.m.

The three-session workshop, led by male facilitators, is for men grieving the death of a loved one. Free. Montgomery Hospice, Rockville. 301-921-4400, www.montgomery hospice.org.

ents of children ages 5-12. Parent Encouragement Program, Kensington. $35; $31.50 for PEP members. 301-929-8824, www.pep parent.org.

July 9 and Aug. 6 AFTERNOON DROP- IN DISCUSSIONS ABOUT GRIEF AND HEALING. 1:30 p.m.

For anyone mourning the death of a loved one. Montgomery Hospice, Rockville. Free.

301-921-4400, www.montgomeryhospice.org.

July 8, 15 and 22 BEYOND WORDS: GRIEF EXPRESSION THROUGH ART MAKING. 6:30 p.m. No art experience is needed for this threesession workshop for anyone grieving the death of a loved one. Free. Montgomery Hospice, Rockville. 301-921-4400, www. montgomeryhospice.org.

July 20 POSITIVE PARENTING AFTER SEPARATION OR DIVORCE. 7:30 p.m. Learn how to use parenting strategies to nurture respect and cooperation in families where parents have separated or divorced. Parent Encouragement Program, Kensington. $35; $31.50 for PEP members. 301-929-8824, www.pep parent.org.

July 9 “YOU CAN’T MAKE ME DO THAT!” POWER TOOLS FOR POWER STRUGGLES. 7:30 p.m. Learn what causes the struggles, get tips to avoid them, and develop a plan for gaining your child’s cooperation. For par-

July 21 and Aug. 18 EVENING DROP-IN DISCUSSIONS ABOUT GRIEF AND HEALING. 6:30 p.m.

For anyone mourning the death of a loved one. Montgomery Hospice, Rockville. Free.

301-921-4400, www.montgomeryhospice.org.

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health July 22 LAUNCHING YOUR EMERGING ADULT. 7:30 p.m. Learn what you can do to encourage your young adult’s transition into independence. For parents of 18- to 24-yearolds. Parent Encouragement Program, Kensington. $35; $31.50 for PEP members.

301-929-8824, www.pepparent.org.

July 28-Sept. 1 BALLROOM/LATIN/SWING DANCE: BASICS & BEYOND. Enjoy a gentle cardiovascular workout while learning social dance steps. Open to both singles and couples.

6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Holy Cross Resource Center, Silver Spring. $70. 301-754-8800, www.holycrosshealth.org.

July 29 GRIEVING MINDFULLY WORKSHOP. 6:30 p.m. For anyone who is grieving and interested in learning about mindfulness.

Montgomery Hospice, Rockville. Free. 301921-4400, www.montgomeryhospice.org.

July 29 MANAGING STRESS AND PRESSURE: A GUIDE FOR TWEENS, TEENS AND PARENTS. 7:30 p.m. Examine your family’s stress triggers and learn how to lower the

pressure. For parents of children ages 9-19.

Parent Encouragement Program, Kensington. $35; $31.50 for PEP members. 301-9298824, www.pepparent.org.

Aug. 2-30 YOGA FOR WOMEN. The class is designed to help women 30 and older reduce muscle tension and improve their well-being. 4:30 p.m. Sundays. Holy Cross Resource Center, Silver Spring. $60. 301-754-8800, www.holycrosshealth.org.

Aug. 13 TEACHING SELF-REGULATION THROUGH EMOTION COACHING. 7:30 p.m. Help your child learn how to handle stress and solve problems better. For parents of children ages 1-7. Parent Encouragement Program, Kensington. $35; $31.50 for PEP members. 301-929-8824, www.pepparent.org.

Aug. 18 BACK TO SCHOOL BASICS: HELPING KIDS TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. 7:30 p.m.

Learn strategies to motivate children to plan ahead, manage schoolwork and keep track of their belongings. For parents of children ages 5-14. Parent Encouragement Program,

Kensington. $35; $31.50 for PEP members.

301-929-8824, www.pepparent.org.

Aug. 20 SETTING LIMITS WITH EXTRA- CHALLENGING CHILDREN. 7:30 p.m. Learn how to uphold limits and work out agreements to help children learn more appropriate behaviors. For parents of children ages 5-12.

7:30 p.m. Parent Encouragement Program, Kensington. $35; $31.50 for PEP members.

301-929-8824, www.pepparent.org.

Ongoing PINK RIBBON PILATES. The class is designed to help breast cancer patients regain strength and mobility in affected shoulders and arms. 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Hope Connections for Cancer Support, Bethesda. Free. 301-634-7500, www.hopeconnectionsforcancer.org.

VACATION FROM CANCER. Engage your mind through sketching, journaling and other creative outlets. 6 p.m. Thursdays. Hope Connections for Cancer Support, Bethesda. Free. 301-634-7500, www.hopeconnectionsforcancer.org. n To submit calendar items, go to www.Bethesda Magazine.com.

Ask the Experts: Seniors & Aging

Special Advertising Section

Charles E. Smith Life Communities 6121 Montrose Road Rockville, MD 20852 301-816-5052 www.smithlifecommunities.org

Ideally, start the conversation before there’s a crisis, emphasizing how senior housing can actually give them more independence. In the 20 years we have each been working with families, though, it’s very common for a crisis to force the conversation. Mom or dad has a health issue, or loses a spouse, and that new situation makes it hard for them to maintain their home, drive to the grocery store or prepare healthy meals.

In any case, whenever you talk, discuss finances to determine what’s affordable. Also find out what is important to them: An extra bedroom for visiting grandkids? Easy access to shopping and restaurants? An on-site medical office? If you can, explore various communities before taking your parents for visits, to avoid overwhelming them with options. Moving can be a tough decision, but, in our experience, everyone adapts.

Honestly, most residents wish they had moved sooner.

Move In Counselors: Sandy Levin, Pam Rosen, Mary Sweeney

James Kim

When is the right time to discuss senior living options with my parents?

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Special Advertising Section

Ask the Experts: Seniors & Aging Susan Bick, Lifestyle Director Five Star Premier Residences of Chevy Chase 8100 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301-907-8895 www.fivestarseniorliving.com

How to do you help your residents see the glass half full rather than half empty as they are aging?

Most of our residents are living independently, desiring to be as active as possible. We enhance their goals by providing dynamic programs and activities. We take full advantage of this region's cultural offerings with frequent excursions to concerts, museums, baseball games, Baltimore, Annapolis and many historic locations. Every Sunday we have live concerts by top-notch performers.

Our arts instruction features a locally renowned artist. Our exercise schedule includes sessions in our heated indoor pool as well as Tai Chi and strength training in our health club. Our residents are very involved in the selection of programs and activities. We believe that the more people are engaged in life, the happier and healthier they will be, and that is our goal: happy and healthy residents.

Tony Lewis Jr

How has retirement living changed over time?

We’re celebrating our 25th year this year, and I have often reflected on how much some things have changed. Seniors are much more active and fit now, and of course, technology plays a big part in the lives of most seniors. What hasn’t changed is our desire to offer sincere, warm hospitality. That is one of our three main pillars, along with health and wellness and dining and nutrition. Research on aging has advanced in recent years. Based on research, our activities mission is called Lifestyle 360, covering five dimensions of well-being: emotional, intellectual, physical, social and spiritual. We incorporate more education into our programs than we did in decades past, so that residents gain awareness of the benefits of yoga, for instance, rather than seeing it as an exercise option. Physical connections boost the mood, and our very popular lavender hand massage was added to the calendar for that reason.

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Russ Glickman, Founder Glickman Design Build 14516 Pebblewood Drive, N. Potomac, MD 20878 301-444-4663 | www.GlickmanDesignBuild.com

In-law suites have gained in popularity over the last few years. What are some things that go into creating a great in-law suite?

An in-law suite is a great way to accommodate the growing trend of multiple generations living in a home, while still providing the privacy that everyone desires. The space should maintain an open floor plan for easy flow of traffic. Space considerations should be made for wheelchairs or walkers for now or in the future. A private bathroom and kitchenette or kitchen area are staples of any in-law suite.

Adding grab bars initially, or supports in the wall to add grab bars later, is certainly important. Also think about things like multi-level, pullout counters, motion sensor faucets and raised cabinets with additional kick space underneath. A nice feature is a sitting area for reading a book or watching television away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house.

Special Advertising Section

Glickman’s Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) from left to right: Lanna Ali-Hassan, CAPS; Keith Long, CAPS; Russ Glickman, CAPS; Karen Pearl Berglund, CAPS

Is adding an elevator to your home a viable option as you age-in-place?

Adding an elevator to your home may sound extremely luxurious, but is often simply a bare necessity for the elderly.

The old advice of ‘just’ relocating to a home without stairs once they become hard to manage isn’t always a great option. This advice also underestimates the emotional effects that come with having to move out of your home.

Installing an elevator isn’t necessarily as expensive or troublesome as you might think, and home elevators can often fit in something the size of a closet. They don’t require a lot of square footage. In addition to the mobility advantages it may provide for you, having an elevator can also increase your home’s value. A properly maintained elevator will retain its value for a long time.

Darren Higgins

Ask the Experts: Seniors & Aging

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Special Advertising Section

Ask the Experts: Seniors & Aging Zelda Segal, Owner-Resident Michelle Michaels, Broker/Director of Sales Maplewood Park Place 9707 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, MD 20814 301-530-0500 www.maplewoodparkplace.com

What was most important to you in deciding how you would live after retirement?

Zelda Segal, Owner-Resident: A friend invited me to lunch at Maplewood when I was thinking about moving out of my home. She described how happy she was, emphasizing the congeniality among the residents, as well as the activities and the excursions.

She raved about the helpful, compassionate staff. I was convinced. I wanted to live in a place that made my life easy. Maplewood offers so many services that I'd compare it to a high-quality hotel.

It was important to me to have the full continuum of care starting out with independent living and, if needed, assisted living and skilled nursing. We also have our own concierge medical practice on the premises. Not only is it convenient to see the doctor, but Medicare pays for it.

I consider it a bonus that I own my home here, but I have few maintenance responsibilities!

Maplewood's team of professionals handles all that.

I knew I was going to like Maplewood, but I didn't know how much I would love it!

Hilary Schwab

What is the best way for seniors to preserve wealth while getting lifetime care?

Michelle Michaels, Broker/Director of Sales: Maplewood Park Place is a resident-owned cooperative community with 207 one-level homes surrounded by beautiful community spaces—all under one roof. Our owners have all the tax advantages of home ownership like tax deductions for real estate tax and mortgage interest (if they finance). They can also get medical deductions. They can include their home as an asset in their estate, and when they sell their Maplewood home they can reap the benefits of appreciation.

Our residents can remodel and customize their homes in many ways to suit their individual style. Our Maplewood Team can handle the details of the renovations as we transform their residence into their home.

For those who bring cars, assigned spaces in our garage are just a short elevator ride away.

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Ask the Experts: Seniors & Aging

Special Advertising Section

Aspenwood Senior Living Community 14400 Homecrest Road Silver Spring, MD 20906 301-598-6424 www.aspenwoodseniorliving.com

Are there any new philosophies in place that create more meaningful environments for seniors in assisted living?

We have introduced Lifestyle 360 at Aspenwood Senior Living. The foundation of this new lifestyle is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. The five dimensions of wellness that he identified are: emotional, which encourages managing feelings about life situations; intellectual, which encourages creative, stimulating mental activities; physical, which encourages cardiovascular flexibility, strength and regular exercise; social, which encourages the interdependence with others and nature; and spiritual, which encourages seeking meaning and purpose in human existence. We are teaching residents how to bring the Five Dimensions of Wellness into perfect harmony for a more balanced, fulfilling life.

One Five Star Signature Program developed for the Wellness Dimension is called The Hands of Time, a project designed to honor the lives of the seniors living in our communities. Photos of our residents’ hands create a stunning display.

Short narratives of their lives fashion a creative representation of the good deeds, service and accomplishments of each person.

No other community addresses this in-between state. Aspenwood, which offers independent living and assisted living, is the only senior living community in the area with an intermediate option that we call Independent Living Plus. It extends our independent seniors’ ability to remain in their apartments. Residents can choose from an a la carte menu of support that includes assistance with medication administration and management, showering, scheduled safety visits, laundry and many more options. Oversight is provided by our own nursing team. For when the need arises, we also have a rehabilitation team that works with our residents on-site.

Ryan Bowman, sales counselor, and Franklin

James Kim

PHTOTO CREDIT GOES HERE

What can I do if I need some help but I am not ready for assisted living?

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Special Advertising Section

Ask the Experts: Seniors & Aging

Susan Rodgers, RN Capital City Nurses & The Cottage at Curry Manor 4915 St. Elmo Ave., Suite 301 Bethesda, MD 20814 301-652-4344 | www.capitalcitynurses.com

hilary schwab

How do we decide between home care and assisted living?

It can be challenging, but clear-eyed observation can guide your decision. Family members should evaluate mom’s or dad's capabilities, limitations and condition, and identify what specific support they need. Bill paying, housekeeping and meal preparation may be closely followed by medication, dressing and bathing assistance. Does anyone have the time and energy to provide support or play an active role in directing all of this?

Is the home safe or does it need renovation to accommodate an elderly person? Socialization should be considered. If the parents live at home, do they go to church or movies with friends, or are they isolated? Many seniors are able to hide their needs, but family members can test them on small things to see if they are losing capability or making poor decisions.

Home care is a great way to fill gaps for a time or forever.

A few hours a day may be enough, but some seniors will need 24/7 care. Finances must be considered; private home care is expensive. Medicare does not pay for home care or assisted living. Capital City Nurses supports independence at home for as long as possible and we are now in a unique position to help with either choice.

Our home care services have long been recognized as the best in our area with services ranging from two-hour Short and Sweet Visits to round-the-clock care. Our experienced coordinators match the senior and caregiver according to their needs and personalities. Now with the Cottage at Curry Manor, we offer a refined assisted living experience. Whatever the choice, the Capital City Nurses family of companies works with clients, family members, care managers and physicians to provide care, ensuring that each senior is in safe and comfortable surroundings, living well and enjoying life.

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Ask the Experts: Seniors & Aging

Special Advertising Section

From left to right: Anda Plavnieks, Owner; Egons Plavnieks, Owner; Margaret Newman; Joyce Sun, RN; Vicki Pollack; Christina Bradshaw; Abby Tor; Kelly Barnes, RN.

Egons Plavnieks, President

Why should I use an agency for home health care, rather than an individual who helps a senior in my neighborhood?

How can I convince my parent, who clearly needs help, to accept in-home care?

With the rationale of saving money, many people use private individuals for home care. They may have a close relationship with the caregiver, which can get sticky. It’s difficult to criticize and even harder to dismiss them. Most private caregivers don’t have liability, disability or workers’ compensation insurance, and most don’t have health insurance. There’s no back up if they get sick.

Aides from full service agencies like Bright Star have all the proper insurances, background checks, training and skills. If an aide doesn’t fulfill expectations, they are counseled or replaced.

Full service agencies provide nursing supervision by an RN, who conducts on-site visits and has verbal and written contact with aides. We also have an individual on call 24/7. Whenever needed, a suitable substitute is dispatched.

It’s very difficult for anyone to accept that they are no longer able to live fully independently. From our years of experience, we can share a few successful strategies. Try eliminating the caregiver nomenclature and position the caregiver as an assistant, friend or companion. Explain that your parent will be accepting help not only for their benefit, but also for your peace of mind. If possible, do not talk about the cost of the service.

Often seniors refuse help when they don’t want to spend the money, whether yours or theirs. It can be the Depression-era frugality or the desire to leave you as big an inheritance as possible. Ask your parent to give it a try. Once they see how helpful an aide can be, they’ll probably not only accept the service, you’ll hear no objection to adding to the schedule.

Mike Olliver

Bright Star Health Care 10400 Connecticut Ave., Suite 404, Kensington, MD 20895 301-588-0859 | www.brightstarcare.com

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Special Advertising Section

Ask the Experts: Seniors & Aging

From left to right: Sandy Kursban, Founder; Neal Kursban, President; Mindy Kursban, Vice President, Therapeutic Massage

Family & Nursing Care 962 Wayne Ave., Suite 500, Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-588-8200 | www.familynursingcare.com

James Kim

How do I suggest home care services to mom and dad?

Most adult children start to consider home care for their aging parents when balancing being a family caregiver with other responsibilities becomes challenging. Initiating a conversation about home care with your parents can be difficult, so prepare for possible resistance.

Assure your parents that home care can give them more independence and a better quality of life. Many people are not aware that there is a lot of flexibility in home care services.

There is no long-term obligation. Care can be for just a few hours up to 24 hours per day. Point out that home care will help you too. Some older adults are more likely to accept paid help when they understand that it is a benefit to you as well. Once families begin using home care services, the overwhelming majority say they wish they had called us sooner.

Why would a home care company offer massages?

A therapeutic massage starts with defined goals: improving balance to reduce the risk of falls, minimizing pain and reducing the associated medication, and improving sleep. Our massages are customized, using a variety of techniques. While a spa massage may be relaxing, therapeutic massage is that and more. Regular therapeutic massage can result in real differences in the vitality and quality of an older adult’s life.

Massage is a natural extension of our home care services.

Just like home care, massage can help older adults maintain independence and enhance quality of life. Sometimes older adults feel isolated. Physical contact is limited. In addition to the therapeutic benefits, our massages give your aging loved one a little TLC, a little extra one-on-one attention, a feeling of well-being that comes from the power of touch. And, like home care, once someone tries therapeutic massage, they usually want more.

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Ask the Experts: Seniors & Aging

Special Advertising Section

Scott Thompson, CEO

LifeMatters

As life expectancy gets longer, many people reach a place in life when they need help with personal care, getting to appointments and keeping up with activities of daily living. They may even require skilled nursing care after a hospital stay.

Knowing where to go to find help is hard enough, but finding someone to trust completely is even harder.

Lifematters, a premier company for home care in the Washington, D.C. region, is at the top of the list of options for families, doctors, nurses, social workers, care managers and others who are looking for well-trained and trustworthy caregivers.

“At Lifematters, we’re passionate about the quality of our services,” says founder and CEO Scott Thompson. “Our caregiver is going to enter your life in a time of great need, and we

understand that our ability to match every client with the right caregiver is what sets us apart.”

Lifematters’ short or long-term services include basic daily care, live-in care and skilled nursing care. Our wide range of services are offered in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. Client calls are answered 24/7.

All caregivers are licensed, insured and participate in Lifematters’ continuing education. They are employees of Lifematters—there are no independent contractors—and they are supervised by a clinical staff of registered nurses.

“Our turnover rate is unusually low,” says Thompson. “We go the extra mile to attract the very best associates. For someone in need, highly qualified help is a phone call away. We offer a free consultation, in person or by phone, to discuss options.”

tony lewis jr

7768 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814 | 301-652-7212 7531 Leesburg Pike, Suite 202, Falls Church, VA 22043 | 571-282-2600 1330 Massachusetts Ave., Washington, D.C. 20005 | 800-293-8973 (toll-free) | 202-783-0810 (local) www.lifemattersusa.com

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Special Advertising Section

Ask the Experts: Seniors & Aging

David Denton, General Manager Fox Hill 8300 Burdette Road, Bethesda, MD 20817 301-968-1850 | www.foxhillresidences.com

James Kim

In the 30 years you have worked in senior living, what are the most significant changes you have seen?

The greatest change is the rising wave of reform taking place in long-term care and senior living. Anyone choosing not to bury their heads in the sand realizes our industry playbooks are passĂŠ. Wise leaders hear boomers insisting we change, or go away. The age wave is upon us; a disruptive tsunami with an inescapable undertow. No doubt, the storm and ensuing clearing is overdue. My current employer, Sunrise Senior Living, emerged as the pioneer in senior living in 1981. Founders Paul and Terry Klaassen understood a high quality of life is only possible in environments people find warm, nurturing, comfortable and welcoming. Inspired by fine restaurants, small inns and European hotels, the institutional environment of traditional nursing homes was their nemesis.

In the spirit of innovation, the Klaassens created Fox Hill with its luxury condominiums for life, exquisite amenities, world

class concierge services and personalized on-site care in one of the most prestigious ZIP codes in the United States: Bethesda, Maryland.

What attracts people to careers in senior living?

Many of my peers were influenced by loving grandparents, or experienced family caregiving as a child. My grandparents were an important part of my life. The admiration and joy I realized from those relationships led me to the field of senior living. My first job, assistant administrator at a senior living community in San Diego, was followed by increasingly challenging roles in nursing facilities and retirement communities. Landing at Fox Hill last August presented me with a distinguished cast of characters on a remarkable stage. Those residing and serving at Fox Hill are an exemplary collection of some of the finest, most accomplished individuals I have worked with during my career.

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Ask the Experts: Seniors & Aging

Special Advertising Section

Linda Ryan, Marketing Director Arden Courts Kensington, Potomac, Silver Spring, Annandale, Fair Oaks 888-478-2410 | www.arden-courts.com

At Arden Courts, Memory Care is all we do. Assisted living communities like ours, dedicated exclusively to the care of people with dementia, often have unique features. One is a simple design that allows residents to be safe and comfortable. To achieve a sense of home, Arden Courts is organized into “houses” with easy access to outdoor courtyard areas where residents are encouraged to wander independently. Social activities should enhance independence, self-esteem and usefulness. Our group activities, along with individualized pursuits, are broken down into simple tasks that rely on past experiences and repetition so the resident can feel successful. Nurses and caregivers receive enhanced and ongoing training regarding dementia communication techniques and behavior management practices.

At Arden Courts, we believe that increased understanding of the disease process assists the caregiving team in providing quality services with dignity and respect.

L to R: Andrea Marchesotti, Julie Boone Roth, Nicole McMonigle Knight

Jarrett Turpin, Director of Dining Services

From left to right: Rolando Felipe, Michael Pringle, Jarrett Turpin, Jodi Jarvis

The Solana Olney 2611 Olney Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD 20832 301-570-2611 www.brookdale.com

tony lewis jr

How does dementia-specific assisted living differ from general assisted living?

Our chef at The Solana Olney creates a selection of flavorful dishes that use low-sodium, heart-healthy cooking techniques that we call Optimum Life Cuisine. We use only the freshest meat, seafood, produce and herbs from local vendors. As a Brookdale community, all menu items and baked goods are prepared from scratch or baked in house.

Resident satisfaction is the number one priority of every Brookdale senior living community. Our chef solicits resident feedback regularly and uses that information to enhance our menu offerings. We also recreate residents’ favorite dishes to serve meals they love and foster fond memories.

Brookdale developed a set of signature seasoning blends specifically for its residents. This enables individuals to control the level of flavor added to their food, a unique and important feature since everyone’s taste preferences are different.

HIlary Schwab

How do you meet the nutrition needs of your residents while providing an exceptional dining experience?

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Special Advertising Section

Ask the Experts: Seniors & Aging

Diana Cirone, Director of Life Enrichment Ingleside at King Farm 701 King Farm Blvd., Rockville, MD 20850 240-499-9019 | www.inglesidekingfarm.org

Hilary Schwab

How do you integrate new residents into the Ingleside at King Farm community?

Our enthusiastic Welcome Committee invites new residents to dinner, and we invite new residents to a question and answer session where we review Life Enrichment programs scheduled for the month ahead. With about 500 different choices, we hope to have something that appeals to each of our 367 residents. People who move here do so because they learned we are a vibrant community. It’s a self-selecting group of seniors who want to be active and engaged.

Although some get integrated by making friends at the dining table, talks by residents who have had interesting careers and interests help a wider group get to know each other.

Recent talks by residents have included “The ABCs of Figure Skating,” “Religious Humanism: Reason and Reverence in a Scientific Age,” and “From Brownshirt to Turtleneck: Memoir of a Documentary Filmmaker.” Others get acquainted on outings that we organize. They include day trips; lunches; and Kennedy

Center, Strathmore and Arena Stage performances.

Many of our residents serve together on committees that improve almost every facet of life in the community: building and grounds, dining, cultural arts and finance. There are outlets for diverse personalities and interests here, from meditation to wine tasting. Zumba ®, the energetic dance exercise, is offered along with an adaptation that can be done from a seated position. Residents enjoy aquatics classes, tai chi and yoga.

How do you help your residents engage in the greater metropolitan area community?

Most of our residents are living independently, and participate in life outside Ingleside at King Farm. In fact, our residents contributed 11,000 volunteer hours to the community in 2014. We partner with Montgomery College Life Long Learning and Osher LifeLong Learning Institute at Johns Hopkins University to provide a variety of scheduled classes.

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Ask the Experts: Seniors & Aging

Special Advertising Section

Robin Burch, Executive Director Porter House of Care 14117 Blazer Lane Silver Spring, MD 20906 301-460-1733 www.porterhouseofcare.com

Smaller quarters enable us to have a close look at our residents.

We quickly target goals that assure their well-being, and we can change course easily and efficiently. There’s no bureaucracy at Porter House of Care.

We offer truly home cooked meals, both American and ethnic.

One-on-one care is provided, along with managed healthcare services, all in our home-like setting. We like to say that our residents are still able to live the American Dream of having freedom and independence without being alone or institutionalized.

Like larger places, we organize trips to the Kennedy Center and other entertainment venues. We play all kinds of sensory and board games, and enjoy different types of music. All activities are geared towards the residents’ abilities, with our goals for their enjoyment and stimulation.

At Porter House of Care we believe in the hospitality that results in quality living in retirement.

tony lewis jr

How can a small place suit some seniors better than a large retirement community?

Sally Sager, Sales Counselor Riderwood 3140 Gracefield Road Silver Spring, MD 20904 1-800-917-8707 www.ericksonliving.com/riderwood

The first step is to understand what a continuing care retirement community is. Also called a CCRC, this type of community offers independent living plus multiple levels of on-site care such as assisted living, rehabilitation, long-term care, respite care, memory care and home care. A CCRC is often the ideal choice for seniors who wish to stay active and independent while enjoying peace of mind for the future.

It’s important to determine what you want from retirement. Travel?

Volunteering? Meeting new people? Consider a place that’s large enough to offer a variety of clubs and activities while retaining the warmth of a small town. Residents of Riderwood often refer to this community as “a small town under one roof” for its wealth of amenities that include a pool, medical center and multiple restaurants. As a bonus, they are all connected through climate-controlled walkways.

Supplied Photo

What should seniors look for when considering a continuing care retirement community?

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Special Advertising Section

Ask the Experts: Seniors & Aging

Courtney Malengo, APR, Director of Communications

Darren Higgins

National Lutheran Communities & Services 2301 Research Blvd., Suite 310, Rockville, MD 20850 877-320-9840 | www.nationallutheran.org

How do I know if a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is right for me?

What resources are available to help me evaluate retirement living options?

A CCRC allows seniors to enjoy their retirement years without the hassle of home maintenance, while providing the comfort and security of health care services, if needed. With 125 years as a trusted not-for-profit resource in senior care, each National Lutheran community in Maryland and Virginia believes that all seniors should have the opportunity to live a vibrant and fulfilling life, regardless of age or health concerns. We cultivate that environment through a robust lifelong learning program and focus on holistic wellness that covers physical, spiritual, social, intellectual and vocational dimensions. Each CCRC is different, so we encourage researching and touring communities that interest you.

The key to evaluating retirement living options is to start early.

At National Lutheran Communities & Services we repeatedly hear, “I wish I had done this sooner.� Many people wait too long to move into a retirement community and often miss out on all the benefits it can offer. National Lutheran Communities & Services strives to be a resource for all seniors, regardless of if someone chooses to live at a National Lutheran community or utilize any of our services.

When evaluating any CCRC, assisted living community or short-term rehabilitation facility, examine referrals from people you know, conduct several site visits and review the results of state surveys and inspections. Resources like the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (cms.gov), the Department of Health and Human Services (hhs.gov) and Maryland Health Care Commission (mhcc.gov) are invaluable.

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Ask the Experts: Seniors & Aging

Special Advertising Section

Pam Heir, NP, RN, Owner Asheir Manor Assisted Living 19230 Mateny Hill Road Germantown, MD 20874 301-250-6660 | www.asheirmanor.com

Many people find that residential assisted living, which is professional care provided in a neighborhood home, is a better alternative to aging-in-place than moving into a large retirement community.

Asheir Manor, with its family feel in an upscale B&B atmosphere, is such a place. It’s licensed for five residents and has a high resident to staff ratio.

My experience as a Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner has allowed me to focus on helping the elderly enjoy their later years. We provide In-house physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as lab tests, x-rays and physician visits.

Our residents move in when they start to need assistance with certain Activities of Daily Living, including meal preparation, medication management, dressing, bathing and walking. We invite residents to participate with daily tasks such as folding laundry and setting the table. It’s no secret that, to thrive, everyone needs to have a sense of purpose and belonging.

Michael Ventura

What is an alternative to aging-in-place for seniors who value independence but need some help?

Susy Elder Murphy, BA, CMC, Owner Debra Levy Eldercare Associates 11120 New Hampshire Ave., Suite 505 Silver Spring, MD 20904 301-593-5285 | www.care-manager.com

It’s good to be proactive. Although families usually call us when they are in crisis, we’ve received many calls over the years from people interested in developing a relationship with an Aging Life Care™ Manager before they need us, so we developed a program called WellSenior™.

Some callers are seniors and some are adult children with busy careers or who live out of state. Some clients have a chronic condition that’s currently well managed, but they anticipate future needs. Others are without family support. Our WellSenior™ clients find comfort in knowing that if their needs change in any way, they already have a relationship in place with professionals they can trust to guide and support them. We begin with an in-home assessment, check in periodically by phone and visit annually until additional services are needed from one of our social workers or nurses.

hilary schwab

How can I line up care for my elderly parent who is basically fine at the moment?

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Special Advertising Section

Ask the Experts: Seniors & Aging

Residents of Asbury Methodist Village

Cynthia Perez, Senior Director of Marketing and Admissions for Health Services, Wilson Health Care Center Carrie Brister, Director of Marketing and Admissions for Kindley Assisted Living Asbury Methodist Village 301 Russell Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20877 301-216-4136 | www.asburymethodistvillage.org

Supplied Photo

How can I prepare to stay independent as I age?

Choose an environment that enables you to safely remain as active and engaged as possible! Some folks dread moving out of their home, even though it‘s no longer conducive to their needs or desires. Transitioning to an environment that sets up a senior for success allows that person to stay independent longer. At Kindley Assisted Living, we encourage our residents to customize the help and support they receive, and they maintain complete independence in other areas. In most cases, residents report a feeling of more independence living in Kindley Assisted Living than they did in their old home. Many homes have stairs to battle, dangerous bathroom configurations and many more obstacles. Assisted living alleviates the worry of living alone. They have environments where seniors can be successfully more independent than they were when living in a home that no longer worked for them.

What is the easiest way to stay active?

As simple as it sounds, walking is the easiest way to stay active. There is nothing to learn. No equipment is necessary.

Research shows that walking has solid aerobic benefits without the higher risk of joint stress and injury that can come with more strenuous types of exercise. More recent studies are linking the kind of aerobic activity you get with brisk walking to good brain health, too. Certain studies have shown how just taking a brisk walk two times each week may make a real difference in your brain’s health as you age. Set your goal to sustain a brisk walk for 20 to 30 minutes at least three times a week for maximum physical and cognitive benefit. Remember to always consult your physician before starting a new exercise program.

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WHEN BUSINESSES DO GOOD, THE COMMUNITY PROFITS. As members of Community Profits Montgomery, the following businesses have committed to give at least 2% of their pre-tax earnings back to the community or $100,000 to nonprofits serving Montgomery County. To learn more, or to join in our pledge, visit CommunityProfitsMontgomery.org

www.mafcu.org

COMMUNICATIONS FOR A CHANGE

in partnership with

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restaurants. cooking. food. drinks.

photo by stacy zarin-goldberg

dine

Chef Peter Chang’s inventive menu includes cilantro flounder fish rolls.

See review, page 258.

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dine | review

Chang’s in Charge Popular Chinese chef serves up authentic, fiery cuisine in Rockville

BY Carole Sugarman | photos by stacy zarin - goldberg

Pork belly is fried potato chipcrisp, creating a delicious treat that’s attractively served in a bamboo cornucopia.

peter chang

20A Maryland Ave. (in Rockville Town Square), Rockville, 301-838-9188 Favorite dishes: Scallion bubble pancakes, cilantro flounder fish rolls, bamboo flounder fish, dry-fried eggplant, crispy pork belly, cumin lamb chops, boneless whole fish with pine nuts

Beer, wine and cocktails: Limited selection of six bottled beers, plus four white wines and three reds (available by the glass or bottle).

Prices: Appetizers $2 to $12, main courses $11 to $22 Service: Efficient and friendly

Overall Rating:

B+

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“Is Peter Chang in the kitchen

today?” I ask our waitress shortly after sitting down for lunch at Peter Chang, the new Rockville restaurant opened by the elusive Chinese chef.

