02052015_MCEdition - The Sentinel Newspapers
Transcription
02052015_MCEdition - The Sentinel Newspapers
2012 MDDC Newspaper of the year Je Suis Charlie Celebrating 159 years of service! SINCE 1855 Vol. 160, No. 30 • 50¢ February 5, 2015 -February 11, 2015 Falling Starr! TODAY’S GAS PRICE $2.13 per gallon Last Week $2.17 per gallon School Superintendent resigns after failing to gather board support A month ago By Rebecca Guterman $2.38 per gallon Staff Writer A year ago ROCKVILLE — Following Tuesday’s announcement of Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Joshua Starr’s resignation, some County Council members are calling for more transparency and clarity as the board looks toward a national search to fill the position. The Board of Education announced Starr will resign on Feb. 16 $3.33 per gallon AVERAGE PRICE PER GALLON OF UNLEADED REGULAR GAS IN MARYLAND/D.C. METRO AREA ACCORDING TO AAA INSIDE following speculation about whether the board would renew Starr’s contract as the BOE discussed his contract in closed session. MCPS Chief Operating Officer Larry Bowers will serve as interim superintendent until Starr’s four-year term ends June 30. “While I’m not happy certainly at the way things have turned out, at the same time it is absolutely the board’s authority to move in a direction that they see fit. I am superintendent of schools, I hold no illusions about longevity in this job,” Starr said. Starr would not comment on the reasons for his early resignation and said discussions about his leadership with the board were private and personnel matters. The board is not required by law to discuss his contract in closed session, but it has the option to. Board President Patricia O’Neill would also not elaborate on the board’s specific reasons, but said it was for the school system’s “best interest.” She said she personally had a good relationship with Starr. “The board made their statement and that’s all there is to say,” said MCPS Chief Communications Officer Brian Edwards after the press conference. “The board and superintendent made their agreement on how they’re moving forward and that’s See “County calls” page 8 Metro faces massive lawsuit By Julian Sadur Special to the Sentinel Revival Rockville Mayor Bridget Newton presents upbeat news at the State of the City Address. Page 3 WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced they will hold an investigative hearing in late June to discuss the ongoing investigation of the Jan. 16 metro incident that left 83 injured and one dead. NTSB officials said the hearing, which will be held in their offices in Washington, D.C., will focus on the conditions leading to the arcing, emergency response efforts, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) efforts to improve its overall safety and safety culture since the Fort Totten accident in 2009 and the state of WMATA’s infrastructure among other things. The announcement comes only days after the sons of Carol Glover, who died after suffering from smoke inhalation during the incident, filed a lawsuit against WMATA shedding new light on the delays Metro staff experienced during the event. According to the lawsuit, a circuit breaker had tripped on the third rail where the arcing occurred 10 minutes before the train encountered dense smoke, but WMATA did not investigate. A preliminary report from NTSB confirms the time of the circuit break but does not detail whether the break was investigated. The $50 million lawsuit claims See “Metro ” page 8 Leggett throws transit plans into reverse Down Goes R.M. The Richard Montgomery Rockets finally fall at the hands of Springbrook. Page 19 By Rebecca Guterman Staff Writer ROCKVILLE — County Executive Ike Leggett withdrew his proposal for state legislation enabling the county to create an Independent Transit Authority (ITA) after mounting pressure from residents and some elected officials who said the process was rushed and the language unclear. “Many other voices expressed great concern about the viability of Bus Rapid Transit or about how a future transit system should be financed and managed,” Leggett wrote in a memo Monday to County Council President George Leventhal (D-At large). “By June, I hope we can develop a consensus on the best approach for achieving our transit and transportation objectives.” The Montgomery County delegation to Annapolis voted 19-4 to accept the bill for late-filing on Jan. 23 and held a public hearing Friday at 6 p.m. with more than 70 speakers. The bill would have enabled the County Council to establish an ITA to govern the county’s transit functions, including projects like the Corridor Cities Transitway (CCT) and other bus See “Leggett” page 8 Another one bites the dust . . . PHOTO BY JACQUI SOUTH With seconds to play R.Mʼs Nick Jackson and Daniel Alexander double team Springbrookʼs Donovan Walker but suffered their first loss of the season. 2 FEBRUARY 5, 2015 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL R EFLECTIONS February 14, 1935 County delegation works to enact Annapolis bills Each week The Sentinel visits a memorable story from its archives. New financial bills affecting Montgomery County were introduced in the House Monday as members of the Montgomery delegations began the second day of their first full legislative week of the current season. Harmony between the Democratic and Fusion members of the Montgomery County and the town of Cot-gomery County delegation was evidenced this week when T. Yellott Canby, chairman, announced that two bills, originally sponsored by the minority members, would be backed by the entire delegation. The proposals involved would abolish the County Liquor Board and require a detailed statement of the county’s finances each year. Just before Tuesday’s session began, Delegates Joseph A. Cantrel and Walter M. Magruder, Fusionists, showed their Democratic col- leagues their bill to require the county accountant to publish annually, in pamphlet form, a detailed statement of the receipts and expenditures of all county boards, commissions and public offices. Delegate Canby also said he would endeavor to have the bill to abolish the county Liquor Board and turn its duties over to the county commissioners, bear the name of the entire delegation. Introduced some time ago, it carries only the name of Delegate Cantrel. The fate of many other Fusion-sponsored bills, which must meet the approval of the Democrats before they can be enacted, is uncertain. Monday night the Senate passed the Prescott bill to put the Montgomery County police force under civil service. The House gave final passage to the Cantrel bill to prohibit county officials from having a financial interest in public transactions and receive two “uniform egg bills” sponsored by farm organizations. The new Montgomery fiscal measure, offered by Delegates Joseph A. Cantrel and Walter M. Magruder, would require the county accountant to compile and publish, in pamphlet form, “an intelligent” understanding of all receipts, expenditures and bonded debt” of the county in October of each year, beginning in 1936. The bills describes the proposed statement as one that would be “itemized in the minutest detail.” Similar statements now are issued in Fredrick County. Refunding of $300,000 worth of bonds maturing during the impeding fiscal year and the retirement of all 1936 obligations when they become due will be recommended to the county commissioners under a resolution adopted by the Montgomery County Civic Federation Monday night. The $850,000 school construction program recently drafted to provide educational facilities for the heavy increases in school atten- dances was indorsed and the commissioners are to be urged to seek provisional legislation authorizing the issuance of bonds to finance the program if the county’s application for a P. W. A. grant and loan is rejected. In another move the federation voted to favor the abolition of the office of county supervisor of aid and advocate the operation of a county department of public welfare operated by a staff of qualified welfare workers and supervised by a non-salaried public welfare board. During the debate Joseph B. Matre strongly opposed any plan to retire a major portion of the 1935 obligations, declaring that Montgomery would be instantly converted into a “ghost county” evacuated by people moving back into Washington to escape heavy taxation. Matre said that a boom in building is imminent and the increased tax baseof the county would be appropriate. The Montgomery County Sentinel, published weekly by Montgomery Sentinel Publishing, Inc., is a community newspaper covering Montgomery County, Maryland. Our offices are located at 22 W. Jefferson Street, Suite 309, Rockville, MD 20850. Founded in 1855 by Matthew Fields. All mail to: P.O. Box 1272, Rockville, MD 20849-1272. Subscription Rates for The Montgomery County Sentinel – Weekly by mail: $40.00 per year & $26.50 for Senior Citizens. (USPS) 361-100. Bernard Kapiloff EMERITUS PUBLISHER Mark Kapiloff A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R mark@thesentinel.com Lynn G. Kapiloff CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER / PUBLISHER lynn@thesentinel.com E D I T O R I A L Brian J. Karem EXECUTIVE EDITOR editor-mc@thesentinel.com ALLISON BRICKELL Allisonmbrickell@gmail.com COPY EDITOR DONNA BROADWAY donnatbroadway@gmail.com STAFF WRITER Brandy L. Simms SPORTS WRITER brandysimms@thesentinel.com Jacqui South & David Wolfe STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS NEWS Community and airpark clash after fatal crash By Rebecca Guterman Staff Writer ROCKVILLE – After the Dec. 8 crash that killed six near the Montgomery County Airpark (GAI), the nearby community is still pushing for noise and safety mitigations that some say do not address the right issues. The concerns arose on Jan. 28 at a meeting of the Airpark Liaison Committee, which the council formed in 1989 to meet on an asneeded basis. In December, the community called for a review of the airpark operations after Michael Rosenberg, a licensed pilot from North Carolina, crashed an EMB-500 Phenom 100 jet into three houses on Drop Forge Lane less than a mile from his destination at the Montgomery County Airpark, runway 14. Montgomery County Revenue Authority CEO Keith Miller told the committee he has met with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about their concerns, moved up the park’s annual Maryland Aviation Administration inspection and met with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, but representatives of the community wanted action sooner. Retired airline transport pilot Harry Houckes, who lives in Virginia and is not part of the committee, suggested the committee form a panel to produce concrete recommendations for risk mitigation. Committee Chair Howard Layer said the committee meets only to discuss rather than recommend, but the County Council could form a panel like that. “Until you do that we’re going around in circles,” Houckes said. Miller said he would be willing to participate in a panel but agencies like the FAA may not be until the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has completed its investigation into the accident, which could take 6-12 months. “As a matter of fact, the department of the FAA cautioned us at this point to not make any hasty changes because until we find out what the NTSB wants, we might find out the change we put into place was completely opposite of what they want,” Miller said. But nearby resident Nancy Shenk still wanted some action before the NTSB finished its investigation and suggested a community meeting. “I have a hard time waiting a year, six months to a year, when you have a community that has been so distraught over what happened in their community, and I think to wait a year is not giving that community a chance to really talk to the people they need to talk to,” she said. Pilots in attendance said they felt some residents’ concerns had no connection to the crash. Pilot Deborah Dreyfuss said some of their concerns were “based on emotion, not facts.” Robert Anderson, co-chair of the Airpark Concerned Citizens Alliance, said he wanted to downgrade the airpark from a reliever airport for Reagan National Airport. But Miller said a change in status would not stop jets from landing there. Sandy Richardson-Poe, owner of the fixed base operator at the airpark, said the reliever status also does not mean air traffic controllers at major airports tell planes to land at GAI. Richardson-Poe said pilots unfamiliar with the area also have to complete a FAA course on the landscape surrounding GAI in order to be able to land there. Richardson-Poe and private pilot Joyce Breiner also said the pilots are not against making the airpark safer, but are not sure that could have prevented Rosenberg’s crash on Dec. 8. Write us REBECCA GUTERMAN CALENDAR EDITOR mc-calendar@thesentinel.com The Montgomery County Sentinel welcomes letters. YOUTH SERVICES sentinelkids@yahoo.com All letters must be original, signed by the author and must include the 301- 838 - 0788 CALL FAX 301- 838 - 3458 NEWSROOM AND LEGAL ADVERTISING author’s daytime telephone number for verification. Send letters to: The Montgomery County Sentinel 22 W. Jefferson St. Suite 309 Rockville, MD 20850 Fax: 301-838-3458 Email: editormc@thesentinel.com A D V E R T I S I N G Lonnie Johnson ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE CALL 301-306-9500 / FAX 301- 306-0134 Sherry Sanderson LEGAL ADVERTISING MANAGER 301- 838 - 0788 301- 838 - 3458 sherry@thesentinel.com CALL FAX P R O D U C T I O N Lonnie Johnson THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL (USPS 361-100) is published every Thursday by Montgomery Sentinel Publishing, Inc., 22 W. Jefferson St., Suite 309, Rockville, MD 20850. Subscriptions by mail are $40.00 per year; by mail (out of MD, VA, & D.C.) additional $ 5.25; on newsstands 50 cents. Periodicals postage paid at Rockville, MD 20849-1272. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL, P.O. 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FEBRUARY 5, 2015 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL 3 NEWS PHOTO BY JULIAN SADUR Rockville Mayor Bridget Newton Newton revives Rockville By Rebecca Guterman Staff Writer ADVERTISE in Call Lonnie Johnson at 301-306-9500 or e-mail lonnie@thesentinel.com ROCKVILLE — In a revival of the annual State of the City address, Mayor Bridget Newton called for community activism, development, and county and state partnerships to keep Rockville the “city that energizes.” “Your (former mayors’) support for reinstating the State of the City means that we can take politics and personalities out of the equation and come together to celebrate the energy that is Rockville,” Newton said before an audience of about 100 elected officials, employees and residents at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre. “If we put our energies towards creating a sustainable city for the future, we will have a legacy for those that follow.” As the city, county and state all look toward drafting their budgets for the next fiscal year, Newton called Rockville the economic engine of the county and state and said the city is in a strong financial position going forward. According to Newton, the city repaid $9 million in debt in fiscal 2014 and has not raised the property tax rate in seven years. She also said the city is in a good position for businesses thanks to the efforts of the Rockville Chamber of Commerce and Rockville Economic Development, Inc. In recent discussions on the city’s Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance and Standards (APFO/APFS) many developers testified as to the negative effects of a development moratorium on the city, with some citing the vacancies in the town square. Still, Newton said the town square opened during the worst years of the recession and she has faith it will recover despite complaints about parking. “Once you get away from the town center, we’re great and I think the town center is going to be great again, too,” she said. “A lot of people like surface parking and I think the wave of the future is not to have a lot of surface parking so it’s a warning lesson for all of us…to make adjustments as necessary. I think the future of Rockville is strong.” Newton also said she was looking forward to projects like the Rockville Pike Plan, and envisions eventually creating a plaza with green space near the metro and turning unused property on Stonestreet into townhouses. Many citizens in attendance said they supported the mayor’s priorities and sentiment. Councilmember Julie Palakovich Carr said she was glad to see the State of the City tradition return. She also said the Rockville Pike Plan is one of the biggest projects on the council’s agenda right now. “It’s been a long time coming. That’s going to be an important part of the future of building the commercial center of Rockville and making sure we get that plan moving and adopted in a timely manner is very important,” Palakovich Carr said. Twinbrook Citizens Association President Richard Gottfried said he predicts the city will have a long debate about the Pike Plan. “A lot of the businesses and developers talk about smart growth, but I think what we really need is right size growth. That’s what we need, right size growth for the city…We have to see where we fit in (with the development around us),” Gottfried said. Newton also spoke about the APFS debate in her speech, encouraging the city to partner with other jurisdictions to work out something beneficial for city schools. Gottfried agreed. “We need to reach out to our partners, the Montgomery County Council, reach out to our District 17 Annapolis delegation, because that’s where the money comes from,” he said. Newton said Rockville’s strong financial position will allow the city to catch up on capital projects, such as the Swim and Fitness Center renovations as well as King Farm Farmstead. Although she did not mention it in her speech, Newton said she also wants to focus on staff compensation this year. The city contracted with Evergreen Solutions to revamp its compensation and classification policies following a 2013 investigation – conducted by Saul Ewing, LLP – into discrimination complaints by city employees reported in The Sentinel during a two-year long investigation. Two former employees have tried to access Saul Ewing’s report in separate lawsuits against the city. “I want to ensure that this year we let our staff know how very much we value and appreciate them. We’ve waited a long time for the Saul Ewing report to get worked out, to update our personnel policies, to come up with the comp and class study. The time for action is now,” Newton said. Montgomery County Councilmember and former Gaithersburg mayor Sidney Katz (D-3) said he agreed with Newton’s talk of partnerships. “She talked about the Maryland Municipal League,” Katz said. “It really comes together for legislation, they come together for thoughts. (People) talk about reinventing the wheel. Well many times you don’t need to.” Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman also said he enjoys working with Rockville. In her speech Newton said Rockville carries the county, but Ashman said any competition between the two municipalities is “friendly.” “Gaithersburg and Rockville have a great partnership and we have great partnerships with the county and with our state delegation. We need it,” Ashman said. “When good things happen in Rockville, they benefit Gaithersburg, too. Your residents eat in our restaurants and shop in our stores, help the businesses in our city and same thing, vice versa.” 