Gaithersburg`s Hometown Newspaper | Serving Kentlands
Transcription
Gaithersburg`s Hometown Newspaper | Serving Kentlands
Gaithersburg’s Hometown Newspaper | Serving Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard Park and More The TOWN Vol. 13, No. 24 Courier www.towncourier.com December 18, 2015 Radon Testing Underway in all MCPS Schools By Jennifer Beekman I t is not often community leaders and county officials admit to mistakes and oversights. But in a press release sent by Montgomery County Public Schools’ Public Information and Web Services Department on Dec. 6, Interim Superintendent Larry A. Bowers issued a statement in which he apologized to a concerned community for the county’s failure to follow radon testing protocol in numerous cases where tests within MCPS build- ings showed elevated levels of the naturally occurring odorless gas linked to lung cancer. Bowers then announced, “out of an abundance of caution,” plans to retest all schools and buildings within the county to set a new baseline for future reference as the next step “to enhance our overall radon testing and remediation program.” Results are scheduled to be posted on the county’s website as soon as they are received. n radon testing Continued on page 8 State’s Cost-Cutting Threatens to Undermine Purpose of CCT Project By Ellyn Wexler D of the county. The predominant message about the Corridor Cities Transitway (CCT) in particular is that the state wants to cut costs. The question is whether the 15-mile, two-lane roadway— with 18 fare stations, three flyovers and 35 modern, branded Photo | Mac Kennedy Santa and Mrs. Claus visited with children at the Kentlands Clubhouse on Dec. 5. n cct Continued on page 4 Quince Orchard Retaining Wall ‘in Failure on Day One’ PRSRT-STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Gaithersburg MD Permit #1722 uring what was announced as a “rare joint meeting” on Dec. 3, the Montgomery County Council and elected officials of the cities of Gaithersburg and Rockville discussed plans for a bus rapid transit system that would traverse substantial areas Photo | Chabad Lubavitch of Upper Montgomery County Chabad Lubavitch of Upper Montgomery County celebrated Chanukah with a Menorah Fire Truck Parade that made its way from the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department Station 3 through neighborhoods to Kentlands and Chanukah Wonderland at 640 Center Point Way. Pictured L to R are Shua Tenenbaum, his father Rabbi Chesky Tenenbaum, Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, and Rabbi Sholom Raichik. By Pam Schipper A Photo | Submitted For six years, Joe and Becky Pritchard, owners of Pritchard Music Academy on Main Street, have been part of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) lobbying efforts for music education on Capitol Hill. On May 20, 2014, they were joined by Chad Smith (center), drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. review of Kentlands Citizens Assembly (KCA) documents concerning the Quince Orchard retaining wall, beginning in 1992, revealed that the March 30, 2014 partial wall collapse was the culmination of a long, slow slide. Most striking are the red flags raised repeatedly by city inspectors, citing problems with drainage, grading, alignment, poor construction techniques like breaking up a frozen layer of material and backfilling on top of it, lower wall displacement, and changes to approved plans in n retaining wall Continued on page 4 The Town Courier 309 Main Street Gaithersburg, MD 20878 ESSA Brings Equal Recognition to Music Education By Pam Schipper F or the past six years, Becky and Joe Pritchard, owners of Pritchard Music Academy (PMA) on Main Street, have traveled to Capitol Hill each May to lobby for greater recog- nition of music education. Joe Pritchard still recalls that first year when PMA was just getting started and he and Becky were doing everything themselves. They were so committed to this n essa Continued on page 14 Photo | Mac Kennedy Remediation of the Quince Orchard retaining wall depends on steel reinforcement beams added to the outside of the wall, which are tested to withstand 75,000 pounds of pressure. Page 2 The Town Courier December 18, 2015 December 18, 2015 The Town Courier Page 3 AROUNDTOWN Photo | Phil Fabrizio Shanilee Rahman and Kristina Bartelt pose as 94.7 Tommy Morning Show radio personality Jen Richer cuts a straight line. Richer was one of two celebrity gift wrappers, joining Melanie Alnwick of FOX 5 DC, at Fleet Feet’s Merry Mix and Mingle on Friday, Dec. 4. Compiled by Pam Schipper Photo | Submitted Children will portray the Christ family in the First Baptist Church of Gaitherburg’s Living Nativity on Dec. 20. Turf Talk: The State of Organic By Sharon Allen Gilder “T alking dirt” comes naturally to Paul Tukey, author of the “Organic Lawn Care Manual: A Natural Low-Maintenance System for a Beautiful Lawn.” He is also the chief sustainability officer at Glenstone in Potomac, founder of SafeLawns.org, and a consultant to the Kentlands five-year turf study, now in its second year. Tukey was the keynote speaker for the Kentlands Citizens Assembly (KCA) Town Hall forum at the Kentlands Clubhouse on Dec. 3 where he shared soil analysis data and photographs chronicling the state of the four key areas in Kentlands treated with organic versus non-organic protocols from 2013 to the present. Soil analysis results are based on density, color and weeds. Denyse Baker, chair of the Kentlands Turf Working Group, said the purpose of the meeting was to have Tukey give an update about the hybrid program. “At the end of this five-year cycle, the board has to make a decision. We need to know what is the criteria and how we can assess and judge the program. … Do we have more organic or less organic,” said Baker. She announced that landscaper bids are being reviewed with the goal for 2016 to have “under one umbrella contract” a contractor for organic and non-organic maintenance. Tukey commented that when the initial informative meeting was held for the community approximately 100 residents were in attendance, and nine residents attended on Dec. 3. Tukey saw that as a positive sign. “They see the place hasn’t gone to hell. It’s much ado about nothing,” he said. “The place still looks pretty darn good in general.” The 55-year-old Tukey said he was raised on a dairy farm in the early ‘60s in Bradford, Maine, and learned from an early age about cows and harvesting their nutrient rich manure to spread and enrich the soil for what his grandmother termed “the poop loop.” Tukey noted, “You want to build the soil up with enough organic matter.” Tukey recommended having a bioassay conducted in Kentlands to “get a baseline look at how alive the soil is.” He added, “You can feed the soil in a better, informed manner if you do Photo | Sharon Allen Gilder Paul Tukey briefed the community on the State of the Turf at a Town Hall meeting Dec. 3. a bioassay. It takes it out of the realm of guessing and debating what works. The assay is literally measuring the life in the soil.” Tukey lived in Kentlands from 2010 to 2013. He created the documentary “A Chemical Reaction” that was shown in the neighborhood cinema to inform residents and draw support for the organic treatment program. He affirmed, “The evidence against pesticides is unassailable. After the documentary, the idea started to gain momentum. I helped set the protocol and observed the results.” He added, “When you go organic, it’s not an overnight success. When you take the chemicals out of the equation, there can be a lot of collateral damage because you’re taking the lawn off a drug and trying to feed it organically.” His presentation Dec. 3 exhibited the success to date of the community’s organic turf trials with photographs and data comparing “side-by-side” the chemical and natural approaches that have been administered since the program began in 2013. He said the goal is to deliver an attractive landscape that maintains property values. He dug into the topic of weeds, and noted that weed control in the natural lawn care program has been predominately through mulching and pulling. “Clover is Mother Nature’s legume. It’s a lung and grabs atmospheric nitrogen to store in its roots. Eventually that nitrogen breaks off and feeds other plants. Clover is not a weed,” he said and noted the decline in the bee population. “We’ve taken away their habitat.” He said that the biggest weed problem is one or two feet from a walkway or curb and suggested that those areas be core aerated three or four times per year to reduce weed infestation. He recommended a compost tea brewing system to “advance the system of growing” where compost is placed in a mesh sack then added to the brewing system. He suggested core aeration prior to the compost top-dressing. The rains of 2014 were sufficient, Tukey said, “to make us look good and it gave us a ‘get out of jail free card.’” He discussed the calcium to magnesium ratio and said the ratio needs to be higher or weeds will grow. With August 2015’s drought, density and color began to suffer. With more moisture, color began to come back in October 2015. Tukey recommended investing in an irrigation system in some areas to mitigate struggles during dry spells. He referred to the areas designated for the 100 percent organic program as the laboratories and said, “Beckwith across the board was really the showcase and Kent Oaks Way really did well last year. I recommend gypsum because there is more weed pressure there.” Beth Brittingham, Kentlands general manager, commented, “Three years from now, at the end of the five-year program, that’s when it’s really going to be important to see the progress and have some analysis of the last few years because whoever the sitting board is, what are they going to base the decision on rather than emotion or cost?” “Is organic impacting property values or way of life? No. You guys are thought leaders in this. The price (for organic) will come down because the market is going this direction. This program wouldn’t have happened without the core members of the turf group and their dedication,” said Tukey. For more information, visit www. SafeLawn.org. To view Paul Tukey’s presentation, visit www.youtube.com/ watch?v=JjPJNvue4aU&feature=youtu.be. First Baptist Church of Gaithersburg Presents Living Nativity On Sunday, Dec. 20, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., the First Baptist Church of Gaithersburg invites all to a presentation of the Christ family in a living nativity scene on the front lawn of the church campus. Cookies and warm apple cider will be served. Afterwards, everyone is invited into the sanctuary for the Children’s Choir Christmas program at 7 p.m. The First Baptist Church of Gaithersburg is located at 200 W. Diamond Ave. For more information, call 301.977.9007. Applications Due for Young Artist Award Competition Musicians ages 12 to 18 interested in participating in the 2016 Young Artist Award Competition must submit applications by Dec. 21. The City of Gaithersburg and the Kentlands Community Foundation present this annual juried competition that culminates in a concert for the top prize winners. The goal of the program is to provide young musicians with an enriching artistic experience and encourage them in their love of music. shop Talk Compiled by Pam Schipper Fleet Feet’s Merry Mix & Mingle Benefits Homeless Some 70 people came out to Fleet Feet, 255 Kentlands Boulevard, on Friday, Dec. 4, many sporting their ugliest holiday sweaters. Party-goers enjoyed food from Nalley Fresh, scheduled to open a few doors down from Fleet Feet after New Year’s, a holiday photo booth with Phil Fabrizio of Sugarloaf Photography, a cookie exchange, holiday sales and purchases wrapped by celebrities Jen Richer from the 94.7 Tommy Morning Show, and Melanie Alnwick, FOX-5 DC anchor. The event raised nearly $700 for the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless. www.fleetfeetgaithersburg.com Holiday Book Drive Ongoing at Hand & Stone The Gaithersburg Book Festival has partnered with Kentlands Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa again this year for the 2015 Children’s Book Drive. Just drop by Hand & Stone, 217 Kentlands Boulevard, choose from a list of titles, and pay for