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Susan Belford

Stories by Susan

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Potomac: Students Join ‘Walk with Pope Francis’

Students at Our Lady of Mercy School take pledge.

On Aug. 31, the first day of school, students at Our Lady of Mercy School in Potomac made a promise that will remain in their hearts and memories.

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Potomac: Scotland A.M.E. Zion Church To Celebrate 110 Years

“Honoring Our Past, Treasuring Our Future”

It’s the year 1905, and residents of Scotland, just off Seven Locks Road in Potomac have recently purchased property and completed the building of a small white church — the Scotland A.M.E. Zion Church.

Top 10 Reasons to Love Living in Potomac

Perspective

For the new resident of Potomac, Washington D.C. might seem like a giant maze of numbers and letters, a traffic gridlock defined only by the outer loop and the inner loop and a land of workaholics where 9-5 is unheard of – a day of work begins at 6 a.m. and ends at 8 or 9 p.m.

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Potomac: Leadership Maryland Seeks Applicants for Class of 2016

Program delves into topics ranging from education to criminal justice, agriculture to economic development.

“I have attended many leadership programs,” said Potomac native John Kuo, “and Leadership Maryland is the best."

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A Business Tailor-Made for Potomac

Transplanting a business from Iowa to here.

Two and a half years ago, Sung Lee and his wife Jung Park hung a sign over their new business — Potomac Custom Tailor, located in the heart of Potomac Village in the townhouses just up the hill from the Giant.

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Potomac: Autism Speaks 5K Celebrates Its 15th Year

New stroller derby added.

There is more to July 4 than just fireworks and barbecues. Come to Potomac early in the morning and race in the Autism Speaks 5K run/1 mile walk and Stroller Derby.

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Potomac: Old Angler’s Inn Owners Seeks Approval To Add Pavilion

Neighbors invited to attend discussion meetings.

"My mother's dream was to build a romantic country inn in a natural setting on the land she owned behind Old Angler’s Inn (OAI)," said OAI owner Mark Reges. "However, she was never able to find the time to construct this charming French country inn to share with others as she envisioned it."

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Potomac: KEEN Celebrates 23 Years with Sports Festival

Benefitting athletes and volunteers.

Kids Enjoying Exercise Now (KEEN) holds a special place in the hearts of many young adults with disabilities, their volunteer coaches, family members and supporters. On Sunday, June 7, KEEN participants from Maryland, D.C. and Virginia made it around the bases, jumped for volleyballs, cheered as their teammates made it through the obstacle course and played on the playground at the KEEN Sports Festival at Avenel Park.

Potomac: Providing Friends for Those with Developmental Challenges

Friendship Circle hosts awards dinner.

Three children climbed onto the stage at the Friendship Circle Awards Dinner — and rocked the house, filling the room with joy and laughter as they told the crowd why they loved their "friends-at-home" buddies. Sarah said, "I love to play soccer with her."

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Potomac: Luncheon To Benefit First Tee

Program teaches golf and life skills.

Golf fans may one day see the name Brittany Campbell of Silver Spring on the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour. The 13-year-old middle-school student shot the longest drive of all the female golfers in her competition last year. Golf has become her passion since she started in The First Tee program with free lessons at Sligo Creek Golf Course four years ago. “I’m trying to get into college on a scholarship,” she said. “But I still play to have fun … that’s my goal.”

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Potomac: Muslim Foundation Honors Volunteers at Annual Cookout

Year-round effort helps families throughout county.

Many residents aren’t aware of the scope of the problem of hunger in Montgomery County. However, the Montgomery County Muslim Foundation (MCMF) understands and confronts the challenge of the hunger of the less fortunate by its food collections of non-perishable goods for Manna.

Potomac: Market Introduces ‘Community First Day’

Effort seeks to help alleviate hunger.

Once a month, Yasmin Abadian, husband Jimmy McWhorter and their daughter Anna Irani arise at dawn, drive to 24th and G Street in D.C., don aprons, prepare and serve breakfast to the homeless who rely on Miriam’s Kitchen to provide them with a substantial breakfast and to counsel them on how to end their homelessness.