She’s unsure, but soon returns with the news that he’s not here. He’s around at lunch sometimes, but more often at dinner, she says, later telling us that he’s very busy.

Now you see him, now you don’t. For those unaware of the backstory, that’s been the narrative for Chang ever since he surreptitiously left his job at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., in 2003 and began an odyssey of popping up for short periods at restaurants in Virginia and the Southeast.

His mysterious disappearing acts fueled a cult-like following, although according to a March 2015 profile in The Washington Post, the stealth behavior had a rational explanation. Chang, a native of China’s Hubei province, was not only eluding immigration and embassy authorities after his two-year cooking contract was up, he also was escaping strained relationships with restaurant owners, the newspaper said. Chang now has permission from immigration officials to work in the U.S. But even as he’s settled down (he lives in Rockville Town Square, the development where the restaurant is located), he’s rapidly branching out, necessitating a come-and-go schedule. The Rockville restaurant, the first outside Virginia, is his seventh eatery, and there are plans for more.

For now, the chef checks on the Rockville restaurant daily, as well as on his place in Arlington, which opened in March, according to Gen Lee, Chang’s business partner. During the week, he also visits his other restaurants in Virginia. “He’s a general, not a soldier,” says Lee, explaining how Chang oversees his growing kitchen empire.

Needless to say, with all the hype surrounding the Harry Houdini of Hubei

Dry-fried eggplant is stir-fried quickly in a dry wok with spicy peppers, cilantro, scallions and salt.

Chef Peter Chang

A boneless whole tilapia is sprinkled with pine nuts and served in a sea of sweet-and-sour sauce.

Cilantro flounder fish rolls are reminiscent of spring rolls with crisp and crackly wrappers.

The popular scallion bubble pancakes are fun to deflate and rip apart.

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dine | review

and his authentic, fiery cuisine, I was expecting to be consistently blown away by the cooking. After three visits—during at least one of which I know Chang wasn’t in the kitchen—I found several of his signature dishes to be sensational, while other choices were nothing special.

Nonetheless, with out-of-the-box offerings, fresh-tasting ingredients and pretty presentations, you can certainly expect Chinese food in a different league than the gloppy, soy-laden competition (although Rockville, at least, has a better collection of bona fide contenders than other local areas).

The setting is a cut above as well. The former Taste of Saigon, which was also a lovely space, has had a minimal redo; the curved walls, painted a pleasing apricot, are hung with soothing Chinese scrolls; and green-shaded lamps dangle from the mustard-colored ceiling. Lest you forget where you are, each marbleized table is etched with the name Peter Chang.

The best dishes tend to be the appetizers, and the fried ones at that. First on the must-have list: the well-known scallion bubble pancakes. Made by submerging a flat, thin pancake in a wok with extremely hot oil, the disk puffs up to the size of an ostrich egg, with a crisp and blistered exterior. The hollow popovers don’t actually have that much taste; their appeal is more visual and textural, plus they’re a blast to deflate and rip apart. Unfortunately, the boring, watery curry dipping sauce served alongside provides little added oomph to the dish.

Dry-fried eggplant, another signature starter, is similarly amusing. Rectangular sticks of peeled eggplant are lightly battered and briefly deep-fried in scorching hot oil, then drained and stir-fried quickly in a dry wok with spicy peppers, cilantro, scallions and salt. The result is indeed dry, which in this case is a good thing, as there’s no greasiness, just moist vegetable encased in supercrunchy coating. It’s sort of like the

Szechuan version of steak fries.

Continuing with the fried theme, the cilantro flounder fish rolls, bamboo flounder and crispy pork belly are all don’t-miss appetizers. I devoured the plate of potato chip-crisp pork belly, attractively served in a bamboo cornucopia, even though pork belly is generally not on my pig-out list. And while the two fish appetizers were similarly flavorful and expertly fried, I did share them.

The biggest disappointments were among the main courses. The “Hot and Numbing Combination,” a collection of flounder, shrimp, beef, chicken, vegetables and sweet potato noodles, was onenote hot, but not particularly numbing, and the meats were drowning in a chili oil pool. Thin, dry and overcooked slices of salmon dominated the “Pan-fried Salmon on Hot Iron Plate”; the same version of that dish but with duck, seemed overrun with too many onions, and the heavily fat-rimmed slices of duck didn’t uplift the dish.

One of Chang’s specialties, duck in a stone pot, was strangely mild and dull the day I tried it, almost as if the “hot and numbing sauce” was MIA. More intriguing was the dramatically presented boneless whole fish with pine nuts, a deliberately mild dish of tilapia sprinkled with pine nuts and plated atop a sea of sweet-and-sour sauce—more refined and less gluey than the usual. I also liked the cumin-dusted pan-fried lamb chops, a creative and spicy dish that even tasted good as leftovers.

To be fair, I visited the restaurant in its early days, before the kitchen may have fully settled in. Time will tell whether the place will draw consistent crowds, but in the meantime, it’s nice to have Chang in the neighborhood. Let’s hope he sticks around. n Carole Sugarman is the magazine’s food editor. To comment on this review, email comments@bethesdamagazine.com.

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Breaking News!

BETHESDA Just Got Even Better With the acquisition of Bethesda Now in May, Bethesda Beat is covering even MORE local news.

Read Bethesda Beat online

or SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY E-NEWSLETTER at

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dine

table talk

Tastes of summer

Nick Palermo

Ben Hoffman

Barrel & Crow

Old Town Pour House

bethesda

Hometown Syracuse, New York

Summertime can be rough on chefs. When they can’t stand the heat and need to get out of the kitchen, there’s often no relief to be found outside.

So we asked some chefs at new, local restaurants to tell us about their favorite cool times, cold drinks and sweet treats.

Favorite summer food memory “Salt potatoes—boiled new potatoes in super salty water.

If you go to any barbecue there [Syracuse], you’ll find them.”

Home barbecues “I like to barbecue ribs, half chickens, corn on the cob.”

Cocktail “Gin and tonic.

I like Hendrick’s.”

Sweets “I’m not a big sweets guy.

I’ll occasionally have ice cream or gelato—mint chocolate chip.”

gaithersburg

Hometown Saginaw, Michigan Favorite summer food memory “Fish fries with my dad.”

Home barbecues “To me, there’s nothing like sitting out back on the patio and smoking some pork shoulder or brisket and drinking Bell’s Two Hearted.”

Cocktail “I’m not too big of a booze drinker.”

Sweets “Who doesn’t love strawberry shortcake?”

Photos by Andrew metcalf ( Palermo ); Pat mcardle ( Hoffman ); Food photos from istock; beer bot tle is file photo

BY CAROLE SUGARMAN

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Photos Courtesy of Sligo Cafe ( Locker ); ALl Set ( reavis ); macon Bistro & larder ( Singhofen ); Food photos from istock

Corey Locker

Edward Reavis

Dan Singhofen

S l i g o Ca f é

All S e t

silver spring

silver spring

Macon Bistro & Larder Chevy chase, D.C.

Hometown Orange County, Virginia

Hometown Emporia, Virginia

Favorite summer food memory “I’m a typical D.C.-VirginiaMaryland person. I ate a lot of crabs and barbecue in the summer, and I still do to this day.”

Favorite summer food memory “We grew cantaloupes and mini watermelons, and my dad and grandfather would add a little salt to the fruit to make it sweeter.

That’s one trick that stuck with me.”

Home barbecues “I like to play with pork and veal shanks. I do osso bucco on the grill. I’ll throw on an oxtail.”

Cocktail “Serendipity [on the Sligo Café bar menu]: grapefruit-infused tequila, honey, lime juice and IPA. It’s my new go-to.”

Sweets “I’m a gelato nut.

I like all flavors.”

Hometown Orlando, Florida

Home barbecues “I’m from Southern Virginia, the home of the pig…so I grew up eating pork. But now that I’ve been exposed to the culinary arts, I know how to add char and smoke to it.”

Cocktail “I love a beautiful mojito or a frozen margarita with top-notch tequila.”

Sweets “I’m a milkshake guy.”

Favorite summer food memory “Fishing. We’d catch snook, redfish, snapper, grouper. Sometimes we’d eat them raw…we’d do it right on the boat if we wanted a quick snack.”

Home barbecues “For my daughter’s first birthday, we had friends over for brisket, pork ribs and pork shoulder.”

Cocktail “I drink a lot of gin-based cocktails—Negroni, gin and tonic, Bee’s Knees.”

Sweets “Strawberry sorbet with summer berries; it’s one of my favorite things in the world.”

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dine | TabLe Talk

&

comings goings

food find

Betterfo baked g r-you oods

The Red Bandana Bakery Owner: Bethesda resident Jaimie Mertz, 25

Silver Spring’s Katerina Georgallas, who’s been selling Greek pastries at area farmers markets, was scheduled to open a retail location of Baklava Couture in June at 10560 Metropolitan Ave., Kensington.

Georgallas will be sharing the shop with her brother-in-law, Chris Panagiotopoulos, a former partner in Bethesda’s Mamma Lucia restaurant who now runs a catering company called Talia’s Cuzina, offering Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. Baklava Couture will sell pastries, Greek breads, coffee and pantry goods, and Talia’s Cuzina will offer sandwiches, salads and dinner carryout.

Update on Bethesda’s Lot 31 development at Bethesda and Woodmont avenues: Silver, the Silver Diner’s upscale-diner concept, is shooting for a late August opening; while PassionFish, Passion Food Hospitality’s signature seafood restaurant, anticipates docking in early September.

Also making debuts in late summer-early fall are Miso Café, an Asian fusion eatery; Samovar, a Russian eatery that will be run by a fatherdaughter team who have been caterers for Washington, D.C.’s Tajikistan Embassy; and Finnegan’s Wake Irish Pub, offering traditional Irish fare.

All will be in Rockville Town Square. In downtown Bethesda, Soup Up DC plans to open in September in the former Bang & Olufsen space. Fall will also bring an addition to Westfield Montgomery mall: Shanghai 66 Innovative Kitchen, from the owner of Rockville’s Bob’s Shanghai 66 and Bob’s Noodle 66.

Meanwhile, June saw the closing of 100 Montaditos in downtown Bethesda. The restaurant is moving to a new location in Washington, D.C.

Bio bits: Grew up in Gaithersburg, attended L’Academie de Cuisine’s professional pastry program after graduating from the University of Maryland in 2011.

The goods: All cakes, cupcakes, brownies, granola, muffins and savory snacks are gluten free (instead of regular flour, Mertz uses a mix of white and brown rice flours plus potato and tapioca starches). Many are also vegan, but not nut-free.

Taste test: Best bet is the dark chocolate gluten-free Bonfire Brownie.

Where to buy: 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sundays, Bethesda Central Farm Market, 7600 Arlington Road, Bethesda. Items can also be purchased online, plus Mertz will prepare custom orders. theredbandanabakery.com

red bandana photos courtesy

Michael Harr, former executive chef at Bethesda’s Food Wine & Co., has resurfaced in Gaithersburg at Largent’s Restaurant & Bar, at 654 Center Point Way. The plan is to rebrand the sports bar into a dining destination; at press time, the downstairs had just been remodeled, and Harr’s preliminary menu was in place. By summer’s end, the restaurant will also have a new name: Kentlands Kitchen.

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first taste

you ds

LA BOHEMIA BAKERY: Bertrand Houlier, former owner of the beloved Saint Michel Bakery, sold his Rockville shop and equipment to Ed and Altyn Maguin, and showed them how to make his killer croissants and breads before moving back to France. Only the bakery name has been changed; the Maguins retained two former Saint Michel employees and reclaimed a spot at the Bethesda Farm Women’s Market.

▼ EV & MADDY’S: Chef Patrick

Pak, whose résumé includes stints at downtown’s Komi and Blue Duck Tavern, and his wife, Eunice, recently opened an unpretentious and reasonably priced French bistro in Rockville.

Takeaway: Mostly lovely with a few misses; can’t go wrong with butter lettuce salad, Parisian gnocchi, house-cut fries, rockfish and tarte Tatin.

101 Gibbs St., Unit C, Rockville (in Rockville Town Square), 301-296-6682, www.facebook.com/Evmaddys.

Takeaway: Croissants and baguettes are commendable, but heavier and denser than Houlier’s, at least on the day we tried them.

5540 Wilkins Court, Rockville, 240-360-3697, labohemiabakery.com. Bethesda Farm Women’s Market, 7155 Wisconsin Ave., on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

▼

▼

ev and maddy’s photo and la bohemia photo by andrew metcalf; chloe’s photo courtesy

ery

CHLOE’S NY STYLE DELI: After 20 years of

working in Montgomery County delis and markets, Indian-born Caje Fernandes finally opened his own place—a 500-square-foot kitchen and counter space, named after his 2-yearold daughter, in Westfield Montgomery mall’s dining terrace.

Takeaway: So he’s not from New York, and he’s not Jewish, but Fernandes knows a thing or two about corned beef, knishes, matzo ball soup, latkes, whitefish salad and other deli specialties—most of which are made from scratch. An unexpected and welcome addition to the mall.

7101 Democracy Blvd., #2116 (Westfield Montgomery mall), 301-312-6516, chloesnystyledeli.com.

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dine

By Brian Patterson L’Academie de Cuisine | www.lacademie.com

Roll into Summer Traditional Vietnamese summer rolls—filled with delicate cellophane or mung bean thread noodles, finely julienned raw vegetables and herbs—are a fresh and easy dinner option. Add grilled shrimp, pork or tofu for a heartier version. The rolls are designed for dipping, so we’ve provided a couple of sauce recipes to try.

Serving tip Use herbs rolled into the final fold to identify the type of summer roll. For example, use a garlic chive to indicate a roll with shrimp, or a protruding piece of cilantro for a roll with tofu.

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Difficulty Level

On the Clock

1.5 Hours Servings

6

photos by stacy zarin-goldberg

(4 rolls per person)

Have all ingredients and materials ready before making the rolls. Your workstation should include a slightly damp kitchen towel, a large bowl of room-temperature water and the prepared ingredients in containers within easy reach.

Vietnamese Summer Rolls Ingredients 1 17.6-ounce package of cellophane or mung bean noodles ¼ cup good-quality fish sauce ½ cup canola oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 20-ounce package of rice wrappers 1 red pepper, sliced into a fine julienne 1 carrot, julienned 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and julienned 1 ounce of cilantro, most of the stems removed 1 ounce of mint leaves 1 ounce of garlic chives 4 ounces of Thai basil leaves 2 heads of Boston leaf lettuce 24 cooked (preferably grilled) shrimp

Dipping Sauces Peanut Sauce Ingredients

To Make the rolls: 1. Soak cellophane noodles in a bowl of room-temperature water for 20 minutes (be sure to remove any cotton string holding them together). Cook noodles in boiling water for 20 seconds, strain immediately and rinse them under cool, running water for 1 minute. Toss the noodles with the fish sauce, canola oil and sesame oil.

2. Dip a rice wrapper into the bowl of water for 10 seconds. Remove the wrapper and dab off excess water.

3. Place 3 tablespoons of cellophane noodles on one half of the wrapper, just below the center. Top with a few pieces of red pepper, carrot, cucumber, herbs and lettuce. Place one shrimp on top of the filling mixture.

Do not overfill or the wrapper will break.

4. Roll up the wrapper, burrito-style. The roll will seal itself.

1 cup of peanuts 2 tablespoons peanut oil 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 tablespoon ground chili paste 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon light soy sauce ¼ cup of water ½ cup of coconut milk ½ teaspoon lemon zest ½ teaspoon ground coriander ½ teaspoon turmeric ½ teaspoon salt

» Grind the peanuts in a food

processor. Add the remaining ingredients and purée to incorporate.

Soy Ginger Sauce Ingredients ½ cup good-quality soy sauce 1 tablespoon minced ginger ½ tablespoon minced garlic ½ tablespoon minced jalapeno 1 tablespoon finely chopped Thai basil or cilantro 1 spring onion, sliced fine 1 teaspoon hot bean paste

» Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

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dine

Dining Guide

Check out the online version of the DINING GUIDE at BethesdaMagazine.com.

Bethesda 4935 Bar and Kitchen

4935 Cordell Ave., 301-951-4935, www.4935bar andkitchen.com. The restaurant offers a sleek, modern interior and a young chef-owner serving French and Indian fusion dishes such as spicy chicken confit and Tandoori pork chops. The popular upstairs private party room is now called “The Loft at 4935.” L D $$$

Aji-Nippon

6937 Arlington Road, 301-654-0213. A calm oasis on a busy street, where chef Kazuo Honma serves patrons several kinds of sushi, sashimi, noodle soups, teriyaki and more. Try a dinner box, which includes an entree, vegetables, California roll, tempura and rice. L D $$

American Tap Room

7278 Woodmont Ave., 301- 656-1366, www.americantaproom.com. Here’s a classic grill menu featuring sliders, wings and craft beer offered by Thompson Hospitality, the owners of Austin Grill. Entrées range from BBQ Glazed Meatloaf Dinner with whipped potatoes and green beans to the lighter Crabmeat Omelet.❂  R L D $$

&pizza

7614 Old Georgetown Road, 240-800-4783, www.andpizza.com. Create your own designer pizza from a choice of three crusts, three cheeses and eight sauces or spreads. Toppings for the thin, crispy crusts range from the usual suspects to falafel crumbles, fig marsala and pineapple salsa.

This location of the hip, fast-casual chain has limited seating. L D $

Bacchus of Lebanon

7945 Norfolk Ave., 301-657-1722, www.bacchus oflebanon.com. This friendly and elegant Lebanese staple has a large, sunny patio that beckons lunch and dinner patrons outside when the weather is good to try garlicky hummus, stuffed grape leaves, chicken kabobs, veal chops and dozens of small-plate dishes. ❂ L D $$

Bangkok Garden

4906 St. Elmo Ave., 301-951-0670, www.bkk garden.com. This real-deal, family-run Thai restaurant turns out authentic cuisine, including curries, soups and noodle dishes, in a dining room decorated with traditional statues of the gods.

Dishes range from mild to very hot. L D $

Benihana

7935 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-5391, www. benihana.com. Experience dinner-as-theater as the chef chops and cooks beef, chicken, vegetables and seafood tableside on the hibachi. This popular national chain serves sushi, too. The kids’ menu includes a California roll and hibachi chicken, steak and shrimp entrées. J L D $$

Bethesda Barbecue Company

4917 Elm St., 301-718-0550, bethesdabbq.com.

Chef Dennis Friedman turned his upscale Newton’s Table into a down-home barbecue spot, with

bacon pops, biscuits and sandwiches, plus platters with smoked pulled pork, chicken, sliced brisket and ribs. Hot smoked salmon, grilled fish and salads for those who don’t fancy finger-lickin’ fare.

JLD$

Bethesda Crab House

4958 Bethesda Ave., 301-652-3382, www.bethesda crabhouse.net. In the same location since 1961, this casual, family-owned dining spot features jumbo lump crabcakes, oysters on the half shell and jumbo spiced shrimp. Extra large and jumbosized crabs available year-round; call ahead to reserve them. ❂ L D $$

Bethesda Curry Kitchen

4860 Cordell Ave., 301-656-0062, www.bethesda currykitchen.com. The restaurant offers lunch buffet and Southern Indian vegan specialties, served in a spare and casual setting. There are plenty of choices from the tandoor oven, as well as vegetarian, seafood and meat curries. L D $

Bistro LaZeez

8009 Norfolk Ave., 301-652-8222, www.bistro lazeez.com. Reasonably priced Mediterranean cuisine served in a small, attractive space. Don’t miss the grilled pita and the signature BLZ Chicken Medley, with a grilled, marinated chicken thigh, drumstick and wing basted in a zesty sauce. ❂JLD$

Bistro Provence (Editors’ Pick)

4933 Fairmont Ave., 301-656-7373, www.bistro provence.org. Chef Yannick Cam brings his formidable experience to a casual French bistro with a lovely courtyard. The Dinner Bistro Fare, served daily from 5 to 6:30 p.m., offers a choice of appetizer, main course and dessert for $35. ❂ L D R $$$

Black’s Bar & Kitchen (Editors’ Pick)

7750 Woodmont Ave., 301-652-5525, www. blacksbarandkitchen.com. Bethesda Magazine readers voted Black’s “Best MoCo Restaurant” and “Best Happy Hour” in 2014. Customers count on the impeccable use of fresh and local ingredients and enjoy dining on the expansive patio. ❂ R L D $$$

Blaze Pizza

7101 Democracy Blvd. (Westfield Montgomery mall), 240-630-8236, www.blazepizza.com. One of the new breed of fast-casual pizza concepts, Blaze features build-your-own pies with a choice of nearly 30 toppings and six sauces. Pizzas are “fast-fire’d” for 180 seconds, resulting in thin, super-crisp crusts. Wash them down with the bloodorange lemonade. L D $

Bold Bite

4901-B Fairmont Ave., 301-951-2653, www.bold bite.net. Designer hot dogs and hickory-smoked burgers from the Venezuelan Roche brothers, with a menu that won “Best Menu Design” from the magazine’s editors in 2013. Among the menu options: breakfast sandwiches, ice cream sandwiches and house-made doughnuts. J B L D $

Key Price designations are for a three-course dinner for two including tip and tax, but excluding alcohol. $ $$ $$$ $$$$ b  B R L D

up to $50 $51-$100 $101-$150 $150+ Outdoor Dining Children’s Menu Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner

Brasserie Monte Carlo

7929 Norfolk Ave., 301-656-9225, www.brasserie montecarlo.com. French-Mediterranean dishes including wild rockfish and pan-seared duck breast served amid the rustic decor and a mural of a Monte Carlo landscape transport diners to Monaco. Finish with a classic tiramisu or a slice of Belgian chocolate mousse cake. ❂ R L D $$

Brickside Food & Drink

4866 Cordell Ave., 301-312-6160, www.brickside bethesda.com. Prohibition-era drinks meet Italian bar bites and entrées. Dishes range from fried chicken and waffles to lobster ravioli. Try one of the colorfully named punches, which include Pink Murder Punch and Snow Cone Punch. ❂ L R D $$

Caddies on Cordell

4922 Cordell Ave., 301-215-7730, www.caddies oncordell.com. Twenty-somethings gather at this golf-themed spot to enjoy beer and wings specials in a casual, rowdy atmosphere that frequently spills onto the large patio. Bethesda Magazine readers voted Caddies “Best Place for a Guys’ Night Out” in 2015. ❂ J R L D $

Café Deluxe

4910 Elm St., 301-656-3131, www.cafedeluxe.com.

This local chain serves bistro-style American comfort food in a fun and noisy setting with wood fans and colorful, oversized European liquor posters.

Menu options include burgers, entrées, four varieties of flatbread and mussels served three different ways. ❂ J R L D $$

Cava Mezze Grill

4832 Bethesda Ave., 301-656-1772, www.cava grill.com. The guys from Cava restaurant have cre-

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ated a Greek version of Chipotle. Choose the meat, dip or spread for a pita, bowl or salad. Housemade juices and teas provide a healthful beverage option. ❂ L D $

Cesco Osteria

7401 Woodmont Ave., 301-654-8333, www. cesco-osteria.com. Longtime chef Francesco Ricchi turns out Tuscan specialties, including pizza, pasta and foccacia in a big, jazzy space. Stop by the restaurant’s Co2 Lounge for an artisan cocktail before dinner. ❂ L D $$

Chef Tony’s

4926 St. Elmo Ave., 301-654-3737, www.chef tonysbethesda.com. Chef-owner Tony Marciante focuses on Mediterranean seafood tapas, offering dishes ranging from fish and seafood to chicken, steak and pasta. Desserts include Drunken Strawberries and Classic Creme Brulée. J R L D $$

City Burger

7015 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-0010, www.city burgeronline.com. Inexpensive quarter-pound burgers made from all-natural, antibiotic-free beef from the owners of Food Wine & Co., Beer Wine & Co., Don Pollo and Fish Taco. Hot dogs and half-smokes, plus homemade milkshakes and ice cream available. Space seats about 15, but geared for takeout. L D $

City Lights of China

4953 Bethesda Ave., 301-913-9501, www.bethesda citylights.com. Longtime Chinese eatery serves familiar Szechuan and Beijing fare, including six

types of dumplings and seven handmade noodle dishes. Red walls and chocolate-colored booths give the place a sharp look. L D $$

CRAVE

7101 Democracy Blvd., Suite 1530 (in Westfield Montgomery mall), 301-469-9600, cravebethes da.com. Minnesota-based chainlet offers an eclectic melting pot of American dishes, including bison burgers, duck confit flatbread and kogi beef tacos. The restaurant is also known for its extensive selection of wine and sushi.J L D $$

Daily Grill

One Bethesda Metro Center, 301-656-6100, www.dailygrill.com. Everyone from families to expense-account lunchers can find something to like about the big portions of fresh American fare, including chicken pot pie and jumbo lump crabcakes. ❂ J B R L D $$

Don Pollo

7007 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-0001. www.don pollogroup.com. Juicy, spiced birds and reasonable prices make this Peruvian chicken eatery a go-to place any night of the week. Family meals that serve four or six people available. Locations in Rockville and Gaithersburg, too. L D $

Faryab Restaurant (Editors’ Pick)

4917 Cordell Ave., 301-951-3484, farandaway cycling.com/Faryab/. Faryab serves well-prepared Afghani country food, including Afghanistan’s answer to Middle Eastern kabobs, vegetarian stews and unique sautéed pumpkin dishes, in a white-

washed dining room with native art on the walls and attentive service. D $$

Flanagan’s Harp & Fiddle

4844 Cordell Ave., 301-951-0115, www.flanagans harpandfiddle.com. This stylish pub features live music several days a week, Tuesday night poker and Monday quiz nights. In addition to traditional stews and fried fish, Flanagan’s offers smoked ribs, salmon and traditional Irish breakfast on weekends. ❂ J L D $$

Food Wine & Co. (Editors’ Pick)

7272 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-8008, www.food wineandco.com. Upscale American fare that includes a farmstead cheese and charcuterie bar, an oyster bar, salads and sandwiches, and entrées ranging from pan-roasted rockfish to a risotto made with local pumpkin, smoked pearl onion and wild mushroom, all served in a stunning bistro.

L D $$

Garden Grille & Bar

(in the Hilton Garden Inn), 7301 Waverly St., 301654-8111. Aside from a breakfast buffet featuring cooked-to-order omelets, waffles, fruit and more, the restaurant offers an extensive menu, from burgers and other sandwiches to crabcakes, short ribs and pasta dishes. J B D $$

Geppetto

10257 Old Georgetown Road, 301-493-9230, www. geppettorestaurant.com. Sicilian-style pizza served in a casual atmosphere inside bustling Wildwood Shopping Center, plus salads, classic Italian sandwiches, entrées and pasta dishes. ❂ L D $$

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dine Grapeseed American Bistro + Wine Bar (Editors’ Pick)

4865 Cordell Ave., 301-986-9592, www.grape seedbistro.com. Chef-owner Jeff Heineman, who develops each dish on the frequently updated menu to pair with a specific wine, also offers small plates and a 10-seat wine-room table.

Charcuterie offerings include house-made and artisan meats. L (Tuesday-Friday) D $$$

Gringos & Mariachis (Editors’ Pick)

4928 Cordell Ave., 240-800-4266, www.gringos andmariachis.com. The owners of the popular Olazzo Italian restaurants in Bethesda and Silver Spring trade in the red sauce for salsa at this hip taqueria with edgy murals and plenty of tequila.

Starters include duck nachos and the taco selection nears 15 choices. Voted “Best New Restaurant” by the magazine’s readers in 2015. L D $

Guapo’s Restaurant

8130 Wisconsin Ave., 301-656-0888, www.guapos restaurant.com. This outpost of a local chain has everything you’d expect: margaritas and chips galore, as well as a handful of daily specials served in festive Mexican surroundings. Perfect for families and dates. J R L D $

Guardado’s

4918 Del Ray Ave., 301-986-4920, www.guardados. com. Chef-owner Nicolas Guardado, who trained at Jaleo, opened this hidden gem devoted to Latin-Spanish cooking in 2007 and has developed a following with tapas specialties like shrimp and sausage, stuffed red peppers and paella. J L D $

Hanaro Restaurant & Lounge

7820 Norfolk Ave., 301-654-7851, www.hanaro bethesda.com. Operated by father-and-son Mike and Gene Han, the restaurant’s modern dark woods combined with a light-filled dining room brighten its corner location, and the menu includes sushi and Asian fusion main courses. The bar offers a daily happy hour. ❂ L D $$

Heckman’s Delicatessen

4914 Cordell Ave., 240-800-4879. www.heckman sdeli.com. The deli features all the staples, plus a dinner menu with chicken-in-a-pot and stuffed cabbage. Menu offers long lists of ingredients to build your own salads, sandwiches and egg dishes.

Sweets include rugelach, black-and-white cookies and homemade cheesecake. ❂ J B L D $

Himalayan Heritage (Editors’ Pick)

4925 Bethesda Ave., 301-654-1858, www. himalayanheritagedc.com. The menu includes North Indian, Nepalis, Indo- Chinese and Tibetan cuisines, featuring momos (Nepalese dumplings), Indian takes on Chinese chow mein and a large selection of curry dishes. All-you-can-eat lunch buffet offered, too. L D $

House of Foong Lin

4613 Willow Lane, 301-656-3427. www.foong lin.com. The Chinese restaurant features Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan cuisine, including chef’s recommendations, low-fat choices and lots of traditional noodle dishes. L D $$

House of Milae

4932 St. Elmo Ave., 301-654-1997. The Kang family, who own Milae Cleaners in Bethesda, bring simple Korean dishes to their first food foray. Chef “M&M” Kang prepares home-style fare such as bulgogi, galbi and bibimbap; also look for the Korean-style sushi known as kimbab. The kids’ menu has one item: spaghetti, made from the recipe of

owner Thomas Kang’s former college roommate’s mother. L D $

Jaleo (Editors’ Pick)

7271 Woodmont Ave., 301-913-0003, www.jaleo. com. The restaurant that launched the American career of chef José Andrés and popularized Spanish tapas for a Washington, D.C., audience offers hot, cold, spicy and creative small plates served with outstanding Spanish wines. Voted “Best Small Plates” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2014 and 2015. ❂ R L D $$

Jetties

4829 Fairmont Ave., 301-769-6844, www.jetties dc.com. The only suburban location of the popular Nantucket-inspired sandwich shop, which has four restaurants in Northwest Washington, D.C. Aside from the signature Nobadeer sandwich (roasted turkey and stuffing with cranberry sauce and mayonnaise on sourdough), look for large salads, a soup bar and an innovative children’s menu. ❂ J L D $

Kabob Bazaar

7710 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-5814, www.kabob bazaar.com. The younger sister of a popular Arlington restaurant with the same name offers kabobs in every protein possible, plus lots of vegetarian side dishes. Music on Saturdays and Sundays. ❂ L D $

Kadhai (Editors’ Pick)

7905 Norfolk Ave., 301-718-0121, www.kadhai .com. This popular Indian restaurant formerly known as Haandi serves a variety of traditional chicken, lamb and seafood dishes, plus rice and vegetarian dishes and a selection of breads. An extensive lunch buffet is offered daily. ❂ L D $$

La Panetteria

4921 Cordell Ave., 301-951-6433, www.la panetteria.com. La Panetteria transports diners into a quaint Italian villa with its impeccable service and Old World atmosphere, serving such Southern and Northern Italian classic dishes as homemade spaghetti and veal scaloppine. L D $$

Mamma Lucia

4916 Elm St., 301-907-3399, www.mammalucia restaurants.com. New York-style pizza dripping with cheese and crowd-pleasing red sauce, and favorites like chicken Parmesan and linguini with clams draw the crowds to this local chain. Gluten-free options available. ❂ L D $$

Matuba Japanese Restaurant

4918 Cordell Ave., 301-652-7449, www.matuba-sushi.com. Detail-oriented sushi chefs and attentive service perk up this otherwise plain white-and-blond-wood Japanese restaurant that has been doing a steady business in downtown Bethesda for years. L D $$

Max Brenner Chocolate Bar

7263 Woodmont Ave., 301-215-8305, www.max brenner.com. Chocoholics and dessert lovers will have a field day with the restaurant’s milkshakes, coffee drinks, hot chocolate, crêpes, waffles, fondue, ice cream and chocolate pizza. A retail section offers bonbons, praline wafers and caramelized nuts rolled in hazelnut cream and cocoa powder. ❂ $

Met Bethesda

7101 Democracy Blvd., Unit 3200 (in Westfield Montgomery mall), 301-767-1900. www.met bethesdamd.com. Boston-based restaurateur Kathy Sidell’s restaurant offers seasonal American cuisine cooked over a wood-burning grill.