your selection. The spa will order the selected titles through Politics & Prose Bookstore and deliver the books to the Gaithersburg Book Festival committee, which is working with the City of Gaithersburg Holiday Givn SHOP TALK Continued on page 16 Page 4 The Town Courier ■ cct 309 Main Street Gaithersburg, MD 20878 For Advertising: 301.279.2304 Also on the Web at www.towncourier.com. Diane Dorney Publisher news@towncourier.com Matt Danielson President matt@eink.net Pam Schipper Managing Editor pam@towncourier.com Debi Rosen Advertising Manager 301.455.5721 ads@towncourier.com Leslie Kennedy Advertising Sales 301-330-0132 leslie@towncourier.com Staff Photographers Arthur Cadeaux Christine DartonHenrichsen Phil Fabrizio Staff Writers Jennifer Beekman Nora Caplan Mike Cuthbert Gina Gallucci-White Sharon Allen Gilder Betty Hafner Scott Harris Sheilah Kaufman Donna Marks Syl Sobel Maureen Stiles Ellyn Wexler Social Media Consultant Mac Kennedy ©2015 Courier Communications The Town Courier is an independent newspaper published twice a month that provides news and information for the communities of Kentlands, Lakelands and Quince Orchard Park in Gaithersburg, Md. The paper is published by Courier Communications, which is responsible for the form, content and policies of the newspaper. The Town Courier does not espouse any political belief or endorse any product or service in its news coverage. Articles and letters submitted for publication must be signed and may be edited for length or content. The Town Courier is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers Letters to the Editor and Commentary do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff, management or advertisers of The Town Courier. from page 1 rapid buses—between Clarksburg and the Shady Grove Metro Station will be worth building if the reductions in question are as dramatic as they appear. Calculated in 2012 dollars, the first phase of the project—the nine-mile segment from the Shady Grove Metro to the Metropolitan Grove MARC station—will cost $716 million, including all planning, design and construction, said Joana Conklin, the county’s Department of Transportation Rapid Transit System Development manager who provided the “big picture overview” at the meeting. She translated the capital cost as $80 million per mile. “We expect the estimate to be updated when the cost for the 30-percent design is released by MTA (Maryland Transit Administration),” she noted. In today’s dollars, the cost would be closer to $100 million per mile, observed Kevin Quinn, director of the MTA’s Office of Planning and Programming. Rick Kiegel, the MTA’s CCT project manager, detailed the status of the project: the 30-percent design has been submitted to the state, his office is updating cost estimates to reflect 2016 dollars and MTA engineers are preparing to begin the final design. Although the planning funding is in place for the next three years, the state has not allocated money for construction in its six-year budget. All parties in attendance appeared to agree that choosing not to apply for federal funding would be wise in fall SavingS! color December 18, 2015 terms of speeding up the project’s timeline, but Quinn warned that “the time gained (would result in the) risk that you would never be eligible for federal funds.” County Council President Nancy Floreen said the CCT has been “on our priority list with the state for years. It serves the upcounty, which desperately needs traffic solutions.” She deemed the state’s interest in cost-cutting “typical for major projects. It seems that everything comes in at a higher cost than originally thought.” However, she cautioned, these cost-cutters need “to be careful not to undercut the expected value, time savings, and reduction of congestion benefits of the basic project. Otherwise, the whole thing becomes a waste of money because it is no longer achieving the intended objectives.” Gaithersburg officials echoed Floreen’s words. Mayor Jud Ashman feels “significant cost-cutting on the CCT” has been done already. City Councilman Michael Sesma expressed his fear that eliminating the flyovers, the “aerials becoming grade-level,” especially on Quince Orchard and Clopper roads and around the Kentlands, would contradict the project’s purpose. Kiegel acknowledged that the original estimated travel time of 38 minutes for the route would increase to 43 or 44 minutes, which would likely impact potential ridership, and the effects of running in mixed traffic would slow everyone’s commute. County Councilman Sidney Katz feels the cuts will undermine the goal: “to make rush hour and beyond a better experience for the people living, working and coming through the area. People may be willing to add an extra 10, 15 or even 20 minutes to their commute, but not an extra 45.” In addition, he pointed out, the City of Rockville’s interest in rerouting the lanes from King Farm to Shady Grove Road, the impact on the Washingtonian Woods community and determining how to fund the project all must be addressed. That the “series of decisions on the CCT since the early days of the project has each reduced speed and increased travel time” has long disturbed City Councilman Neil Harris. He supported the CCT because it “offers some powerful incentives for some needed economic growth for Gaithersburg, including the possible upgrading of the Kentlands retail districts, as well as the prospect for reducing automobile traffic.” But he worries that “the benefits could potentially be offset by lower-than-expected ridership if the CCT does not offer a significant improvement in travel time.” Multiple issues remain to be dealt with, but funding is key. Probably most important is what the state will do. “We’ll watch carefully to see how the state’s analysis evolves,” Floreen said. County Councilman Hans Riemer brought up the need to “get private funding going,” Floreen noted that “special taxing districts are nothing new,” citing the special White Flint taxing district on businesses that funds roadway improvements, and County Councilman Marc Elrich pointed to the success of Northern Virginia in getting similar projects up and running, urging that Montgomery County “push” for the CCT. All parties concurred on the need for creative ideas to meet the challenges to the CCT. Ashman concluded, “We all understand that funding the CCT won’t be easy, but we need to continue to push for the best possible transit system to serve the community—and not settle for less.” ■ retaining wall Alfandre pulled out. Per industry practice, the developer functions as the homeowners’ association until a significant number of residences have been sold. Design changes were many. The city permit for the retaining wall was amended Nov. 30, 1992 to change construction of the retaining wall from concrete to modular block. In a Feb. 23, 1993 report to the city, Woodward-Clyde Consultants noted that the slope of the retaining wall was not what was specified in plans, and wrote that lack of drainage is apparent given the “the moisture emanating from the lower wall.” Original assumptions were wrong. The wall was not built on decomposed rock, as specified in design plans, but a fine sandy silt that Woodward-Clyde Consultants described as “very slippery when wet.” Also, pressure from townhouse footing was not predicted accurately in original plans. An Oct. 17, 1995 peer review report from Haley & Aldrich stated, “Original bearing pressure of townhouse footings was assumed 1,500 pounds per square foot (psf ). Actual is 2,000 psf.” Still, “as-built global stability of retaining wall has not been significantly reduced due to modifications in original design,” the report said. Displacement of Versa-Lok blocks is noted in numerous 1992 and 1993 documents. Of particular concern was the effect of from page 1 1992 and 1993 as the wall was built. In a Feb. 10, 1993 letter to Geo-Technology Associates (GTA), the firm constructing the wall, W. Wesley Burnette, then assistant director of Building and Code Administration, wrote that the Kentlands View retaining wall was “constructed without city inspection and not in conformance with the approved drawings.” Even more alarming, “The wall has been constructed in a trench without providing any method of natural drainage,” he noted. “Additionally, the wall is severely bowed out in several places along the bottom tier.” Burnette also cited “poor construction on site” in this letter. Current KCA President Barney Gorin remembers his early involvement with the community, and he said that in 1993 the city would identify problems with the wall and Geo-Technology Associates would say that everything was OK. “Initially, the community had no real input,” said Gorin. “The KCA and developer, Great Seneca Development, were one and the same. Mike Cody ran the show, the Great Seneca Development guy. The community had input with the city, but not Great Seneca Development.” Great Seneca Development Corporation was formed by Chevy Chase Bank after original Kentlands developer Joe n RETAINING WALL Continued on page 8 The Town Courier December 18, 2015 POLICEBeat Page 5 By Gina Gallucci-White Police Department Now Accepting Applications F rom now until the end of the year, the Gaithersburg Police Department will be accepting applications for the position of police officer. Both entry level officers or those that have previous experience may apply. How many applications the department receives depends on how long the position is advertised for, said Lt. Chris Vance. “This one is open for 30 days (Dec. 1-31) so we are expecting a couple hundred at least. Right now, already within the first week, we are over 100 applications.” Openings are announced on an as-needed basis. On average, they accept applications once or twice a year. For entry level candidates, the process from filling out the initial application to beginning the police academy is long, around six months, and only a small percentage make it that far. To start, applicants fill out an online application, which includes asking about minimum standards of employment such as being a United States citizen, having a valid driver’s license with a good overall driving record, not being convicted of a felony and earning a high school diploma either through school or a equivalency exam. “Once they pass that initial phase, we send them a confidential questionnaire, which is a very thorough 42-page document on ba- sically your whole history” including education and work history, Vance said. “This is foundation for our background investigation.” The information is reviewed and once a candidate passes this section, they will be invited to a physical and written test being held on Jan. 23 and 24. The physical test includes running a mile and a half, sprints, push-ups, sit-ups and vertical jumps. “If they score high enough on those tests, they will move to the next round, which is a structured interview,” Vance said. A board of three officers will be asking each candidate the exact same questions. Background checks are the next step in the process. “The background phase is where we typically lose most of our applicants that pass everything else at that point,” he said. “It’s a four- to six-month investigation. It’s a very thorough investigation and it looks at everything in that person’s history to try to make sure we get the best applicants that have the highest integrity.” Since GPD does not put on their own training academy, candidates that are selected will go to one in the area that offers several months of training. Those who are already Maryland Police and Corrections Training Commission certified will have a minimum of five weeks of field training with the department. Upon cityscene By Gina Gallucci-White Photo | City of Gaithersburg The Pritchard Music Academy Powerhouse Brass—Arjun Guthal, Kristen Gottlieb, Alex Loane, Chris Hunter and Michael Baniak—performed at the Gaithersburg Jingle Jubilee Dec. 5. Registration for City Winter Programs and Classes Now Available There is no excuse for cabin fever this winter because the City of Gaithersburg offers a number of programs, classes and activities throughout these dreary months. Formerly “The Leisure Times Guide,” residents can now peruse the quarterly publication “Go! Gaithersburg Guide” to