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Potomac: Possible Loss of Tennis Club Upsets Members

New assisted living facility is proposed.

Potomac Tennis and Fitness Club (PTC) and Potomac Pilates members are fearful, angry and disheartened that their favorite recreational facility may be demolished within a year or two.

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Potomac: Local Stage Comes Alive with ‘The Sound of Music’

Bravo Productions to present Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.

Bravo Productions, Theatre for Young Artists, will present the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, “The Sound of Music” on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7.

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Walpole Outdoors Relocates to Potomac Village

From pergolas to playhouses, and more.

Potomac is white fence country — and now it has a company to build the fences that grace the countryside in and around the Village. Walpole Outdoors is now open in the Village to meet those outdoor needs.

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Potomac: Working Together Across Faiths

Capital Area Interfaith Friends sponsors Service Day for youths of all faiths.

Four years ago, Dominique and Mike Rychlik and their three children were included in a dinner and movie night on Eid al-Fitr, which celebrates the end of the Ramadan fast.

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Potomac: Church’s Strawberry Festival Marks 25 Years

Coordinating annual event proves to be a family affair.

Hungry for Judith Dubowy’s delectable strawberry shortcake, Becky Queen’s famous chocolate-covered strawberries, home-made baked goods or grilled hamburgers and hotdogs and pulled pork?

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Potomac: Fashion Show To Benefit Stroke Rehabilitation

Event to raise awareness of symptoms and treatment.

Sara and Mark Reges, proprietors of the historic Old Anglers Inn, are once again pleased to be hosting the annual Spring Fashion Show to Honor American Stroke Month. Sara Reges is an RN at MedStar National Rehabilitation Network (NRH) as well as a brain injury nurse navigator.

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Potomac: China Gourmet Bistro Offers Traditional Dishes

Located in Cabin John Shopping Center.

In the mood for traditional Chinese cuisine, Japanese noodles, Vietnamese dishes, sushi, red or green curry, Mongolian lamb or Asian vegetarian dishes?

‘Social Media: The Good, The Bad, The Selfie’

Church to host seminar for parents.

Instagram, FaceBook, SnapChat, YouTube and Twitter are just a few types of familiar social media. They are convenient ways of staying in touch, viewing photos, gaining information and keeping current. However, deciding how much time on digital devices is enough for children, controlling the contacts and internet safety of one’s child and cyber-bulling are worries for parents.

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Potomac: Documentary Details Team JOY's Journey to Special Olympics World Games

“Let me win. But, if I cannot win, let me be brave in my attempt.” Team JOY, a Special Olympics cheerleading team from Montgomery County makes this pledge of Special Olympians every time they enter into competition — and their courage and bravery have helped them to become champions.

Inspiration Day Brings Empowering Speakers to Potomac

MoverMoms to host event.

“Inspiration Day is an event that gives our community a chance to come together, connect, and feel inspired,” said Salma Hasan Ali, chief inspiration officer (CIO) of MoverMoms. “It’s a day when we invite our members along with the larger community to take a pause from their busy lives, listen to three amazing speakers — and leave feeling fulfilled, empowered and motivated.”

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Potomac: Bullis 5K Run/Walk/Buddy Run Returns

Events raises funds for local causes.

"Stepping Towards a Better Future — Come Run … Come Walk … Come Change a Life" is the theme of the 7th annual “Bullis Gives Back” 5K Run/Walk and Buddy Run — a theme that Bullis students embrace through doing.

Potomac: RW Restaurant Group Purchases Tavern at River Falls

The Tavern at River Falls has been purchased by Robert Wiedmaier’s restaurant group.

Tavern at River Falls has been acquired by the RW Restaurant Group — partners Robert Wiedmaier, Frank Shull, Joe Lively, and Brian McBride — who own and operate 10 other restaurants that span Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland.

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Potomac: Tiger Trot Celebrates 5th Year of Fun Run/Walk

Annual event benefits school’s wellness progam and Cabin John fire department.

At 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 19, runners will take their places, listen for the starting gun — and then sprint down the scenic route through the hills and valleys of Potomac.

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Historian Ralph Buglass to Give Presentation on Offutts Crossroads

Historian Ralph Buglass to give slide show presentation at Potomac Library.