4 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL OPINIONS &VIEWS Considering the House The Maryland House is considering a bill this session which would provide protection for journalists who work and live in the state but gather information from outside of the state and face incarceration for their actions should they attempt to protect confidential sources. The move is based on a New York case where a young reporter faced being jailed in Colorado because of a confidential source though she worked and reported from New York City. While to the outsider this legislation seems superfluous considering Editorʼs Notebook by Brian J. Karem the serious budget problems our state faces and considering the world at large, it is nonetheless an issue which deserves a good deal of attention. Reporters have no power of subpoena. We cannot force anyone to supply us information. We have only our ability to establish trust with our sources so we can providethe public with information vital to the decision making process in our society. Make no mistake; I and other reporters do not like using confidential sources. Many of us have spent a great deal of time trying to convince those who wish to remain anonymous to go on the record. We also don’t just take “confidential” information and run with it as if it is fact. We thoroughly research and rely on more than one source before we consider facts verified and we go through a long, drawn out editing process before those facts are published. In 30-years I’ve never used information from a confidential source that didn’t pan out. If it didn’t pan out, then I didn’t use it. Should I ever find that I am the victim of being set up by multiple sources, including a confidential source, then I don’t think I’d have a problem naming that source – after all the trust goes both ways. I trust the source to provide me information that is accurate. They trust me to keep them out of harm’s way. I mention this because these questions came up during testimony before the Maryland House of Delegates Judiciary Committee Tuesday as the committee considered the legislation to help protect reporters who use confidential sources. Maryland has a strong shield law to protect reporters, but unfortunately more than half of the states in our Republic offer protection that isn’t as reporter-friendly as the laws of Maryland. I have worked in three states where reporters helped to craft modifications to the state’s shield laws and we used the Maryland law as an example to emulate. Currently no state offers the protection House Bill 8 would afford reporters and that may cause some to pause for deep reflection before they pull the trigger here. But, Maryland has long been at the vanguard of First Amendment rights and along with New York and a handful of other states it has given reporters the tools with which we can then go about doing our jobs correctly. Tired of reading about Justin Bieber? Tired of hearing about Kardashians or plunging necklines and bubble-headed bleach blondes who believe vaccines cause Global Warming? Me too. The thing is, if you wish to read and be a part of the important stories which fashion life on this planet – then you have to support those stories. There are good reporters and there are stories that need to be told. Many of those stories can be provided by whistleblowers that need protection and that protection should be provided by the reporters who are the conduit through which the information flows. Many of the most important stories in history originally had a confidential source that provided information at great personal risk – for whatever reason. Forcing reporters to roll over on those sources does not serve the greater interest of our society, but indeed only serves the interest – usually – of those who do not subscribe to transparency in government. To those ends, we must protect reporters. But I would be recalcitrant in my duties if I did not mention there is another side to the coin – the whistleblower. Government has been very adept in weeding out and punishing whistleblowers as of late and no one is better at doing it than the current U.S Department of Justice. Though Maryland House Bill 8 addresses protecting the reporters, there is still very little protection for those who actually do come forward if their identities can be ascertained without the help of the journalist who used them as a source. Ultimately the state will have to address that issue as well. But For now, we support passing House Bill 8 for all the necessary reasons. And now in sports . . . FEBRUARY 5, 2015 FEBRUARY 5, 2015 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL LETTERS 5 LEGAL MATTERS Transportation anticipation To the editor; There are few things in my life more annoying than taxes in Montgomery County. Now we want to establish more governmental red tape and have our own transportation authority. How will we pay for it? Perhaps it would be much better if the current transportation authority did it’s job instead of adding more red tape to an already beat up package. The Metro Authority should be held accountable. Our tax dollars which fund this horrible organization should also give us adequate oversight to make sure the bureaucrats are doing their job. How many more have to die using the Metro before we come to understand this. D. Shipman Rockville The problems with intent To convict a defendant under Maryland law of first degree murder, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant in a premeditated way THE COURT REPORT by Tom Ryan High Anxiety To the editor; Metro’s plan for higher fares and cutting back service makes perfect since to me. I have been using the Metro for 23 years - traveling back and forth on the Red Line from Grosvenor to Metro Center every day. After endless hours of waiting for doors to close or being delayed for one reason or another, and after uncountable hours walking up and down broken escalators I think I have it figured out. Metro wants fewer riders so it is easier to maintain its infrastructure. I am ready to oblige them. intended to and did kill the victim. Maryland’s interim appellate Court this week explored the circumstances under which a conviction for first degree murder may stand for killing an unintended victim, in a case called Bircher v. State. The case involved a shooting outside a bar which resulted in the death of one person and the wounding of another in the arm. T h e State called 25 witnesses in the prosecution’s case. Witnesses agreed that Bircher was drunk, and fired 13 shots aimlessly into a crowd of people outside the bar. The defendant actually testified in his own behalf and gave his version of events. He acknowledged he was drunk, and claimed that from conversations with other patrons he feared he was going to be attacked. He then admitted that he “just started firing in between people,” intending merely to scare them away. The defense also called an expert to opine that Bircher had mental disorders which could explain that he really thought he was in danger. The two sides disagreed essentially on the issue of intent. That State argued that shooting 13 shots into a crowd of people demonstrated a willful intent to kill everybody. The defense argued that Bircher did not intend to shoot anyone, much less the victim who died. The jury during deliberations sent out a note requesting further instruction on intent. Over defense objection, the judge further instructed the jury on the doctrine of transferred intent, “intent is present if a person attempted to kill one person and as a result of that act accidentally or mistakenly killed another person, such as a bystander or a third person.” The jury convicted Bircher of first degree murder, attempted first degree murder, and several assault and hand gun crimes. The appellate Court reversed only the convictions for first degree murder and attempted murder, holding that transferred intent was not the State’s theory of the case. There was no claim that Bircher intended to shoot one individual and ended up killing another, and the Judge should not have given that instruction. Thomas Patrick Ryan is a partner in the Rockville law firm of McCarthy Wilson, which specializes in civil litigation. Get to know before you have to owe G. Stein Rockville For many, August 1st will be like any other summer day. However for those in the lending and real estate industries, August 1st is when the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) new lending, closing disclosures and rules go into effect. Write us The Montgomery County Sentinel welcomes letters. We reserve the right to edit all submissionsfor content, grammar and style. Anonymous letters may or may not be published at our discretion. All letters, submissions and or comments are considered on the record and the property of The Montgomery County Sentinel. We reserve the right to refuse publication of a letter for any reason. All letters must be original, signed by the author and must include the author’s daytime telephone number and email address for publication. Please send letters to: The Montgomery County Sentinel 22 W. Jefferson St. Suite 309 Rockville MD, 20850 Fax: 301-838-3458 editormc@thesentinel.com Or add your comments to our website at www.thesentinel.com REAL ESTATE SOLUTIONS By Dan Krell “Know Before You Owe” is a project that began before the official opening of the CFPB (which officially opened July 21st 2011), and undertook the remaking of mortgage disclosures to make them more consumer friendly. You might say the project started with the passing of the DoddFrank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, which mandated the creation of the CFPB as well as amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). Sec 1098 of Dodd-Frank states that the Bureau “shall publish a single, integrated disclosure for mortgage loan transactions” in a “readily understandable language” so as to help borrowers understand the financial aspects of their loan clearly and to be nontechnical. A change in industry disclosure and compliance to enhance consumer protection is not new. RESPA and the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) were both devised as consumer protections, and amended over the years. RESPA was enacted in 1974 as a protection for consumers from abusive and predatory lending practices to help home buyers better shop for services related to the home buying process. Enacted in 1968, TILA provided guidelines for which lenders are required to inform consumers about the cost of their loan; which includes the disclosing the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), finance charges, amount financed, and the total amount paid as scheduled. The new integrated disclosure forms replace the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and Settlement Statement (HUD1) required by RESPA and the Truth and Lending Disclosure Statement required by TILA with a Loan Estimate and a Closing Disclosure. RESPA and TILA require disclosures to be provided to you within three days upon making your mortgage application, as well as not having changed prior to your closing of the transaction. Changes to these regulations and disclosures have often been made to keep up with the industry as well as to enhance consumer disclosure and education; the most recent revisions being made immediately after the financial crisis. Although redesigned to be more efficient and accurate, the most recent revision of the GFE and the Truth in Lending Disclo- sure Statement remained technical in nature. Many claimed the forms remained confusing making it difficult to compare mortgage costs between lenders; costs were not always labeled consistently and sometimes changed prior to closing. By combining these disclosures into two forms in a clear and understandable language, the forms present important information conspicuously to help consumers decide if the mortgage is affordable and warn about loan features that they may want to avoid. The new forms seek to standardize fee and cost disclosures so as to make shopping easier; with standard cost and fee disclosures, comparisons will be more like comparing two apples rather than an apple to an orange. One of the more important aspects of the new rules is that the new Closing Disclosure be given to the borrower three days prior to settlement. During the three days prior to closing, changes to the Closing Disclosure that increase charges are prohibited (unless allowed by exception). You can find more information about the CFPB and view the new disclosures at the CFPB website Know Before You Owe (consumerfinance.gov/knowbeforeyouowe). Dan Krell is a Realtor® with RE/MAX All Pro in Rockville, MD. You can access more information at www.DanKrell.com. 6 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL FEBRUARY 5, 2015 FEDERATION Keeping your eyes open By Paula Bienenfeld President Civic Federation There is a somewhat ‘dirty’ joke which was told to me a long time ago by a fellow archaeologist after a long day in the field, and an even longer night drinking beer and tequila. (Archaeologists are like that). I won’t repeat it here. Suffice to say the punch line, ‘I’ll keep an eye out for you,’ is worth repeating here given the events that took place over the last week, and are still continuing. I refer of course to the infamous bill now making its way through our Delegation in Annapolis, MC24-15, Montgomery Transit. (As I write this, while the bill was pulled from the County Council agenda, it is still on track in Annapolis.) The bill gives the county a license to ignore our charter, and create an Independent Transit Authority (ITA) to be paid for by taxpayers…the same taxpayers who will have no control over the members, because they won’t be elected. As with WSSC, the members will be appointed. As the bill stands now the County Executive would have the sole authority to appoint five people to this Authority, with no term limits. They would set and raise taxes as they want; take property as they want; set up their own sweet procurement process; and sign contracts as they want. Our elected Annapolis delegation held a hearing Friday night at 6pm to listen to testimony on the proposed bill. The testimony, including from our civics, was overwhelmingly opposed to the bill and the idea that the Charter would be busted with this bill. The Charter tax limit in place now was set in a public referendum voted on by the citizens of this county. The new bill was largely seen as a way to raise property taxes above the limits that the voters set in a public election. The other authorities that the Authority would have, to establish its own procurement policies and procedures, and to enter into contracts with other governments and private parties, were too much for the good citizens of Montgomery County to stomach. As each person spoke, limited to two minutes as an individual, or three when representing an organization, these themes were repeated. No to higher property taxes. No to an ‘Authority’ controlling our public employees. No to the secret manner in which this bill was formulated. No to busting the Charter. No to the powers that would be granted to this Authority. No to an unelected small group replacing our democratic process. All these powers need to remain in the hands of our elected representatives. Others noted that even though the Council would have the ultimate vote on creating this Authority, no one from that body was in attendance. Some residents were surprised at that lack of a council presence, having assumed that for such an important issue there would have been at least one member present. As one woman stated, “I thought the Council was going to be here. If it’s their responsibility, I thought they should be here.” As has been reported elsewhere Joan Fidler, President of the Montgomery County Taxpayers League, eloquently stated her organization’s opposition to the bill. So many civics and individuals came out to oppose the bill that the hearing lasted well into the night. Many thanks to our Civic Fed members and all the civics: the Twinbrook Citizens Association; Seven Oaks Evanswood Citizens Association; Cherrywood Homeowners Association; Greater Four Corners Alliance; Maplewood Citizens Association; Chevy Chase West Neighborhood Association; Locust Hill Citizens’ Association; and of course the Greater Olney Civic Association, for turning out and speaking forcefully in opposition to the idea of a bill that would overturn our Charter and take authority from the people and our elected officials and put it in the hands of a few unelected and unaccountable insiders. One note, one of the documents we reviewed was the VHB/PFM Group/McKennon Shelton & Henn, LLP study on the Transit Authority. The original date on the document which was posted was January 2014. We have been told by the County Executive’s staff that the 2014 date is a typo that has since been corrected, and that the correct date is January 2015, and have been asked to let people know of that correction. We are happy to let people know the revised date. (Full disclosure: we asked for some backup to verify the report date, but haven’t yet received any.) However, we wonder what the kind of oversight the Authority itself will have if the county government doesn’t even notice the date on the cover of its report is wrong before the report is made public. The story goes that when the Constitutional Convention of 1787 had ended, a woman, Ms. Powel, walked up to Benjamin Franklin and asked him, “Well, Dr. Franklin, what have we got? A Republic? Or a Monarchy?” His response was, “A Republic – if you can keep it.” Can we keep it? To my fellow civic activists, keep an eye out. The views expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect formal positions adopted by the Federation. To submit an 800-1,000 word column for consideration, please send an email attachment to montgomerycivic@yahoo.com. ADVERTISE in Call Lonnie Johnson at 301-306-9500 or e-mail lonnie@thesentinel.com Advertise in The Sentinel... ...and let your business soar! Call Lonnie Johnson at 301-306-9500 FEBRUARY 5, 2015 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL 7 NEWS Rockville prohibits self-storage By Rebecca Guterman Staff Writer ROCKVILLE –The mayor and City Council voted 3-2 on Monday night in favor of a zoning text amendment that would prohibit selfstorage facilities from existing within 250 feet of a school. The vote follows a debate over children’s safety and proximity to a potential ezStorage near Maryvale Elementary School. The Planning Commission recently approved the facility’s development application. Councilmember Beryl Feinberg proposed the measure after some East Rockville residents and Maryvale parents objected to the ezStorage application. Although the planning commission approved the application, Feinberg said she was inclined to look at the issue further. Councilmember Tom Moore, who voted against the measure, said he did not see facts to support safety claims. He also agreed with the applicant that the text amendment appeared to be spot zoning because it does not affect any other properties. He also said there was no reason to rush because the building’s status would not change in 30-45 days. Prior to the meeting, representatives of ezStorage owner Siena Corporation urged the mayor and council to convene a workgroup before voting on the issue so they could work something out with the residents to lower the height of the building and install additional sidewalks and signage. Moore then asked if the applicant’s attorney, Bob Dalrymple, could speak before the council about outreach to concerned residents. Mayor Bridget Newton did not want the agenda item to turn into another public hearing, but ultimately allowed Dalrymple to answer Moore’s questions. “There’s a piece of information this body would like and we’re not going to get it,” Moore said. Dalrymple said Siena only heard “flat-out opposition” to the proposal and never got a response when they called Kashi Way, one of the residents opposed to the project. Melissa McKenna, vice president for advocacy at the Maryvale PTA, said she continued to ask for something in writing from Siena so she could