discover and take part in offerings geared toward their interests. Registration is now open for programs for the young and young at heart. The publication is mailed to all city residents and is available at all city fa- cilities, the Gaithersburg and Quince Orchard libraries and online at www.gaithersburgmd.gov under the related documents section. Ornament Sale to Benefit Scholarship Program For those looking for a unique and local ornament for presents or to just place on your tree, head to the Activity Center at Bohrer Park where you can pick up a commemorative 20th anniversary Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival ornament. n city scene Continued on page 16 completion of the academy, entry level officers will have a minimum of 16 weeks of field training. The starting salary is $55,139 for entry level officers. For those with prior experience, the salary ranges from $55,139 to $63,768. Throughout the year, the department participates in career fairs at many area colleges. “We also advertise for internships for college students and that’s another way to get people into the door to learn what we are about, what we do on a daily basis and we get an opportunity to see them on a firsthand basis so we get to know what they do and what they are about,” Vance said. For more information, go to the city’s website at www.gaithersburgmd. gov under the public safety section of the services tab. Questions may be sent to GPDRecruitment@gaithersburgmd.gov. MEETING CALENDAR 12/18 Economic and Business Development Committee Meeting, City Hall Gallery, 7:30 a.m. 12/21 Mayor and City Council Meeting, City Hall Council Chambers, 7:30 p.m. For the latest information on city meetings, visit the City of Gaithersburg website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov. policeblotter Detectives Charge Masseur With Sex Assault; Seek Additional Victims Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department – Special Victims Investigation Division have charged Gavin Anthony Otto, age 42, of the 7200 block of Blanchard Drive in Derwood, with sex offenses he committed while working as a masseur at the Red Door Spa in Kentlands. Detectives believe that Otto may have sexually assaulted additional victims at the spa in his role as a masseur. On July 7, a 32-year-old female reported to police that she received a massage by Otto at the Red Door Spa and that he sexually assaulted her during the massage. On Nov. 17, a 37-year-old female reported to police that she received a massage by Otto at the Red Door Spa and that he inappropriately touched her during the massage. On Nov. 25, detectives obtained a warrant for Otto’s arrest charging him with one count of second-degree sex offense and one count of fourth-degree sex offense. Investigators arrested Otto at his Derwood home on Dec. 2. He was transported to the Central Processing Unit and was released after posting a $20,000 bond. Anyone who believes that he/she was a victim of inappropriate contact by Otto or has any information about inappropriate contact by Otto is urged to call the Special Victims Investigations Division at 240.773.5050. Page 6 The Town Courier December 18, 2015 School Roundtable Will Seek Solutions to Overcrowding By Scott Harris A Photo | Mac Kennedy Cow Patty Bingo was a big hit at the Dec. 5 Barnyard Blitz. Barnyard Blitz Again a Moo-ving Success By Mac Kennedy D ec. 5 dawned a beautiful Saturday for the always entertaining Quince Orchard High School Booster Club Barnyard Blitz. The skies were clear, the lot was full, and the cows and pigs were as graceful as ever. The day began around 11 a.m. with the popular miniature goat and pig races on the Hogway Speedway. Fans witnessed the likes of Oinkhart Jr. and Hammy Hamlin as they dueled all morning for first place. n barnyard blitz Continued on page 18 new MCPS group will discuss potential ways to relieve overcrowding at schools in and around Gaithersburg, possibly including Rachel Carson Elementary School (RCES), as the city’s mayor and council continue to criticize what they feel are short-sighted solutions to the problem. On Dec. 17, MCPS will host a public information session about a roundtable discussion group that will explore potential options for absorbing projected enrollment increases at Gaithersburg schools. The roundtable will include five representatives each from the Gaithersburg, Col. Zadok Magruder and Thomas S. Wooton high school clusters, as well as potentially from Latino and African-American advocacy groups in those communities. The roundtable’s recommendations, which they will send to MCPS Interim Superintendent Larry A. Bowers in March, could include new ideas for RCES. “It’s not a boundary study, but it’s a more general kind of brainstorming of what approaches might be possible to relieve the Gaithersburg cluster and see what the reaction is from members of each cluster,” said Bruce Crispell, director of the MCPS division of long-term planning, at a Dec. 7 Gaithersburg mayor and city council meeting. Crispell said Quince Orchard High School clusters representatives were not part of the roundtable because schools in the cluster did not have enough extra capacity to alleviate overcrowding. He added, however, that cluster representatives are “encouraged” to attend roundtable meetings and provide feedback and ideas on potential solutions. The county board of education previously approved a plan to expand Dufief Elementary School’s capacity from 416 students to 740 students as part of its current revitalization and expansion, which is slated for completion in school year 2020-21. Students from RCES, which MCPS officials estimate would otherwise be over capacity by 323 students at that time, will be reassigned to Dufief to alleviate the overcrowding. Mayor Jud Ashman said the solution wasn’t fast or broad enough to serve the city’s needs. “I see you guys looking piecemeal at additions here and there,” Ashman said in response to the MCPS plan. Crispell said the roundtable was starting in winter “so we won’t lose a year by waiting until next fall,” and added that MCPS has inserted $26 million into its CIP (Capital Improvements Program) as a “placeholder” assignmenteducation Compiled by Pam Schipper Persiano Gallery 20% OFF ALL SERVICES ORIENTAL RUGS FURNITURE REPAIRS To bring back to life your quality Antique furnishings Cleaning, Repairs and Appraisals REUPHOLSTERING CHANDELIERS Chandelier Cleaning Shade and Lamp Repair Chairs and Sofas take on a fresh new look and feel. Large Variety of Fabric Selections Available 188 Market Street • Gaithersburg, MD 20878 240.683.1022 www.persianogallery.com Since 2000 for possible instruments to address overcrowding in the city. Ashman and council members have previously called for a more robust approach to increasing student space in the city’s schools, particularly at RCES. Ashman reminded MCPS officials in attendance that the city now controls an area of land near the new Crown development that could be used for a high school and which, in turn, could alleviate overcrowding at elementary schools downstream. Crispell said MCPS was aware of the land and would “have to debate whether it makes sense” to create a high school on the land if overcrowding reached a degree that justified such a conversation City Council Vice President Michael A. Sesma indicated that MCPS may be underestimating the amount of overcrowding, meaning that current long-range planning may not ultimately be enough to address actual student needs in the future. “Until we make projections on actual needs, instead of based on the money we think we can get, I think we will always be behind (in stemming overcrowding),” Sesma observed. “I don’t see MCPS addressing what the actual needs are going to be.” Proposed Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget Interim Superintendent Larry A. Bowers presented his recommended Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 Operating Budget to the Board of Education on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Bowers is proposing a $2.4 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2017, which includes $103 million in additional spending, an increase over FY 2016 of about 4.5 percent. Bowers’ operating budget recommendation includes investments to improve student literacy and math skills; build the cultural proficiency of staff; foster stronger partnerships with the community and families to support students; and better organize the district to ensure every student is prepared for college and careers. Bowers’ recommendation reflects the Board of Education’s budget interests and significant input from a broad array of stakeholders. The Board of Education will hold public hearings on the budget on Thursday, Jan. 7 and Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016. If you would like to testify at the public hearings, you must call the Board of Education Office at 301.279.3617 to sign up. The board will then hold work sessions on the budget on Tuesday, Jan. 19, and Thursday, Jan. 21, before approving a final budget request on Tuesday, Feb. 9. The budget will then be submitted to the Montgomery County executive and County Council for consideration. For more information, visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/budget. School Construction Projects Approved On Dec. 8, the Board of Education awarded a contract in the amount of $27,500,000, to include the assignment of the trade contract awards, to Keller Construction Management, LLC for the Brown Station Elementary School revitalization/expansion project, in accordance with drawings and specifications prepared by The Lukmire Partnership, Inc. Also on Dec. 8, the preliminary plans report for the Diamond Elementary School addition project developed by Walton, Madden, Cooper, Robinson, Poness, Inc. were approved by the board. Michael Durso Selected as President of the Board of Education Michael Durso was selected by his colleagues on Dec. 8 to serve as president of the Montgomery County Board of Education for the next year. Dr. Judith Docca also was selected as vice president. Mr. Durso replaces Patricia O’Neill, who has served as president for the past year. Durso was elected to his first four-year term in 2010 after being appointed to the board in June 2009 to finish an unexpired term. He was elected to his second four-year term in November 2014. For the past year, Durso has served as vice president of the board and chair of the Fiscal Management Committee. A resident of Silver Spring, Durso is a retired educator, whose 44-year career included 13 years with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). PARCC Results Released for Grades 3 to 8 Data released Dec. 8 by the Maryland State Department of Education show that Montn ASSIGNMENT EDUCATION Continued on page 14 The Town Courier December 18, 2015 Page 7 ALL OF YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS UNDER 1 ROOF Jacob Darwish Helen A. Dankos, Esq. Sales Manager/Sr. Mortgage Consultant RGS Title Rockville Office Manager NMLSR ID 216751 301-548-4379 - Office Direct 301-708-8192 - Cell Jacob.Darwish@phmloans.com Office: 301-230-0070 Direct: 240-283-0260 HADankos@rgstitle.com Susan J. Evans CIC CPIW Joseph Hansen Senior Insurance Manager Managing Attorney license # 100045112 Office Phone 301-670-2812 joe@sagetitlegroup.com Md. Property Casualty lic#6139 301-304-3066 Office 703-653-8602 Direct S.Evans@lnf.com Thank you to all of our wonderful clients who have made 2015 an incredible year! Happy Holidays from our Family to Yours!.....your Kentland’s Long & Foster Team Alexandra Minckler Ali Makhmalbaf Allie Halofitis Ann Vogt Bill Haag Bob Adams Bob Graves Calvin Xu Catalina Sandoval Catherine Navintranonth Chere Butler Cheryl Combs Chris “Farzad” Arshadi Clark Wagner Clifford Hart Cody Magill Cristian Ramirez Cyrus Etminan Dale Blake David Sandoval David Zapalo Dawn Guynn-Werking Debbie Darling- Norris Debby Hartten Dee Finister Edna Taylor-Capers Ellie Hitt Eric Chen Eric Moholt Fatma Halici Gary Gestson Gaya Natarajan Geoff Valdivia Gerard Kvasnovsky Glenda Vasquez Haroldine Robinson Hycienth Obiakor Iman Movahedi Isatu “Tutu” Kargbo Jane Macedonia Jennifer Cuthbert Jennifer Olson Julie King JZ Zagami Kathy McAleer Kathy Kluk Kenny Light Kody Yazdanipour Lily Movahedi Linda Solomich Lois Hodgson Lori Wakefield Lydia Trello Maribel Rivera-Adorno Maria Harakidas Maritza Suarez Marty Kelly Mary Makris Matthew Doerpinghaus Meredith Steere Michael Brzezniak Michelle Chao Miguel Falcon Mike Aubrey Mike Kowalski Mike Milo Najam Chaudhry Noshaba Cheema Parvaneh Naghash Pat Delorenzo Patti Anschutz Perry Slomnicki Phyllis Pinto Qian Shen Rich Morenoff Rik Davis Roy Davis Sabina Koyani Sara Steinnagel Sarah Grinder Scott Leidner Shai Gupta Sima Blackmon-Hall Smit Mehta Teddi Hauff Trish Stovall Vicki Wheeler Wayne Gordon Yolanda Mcgilvery Yuning Qu INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN REAL ESTATE? CALL TODAY TO JUMPSTART YOUR CAREER! Courtney Griffiths 301-975-9500 (office) WWW.KENTLANDSLANDF.COM North Potomac/Kentlands 189 Kentlands Blvd. Gaithersburg MD 20878 Page 8 The Town Courier ■ Radon testing from page 1 Radon is a radioactive gas and exposure to it—which can only be determined through testing—is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America (14,000 deaths per year), according the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Radon testing within MCPS has been ongoing since 1988 and some schools might have been studied as recently as last year, Chief Communications Officer Brian Edwards said. Tests are conducted in rooms with contact to the ground. Retesting for the 28 MCPS buildings that showed elevated levels of radon, according to the most recent numbers—parents were notified of the results around Thanksgiving—began in mid-November. Jones Lane Elementary School, Ridgeview Middle School and Quince Orchard High were all on that list and testing has already begun at those facilities. Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L), and the EPA recommends action be taken to remediate areas when levels reach 4 pCi/L or higher. The EPA recommends the relocation of classrooms that show radon levels near 100 pCi/L or greater, but per documents posted by MCPS none of the county’s buildings revealed such elevated levels. “Above all, student and staff safety is our no. 1 priority, and this is an issue that we take very seriously,” Bowers’ statement read. “Our radon testing protocols dictate that when a classroom registers higher than 4.0 pCi/L, we will retest as a first step before mitigation. This retesting should have already occurred based on our testing protocols, and I regret that, in certain cases, it did not. … In some of these school locations, remediation had, in fact, already occurred and retesting will be an added cautionary measure.” But some parents, such as Simona Haver whose son attends Springbrook High School, are wondering why there would be no immediate mitigation for buildings that have already revealed high levels of radon. Haver, who admitted she’s begun to feel stonewalled by authorities the more she inquires about her son’s safety, said an attempt Take a closer look at the Town Courier. www.towncourier.com was made to comfort her by explaining that children only spend a limited time in the affected classrooms. “A person of authority told me, they’re only in one of those eight rooms (in our school that showed elevated levels) for 47 minutes every day,” Haver said. “I say, ‘OK, look, let’s look at this under a real microscope. That’s 47 minutes a day, over the last four years, Monday through Friday.’ That equates to 30 full days, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you know, going into a facility, that it’s going to cause you lung disease, would you go there for 30 days with the probability? … It’s not a risk at this point, it’s a threat to my child, to the staff and to the administrators.” Edwards said as soon as the county receives the results from these most recent radon tests, remediation will begin immediately if necessary. And the process— which is likely geared toward ventilation—is something that can take place during the school year, he added. Soil is the primary entry route for radon into schools, according to the EPA. Many schools are built on adjoining floor slabs, the document continues, which enables radon gas to enter through construction and expansion joints between the slabs. Ventilation is vital to reducing radon levels as less ventilation allows radon to build up indoors. “Again, I want to assure our students, staff and parents that safety is our no. 1 priority,” Bowers said via the press release. “To that end, we are moving swiftly and decisively to bolster our radon testing and mitigation program. … Going forward, we will continue to monitor this issue to ensure that our buildings remain within the EPA guidelines.” December 18, 2015 ■ RETAINING WALL from page 4 block displacement on the fiberglass pins holding blocks together in a step, two-bytwo fashion. Would strength of the pins be compromised—or worse, would the pins be sheared off—by observed block movement? A March 5, 1993 letter addressed this question: “GTA understands that the block manufacturer has reviewed the condition and prepared a letter stating that the structural integrity of the wall system has not been compromised as a result of the misalignment of the wall (lower wall). Based on past experience with this type of wall misalignment and our knowledge of the wall system, it is GTA’s professional opinion that the pins have not been overstressed. Further, as part of the proposed repair scheme, the pins will be removed. While it is not anticipated, distressed pins and blocks can be replaced if necessary.” Construction that ran through the winter of 1992—unusual, given issues inevitably caused by winter freeze and thaw and working with fill when it is frozen and wet—was completed by 1993, the wall passed inspection and the city released Great Seneca Development’s $299,618 bond. Mark Cody with Great Seneca Development signed the deed for the wall over to the KCA. “The wall was in failure on day one,” said Gorin. Editor’s note: This is part of series of articles that will take a retrospective look at the Quince Orchard retaining wall. The Town Courier December 18, 2015 Page 9 Holiday Giving ’Tis the Season to Throw a Party By Pam Schipper W e are in the thick of it: Hors d’oeuvres, finger foods and other small plates, no end of sweet things with lots of beer and wine. Sampling everything is a job in and of itself. And if you’re hosting the party, creating the holiday menu can prove a daunting task. Fortunately, a number of area businesses stand ready to make hosting a holiday party easier with custom catering options. We asked Peppers, Hot Breads and the new O’Donnell’s Market about their approach to holiday parties. Peppers on Market Street West, also known for their Taco Bar in Kentlands Market Square (they have sold more than 67,000 tacos this year), offers a wide variety of cuisines, from Italian, Mexican, n HOLIDAY PARTY Continued on page 11 Calling All Angels By Pam Schipper A dopting a Down syndrome or other special needs child from an orphanage abroad can cost $25,000 to $30,000, and sometimes more, said Andrea Roberts. Families sometimes need to make two trips, and there are agency fees and airfare, hotel, food and other transportation expenses—very practical costs. Roberts, a 1990 Quince Orchard High School alumnus and Quince Orchard Park resident, founded the advocacy and charitable organization Reece’s Rainbow to help U.S. families adopt disabled children. The nonprofit is named after Roberts’ son Reece, who has Down syndrome. “There is no shortage of families who are qualified and want to adopt disabled children,” Roberts said. “The only thing holding them back is funding.” Reece’s Rainbow has helped support nearly 1500 adoptions since the nonprofit was founded 10 years ago. During the Photo | Submitted Located on the second floor at 251 Market St. West, Peppers offers its dining room to catered parties at no extra cost. Photo | Submitted Every summer, Reece’s Rainbow hosts a family reunion camping trip. (L to R) Here Ruslan, who was adopted from the Ukraine within days of his 16th birthday, joins nonprofit founder Andrea Roberts and her sister, Vicki Faris, in Luray, Virginia’s Jellystone Park in July 2015. holidays, the organization raises funds with its Angel Tree. This year, 150 Down syndrome and other special needs children are on the Angel Tree, Roberts said. They currentn reece’s rainbow Continued on page 10 SUPER HOLIDAY SPECIALS 10% OFF Mid-Day Dog Walks for 3 Months A $100 value! New Clients Only. Refer a Friend and get one visit FREE! Book 6 Visits and get 1 Visit FREE! Page 10 The Town Courier December 18, 2015 Holiday Giving Shared Holiday Celebration Makes Children’s Spirits Soar By Ellyn Wexler G ee Gerke’s gingerbread house decorating party has evolved into a meaningful holiday tradition. Five years ago, she and daughter Kayla, in first-grade at the time, “thought it would be fun” to invite a few children from their Quince Orchard Park neighborhood to decorate “little houses made from graham crackers.” While planning successive events, Gerke said their discussion focused on the true spirit of the holiday season. Making goodie bags for residents of the Children’s Inn at NIH was one resulting party activity. In 2014, Kayla came up with the idea of hosting a party for children “who might not be able to have these kinds of parties,” her mother said. In search of ways to connect with such children, Gerke contacted the City of Gaithersburg, who put her in touch with The Dwelling Place. The Gaithersburg-based nonprofit provides homeless families in Montgomery County with a safe, affordable place to live for two years while they learn to become self-sufficient. The Gerkes’ first party for the children who live in The Dwelling Place’s transitional housing took place last year. “It was so heartwarming and amazing to hear and see the delight on the kids’ faces as they made ornaments and decorated their houses,” Gerke recalled. She was moved to tears when a little girl hugged her and “told me it was the best day of her life.” This year’s party, held Dec. 7 at the Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church, was an equally positive experience. Nine children— Photo | Submitted Volunteers from Quince Orchard Park and Kentlands joined children living at The Dwelling Place for a holiday celebration. Kayla and Sam Gerke, as well as Tommy and Caroline Lokken, Jack and Anton Parmach, Andrew Shigetomi, Angela Harris and Litsa Berns—supervised by five adults, all of whom reside in Quince Orchard Park and Kentlands, volunteered to help. Afterwards, Kayla told her mother “how good it feels to help other kids,” that it made her realize “we should be thankful for everything we have, (that) some kids don’t have Christmas trees!” She thought it was great to see so many people smiling. Her brother Sam summed it up well: “We are all just people. The kids are just like me.” “The party was more than awesome,” said Jill Hurd, program manager for The Dwelling Place. “We so much appreciate what they did. They created a beautiful memory for our kids.” Hurd and the mothers in the parent skills development workshop she was conducting in the next room heard the children’s laughter. Especially touching, Hurd said, was witnessing volunteer Jack Parmach conversing with an autistic boy who has trouble connecting with others. The lesson is, Gerke said, “that even though we think that volunteering is about helping others, it is truly a win-win. It is a great gift for the volunteer as much as the person who is receiving the help.” She hopes the event “inspires the kids to continue giving back to the community and learn that helping others feels great.” For information about The Dwelling Place, visit tdp-inc.org. ■ reece’s rainbow from page 9 ly live in orphanages in the Ukraine, Bulgaria, China, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Haiti and Armenia. Each child has an Angel Tree warrior who advocates for them. Through blog and social media posts, bake sales and other activities, warriors encourage friends, family and members of the community to donate with the goal of raising $1,000 for each child. The Angel Tree campaign runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, and Roberts said there is still plenty of time to contribute. For $35, donors can choose to have an ornament with a photo of their Angel