Look for oak-fired prime rib-eye steak, grilled avocados stuffed with Maryland crab and an extensive martini selection, served in snazzy surroundings with an open kitchen. L D $$

Mia’s Pizzas (Editors’ Pick)

4926 Cordell Ave., 301-718-6427, www.miaspizzas bethesda.com. Mia’s wood-burning oven turns out Naples-style pies with a variety of toppings, plus homemade soups and cupcakes. Sit in the cheery dining room with yellow, green and orange accents or under an umbrella on the patio. ❂ J L D $$

Le Vieux Logis

Moby Dick House of Kabob

Lebanese Taverna

MOMO Chicken + Jazz

7925 Old Georgetown Road, 301-652-6816, www. levieuxlogisrestaurantmd.com. The colorful exterior will draw you into this family-run Bethesda institution, but classic French dishes such as Dover sole meunière and mussels in a white wine broth will keep you coming back. ❂ D $$$ 7141 Arlington Road, 301-951-8681, www.lebanese taverna.com. This branch of this long-lived local chain is an elegant spot for dipping puffy pita bread into hummus and baba ghanoush. The rest of the traditional Lebanese mezze are worth a try, too, as are the slow-cooked lamb dishes. Voted “Best Mediterranean Restaurant” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2014. ❂ J L D $$

Louisiana Kitchen & Bayou Bar

4907 Cordell Ave., 301-652-6945, www.louisiana bethesda.com. The popular Bethesda institution offers a Cajun- and Creole-style menu, complete with divine fried items. The pain perdou and beignets remain a great way to start a Sunday morning. B R L D $

Luke’s Lobster

7129 Bethesda Lane, 301-718-1005, www.lukes lobster.com. This upscale carryout features authentic lobster, shrimp and crab rolls; the seafood is shipped direct from Maine. Try the Taste of Maine, which offers all three kinds of rolls, plus two crab claws.❂ L D $

7027 Wisconsin Ave., 301-654-1838, www. mobyskabob.com. This kabob takeout/eat-in mainstay was one of the first kabob places in the area. It makes its own pita bread. The menu includes a variety of salads and vegetarian sandwiches and platters. L D $ 4862 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 240-483-0801, www. momofc.com. Skip the breasts, and head for the wings or drumsticks at Bethesda’s first Korean fried chicken spot. Options such as seafood pancakes, bulgogi and bibimbap are part of the extensive offerings, all served in a hip space with framed record albums gracing the walls. ❂ J L D $$

Mon Ami Gabi

7239 Woodmont Ave., 301-654-1234, www.mon amigabi.com. Waiters serve bistro classics such as escargot, steak frites and profiteroles in a dark and boisterous spot that doesn’t feel like a chain.

Voted “Best Place for a Couple’s Night Out” by the magazine’s readers in 2015. Live jazz Tuesday and Thursday nights. ❂ J R L D $$

Morton’s, The Steakhouse

7400 Wisconsin Ave., 301-657-2650, www.mortons .com. An ultra-sophisticated steak house serving pricey, large portions of prime-aged beef and drinks. The restaurant is known for a top-notch dinner experience but also offers lunch and a bar menu. D $$$

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Mussel Bar & Grille 7262 Woodmont Ave., 301-215-7817, www.mussel bar.com. Kensington resident and big-name chef Robert Wiedmaier serves his signature mussels, plus wood-fired tarts, salads and sandwiches. Wash them all down with a choice of 40 Belgian beers, a list that won “Best Craft Beer Selection” by the magazine’s readers in 2013 and 2015. ❂ R L D $$

Naples Ristorante E Pizzeria E Bar (New) 7101 Democracy Blvd. (in Westfield Montgomery mall), 301-365-8300, www.naplesbethesda.com.

Neapolitan-style pizzas from three wood-fired ovens are served at this large, light and airy addition to the mall’s dining terrace. Owned by the Patina Restaurant Group, which operates about 70 eateries nationwide, Naples also offers Italian wines, small plates, pasta dishes and entrées. L D $$

Nest Cafe 4921 Bethesda Ave., 301-718-6378, www.nestwine barcafe.com. Nest offers simple salads, pasta and pizzas. Among the best eats, however, are the crispy calamari and artichokes appetizer and the mussels and fries entrée. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights. ❂ R L (except Monday) D $$

Oakville Grille & Wine Bar (Editors’ Pick) 10257 Old Georgetown Road, 301-897-9100, www.oakvillewinebar.com. Fresh California food paired with a thoughtful wine list in an elegant, spare setting may not sound unique, but Oakville

was one of the first in the area to do so, and continues to do it well. L D $$

Olazzo (Editors’ Pick) 7921 Norfolk Ave., 301-654-9496, www.olazzo. com. This well-priced, romantic restaurant is the place for couples seeking red-sauce classics at reasonable prices. Founded by brothers Riccardo and Roberto Pietrobono, it was voted “Best Italian Restaurant” and “Best Fried Calamari” by our readers in 2014. ❂ L D $$

Original Pancake House 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Store D, 301-986-0285, www.ophrestaurants.com. Try one of dozens of pancake dishes, as well as eggs and waffles galore. Named “Best Breakfast” by the magazine’s readers in 2014. J B L $

Panas Gourmet Empanadas 4731 Elm St., 301-657-7371, www.panasgourmet. com. Latin-fusion gourmet empanadas that are baked, not fried, and have a modern twist—think chicken pesto, smoked eggplant, chipotle steak and brie with mushrooms and artichoke hearts. ❂ LD$

Parva Cocina & Tequila Bar

Passage to India (Editors’ Pick) 4931 Cordell Ave., 301-656-3373, www.passage toindia.info. Top-notch, pan-Indian fare by chefowner Sudhir Seth, with everything from garlic naan to fish curry made to order. Elegant ivory screens shield diners from street noise. Voted “Best Indian Restaurant” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2014. ❂ R L D $$

Penang Malaysian & THAI Cuisine & BAR 4933 Bethesda Ave., 301-657-2878, www.penang maryland.com. At this Malaysian spot decorated with exotic dark woods and a thatched roof, spices run the gamut of Near and Far Eastern influence, and flavors include coconut, lemongrass, sesame and chili sauce. L D $$

Persimmon (Editors’ Pick) 7003 Wisconsin Ave., 301-654-9860, www.persimmonrestaurant.com. Owners Damian and Stephanie Salvatore’s popular restaurant offers casual fare from salads to sandwiches to meat and seafood entrées in a bistro setting featuring a lively bar, cozy booths and bright paintings on the walls. ❂ L D R $$

Pines of Rome

7904 Woodmont Ave., 301-312-6488, www.the parva.com. With more than 70 tequilas and an extensive menu of Tex-Mex dishes, the eatery formerly called The Parva has re-branded itself from its Latin fusion days. All three varieties of the ceviche are lively, and so is the bar scene. R D $$

4709 Hampden Lane, 301-657-8775. Local celebrities and families gather at this down-home Italian spot for traditional pasta, pizza, fish and seafood at prices that are easy on the wallet. The white pizza is a hit, and don’t forget the spaghetti and meatballs. L D $

Classic French in Chevy Chase.

301.986.5255 lafermerestaurant.com

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dine Pizza Tempo

8021 Wisconsin Ave., 240-497-0000, www.pizza tempo.us. Pizza with a twist, which includes toppings such as sujuk (Mediterranean beef sausage), pistachio mortadella and spicy beef franks, plus a wide selection of pides (boat-shaped pizzas).

Salads, wraps, panini and entrées also available.

Limited seating; delivery within about a 3-mile radius. L D $

Pizzeria da Marco (Editors’ Pick)

8008 Woodmont Ave., 301-654-6083, www.pizzeria damarco.net. Authentic Neapolitan pizzas fired in a 900-degree Italian brick oven range from the Siciliana with eggplant confit and black olives to the Solo Carne with sausage, pepperoni and salame. Salads, antipasti and calzones available, too. ❂ L D $

Positano Ristorante Italiano

4940-48 Fairmont Ave., 301-654-1717, www. epositano.com. An authentic Italian, family-run restaurant popular for private events, large and small. Colorful rooms are decorated with Italian landscapes, copper pots and hanging plants, and the outdoor patio is one of the most beautiful in the county. ❂ L D $ $

Praline Bakery & Bistro

4611 Sangamore Road, 301-229-8180, www. praline-bakery.com. This sunny restaurant offers a tempting bakery takeout counter, full dining service and a patio. The food, which includes chicken pot pie and pralines, is French with an American accent. The magazine’s editors voted its desserts the prettiest around in 2013. ❂ J B R L D $$

Raku (Editors’ Pick)

7240 Woodmont Ave., 301-718-8680, www.raku asiandining.com. Voted “Best Sushi” by the magazine’s readers in 2014 and “Best Bethesda Restaurant” in 2013, this casual restaurant has bamboo walls that do little to dampen the noise, but the menu satisfies with everything from sushi to kung pao chicken. ❂ L D $$

Redwood Restaurant & Bar

7121 Bethesda Lane, 301-656-5515, www.redwood bethesda.com. The upscale wine bar features fresh, local food and California-centric wines. Voted “Best Private Dining Room” by the magazine’s readers in 2013 (in a tie), Redwood features a frequently changing menu and in-season farmers market dinners. ❂ J R L D $$

Rice Paddies Grill & Pho

4706 Bethesda Ave., 301-718-1862, ricepaddies grill.com. This cute copper-and-green eat-in/carryout makes quick work of Vietnamese favorites like pork, beef and vegetable skewers infused with lemongrass and the classic beef noodle soup known as pho. L D $

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery 7900 Norfolk Ave., 301-652-1311, www.rock bottom.com. India Pale Ales and specialty dark brews are among the award-winning beers crafted in-house at this cavernous yet welcoming chain, which offers a vast menu. The burgers are the real deal. ❂ J L D $$

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

7315 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-7877, www.ruths chris.com. A dark and clubby feel makes this elegant chain popular with families as well as the happy-hour crowd. Don’t skip the fresh seafood choices, which include Caribbean lobster tail and barbecued shrimp. D $$$

Sala Thai

4828 Cordell Ave., 301-654-4676, www.salathai dc.com. This Thai mainstay cooks the classics and offers diners a nearly panoramic view of Woodmont Avenue through huge, curved windows. Live jazz Friday and Saturday evenings. L D $$

Saphire Café

7940 Wisconsin Ave., 301-986-9708. A relaxing spot for tasting everything from Maryland-style crab soup to Argentine skirt steak, Saphire pumps it up a notch on Friday and Saturday nights with drink specials and DJs. Tiki bar open Wednesdays through Saturdays. ❂ L D $

Satsuma

8003 Norfolk Ave., 301-652-1400. satsumajp.com.

Bethesda’s first yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) restaurant has built-in grills at each table. Diners select a cut—short rib, chuck rib, skirt or tongue— and prepare it themselves. There’s also an extensive sushi and sashimi menu, as well as interesting cooked dishes. L D $$

Shanghai Village

4929 Bethesda Ave., 301-654-7788. Owner Kwok Chueng prides himself on personal attention and recognizing regulars who have been stopping in for his classic Chinese cooking for more than 25 years. Order the secret recipe Mai Tai. L D $

Shangri -La Nepalese and Indian Cuisine

7345-A Wisconsin Ave., 301-656-4444, www. shangrilabethesda.com. Northern Indian and Nepali specialties such as butter chicken and fresh flatbreads known as naan shine here. The extensive menu ranges from soups and salads to tandoori and kabobs.J L D $

Share Wine Lounge & Small Plate Bistro

8120 Wisconsin Ave. (in the Doubletree Hotel), 301-652-2000, www.doubletreebethesda.com/ dining.aspx. Share some buffalo chicken sliders or avocado bruschetta, or go for main courses ranging from Yankee pot roast to cedar plank-roasted salmon. B L D $$

Smoke BBQ Bethesda

4858 Cordell Ave., 301-656-2011, www.smoke bbqbethesda.com. Pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked chicken, ribs and all the fixin’s, plus starters including smoked tomato soup and fried pickles served in a friendly, casual space. Delivery available for orders over $15. J L D $

South Street Steaks

4856 Cordell Ave., 301-215-8333, www.south streetsteaks.com. Even transplanted Philadelphians will admire the cheesesteaks at this local chain’s third location. The shop also offers chicken cheesesteaks, hoagies (that’s Philly-talk for cold subs) and sandwiches called “Phillinis,” a cross between “Philly” and “panini.” J L D $

Steamers Seafood House

4820 Auburn Ave., 301-718-0661, www.steamers seafoodhouse.com. Steamers brings Bethany Beach to Bethesda, especially if diners sit on the wraparound porch in warm weather with a bucket of crabs and some beer. Party rooms available. ❂ J L D $$

Stromboli Family Restaurant

7023 Wisconsin Ave., 301-986-1980, www.strombolis restaurant.com. In addition to a large selection of delectable hot Italian sandwiches called stromboli, this proud family restaurant/carryout fea-

tures pizzas, subs and pastas at reasonable prices.

LD$

sweetgreen

4831 Bethesda Ave.301-654-7336, sweetgreen. com. The sweetgreen fast-casual chain—with its focus on local and organic ingredients—concentrates on salads (devise your own, or pick from a list) and soups. Look for eco-friendly décor and a healthy sensibility. ❂ L D $

Tako Grill (New)

4914 Hampden Lane (in The Shoppes of Bethesda), 301-652-7030, www.takogrill.com.

Longtime, popular sushi destination relocates to the space formerly occupied by Hinode Japanese Restaurant. Look for the same traditional sushi menu, plus some new options, such as griddle-cooked teppanyaki at lunch, and more varieties of yakatori at dinner. L D $$

Tandoori Nights

7236 Woodmont Ave., 301-656-4002, www.tandoori nightsbethesda.com. Located in the heart of downtown Bethesda, the restaurant serves traditional Indian fare ranging from tandoori chicken, marinated in yogurt and spices, to a biryani flavored with saffron, nuts and raisins. ❂ L D $$

Tastee Diner

7731 Woodmont Ave., 301-652-3970, www.tastee diner.com. For 80 years, this crowd-pleasing if slightly sagging spot has served up everything from breakfast to burgers to blue-plate specials like steak and crabcakes to crowds of loyal customers. Open 24 hours. J B L D $

Taylor Gourmet

7280 Woodmont Ave., 301-951-9001, www.taylor gourmet.com. The sandwich shop offers a menu of upscale takes on Philadelphia hoagies, sandwiches and salads made with top-notch ingredients. Check out the eggroll appetizer of mozzarella, provolone, hot capicola, Genoa salami, peppers and red onion. L D $

The Barking Dog

4723 Elm St., 301-654-0022, barkingdogbar.com.

A fun place for young adults, with drink specials nearly every night and bar food such as quesadillas and burgers. Salsa dancing on Tuesdays, trivia on Wednesdays, karaoke on Thursdays and a DJ and dancing Fridays and Saturdays. ❂ L D $

The Burger Joint

4827 Fairmont Ave., 301-358-6137, www.bgrthe burgerjoint.com. The burgers are good and the vibe is great at this frequently packed eatery next to Veterans Park. Try the veggie burger, made with a blend of brown rice, black beans, molasses and oats. ❂ J L D $

The Corner Slice

7901 Norfolk Ave., 301-907-7542, www.the cornerslice.net. New York-style pizza, available by the slice or as a 20-inch pie. Specialty pizzas include the spinach-artichoke white pie with ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan and the Buffalo Chicken Pie with blue cheese and hot sauce. ❂LD$

Tia Queta

4839 Del Ray Ave., 301-654-4443, www.tiaqueta. com. This longtime family and happy-hour favorite offers authentic Mexican food like moles and fish dishes, as well as the usual Tex-Mex options.

Menu includes American and Mexican beers. ❂ J L D $$

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Tommy Joe’s Restaurant

4714 Montgomery Lane, 301-654-3801, www. tommyjoes.com. Hot wings, loaded potato skins and sliders, along with drink specials, abound at this friendly restaurant/bar/nightclub featuring 20 big-screen TVs for game time. ❂ L D $$

Trattoria Sorrento (Editors’ Pick)

4930 Cordell Ave., 301-718-0344, www.trattoria sorrento.com. This family-run Italian favorite offers homemade pastas, baked eggplant and fresh fish dishes. Half-price bottles of wine on Wednesdays. Opera dinners at 6 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month feature a four-course meal and a performance for $60 per person. D $$

Tyber Bierhaus

7525 Old Georgetown Road, 240-821-6830, www.tyberbierhausmd.com. Czech, German and Belgian brews served in an authentic beer-hall setting, furnished with the same benches as those used in the Hofbrau brewhouse in Munich.

Pub menu features mussels, hearty sandwiches, schnitzel and goulash. R L D $$

Uncle Julio’s Rio Grande Café

4870 Bethesda Ave., 301-656-2981, www.uncle julios.com. Loud and large, this Tex-Mex eatery packs in families and revelers fueling up on fajitas, tacos and more. Kids love to watch the tortilla machine. Voted “Most Kid-Friendly Restaurant” by the magazine’s readers in 2015. ❂ J R L D $$

Union Jack’s

4915 St. Elmo Ave., 301-652-2561, www.union jacksbethesda.com. This authentically decorated British-style pub is partially below street level.

English dishes such as Welsh rarebit cozy up to burgers, salads and crabcakes. DJ and dancing weekends until 2:30 a.m. ❂ L D $$

Urban Heights (New)

7940 Norfolk Ave., 301-312-8282, urbanheights bethesda.com. Chef Robert Wiedmaier’s RW Restaurant Group features the pan-Asian cooking of Filipino chef Cliff Wharton, who concentrates on creative small plates (think wasabi blue cheese guacamole). The second-story restaurant offers patio and rooftop dining, plus jazzy drinks such as a kumquat mojito. ❂ L D $$

Villain & Saint (New)

7141 Wisconsin Ave., 240-800-4700, villainand saint.com. Listen to live music while digging into salt-roasted beets or slow-smoked pork ribs at this hip bar, courtesy of chef Robert Wiedmaier’s RW Restaurant Group. Delightfully dated décor includes lava lamps and photos of late great rock stars. The menu is divided into hearty dishes (villain) and vegetarian options (saint). ❂ R L D $$

Vino Volo

7247 Woodmont Ave., 301-656-0916, www.vino volobethesdarow.com. This wine bar and shop features a rustic café serving small plates, cheeses and cured meats, salads, sandwiches, pizza and a few entrées. For dessert, there’s bourbon bread pudding, gelato or sorbetto. ❂ L D $$

Wildwood Kitchen (Editors’ Pick)

10223 Old Georgetown Road (in the Wildwood Shopping Center), 301-571-1700, www.wildwood kitchenrw.com. Chef Robert Wiedmaier’s attractive neighborhood bistro serving fresh and light modern cuisine. Entrées range from Amish chicken with a scallion potato cake to grilled Atlantic salmon with creamy polenta. L D $$

Woodmont Grill (Editors’ Pick)

7715 Woodmont Ave., 301-656-9755, www.hillstone.com. Part of the Houston’s chain, the eatery offers such classics as spinach and artichoke dip and its famous burgers, but also housebaked breads, more exotic dishes, live jazz and a granite bar. ❂ L D $$$

Yamas Mediterranean Grill

4806 Rugby Ave., 301-312-8384, www.yamasgrill. com. A friendly staff serve gyros, souvlaki, lemon chicken and other Greek specialties at this sunny café. Dinner entrées include Greek-style chicken and vegetarian mousaka. ❂ J L D $

FRESH CLASSICS FROM SCRATCH

Yuzu

7345-B Wisconsin Ave., 301-656-5234, yuzu bethesda.com. Diners will find authentic Japanese dishes, including sushi, sashimi and cooked tofu, vegetable, tempura, meat and fish dishes, prepared by sushi chef and owner Yoshihisa Ota. L D $$

CABIN JOHN Fish Taco

7945 MacArthur Blvd., 301-229-0900, www.fish tacoonline.com. This counter-service taqueria from the owners of Bethesda’s Food Wine & Co. features a full roster of seafood as well as non-aquatic tacos, plus margaritas and other Mexican specialties.

The eco-chic décor is casual and attractive. Don’t miss the bread pudding. ❂ J L D $

Voted one of the most kid friendly restaurants by the readers of Bethesda Magazine

GAITHERSBURG | BETHESDA | TYSONS CORNER | CLEVELAND PARK | WEST END | WWW.CAFEDELUXE.COM

Indigo House

7945 MacArthur Blvd. (in MacArthur Plaza), 301312-6737. Sake-steamed clams, tamarind pork buns and tea-smoked duck breast are among the choices at this hip Pan-Asian eatery from Persimmon and Wild Tomato restaurateurs Damian and Stephanie Salvatore. There’s a long bar that’s inviting for drinks and sushi. ❂ L D $$

Wild Tomato (Editors’ Pick)

7945 MacArthur Blvd., 301-229-0680, www.wild tomatorestaurant.com. A family-friendly neighborhood restaurant from Persimmon and Indigo House owners Damian and Stephanie Salvatore, serving salads, sandwiches and pizza. Voted “Best Fish Tacos” by our readers in 2014. ❂ J L D $

CHEVY CHASE Alfio’s La Trattoria

4515 Willard Ave., 301-657-9133, www.alfios.com.

This Northern Italian classic on the first floor of The Willoughby of Chevy Chase Condominium has been feeding families and casual diners for more than 30 years. Look for traditional pasta, veal and chicken dishes (plus pizza), served in an Old World environment. J L D $$

Capital Grille

5310 Western Ave., 301-718-7812, www.capital grille.com. The upscale steak-house chain, known for its he-man-sized portions and extensive wine list, is located in The Shops at Wisconsin Place.

Entrées also include chicken, lamb chops, salmon and lobster. L D $$$$

Clyde’s

5441 Wisconsin Ave., 301-951-9600, www.clydes. com. The popular restaurant features a frequently changing menu of American favorites and a collection of vintage airplanes and cars, as well as a

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dine model train running on a track around the ceiling. ❂ J R L D $$

La Ferme (Editors’ Pick) 7101 Brookville Road, 301-986-5255, www.la fermerestaurant.com. This charming Provencestyle restaurant serving classic French cuisine is a popular choice for an intimate dinner or a celebration in one of several private rooms or on the heated patio terrace. Perhaps that’s why the magazine’s readers voted it the “Most Romantic Restaurant” in 2014. ❂ R L D $$$

Lia’s (Editors’ Pick) 4435 Willard Ave., 240-223-5427, www.chefgeoff. com. Owner Geoff Tracy focuses on high-quality, low-fuss modern Italian-American fare at this modern space with a wine room. Pizzas, housemade pastas and fresh fish please business lunchers and dinner crowds. ❂ J R L D $

Manoli Canoli Restaurant 8540 Connecticut Ave., 301-951-1818, www. manolicanoli.com. Italian and Greek specialties abound at a fun family eatery that features a large prepared foods section, dishes made with olive oil from owner Stavros Manolakos’ family farm in Greece and homemade mozzarella on pizza and subs. ❂ J L D $

Meiwah Restaurant 4457 Willard Ave., 301-652-9882, www.meiwah restaurant.com. This modern restaurant on the second floor of a Friendship Heights office building offers top-quality Chinese dishes that are hard to beat. There’s also a sushi bar with an extensive menu. A fountain sparkles on the outdoor patio. ❂ L D $$

Potomac Pizza 19 Wisconsin Circle, 301-951-1127, www.potomac pizza.com. This cheery, casual dining room provides a break from the ultra-posh shopping surrounding it. In addition to pizza, subs and pastas are popular. Beer and wine available. ❂ J L D$

Sushiko (Editors’ Pick) 5455 Wisconsin Ave., 301-961-1644, www.sushiko restaurants.com. Known as the Washington, D.C., area’s most respected sushi restaurant, Sushiko offers a wide range of sushi and other dishes. A chef’s nine-course tasting menu includes seven original small dishes, a sushi course and dessert. ❂ L D $$

Tavira 8401 Connecticut Ave., 301-652-8684, www.tavira restaurant.com. Fish stews and several versions of bacalhau (salted cod) figure prominently on the menu of this intriguing Portuguese restaurant, which manages to be charming and attractive despite its location in an office building basement.

L (except Saturday and Sunday) D $$

GARRETT PARK Black Market Bistro (Editors’ Pick) 4600 Waverly Ave., 301-933-3000, www.black marketrestaurant.com. Sublime American bistro fare served in a restored Victorian building next to railroad tracks; the building once served as a general store and still houses a post office. Entrées range from swordfish to a burger and pizza, including several vegetable options. ❂ J R L D $$

GLEN ECHO Irish Inn at Glen Echo

6119 Tulane Ave., 301-229-6600, www.irishinn glenecho.com. This historic tavern has been a family home and a biker bar, but its incarnation as the Irish Inn has been delivering smiles and hearty food since 2003. Traditional Irish music on Monday nights and The 19th Street Band on every other Wednesday night, plus live jazz on Thursday nights. ❂ J R L D $$

KENSINGTON Frankly…Pizza!

10417 Armory Ave., 301-832-1065, www. frankly-pizza.com. Owner Frank Linn turns out high-quality pizza in a rustic brick-and-mortar restaurant. The menu offers wood-fired pies topped with home-cured meats and tomato sauce made from an 80-year-old family recipe.

Homemade sodas and wines served on tap, too. ❂ L (Saturdays and Sundays) D $

K Town Bistro

3784 Howard Ave., 301-933-1211, www.ktown bistro.com. Try filet mignon, duck breast à l’orange, chicken marsala and other classic continental dishes from this family-run eatery owned by Gonzalo Barba, former longtime captain of the restaurant in the Watergate Hotel. L D $$

Savannah’s American Grill

10700 Connecticut Ave., 301-946-7917. This casual sports bar serves American bar food, including wraps, burgers, salads and ribs, and brunch on weekends. Diners can enjoy their meals outside on a 50-seat patio. ❂ J R L D $

Sub*Urban Trading Co.

10301 Kensington Parkway, 301-962-4046, www. suburbantrading.com. Earthy, neighborhood bistro and market features creative seasonal dishes.

Think cured duck leg sandwich with shaved onions and fig preserves, roasted sausage and ricestuffed shallots, vegetable pot-au-feu, plus homemade sweets. R L D $$

NORTH POTOMAC/ GAITHERSBURG Asia Nine

254 Crown Park Ave., 301-330-9997, www.asia ninemd.com. Pan Asian restaurant with a first location in Washington, D.C.’s Penn Quarter offers dishes from Vietnam, China, Thailand and Japan.

Specialties include grilled lamb chops served with mango-soy coulis and miso honey duck breast drizzled with a sake butter sauce. R L D $$

Athens Grill

9124 Rothbury Drive, 301-975-0757, www.athens grill.com. This casual, friendly, family-run restaurant specializes in authentic Greek cooking, using recipes handed down through generations. Specialties like rotisserie chicken, chargrilled salmon with a lemon dill sauce and lamb kabobs are cooked on a hardwood grill. L D $

Bonefish Grill

82 Market St., 240-631-2401, www.bonefishgrill. com. While fresh fish cooked over a wood fire is

the centerpiece of this upscale Florida chain, the steaks, crabcakes and specialty martinis make it a fun option for happy hour and those with hearty appetites. R L (only on Sundays) D $$

Brasserie Beck Kentlands

311 Kentlands Blvd., 301-569-4247, brasserie beck.com. Chef Robert Wiedmaier and his RW Restaurant Group’s Belgian-inspired brasserie has focused on raw oysters, mussels, artisan cheeses and charcuterie, plus hearty main courses. At press time, the restaurant was transitioning to a more casual, American-style concept with lower prices. ❂ L D $$$

Buca di Beppo

122 Kentlands Blvd., 301-947-7346, www.bucadi beppo.com. The Kentlands outpost of this national chain serves huge, family-style portions of Italian specialties from fresh breads to antipasti and pasta dishes amid a sea of Italian kitsch. Desserts include Italian Creme Cake and Tiramisu. J L D $$

Burma Road

617 S. Frederick Ave., 301-963-1429, www.burma road.biz. A good place to sample pickled tea leaf salad and other Burmese specialties. House specials include Three Cup Chicken Casserole and Sizzling Shrimp and Scallop in Hot Garlic Sauce.

LD$

Coal Fire

Kentlands Square, 116 Main St., 301-519-2625, www.coalfireonline.com. Homemade crusts fired by coal and topped with your choice of toppings and three different sauces: classic, spicy and signature, which is slightly sweet with a hint of spice. Salads, sandwiches and pasta also available, plus a full bar. ❂LD$

Copper Canyon Grill

100 Boardwalk Place, 240-631-0003, www.ccgrill. com. Large portions of American classics like salads, ribs and rotisserie chicken prepared with seasonal ingredients at family-friendly prices are the bill of fare at this spacious and casual chain restaurant. J L D $$

Coastal Flats

135 Crown Park Ave. (Downtown Crown), 301-8698800, www.greatamericanrestaurants.com. First Maryland locale for Great American Restaurants, a Fairfax-based chain. Seaside-inspired décor extends to the menu, which offers lobster and shrimp rolls, fried grouper and key lime pie. Steaks, pasta and burgers also served.❂ J L D $$

Dogfish Head Alehouse

800 W. Diamond Ave., 301-963-4847, www.dogfish alehouse.com. The first Maryland outpost of the popular Rehoboth Beach brewpub, the restaurant is packed with revelers and families clamoring for the Dogfish Head brews, burgers, pizzas and ribs.

Check out the burger of the week. ❂ J L D $$

Growler’s

227 E. Diamond Ave., 301-519-9400, www.growlers restaurant.com. This turn-of-the-century building in downtown Gaithersburg is now a brewpub with regular and seasonal house brews and a full menu including pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and entrées such as Cajun rigatoni and steak frites. Live music Wednesday through Saturday. ❂ JR L D $

Guapo’s Restaurant

9811 Washingtonian Blvd., L-17, 301-977-5655, www.guaposrestaurant.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂JRLD$

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Il Porto Restaurant

245 Muddy Branch Road, 301-590-0735, www.il portorestaurant.com. A classic red-sauce menu, elegant murals of Venice and an authentic thincrust pizza are hallmarks of this friendly, unfussy Italian restaurant tucked in the Festival Shopping Center. Fried calamari and the white pizza are among customer favorites. ❂ L D $

Joe’s Crab Shack

221 Rio Blvd., 301-947-4377, www.joescrabshack. com. This is one of three Maryland locations of the chain, which offers blue crabs from April through August and other varieties year-round, as well as chicken and burgers for landlubbers. Popular with families and young couples. ❂ J L D $$

Le Palais

304 Main St., No. 100, 301-947-4051, www. restaurantlepalais.com. Chef-owner Joseph Zaka trips lightly through the dishes of Brittany and Burgundy, adding a modern twist here and there.

