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Susan Belford

Stories by Susan

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‘Activity Rocket’ Launches

Speeding the way to better organization for parents.

Ilene Miller and Lisa Friedlander are busy Bethesda moms who had an innovative idea — and now their inspiration is benefiting scores of families throughout Montgomery County, Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia. “Activity Rocket” has taken off and is soaring.

Art Gallery of Potomac Features Scenes by Local Artists

Opening reception planned for Oct. 6.

October at the Art Gallery of Potomac will feature the work of guest artist Susan Gibbs alongside the work of two resident artists, Terri Cunningham and Carol Dyer. The theme for the show is Potomac – Yesterday and Today.

Corrieanne Stein Wows Audiences

Wootton Junior performs at Olney.

Corrieanne Stein has already performed for a year in the original production of the Broadway play, ”Billy Elliott the Musical,” acted in the world premiere of “Saving Aimee” at the Signature Theatre and is currently rehearsing for the regional premiere of “Over the Tavern” at Olney Theater Center. She is 16 years old.

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‘Park After Dark’ Returns

Event to raise funds for the C&O Canal

The 2nd “Park After Dark” fundraiser for the C&O Canal has adopted the theme of the Civil War since 2012 is the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War. The canal saw a lot of activity during the war.

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‘Taste of Potomac’ Benefits Adoptions Together

Neither rain, nor sleet, nor high winds, nor power outages could stop the “Taste of Potomac” from the mission at hand — throwing a grand event to raise funds for Adoptions Together.

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Roshan Named Teacher of the Future

Bullis math teacher receives national recognition.

Roshan was selected by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) as one of their “Teachers of the Future” for her innovative “flipped classroom” methodology.

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St. James Episcopal Rector Completes Pilgrimage to Santiago

A journey that heals the soul.

The day before Potomac’s St. James Episcopal Church Rector the Rev. Cynthia (Cindy) Baskin and her husband Bob were to leave on their once-in-a-lifetime 480 mile pilgrimage through northwestern Spain, she was diagnosed with a stress fracture in her left foot.

Sign Up Now for Potomac’s Got Talent

The Potomac Community Center will host Potomac’s Got Talent in conjunction with Potomac Family Fun Fest on Friday, Sept. 28.

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‘Ellen’s Run’ To Benefit Mental Health in County

5K Run/Walk set for Oct. 7.

Ellen Vala Schneider had many friends throughout Chevy Chase, Bethesda and Potomac. She was outgoing, caring and loving — a dedicated mother, attorney and the ultimate volunteer. Her life ended tragically when she drowned in the Potomac River. Her body was found near Billy Goat Trail. She was 51 when she died, but she had made an impact on everyone she encountered.

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Defeating Dystonia

6th annual event to raise awareness and research funds for Dystonia.

Donna Driscoll is determined to win the fight of her life — against the life-altering disorder, Dystonia. For six years, the Potomac resident and her husband Tom have organized a golf and tennis tournament dedicated to raising Dystonia awareness as well as garnering funds for research to cure and prevent the neurological syndrome and movement disorder that she was inflicted with 10 years ago.

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Public Invited to Police Equestrian Championships

Mounted police to compete at county fairgrounds.

Potomac equestrians, and those interested in the work of mounted police forces should plan to attend the 2012 North American Police Equestrian Championships on Sept. 29 and 30 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg.

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40 Years Of Service

Women’s Club of Potomac to host anniversary celebration.

A dedicated group of friends came together in 1972 to form an organization that would thoroughly enhance their lives — as well as the lives of countless citizens of Montgomery County. That group, the Women’s Club of Potomac has grown from eight original founders to more than 50 members.

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Entrepreneur Brian Rubin Inspires

Despite Asperger’s syndrome, Rubin creates award-winning business.

Brian Rubin of Potomac lives by the philosophy of Winston Churchill: “Never, never, never quit.”

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‘Potomac Days at the Crossroads’ To Be Auctioned

Artist Carol Dyer creates historical vision of Offutt’s Crossroads.

Carol Dyer has created numerous paintings of life at the turn of the century in Annapolis, Washington D.C., Bethany Beach, Rehobeth and across the nation — and now she has produced “Potomac Days at the Crossroads” — painting her vision of what the River and Falls Roads intersection was like in a simpler time when it was named Offutt’s Crossroads and folks traveled by horse and buggy and bicycles built for two, three or even four.

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Support ‘Walkabout Abilities’

Annual event benefits the Abilities Network.

The Abilities Network offers solutions to all these problems and more. The 6th annual “Walkabout Abilities” will be held on Sunday, Sept. 30 to raise funds for the contributions that the Abilities Network makes to families in the area and across the United States.