Tree child shipped to themselves or someone else as a gift. Or they can choose not to receive the ornament, and that $5 will go toward the child’s adoption fund instead. “I started Reece’s Rainbow to give these children a voice,” Roberts said. “It grows exponentially each year. … You really can do good things in the world if your heart is in it.” To help a child during this holiday season, visit static.reecesrainbow. org/angeltree2015. You can donate through the website or mail a check to Reece’s Rainbox, P.O. Box 277, Monrovia, Md. December 18, 2015 The Town Courier Page 11 Holiday Giving ■ holiday party from page 9 French and Indian to American. Mike Bhatnagar, who owns and runs Peppers with wife Jyoti, said that for catered holiday parties they prepare lots of salads, sandwiches that are often filled with beef Wellington,, smoked salmon and filet mignon, shrimp, salmon and scallops. Fruit, cookie and dessert trays are also very popular. For added convenience, Peppers will use a client’s own dishes to fill a catering order. Peppers will also close down their second floor room on Market Street West for catered private parties of 15 to 20 people at no extra cost. Jyoti Bhatnagar said that the room is decorated for the holidays, and customers are welcome to use any of the dishes in her kitchen there. Hot Breads and Cakes at 70 Market St. offers delicious 90 to 100 percent vegan cakes, with wine and liquor-flavored cakes specially rolled out for the holidays. Owner Gopinath Swamynathan, known as Gopi, explained that the 90-percent vegan cakes have a little bit of butter in their frosting, but Hot Breads makes many cakes that are 100-percent vegan, too. His wine- and liquor-flavored cakes do not contain real alcohol, he noted, because many customers worry about offering this to children. Hot Breads also offers a wide selection of Indian food, and Swamynathan said that his finger foods—samosas, Indian-style spring roll, finger chicken, and Indian-style kabob—are ordered often for holiday parties. Hot Breads will soon offer catering delivery. Only open for a little more than a week, O’Donnell’s Market at 1073 Seven Locks Road, Potomac Woods Plaza is ready to cater small family parties of 12 to 15 people, and can accommodate larger groups with 48-hours’ notice. “We will have special fishes, crab cakes,” said Ashlee Edelblut, who opened the market with her father, Bill Edelblut. Sides include crab dip, spinach dip and a cauliflower mac n’ cheese that was very popular during O’Donnell’s first week in business. For dessert, Edelblut recommended lemon meringue and key lime pies made inhouse daily or O’Donnell’s famous rum buns that are sold by the dozen. You can’t throw a holiday party without wine or beer. Pinky Rodgers, owner of Pinky and Pepe’s Grape Escape at 223 Kentlands Boulevard with husband Pepe, has a huge selection of both, but there’s one that she really recommends: Chevalier de Grenelle, Saumur Cremant de la Loire Brut Magnum. A sparkling wine, Rodgers said that it complements just about anything. It makes light, delicious mimosas for those Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s brunches, it won’t overpower turkey and it’s good with ham. “It’s one of the most versatile bubblies,” Rodgers said. “I tell people that it’s ‘stupid delicious.’” Holiday House is Open Mon – Sat: 10:00 – 6:00 Sunday: 11:00 – 5:00 Wonderful Gifts Wreaths Holiday Scents & much more... 301.299.0487 9904 River Road, Potomac Md. 20854 Page 12 The Town Courier December 18, 2015 Holiday Giving Toy Story: Pinky & Pepe’s Grape Escape Collects for the Kids By Sharon Allen Gilder I t’s not just wine and beer that flows at Pinky & Pepe’s Grape Escape in Kentlands this time of year. The store and its storage room have been overflowing with unwrapped toys to brighten the holidays for families in need. Like a scene from the movie “Toy Story,” stuffed animals, dolls, trucks and all sorts of gifts happily decorate tops of wine and beer racks—all destined to bring joy to children in need through the City of Gaithersburg’s Holiday Giving Program. Charitable coffers are filled with monetary donations for Toys for Tots, and $10 Target gift cards are pouring in for the city’s program. Grape Escape co-owner Pinky Rodgers said the momentum for giving began well before she advertised the toy drive. “Our clients just started bringing toys in. Also, it was the sixth year in a row that we hosted the November business after-hours event for the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce and Laura Rowles, God bless her, this year advertised that it would be free admission for anyone who brought an unwrapped toy. So, it was fabulous. I was thrilled. … She really helped.” On Friday, Dec. 11, the store held its official “We Are Collecting For The Kids! Huge Toy Drive Night” featuring a wine tasting conducted by wine personality Nick Materese, the local manager for Siema Wines, and musical entertainment provided by popular singer-songwriter Freddie Long. Long’s playlist was a festive blend of cover songs and holiday classics. He smiled and said, “I’m tryin’ to dust off the old Christmas tunes and get everybody in the holiday spirit.” Rodgers said this is her sixth December collecting for Toys for Tots and that she began participating in the toy drive several years ago at a ball the store held at Kentlands Mansion when her son Matthew entered the U.S. Marine Corps. Toys for Tots, run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, was founded in 1947. “When I learned through working with the city that we had so many families in the city itself that were in need, I wanted to be able to support both. So this event on Dec. 11 is once again supporting both.” Lisette Engel, the City of Gaithersburg community services program coordinator, said, “We anticipate serving 750 families for December, or 1600 children.” She added that partnerships with local businesses such as Grape Escape are “essential to the program that operates totally on donations for the Thanksgiving and December giving, and heavily relies on the generosity of our businesses, congregations, organizations and residents.” Rodgers noted, “Montgomery Magazine has been an incredible sponsor and has already donated a sizeable check to Toys for Photo | Sharon Allen Gilder Since 2010, Grape Escape has collected toys for children in need at the holidays. Co-owner Pinky Rodgers said that this year, as in years past, the shop and storeroom are filled with community donations. Tots. The (co-) owner, Doug McDaniel, has just been incredibly supportive. So, really in a nutshell, the toys that we collect and the gift cards are 100 percent turned into the City of Gaithersburg’s Holiday Giving Program. The money that’s collected goes directly to Toys for Tots.” Grape Escape’s toy drive wrapped up on Dec. 14 to prepare for the city’s scheduled pick-up of the truckloads of toys on Dec. 16. “I am completely overwhelmed by the generosity of our community. The last two years that the city has come to collect, the people have been shocked at how many toys we collected. What I love is that the people that are donating the toys and those gift cards know that those go directly to our children right here in Gaithersburg … so that really means a ton to us … but I think being a Marine mom all these years, I can’t help but always be doing Toys for Tots as well,” said Rodgers. December 18, 2015 The Town Courier Page 13 Page 14 The Town Courier December 18, 2015 arts& entertainment ColdwellBankerHomes.com 86,000 Agents | 3,000 Offices on 6 Continents | 109-Year Legacy Photo | Mac Kennedy Germantown | 4/4.5 | $389,900 Edwin Mejia 301.318.0260 1234 Main Street Avenue Search MC8713631 on CBHomes.com Darnestown | 4/3.5 | $650,000 Joseph Sibilia 240.994.3977 1234 Main Street Avenue Search MC8773181 on CBHomes.com The Sandy Spring Theatre Group/Arts on the Green production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” plays through Dec. 20 at the Arts Barn. Compiled by Pam Schipper ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ Through Dec. 20, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Arts Barn Gaithersburg | 6/3.5 | $729,900 Rockville Office 301.921.1040 1234 Main Street Avenue Search MC8769043 on CBHomes.com Poolesville | 4/2.5 | $439,000 Rockville Office 301.921.1040 1234 Main Street Avenue Search MC8729987 on CBHomes.com The classic animated television special “A Charlie Brown Christmas” comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation where Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang grapple with the real meaning of Christmas. When Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism he sees during the Christmas season, Lucy suggests that he direct the school Christmas pageant. After an attempt to restore the proper holiday spirit with a forlorn little Christmas fir tree fails, Linus explains what the real meaning of Christmas is. This production is presented in partnership with Sandy Spring Theatre Group. www.gaithersburgmd.gov ‘Magical Realism’ Exhibit Germantown | 4/3.5 | $520,000 Rockville Office 301.921.1040 1234 Main Street Avenue Search MC8737299 on CBHomes.com Germantown | 4/2.5 | $399,999 Rockville Office 301.921.1040 1234 Main Street Avenue Search MC9522366 on CBHomes.com Through Dec. 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 1:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday., Arts Barn ■ essa Sykesville | 5/3 | $389,900 Rockville Office 301.921.1040 1234 Main Street Avenue Search CR9531535 on CBHomes.com Germantown | 2/2 | $169,900 Rockville Office 301.921.1040 1234 Main Street Avenue Search MC9530693 on CBHomes.com TIME FOR A NEW START? There’s never been a better time for a career in real estate Maryland Pre-Licensing Class Join Our Team! Call 301-921-1040 for a private interview with Kelly Vezzi Branch Vice President Start Date: Monday, Jan. 11th • End Date: Wednesday, Feb. 3rd Class Days: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday Time 9:30AM to 4:00PM North Potomac/Rockville Sales Office 14955 Shady Grove Rd, Ste. 170 Rockville, MS 20850 (301) 921-1040 Register at www.cbrbschool.com issue that they closed for four days to join the annual National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) advocacy effort. Their efforts and those of countless others through NAMM, National Association for Music Education, and the VH1 Foundation, to name a few organizations, just reached a rousing finale. At 11:05 a.m. on Dec. 10, President Barack Obama signed into law the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which replaces No Child Left Behind and recognizes music as a standalone, core subject. “We are so excited,” said Joe Pritchard. “This shows that regular citizens, if they’re persistent, stay with it, can affect change.” “Joe and I are so proud to have been part of this project with NAMM for the past six years!” Becky Pritchard said. “It passed today, making music a core subject in elementary and secondary education.” “Music is now considered a core subject ‘Sacred Places’ Mixed Media Exhibit Through Jan. 1, Kentlands Mansion; call 301.258.6425 for viewing hours Various artists share their interpretation of spiritual places in both classic and contemporary styles. The artwork is created in a variety of media, including painting, photography, fiber and paper. www.gaithersburgmd.gov Main Street Farmers Market Dec. 19 & 26, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Main Street Pavilion Products available for purchase include a vast assortment of fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, various herbs, cut flowers, and potted plants, baked goods, dog treats, meat, eggs, and honey. www. gaithersburgmd.gov for a fully rounded education at all levels,” Joe Pritchard said. “It’s on the same footing as science, math and language arts.” Title I funds that schools had been using almost exclusively for academic subjects in order to teach to the test are now available to provide support for music education and other arts-based programs. The door has been opened for educators to use more creative ways to help kids learn, Joe Pritchard said. For example, a student struggling with reading may make more progress through studying drama and reading plays. “We worked awfully hard,” Joe Pritchard said of