Entrées include squab with chestnuts, prunes and wild mushrooms, and cassolette of lamb. D $$$

Not Your Average Joe’s

245 Kentlands Blvd. (in Kentlands Square Shopping Center), 240-477-1040, www.notyouraverage joes.com. Massachusetts-based chain serving creative casual cuisine in a neighborhood spot. Menu includes big salads, pizza, burgers and sandwiches, plus seasonal selections. ❂ J L D $$

Old Town Pour House

212 Ellington Blvd. (in Downtown Crown), 301963-6281, www.oldtownpourhouse.com. One of the eateries from Chicago’s Bottleneck Management restaurant company, this place features more than 90 local and international brews on tap. Classic American cuisine is served in a setting with copper-inlaid bars and high ceilings. ❂ L D $$

Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar

11333 Woodglen Drive, 301-816-1100, www. paladarlatinkitchen.com. This Cleveland-based chain covers the spectrum of Latin cuisine, with dishes from Cuba, the Caribbean and Central and South America. From Brazil, there’s feijoada stew; from Cuba, ropa vieja; and from Jamaica, jerk chicken. Bar selections includes 50 varieties of rum, 15 tequilas and six types of mojitos. ❂ J R L D $$

Potomac Pizza

625 Center Point Way, 301-977-9777, www.potomac pizza.com. See Chevy Chase listing. J L D $

Quincy’s Bar & Grille

616 Quince Orchard Road, 301-869-8200, quincys bar.com. Energetic neighborhood pub with a sports bar atmosphere, Quincy’s also has an extensive menu with wings, pizza, build-your-own burgers and chicken sandwiches, plus entrées including Guinness-braised brisket. Live music is also a big draw. L D $

Red Hot & Blue

16811 Crabbs Branch Way, 301-948-7333, www. redhotandblue.com. You’ll find generous portions of hickory-smoked barbecue, plus burgers, salads and wraps, and a Southern attitude at this chain popular for its office party takeout and its familyfriendly, kitschy roadhouse décor. J L D $

Rio Grande Café

231 Rio Blvd., 240-632-2150, www.unclejulios. com. See Bethesda listing under Uncle Julio’s. ❂ J R L D $$

Ruth’s Chris Steak House 106 Crown Park Ave. (Downtown Crown), 301990-1926, www.ruthschris.com. With more than 9,000 square feet, this location of the world’s largest upscale steak house chain offers the same prime steaks, barbecued shrimp and specialty cocktails offered at the company’s other 130-plus restaurants. Same “Sizzle, Swizzle and Swirl” Happy Hour, too. D $$$

Sardi’s Pollo a La Brasa 430 N. Frederick Ave., 301-977-3222, www.sardis chicken.com. Yes, there’s charbroiled chicken, but don’t miss the other Peruvian specialties, especially the ceviche and Salchipapas, a true Peruvian street food of thinly sliced pan-fried beef hotdogs mixed with french fries and served with condiments. L D $

Tandoori Nights 106 Market St., 301-947-4007, www.tandoori nightsmd.com. Downtown martini lounge meets modern curry palace in the Kentlands. A feast for the eyes as well as the palate, Tandoori Nights specializes in marinated meats baked in the eponymous clay oven. Desserts include Indian ice cream and rice pudding. ❂ L D $

Tara Thai 9811 Washingtonian Blvd., L-9, 301-947-8330, www.tarathai.com. Thai cuisine goes high style at Bethesda Magazine’s pick for “Best Thai Restaurant” in 2014. With colorful murals of ocean creatures looking on, diners can try dishes ranging from mild to adventurous. ❂ L D $$

Ted’s Bulletin 220 Ellington Blvd. (in Downtown Crown), 301990-0600, www.tedsbulletin.com. First Maryland location of the modern diner chainlet from the folks at Matchbox Food Group. Boozy milkshakes, homemade pop tarts and the Cinnamon Roll As Big As Ya Head served weekends only are among the specialties. ❂ J R L D $$

Thai Tanium 657 Center Point Way, 301-990-3699, www.thai taniumrestaurant.com. Authentic Thai food laced with lots of chilies and garlic as hot as you like. Try one of the Thai street food dishes, such as roasted pork with Thai herbed sweet sauce and noodle soups. ❂ J L D $

The Melting Pot 9021 Gaither Road, 301-519-3638, www.the meltingpot.com. There’s nothing like dipping bits of bread, vegetables and apples into a communal pot of hot cheese to get a date or a party started. The Melting Pot chain also offers wine, oil or broth to cook meat tableside and chocolate fondue for dessert. J D $$

The Wine Harvest, The Kentlands 114 Market St., 301-869-4008, www.thewine harvest.com. Stop by this popular Cheers-like wine bar locally owned by the Meyrowitz family for a glass of wine or a Belgian beer. The menu includes salads, sandwiches and cheese plates.

There’s also a Potomac location. ❂ L D $

Vasilis Mediterranean Grill 353 Main St., 301-977-1011, www.vasilisgrill.com.

With soaring white pillars and a spate of inviting outdoor tables, this Greek restaurant serves the usual souvlaki and gyros as well as more interesting dishes such as grilled branzini (sea bass) and lamb chops. ❂ J L D $

Normandie Farm Rehearsal Dinners Wedding Receptions & Ceremonies Bridal Showers!

Flexible Banquet Menus Complimentary Parking!

301.983.8838 popovers.com

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dine Yoyogi Sushi

328 Main St., 301-963-0001. A no-nonsense neighborhood sushi place with bright fish tanks, it offers the familiar sushi, teriyaki, tempura dishes, plus seaweed salad, soup, green tea and red bean ice cream. L D $

Ziki Japanese Steak House

10009 Fields Road, 301-330-3868, www.zikisteak house.com. This large steak house on a busy corner charms patrons with its fountains, stone Buddhas and geisha mannequins. Food offerings include sushi, as well as meats cooked on a tableside hibachi. J L D $$

POTOMAC Amici Miei

1093 Seven Locks Road, 301-545-0966, www.amici mieiristorante.com. Chef Davide Megna and manager/partner Roberto Deias have created an upscale Italian neighborhood gathering place, with wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas and creative salads. Happy Hour held Monday through Friday. ❂ R L D $$

Attman’s Delicatessen

7913 Tuckerman Lane (in the Cabin John Shopping Center & Mall), 301-765-3354, cabinjohn.attmansdeli.com. This landmark Baltimore deli has run a second location in Potomac since 2013. The menu offers the same legendary corned beef, pastrami and other deli specialties. Third-generation owner Marc Attman is at the helm. J B L D $

Benny’s Bar & Grill

7747 Tuckerman Lane (in the Cabin John Shopping Center & Mall), 301-299-3377. www.ben nysbargrill.com. Familiar American favorites from pancakes and waffles to shrimp scampi, ribs and roast chicken served amidst 1940s-era décor. Signature cocktails include Rhubarb Gin Fizz and Sweet Fire Margtini. J B (on weekends) L D $$

Brooklyn’s Deli & Catering

1089 Seven Locks Road, 301-340-3354, www. brooklynsdelimd.com. From chopped liver to chicken soup, Brooklyn’s serves all the deli specialties, plus more. Think hot pastrami with cole slaw and Russian dressing on pumpernickel or grilled marinated chicken breast, avocado, tomato and mayonnaise on grilled sourdough. ❂ J B LD$

Elevation Burger

12525-D Park Potomac Ave., 301-838-4010, www. elevationburger.com. Fast-food burgers go organic and grass-fed at this Northern Virginia-founded chain. Veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese and a BLT available, too. Shake flavors range from banana to key lime and cheesecake. ❂LD$

Gregorio’s Trattoria

7745 Tuckerman Lane (in the Cabin John Shopping Center), 301-296-6168, www.gregorios trattoria.com. Proprietor Greg Kahn aims to make everyone feel at home at this family-owned restaurant serving a hit parade of traditional Italian favorites, with all the familiar pasta, pizza, chicken, veal and seafood dishes; the glutenfree menu offers pizza, cheese ravioli and quinoa pastas. J L D $$

Hunter’s Bar and Grill

10123 River Road, 301-299-9300, www.thehunters inn.com. At this Potomac institution and popular

English hunt-themed spot, try a big salad or hamburger for lunch and a traditional pasta dish or filet mignon for dinner with the family. ❂ J R L D $$

Mix Bar and Grille

9812 Falls Road, Potomac, 301-299-3000, www. mixbarandgrille.com. This casual spot serves charcuterie and cheese plates, brick-oven flatbreads and other light fare. The space is modern and hip, with tall, white banquettes, Plexiglas chairs, five big-screen TVs, and a 20-seat bar. Look for lots of wines by the glass and beers on tap. L D $$

MoCo’s Founding Farmers

12505 Park Potomac Ave., 301-340-8783, www.we arefoundingfarmers.com. Farm-inspired fare in a modern and casual setting; this is the sister restaurant to the phenomenally popular downtown Founding Farmers. Bethesda Magazine readers chose it as “Best Restaurant in Montgomery County” and for “Most Inventive Cocktails” in 2015. Try the warm cookies for dessert. ❂ B R L D $$

Normandie Farm Restaurant

10710 Falls Road, 301-983-8838, www.popovers. com. This fine-dining French restaurant, open since 1931, strives to preserve its classical heritage while embracing new traditions. Dinner entrées run from seafood to beef and lamb. The restaurant offers quick service, a casual café option and a violinist at afternoon tea. ❂ J R L D $$

Old Angler’s Inn

10801 MacArthur Blvd., 301-365-2425, www.old anglersinn.com. Open since 1860 and known for its refined American food and beautiful fireplaces and grounds, it features live music on weekends.

Signature cocktails include hard cider sangria and a pumpkin pie martini. ❂ R L D $$$

Potomac Pizza

9812 Falls Road, 301-299-7700, www.potomac pizza.com. See Chevy Chase listing. L D $

Renato’s at River Falls

10120 River Road, 301-365-1900. The Italian restaurant offers fish dishes among its menu of pastas and classics such as osso bucco and linguini with clams and eggplant parmigiana. Traditional Italian desserts include tiramisu, profiteroles and cannolis. ❂ J L D $$

Sugo Osteria & Pizzeria

12505 Park Potomac Ave., 240-386-8080, www. eatsugo.com. The Greek guys who own Cava Mezze and Cava Mezze Grill partner with Mamma Lucia restaurants to serve Italian small plates, meatballs, sliders, pizza and pasta. Chef specialities include blue crab gnocchi and charred octopus. ❂ R (only on Sundays) L D $$

Tally- Ho Restaurant

9923 Falls Road, 301-299-6825, www.tallyho restaurant.com. A local fixture since 1968, the eatery serves an expansive diner-style menu with Greek and Italian specialties. Choose from options ranging from burgers and deli sandwiches to pizza, calzones and dinner entrées. ❂ J B L D $

The Grilled Oyster Company

(Editors’ Pick) 7943 Tuckerman Lane (in the Cabin John Shopping Center), 301-299-9888, www.thegrilledoys tercompany.com. This Chesapeake-style seafood eatery features small plates, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Happy Hour from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the bar only. Named “Best New Restaurant” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2014. ❂ J R L D $ $

The Tavern at River Falls (Editors’ Pick)

10128 River Road, 301-299-0481, www.thetavern atriverfalls.com. Well-known chef Robert Wiedmaier’s RW Restaurant Group focuses on American cuisine. Entrées include crab cakes, fish tacos, grilled bronzino, a New York strip steak and steak frites. ❂ R (Sundays) L D $$

The Wine Harvest

12525-B Park Potomac Ave., 240-314-0177, www. thewineharvest.com. The second location of the popular Gaithersburg wine bar offers salads, sandwiches and cheese plates, along with wine and beer. See Gaithersburg listing. ❂ L D $

Zoës Kitchen

12505 Park Potomac Ave., Suite 120, 240-3281022, www.zoeskitchen.com. The first Maryland outpost of a Birmingham, Alabama, fast-casual chain, Zoës features Mediterranean dishes such as kabobs, hummus and veggie pita pizzas. It specializes in takeout dinner for four for under $30. ❂JLD$

ROCKVILLE/NORTH BETHESDA A & J Restaurant (Editors’ Pick)

1319-C Rockville Pike, 301-251-7878, www. aj-restaurant.com/main.html. Northern dim sum is the specialty at this hard-to-find spot in the Woodmont Station shopping center. Warm-colored walls surround the crowd digging into thousand-layer pancakes and fresh tofu. Named “Best Dim Sum Brunch” by the magazine’s editors in 2014. R L D $

Al Carbon

200 Park Road, 301-738-0003, www.alcarbon restaurant.com. Serving authentic Latin American fare across the street from the Rockville Metro station, this unassuming roadhouse has a loyal following for its arepas, empanadas, tapas and more. Try one of the natural juices including mango and tamarindo. ❂ B L D $

Amalfi Ristorante Italiano

12307 Wilkins Ave., 301-770-7888, www.amalfi rockville.com. A family-run, red-sauce Italian restaurant with specialties including white pizza and lasagna. Lots of antipasti choices, too. The gazebo is a charming spot to dine during the summer. J L D $ $

Amina Thai Restaurant

5065 Nicholson Lane, 301-770-9509. Pleasant and bright, Amina Thai is run by a husband-andwife team and bills itself as the first Muslim Thai restaurant in the area, using only halal meats and serving familiar Thai dishes. Chef’s specials include pineapple fried rice and grilled salmon.

LD$

Benjarong Thai Restaurant

885 Rockville Pike, 301-424-5533, www.benjarong thairestaurant.com. This Thai food stalwart has a reputation for above-average food served in a gracious setting reminiscent of an upscale country home. Try Thai-style fried bananas with ice cream for dessert. L D $

Blue Star

11417 Woodglen Drive, 301-881-6800, www.blue starkosher.com. Subtitled “House of Beef, Burgers, BBQ,” this strip shopping center eatery is under the kosher supervision of the Rabbinical Council

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the

of Greater Washington. A beef rib- and brisketheavy menu includes all the traditional barbecue favorites, minus the pork. Family friendly atmosphere. L D $

Bombay Bistro 98 W. Montgomery Ave., 301-762-8798, www. bombaybistro.com. Bombay Bistro opened in 1991 as one of the first Indian restaurants in the area to combine high style, reasonable prices and a fresh take on traditional Indian, and it has been packed ever since. House specialties include tandoori lamb chops and shrimp and scallops masala. J L D $ $

Bonchon Chicken 107 Gibbs St., Unit A, 301-637-9079 and 301637-9379, www.bonchon.com. International fried chicken franchise with Korean roots serves up wings, drumsticks and strips with soy-garlic or spicy hot garlic sauce, plus other traditional offerings such as bulgogi, bimbimbop and scallion seafood pancakes. L D $

BRIO Tuscan Grille 20 Paseo Drive, 240-221-2691, www.brioital ian.com. Look for a wide range of Tuscan dishes served in a handsome setting. House specialties run from the traditional, such as lasagna Bolognese al forno, to the modern, including grilled chicken and quinoa salad. ❂ J R L D $$

CavA MEZZE (Editors’ Pick) 9713 Traville Gateway Drive, 301-309-9090, www. cavamezze.com. The dark and elegant Cava offers small plates of everything from fried Greek cheese, octopus and orzo in cinnamon tomato sauce to crispy pork belly and macaroni and cheese. There are martini specials, too. ❂ R L D $$

Chef Geoff’s 12256 Rockville Pike (in the Towne Plaza), 240621-3090, www.chefgeoff.com. Geoff Tracy branches out with his fourth eponymous restaurant featuring contemporary cuisine and something for everyone. Try a CG Classic dish, such as Big Shrimp and Very Gouda Grits or Blackened Fish Tacos. ❂ J R L D $$

City Perch Kitchen + Bar 11830 Grand Park Ave., 301-231-2310, www. cityperch.com. Located above the entrance to the iPic Theaters at Pike & Rose, City Perch offers creative, seasonal American cuisine in a rustic, inviting space. The menu includes raw-bar selections, small plates, shareable salads and entrée options such as rotisserie-cooked lamb shoulder and black sea bass. ❂ R L D $$$

Cuban Corner 825 Hungerford Drive, 301-279-0310, www. cubancornerrestaurant.com. Pork and empanadas shine at this small space brimming with ethnic pride (there’s a tribute wall to famous CubanAmericans). Don’t skip the Cuban coffee or the Cuban sandwich, a sub bursting with ham, pickles and tangy mustard. L D $

Del Frisco’s Grille 11800 Grand Park Ave. (at Pike & Rose), 301-8810308, delfriscosgrille.com. This is the Texas-based chain’s second location in the area. Look for upscale takes on American comfort foods, such as veal meatloaf and short rib stroganoff, plus trendy items like kale and Brussels sprouts salad, deviled eggs, flatbreads and ahi tuna tacos. Plenty of burgers, sandwiches and salads, too. ❂ R L D $$

East Pearl

838-B Rockville Pike, 301-838-8663, www.east pearlrestaurant.com. Choose from many options of Hong Kong cuisine, including familiar dishes featuring chicken, beef, poultry, pork and even duck, as well as those for adventurous tastes. Try the soups ranging from egg drop to seafood with bean curd. L D $

grilled oyster co.

El Mariachi Restaurant

765-D Rockville Pike, 301-738-7177, www.el mariachirockville.com. Serving Tex-Mex and South American food in a bright, pleasant space made lively with colorful art. In addition to the usual enchiladas, tacos and burritos, look for Peruvian seafood and Cuban beef specialties. L D $

El Patio

5240 Randolph Road, 301-231-9225, www.elpatio international.com. This bustling café with pretty green umbrellas on the patio serves up the traditional meat-heavy dishes of Argentina, as well as pizzas and freshly made baked goods. Look for mouth-watering empanadas, beef tongue and sausage specialties. ❂ J B L D $

Ev & Maddy’s

101 Gibbs St., Unit C, 301-296-6682. Owned by Olney residents Patrick and Eunice Pak, this unpretentious French bistro serves beef bourguignon, lamb sausage, hanger steak and other traditional dishes with a modern twist. Executive Chef Patrick Pak sports impressive credentials, having cooked at Washington, D.C.’s Komi, Blue Duck Tavern and the former Palena. J L D $$

The Grilled Oyster Company is a regionally inspired fresh seafood & raw bar 7943 Tuckerman Ln. Potomac, Md 20854 TheGrilledOysterCompany.com

301-299-9888

Far East Restaurant

5055 Nicholson Lane, 301-881-5552, www.fareast rockvillemd.com. Owned and operated by the same family since 1974, this classic Chinese restaurant greets customers with two royal stone lions out front and sticks to the familiar ChineseAmerican basics. Check out the daily specials and dim sum menu. L D $$

Fontina Grille

801 Pleasant Drive, 301-947-5400, www.fontina grille.com. A trendy spot with its curvy maple bar and wood-burning pizza oven, Fontina Grille is a favorite gathering place for the King Farm neighborhood. Pizza, pasta and salads are the main attractions. Two-dollar pasta dishes available on Monday nights and half-price bottles of wine on Tuesdays. ❂ J R L D $$

Gordon Biersch

200-A E. Middle Lane, Rockville Town Square, 301340-7159, www.gordonbiersch.com/restaurants.

The national brewpub chain prides itself on house beers and friendly service. The shiny bar is boisterous, and the menu includes bar favorites with some barbecue and Asian touches, small plates, salads and pizza and flatbreads. J L D $$

Grand Fusion Cuisine

350 East Fortune Terrace, 301-838-2862, grand fusionrestaurant.com. Diners will find something for everyone seeking a taste of the Asian continent, a full sushi bar, and Chinese, Malaysian and Singaporean specialties. Chef’s specials include Crispy Eggplant in Spicy Orange Sauce and Double Flavored Shrimp. ❂ L D $

Hard Times Café

1117 Nelson St., 301-294-9720, www.hard times.com. Good American beer selections, hearty chili styles ranging from Cincinnati (cinnamon and tomato) to Texas (beef and hot peppers), and hefty

salads and wings bring families to this Wild Weststyle saloon for lunch and dinner. L D $

Hinode Japanese Restaurant

134 Congressional Lane, 301-816-2190, www. hinoderestaurant.com. Serving traditional Japanese cuisine since 1992. All-you-can-eat lunch and weekend dinner buffet offers 40 types of sushi, 14 hot foods and a salad bar. Check out the patio with full bar service. L D $$

Il Pizzico

15209 Frederick Road, 301-309-0610, www.il pizzico.com. Setting aside the strip mall location and lack of pizza (il pizzico means “the pinch” in Italian), chef-owner Enzo Livia’s house-made pasta dishes, gracious service and extensive wine list of mainly Italian wines make even a weeknight meal feel special. L D $$

Joe’s Noodle House

1488-C Rockville Pike, 301-881-5518, www.joes noodlehouse.com. Chinese ex-pats and many other customers consider the Szechuan specialties (soft bean curd with spicy sauce and hot beef jerky) among the area’s best examples of gourmet Chinese cooking. L D $

La Brasa Latin Cuisine

12401 Parklawn Drive, 301-468-8850, www.labrasa rockville.com. A bold, yellow awning marks the unlikely industrial location of the popular La Brasa. Customers rave about the rotisserie chicken, lomo saltado (Peruvian marinated steak), Salvadoran pupusas and Tres Leches. ❂ L D $

La Canela (Editors’ Pick)

141-D Gibbs St., Rockville Town Square, 301-2511550, www.lacanelaperu.com. Sophisticated, modern Peruvian cooking shines in a regally furnished dining room in a yellow stucco building graced with curvy black ironwork. The menu includes

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dine artfully prepared seafood, pork, chicken and beef dishes. ❂ L D $

La Limeña Restaurant

765 Rockville Pike, 301-424-8066. lalimena restaurant.com. Diners can choose dishes such as beef hearts, tripe and homemade pastries in this tiny but well-appointed eatery. Desserts include passion fruit mousse and vanilla flan. And of course, there’s rotisserie chicken to go. L D $

La Tasca

141 Gibbs St., Suite 305, Rockville Town Square, 301-279-7011, www.latascausa.com. The Rockville location of this regional chain strives to keep things interesting with 45 tapas dishes and six kinds of paella, including Paella Mixta with chicken, shrimp, chorizo, scallops, mussels, squid and clams. ❂ L D $$

Lebanese Taverna Café

1605 Rockville Pike, 301-468-9086; 115 Gibbs St., Rockville Town Square, 301-309-8681; www.leba nesetaverna.com. A casual and pleasant family spot for lunch or dinner after shopping on Rockville Pike, the café is a more casual offshoot of the local Lebanese Taverna chain, serving hummus, pita, falafel, chicken and lamb kabobs. J L D $

Lighthouse Tofu & BBQ

12710 Twinbrook Parkway, 301-881-1178. In addition to the numerous tofu dishes ranging from Mushroom Tofu Pot to Seafood Beef Tofu Pot, diners at this Korean stalwart can try barbecue, stirfried specialties and kimchee, the national dish of pickled cabbage. L D $

Mamma Lucia

12274-M Rockville Pike, 301-770-4894; 14921-J Shady Grove Road, 301-762-8805; www.mamma luciarestaurants.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂ L D $$

Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro

Moa

12300 Wilkins Ave., 301-881-8880. moakore anrestaurant.weebly.com. A welcoming Korean restaurant in the midst of an industrial stretch.

Try the seafood pancake appetizer—a satisfying, crispy frittata bursting with squid, clams, shrimp and scallions. Dol Sot Bibimbap, a mix of rice, vegetables and protein in a hot pot, is a customer favorite. L D $

Mosaic Cuisine & Café

186 Halpine Road, 301-468-0682, www.mosaic cuisine.com. A diner with a soft European accent. Try the fresh Belgian waffles for breakfast.

For those with hefty appetites, the waffle sandwiches are worth the trip, but don’t overlook the homemade soups or light dinner entrées. J B R L D $$

Mykonos Grill

121 Congressional Lane, 301-770-5999, www. mykonosgrill.com. An authentic Greek taverna with whitewashed walls with Mediterranean blue accents on a busy street, Mykonos Grill turns out legs of lamb and fresh seafood expected at any good Greek restaurant. ❂ L D $$

Nagoya Sushi Japanese Restaurant

402 King Farm Blvd., Suite 130, 301-990-6778.

Cheery yellow walls decorated with shelves of Japanese knickknacks greet customers who come for the large selection of sushi at this unassuming sushi spot in King Farm. L D $$

Nantucket’s Reef

9755 Traville Gateway Drive, Rockville, 301-2797333, www.nantucketsreef.com. This casual New England-style eatery offers a wide range of reasonably priced seafood dishes, including raw and baked oysters, stuffed cod, fried Ipswitch clams, seafood tacos, tuna and salmon salads, and lobster items. Signature cocktails are made with Nantucket Nectars juices. ❂ R L D $$

(Editors’ Pick) 1699 Rockville Pike, 301-816-0369, www.match boxrockville.com. Look for mini-burgers, a “ginormous meatball” appetizer and thin-crusted pizza with toppings including herb-roasted chicken and portobella mushrooms or fire-roasted red peppers and Spanish onions served in a super-cool space in Congressional Plaza. ❂ J R L D $

Nick’s Chophouse

MemSahib

Niwano Hana Japanese Restaurant

4840 Boiling Brook Parkway, 301-468-0098, www. memsahibrestaurant.com. Patrons eat the Indian country way, with their hands. MemSahib offers a buffet lunch, including such dishes as tandoori chicken and vegetable samosas and pakoras, and a six-course prix fixe dinner while belly dancers entertain customers. L D $$

Michael’s Noodles

10038 Darnestown Road, 301-738-0370, www. michaelsnoodles.com. Extensive Taiwanese menu at this popular strip mall eatery includes dim sum, mixed noodle dishes, noodle soup and unusual specialties, such as Shredded Chicken with Jelly Fish and Stewed Pork Intestine and Duck Blood.

LD$

Mi Rancho

1488 Rockville Pike, 240-221-2636, www.mi ranchotexmexrestaurant.com. You’ll find a boisterous party atmosphere every night at a place where customers can count on standard Tex-Mex fare at good prices. The outdoor patio, strung with colorful lights, is the place to be in nice weather. ❂LD$

700 King Farm Blvd., 301-926-8869, www.nicks chophouserockville.com. Aged Angus beef cooked over an open fire is the specialty at this upscale spot, but seafood lovers can get their fill from big crabcakes. Signature steaks include slow-roasted prime rib weighing 10 to 32 ounces. Separate bar menu. ❂ L D $$ 887 Rockville Pike, 301-294-0553, www.niwano hana.com. Clean Asian décor and elegant wooden screens greet diners at this friendly and busy sushi spot located in Wintergreen Plaza. There are the usual sushi rolls, plus creative options such as a Spicy Scallop Roll with mayonnaise and chili peppers, noodle dishes, teriyaki and yakitori. L D $$

Old Kimura Sushi

785 Rockville Pike, Unit D, 301-251-1922, www. oldkimura.com. A small restaurant serving an extensive sushi menu, along with noodle soups, rice dishes and tempura. Dinner specials include grilled fresh eel served over rice and sushi and sashimi combinations. L D $$

Original Pancake House

12224 Rockville Pike, 301-468-0886, www.oph restaurants.com. See Bethesda listing. J R L $

Peter Chang (New)

20-A Maryland Ave. (Rockville Town Square), 301838-9188. Formerly elusive chef Peter Chang’s only restaurant in Maryland showcases his Szechuan specialties in an apricot-walled dining space. Garnering a cult-like following over the years, Chang

is best known for dishes such as dry-fried eggplant, crispy pork belly and duck in a stone pot. See review, page 258. L D $$

Pho 75

771 Hungerford Drive, 301-309-8873. The restaurant is one of the Washington area’s favorite spots for the Vietnamese beef noodle soup known as pho. Soup can be customized with bean sprouts, Thai basil, chilies, lime, and hot and hoisin sauces.

Beverages include interesting options like Iced Salty Pickled Lemon Juice. L D $

Pho 95

785-H Rockville Pike, 301-294-9391. Pho, the Vietnamese beef noodle soup, is king here. Other offerings include fat rice-paper rolls of shrimp, noodles and herbs with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce, Grilled Lemon Grass Chicken and Grilled Pork Chop and Shredded Pork Skin. L D $

Pho Hoa Binh

11782 Parklawn Drive, 301-770-5576. www.pho hoa.com. This pleasant pho restaurant offers the full gamut of variations on the beef noodle soup, plus about a dozen grilled entrées. The Adventurer’s Choice features “unusual” meats, including tendon, tripe and fatty flank. The Vietnamese iced coffee is divine. L D $

Pho Nom Nom

842 Rockville Pike, 301-610-0232, www.phonom nom.net. As the name suggests, the specialty is pho, but there are also grilled dishes, noodles and the Vietnamese sandwich known as banh mi. House specials include Vietnamese beef stew and pork and shrimp wontons. L D $

Pizza CS

1596-B Rockville Pike, 240-833-8090, www.pizza cs.com. Authentic Neapolitan pies are offered in a sub-shop atmosphere. Choose from a list of red and white pizza options, or build your own pie with herbs, cheeses, meats and vegetables. ❂ J L D $

Potomac Pizza

9709 Traville Gateway Drive, 301-279-2234, www. potomacpizza.com. See Chevy Chase listing. ❂ JLD$

Quench

9712 Traville Gateway Drive, 301-424-8650, www. quenchnation.com. Urban bar scene in the suburbs, with unique cocktails and contemporary American cuisine. Lots of starter options to try, plus salads, entrées, sandwiches and burgers, and three Asian dishes including pad Thai. ❂ J R L D $$

Quincy’s South Bar & Grille

11401 Woodglen Drive, 240-669-3270, quincys bar.com. See North Potomac/Gaithersburg listing. ❂LD$

Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company

891-A Rockville Pike, 240-268-1120, www. rocklands.com. John Snedden has perfected the art of barbecue since he first opened Rocklands in Washington, D.C., in 1990. This location serves allAmerican pork ribs, smoked chicken, brisket and lamb cooked exclusively over red oak and hickory. ❂ JLD$

Rolls ‘N Rice

1701 Rockville Pike (Shops at Congressional Village), 301-770-4030, www.rollsnrice.com. This Asian café serves more than 25 varieties of rolls, from a volcano roll (spicy tuna, white fish, salmon, tomato, jalapeno, fish eggs and vegetables) to a

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Unrivaled Italian Tradition and Authenticity

Sorrento trattoria

Philadelphia Roll (smoked salmon, cream cheese and avocado). J L D $

Sadaf Halal Restaurant

1327-K Rockville Pike, 301-424-4040. An elegant alternative to the run-of-the-mill kabob places dotting Rockville Pike, Sadaf is pristine, with lace curtains and glass mosaic tiles in front. In addition to kabobs, it offers Persian curries and fish dishes. ❂ J L D $

Sam’s Café & Market

844 Rockville Pike, 301-424-1600, www.samcafe market.com. Fill up on the kitchen’s juicy skewered meats or interesting entrées, including pomegranate molasses stew and marinated grilled salmon, then have a gelato and check out the hookahs. ❂ L D $

Seasons 52 (Editors’ Pick)

11414 Rockville Pike, 301-984-5252, www.seasons 52.com. A fresh, seasonal menu featuring items under 475 calories. Choose from flatbreads including Blackened Steak & Blue Cheese and Grilled Garlic Pesto Chicken to entrée salads to meat and seafood dishes. Nightly piano music. ❂ L D $$

Seven Seas Chinese Restaurant

1776 East Jefferson St., 301-770-5020, www. sevenseasrestaurant.com. An elegant restaurant popular with politicians and local chefs and known for its fresh seafood and impeccable service. Specials include the paper hot pot, meals using ancient Chinese herbs and afternoon tea.

Sushi, too. L D $

Sheba Restaurant

5071 Nicholson Lane, 301-881-8882, www.sheba rockville.com. The menu features authentic Ethiopian cuisine with lots of vegetarian and vegan options. House specialties include Dulet Assa, chopped tilapia mixed with onion, garlic and jalapeño and served with a side of homemade cheese. L D $

Sichuan Jin River

410 Hungerford Drive, 240-403-7351, www.sich uanjinriver.com. Customers find terrific Sichuan cuisine served in a no-frills setting. Take the plunge and try something new with the authentic Chinese menu, inlcuding 23 small cold plates. L D $

Silver Diner

12276 Rockville Pike, 301-770-2828, www.silver diner.com. Customers flock to this trendy diner that still offers tableside juke boxes. The latest food trends (think quinoa coconut pancakes) share company on the enormous menu with diner staples such as meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

JBRLD$

Spice Xing

100-B Gibbs St., Rockville Town Square, 301-6100303, www.spicexing.com. Chef and owner Sudhir Seth, who also owns Bethesda’s Passage to India, serves up small plates and dishes that reflect the history of culinary influences on India. Try the allyou-can-eat lunchtime buffet. ❂ J R L D $$

Stella Barra Pizzeria

11825 Grand Park Ave. (at Pike & Rose), 301-7708609, www.stellabarra.com. Adjacent to its sister restaurant, Summer House Santa Monica, Stella Barra is an artisan pizzeria with a hip, urban vibe.