bring it back to the PTA but never received it. Without something formal to respond to, she could not continue speaking on behalf of the PTA beyond their initial opposition. She also said Siena called Way shortly before Christmas and did not make another effort after the holidays. But Feinberg said hearing about this particular application continued to make the issue seem like spot zoning, which was not her intent. She also said the offers of a workgroup were no longer relevant. “There has been ample opportunity for a workgroup,” Feinberg said. “It’s too little, too late and I cannot further delay action on this item.” Resident Patrick Schoof also said the safety concerns ranged from a fire at one ezStorage facility to internal theft. “We’ve become quite knowledgeable about self-storage, the industry, about how this works and about safety of children,” Schoof said. Dalrymple said the fire was a construction accident when repairing the roof of a facility and the company dealt with the theft immediately. The mayor and council also discussed the scope of the Southlawn Industrial Area Feasibility Study, which emerged from residents’ concerns during the ezStorage debate. The mayor and council decided to include Maryvale Elementary School and David Scull Courts in the study as well as residential homes along North Horners Lane and Lincoln Street. The 2007 Lincoln Park Neighborhood Plan and the 2004 East Rockville Neighborhood Plan both referenced a feasibility study to ease the transition between industrial and residential uses. The mayor and council also discussed proposed changes to the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance and Standards (APFO/APFS) after holding two public hearings in January. The mayor and council scheduled a vote for Feb. 9 on Moore’s proposed changes to align the city with the county standards. Moore has pushed for the changes, arguing that stricter standards for the city have not helped overcrowding in schools and have hurt development. Newton has said she wants to wait for county input on the issue, a sentiment Councilmember Virginia Onley agreed with Monday night. Onley said she wanted to have more discussions with all stakeholders, including the county, residents and developers. “I don’t think Rockville is moving forward the way we need to move forward and if we don’t do something, we’re going to end up a ghost town,” Onley said. Newton said she thinks the city’s standards prevented overcrowding that would have otherwise occurred, even if it did not eliminate overcrowding. Feinberg and Councilmember Julie Palakovich Carr, who chaired a 2011 review of the standards, did not say where they stood on the issue. Director of the Department of Community Planning and Development Services Susan Swift also updated the mayor and council on streamlining the site plan review process. Swift said the department is meeting with the planning commission on Feb. 11 to make sure they are briefed as well. GET IT RIGHT! ADVERTISE WITH The Sentinel CALL 301.306.9500 8 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL FEBRUARY 5, 2015 COVER STORY County calls for transparency in filling Superintendent vacancy “Falling Starr” from page 1 how they’re moving forward.” Looking forward to the hiring process, Councilmember Hans Reimer (D-At large) said it should be as public as possible, with the exception of a candidate who works in another jurisdiction and would not apply if the proceedings were public. But even then, Reimer said the board can make the criteria it uses part of a public discussion. “The problem here has been the whole thing that happened with Starr has taken most parents by surprise and they weren’t aware that there was any particular problem and many people felt that he was doing a fine job. They wake up one day and find the board is deadlocked and he can’t get reappointed,” Reimer said. “There was never any real public opportunity to weigh in. It struck me the wrong way and I think a lot of people are frustrated that such a significant decision could be made without any real public dialogue. It’s time to sort of acknowledge that in the hiring.” Reimer also said he was taken aback at the board’s decision and hopes next time the board makes their reasons much clearer. “I’m surprised that he doesn’t have the support and then I’m really surprised that the people who are opposing him don’t have a strong enough reason to put out that anybody else can react to,” Reimer said. “When I found out, it was already over.” In an exchange on Reimer’s Facebook, Council President George Leventhal (D-At large) said the interviews need to be confidential in order to make sure the most qualified people are willing to apply. He referenced the public’s negative reaction when they discovered Starr was a candidate for the New York City chancellor job late in 2013. “If the board wants to convene some sort of public goal-setting dialogue to hear people's input about what they want from a superintendent, that's fine. But in the end it will come down to an evaluation of the specific characteristics of individuals, and that will have to occur behind closed doors. I know there will be people who will object to that but it is the way most hiring decisions are made,” Leventhal wrote. But Reimer said the public may have a right to know a superintendent is considering leaving and it might be okay if certain people decided not to apply because of it. “Maybe just having openness is better,” Reimer said. “I have to think about that.” Councilmember Nancy Navarro (D-4), who served on the board prior to her election to the council in 2010, weighed in on Leventhal’s side. “I'm sure the BOE will welcome public input on what charac- teristics we want in the next superintendent – that is different from a public vetting of each candidate,” she wrote. Councilmember Craig Rice (D2), who chairs the education committee, said he understands the board had the option to discuss personnel matters in closed session, but said he chose to handle the replacement ofr former council member Valerie Ervin in open session when she resigned before her term was over. “When it came to what we decided to do under my leadership as (council president) in establishing a new council member, we decided to make sure all those deliberations were public and televised,” he said. “It’s not for me to say what (the BOE) should have or could have done. All I can do is talk about...as council president how I believed we needed to operate.” Rice also said there are a lot of questions about the reasons for the board’s actions and “folks are going to start and continue to ask questions and demand answers. We’re going to have to see what happens.” Frances Frost, president of the Montgomery County Council of Parent Teacher Associations (MCCPTA) said she did not take issue with the closed session, but wanted to know the reasons for the board’s views on Starr going into the search for the next superintendent. Frost said MCCPTA plans to continue to emphasize equity in education. “We’ve experienced a very positive working relationship with (Starr) and appreciated having our parents’ perspective included in various discussions,” Frost said. “We hope a new superintendent would be open and welcoming.” According to the contract the board unanimously approved, MCPS will give Starr compensation and benefits through June 30, $46,583.96 for unused leave as per his original contract and health coverage through the end of 2015. Metro facing continued investigation and $50 million lawsuit “Metro” from page 1 negligence and wrongful death against WMATA. Patrick Regan, whose firm Regan Zambri Long represents the Glover family, said electrical engineers told him the circuit breakers would trip at the first sign of arcing. Regan said he is puzzled that metro officials did nothing during those 10 minutes after the circuit breaker had tripped. “Once they had the breaker trip what happened in those 10 minutes?” Regan said. “When you realize you have a circuit that has tripped was there any sense of urgency to realize what had caused this? It could have been a fire, luckily for everyone it wasn’t.” Regan said his firm has been unable to get a response from WMATA and they received a letter from WMATA’s office of risk management saying they could not comment because of the ongoing NTSB investigation. The lawsuit also states it took WMATA officials almost 20 minutes after the circuit breaker trip to call 911, calling four minutes after a construction worker dialed 911 to reporting smoke emanating from a Metro ventilation shaft located at 9th Street and Maine Avenue SW, roughly a half mile south of the train’s location. The Sentinel also tried to get in touch with WMATA officials, but officials said via email they could not comment because the areas in question fall under the scope of the ongoing NTSB investigation and may be subject to litigation. Regan said nothing is certain as to how the lawsuit will play out in court. “You never know about that, the last go-around on the June 2009 crash – that was in litigation for four years. We were on the eve of trial on many of those cases,” Regan said. Regan said currently he and the Glover family are waiting to get before the judge and urge her to establish a date for the case, which he anticipates will happen in early March. In the meantime Regan said the Glover family has asked for privacy from the media as they attempt to restore some normalcy to their lives. “(Glover) was a daughter, a sister, a mother and a grandmother,” Regan said. “All those people lost this incredibly vibrant person in their life, she was in the peak of her health and it was the indelible phone call they got that everyone dreads.” Leggett takes a step back on plans for county independent transit authority “Leggett” from page 1 rapid transit routes. In the draft of the bill, the council would approve five of Leggett’s nominees for the board of directors, approve the taxes the ITA sets and approve projects on the ITA’s agenda. After feeling Leggett rushed through the ITA process without public input, Montgomery County Civic Federation President Paula Bienenfeld said she was glad Leggett withdrew the bill but it was important he use the right process moving forward. “If he does shift gears and says we do need to have a very, very public discussion, I’m not going to have anymore secret backroom deals or meetings and everything from now on is going to be transparent and include the public then yes, that would be wonderful to see. He has some governing choices to make about which direction he wants to go,” she said. “It reflected poorly not just on Mr. Leggett but on the council and delegation, too, that it had to come to this.” Delegate Shane Robinson (D39), who chairs the Montgomery County delegation, said he had not yet formed an opinion on the merits of the bill, but felt the public hearing served its purpose in letting the public air their concerns. “It looks like the county executive is really going to slow this down,” he said. “The county’s going to need to engage more civic groups and other stakeholders to get people on board with this kind of thing and answer the unanswered questions about it.” County Executive spokesperson Patrick Lacefield said the exact methods of gathering more public input now that Leggett asked to withdraw the legislation are still to be determined. He also said Leggett did not intend to rush the bill. “As soon as it was drafted, we put it in. The (county executive’s) Transit Task Force highlighted this recommendation three years ago. The CE highlighted it in his Inaugur- al Dec. 1. To pursue the BRT, we need focus and access to resources beyond what we now have,” Lacefield said. “To wait to file was to wait an entire year to file and at least another six months after that before the council could begin work (on establishing the ITA).” On Monday, Leventhal and Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment (T&E) Committee Chair Roger Berliner (D-1) also announced their plans to work through upcoming transit issues one by one. Leventhal said the council will first tackle the Purple Line, which is funded by a public-private partnership with proposals due in March. Next, the council will figure out how to pay for the CCT and then plan future rapid transit routes. Leventhal said he did not think the ITA would be necessary for the Purple Line because the county already has identified funding sources nor for the CCT because the state has been leading that project. “We’re very open to working with the state to identify multiple funding sources including special taxing authority, but you don’t require a transit authority to set up special tax districts,” Leventhal said. “Rapid transit vehicles are a longerterm proposition. They hold great promise. We’re very interested in them but we honestly don’t know how much they will cost and I have always believed it is very difficult to sell people on how something will be paid for until you can tell them how much it will cost.” Delegate Benjamin Kramer (D19), one of the four to vote against accepting the bill for late-filing, said he thought Leggett made the right decision and would hopefully work with the delegation and residents more in developing his proposal. “I was very pleased to see that he was this responsive to the community,” Kramer said. “It’s also going to be important for the executive to have the buy-in from the county council and the broader community to say, ‘yeah, this is at the end of the day where we need to go and this is the only way we’re really going to get where we want to be.’” Many residents at the hearing spoke out against the ITA’s potential ability to establish the entire county as a special taxing district and exempt itself from the county charter property tax limits in section 305, which voters established by referendum in 1990. “The original purpose of the charter was to take control over our affairs from those in Annapolis and move it here to the people. This bill reverses that intent absolutely,” Bienenfeld said in her testimony. “Many residents are struggling to make ends meet and many of our members are on a fixed income and cannot afford another increase in their property tax rate or additional special taxes on their bill.” Kramer said at the hearing he felt hesitant to approve something that left so much up to chance. Although he said he understood it was enabling legislation, he likened it to giving a student money for college before he knew where he wanted to go or what he wanted to study. FEBRUARY 5, 2015 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL NEWS Nationally Recognized Youth Support Program Implemented Locally By Peter Rouleau Special to The Sentinel On May 20, 2013, Evan Rosenstock, a sophomore and athlete at Winston Churchill High school, took his own life as a result of depression. In response, several Churchill students and parents created the organization Umttr (pronounced “you matter”) with the mission of educating students about the warning signs of depression and sharing the message that every life matters. Umttr has partnered with the Montgomery County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to bring the youth support group Sources of Strength to four county schools. Founded in North Dakota in the late 1990s, Sources of Strength trains adult advisors and student peer leaders to aid people in emotional distress by providing positive support. Peer leaders serve as “agents of change and connectors to hope,” by encouraging students in mental distress to seek help and sponsoring activities and events that bring a positive message to the community. Several school systems, universities and community centers in the U.S. and Canada have implemented the program. “ I hope that Sources of Strength works just as well in our community as it has elsewhere,” said Stephanie Rosen, Executive Director of NAMI Montgomery County. “This program is not about shock trauma, it’s about positive encouragement, and sharing stories of hope, health and strength. We don’t want students to think that suicide is the norm for people with mental illness. We want them to know that people can live active, healthy lives if they have access to help.” Last week, more than 150 peer leaders were trained in sessions at Springbrook, Wootton and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High Schools. A training session will be held at Winston Churchill High School in the near future. Teachers selected and recommended students for participation, attempting to recruit a wide section of the student population. “We want every lunch table in the school to have a peer leader,” Rosen said. “Research shows that students know when one of their peers is suffering well before even a trained adult professional does.” “We educate students on how they can use their voices and influence in their friendship groups to change norms and behaviors and promote hope-seeking behaviors,” said Daniel Adams, a national trainer for Sources of Strength, who led the training session at BethesdaChevy Chase High School. “We know that young people will tell each other that they’re suffering and often ask them not to tell anyone else, so we hope to break those codes of secrecy and silence.” “I came because I know a lot of people at the school who suffer with mental illness,” said Bobbi Nathan, a B-CC junior who attended the training session. “There’s this huge stigma that you don’t say anything about it, you should just push through it, when really nothing’s going to get better that way. I think that we as a student body can really make a difference here, and this a great way to train us to do that.” www.thesentinel.com The Sentinel website is here Much more news and information from and about your community as close as your fingertips 9 Some say MCPS too slow By Peter Rouleau Special to Sentinel ROCKVILLE – Some involved in a workgroup set up to address problems of sex abuse in public schools say MCPS is moving too slowly to handle the problem On Monday, the County Council’s Education Committee received a briefing on a report issued by Montgomery County Public Schools’ Child Abuse and Neglect Work Group. Board of Education President Patricia O’Neill and MCPS Chief of Staff Andrew Zuckerman presented the report, which issues several recommendations for developing a systemic approach to responding to suspected abuse of students. Montgomery County Police Chief J. Thomas Manger, assistant Chief Russ Hamill, Capt. Jim Humphries of the Special Victims Investigation Division and associate State’s Attorney Debbie Feinstein attended the briefing. Superintendent Joshua Starr did not attend. The report’s 28 recommendations are spread across six key strategic priority areas: 1. Revise the BOE policy and MCPS regulation on recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect and update them on a regular basis to reflect current practices in the area and ensure efficient collaboration with County partner agencies; 2. Enhance human resource management systems and processes to ensure robust screening of new and existing employees, volunteers, and outside contractors; 3. Design and implement updated training for all employees in accordance with the most current practices for identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect; 4. Develop a comprehensive parent awareness program for how to identify and respond to suspected cases of child abuse or neglect; 5. Ensure the MCPS curriculum contains robust student learning opportunities across all grade levels in abuse prevention and reporting; 6. Communicate regularly to students, parents, and the wider community about issues associated with child abuse and neglect. Some of those involved with the work group, while glad to see MCPS taking steps to address the problem, have expressed frustration with the slow pace of the efforts and said the recommendations are inadequate. Jennifer Alvaro, a