the many music professionals and educators who lobbied for equal recognition of music in our nation’s schools. He and Becky Pritchard worked closely with Senator Barbara Mikulski, who is on the Education Committee, helping education advisors and staffers in her office with their email writing campaigns. For more information on ESSA, visit www.whitehouse.gov. assignmenteducation North Potomac/Rockville 14955 Shady Grove Rd., Ste. 170 | Rockville, MD 20850 301.921.1040 The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 11467MA_11/15 from page 1 Gaithersburg’s Arts on the Green presents “Magical Realism,” an exhibit featuring the works of Richardene Forrest-Thweatt, Meg Schaap, Pritha Srinivasan, Richard Paul Weiblinger, and Alexey Zoob. www. gaithersburgmd.gov from page 6 Administered by American Home Shield gomery County Public Schools (MCPS) students in grades 3 through 8 outperformed their peers across the state on new state assessments, but demonstrate the critical need to address persistent achievement gaps and improve student performance in literacy and math. For more information, visit reportcard. msde.maryland.gov. The Town Courier December 18, 2015 Page 15 MIKEAT THE MOVIES In the Heart of the Sea (PG-13) ***** This heart-thumping film of the sea is, as its narrator says at the start, less a story of a whale and more a story of two men under severe stress. The amazing part of the story is that it is mostly true! By Mike The Essex, a made-over Cuthbert whaler, slightly smaller than the usual whaler, set out from Nantucket in 1820. After early success, it found very few whales. Then while in port in South America, they heard a fantastic story about a white whale of enormous size that destroyed the whalers. He was called “Moby Dick.” He was also the centerpiece of a huge pod that promised fortunes to the crews that could find them and slaughter them. This film tells the story of the Essex from the point of view of one of the few survivors, whaler Tom Nickerson played by Brian Gleeson, as told to Herman Melville (Ben Whishaw) who hopes to follow up the success of his first novel, “Typee.” There is a secret that Nickerson is trying desperately to hide, but his wife (Michelle Fairley) urges him to get all the secrets out so he can live with himself. Though Nickerson’s story was true and you can read about it in encyclopedias, I will leave it to you to discover in the film. Needless to say, it is the culmination of horrid experiences that made survival very much a likely failure. Two of the survivors are First Officer Owen Chase (Chris Hemsworth) and Capt. George Pollard (Benjamin Walker), son of one of the owners of the Essex. In many ways this film is formulaic: A seasoned, talented whaler (Chase) is ordered to serve as first mate to Pollard, much to his dissatisfaction. A typical, under-trained corporate scion, Pollard makes errors in judgment, especially his decision to steer into a heavy squall to test his raw crew. The result is near-destruction of his ship and disgust from Chase and many others in the crew. Chase is an expert harpooner and the scenes of his spearing the huge animals are epic in every way. Director Ron Howard handles the action scenes well, marred only by an over-reliance on close-ups that make the action sometimes hard to follow. Add the thunderous noise of the sea and the whales and a lot of the dialogue of this film is lost to the elements. The film demands more and more of the cast as there becomes less and less of them. All lost scores of pounds in making the film. Oddly enough, as the film portrays them, when they returned home they were not regarded as heroes but as freaks who somehow survived the least survivable conditions they could imagine. That cannibalism was involved was almost assumed by the townspeople. It is no wonder that the story of the Essex served as the underpinning for “Moby Dick.” But it is Mel- firstperson Annual Last-Minute Gift Guide I t’s the most wonderful time of the year!! No, really. It is. Even if you had to delete 1,000 pics just to get one usable Christmas card mailed two weeks later than planned. Even if you can’t bake, bring By Maureen or bite one more cookie Stiles without your head (and waist) exploding. Even if you are limping into the New Year, exhausted and overscheduled. My annual gift guide is my little present to you each December. A little boost to those weary of searching for cheer. Unfortunately, the editorial deadline was after Hanukkah, but let’s be truthful, these gifts are awesome enough for year-round consideration. Without further ado, here is my last-minute gift guide. My Pillow—If the words “Patented Poly-fill” make visions of sugar plums dance in your head, then boy are you in luck. This revolutionary pillow looks suspiciously like the $24.99 pillow currently on my bed yet promises that it will not flatten over time and stays cool. The bonus? It comes with a 60-day, money-back sleep guarantee. Essentially, you can rack up two months’ worth of nightly drool on that puppy and pop it back in the mail for a full refund. Well, a refund minus all the shipping, handling and fine print. Big Vision Glasses—Are you always searching for reading glasses? Or moving menus and cell phones further back to make out the words? Well, Big Vision Glasses not only make everything miraculously clearer, but they are so humongous you will never misplace them on the top of your head. We’re talking safety goggle-sized, gargantuan glasses. Apparently, this is function over form with no consideration for fashion whatsoever. A whopping 160 percent magnification allows you the luxury of stumbling around like watching a 3-D movie all day, every day. The shocker is that they have just been marked down— RUN to your computer NOW! Fone Ring—I have a natural mistrust of any product that replaces a “ph” with an “f.” In my experience, this approach has never improved anything, ever. Nevertheless, being a servant of the people, I will overlook the grammar obstacles and pass this info on to you. The Fone Ring is a mechanism that attaches your phone n first person Continued on page 16 ville’s genius that saw through the simple plot lines to the eternal and very human conflicts underneath—conflicts that made the whale himself secondary to the conflicts between the humans that hunted him and ultimately destroyed themselves in the process. The movie concludes with the ironic fact that, as some of the survivors readjusted to their lives on shore and even went back to whaling, the whale oil industry itself began dying away; oil was discovered in the ground in Pennsylvania in 1859— just a few years after the Essex crew came back home. Young children will not understand the dynamics of the story, and the underwater scenes and destruction of humans by whales (Moby Dick wasn’t the only killer) will not set well with them. Perhaps a few of their parents will find it the same. Superb sea footage, a compelling story and one HUGE whale are worth the time it takes to take all this in. Krampus (PG-13) * There are two demanding questions about this film: 1) Why was it made? 2) Who is the intended audience? It is ostensibly a holiday comic fantasy but for “fantasy” read “horror show.” I am absolutely at a loss as to whom the producers aimed this horror at. The only logical answer is perverted, Christmas-hating, horror-loving teens, but that seems a narrow group. With such a strong cast: Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner and Conchata Ferrell, I wondered why I had seen so few ads for this film. Now I know. Starting as a holiday film featuring a mysterious Omi (Krista Sadler), Adam Scott’s mother, with comic set-up scenes for a typical dysfunctional family Christmas (the film opens with holiday music over Black Friday riots), it soon deteriorates into the most horrific of horror movies with mothers and babies and brothers and sisters disappearing, most likely eaten by monsters. We are soon in a world of constant snatches and grabs and monster feasts and all the rest of the horror movie genre scenes we have seen for years. Omi hints that it is because of mysterious causes beyond our understanding, but Max (Emjay Anthony) knows that it is his fault because he has lost faith in Christmas. All the while the mayhem is going on (in the middle of a blizzard-caused blackout), the viewer is left to question again: What is the intended audience for this? Little ones would be horrified, even teens would be puzzled, adult audiences will be offended by the motivations and bored by the repetition and habitual horror addicts will be put off by the simplistic message of the film: Believe in Christmas and everything will work out. Many will simply find the film offensive. A horrific waste of talent and special effects and NOT a film for the holidays. (“Krampus” has been made before as an Alpine horror story but not to our knowledge as a holiday comedy.) Page 16 The Town Courier December 18, 2015 shoptalk from page 3 ing program and Stephanie Brant, principal at Gaithersburg Elementary School, to ensure the books get distributed to Gaithersburg community families in need. The book drive continues through firstperson from page 15 to your hand so it never drops. Because how many times a day have you thought, “My life would be perfect if only my phone was attached to my body.” Fanny Bank— We all know that the reality of saving money can be a pain in the rear. Well, this bank aims to take the sting out of being so responsible. The exposed backside of a plumber comprises the bank itself with a slot for coins right in that plumber’s crack. Oh yes they did, they went there. And … wait for it … the plumber farts when coins are deposited. This is every kindergartner’s dream, no ifs, ands or butts about it. Robocut—The tagline says, “If you can vacuum, you can cut your own hair.” Well, I can put on a Band-Aid but I’m thinking that does not make me a surgeon. So, I have my doubts. By attaching to your Hoover or Dyson, the Robocut sucks the hair up simulating the technique of your highly trained hairdresser. It is a bargain at $72, provided you don’t have to pay $300 to repair the damage. So, in short, YOU’RE WELCOME! Now you have at least one gift idea for anyone who did not provide you with a list. Or for that white elephant exchange. Or if you are just into wasting some money on senseless items. Merry Gifting to you all! Jan. 8, 2016. For more information, visit www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org or www.handandstonegaithersburg.com. O’Donnell’s Market Opens in Potomac For 20 years, Kentlands had easy access to O’Donnell’s famous crab cakes and rum buns when the restaurant operated at 311 Kentlands Boulevard (now Boulevard Tavern). O’Donnell’s 2013 closing was quite a loss. With the Dec. 9 opening of O’Donnell’s Market at 1073 Seven Locks Road in Potomac, locals can once again enjoy these favorites, as well as a wide selection of seafood, meats, bakery items and prepared foods, including graband-go salads and sandwiches. You can even enjoy an adult beverage while you shop. Beer and wine are served on premises. Donnell’s Market is owned and run by Bill Edelblut, grandson of restaurant founder Tom O’Donnell, with his daughter, Ashlee Edelblut. odonnellsmarket.com Nalley Fresh Anticipates January Opening Although Nalley Fresh has no firm opening date set, Maggie McDermott, spokesperson, said that it will be sometime after the first of the year. The fresh salad, bowl and wrap concept restaurant from Baltimore will occupy the 1800-squarefoot space next to The Hair Cuttery in Kentlands Square. www.nalleyfresh.com Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Now Available Launched in March 2015 in the Urbana area, the new Club Z! franchise owned by Yan Manegan now serves students from kindergarten through college in the Gaithersburg area. Manegan said that her tutors, who currently work with several Quince Orchard High School students, tutor students in their own homes or in central locations like the library. Manegan and one other staff member personally consult with students and their families to assess their needs. Students are then matched with the best tutor based on individual needs and personality. Lessons follow the student’s school curriculum. A variety of test preparation