Look for crisp crusts with chewy centers topped with butternut squash and candied bacon or house-made pork sausage and fennel pollen. Italian wines available. ❂ L (weekends only) D $$

Summer House Santa Monica

(Editors’ Pick) 11825 Grand Park Ave. (at Pike & Rose), 301-8812381, summerhousesm.com. An airy, light and stunning space sets the scene for modern American cuisine with a West Coast sensibility. Dishes include Beach Bum Ceviche, Santa Monica Cobb Salad, plus sushi, tacos, sandwiches and steak frites. Do not miss the bakery counter. ❂ J R L D $$

4930 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda 301-718-0344 www.trattoriasorrento.com

Super Bowl Noodle 785 Rockville Pike, 301-738-0086. www.super bowlnoodlehouse.com. Look for a large variety of Asian noodle dishes in super-size portions, plus a large selection of appetizers. Also, bubble tea and desserts, including Sweet Taro Root Roll and Black Sugar Shaved Ice. ❂ L D $

Sushi Damo 36-G Maryland Ave., Rockville Town Square, 301340-8010, www.sushidamo.com. A slice of New York sophistication, this elegant restaurant offers sushi à la carte or omakase, chef’s choice, plus beef and seafood entrées and an impressive sake list. L D $$

Sushi House Japanese Restaurant 1331-D Rockville Pike, 301-309-0043. A tiny, plain restaurant serving a large selection of fresh sushi, including sushi and sashimi combinations. Lunch specials for under $7. It’s popular, so be prepared to wait. L D $$

Sushi Oishii 9706 Traville Gateway Drive, 301-251-1177, www. sushioishii.com. This charming sushi bar in the Traville Gateway Center offers friendly service and 24 specialty sushi rolls, bento boxes and a few grilled items, including beef, poultry and seafood teriyaki. L D $$

4865 Cordell Ave Bethesda 301-986-9592 www.grapeseedbistro.com

Bacchus of Lebanon 28th Anniversary

Half price wine Monday and Tuesday BETHESDA’S BEST OUTDOOR DINING! 7945 Norfolk Avenue Bethesda, MD 301.657.1722 www.bacchusoflebanon.com

Taipei Tokyo 14921-D Shady Grove Road (Fallsgrove Village Center), 301-738-8813; 11510-A Rockville Pike, 301-881-8388; www.taipei-tokyo.net. These sister restaurants offer a sizable roster of Chinese, Japanese and Thai dishes. The Fallsgrove Village location is the younger and sleeker of the two, with full sit-down service. The older sister, opened in 1993, is more like a noodle shop/cafeteria. L D $$

Tara Asia 199-D E. Montgomery Ave., 301-315-8008. www. taraasiarestaurantrockville.com. A pan-Asian offshoot of the Tara Thai family, Tara Asia is dominated by a floor-to-ceiling mosaic and has an 82item menu that spans the cuisine from Japan to Thailand and the tiny islands in between. L D $$

Tara Thai 12071 Rockville Pike, 301-231-9899, www.tarathai. com.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂ L D $$

Ted’s 355 Diner 895 Rockville Pike, 301-340-0088, www.teds355. com. A classic-meets-modern-style diner, this eatery offers a huge menu ranging from breakfast items like eggs, waffles and pancakes to gourmet salads, paninis, wraps, sandwiches, burgers and entrées. J B R L D $$

Temari Café 1043 Rockville Pike, 301-340-7720. Deep-fried oysters, classic rice balls, ramen noodle soup, sushi and sashimi and comic books to peruse while you await your order set this Japanese restaurant apart from the rest. L D $$

Upscale Casual Dining 4935 Cordell Avenue | Bethesda, Maryland 301-951-4935 | www.4935barandkitchen.com

#DrinkDineDance

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dine Thai Farm

800 King Farm Blvd., 301-258-8829, www.thai farmrestaurant.com. A tastefully modern dining room soaked in a soothing yellow light. The usual suspects are on the menu here, but chef’s suggestions include an intriguing broiled fish wrapped in banana leaf and stir-fried duck. L D $$

Thai Pavilion

29 Maryland Ave., Unit 308, Rockville Town Square, 301-545-0244, www.thaipavilionrestaurant.com.

The soaring ceilings decorated with red chandeliers shaped like giant, stationary spinning tops give the feel of a modern museum. When the menu says spicy, believe it. ❂ J L D $$

That’s Amore

15201 Shady Grove Road, 240-268-0682, www. thatsamore.com. This local chain focuses on family-style portions of classic Neapolitan dishes like lasagna and chicken Parmesan in a more elegant setting than might be expected. Good for groups and large families. J L D $$

The Dough Roller

800 Pleasant Drive, #160, (in the King Farm Village Center), 301-869-4584, www.doughroller restaurants.com. Grab a pizza slice and dream of boardwalk breezes at the first inland outpost of Ocean City’s popular pizza and pancake chainlet. Besides pizza, this locale features sandwiches, burgers and other items, including pancakes served all day. J B R L D $

The Original Ambrosia Restaurant

12015 Rockville Pike, 301-881-3636, www.theo riginalambrosia.com. Look for an eclectic menu of breakfast, gyros, pizza, crabcakes and soups at this family-owned eatery. Traditional Greek dishes include spanikopita, stuffed grape leaves, mousaka and shish kabob. J B L D $

The Potomac Grill

1093 Rockville Pike, 301-738-8181, www.the potomacgrill.com. A spacious, nautical-themed restaurant with a fireplace, Potomac Grill specializes in seafood but also features serious steaks, burgers and salads. Look for daily specials featuring a catch of the day and several desserts of the day. J R L D $$

Timpano Italian Chophouse

12021 Rockville Pike, 301-881-6939, www.timpano chophouse.net. A chain steak house with an Italian accent, Timpano is a favorite of wheeler-dealer business lunchers and nighttime diners looking for a high-quality steak or well-prepared pasta. ❂ L D $$$

Tower Oaks Lodge

2 Preserve Parkway, 301-294-0200, www.clydes. com/tower. Here is Clyde’s version of a lodge in the mountains. Well-prepared food runs the gamut of American desires, from burgers to fish, plus a raw bar.

Check out the twig sculpture spanning the ceiling of The Saranac Room. J R L D $$

Trapezaria

11 N. Washington St., 301-339-8962, thetrapezaria. com. This down-to-earth and hospitable Greek/ Mediterranean restaurant serves top-notch and unfussy small plates and entrées. Choose among a variety of dips, vegetarian mezze, souvlaki, sausages, and more-involved fish and lamb dishes.

Save room for the baklava. L D $$

Urban Bar-B- Que Company

2007 Chapman Ave., 240-290-4827; 5566 Norbeck Road, 301-460-0050, urbanbbqco.com. Urban Bar-B-Que Company, a tiny joint run by a

couple of local friends, has a winning formula and features finger-licking ribs, burgers and wings, plus salads, chili and smothered fries. Staff is friendly, too. J L D $

Villa Maya

5532 Norbeck Road (in the Rock Creek Village Center), 301-460-1247. Here you’ll find all the traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites from quesadillas to fajitas that are sure to please the whole family. R L D $$

eatery. Try one of the Chinese or Japanese lunch specials. L D $

Austin Grill

919 Ellsworth Drive, 240-247-8969, www.austin grill.com. Fun and friendly service welcomes families and couples to this noisy, colorful Tex-Mex favorite. Finish off a meal with Margarita Bites, cake “bites” soaked in tequila, flash fried and served with salted honey-lime dipping sauce. ❂ J R L D $$

Woodside Deli

Azúcar Restaurant Bar & Grill

Yekta

Copper Canyon Grill

4 N. Washington St., 301-444-4478, www.the woodsidedeli.com. A second location of the venerable Silver Spring eatery and caterer that has been dishing up matzo ball soup since 1947.

Choose from a wide selection of sandwiches, burgers and entrées. This one has a pickle bar. ❂ JBRLD$ 1488 Rockville Pike, 301-984-1190, www.yekta. com. Persian cuisine, including a selection of beef, chicken and lamb kabobs, is served in a beautiful dining room. Try a dessert such as frozen noodle sorbet or saffron ice cream. Check out the adjacent market after polishing off your kebab. L D $$

Yuan Fu Vegetarian

798 Rockville Pike, 301-762-5937, www.yuanfu vegetarian.com. From tea-smoked “duck” to kung pao “chicken,” the whole menu is meatless, made from Chinese vegetable products. There is a large selection of chef’s specials, including Pumpkin Chicken with Mushrooms in a hot pot and Baby Abalone in Tomato Sauce. L D $

Silver Spring 8407 Kitchen Bar

8407 Ramsey Ave., 301-587-8407, 8407kb.com.

This sleek space across from the Silver Spring Metro prides itself on stellar service and fromscratch preparations, such as house-smoked salmon and home-cured charcuterie. Signature craft cocktails are a specialty. R L D $$

Addis Ababa

8233 Fenton St., 301-589-1400. Authentic Ethiopian-style vegetables and fiery meats are served atop spongy bread in communal bowls. Traditional woven tables and a roof deck add to the ambience. There’s a weekday lunch buffet, too. ❂ RLD$

Adega Wine Cellars & Café

8519 Fenton St., 301-608-2200, www.adegawine cellars.com. This light and bright blond wood dining room serves creative sandwiches and allows customers to choose from a small selection of wines by the bottle to take home. A fine place for lunch, if only to try the eggplant fries. ❂ L D $

All Set Restaurant & Bar

8630 Fenton St., 301-495-8800, www.allsetres taurant.com. American cuisine with a focus on New England specialties. Look for clams, oysters and lobster, plus crab cakes and rockfish, and beef and vegetarian options. The snazzy space is also the setting for clam bakes and fried chicken on Sunday nights. ❂ J L D $$

Asian Bistro Café

8537 Georgia Ave., 301-589-0123, silverspringa sianbistro.com. A bevy of choices, from Japanese sushi and soups to Chinese noodles and vegetarian dishes are offered at this bustling downtown

14418 Layhill Road, 301-438-3293, azucar restaurant.net. The name means sugar, and it fits.

A colorful Salvadoran spot decorated in bright purple and orange with Cubist-style paintings.

The pork-stuffed corn pupusas are stars. Also look for more elegant dinners, including fried whole trout. L D $$ 928 Ellsworth Drive, 301-589-1330, www.ccgrill. com. See Gaithersburg listing. ❂ J R L D $$

Crisfield Seafood Restaurant

8012 Georgia Ave., 301-589-1306. www.cris fieldseafood.com. With its U-shaped counter and kitschy, oyster-plate-covered walls, this landmark seafood diner has customers lining up for the Eastern Shore specialties such as oysters and crabmeat-stuffed lobster that it has served since the 1940s. L D $$

Cubano’s

1201 Fidler Lane, 301-563-4020, www.cubanos restaurant.com. The brightly colored tropical dining room of greens, blues and reds and the authentic Cuban cooking evident in dishes such as ropa vieja (shredded beef in onions, peppers and garlic) and fried plantains keep customers coming back. ❂ L D $$

Da Marco Ristorante Italiano

8662 Colesville Road, 301-588-6999, www.damarco restaurant.com. This full-service restaurant has been a fixture in Silver Spring for years, providing an intimate ambience for classic Italian pasta suppers and authentic, thin-crusted pizzas. L D $$

Denizen’s Brewing Co.

1115 East West Highway, 301-557-9818, denizens brewingco.com. The bright-orange building houses Montgomery County’s largest brewery, featuring core beers and seasonal offerings, along with drafts from other regional breweries. The former BBQ Bus food truck provides sandwiches, picnic plates and chili. There ia a large outdoor beer garden and indoor seating overlooking the brewery. ❂D$

Eggspectation

923 Ellsworth Drive, 301-585-1700, www. eggspectations.com. This Canadian import features fresh and creative egg plates in an elegant yet casual dining room complete with a fireplace and colorful Harlequin-themed art. It also serves great salads, dinners and dessert. ❂ B L D $$

El Aguila Restaurant

8649 16th St., 301-588-9063, www.elaguila restaurant.com. A cheery bar and generous plates of Tex-Mex favorites such as enchiladas and Salvadoran seafood soup make this eatery popular with families and others looking for a lively night out. ❂ L D $

El Gavilan

8805 Flower Ave., 301-587-4197. gavilanrestau rant.com. The walls are bright, the music’s upbeat,

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the margaritas are fine and the service is friendly.

The usual Tex-Mex fare is here, as well as Salvadoran specialties such as tasty cheese- or porkfilled pupusas. Live music on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. J L D $

El Golfo

8739 Flower Ave., 301-608-2121, elgolfo restaurant.com. Friendly, home-style Latin service is the hallmark, as attested to by the many Salvadorans who stop in for lunch and dinner. Pupusas, soups and beef dishes such as carne asada as well as more adventurous choices can be found in the charming, raspberry-colored dining room. ❂ JRLD$

Ethio Express Grill

952 Sligo Ave., Silver Spring, 301-844-5149, ethiogrill.com. Ethiopian food goes fast-casual in this counter service eatery that offers your choice of carbohydrate bases (i.e., injera, rice, pasta), plus grilled meats (or tofu), sauces and a host of vegetables (the spicy lentils and yellow split peas are especially good). L D $

Fenton Café

8311 Fenton St., 301-326-1841. An out-of-theway crêperie serving 31 kinds of sweet crêpes and 16 varieties of savory crêpes. Savory versions range from cheese and ham to roasted eggplant with zucchini, bell pepper, sundried tomato, garlic and onion. B L D $

Fire Station 1 Restaurant & Brewing Co.

8131 Georgia Ave., 301-585-1370, www.fire station1.com. A historic firehouse made over as an eatery serves 21st-century pizza, sandwiches, meat, seafood and vegetarian entrées. Try the Cuban sandwich with seasoned pork, chipotle mayo, Dijon mustard, pickles and Swiss cheese on a ciabatta roll. L D $

Jackie’s Restaurant (Editors’ Pick)

8081 Georgia Ave., 301-565-9700, www.jackies restaurant.com. This lovable eatery serves modern American cuisine emphasizing seasonal, organic ingredients from local farms in a former-auto-repair-shop-gone-1960s-hot-pink. The Sidebar is a cocktail lounge; Jackie’s Back Room has live music and private parties. R D $$

Jewel of India

10151 New Hampshire Ave., 301-408-2200, www. jewelofindiamd.com. Elegant décor and top-notch northern Indian cuisine make this shopping center restaurant a real find. Diners will find a good selection of curries, and rice and biryani dishes. L D $$

Kao Thai

8650 Colesville Road, 301-495-1234, www.kaothai restaurant.com. This restaurant turns out topnotch curries, noodle dishes and vegetarian options, plus house specialties, such as Siam Salmon with Spicy Thai Basil Sauce and Thai Chili Tilapia.

Dishes are cooked medium spicy. ❂ L D $$

La Casita Pupuseria & Market

8214 Piney Branch Road, 301-588-6656, www.la casitapupusas.com. Homemade pupusas, tamales and other Salvadoran specialties are available, plus a full breakfast menu and a small selection of grocery items. B L D $

LacoMelza Ethiopian Cafe

7912 Georgia Ave., 301-326-2435. One of Silver Spring’s many Ethiopian eateries, Lacomelza serves

traditional cuisine from doro wat (chicken legs with spicy sauce) to the ground beef mixture of kitfo in a modern and attractive setting decorated with Ethiopian art. R L (only weekends) D $

La Malinche

8622 Colesville Road, 301-562-8622, www.la malinchetapas.com. Diners will find an interesting selection of Spanish and Mexican tapas, plus a full Saturday and Sunday brunch featuring huevos rancheros, variations of tortillas Espanola and more. R L D $$

Langano Ethiopian Restaurant

8305 Georgia Ave., 301-563-6700. Named for the popular Ethiopian vacation spot, Lake Langano, this longtime restaurant offers fine Ethiopian cuisine such as doro wat (spicy chicken stew) and tibs (stewed meat) in a cozy white- and red-accented dining room. Lunch specials on weekdays. L D $

Lebanese Taverna Café

933 Ellsworth Drive, 301-588-1192, www.lebanese taverna.com. See Rockville listing. J L D $

Mamma Lucia

1302 East West Highway, 301-562-0693, www. mammaluciarestaurants.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂ L D $$

Mandalay Restaurant & Café

930 Bonifant St., 301-585-0500, www.mandalay restaurantcafe.com. The modest dining room is packed most evenings with families and large groups who come for the Burmese food, a cross between Indian and Thai. L D $

McGinty’s Public House

911 Ellsworth Drive, 301-587-1270, www.mcgintys publichouse.com. Traditional Irish pub and restaurant features corned beef and cabbage, live music and dancing. Early-bird special, three-course menu for $15, from 5 to 7 p.m. Happy Hour from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. ❂ J R L D $$

Mi Rancho

8701 Ramsey Ave., 301-588-4872, www.mirancho texmexrestaurant.com. See Rockville listing. ❂ LD$

Mrs. K’s Restaurant

9201 Colesville Road, 301-589-3500, www.mrsks. com. Here’s an elegant, antique-filled option for special occasions and Sunday brunch. This historic restaurant beckons a younger crowd with the Wine Press, a European-style wine bar downstairs, which has its own more casual menu. ❂ R L D $$$

Nainai’s Noodle & Dumpling Bar

1200 East West Highway, 301-585-6678, www. nainaisnoodles.com. Sisters Joanne and Julie Liu serve homemade noodles and dumplings in this lovable fast-casual eatery that shares kitchen space with their Scion restaurant next door. Focus on the noodles, and bring a picture of your “Nainai” (grandmother in Chinese) to tack on the bulletin board. L D $

Olazzo

8235 Georgia Ave., 301-588-2540, www.olazzo. com. The Silver Spring location of the Bethesda restaurant draws crowds to its dark and intimate space with classic Italian-American fare and Tuesday martini specials. ❂ J L D $

Oriental East Restaurant

1312 East West Highway, 301-608-0030, www. orientaleast.com. Be prepared to wait for a table

and maneuver around carts filled with dumplings, noodles and spare ribs at this popular dim sum restaurant that caters to families and groups on weekends. Chinese standards for dinner, plus tripe and jellyfish. L D $

Pacci’s Neapolitan Pizzeria (Editors’ Pick) 8113 Georgia Ave., 301-588-1011, www.paccis pizzeria.com. This stylish eatery turns out topnotch pizzas from a wood-burning oven. Choose from red or white pizza selections, plus four kinds of calzones. Outdoor dining available. ❂ J (upon request) L D $

Pacci’s Trattoria & Pasticceria

6 Old Post Office Road, 301-588-0867, paccistrat toria. com. Diners will find a range of classic Italian dishes, including homemade meatballs and sausage, from the owner of Pacci’s Pizzeria, also in Silver Spring. L D $$

Parkway Deli & Restaurant

8317 Grubb Road, 301-587-1427, www.theparkway deli.com. Voted “Best Deli” for 2014 by Bethesda Magazine readers, Parkway features a bustling back dining room that makes this popular spot so much more than a deli. Longtime waitresses greet regular customers and kids with hugs during busy weekend breakfasts. All-you-can-eat pickle bar. ❂BLD$

Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza

962 Wayne Ave., 301-588-7383, www.petesa pizza.com. Sporting more stylish décor than its other locations (see Upper NW D.C.), Pete’s restaurant offers the same crunchy-crusted New Havenstyle pizzas, plus pasta, panini and salads. This branch is the only one so far to offer fried calamari. J L D $

Pho Hiep Hoa

921-G Ellsworth Drive, 301-588-5808, phohiep hoa.com. Seventeen kinds of Vietnamese soup called pho can be customized to taste in this upbeat restaurant overlooking the action in the downtown area. L D $

Samantha’s

631 University Blvd. East, 301-445-7300, saman thasrestaurante.com. This white-tablecloth, LatinSalvadoran spot in an industrial neighborhood is popular because of its welcoming attitude toward families with young children. The steak and fish specialties are good. L D $$

Scion

1200 East West Highway, 301-585-8878, www. scionrestaurant.com. A contemporary American eatery from sisters Joanne and Julie Liu, who also own a popular Dupont Circle restaurant with the same name and Nainai’s Noodle & Dumpling Bar in Silver Spring. Look for everything from wasabi Caesar salad to lobster reuben to spicy yogurt chicken. J R L D $$

Sergio’s Ristorante Italiano

8727 Colesville Road, 301-585-1040. A classic red-sauce Italian restaurant that manages to feel special, with soothing wall murals and high-quality service, despite a basement location inside the Double Tree Hotel. Ravioli with asparagus and cheese in a tarragon sauce is popular. L D $$

Sligo Café

923 Sligo Ave., 301-565-2233, sligocafe.com.

Neighborhood restaurant serving modern takes on comfort food, like French onion soup topped with a gratin of macaroni and cheese, or shrimp and smoked Gouda black pepper grits. Interesting

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dine craft cocktails and rotating selection of local craft brews. ❂ R L D $$

Sushi Jin NEXT DOOR

8555 Fenton St., 301-608-0990, www.sushijinnext door.com. The eatery is spare, clean and modern, and offers terrific udon noodle soup and impeccable raw fish. Choose from 11 appetizers and seven soups and salads. L D $$

sweetgreen

8517 Georgia Ave., 301-244-5402, www.sweet green.com. See Bethesda listing. L D $

Tastee Diner

8601 Cameron St., 301-589-8171, www.tastee diner.com. A 1930s-era lowbrow classic open 24 hours and featuring friendly service and typical diner food. Weekly specials include prime rib, spaghetti and chicken and dumplings. ❂ J B L D $

Thai at Silver Spring

921-E Ellsworth Drive, 301-650-0666, www.thai atsilverspring.com. The Americanized Thai food is second to the location, which is superb for people-watching on the street below. A modern and stylish dining room with a hip bar in bold colors and good service add to the appeal. ❂ L D $$

Thai Derm

939 Bonifant St., 301-589-5341, www.thaiderm usa.com. This local favorite serves home-style Thai food in a pleasantly modest dining room off a quiet street near downtown. The large menu includes noodle dishes like pad Thai and savory-sweet salads. Lunch specials offered daily. ❂ L D $

The Big Greek Café

8223 Georgia Ave., 301-587-4733, www.biggreek cafe.com. Owned by the Marmaras brothers, whose family operated the decades-old Golden Flame restaurant, the café serves a hit parade of Greek specialties, including a top-notch chicken souvlaki pita. L D $

The Classics (Editors’ Pick)

8606 Colesville Road, 301-588-7297, www.the classicsdc.com. The restaurant features great steaks and seafood served without the pomp in a basic white dining room. Serious drinks and fresh seasonal American fare. Its less-formal bistro seating is first-come, first served. D $$

The Daily Dish

8301 Grubb Road, 301-588-6300, www.thedaily dishrestaurant.com. A neighborhood favorite serving seasonally inspired, locally sourced comfort food, including bar bites and brunch dishes. Fullservice catering is available, too. ❂ J R L D $$

The Greek Place

8417 Georgia Ave., 301-495-2912, www.thegreek place.net. Here are big portions of better-thanaverage food at reasonable prices. The bifteki pita sandwich, a seasoned ground lamb and beef patty with tzatziki, tomatoes and red onions, is especially good. L D $

The Society Lounge

8229 Georgia Ave., 301-565-8864, www.societyss. com. A sleek and modern atmosphere catering to a nightlife crowd, Society offers fare with a Caribbean accent. Check out the rooftop seating and daily drink specials, which include $25 beer buckets. ❂ L (weekends only) D $$

Urban Bar- B -Que Company

10163 New Hampshire Ave., 301-434-7427, ur banbbqco.com. A fast and friendly spot to meet for smoked meats, especially the ribs. See Rockville listing. L D $

Urban Butcher (Editors’ Pick)

8226 Georgia Ave., 301-585-5800, www.urban butcher.com. Hip, eclectic setting is the backdrop for this New Age steak house, with its home-cured salamis, sausages and other charcuterie, plus meat dishes made from local animals of yesteryear breeds. There’s a lounge, bar, meat curing room, retail counter and dining area. R D $$

Vegetable Garden

3830 International Drive (in Leisure World Plaza), 301-598-6868, vegetablegarden.com. The popular vegan, vegetarian and macrobiotic Asian restaurant features a wide variety of eggplant and asparagus dishes, plus vegetarian “beef,” and “chicken” dishes often made with soy and wheat gluten. L D $$

Vicino Ristorante Italiano

959 Sligo Ave., 301-588-3372, vicinoitaliano.com. A favorite neighborhood red-sauce joint that hasn’t changed in decades, Vicino features some fine seafood choices in addition to classic pasta dishes. Families are welcome. ❂ L D $ $

The Woodside Deli

9329 Georgia Ave., 301-589-7055, www.the woodsidedeli.com. Famous for its matzo ball soup, the deli, open since 1947, serves terrific burgers, clubs, Reuben sandwiches and lots of breakfast dishes, among other items. J B L D $

Upper NW D.C. Aggio (Editors’ Pick)

5335 Wisconsin Ave. NW (in the Chevy Chase Pavilion), 202-803-8020, www.volt-aggio.com. Located in the former private party room at Range, this formal and sophisticated space is chef Bryan Voltaggio’s “restaurant within a restaurant.” Look for modern takes on Italian standbys like steak Florentine and inventive combinations such as lentils with charred octopus and sprouted wheat berries.

D $$$

American City Diner

5532 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-244-1949, www. americancitydiner.com. Retro diner complete with blue-plate specials such as Salisbury steak and stuffed peppers; malts and egg creams. Diners can catch a classic movie free with dinner. ❂ J BLD$

two levels of dining and featuring an extensive menu that includes vegetarian and Tandoori entrées, dosas, samosas, tikkas, curries and kabobs. ❂ L D $$

Chads Friendship Heights

5247 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-362-8040, chadsdc. com. This neighborhood hangout is sometimes compared to Cheers, but it also offers a full menu beyond bar food, including salads, steaks, seafood and sandwiches. ❂ R L D $$

Comet Ping Pong (Editors’ Pick)

5037 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-364-0404, www. cometpingpong.com. Landmark fun spot where you can play ping-pong or admire local art while you wait for your wood-fired pizza. Choose from over 30 toppings to design your own pie. ❂ R L (weekends only) D $

DeCarlo’s Restaurant

4822 Yuma St. NW. 202-363-4220, www.decarlos restaurant.com. This is a family-owned neighborhood staple, with a traditional Italian menu and upscale/casual atmosphere. Signature dishes include agnolotti, veal Bolognese, broiled salmon and hand-made pasta. ❂ L D $$

Guapo’s Fine Mexican Cuisine

4515 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-686-3588, www. guaposrestaurant.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂ R L D $$

Jake’s American Grille

5018 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-966-5253, www. jakesdc.com. Burgers, steaks and sandwiches are served in a restaurant named after the owner’s grandfather, an accomplished Navy test engineer.

Check out the Boiler Room, a sports bar in the basement. J R L D $$

Jetties

5632 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-364-2465. www. jettiesdc.com. See Bethesda listing. J L D $

Le Chat Noir

4907 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-244-2044, www.le chatnoirrestaurant.com. This cute, cozy neighborhood bistro is run by French restaurateurs, who cook traditional fare like steak frites, bouillabaisse and braised lamb cheeks. R L D $$

LUNCH BOX

Arucola

5535 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 018, 202-244-3470, www.voltlunchbox.com. The Washington remake of chef Bryan Voltaggio’s defunct Frederick restaurant offers specialties include the Southern Bahn Mi with crispy chicken and pickled vegetables and B’More with pepper-crusted pit beef. L D $

Blue 44

Macon Bistro & Larder (Editors’ Pick) 5520 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-248-7807, macon bistro.com. Southern and French cuisine converge at this airy, charming restaurant in the historic Chevy Chase Arcade. Appetizers include raclette and fried green tomatoes, and steak frites is offered alongside short ribs with grits for main courses. ❂ R D $$

5534 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-244-1555, www. arucola.com. The restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine in a casual setting, with a changing menu that includes creative treatment of traditional dishes, homemade pasta and pizza from the wood-burning oven. ❂ L D $ $ 5507 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-362-2583, www. blue44dc.com. The menu features classic American favorites infused with the flavors of Italy and France, including ratatouille, pork schnitzel and bouillabaisse. ❂ J R L D $$

Buck’s Fishing and Camping

5031 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-364-0777, www. bucksfishingandcamping.com. Diners can enjoy a seasonal menu that changes daily, and offers hip takes on comfort food such as roast chicken (locally raised) in an artsy-chic setting. D $$$

Café of India

4909 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-244-1395, www. cafeofindiadc.com. Here’s a cute corner café with

Maggiano’s LITTLE ITALY

5333 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-966-5500, www. maggianos.com. The restaurant features old-style Italian fare that’s a favorite for large groups and private celebrations. Check out the signature flatbreads and specialty pastas, including lobster carbonara. J L D $$

Masala Art (Editors’ Pick)

4441-B Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-362-4441, www. masalaartdc.com. Here is fine Indian dining fea-

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turing tandoor-oven specialties and masterful Indian spicing. Start off by choosing from a selection of nine breads and 17 appetizers. L D $$

Murasaki Japanese Cuisine and Sushi Bar

4620 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-966-0023, www. murasakidc.com. The restaurant offers a wide variety of specialty sushi rolls plus a full menu, including teriyaki, tempura, noodle soup and other authentic Japanese dishes served in a tastefully understated décor. ❂ L D $$

Parthenon Restaurant

5510 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-966-7600, www. parthenon-restaurant.com. This is a neighborhood eatery taken up a couple notches, with an extensive menu full of authentic selections familiar and exotic, including avgolemono (egg/ lemon soup), tzatziki, moussaka, dolmades and souvlaki. ❂ L D $$

Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza

4940 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-237-7383, www. petesapizza.com. Look no further for New Haveninspired pizza with crusts that are crunchy on the

outside, chewy on the inside. Salads, pasta and panini are also served. ❂ J L D $

vegetables, Thai curries and Vietnamese spring rolls. L D $

Tanad Thai

Range (Editors’ Pick)

4912 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-966-0616, www. tanadthaicuisine.com. The extensive menu ranges from noodles, rice and curries to vegetarian entrées, and even a Thai lemonade cocktail.

House specialties include pad Thai and Drunken Noodles. ❂ L D $$

5335 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 201, 202-8038020, www.voltrange.com. Celebrity chef Bryan Voltaggio’s extravaganza, featuring multiple open kitchens, seats 300 and offers an enormous wine list. The restaurant was chosen for “Best Cocktail” in 2014 by the magazine’s editors.

L D $$$

Tara Thai

4849 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 202-363-4141, www.tarathai.com. One of the aqua-accented eateries in the locally based chainlet, the restaurant features an extensive Thai menu with vegetarian options, plus sushi in bento boxes. Dessert includes ice cream flavored with green tea, coconut or Thai coffee. ❂ L D $$

Rosa Mexicano

5225 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-777-9959, www.rosa mexicano.com. The upscale Mexican chain is known for its tableside-prepared guacamole and stylish decor. House specials include pan-roasted mahi mahi with a traditional salsa Veracruz. Gluten-free options available, too. J R L D $$

Terasol (Editors’ Pick)

Satay Club Asian Restaurant and Bar

4654 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-363-8888, www. asiansatayclub.com. The restaurant prides itself on providing a comfortable/casual setting with a menu that spans Japanese sushi, Chinese moo-shi

5010 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-237-5555, www. terasolartisans.com. This charming French café offers soups, salads, quiches and a few entrées, along with jewelry and pottery from local artisans.

Live music on Fridays and Saturdays. ❂BLD$n

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Special Advertising Section

Private Schools l

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The Academy of the Holy Cross

9-12

Girls

Kensington, MD

500

19

11:01

Barrie School

18 mos-Grade 12

Co-ed

Silver Spring, MD

340

16

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395

20

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Potomac, MD

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15

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18

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Potomac, MD

300

13

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Potomac, MD

270

12-18

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InfantKindergarten transition

Co-ed

Bethesda, MD

179

Green Acres School

Age 3-Grade 8

Co-ed

North Bethesda, MD

300

12

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3-12

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Bethesda, MD

654

15

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Washington, D.C.

350

16

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9

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Silver Spring, MD

60

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101

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14

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284 July/august 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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Special Advertising Section

Essential Information on

23 Independent Schools es

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g n ua ng itio a l Tu n l 12 ua eig nn rade or offered •A G •f

Catholic

Y

N

$21,575

$21,575

Spanish, French, Latin

academyoftheholycross.org

301-942-2100

None

N

Y

$15,500

$29,650

Spanish, French, Chinese, Independent Study

barrie.org

301-576-2800

Episcopal

N

N

$33,315

N/A

Spanish

beauvoirschool.org

202-537-6485

None

Y

Y

$31,580

$35,060

Spanish, French, Latin, Chinese

bullis.org

301-299-8500

Judaism

N

Y

$23,860

$30,600

Spanish, Hebrew, Arabic

cesjds.org

301-881-1400

Catholic

Y

N

Upper $29,716, Middle $26,471 $30,241

Spanish, French

holychild.org

301-365-0955

None

N

N

$6,588

N/A

Spanish, Chinese, Sign Language (ASL)

genevadayschool.org

301-340-7704

None

N

Y

$14,700

N/A

Spanish, Chinese

goddardschool.com

240-630-2400

None

N

Y

$17,700 (Half day), $27,700 (Full day)

N/A

Spanish

greenacres.org

301-881-4100

None

Y

Y

$37,000

$37,000

Spanish, Chinese, Latin, French

holton-arms.edu

301-365-5300

None

N

Y

$17,100 (Half day, Pre-Primary)

N/A

Spanish

lowellschool.org

202-577-2000

None

Y

Y

$26,000

$37,000

Spanish, Latin, American Sign mcleanschool.org Language

240-395-0698

None

N

N

$27,400

$28,100

Spanish, German, Independent Study

nora-school.org

301-495-6672

None

Dress code

Y

$28,820

N/A

Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, Latin

norwoodschool.org

301-365-2595

None

N

N

$19,850

N/A

Spanish, French

onenessfamily.org

301-652-7751

None

N

N

$19,250

N/A

Spanish, Chinese, French

theprimarydayschool.org

301-365-4355

United Methodist Church

Y

N

$25,714

$34,565

Spanish, German

rma.edu

540-636-5200

None

N

N

$34,973

$36,633

Spanish

thesienaschool.org

301-244-3600

Catholic

Y

Y

$24,900

$30,900

Spanish, French, Latin

stoneridgeschool.org

301-657-4322

None

Y

N

$29,475

$42,175

Spanish, French, Latin, Chinese

vfmac.edu

610-989-1200

Episcopal

Y

N

$9,800

$32,440

Spanish, French, Latin

w-e-s.org

301-652-7878

None

N

N

$22,500

$25,200

Spanish (German available after sixth)

washingtonwaldorf.org

301-229-6107

None

N

N

$14,250 (full day)

N/A

wccbethesda.com

301-229-7161

ite

ebs

•W

e

on

h •p

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private schools a

“The Beginning is the Most Important Part of the Work” —Plato

An inclusive community of life-long learners anwhich inclusive life-long learners in each community individual is of valued and respected

in which each individual is valued and respected

Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School is an independent elementary school for grades Pre-Kindergarten – Third Grade.