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‘Taste’ Benefits Adoptions Together

Annual event seeks to further “forever families” mission.

This event offers a one-of-a-kind chance to taste delectable dishes from every restaurant in Potomac and bid on items in both the silent auction and the live auction — all to help children find “forever families.”

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New Orange Leaf Draws Crowd

Ribbon-cutting ceremony welcomes Orange Leaf to Cabin John.

“Awesome,” said Jacob Fienberg. “The swirl is just so creamy and good,” said Jack Feldman as he licks his spoon. “It doesn’t really taste like yogurt. It tastes like ice cream,” said Max Miller.

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Jade Billows Closes

“I was crying as I ate my last salt and pepper shrimp right before Jade Billows closed,” lamented Potomac’s Debbie Goldberg.

Viewpoints: What’s Best about Living in Potomac?

We live in one of the most beautiful areas of the United States — and Potomac Village is no exception.

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30th Annual Potomac Day Celebrates Community Spirit

Call for former “Citizens of the Year” to return for this special celebration.

Potomac Day is the most anticipated event in Potomac Village in the fall. Residents look forward to the grand parade, pony rides, petting zoo, pizza, classic car show, business fair and children’s festival.

Bethesda Country Club To Host Wounded Warrior Tournament

Annual event returns Aug. 20.

In 2005, Jim Estes, director of golf at Olney Golf Park began teaching injured servicemen and women to play golf — many of them amputees, many with prostheses. He took the job so seriously that he practiced raising his right leg and hitting the ball off his left leg for hours as he tried to figure out the best way for one-legged people to hit the ball.

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New Restaurant To Open at Cabin John Shopping Center

Owner of Grilled Oyster Company cites “good location.”

Raw, freshly shucked oysters, Chesapeake Bay crab dishes, grilled clams, local farm chopped salad, prime rib, blackened chicken wings — these menu items and much more will be featured at the newest restaurant in the Cabin John Shopping Center.

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From Interpreter to Palm Reader to Painter

Liz Gerstein displays her artwork and analyzes handwriting.

Liz Gerstein is a master at reinventing herself. Throughout her life, she has followed her interests and passions to see where they lead her.

Former Churchill Grad Offers Naturopathic Remedies

Kevin Passero emphasizes natural means of healing.

When he graduated from the University of Colorado in Environmental Science, Kevin Passero was unsure about his career path.

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A Second Chance

A 14-year-long circle of life.

Sheila and Jan Rosenberg’s Briard named Chase was the light of their lives. They had purchased him from Deja-Vu Briard breeders in Cleveland, Ohio when their son Adam was six and their daughter Allie was eight.

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New Animal Services Center Construction Underway

Help mcpaw raise funds.

“After so many years of waiting, the construction of the new Montgomery County Animal Services Center is on schedule with completion set for delivery in the fall of 2013,” said Bruce Garnant, senior project manager for Coakley Williams Construction.

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‘The Healthy Gourmet’

Rosenberg teaches healthy can be tasty.

“Cooking is such a wonderful way to show people that you care and love them — and I want to be a part of it.” These were words written in a letter to “The Healthy Gourmet” Sheila Rosenberg of Potomac.

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Art Gallery of Potomac Relocates within Potomac Village

New site improves display.

The Art Gallery of Potomac has a new home. The gallery has relocated just minutes away from its space in the former “Surrey” building to next to Big Wheel Bikes at the end of the Potomac Village shopping center, behind the Verizon store.

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Businessman, Philanthropist, Inventor — and Knight

An interview with Potomac’s Sir Charles Dahan.

In the midst of Potomac lives a knight — and that knight is also known as the “Johnny Appleseed” of Morocco.

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Potomac’s Sir Charles Dahan – Businessman, Philanthropist, Inventor- And Even A Knight

In the midst of Potomac lives a knight — and that knight is also known as the “Johnny Appleseed” of Morocco.

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Father and Daughter ‘Ride To Cure Juvenile Diabetes’

Raising funds for research.

Lauren Rapaport has been battling juvenile diabetes for 33 years. Diagnosed at the age of 3, she has learned to regulate her insulin and check her blood sugar. She carefully balances her food intake with her exercise. It’s life-long and 24/7 — a disease that has no cure — and one that she will never outgrow.

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Tomorrow’s Pros To Play in Local Tournament

American Junior Golf Association tournament coming to Bethesda Country Club.

What do Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Davis Love III, Jim Furyk, Charles Howell III, Paula Creamer and Morgan Pressel have in common? Each of these golf professionals competed in American Junior Golf Association golf tournaments as teenagers and all went on to become PGA and LPGA Tour players.