tutoring—SAT, ACT, GED, GMAT, GRE, PSAT and ASVAB— is also available. For more information, call 301.200.1516 or visit clubZtutoring.com/ Montgomerymd. cityscene from page 5 Holiday Trees Can Be Recycled Available now in limited quantities, the blue-frosted ornament features the City’s G logo and an image of a leaping reindeer. The ornament costs $10 with a portion of the proceeds set to benefit the W. Edward Bohrer Memorial CHARACTER COUNTS! Scholarship program. After all the presents have been unwrapped and the calendar changed to a new year, be sure to put your real holiday tree on the curb for recycling. City of Gaithersburg recycling contractors will pick up trees on your regular recycling days but certain criteria must be met. There is no deadline for putting your holiday tree out for recycling so feel free to enjoy it as long as possible. • The trees must be by recycling containers by 7 a.m. on your pick-up day. Christmas and New Year’s Recycling Days Moved Katz Honored With Award Former Gaithersburg mayor and current Montgomery County Councilman Sidney Katz was among nine honored recently during the Sentinel Newspapers’ Second Annual Excellence in Government Awards. Currently in the second year of his term on the council, Katz served in various roles with the city for more than 35 years. • Trees must be in their natural state. • All decorations including tinsel and angel hair must be removed. • No metal should be attached to the tree. • Do not wrap trees in plastic. • They will NOT be picking up artificial trees. • Trees with root balls will not be recycled. • Trees will only be picked up at homes so do not take trees to other sites such as schools or public buildings. The City of Gaithersburg will be moving recycling days for those residents whose days fall on the upcoming holidays of Christmas and New Year’s Day. Both holidays fall on Fridays so the city will pick up recycling the following Saturdays— Dec. 26 and Jan. 2, respectively. Schaeffer’s Piano Co., Inc. Est 1901 NEW • USED RENTALS TOO! Tuning • Repair Refinishing We’ve Moved! Visit us at our new location! 105 N Stone Street Ave. Rockville, Md 20850 301.424.1144 www.schaefferspiano.com Advertise in Gaithersburg’s hometown paper ads@towncourier.com leslie@towncourier.com The Town Courier December 18, 2015 Page 17 Sports Making Weight QO Looking to Leap Into Top Tier By Jennifer Beekman A s recently as 20 years ago, wrestling was “kind of like the Wild Wild West” when it came to athletes making their desired weight classes, Quince Orchard coach Rob Wolf said. “(When I was in high school), people used to wear rubber suits, we’d roll them up in the mat to make them sweat more,” Wolf said. “We’d go into saunas. Guys would lose a crazy amount of weight in a short period of time. Unfortunately (when you do that), you also lose your strength.” The sport’s culture has changed drastically in the 10 to 15 years since the NCAA and National Federation of State High School Associations cracked down on safety regulations that ensure athletes meet weight in a safe and healthy manner. Yet, it is still hard for high school wrestlers to shake the stigma that has surrounded the sport for years, Quince Orchard sophomore Alejandro Lopez said. “I think some people are ignorant about it because they don’t really know about the sport,” said Lopez, who was the 126-pound champion at Magruder’s invitational meet Dec. 12. “When people think when you wrestle you starve yourself, it’s a huge misconception. It’s all about safety now. People doing crazy stuff are not going to be able to go out and wrestle well. You have to be safe about it. It’s really good how we evolved from the real crazy ways it was done before to being safe and not harming ourselves.” In order to participate all MCPS athletes are required to be certified by a physician for a specific wright class. This was done through the county at one central location on two dates at the start of the season. Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association regulations state that all wrestlers have their minimum weight class certified prior to their first match, per the MCPS website’s wrestling page. Maryland also requires a body fat analysis as part of this process; wrestlers can only drop down to seven percent body fat (12 percent for girls) while maintaining a proper level of hydration, per the website. And coaches are given a schedule to determine the rate at which weight can be dropped, Wolf said. By Syl Sobel T Photo | Mac Kennedy Junior Bret Williams takes on a Seneca Valley wrestler during the Dec. 9 boys’ varsity wrestling meet. Quince Orchard won, 78-3. “We live in a very different society than it was; today’s society is very safety conscious,” Northwest coach Joe Vukovich said. “There is more structure, it’s more rigid. And yes, you’re stopping things that are unhealthy. It’s just a smarter way to do things. I embrace the safety and the structure. It also allows for a long-term plan. You’re certified at the beginning of the season and you know what you can be at the end of the season if you choose to do that. Before kids were losing weight however they wanted to and it wasn’t safe and it wasn’t organized. Now there are short-term goals and long-term goals and season plans.” But Vukovich said the minority sport’s bad rap will likely never disappear completely because it is the only interscholastic high school sport that involves weight and official weighins. That, of course, directly correlates with perhaps the sport’s best quality: Athletes compete against opponents their own size. “In wrestling, there’s an opportunity for everyone,” Wolf said. “When do you have in an athletic event where you compete against someone exactly your size? You take someone who’s 106 pounds and you put them on a football field or a basketball court, they have no chance.” There are two main reasons for athletes to drop weight, Wolf said. If they are at the lower end of a higher weight class, they’d likely be more successful if on the heavier side of a lighter weight division. Sometimes, Wolf added, it’s merely about filling a spot in a lineup. In fact, achieving a balanced lineup with strength across all 14 spots, is key to team success in general and what Quince Orchard and Northwest are working to build as they head into the hearts of their respective seasons. Each individual match is as important as the next, no matter the division; a team could have the five best athletes in the county but even if they win every single match, the team could lose all of its dual meets. While Wolf and Vukovich agreed threetime defending Class 4A/3A dual-meet state n wrestling Continued on page 19 Northwest Basketball Teams Aim to Join in Athletics Program Success By Jennifer Beekman I t’s a good time to be an athlete at Northwest High School. From the football team’s fourth consecutive state tournament appearance—the Jaguars won the title in 2013-14—and the girls’ volleyball team’s first-ever state championship this fall, to the boys’ track and field team’s three state crowns since 2013, the baseball team’s 2012 state win and the softball team’s first state final appearance last spring, the Germantown school’s athletics program has enjoyed remarkable postseason success across the board in recent years. The girls’ and boys’ basketball teams want in. One week into the season, the Jaguar girls have eclipsed their record from last winter by winning their first two games. With improved depth this season Northwest’s boys intend to position themselves as postseason contenders, second-year coach Robert Smith said. Girls Northwest is no stranger to success. Three years ago, the Jaguars were peren- nial postseason contenders. And though a 0-21 season might not seem like a building block, that’s exactly what last season was, first-year coach Justin Sickeri said. “They were young,” he added. “A foundation was established.” After two consecutive losing seasons— Northwest won only eight games in 201314—it was important for the Jaguars to get off to a quick start this year. And they have done just that, with wins over two very respectable programs, Wootton and Walter n nw basketball Continued on page 18 wo young but experienced Quince Orchard basketball teams have opened their seasons hoping to build on last year’s successes and enter the ranks of the county’s elite. The QO boys are 2-1 following a 3736 loss on Friday to last year’s state runner up, Bethesda-Chevy Chase (ranked 15th by the Washington Post). B-CC took a 20-14 halftime lead as QO was plagued by poor shooting. The Cougars rallied to take a 28-26 lead after three, but fell a point short in a tight fourth quarter. “We are way ahead of where I thought we would be on defense. We are way behind of where I thought we would be on offense,” said boys’ coach Paul Foringer after the B-CC game. “Need to start playing intelligent offense.” The girls, meanwhile, are 1-2, but have lost to two of the top teams in the county. They suffered a hard-fought 54-49 loss last week to Paint Branch, which was ranked sixth at the time by the Post. QO’s top player, sophomore guard Jordan Odom, was injured in that game and her absence was felt in the second half as Paint Branch came back from a 6-point halftime deficit. Odom scored 14 of her game-high 15 points for QO in the first half. “I’m proud of them and hurt for them,” girls’ coach Chris Campbell said after the Paint Branch loss. “They deserved that win.” Then on Friday night playing without Odom and two other key players they battled powerful B-CC in the first half before the visitors pulled away to a 6940 win as Campbell rested his starters near the end. The boys are led by juniors Johnny Fierstein and Matthew Kelly and return most of last year’s 17-7 squad that made it to the sectional finals. Fierstein and Kelly were listed among the top 80 juniors in the region by a preseason basketball website and have added some length and strength since their sophomore seasons. At 6-foot-3 Fierstein, QO’s top scorer last year with 11.8 points per game, can score outside and inside and is the Cougars’ leading rebounder. Kelly, at 5-foot-10, averaged 9.6 points per game last year and relies on a quick release, smooth stroke, and slick moves to create his points. They are joined in the backcourt by lightning fast senior point guard Damon Daniel. He can blow by most defenders, and his decision-making and ability to finish plays will go a long way toward influencing QO’s success. n qo basketball Continued on page 19 Page 18 The Town Courier December 18, 2015 (Left to right, front) Girls’ cross country team members Maya Jacobson, Catherine Cassell, Vicky Liu, Daya Lu, Katie Coulson, Elizabeth Cassell with (left to right, back) coach Seann Pelkey and assistant coach Stephen Majkrzak. Photo | Arthur Cadeaux Northwest senior Tim Biakapia scores in the Dec. 11 game against Tuscarora. ■ nw basketball from page 17 Johnson, in their first two games. Northwest (2-1) also hung with perennial Frederick County contender Tuscarora in a close loss Dec. 11. With a combination of returning players and an influx of talented newcomers, Northwest has showed promise early. Basketball is often a game of set plays but the Jaguars’ offense, which will likely shift between two and three guards, will be much less rigid in Sickeri’s system. The first-year coach said he prefers to give his players freedom and flexibility on the hardwood and that could make Northwest’s offense tricky to defend. “We are not running a cookie-cutter offense,” Sickeri said. “We want to try and teach the girls how to play the game, how to move the ball. We feel like if they can learn the game and understand how to move (on and off the ball), we don’t need a bunch of different plays to be successful on offense.” Sickeri gave much credit to his assistants, former college basketball players Sarah Palmer and Elsabeth Birman, with ensuring the Jaguars are sharp on the fundamentals and know the ins and outs of the game so they can make the right decisions under the pressure of competition. Players are still adjusting to their positions, finding their respective roles within the team and learning to play with one another, but returning guard Samantha Sekscienski, Gaithersburg transfer Alexis Mack, who scored a combined 42 points