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Susan Belford

Stories by Susan

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Potomac: ‘Sam’s Backyard Carnival’ Benefits Colon Cancer Alliance

Joining in a mom’s battle.

Seventh-grader Sam Benaim didn’t know a lot about colon cancer until his mom, Michelle was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. Life as the family had previously known it totally changed to focus on supporting Michelle Benaim in her fight.

Potomac Village Deli Opens in the Kentlands

Authentic Jewish-style deli returns but in new site.

“We’re back,” said Potomac Village Deli owner Adam Greenberg.

Potomac: Gathering for ‘End of an Era’ Party

Current and former members of Potomac Tennis Club share memories.

Since 1977, Potomac Tennis Club (PTC) has been teeming with enthusiastic tennis players from 6 in the morning until 10 at night — seven days a week throughout the year. Thirty-seven years of close friendships, serious competitions and meaningful memories were celebrated by more than 160 current and former members on Friday evening, April 15.

Potomac: ‘Tiger Trot’ Leaps into Action

6th annual 5K run/walk returns April 17.

Potomac will come alive on Sunday, April 17 as more than 400 runners and walkers await the starting gun and then leap forward to sprint or stroll in the 6th Annual “Tiger Trot.” The 5K run/walk, sponsored by the Connelly School of the Holy Child, benefits the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department as well as the wellness and fitness programs at the school.

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Potomac: Local Artist To Participate in Sugarloaf Art Festival

Sasha Berman to display fused glass.

“Glass is interesting because it moves between liquid and solid stage and can be manipulated into beautiful pieces of art,” said Potomac’s Sasha Berman. Three years ago, she attended a class at Seattle’s Chihuly Museum in glass-blowing and became fascinated with the unique properties and malleability of glass. She spent a year experimenting with an array of methods for working with glass, choosing fused glass as the medium for her bowls and plates. Berman will exhibit her pieces this coming weekend — April 15, 16 and 17 — at the Sugarloaf Craft Festival in Gaithersburg.

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Potomac Health & Fitness: Launching Springtime Routine

10 tips for exercising after a winter’s delay.

The minute the weather edges up over the 60s and sunshine abounds, streets and sidewalks are crammed with bikers, joggers, walkers, strollers — everyone thinking about fitness and squeezing into spring clothes and swimsuits after a winter of sitting on the couch. However, to launch a springtime exercise routine, one needs to consider a number of factors.

Local Author To Discuss His Novel at Potomac Library

Neil Currie crafts “The Stanstead Incident.”

“I hated to see my words just disappear into thin air.” Neil Currie, longtime news anchor for the Voice of America, Congressional correspondent for Westinghouse Broadcasting and writer for ABC News spent his career writing for media presentations – and listening to the words he had written evaporate as soon as they were spoken.

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Potomac: Local DAR Chapter Provides Patriotic Service

Hungerford’s Tavern chapter encourages new members.

On June 7, 1974, the Hungerford’s Tavern Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was founded in Potomac. Ever since the organization was begun, they have provided patriotic service to the nation, the state and community. Their motto, “God, Home and Country” serves to define their mission: dedication to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and securing America’s future through better education.

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Potomac: Churchill To Present ‘Blast from the Past 27’

Musical performances to revolve around “elements” theme.

Earth, wind, fire, water — these elements have influenced culture throughout history as well as music since society’s early beginnings. “Blast From the Past 27 – Elements” will present a testimony to their power through vocals and dance performances of songs such as “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel, “Rain” by the Beatles, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis and “I Feel the Earth Move” by Carole King.

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Potomac: Teaching through Problem-Solving

Kumon relocates to Potomac Promenade Mall.

Karen Forng of Potomac is the owner of the newly renovated and relocated Potomac Kumon Math and Reading Center. Because of her first-hand experience with the Kumon program, she is a true believer — and she opened her business to share Kumon with the many students who need academic support in reading, math and study skills.

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Celebrate Library Lover’s Month at Potomac Library

Activities for all ages.

Although we think of Valentine’s Day, President’s Weekend and snow days when we think of February, it is also Library Lover’s Month — a month for the Potomac Library to demonstrate its versatility in appealing to everyone from aged 2 to 102.

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Potomac: ‘Changing the World, One Child, One Community at a Time’

Potomac Kiwanis Club committed to help.

Would you like to help Wounded Warriors? Serve meals at the Children’s Inn? Tutor a child? If “yes,” then attend a meeting of the Potomac Kiwanis Club to learn about its commitment to making the community as well as the world a better place to live.

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Potomac: Running To Benefit Children with Special Needs

Friendship Circle brings youths together.

Seventeen-year-old, Reuben Winston ran the Miami Half-Marathon on Jan. 24, placing 90th out of nearly 15,000 runners.

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Potomac: ‘The Music Man’ Struts onto Har Shalom Stage

Performances set for Feb. 20-21.