For more information, please visit us online at: www.beauvoirschool.org.

3500 Woodley Road, NW · Washington, DC 20016 · www.beauvoirschool.org

Come Visit Us! Find information about our programs for children ages 21/2 through 8th grade on our website or sign up for a tour.

1640 Kalmia Road NW Washington, DC 20012 202.577.2000 | lowellschool.org

IA BUDDING AM MUSICIAN. AN OPTIMIST.

Summer Admission Open House

Wednesday, July 22 • 6 to 8pm On the Barrie campus 13500 Layhill Road • Silver Spring, MD 20906

Please visit barrie.org/OpenHouse to pre-register.

For more information, contact our Admission team at 301.576.2800 or admission@barrie.org.

Serving students age 18-months through Grade 12

A PROBLEM SOLVER.

Empowering leaders to serve with faith, intellect, and confidence.

OPEN HOUSES UPPER SCHOOL · October 18, 12:00 pm ALL-SCHOOL · November 11, 8:45 am

www.stoneridgeschool.org Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for girls, Grades 1-12, with a coeducational Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Early Childhood Program, located in Bethesda, MD. Multiple round-trip bus routes available in DC, MD, and VA.

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private schools

McLean celebrates differences; they don’t walk away from them.

These kids are the people who will think differently and solve the world’s problems.

It is surprising how few public or private schools understand how to educate a child with learning disabilities—yet capable of high academic performance. McLean is the only school that can provide a rigorous, college prep curriculum for students with learning challenges!

Open House

The love, attention, and the individualized understanding of our daughter’s academic needs were managed in such a positive manner. McLean has changed our child’s life, and our family dynamic.

9:00 am Wednesday, October 21 9:00 am Saturday, November 7 RSVP admission@mcleanschool.org 240.395.0698

Our son was off the charts smart— but couldn’t get organized. It was a relief to come to a school that recognized his intellectual strengths.

Parents Talk.

Join the conversation about McLean School.

8224 Lochinver Lane Potomac, Maryland 20854 mcleanschool.org K-12 College preparatory school supporting bright students’ individual learning styles

Timeless lessons.

Enduring values.

Brilliant futures.

Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (CESJDS) is a K-12 independent day school in Rockville, MD. We are a welcoming, inclusive community united by our shared Jewish values with a comprehensive academic program that challenges students to think deeply and critically.

SAVE THE DATE: VISIT OUR COMMUNITY Lower School Open House Sunday, November 1

Upper School Open House Wednesday, November 11

CONNECT WITH US www.cesjds.org 301-692-4870 /cesjdsconnect @cesjdsconnect /cesjdsconnect

Lower School: 1901 E. Jefferson St. Upper School: 11710 Hunters Lane Rockville, Maryland 20852

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private schools WE CAN HELP YOUR SON

SUCCEED

LEARN

GROW

VA L L EY F O RG E M IL I TARY AC A D EMY College Preparatory Curriculum Middle School Grades 6 - 8 High School Grades 9 - 12

LEAD

Schedule a Tour or Join Us for Our Next Open House 610-989-1300

Located 12 Miles from Philadelphia vfmac.edu/academy 1001 Eagle Road • Wayne, PA 19087 sienna_Bethesdamag3.375 x 4.625_Layout 1 7/15/13 9:31 AM Page 1

TouR Day:

Wed. 9:30 am

www.thesienaschool.org

“To me the greatest testament to a school is the fact that your child wakes up every morning and can’t wait to get there.”

— parent of an 8th grader

1300 Forest Glen Road | Silver Spring, MD 20901 | 301-244-3600 Serving bright college bound students with language-based learning differences in grades 4-12.

Sunday Family Open House

10/25 • 1:30–3:30 PM Find out more! www.greenacres.org

Limited spaces available for fall

Age 3 — Grade 8

301-881-4100 11701 Danville Drive North Bethesda, MD

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private schools

the joy of

learning Your child could experience the joy of learning too. New families easily transition into Washington Episcopal School, thanks to warm welcomes and immediate outreach from current parents. New students connect with classmates within days, not months. WES students are consistently accepted at an impressive list of high schools because they are kind, confident, and prepared.

Openings in Select Grades for 2015-16 Call 301-652-7878 to schedule a visit today

WASHINGTON EPISCOPAL SCHOOL An independent, co-educational school for Nursery – Grade 8 5600 Little Falls Parkway, Bethesda, MD 20816 | www.w-e-s.org Located about a mile from the DC line and 10 minutes from northern Virginia, off River Road

>

WHERE YOU START

NOW ENROLLING!

THE JOURNEY CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE. Tour the Goddard School located in Bethesda and experience why it’s the best preparation for social and academic success.

Goddard Systems, Inc.’s program is AdvancED accredited.

BETHESDA • 240-630-2400 6400 Goldsboro Road GoddardSchool.com

-----------LEARNING FOR FUN. LEARNING FOR LIFE.® ------------

The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc. Programs and ages may vary.

Goddard Systems, Inc. program is AdvancED accredited. © Goddard Systems, Inc. 2015

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private schools Experiential Education is a great way to get to know everyone in your grade!

I am living the big and small moments of my life with courage and compassion.

~PETR, 10TH GRADE

I am a Lady of the Academy.

Read more about Petr and what makes Bullis so special: www.bullis.org/Petr Grades 2–12

OR AN JOIN US F

USE OPEN HO

m.

0 a.m. - 1:00 p.

ber 8 • 10:0 Sunday, Novem

Open House: Oct. 18, 1–3 pm

w w w .A cAd e my O f T h e h O ly c r O s s . O r g All-Girls, Grades 9-12 • 4920 Strathmore Ave, Kensington MD • 301.942.2100

AHC Bethesda Magazine July 15.indd 1

301-299-8500 Potomac, MD

6/3/15 4:17 PM

Excellence in K-8 Education Learn more about our child-centered program at www.norwoodschool.org

Grades K-8 Open House 1:00-3:00 pm

*Tour Our Campus *Experience Our Program *Meet Our Community

8821 River Road Bethesda, MD 20817 Bus transportation available How you lead your life matters.

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private schools

Join the Montessori Movement Ages 2–Grade 8 Enrolling for Fall 2015 An Independent Montessori School Steps from Downtown Bethesda A Vibrant International Community

www.rma.edu

540-636-5484

6701 Wisconsin Avenue Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301-652-7751 www.onenessfamilyschool.org WCC 1/4 Ad_Color_Layout 1 10/3/12 1:03 PM Page 1

S i lv e r S pr i n g, M D 2 0 9 1 0

i

tel 301. 495.6672

ng the community since 1970 Ser vi

955 Sligo Avenue

i

• NAEYC Accredited • Half-Day & Full Day Preschool • School Day Pre-K

• Before & After School School-Age Program • Camp Westmoreland • Low teacher-tochild ratio

3 Locations in Bethesda

Think differently. At The Nora School, these are words we take to heart. This small, college preparatory high school, grades 9 –12, works to bring out the best in students with diverse learning styles since 1964.

t He nor A SC Hool

www.nor A-SC Hool.org

301-229-7161 More information at:

www.wccbethesda.com

Approved & licensed by Division of Early Childhood Development/ Office of Child Care of the Maryland State Department of Education

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private schools

MIDDLE SCHOOL Experiential Learning • Personalized Programs Integrated Technology Research-based curriculum centered around girls’ learning styles Empowering environment where girls develop self confidence All-girls Independent School grades 6-12 9029 Bradley Boulevard • Potomac MD 20854 • 301.365.0955

www.holychild.org

www.ThePrimaryDaySchool.org

Who is a Holton girl?

You’ll get an “A” for advertising in the upcoming Education Issue in the Private School Guide Special advertiSing Section

© Jeff Mauritzen •

•

•

•

Private SchoolGuide Choosing a private sChool for your child isn’t easy. There are scores of good schools to chose from and a countless number of factors that you need to consider. Co-ed or single gender? A school with a religious affiliation or not? What’s the educational philosophy and approach?

Bethesda Magazine’s Private School Guide will help you to find the school that’s the best fit. In the following pages, we provide essential information on 40 schools. You’ll find the information you need to narrow your search and to start your exploration in a targeted and effective way.

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private school guide_layout.indd 108

Sound like anybody you know?

Holton-Arms is an independent day school in Bethesda, Md., for girls in grades 3 through 12. www.holton-arms.edu

thinkstock

a Holton girl is someone who: Loves to learn Is eager to explore Might be an artist, athlete, scholar, or all three Works hard, yet knows how to have fun Hears our motto, “I will find a way or make one,” and thinks, yes, that’s me!

8/14/14 9:42 AM

Reserve your space in the September/October issue Email advertising@bethesdamagazine.com to get started!

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shopping. beauty. weddings. pets. travel. history.

photo by michael ventura

etc.

Rocking chairs line the front porch of the Ashley Rose Victorian Inn in Cape May. For more about the New Jersey beach town, see page 312.

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etc.

S h o p Ta l k

Polo Ralph Lauren Scarf $68 at Ralph Lauren in Chevy Chase and ralphlauren.com

By samantha miller

fabulous

Flats

So Wild Ankle Strap Sandals

by Kenneth Cole Reaction, $69 at Nordstrom in Westfield Montgomery mall and nordstrom.com

Step into summer’s most luxurious, yet wearable trend—leather sandals adorned with crystals and gemstones

Gwenda Jeweled Sandals by Via Spiga, $195 at Bloomingdale’s in Chevy Chase and bloomingdales.com

Luna Crystal Sandals by MICHAEL Michael Kors, $150 at Neiman Marcus in Mazza Gallerie and neimanmarcus.com

all sandals and makeup are courtesy photos

Bacau Sandals

by Kate Spade, $268 at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase and saksfifthavenue.com

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melt-proof

summer makeup

Heat and humidity can be tough on makeup, so we asked Bethesda makeup artist Lauren Jaber to share her summer routine. “Less is more,” Jaber says. “And it’s worth investing in high-quality, long-wear products.”

Step 1: Prep with primer

To keep humidity at bay, apply a matte primer to moisturized skin, concentrating on your T-zone, chin and cheeks. Not only does primer help makeup stay put, but it also minimizes the appearance of pores and uneven skin tone.

Lauren’s pick: MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Skin Equalizer, $36 at Sephora in Chevy Chase and sephora.com

Step 2: Look to long - wear

When temperatures rise, Jaber recommends switching to a long-wear foundation, which is specially formulated to last all day. Warm a few drops between your fingers before lightly patting the product across your face.

Aries Sandals by Seychelles, $75 at Nordstrom in Westfield Montgomery mall and nordstrom.com

Lauren’s pick: MAC Pro Longwear Foundation, $32 at MAC in Chevy Chase and maccosmetics.com

Step 3: Say goodbye to shine

Use a large brush to lightly dust sheer powder along your T-zone. This important step locks foundation in place while reducing shine.

Lauren’s pick: NARS Soft Velvet Loose Powder, $36 at Bluemercury in Bethesda and bluemercury.com

Step 4: Choose creamy shadows

Cream formulas are less likely to crease or smudge, says Jaber. Use your ring finger to dab shadow across your lids, followed by a coat of waterproof mascara.

Lauren’s pick: Dior Beauty Fusion Mono Eye Shadow, $31 at Neiman Marcus in Chevy Chase and neimanmarcus.com

Step 5: Set it and forget it

Finish your look with a water-based setting spray. If you need a midday touch-up, reach for blotting papers—not powder— to eliminate excess oil in a flash.

Moonlight Magic Rhinestone Sandals

by Mystique, $160 at Sassanova in Bethesda

Lauren’s pick: NYX Cosmetics Blotting Paper, $4 at Ulta in Silver Spring or Rockville and ulta.com

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etc.

S h o p Ta l k

Andrea Walker (left) and Valerie Biaggi launched SimplyGenie to help busy moms throw personalized birthday parties.

After learning their toddlers shared the same September birthday, friends Andrea Walker and Valerie Biaggi decided to throw a joint party. But despite visiting multiple stores and websites, the pair was unable to find original designs with a handcrafted feel. “We thought, there must be a solution for busy moms who want something unique and special,” says Walker, who lives in D.C.’s Foxhall neighborhood and received her MBA from American University. And so in January, SimplyGenie was born.

The online boutique offers customizable “parties in a box” and handmade decorations, shipped to your door. Parents (and kids) can choose from a range of themes for party supplies such as invitations, tableware, hats, banners and party favors. Walker says Bethesda parents are partial to the “Preppy Collection,” which includes themes such as pink sea turtles and blue whales.

“It’s the special details that count, personalizing the basics and picking a theme that your child will like,” says Biaggi, an event planner who lives in Chevy Chase.

SimplyGenie’s designs are created by artists from around the world. The popular “Children’s Illustrator Collection” was designed by Chilean artist Michelle Koryzma, a nod to Walker and Biaggi’s childhoods—both women grew up in South America.

Products are printed and hand-assembled in D.C. and Silver Spring, so local customers can receive their orders in as few as three days.

Walker and Biaggi have some pointers for parents hosting parties. “My No. 1 tip is to have everything done beforehand,” Walker says. “I see so many moms who can’t enjoy the moment because they’re worried about making everything perfect.” Adds Biaggi, “Remember that you’re celebrating a special occasion, so don’t overthink the party.” n SimplyGenie, 2 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 700, Chevy Chase, 855-5105500, simplygenie.com. Parties in a box are customizable and start at $50.

Photo by sean scheidt

Behind the Brand: SimplyGenie

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Bethesda Row’s Calypso St. Barth is a luxury resort-wear boutique.

shopping guide

Where to find locally-owned clothing and gift boutiques

By Cynthia Hacinli

BETHESDA American Classic Clothes If you can’t find what you’re looking for in this traditional children’s clothing shop, they can make it for you. Among the treasures here: classic smocked cotton rompers and party dresses, hand-knit sweaters and booties, delicate blouses and fun pj’s, and hand-sewn vests and dress pants.

Westfield Montgomery mall, 7101 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, 301-365-7740, www.americanclassicclothes.com

courtesy photo

Amethyst A lavender-walled, jewel box of a shop, Amethyst offers classic and modern fine jewelry created by new and emerging designers, including Bethesda native Mauri Pioppo, Karina Salum, and the store’s owner, Amy Hugo. A goldsmith provides custom work and repairs.

Bethesda Row, 4808 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 301-907-6871, www.shopamethyst.com Belina Boutique Owners Betty Barati and Sherri Hatam dress women of all ages in designers such

as Splendid, Ecru, Joie, Ella Moss and SW3 Bespoke. Finish the look with accessories

by Margaret Elizabeth and Gorjana.

Wildwood Shopping Center, 10215 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-897-2929, www.belinaboutique.com Beyda’s Lad & Lassie This shop offers classic, upscale dressy and everyday clothing for infants, girls and boys by labels such as Kissy Kissy, Bella Bliss and Florence Eiseman, as well as uniforms for local schools. There are also pajamas, swimwear and accessories.

5444 Westbard Ave., Bethesda, 301-656-2026 Blanca Flor This small shop lures in customers with glass cases full of sterling silver jewelry that owner Rigel Garcia collects from Mexico, Greece, Poland and the United States.

Pieces include a changing selection of offbeat bracelets, earrings and necklaces at a wide range of prices.

Wildwood Shopping Center, 10231 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-530-6313, www.blancaflorofbethesda.com

Calypso St. Barth Launched in St. Barth in 1992 as a luxury resort-wear boutique, Calypso St. Barth now sells its feminine, boho-chic fashions in Bethesda Row. The store carries its namesake collection as well as a carefully curated selection of pieces from international designers—you’ll find dip-dyed caftans, luxe cashmere sweaters and fun animal prints. The shop also sells fragrances as well as rugs, pillows and throws.

Bethesda Row, 4810 Bethesda Row, 301-652-1219, www.calypsostbarth.com Claire Dratch Locally owned since 1946, Claire Dratch is where women go when they want to say yes to the dress. Proms, bat mitzvahs, and weddings are all covered here. The store prides itself on personal service, alterations and customized clothing.

7615 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 301-656-8000, www.clairedratch.net Current Boutique Designer labels abound at this local consignment boutique that sells online as well as at its brick-and-mortar shops in Bethes-

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etc. shopPing Guide

da, Logan Circle, Arlington and Alexandria.

You’ll find in-demand names like Roberto Cavalli, Alexander Wang, Prada, Chanel and Christian Louboutin.

7220 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 301-222-1114, www.currentboutique.com Daisy Baby & Kids Owner Dana Evans specializes in helping parents and parents-to-be design their kids’ rooms and nurseries. Daisy Baby & Kids offers an array of designer and upscale furniture and baby linens, including Maddie Boo and Oilo, as well as accessories, gear and gifts.

4912-A Del Ray Ave., Bethesda, 301-654-7477, www.shopdaisybaby.com Etcetera This visit-by-appointment showroom is devoted to Etcetera, the fashion-forward, less pricey line of Carlisle, a luxury clothing brand typically sold at trunk shows. It’s the only Etcetera showroom in the country, and the experience is much like having a personal stylist to help you navigate the mixand-match classics-gone-trendy pieces.

4709 Montgomery Lane, Bethesda, 301-215-8363, www.etcetera.com Furs by Gartenhaus You can buy a new fur here—or get an old one restyled, repaired and appraised. Coats, jackets, vests, capes and hats are all options, and sheared mink is a specialty—as a lining or as a soft, light coat or jacket. The store also stocks exotic furs such as chinchilla and fox. Fur storage is also available.

7101 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 301-656-2800, www.fursbygartenhaus.com Hoamgar This Bethesda outpost of a Singapore-based shop is known for its Taiwanese tailoring, Japanese and European fabrics, and feminine styling. Clothing is produced in limited quantities, and handbags are one of a kind.

Westfield Montgomery mall, 7101 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, 301-767-9479, www.hoamgar.com Irresistibles The clothing in the Bethesda location of this East Coast chain is an eclectic mix of names such as Nic + Zoe, Three Dots, Autumn Cashmere, Christopher Blue and Trina Turk. The store also carries shoes, jewelry and accessories by Alexis Bittar and Orla Kiely.

Wildwood Shopping Center, 10301 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-897-2574, www.irresistibles.com Konplot t Miranda Konstantinidou designs this shop’s whimsical costume jewelry sold all over the world. Born in Greece and raised in Germany, Konstantinidou fashions her pieces from metals, crystals and fabric. Her various lines have names like Back to the Future, Gordian Knot and Moulin Rouge.

Westfield Montgomery mall, 7107 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, 240-888-7478, www.konplott.com Lou Lou This jam-packed accessories boutique— located in the former Urban Chic space— carries loads of costume jewelry, scarves, belts, small gifts and handbags from pleather to leather.

7126 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda, 301-652-0048, www.loulouboutiques.com Luna This Bethesda Row boutique is known for its collection of designer duds by the likes of J Brand, Autumn Cashmere, Velvet and Vince, and for its extensive collection of fun, costume jewelry. There are also handbags, shapewear and hats.

Bethesda Row, 7232 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, 301-656-1111, www.shopluna.com Mustard Seed Appealing to a wide swath of customers— savvy middle schoolers to 70-somethings among them—this second-hand store owned by Derek Kennedy and Gayle Herrmann specializes in items that are fewer than two years old. Think names like Elie Tahari, Nine West, Nicole Miller, Old Navy, American Apparel, Gap and H&M. There are some vintage offerings from the ’50s to ’70s as well.

7349 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 301-9074699, www.mustardseedshop.com Petra Owner Petra Winkler hails from Germany and focuses on upscale European fashion lines, including Cambio and the Munichbased Bogner. The store, on Bethesda Row since 2009, features sportswear, party dresses and accessories for women.

Bethesda Row, 4803 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 301-215-9080

REDDz Trading This resale shop stocks high-end to less pricey designers such as Gucci, Céline, Alexander McQueen, Chanel, J.Crew and All Saints. Unlike a consignment shop that gives you a percentage of what you sell, Reddz pays you a flat fee of 30 percent for items they want, or 45 percent to be used toward in-store purchases.

7801 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, 301-6567333, www.reddztrading.com Red Orchard Owners John Helm and Caroline Liberty enjoy scouting local art shows for many of the crafty items at Red Orchard. You can find everything here from John Derian decoupage trays and Company C rugs to home accents and fine jewelry made by local artisans. Whimsical Czechoslovakian glass “petal” rings are big sellers.

Wildwood Shopping Center, 10253 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-571-7333, www.redorchard.com Rita G’s Chapter Two Fine Consign Named for owner Rita Gendelman, this stylish consignment shop sells pre-owned designer handbags, jewelry, scarves, shoes and clothes at a fraction of their original prices. Designers include Dior, Bottega Veneta, Hermes and Chanel, as well as less pricey names such as Kate Spade and Marc Jacobs.

4931 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 301-718-7200, www.ritagfineconsign.com RnJ Sports ASICS, Brooks and Saucony are some of the names you’ll find in this family-owned business that’s been selling running and tennis gear since 1976. RnJ prides itself on a knowledgeable staff that’s trained in foot biomechanics to help customers find the right shoe. There is also discounted apparel, socks and gear. The Rockville location (see Rockville section) has a self-serve clearance room.

4945 Elm St., Bethesda, 301-986-0558, www.rnjsports.com Sassanova Sarah “Sassy” Jacobs and Sarah Cannova opened this women’s shoe store in Bethesda in 2009. The boutique stocks high-end designer footwear by Loeffler Randall, Butter, French Soles and Jack Rogers. Totes, wallets, jewelry and a selection of clothing by designers including MILLY, Trina Turk

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and Diane von Furstenberg round out the offerings.

Bethesda Row, 7134 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda, 301-654-7403, www.sassanova.com Secrète Fine Jewelry Custom fine jewelry, including bridal sets, earrings and necklaces, is the specialty in this family-owned store. Designs range from modern and contemporary to vintage.

You also can choose a watch from established names such as Rolex, and get jewelry repaired and restored.

Wildwood Shopping Center, 10227 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-530-7892, www.secretejewelry.com Sequel This women’s boutique features an eclectic mix of upscale contemporary names, including Michael Stars, Clover Canyon, and Bailey 44. The store also carries jewelry and accessories. Its two sister stores, Wear it Well in Bethesda and Corby Collection in Chevy Chase, D.C., carry some similar merchandise, but each has unique items, as well.

Wildwood Shopping Center, 10255 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-530-4423, www.sequelbethesda.com South Moon Under Originally a surf shop in Ocean City, Maryland, this boho boutique for women and men is especially popular with teens and 20-somethings. But there’s way more than swimsuits and beachwear. Look for casual to dressy clothing from labels such as MINKPINK, Marc Jacobs and Trina Turk, along with quirky home goods, gifts, jewelry and shoes (think Steve Madden, Frye and Seychelles).

photo by james mertz

Wildwood Shopping Center, 10247 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-564-0995, www.southmoonunder.com The Blue House Owner Connie Cissel travels to markets around the country to choose the whimsical items in this jam-packed shop. In addition to fun things like glassware and pillows representing each state, the store has more practical items, including cookbooks by local authors and unique baby clothes.

7770 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, 301-6566088, www.thebluehousebethesda.com The Goldsmiths: Dealers in Dreams This store has been serving celebrities and regulars from its location at Bethes-

Accessories boutique Sassanova stocks high-end designer footwear.

da Place since 1990 and before that was at White Flint since 1972. Most of the fine jewelry sold here is one of a kind. Owner Irwin Gross can help clients create their own unique piece and remount and restore heirloom items.

Bethesda Place Shops, 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Suite N, Bethesda, 301-907-6787, www.goldsmithdealersindreams.com The Pink Palm This Bethesda outpost of a small chain known as The Pink Palm carries on the Lilly Pulitzer tradition on Bethesda Row. Coowner Lizanne Jeveret stocks a full line of the iconic print dresses, tops, accessories and shoes for women and children. Look for menswear by Barbour and Southern Proper.

Bethesda Row, 4867 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 301-913-9191, www.thepinkpalm.net Tugooh Toys and Yiro This store sells environmentally friendly toys for eco-conscious kids and their parents. There is a large selection of wooden toys, and even shelving is made of natural woods. Look for brands such as Alex, Fisher-Price, Radio Flyer and Kid Galaxy. There’s also a small selection of organic baby clothing for 9 months and under.

Bethesda Row, 4823 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 301-654-2412

Underwraps Underwraps sells more than bras, panties, pantyhose and nightgowns—you’ll find denim by NYDJ and tops, too. Find familiar lingerie names such as Olga and Maidenform, as well as the upscale Natori, Cosabella and Wacoal brands.

The Shoppes of Bethesda, 4928 Hampden Lane, Bethesda, 301-656-4900 Wear it Well Wear it Well brings a funky, fashion-forward sensibility to Bethesda Row. The store carries accessories and a number of different clothing lines, including Ella Moss, White + Warren and Majestic Paris. The shop has two sister stores with similar, but not identical merchandise: Sequel at the Wildwood Shopping Center, and Corby Collection in Chevy Chase, D.C., which has more evening wear than the other two.

Bethesda Row, 4816 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 301-652-3713, www.justperfectcollection.com

CHEVY CHASE Boone & Sons Jewelers Started in 1966 by family patriarch French Boone, this fine jewelry store has everything from loose diamonds to fashion and estate jewelry. Boone’s son, Darryl Boone, runs the Chevy Chase store.

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5550 The Hills Plaza, Chevy Chase, 301-6572144, www.booneandsons.com

Wear It Well is a good place to find sophisticated separates.

Gals on and off the Green Just because you’re playing sports doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish. That’s the philosophy of this women’s shop that sells resort, sports and golf wear that covers all the bases from country club to edgy chic.

Brands include Ralph Lauren, Nike, Lilly Pulitzer, Adidas, Puma and Greg Norman.

Chevy Chase Center, 5449 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 240-800-4670, www.galsonandoffthegreen.com Miller’s Furs This third-generation, family-owned furrier has been in Chevy Chase for more than 20 years. Find new and vintage fur coats, outerwear and fur-trimmed cashmere scarves.

The salon also offers restoration services, repairs, appraisals and custom work.

Nina McLemore Boutique The sedate yet stylish clothes seem tailormade for the professional woman. Look for work-ready dresses, separates, casual and evening wear in wool, stretch cotton and silk at this eponymously named Georgetown-based designer’s shop, one of several across the country.

5310 B Western Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-951-1111, www.ninamclemore.com Saks Jandel This family-owned department store has been a Chevy Chase destination for highend fashion for more than 40 years. Inside you’ll find clothing and accessories from European and American designers such as Saint Laurent, Valentino, Michael Kors, Gucci and Karl Lagerfeld. The bridal salon carries equally posh labels, including Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang.

5510 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-652-2250 Sylene For nearly 40 years, sisters Helen Kestler and Cyla Weiner have been finding the right bras for local women, including former first lady Nancy Reagan. The lingerie boutique is known for its extensive swimwear collection, and also offers in-store bridal showers and lingerie parties.

4407 S. Park Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-654-4200, www.sylenedc.com

The Lemon Twist Shop The Lemon Twist Shop has been a Chevy Chase neighborhood staple since 1977.

Regulars like owner Sally Prince’s eclectic mix of women’s clothing and accessories from known names such as Lilly Pulitzer and Vineyard Vines. The store also sells handbags and jewelry.

Chevy Chase Plaza, 8541 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-986-0044, www.lemontwist.net Town Jewelers Town Jewelers owner and master goldsmith Saro Abrahamian has been designing fine jewelry for the Bethesda-Chevy Chase community for 30 years. In addition to custom pieces, the store sells Novobeads and Citizen watches. The shop also does repairs, restorations and appraisals.

7017 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-6568867, www.townjewelerschevychase.com

KENSINGTON/ NORTH BETHESDA Catch Can This Kensington shop is stocked with everything from quality women’s apparel and shoes to baby and children’s clothes and unique home accessories. If you’re in search of a gift, chances are you’ll find it

here. And there’s a bargain basement clearance corner, too.

10505 Metropolitan Ave., Kensington, 301933-7862, www.catchcan.com Masica Diamonds Owner and master diamond cutter David Masica carries an array of diamonds, engagement rings and custom-made jewelry.

There are also pieces featuring natural, coffee-colored diamonds.

11763 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, 301-255-0000, www.masicadiamonds.com The Shop at Strathmore A turntable kitchen timer, and wood spoons that double as drumsticks are the kind of offbeat, music-related items that can be found at this gift shop at the Strathmore mansion. There are also DVDs, hand-painted silk scarves, Monet-inspired umbrellas, kids’ books and jewelry.

The Mansion Shop at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, 301-581-5175, www.strathmore.org

GAITHERSBURG/ NORTH POTOMAC Class Act Located inside Gaithersburg’s Lakeforest Mall, Class Act provides lots of options for women and girls looking for a party, prom

photo by james mertz

4620 Leland St., Chevy Chase, 301-656-3877, www.millersfurs.com

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or bat mitzvah dress. The store features a variety of price points and has some wedding gowns, too.

1953 as a tack shop for English-style riders, The Surrey also sells an array of riding clothes, jewelry and hostess gifts.

Lakeforest Mall, 701 Russell Ave., Gaithersburg, 301-869-2244

14120 Darnestown Road, Darnestown, 301-299-8225, www.thesurreysaddlery.com

Chic to Chic This consignment store has clothing, handbags, accessories and shoes by high-end designers both familiar and obscure. Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Chloé, Roberto Cavalli, Richard Tyler, Mulberry, Hermes, Chanel, Theory and BCBG are just some of the names you’ll find here. You can also sell your own gently worn togs.

15900 Luanne Drive, Gaithersburg, 301-9267700, www.chictochic.com Clover Locals Michon Frick and Jenn O’Brien wanted to bring an urban chic sensibility to Gaithersburg and opened Clover in 2004. Inside are jeans by AG and Citizens of Humanity, clothing by Cynthia Steffe, Joie, James Perse and Velvet, as well as accessories, jewelry and handbags.

The Kentlands, 502 Main St., Gaithersburg, 301-869-4544, www.shopclover.com Fleet Feet Sports Opened by runners and former CPAs Chris and Robyn Gault in 2005, the Gaithersburg outpost of the nationwide franchise is known for its running shoes and moisturewicking apparel. The store also offers running clinics, training programs and group runs.

255 Kentlands Blvd., Gaithersburg, 301-9266442, www.fleetfeetgaithersburg.com Imagine Boutique Named for owner Nancy Strauss’ favorite song, Imagine offers boho and contemporary styles from Bailey44, SOLD Design Lab, Bobi, Silver Jeans and Sanctuary. In addition to handbags, shoes and accessories, you’ll also find jewelry. Men will appreciate the edited choices from Robert Graham.

photo by james mertz

26-A Grand Corner Ave., Gaithersburg, 301527-1694, www.shopimagineclothing.com South Moon Under See Bethesda listing.

Washingtonian Center, 15 Grand Corner Ave., Gaithersburg, 301-948-0971, www.southmoonunder.com The Surrey Looking for place mats, a gift or a saddle?

You’ll find it all here. Originally started in

books and games for children of all ages, and a very knowledgeable staff.

Cabin John Shopping Center & Mall, 11325 Seven Locks Road, Potomac, 301-299-0680, www.toycastlepotomac.com

POTOMAC

ROCKVILLE

Emily Grace Women of all ages visit this airy shop at Park Potomac to peruse the latest in contemporary tops, bottoms and dresses from Rebecca Taylor, Vince, Joie and Alice + Olivia, as well as premium denim. Finish off the look with handbags from Rebecca Minkoff and Lauren Merkin.

Appalachian Spring This store carries everything from artisan glassware, pottery and wooden items to quirky baby goods and birdhouses. Don’t miss the fine collection of kaleidoscopes and the glass cases of designer jewelry.

Park Potomac, 12525 Park Potomac Ave., Potomac, 301-251-4184, www.shopemilygrace.com Flora’s Feathered Nest Though most of the items are new, owner Marcia Copenhaver hunts down weathered-looking merchandise at shows and sales. Find an array of unique decorative birdcages, upscale scented candles, mirrors, gifts and garden décor.