clinical social worker who has worked in providing treatment to convicted sex offenders, said she was alarmed by media reports of numerous cases of sexual abuse reported in MCPS, which two of her children attend. She could not find any existing regulations for reporting suspected abuse in the MCPS guidelines. Alvaro said her letters and phone calls to Starr and the BOE played an integral role in leading to the formation of the work group, which began meeting regularly last summer. “At the meetings, I kept saying ‘Where’s the police? Where’s Child Protective Services? This is not an issue that MCPS can or should handle alone, bring in the legal agencies,’” Alvaro said. “They finally invited the police to the December work group meeting. I’m encouraged that they’re finally looking at this issue, but I’m not comfortable with the way it’s unfolding. I think there’s been a lack of transparency. In theory, most of the plan could work, but the devil’s in the details and the report is so vague.” Alvaro called for an outside independent investigation into reported incidents of sexual abuse in MCPS. “Who kept (Bethesda-Chevy Chase teacher) Larry Flynn in the classroom after it was clear that he was distributing kiddie porn while wearing an MCPS badge?” Alvaro said. “I don’t have reason to believe that MCPS has more offenders than other organizations, but I do believe that this culture they’ve created of secrecy and denial and of trying to handle everything in-house has allowed the abuse to continue. In this age of Penn State, the Catholic Church, and the Boy Scouts, there’s absolutely no excuse for any of this.” Susan Birkenstock, co-chair of the Montgomery County Council of Parent Teacher Associations (MCCPTA) served as the MCCPTA representative on the work group. “I think it was premature to present the report,” Birkenstock said. “It was not vetted by the work group, and there are no references, no empirical data to support the recommendations. When is a Montgomery County high school student allowed to turn in a paper without references?” Birkenstock said there is a lack of clearly defined guidelines in MCPS directing employees to contact CPS about suspected abuse as mandated by law. “We need to have an employee code of conduct,” Birkenstock said. “We need to have all these things clearly spelled out. If you look at the Howard County school system, their child abuse policy is pretty robust. The only behavior guidelines we have right now are in the union contract.” Birkenstock said she feared MCPS’ lack of clear policies for dealing with suspected abuse may have made them a target for predators. “Many people have been in the school system so long that they have not had the criminal background check,” Birkenstock. “Child sexual abuse is a crime of opportunity. There are websites out there that direct pedophiles to easy prey. Some of them may be recommending us.” The report and recommendations are available online at http://www.montgomerycountymd.g ov/council/Resources/Files/agenda/c m/2015/150202/20150202_ED2.pdf Gay rights group objects to Hogan move By Peter Rouleau Special to The Sentinel ANNAPOLIS – On Jan. 22 Governor Larry Hogan issued his first Executive Order, “Standards of Conduct for Executive Branch Employees and Reporting of Misconduct,” which directed employees to adhere to all applicable laws and regulations that provide equal opportunity for all Marylanders. Equality Maryland, the state’s largest LGBT rights advocacy organization, expressed disappointment the order did not contain language about gender identity, despite the legislature’s passing of the Fairness for All Marylanders Act in 2014, which amended the state’s anti-discrimination law to include gender identity. Hogan also withdrew proposed amendments to update the regulations that prohibit discrimination on the part of Medicaid providers to include gender identity. “We are disappointed in the governor’s actions,” Carrie Evans, executive director of Equality Maryland, said in a statement on Jan. 22. “To withdraw a regulation that prohibits discrimination which also has no fiscal impact seems contrary to the spirit of inclusiveness touted in his inauguration speech yesterday. We know that trans people in Maryland face discrimination when ac- cessing health care and we should be working to ensure this doesn’t happen instead of overtly condoning it.” The following day, Hogan re-issued the executive order to include gender identity and his office announced that they were still reviewing the proposed Medicaid amendment. “We are very pleased that we got the attention of his office and that he made these changes relatively quickly,” Evans said. Evans said that Equality Maryland will focus on passing several bills regarding the rights of samesex couples and transgender individuals during the current legislative session. 10 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL FEBRUARY 5, 2015 NEWS County to do new feasibility study on Blair-Ewing Center By Rebecca Guterman Staff Writer ROCKVILLE – The County Council’s Education Committee told Montgomery County Public Schools to conduct two feasibility studies for the future of the Blair G. Ewing Center after expressing doubts about MCPS’s relocation proposal. The committee’s decision follows months of community opposition to the plan and process. During the meeting on Jan. 29 the committee called for MCPS to conduct one feasibility study for renovations to the Ewing Center site on Avery Road and one for moving the alternative education programs to another site. MCPS had wanted the committee to reallocate $16.6 million – originally for renovating the current Ewing site – to renovating the old English Manor elementary school. Out of the $16.6 million allocation, MCPS already set aside $1.5 million to begin design planning, which is enough for the two feasibility studies, according to MCPS Department of Facilities Management Director James Song. Residents from the affected areas also came out before the committee meeting to rally against MCPS’s request, but Jamison Adcock, vice president of the Aspen Hill Civic Association, said he was satisfied with the committee’s action. “We’ll get real information, not just guess work on the part of people in the Montgomery County Public Schools system. We can’t address their guesses, they’re based on what? We don’t know. But now we’re going to get feasibility studies so that’s the first step,” Adcock said. The community rallied in part around a 2013 feasibility study looking at three options for renovating the Ewing Center in its current building and board comments praising the current program shortly before the superintendent recommended using the funds for the English Manor site instead. Outside consultants conducted that feasibility study in 2013, but then MCPS took a new look at the design of the alternative education programs overall from fall 2013 into early 2014. The superintendent then suggested using English Manor based on the needs of the new program, which would focus on personalized and more flexible teaching strategies. Song said the $16.6 million should be more than enough to renovate and expand the English Manor building from about 50,000 square feet to 70,000-75,000 square feet at a cost of $230-$235 per renovated square foot and $250 per new square foot. But committee members said MCPS needs an updated feasibility study for the current building based on the program redesign before plowing ahead with another site. Councilmember Nancy Navarro (D4) said she recognizes the issues of stigma and desire to best serve the alternative education students but wants to make sure that is what this renovation would do. “The fact of the matter is English Manor is not going to be a new school, it’s going to have to be completely remodeled and I have not seen the feasibility study under this new program for example to understand clearly what would happen,” Navarro said. “For me it’s not about ‘we don’t want to give our students the best possible facility.’ For me, it’s about ‘have we done the feasibility study that we need to do under this new direction of this new program? Do we have enough data to know that the program is going to actually work?’” Ewing Center Principal Ira Thomas said he had been pushing for the move to English Manor because the current pod configuration limits the architectural flexibility and carries a stigma that hurts the students. But he said he did not have a problem with the committee’s decision. “We should use all the data possible that shows a comparison. (The council members) represent the citizens of Montgomery County and they’ve got to make sure ...to make an informed decision and I think by having two feasibility studies brought back before, I think that’s reasonable,” Thomas said. But Thomas said he still felt the English Manor site would be benefi- cial because the architects for the 2013 feasibility study told him about the limitations of the current building. He said the latest research recommends clear pathways for supervision. Thomas also gave the example of a technology education lab that is currently too small for students to properly use equipment. “Because it’s a pod structure, it has a lot of low-bearing walls and the architects told us you’re not going to be able to do much with this building,” Thomas said. “When my associate superintendent Dr. (Christopher) Garran advised me about English Manor, I jumped for joy.” Thomas also worried about the stigma of keeping the students in the current building. But Navarro said that speaks to a broader issue of how the school system treats alternative education students regardless of the building. In a February 2014 memo from Starr to the Board of Education, students surveyed commented on the current alternative education program, saying they wanted small classes, more challenging work, AP classes, clubs and teams like “a normal school” and more freedom. “(Alternative education students) just act bad when everyone thinks they will be bad,” one student wrote. The future of the Ewing Center is further complicated by plans to relocate the Shady Grove bus depots on Crabbs Branch Way to the current Ewing Center site on Avery Road. MCPS has to vacate the bus depots by January 2017 to make way for county redevelopment. Some who live near the Ewing Center said they much prefer the school to be there rather than hundreds of buses turning out onto Avery Road. “I’m concerned about safety. Avery Road is a two lane winding country road with no shoulders, absolutely none, and when I encounter a school bus now I have to virtually come to a stop,” said resident Brenda Vaughan at the rally before the committee meeting. “I can’t fathom the amount of traffic.” The community has also voiced concerns because the bus depot currently fits 410 buses onto 35 acres and is already a little too small, according to Song. Song said MCPS would design efficiently to try to fit 370 buses on the 22.5 acre Ewing Center site, more than six acres of which is protected by a conservation easement. Also on the site is the Mark Twain Athletic Fields, which the city of Rockville maintains and uses outside of school hours. Committee Chair Craig Rice (D-2) said he views the bus depot and the Ewing Center relocations as two separate issues. Councilmembers Navarro and Marc Elrich (D-At large) said the two are intertwined. “We can’t not know what we know,” Elrich said. The full council still has to vote on the change to make the mandate for two feasibility studies official. FEATURES Late night workouts for some mean late hours for others who work nite owl By Peter Rouleau Special to the Sentinel Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of features focused on County residents who work from dusk till dawn and the establishments which employ and serve them. ROCKVILLE – At 11:00 on Tuesday night, while most county residents are sleeping or getting into bed, Brandon Cornejo is just starting his working day. He’s a front desk attendant for the overnight shift at Rockville’s Planet Fitness in Federal Plaza, the national franchise of fitness centers famous for its sponsorship of the reality series “The Biggest Loser.” Planet Fitness operates several 24-7 hour locations in Montgomery County. The gym offers various types of exercise equipment such as treadmills, exercise bikes and weights as well as fitness classes. “It’s nice and quiet,” said Cornejo, who has held the job for about three months. “You meet interesting people. The other night I had two drunk guys come in and fall asleep in the hydro massage beds. I tried to wake them up for about 10 minutes, then I just gave up. Eventually, one of my co-workers came in and threw them out.” Cornejo said most of the members he sees regularly on the graveyard shift are younger construction workers and government employees. Planet Fitness advertises itself as a “judgment-free zone” open to exercisers of all types. “We want to create a comfortable environment so that anyone can come and work out here,” Cornejo said. “We don’t have power lifters bench pressing 200 pounds and making you feel small and weak.” In that same spirit, the wall in the weight lifting area is outfitted with a loud “Lunk Alarm” which is sounded in case any lifter is being overly dramatic or aggressive. Cornejo typically works out for about two hours once his shift ends. He plans to certify as a personal trainer this summer and is saving money to eventually earn a college degree in kinesiology. He said he enjoys the job but the work schedule interferes with his social life. “During the day is when you normally have a social life, but I’m sleeping,” Cornejo said. Many Planet Fitness members appreciate the convenience of being able to work out at any time. Meatta Esse, a server at the nearby Rockville Silver Diner, frequently comes to the gym after working closing shifts. “When I get off work, I have a lot of energy,” Esse said. “When you go at that time, it’s not very busy, all Got News? Tell Us About It! the machines are available, and I really like that.” Jonathan Flores and Stephen Campbell, co-workers at the Olney Safeway, also said they enjoy being able to exercise after working late. “It’s convenient, there’s not a huge crowd here, even the roads are wide open,” said Flores, who has been a member for several years. “I typically do 35 minutes of cardio, then weights afterward.” “I go to class at Montgomery College in the morning, then have some study time, then work the late shift,” Campbell said. “It’s very convenient to be able to come in here at 11:30 and get some cardio and lifting in.” Fatima Fofana, who works the front desk graveyard shift on Cornejo’s nights off, said she likes the relaxed nature of the job. “It’s pretty quiet, that’s why I like it,” Fofana said. “I get most of Call (301) 306-9500 what I need to do done by 1:00, and then I’m just checking in people all night.” Fofana, who lives in Germantown, also works as a manager at café in Rockville six days a week. “My social life is non-existent and it’s hard on my sleep schedule,” Fofana said. “I’m trying to get a car and my own apartment, so that’s why I do this.” Planet Fitness offers basic nocommitment “White card” memberships for $10 per month. “Black card” memberships, which entitle holders to additional privileges such as bringing guests and use of the massage spa area, cost $29 per month. Planet Fitness also has locations on Wisteria Drive in Germantown and New Hampshire Avenue Northeast in Silver Spring and hopes to open in Washington, D.C. in the near future. FEBRUARY 5, 2015 11 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL STATE NEWS Chesapeake Bay continues to show improvements By Katelyn Newman Capital News Service ANNAPOLIS -- While oyster and striped bass populations are on the rise in the Chesapeake Bay, crab populations continue to fall, and the water body may take decades to show signs of a strong recovery, according to a report released Tuesday by a coalition of governments, environmental organizations and researchers. The 2013-2014 Bay Barometer is an annual overview of the health of the Chesapeake, prepared by the Chesapeake Bay Program, which includes federal and state agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations and academic institutions. Between 2013 and 2014, the spawning-age female crab population fell from 147 million to 64.5 million, a 53 percent decline, according to the report. While it could be climate change, habitat conditions or predators, the crab decline does not yet have a clear cause, said Bruce Vogt, manager of Ecosystem Science and Synthesis for NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Office. Vogt said that even with a 10 percent decrease in crabbing across the bay, populations have been markedly declining. Despite other ongoing challenges like population growth, climate change and delayed effects of improvement measures, the bay overall is in recovery, Chesapeake Bay Program officials said Tuesday. This year’s grade of D+ is an improvement over last year’s D- mark. A large-scale oyster restoration project set in place in 2010 has been highly successful, said Vogt, and oysters are seeing a 92 percent survival rate in Maryland, according to the Bay Barometer. Established in 2010, the Bay’s Total Maximum Daily Load, otherwise known as its “pollution diet,” stretches across six states -- New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia and Virginia -- and the District of Columbia and regulates pollution of local streams and rivers within the watershed. It ensures the seven jurisdictions reach all designated pollution controls by 2025, with 60 percent achieved by 2017, according to the EPA. “It could be almost 10 years before you actually see the positive impacts that result from the reduction in pollution,” said Nick DiPasquale, director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program, “(but) our conclusion is that we are witnessing a system in recovery.” Nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution in wastewater is decreasing, but efforts to reduce overall nutrient pollution are lagging behind the goals set out by the EPA, said Rich Batiuk, associate director for science for the Chesapeake Bay Program. “Efforts to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution from urban streets, farm fields and onsite septic systems are lagging behind,” according to the report. It takes time to see the effects of wastewater treatment and to educate farmers on better nutrient management practices, Batiuk said. Although Gov. Larry Hogan halted new phosphorous-control regulations last month, Maryland must still reach its federal nutrientpollution goals by 2017 and 2025, DiPasquale said Tuesday. “We probably will not see achievement with the water quality standards by 2025 -- we will have all of the improvement measures in place to treat water pollution, but we probably won’t see the results by 2025,” said DiPasquale. County considers ban on selling puppies and other pets from puppy mills By Rebecca Guterman Staff Writer ROCKVILLE--The County Council’s Public Safety Committee will consider a bill today that would prohibit pet stores from selling dogs or cats unless they are from an animal care facility or rescue organization. Currently, there are no pets stores under county jurisdiction that sell dogs or cats, but it would be prohibiting any such stores from coming in the future. There is one such store in the city of Rockville, but that is under the city’s jurisdiction, according to Leventhal. “For many families, bringing a pet into their home is like adding a family member that will be with them for many years. Bringing home a puppy or kitten that was obtained from a puppy mill increases the risk that the family pet will also bring endless health and behavioral problems,” Leventhal said. “By taking action such as is proposed in this bill, we are trying to protect people who get their pets from