There may be “Trouble in River City” according to Professor Harold Hill, but there will also be toe- tapping and singing along to the well-known tunes of “The Music Man” presented by the Har Shalom Players.

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Potomac: Students’ Proposal to Take Spaceflight

Bullis pair’s experiment selected for International Space Station.

As the winners of the Bullis Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP), Amanda Kay and Skylar Jordan’s experiment will be launched on the spring/summer 2016 International Space Station (ISS) payload. What an accomplishment for these Bullis sophomores!

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Potomac’s Ronnie Chantker Leads Rotary

Assumes role of district governor-elect.

"Service Above Self” is the motto of Rotary International — an organization that Potomac’s Ronnie Chantker has been chosen to lead. She has adopted the motto as her creed and lives it every day as she dedicates her time and talents to local, national and international projects that make our world a better place to live for scores of people and families.

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Potomac Pilates To Relocate to Potomac Village

Larger site to accommodate more students.

The Potomac Pilates studio will be relocating to the heart of Potomac Village from the Potomac Tennis Club on Potomac Tennis Lane. Helen Marshall, owner of Potomac Tennis Club, has decided that the multi-use facility, frequented by hundreds of Potomac residents each month, will be closing permanently in April.

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Bethesda Country Club Women Capture Challenge Cup

With long drives, solid putts and confident chips, the 18-hole women of Bethesda Country Club (BCC) won the Challenge Cup for the first time since the competition began eight years ago.

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Potomac: ‘Peter Pan Jr.’ Flies into Randolph Road Theatre

BRAVO Productions presents Jan. 16-17 performances.

Peter, Pan, Wendy, John, Tinker Bell, the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily and definitely the notably evil Captain Hook will be “flying into” the Randolph Road Theatre on Jan. 16 and 17 to entertain youngsters and their families.

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Potomac: South Glen Band Rocks at Old Anglers Inn

“Many professionals are really interested in exploring their creative bent.”

It’s not unusual to spot Potomac’s South Glen Band unloading their amps, drums, keyboard and other instruments at Old Angler’s Inn on MacArthur Boulevard.

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Potomac: Santa and His Elves Ride into Potomac

Collecting toys for The Children’s Inn at NIH.

Santa came roaring into Potomac Village on Wednesday, Dec. 16 — not on a sleigh pulled by tiny reindeer — but on a Harley surrounded by elves and a bevy of police officers on motorcycles.

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Potomac: Diener Students and Bullis Buddies Give Back

Project helps the homeless.

“It’s nice helping homeless people and it really gives me something to smile about,” said Bullis 5th grade student Dillon Malkani. He and his fellow classmates have served as “Bullis Buddies” since the beginning of the school year to students at The Diener School — a school which serves children with learning challenges.

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Chloupek Retires from Potomac Community Center Friends Board

Recognizing more than two decades of commitment.

Twenty-five years ago, when Larry Chloupek joined the Friends of the Potomac Community Center (PCC) Board, basketball and baseball programs were popular among Potomac youngsters.

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Potomac: Garden Club Decorates Great Falls Tavern

Local club keeps 38-year tradition.

The Christmas Spirit descended on the Great Falls Tavern in the C&O Canal Park on Monday, Nov. 30 with 40 members of the Little Farms Garden Club volunteering their time and talents. Fresh live greens, red bows, Christmas wreaths, and holiday garlands provided the joy of the season to the historic Tavern.

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Potomac: ‘Jolly Fat Man’ Supports Veterans

Fundraising event marks 20th anniversary.

Yank yourself out of that warm bed, jump into your running gear — and head to Bethesda’s Capital Crescent Trail on Dec. 12 to run or walk with the “Jolly Fat Man.”

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Clara Barton Center To Host Holiday Craft Show

More than 50 local artisans to exhibit their work.

The 9th annual Clara Barton Center Holiday Craft Show is an opportunity to shop for imaginative holiday gifts.

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Equilibrium Activewear Debuts in Potomac

Holstein adds clothing line.

Potomac’s Stacy Holstein is a fitness guru — a personal trainer, nutritionist, fitness class instructor, and a weight loss consultant.

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Potomac: Muslim Foundation Helps the Needy

Annual event highlights charitable work.

Every November, the Montgomery County Muslim Foundation (MCMF) makes Thanksgiving dinner a reality for many families who cannot afford to purchase the many items needed for a bountiful Thanksgiving dinner.

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Potomac Resident Biking to Raise Funds for Leukemia Research

Potomac’s David Zamkow pursues 3,000-mile journey.

From Potomac to the University of Louisville, to the Peace Corps in West Africa, to a 3,000-mile solo bike trip across the USA — even though, “I have never been a cyclist,” David Zamkow, son of Eileen Zamkow of Potomac, is an adventurer at heart, a young man driven by his passions to experience and explore the world around him.