The Potomac Village Crossroads where River Road and Falls Road meet was known in the 1800s as Offutts Crossroads, named for one of the founding families who owned the acreage surrounding the area. The Offutts have a colorful history, sprinkled with stories of murders, family feuds and lawsuits.

Potomac: Serving Locally and Globally

Potomac resident supports local youth and international programs.

Ishrat Husain has had a long career in formulating strategies, developing operations and managing health, population and poverty reduction operations at the World Bank.

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Potomac: ‘Girls’ Night Out’ Features Author Iris Krasnow

Women gather for a night of learning and laughter

“The Healing Power of Women’s Friendships” — a timely topic for a “Girls Night Out” evening — set the tone and spirit for an evening featuring the wisdom of journalist and New York Times best-selling author Iris Krasnow.

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Potomac Doctor Fixes Broken Hearts

“Heart healer” Craig Sable saves lives of Ugandan children.

“I am staring at a list of the names of over 100 Ugandan children with holes, blockages and leaks in their heart, knowing that for some, in a few short weeks, the dream that they and their families have been praying for will finally come true...."

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Potomac: Collecting Shoes To Fight Against Poverty

Junior Girl Scout Troop 642 spearheads Soles4Souls shoe drive.

Everyone has a pair of shoes or two that aren’t as comfortable as they would like, don’t go with anything they have — or that they are just plain tired of. Residents should dig deep in their closets and bring their “gently used” shoes to the Potomac United Methodist Church (PUMC) at 9908 South Glen Road in Potomac on Sunday, March 29 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. By donating shoes, residents will be helping Soles4Souls, a global not-for-profit organization dedicated to fighting the “devastating impact and perpetuation of poverty.”

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Potomac: Beer, Wine and Sake Added to En Bistro

Restaurant receives liquor license.

Since opening this past year, En Bistro and Sushi has impressed the Potomac community with its fresh sushi and sashimi, served in a manner that resembles a piece of fine art, instead of a dinner entrée. The small restaurant, located behind the Verizon store and next to Tally Ho in the Potomac Village Shopping Center is a Japanese bistro, complete with a kimono, once owned by a Japanese movie actor. The kimono was sent to owner Billy Ye by his mother many years ago — and he has been waiting to find the just right spot for hanging it.

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Potomac: ‘Guys Night Out and Seder Summit’

Beth Sholom hosts annual night of fine fare and camaraderie.

Kosher BBQ ribs, fried chicken, fries — and 13 Scotch companies pouring samples — nothing could make a gathering of 500-plus men any more content than devouring their favorite comfort foods while bonding and schmoozing with other men. In addition to fine fare and camaraderie, the men benefited from Rabbi Nissan Antine’s discussion concerning how to make their own family Passover Seder relevant and significant.

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Misty Blue Says Good-bye to Former Owner

Unconditional love.

In the Aug. 28, 2010 edition of The Almanac, an article featured the "shared custody" of a husky named Misty Blue.

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Nadia Saad-Miller: A Life of Valor, Dedication

From the Middle East to Potomac.

Potomac resident Nadia Saad-Miller’s adventurous life-story could be made into an action film including danger, intrigue and romance. In her 40 years with the United Nations and World Bank, she was dedicated to improving social and economic conditions of the poor and underdeveloped people around the world.

Library Lovers Month’ Highlights Programs, Services

Kaydee Puppeteers to present two shows Feb. 28.

To Celebrate February as “Library Lover’s Month,” the Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, Potomac Chapter, will sponsor Kaydee Puppeteers on Feb. 28 at 10:30 a.m.

What To Do To Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Some suggestions for a one-of-a-kind day.

Valentine’s Day is this Saturday.

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Potomac’s Oasis for Learning

Program targets 50 years and older.

Just moments away from Potomac is OASIS — a hidden gem offering lifelong learning, healthy living activities and social engagement. Many classes are held inside the Macy’s Home Store at Westfield’s Montgomery Mall, but others are located throughout the county. Its 51-page brochure lists a variety of opportunities that provide everything from exercise programs to volunteer opportunities, interesting and informative classes taught by local experts to technology training that will build confidence with the latest computer, iPad or Facebook challenge.