Montgomery County pet stores and may not have considered where their pet came from.” Currently, Maryland law does not prohibit pet stores from selling dogs from so-called “puppy mills,” which the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) defines as a "large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs." Maryland law does require pet retailers to post information about the dog and dealer on every dog’s cage in a store. According to the analyst packet for the committee, constituents overwhelmingly supported the measure out of concern for the puppies’ living conditions and health. Organizations in support included Puppy Mill Rescue Support Group, Humane Society of the United States, Montgomery County Humane Society, and Best Friends Animal Society. “Montgomery County pet store customers should not be duped into unwittingly supporting the cruel puppy mill industry, and into buying puppies exposed to the unique set of physical and behavioral problems created by such a substandard upbringing. Montgomery County residents should no longer have to accept the importation of puppies from puppy mills into the county while their tax dollars are spent sheltering and euthanizing dogs for which there are no homes,” wrote Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States. Other organizations, such as the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, MD Association of Pet Industries, VCA - North Rockville Animal Hospital, and America's Pet Registry, said they opposed the bill because this is an issue that should be regulated at the state and federal levels for consistency. “We are here to present facts, to support the small business owners whose livelihood is threatened by this legislation, and to defend the right to 'pet choice' for the citizens of Montgomery County,” wrote Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council in their testimony. A veterinarian also said she had not seen negative health effects any more in puppy mill animals than animals from other places. ! r a u d o a y t e ww w m c a o l P .thesentinel.c Easy, convenient, and it gets results! Classified Ads View and search classified ads On-Line! Place your classified ad through our website! Print Ads on The Web Sentinel print advertisers can now place their display ads online for only $20.95! Everyone can view Sentinel advertisements from our website! Call today! Exclusive Website Advertising Advertisers can place banner advertising in 3 different sizes on www.thesentinel.com! Call for details! For more information call 301.306 .9500 12 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL FEBRUARY 5, 2015 STATE NEWS Mandated sick leave draws crowds and controversy Maryland Healthy Working Families Act calls for earned sick and safe leave By Grace Toohey Capital News Service ANNAPOLIS -- The Maryland Healthy Working Families Act would mandate Maryland employers provide employees earned sick and safe leave, which advocates say would improve the workplace, the economy and public health, but opponents criticize as "one size does not fit all." More than 100 people from across the state joined the state’s Senate Finance Committee -- many overflowing beyond the packed hearing room -- to weigh in on the potential impact of mandating paid sick leave Tuesday afternoon. “There are over 700,000 Marylanders every day who get up and go to work and don’t have earned sick leave,” the bill's sponsor, state Senator Catherine Pugh, D-Baltimore, said. She hopes to change those numbers because, she said, the opportuni- ty for sick leave is necessary for working families. The bill calls on employers to grant one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked, but it exempts those with fewer than 10 employees. Pugh said this bill helps people with families suffering from any illness, or even domestic violence or sexual assault, while it also provides a protection process for abuse of the policy. “At the end of the day it’s going to be up to this body to decide whether our workplaces should reflect the reality of today’s working families,” testified Melissa Broome, who works for Maryland workers’ advocacy group Job Opportunities Task Force. “We all get sick, our kids get sick.” Similar bills came to the committee in 2013 and 2014, but, Broome said, with the new exclusion of small businesses with nine employees or fewer, this year’s bill will only apply to 25 percent of businesses in the state. But for many opposing the bill, this mandate will just add more business costs, which are becoming overwhelming in conjunction with the state’s minimum wage law and the Affordable Care Act, said Lisa Benson, staffing director for Mary Kraft Staffing and HR Solutions in Hunt Valley. State Senator Stephen Hershey, R-Caroline, Cecil, Queen Anne’s and Kent, said he was concerned it would give companies another reason to leave Maryland. He also questioned how the legislation might offer too many openings for employees to take off under the qualification of sick leave, he said. Pugh emphasized, however, that this bill is not anti-business. With earned sick leave, businesses should save money because workers are more productive and aren’t infecting their co-workers, she said. But for many opponents, it wasn’t the idea of employers providing paid sick days -- it was the fact that the government will be taking away their control over paid time off. “Regardless it’s a business decision that a company chooses to make,” said Leonardo McClarty, president of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce. “One size does not fit all.” For state senator Joanne Benson, D-Prince George’s, the bill seemed like common sense, because with her background in education, she said, she has seen how one sick child can affect a whole school. “What about the children? What about the parents?” Benson said. “Think about that for a moment.” Xaviour Walker, a doctor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, characterized it as a public health issue. When patients don’t catch a sickness early because they continue to work, the illness only gets worse, he said. “We need to support these people, because paid sick leave is preventative medicine,” Walker said. Doreen Hicks of Baltimore County works as a janitor, and she came to testify because this legislation could change her life, she said. She works hard and enjoys her job, she said, but she needs earned sick time. “As it is now, when you get sick, you just have to work,” Hicks said. “It impacts your work, there’s no time to rest and recover. This is will have a direct and positive impact on my family’s well-being.” Paid, earned sick leave is among President Barack Obama’s latest initiatives. His plan would allow Americans to earn up to seven days of sick leave each year, according to a White House fact sheet. “This is not just an issue here in Maryland, this is an issue around the country,” Pugh said. Maryland budget balanced on “backs of students” By Deidre McPhillips Capital News Service ANNAPOLIS -- State legislators and education heavy-hitters gathered at the Maryland State Education Association headquarters in Annapolis Tuesday, rallying for the reversal of Gov. Larry Hogan's proposed $144 million cuts to public education funding. “The budget is being balanced on the backs of our students,” said Betty Weller, president of the Maryland State Education Association. A 50 percent cut to the geographic cost of education index, a state formula that provides additional spending to some jurisdictions where the cost of education is more expensive, results in a loss of $68 million. The governor’s Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2015 would reduce the funding per pupil by an additional $94 statewide and cut grants based on localities’ tax revenue by $12 million, if approved by the General Assembly. In a constricted financial environment, Hogan’s proposed budget increases overall spending for public schools by $45.3 million, to $6.1 billion for fiscal year 2016. Much of the increase is coming from funding for school construction. Hogan is “open to suggestions from outside groups and from legislators on how to keep education the No. 1 priority for Maryland,” said Erin Montgomery, Hogan’s press secretary. But before making changes, he would have to see a proposal on how to make up for the cuts in a tight budget, she said Tuesday. A plan for how to fully refund the proposed cuts has not yet been reached, said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Maggie McIntosh, D-Baltimore, but the money would have to come from cuts to other departments or transfers of funds from other departments or the state’s contingency fund. The decision to do either lies with the governor, as state legislators can only cut or restrict funds in the budget that the governor proposes. House Speaker Michael Busch, D-Anne Arundel, said at the meeting that the proposed cuts are not only detrimental to the progress made in education, but to the “structure of life” in Maryland. A well-educated population is critical to a productive workforce and functioning state, he said. Also leading the charge were state Senator Nancy King, D-Montgomery, Senate chair of the Montgomery County delegation; and state Senator Joan Carter Conway, D-Baltimore, chair of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee. Especially troubling to many Tuesday were the long-term implications of the proposed budget. Public schools would get $600 million less than anticipated in long- term projections over the next four years due to Hogan’s proposed caps on inflation rates, according to the Maryland Education Association. A formula that follows the presumed rate of inflation -- which Hogan plans to restrict -- drives the growth in per-pupil funding each year. McIntosh cited the state constitution’s first charge of a “thorough and efficient system of free public schools.” She said that though Hogan’s budget does not violate the state constitution, it is a tear at the system’s safety net. In a lawsuit filed against the Maryland State Board of Education in 1994, a Baltimore City Circuit Court judge ruled that the city’s public schoolchildren were not receiving constitutionally adequate education. Following the court ruling, the General Assembly passed the Bridge to Excellence in Public Schools act in 2002, which phased in a funding plan over the next six years. When the law expired in fiscal year 2008, per pupil funding remained flat. “We can’t leave an entire generation of students behind, waiting for someone to file (another) lawsuit,” said Busch. Effects of the cuts for each jurisdiction are presented on a website called “Don’t Shortchange Maryland,” launched Tuesday by the Maryland State Education Association (http://dontshortchangemaryland.com/). Facts and figures show the dollar amounts each county, PHOTO COURTESY OF CNS NEWS SERVICE Supporters show up to talk about the stateʼs budget school and classroom will lose if the budget passes as it is proposed, as well as the number of teacher and support staff positions at risk. A short online petition form calls Marylanders to action with a few clicks. In terms of overall dollars, Prince George’s and Montgomery counties and Baltimore City bear the brunt of the cuts, poised to deal with about 60 percent of the total reductions, according to the Maryland State Education Association’s calcu- Check out our web site www.thesentinel.com lations. “We need to make sure that not only the loudest voices are made to count,” said Maryland ParentTeacher Association President Ray Leone. “Different counties are facing different challenges, and it’s like a tightrope walk to balance priorities.” Legislators have been open to discussion, said Leone, and the Parent-Teacher Association is in a “wait and see” mode as their representatives work out a plan. FEBRUARY 5, 2015 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL Whatʼs happening this week in Montgomery County C 13 ALENDAR FEB. 5 BLANKET MAKING VOLUNTEERING Feb. 5. 10a.m.-9p.m. Montgomery County Association for Family & Community Education (MCAFCE) needs volunteers to make blankets for sick and needy children. Knit, crochet or quilt. Yard and fabric are provided. Donations of acrylic yarn and fabric are gratefully being accepted. For directions or more information, please call Pat at (301) 460-5451. Extension Office, 18410 Muncaster Rd., Derwood, MD 20855. EXHIBITION: “A POINT IN TIME”: PHOTOGRAPHIC WORKS BY RONALD BEVERLY Feb. 5. – Feb. 28. Emphasizing texture and detail, Ronald Beverly’s images capture the elusive quality of light and reveal a sensibility that is clearly inspired by the masters of large format photography. Without losing sight of the essential qualities, this mid-career photographer seizes the opportunity to refine his vision by embracing the technological advancements of photography and digital imaging. Price: Free. Location: BlackRock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown, MD 20874. On Saturday, February 7, the public is invited to a Meet the Artist Reception from 2:00 – 5:00pm. Ronald Beverly will deliver an informal Artist Talk during the reception. It is free to attend the reception and to view the exhibition. Saturday, February 7 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. INFORMATION: 301.528.2260 or www.blackrockcenter.org FEB. 6 IN-PERSON WORKSHOP AT MARYLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Feb. 6. 9 a.m. to noon, Lynwood Shackelford of the Washington-Baltimore Suburban Press Network will show participants how to get advertisers, maximize layout, avoid spam filters AND get readers to open and click e-newsletters. 60 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 MDDC members $75; non-members $85 (continental breakfast provided). Phone & Fax: 855-7216332 FEB. 7 ART EXHIBIT AT BLACKROCK AND ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES Feb. 7. 2:00pm to 3:00pm, FREE. The public is invited to experience calligraphy, brush painting, and paper casting demonstrations by local artists Kit-Keung Kan, Freda Lee-McCann, and In-soon Shin in conjunction with their exhibit “Transformations of Brush and Paper.” Free and open to the public. Following the Artist Demonstrations (2-3pm), a Meet the Artists Reception (3–5pm) will be held. MEET THE ARTISTS RECEPTION Feb. 7. 3:00pm to 5:00pm, FREE. The public is invited to a reception to meet local artists Kit-Keung Kan, Freda Lee-McCann, and In-soon Shin whose work is featured in the exhibition “Transformations of Brush & Paper,” an installation exploring new directions in Asian brush art, which will be on view in the Main Gallery at BlackRock Center for the Arts from February 5 through February 28, 2015. Free and open to the public. DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY TAMBURITZANS Feb. 7. 7 p.m. America's premier folk ensemble presents exciting music, songs, and dances of Eastern Europe and neighboring cultures. Founded in 1937, the Duquesne University Tamburitzans is the longest running live stage show in the United States. February 5, 2015 – February 11, 2015 Tickets: $36 adult; $33 senior (62 and older) and student with ID. Learn more at www.rockvillemd.gov/theatre or (240) 314-8690. F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, Rockville Civic Center Park at 603 Edmonston Dr., Rockville, MD. REBELS WITH A CAUSE SCREENING Feb. 7. 8 p.m. Academy Award-winning actress Frances McDormand narrates the story of savvy activists who – despite reversals, diversions and disappointments – persist in their mission for more than twenty years and foster a national movement to preserve open spaces, and shape the environmental movement of today. The fight begins in the 1950s with a small group of ranchers, farmers, conservationists, politicians from both parties, widows, volunteers, and other ordinary citizens in Northern California who band together to protect lands adjacent to urban areas from San Francisco's rampant development in order to preserve them for public recreation. But what begins as a regional effort evolves into a decades-long battle for many of America's seashores. It's a fight to preserve something important to all Americans – our public lands. And it's a fight that goes all the way to the White House. Twice. So how did they do it? A panel discussion will follow the screening. TIckets are $5. For more information call (240) 912-1058 or visit blackrockcenter.org. BlackRock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Dr., Germantown, MD. DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY'S TAMBURITZANS Feb. 7. 7-9 p.m. America's premier folk ensemble presents music, songs and dances of Eastern at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre at Rockville Civic Center Park, 603 Edmonston Drive. Ensemble members come from across the world, offering their talents and lifetimes of experience. Founded in 1937, Tamburitzans is the longest running live stage show in the United States. FEB. 8 WINE TASTING AND DOGS - A GREAT COMBINATION! Feb. 8. 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. MCHS's second annual Wagging For Wines $25 per person. Here's a great way for pet-loving wine drinkers (and their pooches -- dogs attend free!) to help our homeless, fourlegged friends. You'll sample wines, enjoy small bites and sweet treats. Silent auction items include tickets to sporting events and shows, an Android tablet and a Coach handbag. Treats for your pooch as well! The Winery at Olney 18127 Town Center Drive (Fair Hill Shopping Center) Olney, MD 20832 ILO ILO Feb. 8. 10 a.m., doors open at 9:30a.m. Set in Singapore, "Ilo Ilo" chronicles the relationship between a family of three and their newly arrived Filipino maid, Teresa, who has come like many Filipino women in search of a better life. The entire family needs to adapt to the presence of this stranger, which further threatens their already strained relationship. Still, Teresa and Jiale, the young and troublesome boy she cares for, soon form a bond. Their unique connection continues to develop and she soon becomes an unspoken part of the family. But this is 1997 and the Asian Financial Crisis is starting to be felt in the region. $15 includes post-screening discussion, coffee and bagels. For more information, visit cinemaartbethesda.org or call (301) 365-3679. Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema, 7235 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, MD. WIDOWED PERSONS SERVICE Feb. 8. 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. The Widowed Persons Service of Montgomery County will host its "second Sunday of the month meeting" with Ms. Paula brary events and information call 240-773-9460. FAITH COMMUNITY WORKING GROUP (FCWG) JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING: OPEN TO PUBLIC Feb. 12. 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Please join us as we discuss our ongoing and future FCWG initiatives. Snacks will be provided but please feel free to bring your own dinner. WHERE: The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), 6101 Executive Blvd. North Bethesda, MD 20852. Email fcwg2013@gmail.com for more information. UPCOMING COURTESY PHOTO The Winery at Olney hosts second annual Wagging for Wines event for petloving wine drinkers. Rogers and Mr. Phil Wystein to talk about the SOAR (Senior Outdoor Adventures in Recreation) program offered by Montgomery County's Department of Recreation. This is an opportunity for all widowed persons to socialize and then hear a presentation that may have bearing on their lives. A contribution of $ 4 is suggested. For more information, call the WPS office at (301) 949-7398. Wheaton Library, 11701 Georgia Ave., Wheaton, MD. SPAGHETTI DINNER Feb. 8. 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Come join the Montgomery Council 2323 of the Knights of Columbus for a spaghetti dinner. The cost is $10 for adults, $7 for children 7 to 13 and free for kids 6 and under. For more information, call (301) 330-5970. 