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Potomac: Annual WHC Boutique Returns Sunday

Eighteen years ago, Lisa Sandler Spaeth asked her mom, Froma Sandler, to make a bow for her daughter's hair that would stay there without falling out.

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Casual Apparel Boutique Opens in Bethesda Row

Morley’s “best of coastal living.”

Champagne and hors d’oeuvres flowed on the evening of Oct. 9 at the grand opening of Morley — a new shopping destination in Bethesda Row.

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Potomac: ‘Race for Every Child’ To Benefit Children’s National

Local team, “Jamie’s Joggers” to participate.

Team “Jamie’s Joggers” is getting ready to lace up their shoes this Halloween to support Potomac‘s Jamison Eberstein, a 5-year-old born with a rare terminal disorder called Cockayne Syndrome (CS).

Beware of Haunting Stories at Potomac Library

Authors of “In Search of Ghosts” to share tales this Saturday.

Ghosts and goblin stories will be rampant at the Potomac Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31.

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Potomac: Construction Begins on Discovery Center

Bullis project to be completed in spring 2017.

The Bullis student body and staff gathered on a crisp fall day in October to celebrate the groundbreaking for the first new building on campus in more than 13 years.

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Celebrating the Potomac Community

A day filled with food, rides and music.

“The Star-Spangled Banner,” sung by Potomac’s own opera singer, Chrissellene Petropoulous, opened the 2015 Potomac Day activities.

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Potomac Day: Parade Features Chamber’s Honorees

Elie Pisarra Cain to receive Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Potomac Chamber of Commerce has selected four citizens — who each make Potomac a better place to live — to honor on Potomac Day, Oct. 24.

Potomac: AppCoach Guides Students

Levitt inspires self-understanding for college essays.

Applying to college can be a daunting process for high school students.

Potomac: ‘Shop for a Cause’

Metropolitan Community Club Fall Craft Show returns this weekend.

The season for holiday shopping is upon us again. It’s time to start thinking about a gift list — what to buy for loved ones, friends and business associates, not to mention gifts for teachers, housekeepers and all the people who helped you and your family in various ways this year. It’s only 77 days until Christmas and 58 days until Hanukah — so scribble a list and plan a budget.

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Potomac Day 2015: Oct. 24

Join in a celebration of community.

What’s more fun than a parade, clowns and candy? Scurrying up a climbing wall? Sliding down inflatable slides?

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Potomac: VisionWalk Raises Funds for Visually Impaired

Two-year-old Henry Skrivanek of Olney is the poster child for the 6th Annual Montgomery County 5K VisionWalk.

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Taste in Potomac To Celebrate Adoptions Together

Nonprofit reaches 25th anniversary.

Twenty-five years ago, Janice Goldwater had a vision. As a social worker in Montgomery County, Goldwater saw the need for an organization to find adoptive families for hard-to-place children.

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Potomac: Where, Oh Where, Is Rusty Rooster?

7-foot piece of folk art missing.

Rusty Rooster was a well-known landmark along Falls Road. He stood tall and proud, welcoming guests to the 1890’s farmhouse where Joy and Jon Siegel live. One can just imagine him announcing their presence or awakening the neighborhood with his screeching “Cock-a-doodle-do!” Whenever someone asked Joy Siegel where they lived along Falls Road, she would say, “Do you know the driveway with the rusty rooster? “Of course” was always the answer.

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Potomac: ‘Park After Dark’ To Benefit C&O Canal Park

Fundraiser includes dinner, auctions, and awards.

On Saturday, Sept. 19, candleliers will sparkle as they lead the way to the Historic Great Falls Tavern, the bonfire will flicker in the night, the River Run Band will play dancing music — and bar-b-que and libations will satisfy the appetites of the many who love the Canal and have come out to support it by partying into the night. The evening is sponsored by the C&O Canal Trust to benefit the C&O Canal National Historic Park (NHP) and will feature “Tenacious” Topper Shutt, chief meteorologist for WUSA9 as the emcee.

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Potomac Artist Exhibits Work at OASIS Art Gallery

Imagine seeing Hurricane Sandy hitting Havana, Cuba, a colorful local train in Santiago, Chile, the tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a column of Spain’s Alhambra, South Beach, Tangier Island, the C&O Canal all in a single day.

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Potomac: Join ‘Out of Darkness’ Community Walk

Annual event supports suicide prevention.

Almost everyone has in some way been touched by suicide. Anyone who has experienced such a loss is left with painful feelings of “Why?” “How could I have helped?” “Why didn’t they tell me?” “Why did they tell me and why didn’t I do more to help them?”

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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: Community Mourns Principal

Michael Doran called “A servant leader.”

“May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and a smooth road all the way to your door.” This Irish blessing was read in harmony by the more than 3,000 mourners who attended the memorial service for Dr. Michael Doran, principal of Wootton High School for 12 years.

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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."