in the team’s first two games, and senior Daija Black provide an excellent core to build around. “We’re trying to build a program with long-term success, regardless of who is coaching,” Sickeri said. “We want people to think about Northwest basketball like they once did. Because of what happened the last couple of seasons and the reputation, people have shied away (from playing). But we are changing the view of the culture. People are coming out to games. The talent is there, the work ethic, the willingness and the drive of the players. We have that. Now it’s a matter of having some success and building on it.” Boys In three games, Smith has yet to start the same combination of five players. It hasn’t been out of dissatisfaction with performance, however, but producing the most profitable matchups. Though Northwest is still quite young after graduating eight players from last year’s 10-12 campaign— three of them starters—the depth of this year’s roster, which enables Smith to have such flexibility with his lineup, could be the Jaguars’ biggest strength. “Last year we were seven or eight guys deep at most,” Smith said. “This year right now I could legit start five and sub on five. It’s new for me to have 10 or 11 guys who could start for you or contribute. Practice has to be tough; guys have to play. Having the luxury (of that depth) does help, and guys knowing how to play different positions.” Returning starters, 6-foot-4 forward Tim Biakapia and 6-foot-2 Ty Richardson have settled into their roles as leaders. Biakapia has averaged 16 points and 9 rebounds a game early this winter and Richardson has 9 points and 14.5 rebounds. Senior guards Nick Pinto and Jason Woodard (12 points per game) lead the backcourt. And sophomore forwards TJ Williams and Lameek Lumsden have already been major contributors. The Jaguars will rely on their overall athleticism and ability to get up and down the floor. Defense is a focal point, Smith said, as well as creating more of an inside presence than last year. Northwest’s coach added he anticipated at least four players could be averaging double digits in scoring by the end of the season. The Northwest boys have never advanced past the second round of playoffs, which is a major goal for this winter, Smith added. “I’m excited about the season,” Smith said. “We’ve had some talented groups come through here but I think we checked last year and we’ve never made it past the second round in school history. So that’s one of our goals, we want to go deep into playoffs. But we have to make sure we’re playing well at the right time.” (Left to right) Coach Seann Pelkey and boys’ cross country team members Christian McCann, Philippe Castillo, Yonatan Babore, Sajan Mistry, Niko Stathes and Liam Walsh with assistant coach Stephen Majkrzak. Field hockey player Skylar Saffer (center) with coaches Leah Hunsinger (left) and Alician Vincenty (right) Photos | Mac Kennedy The Fall Sports Awards Night, Dec. 9 at Quince Orchard High School, celebrated the accomplishments of fall season athletes. Among the students honored were the cross country team and Skylar Saffer, varsity field hockey. ■ barnyard blitz from page 6 Next on the agenda was what has become a tradition in the QO community, the Cow Patty Bingo. As explained by QOHS Booster President Cindy Cresser, “Two cows provided by Calleva were led onto the field and hilarity ensued as the bovines became acquainted with the field, the bleachers, and the parking lot. Each square sold for $10 gave the bearer of the deed the ownership of a 5-foot by 9-foot square on the QOHS football field for the duration of the event. The rules were simple, if a cow ‘deposited’ on your deeded square of land you won a predetermined prize.” The Barnyard Blitz continued as students from the technology and physics classes at Quince Orchard High School mounted their catapults and trebuchets on the field for the first annual QOHS Punkin Chunkin. Teams BLU, Axel, Cataloop, and the Physic Gnomes battled it out on the football field to see who would launch the farthest “chunk.” At the end of the competition, BLU took home the winning launch for the trebuchet category with a 113-foot chunk, while Cataloop’s catapult won with a 46-foot chunk. Throughout the day, the Cougardome was full of various vendors from around the area selling and promoting their holiday gifts and items. Famous Dave’s BBQ provided food for the guests, and QO’s football announcer, Lee Faris, covered the event from the press box. A highlight for many of the attendees was the effort put in by the two cows trying to make a break for Quince Orchard Road. Thankfully, they were unsuccessful and no cows were harmed in the production of the QOHS Booster Club Barnyard Blitz. December 18, 2015 ■ qo basketball from page 17 Inside, QO will rely on senior Jack Ropelewski, a dependable player who consistently plays tough defense and makes good plays, and sophomore Daniel Dorsey. Senior Rayshawn Murrell (6-foot-3 and 205 pounds) returns after battling injuries the past two seasons and could provide some size underneath, while sophomore Jack Faraone and juniors Colin Crews and Ulric Ayivi-Fandalor are key reserves. Two newcomers have also helped the Cougars in the early going. Kendell (Doc) Bonner, the dynamic quarterback from QO’s football squad, has been a tenacious rebounder and defender, though undersized at barely 6 feet. As he gets into basketball shape he is likely to become more of an inside scorer. Tresean Sewell, a junior transfer, has been a key backcourt reserve and provides additional athleticism to the roster. Foringer has been pleased with his bench, which is important to his aggressive style of play. “I figured I had seven or eight guys this ■ wrestling from page 17 champion Damascus is the team to beat again this winter, the county’s no. 2 slot appears to be up for grabs. And Quince Orchard (3-0), which finished fourth in an 18-team field at Magruder over the weekend, is in major contention for that position and to qualify for states, which it just missed out on doing The Town Courier Page 19 year … and we’re trying to expand it. … The more depth we get the better we’re going to get.” QO showed they can score and play tough defense in their first two games, topping always tough but injury-depleted Magruder, 61-42, and beating Paint Branch, 71-64. Both games were at home. Paint Branch took a 7-point first quarter lead but QO tightened their defensive pressure, outscored the Panthers by 17 in the second stanza, and surged to a 36-26 halftime advantage. QO extended the lead to as much as 17 points in the third quarter, then Paint Branch chipped away at the end against QO’s reserves. Fierstein had 26 points, many on strong drives through the lane, and Kelly added 14, while Bonner’s toughness on the offensive boards kept many possessions alive. “I think that we should be one of the better teams in 4A,” Foringer said. “If we continue to get better every week, we might be there at the end. … We’re going to challenge. I don’t know how far we can go, but we’ll find out.” The girls, meanwhile, return almost the entire team that went 12-12 last season and won its first playoff game in four years, and their top players remain mostly sophomores and juniors. Odom, 5-foot-7, is a top-tier talent who could well become one of the best players in the county, if not this year, then before her career is through. “Jordan makes very good decisions but is still learning to make great decisions,” said Campbell. “As she grows and gets a better feel, she will make better and better decisions.” In addition to Odom, the girls’ roster is deep with improving players, any of whom could make important contributions on any night. Junior Danni Lehner, 5-foot-10, is QO’s top inside player. She recorded a double-double in the season opening victory over Magruder with 15 points and 17 rebounds. Joining her up front will be seniors Emily Baumgartner and Lanie Seiniger, who is recovering from a broken ankle after missing most of last season with a concussion. Sisters Alexa and Giulia Sanmartin, both juniors, are good shooters who will see time in the backcourt along with sophomore Maggie Regan and juniors Sarah Gleason and Amanda Bishop, an aggressive defender who can also play forward. “Our starting lineup is in flux,” said Campbell. “It could change from game to game depending on needs.” Three newcomers could also become increasingly valuable as the season goes on. Angel Murphy at 5-foot-7 is a transfer from South Carolina and “a high-energy kid,” Campbell said, who will play in the post. Freshman Teresa Shelton is a “very athletic” 5-foot-7 guard who Campbell said “is great on defense” and “will make an impact.” Sophomore Yekta Kamali is a 5-foot-8 forward with scoring ability. Her 11 points led QO against B-CC. “I expect us to compete every game,” Campbell said, noting that the Cougars play in a balanced division with no dominant team. With so many young players, Campbell said his team will “pick and choose and figure out what you can run well at that moment.” Getting Odom back and healthy and finding who can pick up the scoring when other teams key on Odom will determine whether the Lady Cougars will emerge as one of the best. a year ago. The Cougars, who were 17-4 last winter, graduated about 50 percent of their starting lineup. But Wolf said an influx of talented underclassmen has helped fill in some holes in the lightweight divisions. Alejandro Lopez and his older brother Antonio (120 pounds), whom he said inspires him, senior Eisley Kim (195 pounds), and classmate Zeph Titus (285 pounds) are among the Cougars’ top guys, Wolf said. The elder Lopez and Titus are currently out with injury but the former is expected back within the next week and the latter in January. Quince Orchard will face its first big test against Whitman Monday. “I’m expecting big things from us,” the younger Lopez said. “We’re just starting the season and we have few little holes to fill right now but we’ll get those fixed up quickly.” While Northwest (13-3 in 2014-15) has perennially been in the upper echelon of county wrestling, the Jaguars are younger this year than the past 10 to 15 years, Vukovich said. During that time Northwest has barely had a freshman starter, he added, and this year the Jaguars have three, as well as four sophomores. Vukovich said he expects growing pains and said the team’s success will hinge on his young talent’s ability to “mature in a competitive sense.” Page 20 The Town Courier December 18, 2015 Warmest Wishes for Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year LE ING M O C N SOO TOO LE SA FOR SA FOR NT RE FOR CT RA ONT C w NeFOR Photo 330 Hart Road KENTLANDS • $725,000 SOLD 7 Granite Place #416 THE COLONNADE • $309,900 223 Thaxton St. KENTLANDS • $875,000 SOLD SOLD 11928-B Darnestown Rd. N. POTOMAC • $380,000 110 Chevy Chase St. #202 KENTLANDS • $410,000 514 Whetstone Glen St. HIDDEN CREEK • $419,900 SOLD SOLD SOLD 477 Lynette Street LAKELANDS • $615,000 SOLD 3 Arch Place #428 COLONNADE • $275,000 SOLD 630 Still Creek Lane LAKELANDS • $949,900 SOLD 611 Gatestone St. LAKELANDS • $564,900 SOLD Lake Views! 0 Days on Market 207 Little Quarry Road KENTLANDS • $649,900 332 Little Quarry Road KENTLANDS • $869,900 184 Kendrick Place #18 KENTLANDS • $279,000 719 Lake Varuna Drive LAKELANDS • $1,059,900 SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD 101% of List Price 100% of List Price 322 Chestnut Hill Street LAKELANDS • $574,900 160 Kent Oaks Way KENTLANDS • $873,500 SOLD SOLD Multiple Offers! 11750 Owens Glen Way N POTOMAC • $ 775,000 SOLD 528 Leaning Oak St. LAKELANDS • $500,000 948 Gentlewood Street LAKELANDS • $960,000 709B Main Street LAKELANDS • $429,722 SOLD SOLD SOLD 27 A Golden Ash Way LAKELANDS • $385,000 SOLD SOLD 100 Golden Ash Way LAKELANDS • $559,900 111 Chestertown St. KENTLANDS • $2,900/mo 300 High Gables Dr #302 LAKELANDS RIDGE • $390,000 164 Golden Ash Way LAKELANDS • $525,000 705 LinsladeHill Street 352 Chestnut Street LAKELANDS • $695,000 $615,000 628 Linslade Street LAKELANDS • $805,000 Experience Matters The #1 RE/MAX Metropolitan Agent 301.840.7320 elaine@elainekoch.com www.elainekoch.com KENTLANDS OFFICE 345 Main Street North Potomac, MD 20878 301-947-6500
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