17001 Overhill Rd., Derwood, MD 20855. SYMPHONY OF THE POTOMAC Feb. 8. 3 p.m. Joel Lazar directs the orchestra in Mozart: Symphony No. 31, "Paris", Haydn: Symphony No. 82, "The Bear" and Beethoven: Symphony No. 5. Tickets are $15 - $20 and $5 for those under 18 as well as students and faculty at Montgomery College. For more information, call (301) 984-6390 or visit www.symphonypotomac.org. Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center, 7995 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. ANNUAL JAZZ CONCERT Feb. 8. 3 p.m. Rockville Concert Band presents its annual jazz concert with the Guest Ensemble Rockville Swing Band. No tickets required, $5 suggested donation. Learn more at www.rockvillemd.gov/theatre or (240) 314-8690. F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, Rockville Civic Center Park at 603 Edmonston Dr., Rockville, MD. FEB. 10 TINY TOTS VALENTINES CELEBRATION Feb. 10. 10 a.m.- noon Come in your cutest red to play, make crafts and sample light refreshments. Ages 5 and under, $2 per child; current membership or day passes for adult ($6 for Rockville residents / $8 for non-residents, at the door). Preregister using course #49103. Thomas Farm Community Center, 700 Fallsgrove Drive. TUESDAY TOPICS: MARYLAND WILD ACRES Feb. 10. 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Maryland’s Wild Acres is a voluntary program encouraging Maryland citizens to create backyard wildlife habitats, which can include decks, yards, large lots, and everything in between. Such habitats can increase food and shelter for wildlife, control soil erosion, reduce sediment in waterways, conserve water, improve water quality, inspire stewardship and beautify the landscape. The goal of the Wild Acres program is to create backyard habitats across the State that maximize wildlife benefits and highlight conservation stewardship. Speaker: Kerry Wixted, Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service, Department of Natural Resources. Admission is $5. For more information, call (301) 258-6160 or email museum@gaithersburgmd.gov. Gaithersburg Community Museum, 9 South Summit Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20877. FEB. 11 HARP HAPPY! PLAYS LOVE SONGS FROM AROUND THE WORLD Feb. 11. 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. In celebration of Library Lovers’ month, Harp Happy! a quartet of Celtic harpers will play an array love songs from around the world, including songs from England, Ireland, Wales, New Zealand, China, Japan, Persia, Poland, Greece, Sweden, Israel, Latvia, and of course, the USA! Styles include classic to pop, including an Elvis medley. Program sponsored by Quince Orchard Library and Friends of the Library, Quince Orchard Chapter. For more information, please call (240) 777-0200. Quince Orchard Library, 15831 Quince Orchard Rd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878. FEB. 12 FOREVER YOURS BEREAVEMENT WORKSHOP Feb. 12. 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. A special workshop for widows, widowers and life partners who want to honor and remember their loved ones on Valentine’s Day. Free and open to any Montgomery County resident. Registration required. Call (301) 921-4400. Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Dr., Rockville, MD 20850. TEEN WRITER'S CLUB Feb. 12. 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Join us every Thursday at the Marilyn J. Praisner Library, at 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MD 20866, to meet other teens who share your interest in writing. Learn to improve your writing and try new approaches. Ages 12 and up are welcome. Every Thursday 6:30-8:00 p.m. For additional li- FOREVER YOURS BEREAVEMENT WORKSHOP Feb. 13. 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. A special workshop for widows, widowers and life partners who want to honor and remember their loved ones on Valentine’s Day. Free and open to any Montgomery County resident. Registration required. Call (301) 921-4400. Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Dr., Rockville, MD 20850. LEATHER & LACE STEVIE NICKS TRIBUTE BAND Feb. 13. 9 p.m. Rocky Gap Casino Resort’s Allegheny Event Center will host Leather & Lace: A Tribute to Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac. Leather and Lace is focused on bringing the intensity and glamour of Stevie Nicks to the stage in the form of an entertaining presentation that draws the audience in on their journey through Stevie's music. General admission tickets are $20, or $35, which includes a buffet. More information about Leather & Lace is available at http://stevienickstributeband.com. Guests must be 21 years-old to attend and tickets are non-refundable. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at (301) 784-8573 or at http://rockygapcasino.com/tickets. 16701 Lakeview Rd., Flintstone, MD 21530. STORYTELLER DIANE MACKLIN Feb. 14. 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Join us for a special interactive story experience! Diane Macklin will be presenting tales involving rhythm, music, songs, chants and movement in celebration of Black History Month! A show for the whole family; no registration required. Program sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Quince Orchard Chapter. For more information, call (240) 777-0200. Quince Orchard Library, 15831 Quince Orchard Rd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878. PLAY IN A DAY Feb. 20-21. Six professional Washington, D.C. area theatre companies will write, direct, rehearse and perform original plays based on similar themes in only 24 hours. The plays will be presented at the tenth annual Play In A Day, a one-of-a-kind theatrical event. Play In A Day kicks off on Friday evening, February 20th where playwrights and directors come together to receive their assigned themes and props. Playwrights then work through the night to create their ten-minute masterpieces. As the sun comes up, rehearsals begin as teams of directors and actors prepare anxiously to make the 8pm performance deadline on Saturday, February 21, 2015. Tickets are $15 Participants: Adventure Theatre MTC, American Ensemble Theater, Flying V, Imagination Stage, Olney Theater, Round House Theatre. Continued on page 14 14 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL Whatʼs happening this week in Montgomery County C FEBRUARY 5, 2015 ALENDAR Continued from page 13 ANNUAL SPRING GARDENING CONFERENCE Feb. 21. The Montgomery County Master Gardeners are holding their 15th Annual Spring Gardening Conference. The daylong event offers multiple workshops, morning snacks, a delicious bag lunch, door prizes, networking with other gardeners, answers to your gardening questions, handouts, and reference materials. Participants can attend three of nine concurrent workshops, all taught by Master Gardeners. This year’s topics include water features, herbs, perennials for shade, urban gardening, design tricks, DIY irrigation, peppers, and much more, plus several lunchtime presentations. The event will be held at the University of Maryland Extension Montgomery County Office, 18410 Muncaster Rd, Derwood, MD, at the Agricultural History Farm Park. Advance registration is $55 (box lunch included); bring a friend and the cost is $100 for two. Registration information can be found at: http://goo.gl/i4nalm The registration deadline is February 17, 2015. Space is limited and workshops will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: YEAR OF THE SHEEP Feb. 21. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Usher in the Chinese New Year 4713, Year of the Sheep, with the COURTESY PHOTO Duquesne University Tamburitzans present music, songs, and dances of Eastern Europe on Feb. 7th at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre in Rockville. Gaithersburg Chinese School. Enjoy folk dancing, performances and arts and crafts. Performances at 11:00 a.m. and arts and craft activities at 12:00 p.m. Space is limited. Presented by the students and staff of Gaithersburg Chinese School and sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Quince Orchard Chapter. For more information, call (240) 777-0200. Quince Orchard Library, 15831 Quince Orchard Rd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878. ROMERO: SUITE PARA CUERDES Feb. 21. 8 p.m. National String Symphonia presents "Romero: Suite Para Cuerdas.” This complete suite is a rhythmic, sensual piece that weaves Venezuelan folk music with traditional European forms and energizes any space it fills. Romero is best known for his popular works and was creator of Venezuela's new wave "Onda Nueva" school of music. Tickets: $10-$37.50. Learn more at www.rockvillemd.gov/theatre or (240) 314-8690. F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, Rockville Civic Center Park at 603 Edmonston Dr., Rockville, MD. CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: YEAR OF THE SHEEP Feb. 21. 11a.m.-1p.m. Usher in the Chinese New Year 4713, Year of the Sheep, with the Gaithersburg Chinese School. Enjoy folk dancing, performances and arts and crafts. Performances at 11:00 a.m. and arts and craft activities at 12:00 p.m. Space is limited. Presented by the students and staff of Gaithersburg Chinese School and sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Quince Orchard Chapter. For more information, call (240) 777-0200. Quince Orchard Library, 15831 Quince Orchard Rd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878. LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION AT BLACKROCK CENTER Feb. 21. 10:00am – 1:00 p.m. Celebrate Lunar New Year at BlackRock . Join us for a Free Family Fun Day with kid-friendly tours of the exhibition “Transformations of Brush and Paper,” drop-in art making activities with a Lunar New Year theme, and performances of traditional Asian music, dance, and more. The event is free but advance registration is recommended. Drop-ins are welcome. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. Recommended for ages 5+ with adult. Live music and dance performances have been organized in partnership with the Chinese Cultural and Community Service Center (CCACC), located in Gaithersburg, MD, and will include music performed by the CCACC Gu Zheng Club, martial arts by the MoyYat Ving Tsun Athletics Association, traditional dances by the Graceful Posture & Dance Class and the Carol Kuo Dance Class, and choral music by The Potomac Youth Choir. For more information about the Chinese Cultural and Community Service Center (CCACC), please visit: www.ccacc-dc.org LOCATION: Main Gallery (first floor) BlackRock Center for the Arts 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown, MD 20874. PRICE: FREE - For more information, please visit: www.blackrockcenter.org ROMERO: SUITE PARA CUERDES Feb. 21. 8 p.m. National String Symphonia presents "Romero: Suite Para Cuerdas.” This complete suite is a rhythmic, sensual piece that weaves Venezuelan folk music with traditional European forms and energizes any space it fills. Romero is best known for his popular works and was creator of Venezuela's new wave "Onda Nueva" school of music. Tickets: $10-$37.50. Learn more at www.rockvillemd.gov/theatre or (240) 314-8690. F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, Rockville Civic Center Park at 603 Edmonston Dr., Rockville, MD. BLACKJACK TOURNAMENT Feb. 22. 3 p.m. Rocky Gap Casino Resort will host a CASH Blackjack tournament in which players can win a share of $1,500. The buy-in is now just $30 and the top five winners are guaranteed cash prizes. For more information, call (301) 7848400 or visit rockygapresort.com. 16701 Lakeview Rd., Flintstone, MD 21530. TAKOMA PARK JAZZFEST BAND BRAWL Feb. 22. 6 p.m. Three jazz bands will compete for a showcase at the 20th Takoma Park JazzFest plus $600 prize. The 20th JazzFest will be Sunday, June 14 in downtown Takoma Park (two stages, workshops, crafts and international foods). For more information, visit www.tpjazzfest.org or contact Bruce Krohmer, producer, at clarinet1@netzero.net or (240) 277-6291. Busboys and Poets, 234 Carroll St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20012. February 5, 2015 – February 11, 2015 ROCKVILLE'S LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION Feb. 28. - A special Lunar New Year celebration will honor Rockville's Asian cultures on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre at Rockville Civic Center Park, 603 Edmonston Drive. The event will feature samples of Asian cuisine and a variety of multigenerational performances and exhibitors including several dance groups. Also performing will be Flowers of Beijing Opera, the boys Korean drum group from Spark M. Matsunaga Elementary School in Germantown and the FilipinoAmerican Community of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Gaithersburg. A full list of performers is available atwww.rockvillemd.gov/lunarnewyear. The celebration is organized by Rockville's Asian Pacific American Task Force to commemorate the beginning of the year 4713 on the Chinese calendar. One in three Rockville residents was born outside the United States and 54 percent of the City's foreign-born population was born in Asia, according to the City's planning department. For more information, contact Janet Kelly, task force liaison at 240-314-8316 orjkelly@rockvillemd.gov or visit www.rockvillemd.gov/apataskforce. For information about access, call the City's ADA coordinator at 240-314-8108. ERNESTO BAZAN PHOTOWORKS @GLEN ECHO PARK Feb. 28. 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Portfolio Reviews with Master Photographer Ernesto Bazan - One-OnOne Reviews $150 for up to 30 prints. 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM "A Cuban Trilogy" Ernesto Bazan Lecture & Book Signing, Elsie Hull Memorial Lecture Series $25 per ticket. Visit glenechophotoworks.org for information & tickets, or check out our Facebook events page. DREAM ON! ART EXHIBIT AT DEL RAY ARTISANS Exhibit Dates: March 6–29. Weird, wonderful, surreal or scary, our dreams conjure images and influence feelings. Some dreams are thematic; some are more random, disjointed occurrences—fragmented images that question the meaning of past experiences or forewarn of future occurrences. Visit Del Ray Artisans gallery in March to see how artists explored their nocturnal adventures and daydreams in the exhibit: DREAM ON! Join the artists and other art appreciators for the opening reception on Friday, March 6 from 7-9 pm. In conjunction with the exhibit, don’t miss the “Dream On Pajama Party” on Saturday, March 14 from 7-10 p.m. There will be prizes, raffles, and fun! The party is free to those who arrive in pajamas and $5 each for those who don’t. An exciting and fun evening is planned for all! The exhibit and pajama party will be at Del Ray Artisans gallery at the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Regular gallery hours are: Thursdays 12-6 pm, Fridays & Saturdays 12-9 pm, and Sundays 12-6 pm. The gallery is free, open to the public and handicap accessible. For more information, please visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org/shows or contact the curator Theresa Kulstad (tkulstad@verizon.net) or Del Ray Artisans’ Director of Curating Lesley Hall (Curating@TheDelRayArtisans.org). ONGOING A DAY AT THE POOL EXHIBITION Through Feb. 23. "A Day at the Pool" depicts the anxiety that underlies a mother's love. Na'ama Batya COURTESY PHOTO Ronald Beverly's photo exhibit at the BlackRock Center for the Arts opens Feb. 5th. Lewin is a photographer and video artist living in Maryland. Her art often explores the roles of women in society. The responsibilities, expectations and emotions that come from being a daughter, a wife and a mother have been recurring themes in her work. Ms. Lewin has served as adjunct faculty at the Corcoran College of Art and Design for eleven years. For more information, visit www.glenechophotoworks.org or call (301) 6342274. Photoworks Gallery and Photography School, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD 20812. AFTERNOON GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Tuesdays 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. For anyone grieving the death of a love one. Registration required at (301) 921-4400. North Bethesda United Methodist Church, 10100 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814. LOSS OF A CHILD SUPPORT GROUP Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. For parents grieving the death of a child of any age. Registration required at (301) 921-4400. Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Dr., Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850. EVENING GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Thursdays 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. For anyone grieving the death of a loved one. Registration required at (301) 921-4400. Hughes United Methodist Church, 10700 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20918. PARENT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP Thursdays 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. For adults who have experienced the death of one or both parents. Registration required at (301) 921-4400. Mt. Calvary Baptist church, 608 North Horner’s Lane, Rockville, MD 20850. RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN Jan. 28 - Feb. 22. In a comedy hailed by The New York Times as “intensely smart and immensely funny,” Gina Gionfriddo (Becky Shaw) takes a sharp, unflinching look at 21st century gender politics. After grad school, Catherine built a career as a rock-star academic while Gwen built a home with a husband and children. Decades later, unfulfilled in opposite ways, each woman covets the other’s life, and a dangerous game begins as each tries to claim the other’s territory. For more information, call (240) 644-1100 or visit roundhousetheatre.org. Round House Theatre, 4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814. BACKGAMMON TOURNAMENT Tuesdays. 6:30p.m.-10p.m. Local backgammon tournament on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month starting March 11. More information at MeetUp.com-DC Metro Backgammon Club. Ruby Tuesday Westfield Wheaton Mall 11160 Veirs Mill Rd, Wheaton-Glenmont, MD 20902 11gmail66@gmail.com DOWNLOADING E-BOOKS, E-AUDIOBOOKS, E-MAGAZINES ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICES Jan. 6 - Feb. 10. Learn how to download ebooks, e-audio books and e-magazines on your mobile device like the Kindle, iPad, iPhone, Nook or Android devices. Volunteers or staff will meet with you one-on-one and walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have. For more information, call (240) 777-0200. Quince Orchard Library, 15831 Quince Orchard Rd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878. CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH Sundays 11am-3pm. $33 $12 for unlimited champagne cocktails Executive Chef Todd Wiss has cooked up a seasonal brunch menu complete with a brunch time standard – Champagne! Guests are welcome every Sunday to indulge on Black’s favorites like Smoked Salmon, Chesapeake Bay Blue Fish Rillette, Herb Crusted Pineland Farms Prime Rib or breakfast treats like House Made Brioche French Toast, Quiche and a selection of Chef Wiss’ homemade jams. Visit http://www.blacksbarandkitchen.com or call (301) 652-5525. Black’s Bar and Kitchen, 7750 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814. LAUGH RIOT AT THE HYATT Saturdays 8 p.m.