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B’Nai Tzedek Leads Ceremonies for Hanukkah

Lighting the menorah at Potomac Place.

On Tuesday, Dec. 16, the first night of Hanukkah, the lighting of the candle of a large menorah, singing, and the giving of gelt welcomed in the Jewish holiday.

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Potomac’s Arden Courts Celebrates 20 Years

A facility for memory care.

Arden Courts in Potomac, the first community built by Manor Care dedicated to those with Dementia and Alzheimer’s, celebrated its 20th anniversary on Nov. 5. More than 200 healthcare professionals, government officials, resident families and local businesses in the community came out in support.

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Solving Foot Pain

New store focuses on keeping people moving.

A new store in Rockville can help manage the pain. Good Feet, a franchise store, is committed to helping to alleviate foot pain and make people feel better about moving, exercising and walking. Good Feet provides custom fitting of feet with various levels of foot supports. The store carries 350 different sizes and 25 different styles to fit every type of foot.

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Accepting Differences

Congregation B’Nai Tzedek hosts holiday party for Jewish Foundation for Group Homes’ adults with disabilities.

Sixth grade religious students at Congregation B’Nai Tzedek (CBT) were taught by members of their Special Needs committee about differences that the disabled adults who live at the Jewish Foundation for Group Homes (JFGH) might have — and the importance of accepting the disparity among people’s abilities.

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Potomac: Market at River Falls To Open

McWorter, Abadian to oversee business.

Potomac residents James McWorter and Yasmin Abadian will be opening The Market at River Falls this month in the space vacated by the River Falls Seafood Market.

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Potomac: Holiday Cheer at Great Falls Tavern

Gilmore’s Light Ensemble recreates Civil War-era music.

The sounds of 19th century dulcimer music filled the Great Falls Tavern on a sunny, temperate Sunday, Dec. 7. Hikers, cyclists, walkers, passers-by and families gathered to hear the seasonal tunes played by Gilmore’s Light Ensemble – a group of authentically-dressed musicians who entertained with the music of long-ago as well as holiday songs and an invitation to “Sing-along.”

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Potomac: Jolly Fat Man’s Run’ Promotes Spirit of Giving

Fun run benefits Operation Second Chance.

In 2004, a close friend of Cindy McGrew’s was deployed to Iraq. When his fellow soldiers were injured and heading to Walter Reed, she visited them, searching for a way to help the soldiers and their families.

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Potomac: Clara Barton Center To Host Craft Show

From artists to authors to crafters.

The Clara Barton Craft Show is a “must-do” for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts as well as the perfect present for that “hard-to-buy-for person” – or the “I can’t think of anything for him or her – and they won’t give me any suggestions” person.

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Potomac: Shops Prepare for the Holidays

A variety of gift ideas.

The interior of Cabin John Mall is one of Potomac’s best kept secrets for holiday gift shopping.

Physicians Launch ‘Seniorbility’

Check-in system connects senior with medical professional.

“I was struck by the epidemic that all emergency physicians encounter: seniors living alone who injure themselves and aren’t checked on for days,” said ER Doc Alex Mohseni.

Renovated Mall Ready for Holidays

ArcLight Cinema opens.

The renovated Westfield’s Montgomery Mall offers a state-of-the-art movie theater, a variety of new restaurants and dozens of stores just in time for Black Friday.

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Camargo, Guterman Launch Collection in Potomac

Designer, local entrepreneur join forces.

Jewelry designer Anthony Camargo is renowned for his line, Anthony Nak, worn by celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Catherine Zeta Jones and Jennifer Lopez. Camargo recently relocated to the Potomac area from southeast Asia — and the designer has now joined forces with Potomac entrepreneur Barbara Guterman to release his new independent jewelry collection.

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Praising Muslim Foundation’s ‘Faith in Action’

Fundraising dinner highlight charitable activities.

More than 200 people attended the Montgomery County Muslim Foundation’s (MCMF) annual fundraising dinner on Nov. 1 where County Executive Isiah Leggett complimented the organization on their many charitable activities.