Congressional Plaza, 1641 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 301-230-1380, www.appalachianspring.com As Kindred Spirits Women love to shop here for the unique jewelry made by local and international artists who regularly make appearances in the store. You’ll also find natural fiber clothing, Judaica, whimsical home décor and gifts.

12211 River Road, Potomac, 301-765-0003, www.florasfeatherednest.com

Congressional Plaza, 1611 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 301-984-0102, www.askindredspirits.com

Leila Fine Gifts & Jewels Owner Deb Shalom searches out offbeat artisanal items for this shop, which sells a wide range of gifts. Among the finds: ceramics, decorative wine accessories, Judaica, and jewelry made of glass, crystals, copper, pearls, gemstones and silver.

Child’s Play The Rockville location of this toy store is one of four in this family-owned chain that’s known for its hands-on service. Inside are children’s books and a wealth of toys, puzzles, games, art supplies and costumes.

Cabin John Shopping Center & Mall, 7737 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac, 301-2995675, www.leilajewels.com

Congressional Plaza, 1661 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 301-230-9040, www.barstonschildsplay.com

Shoe Train During the back-to-school season, more than 100 kids per day will visit this classic children’s shoe store for footwear from Ugg Australia, Clarks, Stride Rite and Nike, among others. The kid-friendly staff also specializes in fitting children with orthotics and orthopedic footwear.

Cabin John Shopping Center & Mall, 11325 Seven Locks Road, Potomac, 301-299-9662, www.shoetrainpotomac.com Toy Castle Brian Mack, formerly of Toys Etc., and Carlos Aulestia, who also owns Toy Kingdom in Rockville, opened Toy Castle in Cabin John Shopping Center & Mall in 2010. The store features high-quality educational toys,

Cloud 9 Clothing Rockville Town Square’s Cloud 9 Clothing offers contemporary style for the young and the young at heart. Brand names for women include BB Dakota, Free People and Angie.

Rockville Town Square, 130-B Gibbs St., Rockville, 301-340-1061, www.cloud9clothing.us Hudson Trail Outfit ters, ltd.

This locally-owned chainlet of five stores has been selling outdoor gear and apparel for men and women since 1971. All the bases are covered: snow sports, paddling, running, camping, hiking, cycling and swimming. Fans rave about the knowledgeable customer service.

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12085 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 301-881-4955, www.hudsontrail.com Mervis Diamond Importers This family-owned fine jewelry store specializes in loose diamonds and creations from designers including Tacori, Sasha Primak and Benchmark. All the standards are here: cuff links, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, engagement rings and wedding sets.

1775 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 301-231-0030, www.mervisdiamond.com Na Ohana Jewelry This family-owned shop in Federal Plaza on Rockville Pike specializes in customdesigned fine jewelry. One entire wall is devoted to pieces made with pearls of different colors and sizes. The store also does repairs.

On Cloud 9 Carol Gowling brought her four daughters on buying trips when this “tween-age” store first opened, allowing them to help choose the teen-and junior-targeted styles.

You’ll find casual wear as well as a unique selection of party dresses for bat mitzvahs.

Potomac Woods Shopping Center, 1085 Seven Locks Road, Potomac, 301-251-1331 RnJ Sports See Bethesda listing.

11910-R Parklawn Drive, Rockville, 301-881-0021, www.rnjsports.com TennisTopia TennisTopia carries everything for the courts, including rackets, apparel, shoes and bags by tennis standards including Tail, Nike, Fila, Kaelin and ASICS. Owners Darrell and Amy Haines also provide team uniforms and racket re-stringing and demos.

Congressional Village Shopping Center, 1701 Rockville Pike B10, Rockville, 301-230-9195, www.tennistopia.com Silver moon jewelry & Accessories Formerly Tiara Galleries & Gifts, this store has been in business since 1960 and prides itself on classic, established brands. Inside you’ll find women’s accessories by Alex and Ani and Pandora jewelry, Vera Bradley bags and Brighton accessories.

On Cloud 9 specializes in clothing for teens.

Congressional Plaza, 1659 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 301-468-1122, www.tiaragalleries.com The Cot tage Monet Inside this bright and colorful shop is everything from thick Italian ceramic dishes to fun costume jewelry to placemats and glassware. Some of the many established lines featured here include Vietri, Vera Bradley, Mariposa, Thymes and Heartstrings.

Rockville Town Square, 36 Maryland Ave., Rockville, 301-279-2422, www.cottagemonet.com Toy Kingdom European toys abound in this store, which has been operating since 2007 in Rockville Town Square. You’ll find dolls, toys and games for boys and girls from names such as Corolle, Lego, Ravensburger and Creativity for Kids. Carlos Aulestia, coowner of Toy Castle in Potomac, owns this store as well.

Rockville Town Square, 36-C Maryland Ave., Rockville, 301-251-0220 Uptown Cheapskate Nancy Kline and Emily Schramm, who are mother and daughter as well as business partners, offer cash on the spot or 25 percent more in store credit at this fashion resale shop. Brands include Ugg, J.Crew, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister and Michael Kors. Kline, the former COO for South Moon

Under, and Schramm go for items that are current—shirts, dresses, denim, jackets, handbags and accessories.

1032 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 301-7621089, www.uptowncheapskate.com

SILVER SPRING Dor- ne Corset Shoppe Hard-to-fit women will feel like they’ve found nirvana at this shop for ladies’ undergarments. But traditional-size women also are catered to, with bras, lacy corsets, colorful garters and body slimmers. There is a $5 fitting fee if you don’t buy anything (fittings are free if you do).

8126 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, 301-5895151, www.dornecorset.com Footlights It’s everything ballet at this boutique for dancers, from girly tutus and stylish leotards to leg warmers and wraparound sweaters. There are also dancing shoes (jazz, ballroom, ballet slippers and pointe shoes), plus pointe cushions and other footgear. Ballet-themed totes, pj’s and shirts round out the offerings.

938 Wayne Ave., Silver Spring, 301-3264351, www.dancefootlights.com Rostas This two-level boutique in the heart of downtown Silver Spring carries a broad

courtesy photo

Federal Plaza, 12268-C Rockville Pike, Rockville, 301-881-0141

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range of classic and unique apparel from names such as Terani Couture, Alberto Makali and Samuel Dong. Find colorful scarves to silk gowns, along with casual wear, handbags and jewelry at prices 30 percent to 70 percent off retail.

8618 Fenton St., Silver Spring, 301-5887554, www.rostasboutique.com

UPPER NW, Washington, D.C. Child’s Play See Rockville listing.

5536 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-244-3602, www.barstonschildsplay.com Catch Can See Kensington/North Bethesda listing.

5516 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-686-5316, www.catchcan.com Charles Schwartz & Son Jewelers Offerings at this posh jewelry shop range from contemporary pieces to Victorian, art deco and art nouveau estate designs. If you’re searching for a cuff dripping with diamonds or a statement South Sea pearl necklace, this is the place you’ll find it.

Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oils Aged Balsamic Vinegars Stop By Our Tasting Bar! Sample from over 50 Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oils, Aged Balsamic Vinegars, Specialty Wine and Fruit Vinegars, as well as Cold-Pressed Nut and Seed Oils.

“Paleo fanatic. Cleo’s addict! It makes clean eating creative, healthy and delicous.” - Ashita Goel, M.D., Glenelg “My kids won’t stop begging for Brussels Sprouts roasted in Rosemary Olive Oil!” - Michelle Salas, Annapolis “Cleo’s 4-Pack Sampler is my go-to gift for any occasion!” - Sally Evans, Bethesda

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Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-363-5432, www.charlesschwartz.com Corby Collection Part of Chevy Chase’s Mazza Gallerie since 1992, this women’s boutique features a mix of dress, casual and career clothing. Sister stores, Wear it Well and Sequel, both in Bethesda, have some overlap in merchandise, but each has unique items, as well.

courtesy photo

Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-686-5363, www.justperfectcollection.com Core 72 Whether you’re into running, cycling, yoga, Pilates, tennis, skiing or swimming, this store has the goods to outfit you. The colorful activewear and accessories come from boutique designers such as Hard Tail Forever, Letarte, Oiselle, Carve Designs and Balega. And many of the items are cool enough to wear on the street.

5502 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-686-4258, www.core72dc.com

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SYLENEDC.COM 4407 SOUTH PARK AVE  CHEVY CHASE, MD 20815  301.654.4200 complimentar y rooftop parking

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3813 Livingston St. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-362-8566

Children’s store Full of Beans stocks unusual toys and clothes.

Julia Farr This beautiful little shop is part boutique, part style salon, with owner Julia Farr ready to help customers redo their look or their entire closet. Find a well-edited selection of sportswear and dresses and accessories from designers including Raoul, Susana Monaco, JOE’S Jeans, Sachin & Babi, Halston Heritage and Number 35. The Julia Farr Collection is also carried here.

5232 44th St. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-364-3277, www.juliafarrdc.com

Pampillonia Jewelers Full of Beans Classic design, a large selection of engageUnusual clothes and toys for infants and ment rings and wedding bands, and handchildren fill this wonderland of a shop. crafted statement rings are what this sixthOwner Mary Hutchens stocks fun things to generation, family-owned jewelry store is wear (some of them handmade) from designers including Oeuf, Little Joule, Mimi known for. Pampillonia also has an exten& Maggie, Morgan & Milo, and the locally sive collection of art deco, Victorian and designed 2015-03_BethesdaMag.pdf line by Petite Lucette. There are epoque estate and antique pieces 1 3/9/15 belle 2:41 PM also artful toys by Maileg and others. from names like Tiffany and Cartier.

Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-363-6305, www.pampillonia.com Periwinkle The dazzling windows alone (especially around Halloween and Christmas) are worth a visit to this charming shop of gifts, chocolates, cards, stationery and holiday décor. Brands include Stonewall Kitchen gourmet goods, Thymes bath products, and Seda France candles.

3815 Livingston St. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-364-3076, www.periwinklegiftsdc.com Tabandeh Owner Tabandeh Sizdahkhani fills her store with bold, edgy apparel and jewelry from more than 200 designers including Samira 13, Janis Savitt, Alexis Bittar and Iradj Moini. Find fashions from avant-garde designers such as Rick Owens and Ann Demeulemeester.

Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-244-0777, www.tabandehjewelry.com ■

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etc.

Pets

By Alexandra Nowicki

“DOn’t Eat That!”

From grapes and avocados to sugar-free gum, lots of things can harm our pets

illustration by goodloe byron

Melissa and Robbie Timmons’

miniature dachshund, Charlotte, has a knack for sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong. One day this past winter, it got her into trouble. While rummaging through Melissa’s purse, which had been zippered shut on the floor, she sniffed out a pack of Orbit wintermint gum and stole it.

Later that night, Melissa found the empty package under the couch, but wasn’t worried: Her 8 1/2-pound dog had survived a run-in with a dark chocolate Hershey’s bar a year earlier, and she’d never heard anything about gum being harmful to pets. The next day, she told her boss at HMSHost, a food and beverage services company in Bethesda, what Charlotte had done. “Is that OK for a dog?” he asked. Melissa decided to Google “dogs and Orbit” just to make sure, and she learned that the gum contains xylitol, a sugar substitute that can cause liver failure in dogs. She wasn’t sure how many pieces 9-year-old Charlotte had eaten.

“I called poison control, and they told me to go right home,” says Melissa, who lives in North Chevy Chase. “I thought I was going home to a dead dog.” Charlotte appeared to be fine, but Melissa rushed her to the vet, who gave the dog fluids and did blood work. About 24 hours and $650 later,

Charlotte was out of the woods. “She has nine lives,” Melissa says.

Dr. Emily Rogell, a veterinarian at the Metropolitan Emergency Animal Clinic in Rockville, sees about 10 animals per week—mostly dogs—that have eaten something they shouldn’t have.

The most common culprit is chocolate, but there are other foods that can sicken a dog, including grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, avocados, raw bread dough and macadamia nuts. Most of those items are also hazardous to cats.

A dog’s size and the amount of toxin ingested often determine how sick the animal will get, but when it comes to grapes, Rogell says, a large dog might eat one and die, while a small dog might finish an entire bunch and be OK. Rogell says one of the most dangerous toxins is hops, which wasn’t a major concern for vets until recently, when home-brewed beer started growing in popularity. “Hops causes malignant hypothermia, which causes the animal’s body temperature to get very high,” she says. “In most cases, it’s fatal.”

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), about 30 percent of the calls to its Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in 2014 involved prescription or over-the-counter medications meant for humans, including

pain relievers, sleep aids, antidepressants and herbal supplements. More than 28,000 calls dealt with insecticides, paints or cleaning products.

Rogell has treated dogs that have “eaten their roommate’s marijuana.” One of her patients was a police dog that licked cocaine off its own paws.

“I saw a dog who was vomiting, had diarrhea, and was very lethargic and wobbly,” says Dr. Kathleen Dougherty, a veterinarian at the Kenwood Animal Hospital in Bethesda. “It turned out that his elderly owner, who suffered from dementia, was sharing her evening cocktail with her dog and he had overindulged.”

Some of the plants in our homes or gardens also can poison pets. Among the plants on the ASPCA’s list: tulip/ narcissus bulbs, azalea/rhododendron, amaryllis and English ivy; lilies are highly toxic to cats. Dougherty advises owners to call the APCC (888-4264435), which is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, if they suspect their pet has consumed something dangerous.

“Dogs and cats will get into anything, even if you don’t think they will,” Rogell says. “And they don’t learn— they will do it again.” n Alexandra Nowicki is a former editorial intern.

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Bayside Bash The Cheseapeake Bay served as the backdrop for a fun, laidback celebration—just what Lindsey Whyte and Tom Mackey wanted for their June 2014 wedding The couple: Lindsey Whyte, 35, a longtime Montgomery County Public Schools teacher who grew up in Glen Echo and graduated from Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, taught kindergarten at Fields Road Elementary School in Gaithersburg during the 2014-2015 school year. Tom Mackey, 38, was raised in Potomac and graduated from Bullis School there. He works at the William F. Bolger Center, a conference center in Potomac.

The wedding: June 21, 2014, at Herrington on the Bay in North Beach, Maryland How they met: Lindsey met Tom when she and a friend attended his annual “Kegs and Eggs” breakfast birthday party at Caddies on Cordell in Bethesda. The couple was surprised that they hadn’t met before—especially since they both lived in apartments on Bethesda’s Battery Lane and played golf at Chevy Chase and Congressional country clubs. “We lived not even a door from each other,” Lindsey says.

“We had no idea.”

First date: In March 2012, Lindsey and Tom had dinner at Guapo’s and drinks afterward at Saphire Café in

Bethesda. They enjoyed their first kiss after walking back to their cars parked in a public garage—where they discovered they’d both received $45 parking tickets. “I still have the parking ticket,” Lindsey says.

The proposal: Tom proposed one year later after the couple finished dinner at an Italian restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy. As Tom got down on one knee, Lindsey says she thought, Oh my gosh—is he really doing this? Couples seated nearby asked for Tom and Lindsey’s phones so they could capture the proposal, she says.

Wedding theme: Beach, water, aqua and white Number of guests: 146 What made the event so special: “Ever since I was a little girl, I had wanted a beach wedding,” Lindsey says. But the couple realized that asking family and friends—some with young kids and busy lives—to fly to a faraway beach destination would be inconvenient and expensive.

So they chose the Herrington resort on the Chesapeake Bay, where they threw a party with a great rock band,

an open bar and a homemade photo booth.

Favorite moment: Walking down the aisle toward Tom was a highlight for Lindsey, who says she was thinking: We made it. We’re here.

Rain had been forecast, but “we all said our prayers and the weather held off. It was 75 and cloudy, which was great for June.”

Tips on cutting costs: Lindsey and Tom used online discount vouchers to order invitations from Wedding Paper Divas, and Lindsey bought her dress during a half-price sale. The couple was more interested in spending money on a great band than on paying for fancy flowers, so they relied on the resort’s referral for a flower arranger who provided “very reasonable” arrangements. Also, a family friend who works for Vineyard Vines was able to find a “Kegs and Eggs” tie in a discontinued color for Tom, his groomsmen and the couple’s family members.

Something to laugh about: Tom and Lindsey had ordered ice cream sandwiches—Tom’s special request—that were to be given to guests after the wedding cake was served. But everyone was having so

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much fun dancing that the couple forgot about the treats until guests were leaving. The resort staff quickly handed out the sandwiches as guests boarded shuttle buses back to their hotels. “My husband got one,” Lindsey says. “That’s what’s important.”

Gown: One-shoulder chiffon with tiers on the bias by Pronovias La Sposa The honeymoon: Four days spent zip-lining and relaxing at Dreams Resort & Spa in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic The details: Catering by Herrington on the Bay; cake, Cakes by Rachael; invitations, Wedding Paper Divas; photography, Paul Barrios Photography; rentals, Men’s Wearhouse; music, Faded Image; and transportation, Lighthouse Limousines. n

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G e t Away

By Christine Koubek

Stay Cool

Baltimore’S new hideaway

Top left: Vanish Point at Water Country USA; Top right: Splash House at Kings Dominion; Bottom: Colossal Curl at Water Country USA

Tucked in the historic Mount Vernon neighborhood, The Ivy Hotel, which was scheduled to open in June, is Baltimore’s newest luxury escape. At this brownstone mansion turned posh hotel, you can play the piano in the music room, read in the library, play billiards in the conservatory, relax in the spa, and ride anywhere you’d like in the city (gratis) in the hotel’s antique black London taxi. Each of the 18 rooms and suites has a fireplace, a bathroom with a heated French limestone floor, and a patio or balcony overlooking the ivy-walled courtyard. All-inclusive perks include a gourmet breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, midnight snacks, two complimentary (pay-per-view) movies per day, and gratuities. Rates range from $475 to $1,400 per night.

For more, visit www.theivybaltimore.com.

Photos Courtesy of Water Country USA, Kings Dominion and The ivy hotel

Two Virginia water parks offer new ways to get soaked. Kings Dominion’s former WaterWorks reopened as “Soak City” this summer, offering three new slides and a children’s area called Splash Island that doubles the space devoted to little kid slides and sprays. Admission to the park ranges from $39 to $94. For more information and discounts, visit www.kingsdo minion.com. In Williamsburg, Water Country USA added the Colossal Curl last summer. Towering high above the tree line, this mega slide melds speed with splash for riders on rafts that can fit up to four people. Admission is $41 to $54. For more information, including packages, visit www.watercountryusa.com.

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Bike the bay

Photos courtesy of Talbot County, Maryland, and Ladew Topiary Gardens

VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations offers a unique way to explore Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The company’s five-night guided tour, called “Maryland: Cycling the Chesapeake Bay,” takes you to a family-run dairy farm to sample artisanal cheese, to the edge of the Choptank River to look for bald eagles and yellow-throated warblers, and on a one-day loop that includes Oxford and St. Michaels, a 31-mile ride that’s considered one of the East Coast’s premiere biking routes. The loop includes

a visit to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and a ferry ride to Oxford for homemade ice cream at the Scottish Highland Creamery. Day four’s adventure includes a private sail on Kent Narrows aboard Capt. Ed’s skipjack. He’s been in the oyster business for 35 years and loves to regale those aboard with stories, including one about sailing with James Michener when the author was writing his acclaimed novel Chesapeake. Nightly accommodations are split between the 70-acre

waterfront Inn at Huntingfield Creek and the Tidewater Inn, a luxury hotel in Easton.

Travel + Leisure’s five most recent readers’ polls have ranked VBT among the world’s best tour operators. Groups average 16 or 17 people (20 at the most). Per-person tour pricing begins at $1,995 and includes accommodations, 11 meals, the use of a custom VBT bike, and admission to various sites. Average cycling time is two to four hours per day. For trip dates and pricing, visit www.vbt.com.

Music

Under the stars

Concerts — from country to classic rock—are held every Sunday night through Aug. 2 at Ladew Topiary Gardens, a fairytale landscape in Monkton, Maryland, that’s been named one of the world’s “10 incredible topiary gardens” by Architectural Digest.

Go early and lay a blanket on the lawn, then stroll through rose and iris gardens, and meander past more than 100 ingeniously shaped shrubs—from swans and a camel, to hounds chasing a fox. Food and wine are available on-site from Manor Tavern, or bring your own picnic and (nonalcoholic) refreshments. Admission, which includes gardens access, is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors aged 62-plus and students, and $5 for kids aged 2 to 12. Admission for children under 2 is free. For a band schedule and more information, visit www.ladew gardens.com. If you want to make it an overnight trip, a highly-rated Residence Inn (410-527-2333) and the Hunt Valley Inn/Wyndham Grand (877-999-3223) are each about 10 miles from Ladew. n BethesdaMagazine.com | July/August 2015 311

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The beach is just one of the many reasons to visit Cape May. You’ll also find beautiful Victorian homes, arts and antiques emporiums, carriage rides and top-notch seafood.

By Donna Tabbert Long | photos by michael ventura

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I

It’s 5:30 p.m. on a Thursday in the clubby Brown Room lounge at the Congress Hall hotel in Cape May, New Jersey.

Happy hour is in full swing here in the “nation’s oldest seashore resort” city, and the rattle of the cocktail shaker behind the bar blends with noisy laughter and conversation. I’m sipping on a bottle of the local Blue Pig Tavern ale (the beer brewed especially for the historic hotel’s adjacent restaurant), kicking back on a soft sofa and watching the scene unfold in a room that no doubt has lots of stories within its walls.

Having arrived via the Cape MayLewes Ferry only an hour ago, I soon discover that the chatty couple sitting near me drove down from Philadelphia this afternoon for a long weekend. Like many of the tourists or “shoobies” who made the trip at the turn of the last century, it seems Philly folks are still finding Cape May’s slower seaside appeal a welcome relief from big-city life.

Of course, I don’t learn this particular detail until the next morning, when I take the Historic District Trolley Tour of Cape May. There, an informative guide, John, shares the origin of the term “shoobies”—i.e., tourists who used to arrive via the train from Philadelphia, often carrying a shoebox filled with lunch or a change of clothes for the beach. Still, I can’t help thinking the ferry seems like the more poetic way to land in this beauty of a town, which is surrounded by water on three sides.

I learn a lot more about Cape May as the polished red-and-green trolley scoots past dozens of well-kept Victorian mansions, including a long-ago “house of mutual affection” and gingerbready residences decked out in the “too-muchis-not-enough style.” John jokes that the former homeowners “loved to decorate their decorations.” These valentine-like, 19th-century structures (one of the largest groupings left in the U.S.) are what

Congress Hall is Cape May’s landmark luxury hotel, boasting private beach cabanas, a lively happy hour scene, a pool, shops and a spa.

A horse-and-carriage ride provides visitors with an up-close view of local sites.

Fifty vendors sell their wares at West End Garage, one of the town’s arts and antiques emporiums.

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designated the entire city of Cape May a National Historic Landmark in l976— one of the few awarded to an entire town.

Many of the mansions have since been transformed into beautiful bed-andbreakfast guesthouses. But it’s not until the trolley takes me out to the town’s eccentric and imposing 1879 Emlen Physick Estate that I get my first glimpse inside one of the homes, with its Oriental rugs, lace curtains, coffered ceilings and floral wall coverings. The estate— now a museum—is an entertaining way to understand what life was like in Cape May when the only AC was the ocean breeze, and social events revolved around cakewalks, concerts and dinner parties.

Since I am here during the Cape May Music Festival (late May-early June), my trolley ticket includes a “Bach’s Lunch” on the patio, where my meal also features a concert by a few members of the Bay-Atlantic Symphony. If you’re here in the summertime, the Carriage House Café & Tearoom—also on the estate grounds, in the original horse stalls—is a great spot for afternoon tea, too.

After lunch, the sun disappears and clouds move in. Instead of a walk by the beach, I opt to drive over to the Cape May Artists’ Cooperative Gallery on Sunset Boulevard.

As in many upscale summer enclaves, art abounds in Cape May. At the Artists’ Cooperative, a group of local artists have joined together to showcase and sell their work, including paintings, prints, jewelry, woodwork, mosaics, and stained and fused glass. When I ask about several unusual collages of china plates and teacups on weathered wood that catch my eye, I discover the creator is Catherine Bosna—who is in the shop today.

“I used old porch posts I rescued from one of Cape May’s Victorian home

Valentine-like, 19th-century structures are what designated the entire city of Cape May a National Historic Landmark in l976—one of the few awarded to an entire town. renovations,” she explains. These found objects, along with seashells and other salvaged local pieces, figure prominently in her whimsical and artful “Wabi-Sabi Tea Party” assemblages.

My next stop is the West End Garage, where old and new come together in an entirely different way—with 50 vendors housed in a former gas station/garage selling their wares. Wandering through here, I find a treasure trove of unique items: vintage Champagne coupes, new ceramic honey pots, metal mermaids, nautical memorabilia, home-sewn designer clothes and handcrafted jewelry.

In addition to these art and antique emporiums, Cape May offers plenty for shoppers at the Washington Street

Mall, a 3-block pedestrian concourse lined with upscale clothing boutiques and specialty shops, plus candy and toy stores. An especially popular spot is Dellas 5 & 10, where I pop in to pick up sunscreen and can’t resist a root-beer float at its old-fashioned soda fountain with the spin-around stools in the back.

There’s no shortage of eating options, either. Beachside favorites include the Rusty Nail, where a beer and a bucket of peel-and-eat shrimp can be enjoyed at the longest bar in Cape May (and shoes are actually discouraged); and the Ugly Mug, where the grilled crab cakes are among the best in town.

At Lucky Bones Backwater Grille, a guy leaving the place with a takeout cod

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sandwich tells me: “Everything’s good in there. I’m not a local; I came down here just for the food.”

Tonight, I’ll end up at The Lobster House, a sprawling mecca located on Fisherman’s Wharf that serves up fresh seafood, hauled in daily from the local fleet.

But before I dine, I take a spin out to Sunset Beach, the southernmost point of the Jersey Shore. Famous not only for its namesake dazzling sunsets, it’s also known for bits of weathered quartzite called “Cape May diamonds” that can be found on the beach. The stones are actually pure quartz crystals, which the local Kechemeche Indians once believed to possess supernatural powers for good fortune.

The following morning I

awake to the clip-clop of a horse and carriage as it rounds the corner outside my window. I can’t help thinking it appropriate that this town, so evocative of the past, would offer such charming transportation. Still, it’s cool and sunscattered outside, and although biking is another popular means of getting

John Mistretta, Rockwell Cottage’s current owner, says painter Norman Rockwell visited the home during the summers.

around (there are rental bike shops in town), I’m more interested in a walk.

Cape May is made for strolling. In addition to its 2-mile stretch of beaches, the city sidewalks pass by picket-fenced mansions wrapped in old-fashioned porches—many flying the American flag, and all shaded by leafy trees that form a canopy over the streets. It’s enough to make me feel as if I’ve stepped into a Saturday Evening Post cover by Norman Rockwell.

So much so, in fact, that as I walk on Hughes Street in the town’s oldest

residential neighborhood—and pass by a gate with a “Rockwell Cottage” sign—I ask the man outside on the porch if Norman Rockwell once lived there.

“No,” says owner John Mistretta, walking over to the fence to chat. But according to his own house history and local lore, “Norman Rockwell’s brother lived here, and Norman spent some time in this home during the summers.”

Mistretta is as friendly as the other folks I’ve already encountered on my walk about town—from those sweeping off front steps and greeting me with a

Willow Creek Winery, just 3 miles from Cape May, produces seven kinds of wine on 50 acres.

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“good morning” to others who wave a friendly hello while watering plants on their porch railings. It feels so downright neighborly that the town suddenly strikes me as not just another beach resort, but a place where people love to live. And thanks to the preservationists in the 1970s, many are living in some beautiful vintage buildings within walking distance of the ocean.

With lunchtime nearing, I head out to Cape May Point and The Red Store. Many bike over here to visit the nearby Cape May Lighthouse, which was built in 1859.

If I were so inclined, I could climb the spiraling 199 steps to the top for a view of the Jersey Cape, but I rationalize that it’s cloudy out, so the climb wouldn’t really give me the full view as a reward.

Housed in the tiny borough’s (population 285) former general store, The Red Store is part general store (farm-fresh baskets of strawberries for sale today), part coffeehouse and part restaurant. A farm-to-table menu is the focus, with

pitchers of house-made sangria a popular accompaniment. I skip the sangria and order sparkling ginger lemonade, along with a sandwich of blackened local flounder that is fantastic.

Later in the afternoon, I do partake of some sangria at the Willow Creek Winery. Situated 3 miles from Cape May, it’s one of several wineries to have sprung up in the past several years on the south Jersey coast. Apparently, the maritime effects of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay create a micro climate reminiscent of Bordeaux’s, and Willow Creek Winery takes advantage of those conditions, producing seven kinds of wine on its 50 acres.

After the electric train-cart tour of the vineyards—which passes by one of the most artfully decorated chicken coops I’ve ever seen (“We may be the only winery where you can buy fresh eggs, too,” says the guide)—visitors can stop in the spacious and spectacular tasting room. For $10, I taste five wine

and sangria samples while wine educator Katie Panamarenko explains each with enthusiasm and knowledge.

Back at Congress Hall that night, I see there’s music being offered in The Brown Room until 10 p.m., and in the atmospheric basement Boiler Room, a dance band is playing until 1 a.m. But from the locals I’ve chatted with earlier, I’ve learned that Cape May is more of a family place than a latenight partying spot. If I felt like hitting an authentic boardwalk, I could visit Wildwood, which is only 16 miles away.

But the truth is, tonight I’m not feeling the urge to do anything more than head to my room, where I can fall asleep with a cool sea breeze gently lifting the curtain.

Donna Tabbert Long lives in Minneapolis, and writes about travel and food for numerous publications including National Geographic Traveler, The Dallas Morning News and the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

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If you go....

GETTING THERE Cape May is located at the very southern tip of the New Jersey Shore. From Bethesda, you can take I-95 north and cut through New Jersey on Route 55, which takes about 3½ hours of driving time; alternatively (and much more fun) is taking the Cape May-Lewes Ferry (www.capemaylewesferry. com). Lewes is located on Delaware’s Eastern Shore, just north of Rehoboth Beach, at the mouth of the Delaware River. This route takes about 2½ hours of drive time from Bethesda to Lewes, and the ferry takes another approximately 1½ hours to reach Cape May. There are numerous ferry departures throughout the day year-round (check website for specific times and/or advance ticketing). Round trip costs approximately $90 for car and passengers.

WHERE TO STAY Cape May offers many lodging choices: bed-and-breakfasts, hotels, motels, condos and guesthouses. Here are a few options (for others, check out www.capemaycham ber.com):

❰❰ Occupying a city block across from the ocean, Congress Hall is Cape May’s landmark luxury hotel. Guests will find private beach cabanas, a swimming pool, numerous dining options and bars, family activities, shops and a spa. Depending on the time of year, room rates start at $119 and up, with minimum-night stays required during the summer high season.

200 Congress Place; 888-944-1816; www. congresshall.com ❰❰ The Southern Mansion is a four-star boutique hotel/bed-and-breakfast (built circa 1860), featuring eclectic artwork, fine Victorian antiques and four-poster beds within its 24 rooms. A sumptuous breakfast buffet is served on the glassed-in porch overlooking the pretty garden. Rates from

The Red Store is part general store, coffeehouse and restaurant.

$130 to $395. 720 Washington St.; 800381-3888; www.southernmansion.com

❰❰ Established in 1876, Chalfonte Hotel is a vintage Victorian seaside hotel with a wraparound porch and antique furnishings.

Rooms range from two-bedroom suites to traditional rooms with baths down the hall. There are 70 rooms spread out over three floors; rates from $120 to $499. 301 Howard St.; 609-884-8409; www.chalfonte.com WHERE TO EAT A block from Lake Lily, The Red Store is a charming local treasure that’s part general store, part coffee shop and restaurant.

James Beard-nominated chef Lucas Manteca keeps the focus on fresh and local fare, and a French pastry chef means the croissants and pain au chocolat in the bakery case are amazing. Many folks bike here and pick up food to take to the nearby lighthouse for a picnic. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but hours vary according to the season. 500 Cape May Point; 609884-5757; www.capemaypointredstore.com

❰❰ Uncle Bill’s Pancake House is a breakfast institution in Cape May, and it’s always crowded with locals and tourists. Located across from the beach (one of eight locations that span the South Jersey shoreline), the restaurant’s hours change according to season. 261 Beach Ave.; 609-884-7199; unclebillspancakehouse.com

❰❰ Within walking distance of Cape May’s Washington Street, Island Grill is an intimate, family-owned restaurant that has a warm, welcoming vibe, plus a richly wonderful lobster mac ’n’ cheese dish.