-10 p.m. Check out a live standup comedy show by local stand up comics every weekend at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda. There's a $25 cash prize joke contest for non-comedian audience members after the show. Check it out every Saturday night! Comedians can sign up to perform by emailing curtshackelford@verizon.net. $10 at the door. Visit http://www.StandupComedyToGo.com or call (301) 657-1234. Hyatt Regency Bethesda, 1 Bethesda Metro Center, Bethesda, MD. CORPORATE BARTENDING FOR CHARITY Wednesdays 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Send your CEO or VP to Tommy Joe's to bartend for charity! Can't bartend? No problem, the on-staff bartenders are there Continued on page 15 FEBRUARY 5, 2015 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL Continued from page 14 please visit: http://danceexchange.org/ or call: 301270-6700. to help for a good cause (no experience necessary). Represent your company during happy hour, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the charity of your choice. Maybe you can even pull off some flair behind the bar and make Tom Cruise proud. Visit tommyjoes.com or call (301) 654-3801 for more information. 4714 Montgomery Ln., Bethesda, MD 20814. NEED A SITTER? IT’S LEGO TIME AT VISARTS! Saturdays, 12 – 5 p.m. at VisArts in Rockville. Go on a date, get some shopping done, or just relax for a few hours while your kids get to play with more than 15 pounds of LEGO bricks! Children can play on our LEGO race track, build a car, a tall tower, a city or free build. They can even take part in a LEGO craft project! Our top-notch staff are LEGO enthusiasts and ready to entertain your kids while you get some "me" time. Register at birthdays@visartscenter.org. LIVE MUSIC FRIDAYS Friday 9:30 p.m.-12:30 p.m. Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery features different music styles by various live bands that perform both original and cover songs. So come relax and enjoy live music and Rock Bottom's award-winning handcrafted beer. Visit http://www.rockbottom.com or call (301) 652-1311 for more information. 7900 Norfolk Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814. SALSA NIGHT Tuesdays 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Come to the Barking Dog every Tuesday night for their sizzling Salsa Night. Take lessons with salsa instructor Michelle Reyes from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. for only $10. Learn to shake those hips, and then show off your new skills to the music of a live salsa band during the open dance after class. Visit salsawild.com or call (301) 654-0022 for more information. 4723 Elm St., Bethesda, MD 20814. HEY MR. DJ Fridays 9 p.m.-2 a.m. It’s time to dance! Grab your friends and come to The Barking Dog for a good time on the dance floor. Every Friday and Saturday night the Dog brings in a DJ to play the Top 40 and your favorite songs. Make sure you check out their great drink specials before you show us what you got! The Barking Dog, Elm Street Bethesda, MD 20814. Free admission. SPAGNVOLA CHOCOLOATE FACTORY TOUR Saturdays and Sundays : 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Meet the owners, learn about the origin of chocolate, and see how it is grown and processed. Experience how chocolate is made from the actual cacao seed to the final chocolate during this "sweet" educational tour, from chocolate bars to truffles to bonbons. Each tour also includes a FREE chocolate tasting! 360 Main Street Suite 101 Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878. Visit http://www.spagnvola.com or call (240) 6546972. COUNTRY THURSDAYS Thursdays, 9 p.m. Union Jack's traditionally British pub in Bethesda heads to the South for their all new Country Night every Thursday. Live country/rock bands, free cowboy hats for the cowgirls, bandanas for the cowboys, drink specials, including $2 PBR cans, $2 Budweiser bottles, $4 Jack Daniels drinks, food specials including 50 cent hot wings. Best of all, there's no cover to get in! And be sure to get there early for Union Jack's famous Beat. 4915 Saint Elmo Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814. WORLD SERIES OF POKER Every Tuesday and Sunday night Flanagan's hosts Poker in the rear from 8-10 p.m. it's Bethesda's own version of The World Series of poker. Call (301) 951-0115 for more. Flanagan's Harp and Fiddle, 4844 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814. TAKOMA MOVES! COMMUNITY DANCE CLASS AT DANCE EXCHANGE Thursdays, 6:30 - 8 p.m., $10 per class. First Thursday of each month from 6:30 - 7 p.m., free! This open-level, community modern class brings together movers of all ages and abilities to move and make at Dance Exchange. Led by teachers from the DC region, Takoma Park Moves creates a space to explore improvisation, technique, and choreography in an intergenerational class. This drop-in class will kick off on the first Thursday of each month with a free, 30 minute get to know you class. New to dance? Join us. Returning to dance? Join us. Just want to dance with your family and neighbors? Join us. Presented by Dance Exchange, 7117 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD. For more information, GAITHERSBURG ROTARY CLUB WEEKLY MEETING Every Tuesday, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Hilton Hotel, 620 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg. For more information, please visit www.gaithersburgrotary.org. THE COMEDY AND MAGIC SOCIETY Fridays, 8 p.m. Astounding magic and slight of hand with interactive theatre and hilarious fun. Ages 10 and up. 311 Kent Square Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878. For more information: 301-258-6394. Price: $12 to $15 DROP-IN YOGA IN BETHESDA Fridays, 6 – 7 p.m. Community classes are mixed level, one-hour asana classes taught by a rotating selection of Unity Woods teachers. Just drop in – no registration required! Unity Woods Yoga Center, 4853 Cordell Ave. Bethesda. Ages 18+. Cost: $5. For more information, call 301-656-8992. TEEN SK8 AT WHEATON ICE Most Friday evenings 8 p.m.– 10 p.m. The Wheaton Ice Arena is the place to be on Friday nights! Play along with our theme to get the 'Cheapskate' rate of $6.50 for admission and skates. Wheaton Regional Park, 11717 Orebaugh Ave in Wheaton, MD. For more information, call: 301905-3000 or visit: montgomeryparks.org. – Compiled by Rebecca Guterman The Montgomery County Sentinel regrets to inform organizations that only Montgomery County groups or events located within the county will be published on a space-available basis. Send news of your group’s event AT LEAST two weeks in advance to: The Montgomery County Sentinel 22 W Jefferson St. Suite 309 Rockville, MD. 20850 or email mc-calendar@thesentinel.com or call 301.838.0788 Some Fun 15 16 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL FEBRUARY 5, 2015 FEBRUARY 5, 2015 17 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL C LASSIFIEDS Automotive 1035 - Antiques & Classics 1039 - Domestics 1040 - Imports 1041 - Sports Utility Vehicle 1043 - Pickups, Trucks & Vans 1045 - Motorcycles/Mopeds 1046 - Auto Services 1047 - Parts/Accessories 1051 - Vehicles Wanted RVʼs 1059 - Airplanes 1065 - Boats 1067 - RVs Announcements 2001 - Adoptions 2003 - Carpools 2004 - Happy Ads 2005 - Camp Directory 2006 - Classes/Seminars 2008 - Found 2031 - Lost 2033 - General Announcements 2037 - Personal Ads 2039 - In Memoriam Services 3000 - Accounting Services 3017 - Business services 3021 - Carpet services 3030 - Ceramic Tile 3031 - Child care services 3033 - Chimney cleaning 3035 - Cleaning services 3039 - Computer Services 3041 - Concrete 3045 - Decorating/Home Interior 3052 - Editing/Writing 3053 - Elder Care 3055 - Electrical Services 3057 - Entertainment/Parties 3062 - Financial 3066 - General Services 3071 - Gutters 3072 - Hauling 3073 - Health & Fitness 3075 - Home Improvement 3085 - Instruction/Tutoring 3086 - Insurance Services 3089 3093 3095 3101 3102 3103 3104 3105 3107 3109 3115 3118 3123 3125 3129 3130 3133 3135 3137 3141 3143 3145 - Landscaping Lawn & Garden Legal Services Masonry Medical/Health Moving & Storage Painting Paving/Seal Coating Pet Services Photography Plumbing Pressure Cleaning Roofing Sewing/Alterations Snow Removal Tax Preparation Tree Services Upholstering Wallpapering Wedding/Parties Window Cleaning Windows Employment 4107 - Resumes/Word Processing Professional Services Specializing in Concrete & Masonry Construction Since 1977 4109 4121 4122 4123 4134 4135 4139 4140 4141 4142 4155 4163 - 5022 - Garage/Yard Sales 5024 - Health & Fitness 5026 - Horses, Livestock & Supplies 5030 - Lawn & Garden Equipment 5032 - Merchandise For Sale 5034 - Miscellaneous 5036 - Musical Instruments 5040 - Pets & Supplies 5045 - Trips, Tours & Travel 5048 - Wanted to Buy Positions Wanted Child Care Wanted Domestic Help Wanted Volunteers Wanted Career Training Help Wanted, General Medical Dental Allied Health Part-time Positions Seasonal Help Business Opportunities Merchandise 5000 - Give Aways 5002 - Antiques 5003 - Appliances 5004 - Arts, Crafts & Hobbies 5005 - Auction & Estate Sales 5008 - Building Materials 5012 - Cemetery Lots & Crypts 5014 - Computers & Software 5015 - Consignment 5016 - Events/Tickets 5018 - Flea Market 5020 - Furniture Rentals 6035 - Apartments/Condos 6037 - Apartment Complexes 6039 - Commercial Space 6043 - Homes/Townhomes 6047 - Industrial/Warehouse 6049 - Office Space 6051 - Roommates 6053 - Room for Rent 6057 - Storage Space 6059 - Vacation Rental 6061 - Want to Rent Real Estate 6101 - Commercial property 6117 - Lots & Acreage 6119 - Mobile Homes 6121 - Owners Sale 6123 - Real Estate 6127 - Real Estate Services 6131 - Real Estate Wanted 6133 - Vacation Property To Advertise in The Sentinel: Phone: 1-800-884-8797 (301) 317-1946 DEADLINES: Prince Georgeʼs Sentinel Monday 12:30 pm Montgomery County Sentinel Monday 12:30 pm To Place Your Ad Call 410-884-4600 Today! • 2-story Foyers/Vaulted Ceilings • Military Discounts • Drywall/Water Damage Repair • Senior Citizen Discounts • Power Washing/Decks/Homes • Licensed & Insured • Handyman/Carpentry • MHIC#70338 • Wallpaper Removal Driveways Brick Sidewalks Stone Patios Stucco Steps Chimneys Custom Design Basements (o) 410.663.1224 (c) 443.562.7589 MHIC #3802 WWW.LSCMD.COM AUTO SERVICES AUTO INSURANCE STARTING AT $25/ MONTH! Call 877-929-9397 VEHICLES WANTED CARS/TRUCKS WANTED! Top $$$$$ PAID! Running or Not, All Makes!. Free Towing! We’re Local! 7 Days/Week. Call 1-800-959-8518 CASH FOR CARS! Any Make, Model or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not. Sell Your Car or Truck TODAY. Free Towing! Instant Offer: 1-888-545-8647 DONATE AUTOS, TRUCKS, RV’S. LUTHERAN MISSION SOCIETY Your donation helps local families with food, clothing, shelter, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA License #W1044. 410-636-0123 or www.LutheranMissionSociety.org ACCOUNTING SERVICES GET CASH NOW for your Annuity or Structured Settlement. Top Dollars Paid. Fast, No Hassle Service! 877693-0934 (M-F 9:35am-7pm ET) GUARANTEED INCOME FOR YOUR RETIREMENT Avoid market risk & get guaranteed income in retirement! CALL for FREE copy of our SAFE MONEY GUIDE Plus Annuity Quotes from A-Rated companies! 800-669-5471 ACCOUNTING SERVICES www.handsonpainters.com 410-242-1737 ACCOUNTING SERVICES Vacuum Cleaners Serviced All makes Free Estimates & models Free pick up & delivery 91 years of service 1924 - 2015 Aerus Electrolux Factory Authorized Provider Our showroom & service dept. 1702 Joan Ave • Balto 21234 410-882-1027 PROBLEMS WITH THE IRS OR STATE TAXES? Settle for a fraction of what you owe! Free face to face consultations with offices in your area. Call 855-970-2032 SELL YOUR STRUCTURED SETTLEMENT OR ANNUITY payments for CASH NOW. You don’t have to wait for your future payments any longer! Call 1-800-283-3601 SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-800-706-8742 to start your application today! BUSINESS SERVICES DRIVE TRAFFIC TO YOUR BUSINESS AND REACH 4.1 MILLION READERS WITH JUST ONE PHONE CALL & ONE BILL. See your business ad in 104 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia for just $495.00 per ad placement. The value of newspapers advertising HAS NEVER BEEN STRONGER....call 1-855-721-6332 x 6 or 301-8528933 today to place your ad before 4.1 million readers. Email Wanda Smith @ wsmith@mddcpress.com or visit our website at www.mddcpress.com. PLACE YOUR AD TODAY IN THE AREA’S PREMIER NEWSPAPERS, The Baltimore Sun and The Washington Post newspapers, along with 10 other daily newspapers five days per week. Reach 2.5 million readers with your ad placement in every daily newspaper in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. For just pennies on the dollar reach 2.5 million readers through the MDDC’s Daily Classified Connection Network. CALL 1-855-721-6332 x 6; SPACE is VERY LIMITED; email wsmith@mddcpress.com or visit our website at www.mddcpress.com. BANK ON BANK ON RESULTS. RESULTS. Your ad here pays off. Your ad here pays off. BUSINESS SERVICES PLACE YOUR 2X4 AD IN THIS NETWORK IN 82 NEWSPAPERS IN MARYLAND, DELAWARE AND DC for just $2900.00. Reach 3.6 million readers every week with just one call, one bill and one ad. Call 1-855-721-6336 x 6 to place your ad or email wsmith@ mddcpress.com. Get the reach, the results...maximize your advertising dollars TODAY! HAULING 1-1 MIN. CALL HAULS IT ALL Any size job welcome. Guar. to beat comp. price. Free est. Call Mike 410-294-8404. 1AAA ABC Attics, Bsmt, Garage, Yards. 25 yrs of honest hauling. Same Day. Call Mike: 410-446-1163. ABM’S HAULING Clean Houses Basements, Yards & Attics Haul free unwanted cars Match Any Price!!!!! 443-250-6703 HOME IMPROVEMENT ALL THINGS BASEMENTY! Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs! Waterproofing, Finishing, Structural Repairs, Humidity and Mold Control FREE ESTIMATES! Call 1-800-998-5574 LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES 3026045-1 PD RIVATE RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES 3 X 2.51 i Judge NANCY B. SHUGER served for 18 years Associate Judge on the 22095 Legal Services -as anCNG District Court of Maryland for Baltimore City, handling various civil and criminal 3026045-1 matters. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) offers a creative, positive alternative tot the cost and uncertainty of litigation for individuals, businesses, organiza004676NANCY tions and families. As a former judge, she can assist disputing parties to achieve reasonable results. ADR offers a way for her to help people discover common SENTINEL interests which can allow them to shape their own resolution to their disputes. Nancy As a mediator, she acts as a private neutral. She emphasizes that mediation can be ISLAND effective wether the parties desire to address differences in an ongoing relationship, or to reach a mutually agreeable solution to a single dispute, without trial. She uses mediation, arbitration and settlement conferences successfully for conflict involving personal injury (including auto torts and premises liability), employment, workplace conflict, child access, elder law, ethics, collections, contracts and other civil matters. Nancy B. Shuger • Baltimore, MD 410-903-7813 • nancy.shuger@gmail.com CAREER TRAINING CAREER TRAINING CAREER TRAINING AIRLINE CAREERS START HERE Get hands on training as FAA certified Technician fixing jets. Financial aid if qualified. Call for free information Aviation Institute of Maintenance 1-877-818-0783 www.FixJets.com AVIATION GRADS WORK WITH JETBLUE, Boeing, Delta and others- start here with hands on training for FAA certification. Financial aid if qualified. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-823-6729 YOU CAN BE CAREER-READY in as little as 3 months for a rewarding new career in the growing healthcare, technology, or administration industries. The U.S. Department of Labor expects millions of new jobs in these fields! Get started today: CareerStep.com/startnow. 18 FEBRUARY 5, 2015 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL CAREER TRAINING MEDICAL BILLING TRANING PROGRAM! Train to process insurance and Medical Billing from home! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Online training at CTI gets you job ready! HS Diploma/ Ged & Computer/Internet needed.1-877-649-2671 HELP WANTED, GENERAL HELP WANTED, GENERAL WEBMASTER D 3026054-1 2 X 3.01 i 47135 Help Wanted, General - CNG Webmaster needed to manage website for two 3026054-1 weekly newspapers. Responsibilities include, but 004011WEBMASTER not limited to: Preparing the electronic version SENTINEL Master ofWeb the publications, designing ads and overseeing the website. Call 301-728-7949 to apply. 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Call Call 301-317-1946 301-317-1946 February 5, 2015 The Montgomery County Sentinel 19 PHOTOS BY JACQUI SOUTH Donovan Walker brings the ball up for Springbrook, left, while at right Springbrookʼs Aaron Burton matches up with R.M.ʼs Nick Jackson. Springbrook takes R.M. down a peg 43-40 By Holden Wilen Sentinel Sports SILVER SPRING – Three years ago the Springbrook High School coaching staff had concerns that Vincent Brown’s days on the hardwood might be over after he suffered a serious injury to his leg and knee. But on Friday night the senior guard led the Blue Devils (14-2) to a 43-40 upset victory over the previously-undefeated Richard Montgomery Rockets (15-1) with two of the biggest plays of his career. With just over three minutes left in the third quarter Brown made a 3pointer to give the Blue Devils their first lead in the game since they led 2-0 in the first quarter. After the Rockets came back to tie the game, Brown slashed to the hoop, spun in the air and put the ball in the basket to give his team a 30-28 lead with 12 seconds left in the quarter. “When I was dribbling I saw the big man jump and I saw the spin move was open,” said Brown, who finished with eight points. “So I just took advantage of that.” The Blue Devils never relinquished the lead, though the game came down to the last shot. Springbrook head coach Darnell Myers, who is in his first year leading the team, said Brown’s shots made him proud because of the adversity Brown has faced. “This kid got hurt as a freshman and damaged his knee. We thought that maybe his basketball career was maybe going to be over,” Myers said. “He went to therapy and he just hung in there and has worked so hard all season to get better. He went to camps to get better. He didn’t even start last year and now he is in a starting role and playing pretty good for us.” Myers called the shots Brown made to give his team the lead the biggest shots of the game. “At first I was a little scared when he did (the spin move) but then after he made it up I jumped up, so I was happy for him,” Myers said. In the summer between his freshman and sophomore year, Brown said he broke his tibia. He went through rehab and healed quickly. Now, he said it feels good seeing his hard work pay off. “It feels great. It is every kid’s dream to make the big shots in big games and I’m just glad I was able to do that,” Brown said. “I just had to work harder than everybody and I’ve just been able to get to where I am now.” In the fourth quarter Springbrook expanded its lead to as many as seven points, leading 41-34. But some mistakes down the stretch almost cost the team the game. The Blue Devils struggled from the free-throw line, hitting only 4-10 shots. They also turned the ball with seven seconds left when senior center Aaron Burton, who finished with a team-high 14 points, threw the ball out of bounds and gave the Rockets one last chance to tie the game. “Aaron threw it too quick. Vincent was supposed to come up and he was supposed to hit him in the corner and he gets fouled,” Myers said. “He saw Vincent run and tried to lead Vincent to the outside. It was a mis- take but they held them.” The Rockets missed both 3point shot attempts, sealing the win for the Blue Devils. Despite the team suffering its first loss of the season, Richard Montgomery head coach David Breslaw said the team’s goals remain intact. Losing a game means staying undefeated is one thing less to worry about, he said. Breslaw also credited his players for hanging in the game even though the team played undermanned. “We could have done some stuff better. Being undefeated was never really the goal for us and I don’t think really many teams want to go undefeated or have the goal of going undefeated,” Breslaw said. “Of course we are disappointed but we are going to get over this, that’s no problem.” 20 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL February 5, 2015 SPORTS PHOTOS BY JACQUI SOUTH Clarksburg forward, Raphael Okoye, left, is fouled by Tyrik Etheridge of Gaithersburg on this shot. At right, Gaithersburg Geron Braithwaite drives the lane for a layup. Gaithersburg tops rival Clarksburg 63-60 By Brandy L. Simms Senior Sports Writer GAITHERSBURG – Anthony Tarke scored a game-high 21 points and Geron Braithwaite added 17 points to lead the Trojans past rival Clarksburg, 63-60, during a home matchup Monday. Tarke, an All-Sentinel performer as a junior last season, was spectacular with his all-around play on the court. Besides his scoring on offense, Tarke unleashed a defensive arsenal, showcasing shot blocking ability. Meanwhile, Clarksburg was led by talented sophomore Ian Krishnan and standout junior Dallas Marshall who combined for 36 points. Krishnan, a Good Counsel transfer, finished with a team-high 19 points in the loss. The Coyotes played without their star player, Andrew Kostecka, a junior Holy Cross commit who was on the bench nursing a bruised thigh. “They’re a great program,” Gaithersburg head coach Tom Sheahin said. “They had beaten us the last two times, obviously knocked us out of the playoffs last year.” Gaithersburg led 23-22 at halftime before the Trojans outscored Clarksburg in the third quarter to take a 45-37 advantage entering the final stanza. Braithwaite’s three-point play with seven minutes remaining gave the Trojans a 49-39 advantage but Clarksburg rallied behind Krishnan’s solid performance down the stretch. Clarksburg, who outscored Gaithersburg 23-18 in the fourth quarter, added a late basket to keep the Coyotes within striking distance before Tarke blocked Krishnan’s three-point attempt from the corner in the final seconds. “Losing by three and beating us once without their best player is something said about their program,” added Sheahin. “He’s doing a good job and like I told [Clarksburg head coach] G.J. [Kissal] before the game, that’s one team I don’t want to play in the playoffs is Clarksburg.” All-Sentinel player honored as MVP in 2015 International Bowl By Brandy L. Simms Senior Sports Writer Despite suffering a 25-9 loss to Canada in what was billed as a great matchup leading up to the game, Avalon junior and All-Sentinel wide receiver Trevon Diggs shined in the 2015 International Bowl Friday night at AT&T Stadium in Texas. Diggs earned MVP honors for the United States after compiling six catches for 128 yards. Meanwhile, Bullis junior quarterback Dwayne Haskins, who also earned All-Sentinel honors last season, was among the players selected as a team captain for the U.S. Under-18 National Team. Izayah Taylor, a junior defen- sive standout at Avalon, was also selected for the U-18 National Team. The International Bowl is a collaboration of the sport’s national governing bodies in each country – USA Football and Football Canada – featuring top student-athletes in football’s greatest annual international competition. Over the past two seasons, Haskins has passed for more than 3,000 yards and 36 touchdowns while leading Bullis to back-to-back Interstate Athletic Conference titles. Both Diggs and Haskins have drawn the interest of college scouts from coast to coast with numerous NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) offers. Haskins, who was named the Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year for his performance last season, is being recruited by Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Rutgers among others while Diggs has an offer list that includes Auburn, Florida and Penn State. In-state Maryland is also recruiting both players. FEBRUARY 5, 2015 21 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL SPORTS Magruder and Gaithersburg clash and burn By Holden Wilen Sentinel Sports ROCKVILLE – The Magruder Colonels and Gaithersburg Trojans both came into Wednesday night’s matchup undefeated in the new calendar year, but only one team left a winner. Despite struggling with turnovers and lackadaisical play on defense in the first half, Magruder (10-4) defeated Gaithersburg (10-4) in game that came down to the last shot—a missed 3-point attempt by Trojans senior guard Geron Brathwaite. “It was an intense battle, and it has been the last few years,” said Magruder head coach Dan Harwood. “It’s a really interesting game because we haven’t practiced since Saturday and both teams were a little rusty at times but the effort was great and we were just fortunate to hold on at the end.” Magruder came into the game having won six games in a row—including a 74-69 win against Gaithersburg on Dec. 22—after starting the season 3-3. The Trojans also came in hot, riding a five-game winning streak after losing back-toback games to Magruder and Kennedy. Early on both teams struggled offensively as they turned the ball over and missed open shots. Magruder struggled to handle Gaithers- burg’s press defense, Harwood said, which resulted in 12 turnovers in the first half for the Colonels. Despite the sloppy play, the teams ended the first quarter tied at 15-15 after Magruder guard Peter Nankhuni nailed a buzzer-beating bank shot. Rather than celebrating the shot Harwood found himself lecturing forward Ronald Hammond on the court because Hammond had missed his assignment on the play before Nankhuni’s shot, leading to an easy basket for the Trojans – but Hammond would redeem himself in the fourth quarter. Magruder took the lead in the second quarter following a threepoint play by forward Joe Hugley, who finished with 14 points in the game, and led 27-23 going into halftime. The Colonels increased their lead to as many as seven points in the third quarter and took a six-point lead into the fourth quarter. The Trojans showed resiliency, starting the fourth quarter on a 13-6 run to take a 51-50 lead, but Hammond answered back for the Colonels as he nailed a 3-pointer with less than three minutes remaining in the game. He then added another bucket on the next possession to give the Colonels a five-point lead at 56-51. Hammond also made two free throws down the stretch and finished with a game-high 18 points. “Ronald is a tough kid. He drives me nuts sometimes,” Harwood said. “At times he is my favorite player and at times he is my least favorite player, but Ronald always gives you a great effort and it is a real tribute to him the way he bounced back. He made the biggest plays in the fourth quarter for us and I was real proud of him.” Hugley said sometimes Hammond makes plays that leave teammates scratching their heads, but in the end he has faith in his teammate. “Sometimes you don’t know what you’re going to get from him but you always know he is going to play hard,” Hugley said. Gaithersburg did not give up down the stretch as Magruder struggled to execute in the final minute of the game. The Trojans had a chance at the end of the game, but Brathwaite missed the would-be gamewinning 3-pointer as time expired. Trojans head coach Tom Sheahin said he would have liked to see the ball end up in the hands of the team’s best player, senior forward Anthony Tarke who finished with a team-high 16 points, but in the end his team did not make enough plays to win the game. “During the critical times when we needed to score we turned it over and they didn’t,” Sheahin said. “We just have to take care of the basketball. If you miss foul shots and turn the ball over you are not going to win games like this.” The Trojans will play again on PHOTO BY JACQUI SOUTH Joe Hugley awaits a rebound for Magruder. Friday against Northwest while the Colonels face a more grueling schedule – playing games on Thursday and Friday as a result of previous games getting postponed because of snow. “I don’t think I’ve ever played three games in a row in my 25 years here,” Harwood said. “I told the kids I want to practice, but the kids want to play the game so they’re excited about it. I would rather have practice tomorrow and we need it, but instead we get to play the game.” Kelley is named to McDonalds All-America Churchill sings a new Song By Brandy L. Simms Senior Sports Writer Bruce Kelley, a longtime boys basketball coach at Potomac’s Bullis School, has been selected to participate in the 2015 McDonald’s All-American Game. “It is a tremendous honor,” said Kelley, who will serve as head coach of the East team. “I’m thrilled. I’m really happy they’re letting me bring my friends with me to coach in that game.” Kelley said his Bullis coaching staff comprised of Bob Brown, Shawn Kane and Markus Townsend will join him in Chicago on April 1. Meanwhile, Allonzo Trier, who earned All-Sentinel Co-Player of the Year honors at Montrose Christian last season, was selected to play on the West team in the McDonald’s All-American Game. Trier, a 6-foot-4 senior guard who signed with Arizona, currently plays at Findlay Prep in Nevada. Since Kelley took over the Bullis program in 2004, the Bulldogs have captured six Interstate Athletic Conference titles and produced various all-conference players. Bullis has won the IAC championship for the last three years and will be seeking a fourth consecutive title this season. During the 2012-13 campaign, Kelley was named The Sentinel’s Coach of the Year after guiding Bullis to a 23-4 record including a perfect 12-0 league mark and the program’s second straight IAC tournament crown. Current Holy Cross sophomore point guard Anthony Thompson, then a senior on that Bullis team, was named The Sentinel’s Player of the Year in 2012-13. Kelley, who has also coached in the Capital Classic High School All-Star Game, said he received numerous calls and texts from various people once news of his selection spread. “It’s cool and the best thing about it is former players contacted me,” said Kelley. “It’s been really, really cool with them.” SUBSCRIBE TO The Sentinel! By Brandy L. Simms Senior Sports Writer Churchill High School has named a new head coach to lead the football program into the 2015 campaign. The Potomac public school announced the hiring of Albert Song, a 1996 Churchill graduate who spent last season as the offensive coordinator at Seneca Valley. Song’s appointment to head coach at his alma mater was announced on social media including Twitter where he was greeted with many well-wishers. “Congrats to Coach Song on being the next head football coach @ Churchill,” tweeted Seneca Valley head coach Fred Kim. “We will miss him badly @ S.V. No doubt, he will be a huge success.” Song spent the last two seasons as Seneca Valley’s offensive coordinator where he helped guide the Screamin’ Eagles to a 15-5 record including an 8-2 mark last year. He was also an assistant at Churchill from 2006-2008 according to Churchill athletic director Scott Rivinius. “He’s extremely passionate about the program,” said Rivinius. “We were anticipating him having a strong interview and he was outstanding.” As a Churchill running back in the 1990’s, Song played for the legendary Fred Shepherd and helped lead the Bulldogs to a 12-1 record including an appearance in the 1995 state championship game during his senior campaign. He was described by one former high school teammate as a “great guy” with a “very high football IQ.” Song replaces Joe Allen who spent six seasons at the helm and was hired at Northwood last month. During his tenure, Allen guided the Bulldogs to a 36-27 record including a 6-4 mark last year. Churchill had four winning seasons during the Allen era and finished 102 and captured the division title during the 2011 campaign. On the web. All the time. www.thesentinel.com 22 FEBRUARY 5, 2015 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL SPORTS Student-athletes from Gaithersburg sign letters By Brandy L. Simms Senior Sports Writer GAITHERSBURG – A pair of senior student-athletes from Gaithersburg High School signed letters of intent on Wednesday during National Signing Day. Jaime Montgomery, a women’s soccer standout, and Kamonte Carter, a football star, put pen to paper and made their college commitments official on Wednesday morning. Montgomery, a forward, signed to play women’s soccer at Palm Beach Atlantic University and Carter, a defensive end, signed to play college football at Penn State. “In order to take it to the next level you have to be a student first,” said Gaithersburg Principal Dr. Christine Handy-Collins. “We wish you only the best at the next level and we want you to always remember that you are a student first.” Both student-athletes thanked the support they received from their parents, coaches and the school administration including Handy-Collins and Athletic Director Jason Woodward. “You guys helped me get to this point so thank you so much,” said Montgomery, who said she also plans to join the Palm Beach Atlantic University women’s lacrosse program as a walk-on next year. According to Montgomery, women’s lacrosse already exists as a club sport at PBAU but the Sailfish are expected to establish a varsity program within the next year. Montgomery said the school’s location in Florida was an ideal situation for her. Palm Beach Atlantic University is located in West Palm Beach. “I really like the coach and they’re also letting me play lacrosse there too,” said Montgomery. Meanwhile, Carter became the latest Gaithersburg football product to accept a Division I scholarship. Last year, former Gaithersburg running back Solomon Vault signed with Northwestern. Like Vault, Carter will play major college football in the Big Ten Conference against the likes of Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin and others. “It’s big time ball,” said Carter. “I can’t wait.” DeMatha hockey overcomes G-Prep 5-2 By Ted Black Sentinel Sports In one of those rare inter-county clashes on the ice each winter, the DeMatha hockey team overcame two one-goal deficits to dispose of visiting Georgetown Prep 5-2 on Wednesday afternoon at the Garden’s Ice House in Laurel. DeMatha (17-15-3) dominated the first period of play as the Stags owned a 13-5 advantage in shots on goals against the Little Hoyas, but as was the case one week earlier against Mt. St. Joseph’s when DeMatha’s 46-10 dominance in shots on goals was not entirely reflected on the scoreboard, the Stags were unable to score in the opener against Georgetown Prep freshman net-minder Will Boggs. After denying the Stags on a power play chance early in the second period, Georgetown Prep (6-5-3) eventually broke the scoreless deadlock on a power play late in the second period when a shot by Macdowell Johnston eluded DeMatha senior goalie Kevin Mackey’s glove and caromed off the right post and into the net to give the Little Hoyas a 1-0 lead with 2:23 remaining in the period. Georgetown Prep looked poised to take the tepid advantage into the Zamboni break between the second and third periods, but the Stags drew even with only 7.2 seconds left in the second on a hard, low shot by Ryan Sneddon that bounced past Boggs. Through two periods of play, DeMatha owned a 20-10 advantage in shots on goals, but the Stags and Little Hoyas tied at one apiece heading to the third. “We have a tendency to start slow and today I thought both teams came out a little sluggish,” said DeMatha coach Tony MacAullay. “We had a few good scoring chances in the first period, but we didn’t finish.” Sneddon had a chance to break the deadlock in the opening seconds of the third period, but Boggs made a tough save and moments later the Little Hoyas responded. Jack Olson scored off an assist from Blaine Cole to give Georgetown Prep a 2-1 lead with 14:18 remaining. Despite taking half as many shots as the Stags the Little Hoyas, momentarily, had scored twice as many goals. DeMatha went on the offensive over the next five minutes and initially Boggs proved resolute, denying the Stags on a handful of good shots in close. But Brandon Cole scored on an assist from Austin Weber to tie the score at two-all with 10:28 remaining. Less than 20 seconds later junior Max Morgan stuffed home a rebound off a shot from the point by John Henrici that gave the hosts a 3-2 lead they would not relinquish. “John took a great shot from the top,” Morgan said. “I was right there for the chance. We started a little slow, but after the second period our coach gave us an inspirational speech and we really got motivated by it. That last 10 minutes we just really started to get on a roll.” Once the Stags gained the upper hand and the momentum, they padded their advantage. Ryan Sweeney gave the hosts some breathing room with a goal with 5:23 remaining in the contest and Nick Keppler essentially sealed the verdict with another goal 20 seconds later, as Kevin Mcguire was credited with an assist on each of the last two goals. After trailing 2-1 early in the third period, DeMatha countered with four unanswered goals over a five minute and 25-second span. “We came into the game a little shorthanded,” said Georgetown Prep assistant coach Nick Bliss. “We were missing a couple of guys to injuries and a few other guys had other commitments. I thought the guys really played hard all the way to the end. They kept fighting even when we got behind in the third period.” DeMatha is currently in the teeth of its Mid-Atlantic Prep Hockey League schedule with pending games against Archbishop Spalding on Friday, Calvert Hall on Monday, Gonzaga next Wednesday and then Mt. St. Joesph’s next Friday in the annual “Wounded Warrior” game at the Garden’s Ice House – the latter of which is expected to attract a capacity crowd of 1,800. COURTESY PHOTO Jaime Montgomery, left and Kamonte Carter, right. Travis Hawkins and the Super Bowl connection By Brandy L. Simms Senior Sports Writer Malcolm Butler played the role of Super Bowl hero after making a spectacular goal line interception to preserve the New England Patriots’ 28-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks. Butler, a Mississippi native, beat out Quince Orchard product and former All-Sentinel standout Travis Hawkins during New England’s preseason training camp to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. After the two undrafted rookie free agent cornerbacks battled against each other in training camp last summer, good sportsmanship is coming out on top. Hawkins, who last month signed with the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts, unleashed a few tweets during the game on Sunday showing support for Butler. “Put Malcolm Butler in the game,” Hawkins tweeted. “They must have seen my tweet,” Hawkins tweeted later. “Let’s go Malcolm keep workin out there Bruh.” “Malcolm Butler! Did I speak my boy up or what?” he tweeted later. “Malc should get MVP,” Hawkins tweeted after Butler’s game-clinching interception that helped New England earn the franchise’s fourth Super Bowl title. During his high school career at Quince Orchard, Hawkins was a three-year starter who played multiple positions on the field. As a junior, he registered 42 tackles on defense and compiled more than 1,100 yards of total offense while helping to lead the Cougars to the 2007 Maryland 4A state championship. During the NFL postseason, Hawkins, who finished his college career at Delaware after transferring from Maryland, flew to Seattle to support Marcus Burley, a former Delaware roommate who plays cornerback for the Seahawks. Although his NFL experience with New England was short-lived, Hawkins said he felt grateful to be part of a first-class organization. “It was a great experience,” he said. “I wish my stay there was longer but I feel like I will get another shot in the near future.” Be Good To Yourself Subscribe to the Sentinel Read The Sentinel. Recycle. FEBRUARY 5, 2015 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL 23 24 THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL FEBRUARY 5, 2015