(It’s also BYOB.) Open Thursday-Sunday at 5 p.m. for dinner. 311 Mansion St.; 609-884-0200; www.islandgrillofcape may.com ❰❰ On Fisherman’s Wharf at Cape May Harbor, The Lobster House is a sprawling and lively seafood emporium with five dining rooms that span two floors. Casual dining on red-checked tablecloths features Cape May scallops, crab-stuffed shrimp and fresh Jersey clams. For lunch or evening appetizers and a cocktail, stop in The Schooner American. Moored alongside The Lobster House, it’s an iconic 130-foot sailing vessel that overlooks the waterfront.

The Lobster House also has a takeout shop and a fresh fish market for preparing feasts at home. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, year-round. 906 Schellengers Landing Road; 609-884-8296; www. thelobsterhouse.com GOOD TO KNOW Beaches in Cape May are some of the most beautiful you’ll find, but they’re not free.

Beach tags are required for anyone 12 and older. You can pick them up between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., from Memorial Day through Labor Day, at any beach entrance or City Hall (643 Washington St.). Cost: $6 daily, $12 for three days, $18 for a week (Saturday to Saturday)

❰❰ Cape May offers whale excursions, bird watching, music, movies on the beach, ghost tours, “lighthouse full moon climbs,” plus many other summer events. Check these websites for more information: www. capemaychamber.com, www.capemaymac. org. n

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BY MARK WALSTON

Flying High

Photo illustration by alice kresse

A shopping center on Rockville Pike was once the site of the state’s largest airport In May 1927, Charles Lindbergh, a 25-year-old U.S. airmail pilot, grabbed the world’s attention with the first nonstop solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Lucky Lindy’s bold feat stoked the flames of an already roaring airplane mania that was sweeping the nation. That year, 8,679 passengers took to the air nationally, according to The Washington Star, and the number grew in 1928 to more than 35,000.

In 1928, three local entrepreneurs began construction of an airstrip on leased land along Rockville Pike, just south of the Rockville city limits. They named it Congressional Airport, and within a few years it became the largest airport in Maryland, according to the newspaper.

The operators of the enterprise—Maj. Harry Horton and Lt. John Tilton, experienced U.S. Army airmen, and George Peter, a member of a distinguished Montgomery County family—envisioned an airport that catered to commercial flights, private fliers and eager students. Public parking would run along the entire frontage of the airport on the pike. Seven hangars, plus offices and a

passenger lobby would be constructed in a small grove on the edge of the airfield.

It was an ideal site for an airport, accessible by rail and car to Washington, D.C., but far enough away from the city and its suburbs for safe landings.

In fact, it was such an ideal site that one month after the airport opened, in October 1928, Dr. Hugo Eckener, commander and builder of the German airship Graf Zeppelin—at the time the largest in the world—expressed interest in the airport as an airship terminus for his proposed transatlantic service from Germany to the United States.

Plans for the terminus fell apart, but business still buzzed. Commercial airplane flights departed for destinations in Eastern states. Pilots took sightseers on aerial tours of Great Falls. Parachute demonstrations wowed spectators. A revolving beacon and landing floodlights were installed for night flying.

Then, in 1942, the Civil Air Patrol commandeered Congressional Airport for surveillance flights around the District. More than 100 students and private and commercial fliers applied for enrollment in the patrol squadron.

Three years later, the airport was reopened to civilian flying. But with postwar land prices skyrocketing, the property’s value went far beyond sod runways and aging hangars. So in 1956, Arthur Hyde, a local developer who had purchased the property in 1929, revealed plans for a new shopping center to be built on the site—a sprawling, L-shaped collection of name-brand stores, including J.C. Penney, S.S. Kresge Co. and Giant Food.

Hyde rented out one of the hangars as a roller skating rink, which opened in 1957. The airport officially closed the next year. And in April 1958, according to The Washington Star, Hyde broke ground for his new shopping center, at the time the largest in Montgomery County. Hyde originally called it Congressional Shopping City, but eventually settled on the name Congressional Plaza.

Today, after numerous tenants and remodeling, the plaza remains a vibrant part of the shopping scene along the pike. The hangar-turned-rink was demolished in 1984. n Mark Walston is an author and historian raised in Bethesda and living in Olney.

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By katharine keane

The Torfs-Leibman family (from left to right): Marijke Torfs, Camille, 17, Antonia, 14, and Dena Leibman

Dena Leibman And Marijke Torfs moved into their 121-year-old home in Silver Spring’s Forest Glen neighborhood 23 years ago. The women have two daughters, Camille, 17, and Antonia, 14, both students at Montgomery Blair High School, and count their dog, Luna, and cats, Dave, Mushy and Tulip, as members of the family.

slowly—a really nice development, trying to maintain the independent character of its restaurants and its stores,” Dena says. They are particularly excited about the new Silver Spring Library, which was scheduled to open on June 20. “The library is going to be fantastic,” Marijke says. “It’s going to draw a whole new crowd to Silver Spring.”

What they do: Dena is the executive director of Future Harvest CASA in Cockeysville, Maryland. Marijke left her job at Friends of the Earth International in 2012 to dedicate herself to the couple’s 100-acre farm in Sabillasville, Maryland, called Zigbone Farm Retreat Center. Set to open later this year, the farm will serve as a special events venue and retreat space for Washington-area nonprofits.

Favorite restaurant: Jackie’s Restaurant on Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring. “They try to source from local farmers,” Dena says. “I wish more restaurants did more farm-to-table work.”

What they love about Silver Spring: “It’s undergoing—

Raising a Family in Silver Spring: Dena and Marijke say that attending diverse public schools has enhanced their daughters’ education. “It’s made their lives much more wellrounded than our lives were,” Dena says. “That is something we really value.” n

photo by liz lynch

family portrait

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dine

Dining Guide

Check out the online version of the DINING GUIDE at BethesdaMagazine.com.

Bethesda 4935 Bar and Kitchen

4935 Cordell Ave., 301-951-4935, www.4935bar andkitchen.com. The restaurant offers a sleek, modern interior and a young chef-owner serving French and Indian fusion dishes such as spicy chicken confit and Tandoori pork chops. The popular upstairs private party room is now called “The Loft at 4935.” L D $$$

Aji-Nippon

6937 Arlington Road, 301-654-0213. A calm oasis on a busy street, where chef Kazuo Honma serves patrons several kinds of sushi, sashimi, noodle soups, teriyaki and more. Try a dinner box, which includes an entree, vegetables, California roll, tempura and rice. L D $$

American Tap Room

7278 Woodmont Ave., 301- 656-1366, www.americantaproom.com. Here’s a classic grill menu featuring sliders, wings and craft beer offered by Thompson Hospitality, the owners of Austin Grill. Entrées range from BBQ Glazed Meatloaf Dinner with whipped potatoes and green beans to the lighter Crabmeat Omelet.❂  R L D $$

&pizza

7614 Old Georgetown Road, 240-800-4783, www.andpizza.com. Create your own designer pizza from a choice of three crusts, three cheeses and eight sauces or spreads. Toppings for the thin, crispy crusts range from the usual suspects to falafel crumbles, fig marsala and pineapple salsa.

This location of the hip, fast-casual chain has limited seating. L D $

Bacchus of Lebanon

7945 Norfolk Ave., 301-657-1722, www.bacchus oflebanon.com. This friendly and elegant Lebanese staple has a large, sunny patio that beckons lunch and dinner patrons outside when the weather is good to try garlicky hummus, stuffed grape leaves, chicken kabobs, veal chops and dozens of small-plate dishes. ❂ L D $$

Bangkok Garden

4906 St. Elmo Ave., 301-951-0670, www.bkk garden.com. This real-deal, family-run Thai restaurant turns out authentic cuisine, including curries, soups and noodle dishes, in a dining room decorated with traditional statues of the gods.

Dishes range from mild to very hot. L D $

BARREL and CROW (New)

4867 Cordell Ave., 240-800-3253, www.barrel andcrow.com. Contemporary regional and southern cuisine served in a comfortable setting with charcoal gray banquettes and elements of wood and brick. Menu highlights include Maryland crab beignets, shrimp and grits croquettes and Virginia mackerel. ❂ R L D $$

Benihana

7935 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-5391, www. benihana.com. Experience dinner-as-theater as the chef chops and cooks beef, chicken, vegetables

and seafood tableside on the hibachi. This popular national chain serves sushi, too. The kids’ menu includes a California roll and hibachi chicken, steak and shrimp entrées. J L D $$

Key

Bethesda Barbecue Co.

4917 Elm St., 301-718-0550, bethesdabbq.com.

Chef Dennis Friedman turned his upscale Newton’s Table into a down-home barbecue spot, with bacon pops, biscuits and sandwiches, plus platters with smoked pulled pork, chicken, sliced brisket and ribs. Hot smoked salmon, grilled fish and salads for those who don’t fancy finger-lickin’ fare.

JLD$

Bethesda Crab House

4958 Bethesda Ave., 301-652-3382, www.bethesda crabhouse.net. In the same location since 1961, this casual, family-owned dining spot features jumbo lump crabcakes, oysters on the half shell and jumbo spiced shrimp. Extra large and jumbosized crabs available year-round; call ahead to reserve them. ❂ L D $$

Price designations are for a threecourse dinner for two including tip and tax, but excluding alcohol. $ $$ $$$ $$$$ b  B R L D

up to $50 $51-$100 $101-$150 $150+ Outdoor Dining Children’s Menu Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner

Bethesda Curry Kitchen

4860 Cordell Ave., 301-656-0062, www.bethesda currykitchen.com. The restaurant offers lunch buffet and Southern Indian vegan specialties, served in a spare and casual setting. There are plenty of choices from the tandoor oven, as well as vegetarian, seafood and meat curries. L D $

Bistro LaZeez

8009 Norfolk Ave., 301-652-8222, www.bistro lazeez.com. Reasonably priced Mediterranean cuisine served in a small, attractive space. Don’t miss the grilled pita and the signature BLZ Chicken Medley, with a grilled, marinated chicken thigh, drumstick and wing basted in a zesty sauce. ❂JLD$

Bistro Provence (Editors’ Pick)

4933 Fairmont Ave., 301-656-7373, www.bistro provence.org. Chef Yannick Cam brings his formidable experience to a casual French bistro with a lovely courtyard. The Dinner Bistro Fare, served daily from 5 to 6:30 p.m., offers a choice of appetizer, main course and dessert for $35. ❂ L D R $$$

Black’s Bar & Kitchen (Editors’ Pick)

7750 Woodmont Ave., 301-652-5525, www. blacksbarandkitchen.com. Bethesda Magazine readers voted Black’s “Best MoCo Restaurant” and “Best Happy Hour” in 2014. Customers count on the impeccable use of fresh and local ingredients and enjoy dining on the expansive patio. ❂ R L D $$$

Blaze Pizza

7101 Democracy Blvd. (Westfield Montgomery mall), 240-630-8236, www.blazepizza.com. One of the new breed of fast-casual pizza concepts, Blaze features build-your-own pies with a choice of nearly 30 toppings and six sauces. Pizzas are “fast-fire’d” for 180 seconds, resulting in thin, super-crisp crusts. Wash them down with the bloodorange lemonade. L D $

Bold Bite

4901-B Fairmont Ave., 301-951-2653, www.bold bite.net. Designer hot dogs and hickory-smoked burgers from the Venezuelan Roche brothers, with a menu that won “Best Menu Design” from the magazine’s editors in 2013. Among the menu options: breakfast sandwiches, ice cream sandwiches and house-made doughnuts. J B L D $

Brickside Food & Drink

4866 Cordell Ave., 301-312-6160, www.brickside bethesda.com. Prohibition-era drinks meet Italian bar bites and entrées. Dishes range from fried chicken and waffles to lobster ravioli. Try one of the colorfully named punches, which include Pink Murder Punch and Snow Cone Punch. ❂ L R D $$

Caddies on Cordell

4922 Cordell Ave., 301-215-7730, www.caddies oncordell.com. Twenty-somethings gather at this golf-themed spot to enjoy beer and wings specials in a casual, rowdy atmosphere that frequently spills onto the large patio. Bethesda Magazine readers voted Caddies “Best Place for a Guys’ Night Out” in 2015. ❂ J R L D $

Café Deluxe

4910 Elm St., 301-656-3131, www.cafedeluxe.com.

This local chain serves bistro-style American comfort food in a fun and noisy setting with wood fans and colorful, oversized European liquor posters.

Menu options include burgers, entrées, four varieties of flatbread and mussels served three different ways. ❂ J R L D $$

Cava Mezze Grill

4832 Bethesda Ave., 301-656-1772, www.cava grill.com. The guys from Cava restaurant have created a Greek version of Chipotle. Choose the meat, dip or spread for a pita, bowl or salad.

Housemade juices and teas provide a healthful beverage option. ❂ L D $

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Cesco Osteria 7401 Woodmont Ave., 301-654-8333, www. cesco-osteria.com. Longtime chef Francesco Ricchi turns out Tuscan specialties, including pizza, pasta and foccacia in a big, jazzy space. Stop by the restaurant’s Co2 Lounge for an artisan cocktail before dinner. ❂ L D $$

Chef Tony’s 4926 St. Elmo Ave., 301-654-3737, www.chef tonysbethesda.com. Chef-owner Tony Marciante focuses on Mediterranean seafood tapas, offering dishes ranging from fish and seafood to chicken, steak and pasta. Desserts include Drunken Strawberries and Classic Creme Brulée.

J R L D $$

City Burger 7015 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-0010, www.city burgeronline.com. Inexpensive quarter-pound burgers made from all-natural, antibiotic-free beef from the owners of Food Wine & Co., Beer Wine & Co., Don Pollo and Fish Taco. Hot dogs and half-smokes, plus homemade milkshakes and ice cream available. Space seats about 15, but geared for takeout. L D $

City Lights of China 4953 Bethesda Ave., 301-913-9501, www.bethesda citylights.com. Longtime Chinese eatery serves familiar Szechuan and Beijing fare, including six types of dumplings and seven handmade noodle dishes. Red walls and chocolate-colored booths give the place a sharp look. L D $$

CRAVE

Flanagan’s Harp & Fiddle

Daily Grill

Food Wine & Co. (Editors’ Pick)

7101 Democracy Blvd., Suite 1530 (in Westfield Montgomery mall), 301-469-9600, cravebethes da.com. Minnesota-based chainlet offers an eclectic melting pot of American dishes, including bison burgers, duck confit flatbread and kogi beef tacos. The restaurant is also known for its extensive selection of wine and sushi.J L D $$ One Bethesda Metro Center, 301-656-6100, www.dailygrill.com. Everyone from families to expense-account lunchers can find something to like about the big portions of fresh American fare, including chicken pot pie and jumbo lump crabcakes. ❂ J B R L D $$

Don Pollo

7007 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-0001. www.don pollogroup.com. Juicy, spiced birds and reasonable prices make this Peruvian chicken eatery a go-to place any night of the week. Family meals that serve four or six people available. Locations in Rockville and Gaithersburg, too. L D $

Faryab Restaurant (Editors’ Pick)

4917 Cordell Ave., 301-951-3484, farandaway cycling.com/Faryab/. Faryab serves well-prepared Afghani country food, including Afghanistan’s answer to Middle Eastern kabobs, vegetarian stews and unique sautéed pumpkin dishes, in a whitewashed dining room with native art on the walls and attentive service. D $$

4844 Cordell Ave., 301-951-0115, www.flanagans harpandfiddle.com. This stylish pub features live music several days a week, Tuesday night poker and Monday quiz nights. In addition to traditional stews and fried fish, Flanagan’s offers smoked ribs, salmon and traditional Irish breakfast on weekends. ❂ J L D $$ 7272 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-8008, www.food wineandco.com. Upscale American fare that includes a farmstead cheese and charcuterie bar, an oyster bar, salads and sandwiches, and entrées ranging from pan-roasted rockfish to a risotto made with local pumpkin, smoked pearl onion and wild mushroom, all served in a stunning bistro. L D $$

Garden Grille & Bar

(in the Hilton Garden Inn), 7301 Waverly St., 301654-8111. Aside from a breakfast buffet featuring cooked-to-order omelets, waffles, fruit and more, the restaurant offers an extensive menu, from burgers and other sandwiches to crabcakes, short ribs and pasta dishes. J B D $$

Geppetto

10257 Old Georgetown Road, 301-493-9230, www. geppettorestaurant.com. Sicilian-style pizza served in a casual atmosphere inside bustling Wildwood Shopping Center, plus salads, classic Italian sandwiches, entrées and pasta dishes. ❂ L D $$

persimmon

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Shopping guide

With the holidays coming, here’s where to find locally-owned clothing and gift boutiques

By Cynthia Hacinli

Bethesda Row’s Calypso St. Barth is a luxury resort-wear boutique.

vet. Finish the look with accessories by Margaret Elizabeth and Gorjana.

American Classic Clothes If you can’t find what you’re looking for in this traditional children’s clothing shop, they can make it for you. Among the treasures here: classic smocked cotton rompers and party dresses, hand-knit sweaters and booties, delicate blouses and fun pj’s, and hand-sewn vests and dress pants.

Wildwood Shopping Center, 10215 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-897-2929, www.belinaboutique.com

Westfield Montgomery mall, 7101 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, 301-365-7740, www. americanclassicclothes.com Belina Boutique Owners Betty Barati and Sherri Hatam dress women of all ages in designers such as Splendid, Ecru, Joie, Ella Moss and Vel-

Beyda’s Lad & Lassie This shop offers classic, upscale dressy and everyday clothing for infants, girls and boys by labels such as Kissy Kissy, Bella Bliss and Florence Eiseman, as well as uniforms for local schools. There are also pajamas, swimwear and accessories.

5444 Westbard Ave., Bethesda, 301-656-2026 Blanca Flor This small shop lures in customers with glass cases full of sterling silver jewelry

that owner Rigel Garcia collects from Mexico, Greece, Poland and the United States.

Pieces include a changing selection of offbeat bracelets, earrings and necklaces at a wide range of prices.

Wildwood Shopping Center, 10231 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-530-6313, www.blancaflorofbethesda.com Calypso St. Barth Launched in St. Barth in 1992 as a luxury resort-wear boutique, Calypso St. Barth now sells its feminine, boho-chic fashions in Bethesda Row. The store carries its namesake collection as well as a carefully curated selection of pieces from international designers—you’ll find dip-dyed caftans, luxe cashmere sweaters and fun animal prints. The

courtesy photo

BETHESDA

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Owners John Helm and Caroline Liberty fill their boutique, Red Orchard, with crafty items found at local art shows.

shop also sells fragrances as well as rugs, pillows and throws.

Bethesda Row, 4810 Bethesda Row, 301652-1219, www.calypsostbarth.com Claire Dratch Locally owned since 1946, Claire Dratch is where women go when they want to say yes to the dress. Proms, bat mitzvahs, and weddings are all covered here. The store prides itself on personal service, alterations and customized clothing.

7615 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 301-6568000, www.clairedratch.net Current Boutique Designer labels abound at this local consignment boutique that sells online as well as at its brick-and-mortar shops in Bethesda, Logan Circle, Arlington and Alexandria.

You’ll find in-demand names like Roberto Cavalli, Alexander Wang, Prada, Chanel and Christian Louboutin.

7220 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 301-2221114, www.currentboutique.com Daisy Baby & Kids Owner Dana Evans specializes in helping parents and parents-to-be design their kids’ rooms and nurseries. Daisy Baby & Kids offers an array of designer and upscale furniture and baby linens, including Maddie Boo and Oilo, as well as accessories, gear and gifts.

4912-A Del Ray Ave., Bethesda, 301-6547477, www.shopdaisybaby.com Etcetera This visit-by-appointment showroom is devoted to Etcetera, the fashion-forward, less pricey line of Carlisle, a luxury clothing brand typically sold at trunk shows. It’s the only Etcetera showroom in the country, and the experience is much like having a personal stylist to help you navigate the mixand-match classics-gone-trendy pieces.

courtesy photo

4709 Montgomery Lane, Bethesda, 301-2158363, www.etcetera.com Furs by Gartenhaus You can buy a new fur here—or get an old one restyled, repaired and appraised. Coats, jackets, vests, capes and hats are all options, and sheared mink is a specialty—as a lining or as a soft, light coat or jacket. The store also stocks exotic furs such as chinchilla and fox. Fur storage is also available.

7101 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 301-6562800, www.fursbygartenhaus.com Hoamgar This Bethesda outpost of a Singaporebased shop is known for its Taiwanese tailoring, Japanese and European fabrics, and feminine styling. Clothing is produced in limited quantities, and handbags are one of a kind.

Westfield Montgomery mall, 7101 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, 301-767-9479, www. hoamgar.com Irresistibles The clothing in the Bethesda location of this East Coast chain is an eclectic mix of names such as Nic + Zoe, Three Dots, Autumn Cashmere, Christopher Blue and Trina Turk. The store also carries shoes, jewelry and accessories by Alexis Bittar and Orla Kiely.

Wildwood Shopping Center, 10301 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-897-2574, www.irresistibles.com Lou Lou This jam-packed accessories boutique—located in the former Urban Chic space—carries loads of costume jewelry, scarves, belts, small gifts and handbags from pleather to leather.

7126 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda, 301-6520048, www.loulouboutiques.com Luna This Bethesda Row boutique is known for its collection of designer duds by the likes of J Brand, Autumn Cashmere, Velvet and Vince, and for its extensive collection of fun costume jewelry. There are also handbags, shapewear and hats.

Bethesda Row, 7232 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, 301-656-1111, www.shopluna.com Mustard Seed Appealing to a wide swath of customers— savvy middle schoolers to 70-somethings among them—this second-hand store owned by Derek Kennedy and Gayle Herrmann specializes in items that are fewer than two years old. Think names like Elie Tahari, Nine West, Nicole Miller, Old Navy, American Apparel, Gap and H&M. There are some vintage offerings from the ’50s to ’70s as well.

7349 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 301-9074699, www.mustardseedshop.com Petra Owner Petra Winkler hails from Germany and focuses on upscale European fashion lines, including Cambio and the Munichbased Bogner. The store, on Bethesda Row since 2009, features sportswear, party dresses and accessories for women.

Bethesda Row, 4803 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 301-215-9080 REDDz Trading This resale shop stocks high-end to less pricey designers such as Gucci, Céline, Alexander McQueen, Chanel, J.Crew and All Saints. Unlike a consignment shop that gives you a percentage of what you sell, Reddz pays you a flat fee of 30 percent for items they want, or 45 percent to be used toward in-store purchases.

7801 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, 301-6567333, www.reddztrading.com Red Orchard Owners John Helm and Caroline Liberty enjoy scouting local art shows for many

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of the crafty items at Red Orchard. You can find everything here from John Derian decoupage trays and Company C rugs to home accents and fine jewelry made by local artisans. Whimsical Czechoslovakian glass “petal” rings are big sellers.

tennis gear since 1976. The staff is trained in foot biomechanics to help customers find the right shoe. There is also discounted apparel, socks and gear. The Rockville location (see Rockville section) has a selfserve clearance room.

Wildwood Shopping Center, 10253 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-571-7333, www.redorchard.com

4945 Elm St., Bethesda, 301-986-0558, www.rnjsports.com

Rita G’s Chapter Two Boutique Fine Consign Named for owner Rita Gendelman, this stylish consignment shop sells pre-owned designer handbags, jewelry, scarves, shoes and clothes at a fraction of their original prices. Designers include Dior, Bottega Veneta, Hermes and Chanel, as well as less pricey names such as Kate Spade and Marc Jacobs.

4931 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 301-718-7200, www.ritagfineconsign.com RnJ Sports ASICS, Brooks and Saucony are some of the names you’ll find in this family-owned business that’s been selling running and

Sassanova Sarah “Sassy” Jacobs and Sarah Cannova opened this women’s shoe store in Bethesda in 2009. The boutique stocks high-end designer footwear by Loeffler Randall, Butter, French Soles and Jack Rogers. Totes, wallets, jewelry and a selection of clothing by designers including MILLY, Trina Turk and Diane von Furstenberg round out the offerings.

Bethesda Row, 7134 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda, 301-654-7403, www.sassanova.com Secrète Fine Jewelry Custom fine jewelry, including bridal sets, earrings and necklaces, is the specialty in this family-owned store. Designs range from modern and contemporary to vintage.

You also can choose a watch from established names such as Rolex, and get jewelry repaired and restored.

Wildwood Shopping Center, 10227 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-530-7892, www.secretejewelry.com Sequel This women’s boutique features an eclectic mix of upscale contemporary names, including Michael Stars, Clover Canyon, and Bailey 44. The store also carries jewelry and accessories. Its two sister stores, Wear it Well in Bethesda and Corby Collection in Chevy Chase, D.C., carry some similar merchandise, but each has unique items, as well.

Wildwood Shopping Center, 10255 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-530-4423, www.sequelbethesda.com South Moon Under Originally a surf shop in Ocean City, Maryland, this boho boutique for women and men is especially popular with teens and 20-somethings. But there’s way more than swimsuits and beachwear. Look for casu-

Accessories boutique Sassanova stocks high-end designer footwear, among other items.

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al to dressy clothing from labels such as MINKPINK, Marc Jacobs and Trina Turk, along with quirky home goods, gifts, jewelry and shoes (think Steve Madden, Frye and Seychelles).

Wildwood Shopping Center, 10247 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-564-0995, www.southmoonunder.com The Blue House Owner Connie Cissel travels to markets around the country to choose the whimsical items in this jam-packed shop. In addition to fun things like glassware and pillows representing each state, the store has more practical items, including cookbooks by local authors and unique baby clothes.

7770 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, 301-6566088, www.thebluehousebethesda.com The Goldsmiths: Dealers in Dreams This store has been serving celebrities and regulars from its location at Bethesda Place since 1990 and before that was at White Flint since 1972. Most of the fine jewelry sold here is one of a kind. Owner Irwin Gross can help clients create their own unique piece and remount and restore heirloom items.

Bethesda Place Shops, 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Suite N, Bethesda, 301-907-6787, www.goldsmithsdealersindreams.com The Pink Palm This Bethesda outpost of a small chain carries on the Lilly Pulitzer tradition on Bethesda Row. Co-owner Lizanne Jeveret stocks a full line of the iconic print dresses, tops, accessories and shoes for women and children. Look for menswear by Barbour as well.

Bethesda Row, 4867 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 301-913-9191, www.thepinkpalm.net Tugooh Toys and Yiro This store sells environmentally friendly toys for eco-conscious kids and their parents. There is a large selection of wooden toys, and even shelving is made of natural woods. Look for brands such as Alex, Fisher-Price, Radio Flyer and Kid Galaxy. There’s also a small selection of organic baby clothing for 9 months and under.

Bethesda Row, 4823 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 301-654-2412, www.tugoohtoys.com

Underwraps Underwraps sells more than bras, panties, pantyhose and nightgowns—you’ll find denim by NYDJ and tops, too. Find familiar lingerie names such as Olga and Maidenform, as well as the upscale Natori, Cosabella and Wacoal brands.

The Shoppes of Bethesda, 4928 Hampden Lane, Bethesda, 301-656-4900 Wear it Well Wear it Well brings a funky, fashion-forward sensibility to Bethesda Row. The store carries accessories and a number of different clothing lines, including Ella Moss, White + Warren and Majestic Paris. The shop has two sister stores with similar, but not identical merchandise: Sequel at the Wildwood Shopping Center, and Corby Collection in Chevy Chase, D.C., which has more evening wear than the other two.

Bethesda Row, 4816 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 301-652-3713, www.justperfectcollection.com

CHEVY CHASE Boone & Sons Jewelers Started in 1966 by family patriarch French Boone, this fine jewelry store has everything from loose diamonds to fashion and estate jewelry. Boone’s son, Darryl Boone, runs the Chevy Chase store.

5550 The Hills Plaza, Chevy Chase, 301-6572144, www.booneandsons.com Gals on and off the Green Just because you’re playing sports doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish. That’s the philosophy of this women’s shop that sells resort, sports and golf wear that covers all the bases from country club to edgy chic. Brands include Ralph Lauren, Nike, Lilly Pulitzer, Adidas, Puma and Greg Norman.

Chevy Chase Center, 5449 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 240-800-4670, www.galsonand offthegreen.com Miller’s Furs This third-generation, family-owned furrier has been in Chevy Chase for more than 20 years. Find new and vintage fur coats, outerwear and fur-trimmed cashmere scarves.

The salon also offers restoration services, repairs, appraisals and custom work.

4620 Leland St., Chevy Chase, 301-6563877, www.millersfurs.com

Nina McLemore Boutique The sedate yet stylish clothes seem tailormade for the professional woman. Look for work-ready dresses, separates, casual and evening wear in wool, stretch cotton and silk at this eponymously named Georgetownbased designer’s shop, one of several across the country.

5310 B Western Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-9511111, www.ninamclemore.com Saks Jandel This family-owned department store has been a Chevy Chase destination for highend fashion for more than 40 years. Inside you’ll find clothing and accessories from European and American designers such as Saint Laurent, Valentino, Michael Kors, Gucci and Karl Lagerfeld. The bridal salon carries equally posh labels, including Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang.

5510 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-652-2250 Sylene For 40 years, sisters Helen Kestler and Cyla Weiner have been finding the right bras for local women, including former first lady Nancy Reagan. The lingerie boutique is known for its extensive swimwear collection, and also offers in-store bridal showers and lingerie parties.

4407 S. Park Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-6544200, www.sylenedc.com The Lemon Twist Shop The Lemon Twist Shop has been a Chevy Chase neighborhood staple since 1977.

Regulars like owner Sally Prince’s eclectic mix of women’s clothing and accessories from known names such as Lilly Pulitzer and Vineyard Vines. The store also sells handbags and jewelry.

Chevy Chase Plaza, 8541 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-986-0044 Town Jewelers Town Jewelers owner and master goldsmith Saro Abrahamian has been designing fine jewelry for the Bethesda-Chevy Chase community for 30 years. In addition to custom pieces, the store sells Novobeads and Citizen watches. The shop also does repairs, restorations and appraisals.

7017 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-6568867, www.townjewelerschevychase.com

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KENSINGTON/ NORTH BETHESDA Catch Can This Kensington shop is stocked with everything from quality women’s apparel and shoes to baby and children’s clothes and unique home accessories. If you’re in search of a gift, chances are you’ll find it here. And there’s a bargain basement clearance corner, too.

10505 Metropolitan Ave., Kensington, 301933-7862, www.catchcan.com Masica Diamonds Owner and master diamond cutter David Masica carries an array of diamonds, engagement rings and custom-made jewelry.

There are also pieces featuring natural, coffee-colored diamonds.

11763 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, 301255-0000, www.masicadiamonds.com The Shop at Strathmore A turntable kitchen timer, and wood spoons that double as drumsticks are the kind of offbeat, music-related items that can be found at this gift shop at the Strathmore mansion. There are also DVDs, hand-painted silk scarves, Monet-inspired umbrellas, kids’ books and jewelry.

The Mansion Shop at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, 301-5815175, www.strathmore.com.

GAITHERSBURG/ NORTH POTOMAC Chic to Chic This consignment store has clothing, handbags, accessories and shoes by highend designers both familiar and obscure.

Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Chloé, Roberto Cavalli, Richard Tyler, Mulberry, Hermes, Chanel, Theory and BCBG are just some of the names you’ll find here. You can also sell your own gently worn togs.

15900 Luanne Drive, Gaithersburg, 301-9267700, www.chictochic.com Class Act Located inside Gaithersburg’s Lakeforest Mall, Class Act provides lots of options for women and girls looking for a party, prom

The Pink Palm on Bethesda Row is the place to go for preppy brand Lilly Pulitzer.

or bat mitzvah dress. The store features a variety of price points and has some wedding gowns, too.

Lakeforest Mall, 701 Russell Ave., Gaithersburg, 301-869-2244 Clover Locals Michon Frick and Jenn O’Brien wanted to bring an urban chic sensibility to Gaithersburg and opened Clover in 2004. Inside are jeans by AG and clothing

by Rebecca Minkoff, Ella Moss and Alex + Olivia, as well as accessories, jewelry and handbags.

The Kentlands, 502 Main St., Gaithersburg, 301-869-4544, www.shopclover.com Fleet Feet Sports Opened by runners and former CPAs Chris and Robyn Gault in 2005, the Gaithersburg

outpost of the nationwide franchise is known for its running shoes and moisture-wicking apparel. The store also offers running clinics, training programs and group runs.

255 Kentlands Blvd., Gaithersburg, 301-9266442, www.fleetfeetgaithersburg.com Imagine Boutique Named for owner Nancy Strauss’ favorite song, Imagine offers boho and contemporary styles from Bailey44, Bobi, Silver Jeans and Sanctuary. In addition to handbags, shoes and accessories, you’ll also find jewelry. Men will appreciate the edited choices from Robert Graham.

26-A Grand Corner Ave., Gaithersburg, 301527-1694, www.shopimagineclothing.com South Moon Under See Bethesda listing.

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