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Squeals On Wheels Delivers Fun for All

Teaching children about animals.

Instead of purchasing a tractor or lawn mower, Jill Phillips decided they should acquire a couple of alpaca to graze in their yard — and then they would not need to mow it.

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Venturing into Rent-a-Coop Business

Tyler Phillips and Diana Samata have found a way to bring the feel of the country to the urban environs of Potomac, Bethesda and other D.C. suburbs.

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In the Race Against Autism

Annual “Autism Speaks” 5k Race/Fun Walk returns July 4.

Potomac will be teeming with runners and walkers celebrating the 4th for a special cause — Autism Speaks.

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How To Beat the Heat in and around Potomac

Some advice on finding cool activities.

All of a sudden, summer has arrived. Who knew it would be 95 degrees on Memorial Day —†and the possibility that it will be over 100 by July 4? Here’s some ways to spend some lazy summer afternoons with your family — and not succumb to those high temperatures. Most of these “escape the heat” ideas are very near downtown Potomac.

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‘Foodies and the Beast:’ Live at Founding Farmers

Chefs share their specialties.

Founding Farmers Restaurant in Park Potomac was the place to be on Sunday, May 20. The Park Potomac restaurant was the scene for “Foodie and the Beast,” the food and wine variety show hosted by Nycci and David Nellis on Federal News Radio 1500AM. The sold-out venue featured brunch, interviews with well-known chefs, a discussion with a local butcher about carving lamb, a drink-mixing lesson from Jon Arroyo, mixologist for Founding Farmers and more.

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‘Reel Tributes’ Preserves Family Histories

Founder David Adelman believes that “Memories Matter.”

Most of us would like to leave a legacy of the history of our family — and of our personal lives for our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren — and into perpetuity. However, many never record their personal histories, let alone that of their families. The research, interviews, writing and organization are just too overwhelming, confusing and time-consuming. But now, a company called “Reel Tributes” will help with the planning and implementation — and will make certain the project is completed in a professional manner with a meaningful result — a video documenting the history, genealogy and special memories of a family or a family business.

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Muslim Foundation Picnic Honors Volunteers

Organization receives “Exceptional Partner Award.”

More than 350 people gathered at Black Hill Regional Park to honor Montgomery County Muslim Foundation volunteers and to celebrate their “2012 Exceptional Partner Award,” presented by Giant Foods and Manna. County Executive Isaiah Leggett, County Councilmember George Leventhal, County Councilmember Nancy Floreen, Councilmember Phil Andrews and Kevin Gillogly, with U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin’s office, each praised the MCMF for their work and the difference the non-profit organization is making throughout Montgomery County.

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Caregivers for Wounded Warriors Honored

“This country cares about you. We take pride in you and support you. You each have an inner strength which carries you through difficult times.” These words spoken by keynote speaker Annie McChrystal, wife of U.S. Army General (Ret) Stanley McChrystal, describe the emotion in the air at the second luncheon to honor caregivers of our injured servicemen and women.

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Miriam Ostria Launches Biz Sports & Leagues

Encouraging fitness for companies’ employees.

Potomac resident Miriam Ostria has a vision that will change the Washington workplace — and improve the health, fitness, weight management and wellness of residents in the D.C. environs while promoting sports. She has just recently embarked on a mission with her new company Biz Sports & Leagues, LLC: "I want organized sports activities to be incorporated into every company’s wellness program as another form of intervention and Biz Sports & Leagues to be the driver of this process."

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Strawberry Festival Caters to Young and Old

It’s more than dessert.

For 22 years, huge, ripe delicious strawberries served over Judith Dubowy’s homemade shortcake with her hand-whipped cream have been a highlight of the Potomac United Methodist Church Strawberry Festival. A long line always forms to devour Becky Queen’s hand-dipped chocolate-covered strawberries. But there is more to the festival than just the strawberry desserts. The community awaits this spring festival every year to see what treasures they can find for each member of their families. It’s a neighborhood event which attracts more than 1,200 people from Potomac’s environs and beyond.

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Filling in That ‘Gap’ Year

Kindergarten class at Temple Beth Ami addresses need for smaller classroom setting.

What to do if a five-year-old is not ready to leave nursery school to attend a larger public or private school kindergarten class? Some children are emotionally not ready to move on to a kindergarten class of 20 or more students in a K – 5 elementary school. If a child is immature, timid, has difficulty paying attention, does not feel comfortable socializing or is simply not ready to tackle the kindergarten curriculum, then a solution is to enroll him or her in a smaller kindergarten program which allows for one more year in a more intimate, supportive environment. This is also a program for students whose birth dates make them the youngest in their class.

June 3 Triathlon Benefits Autism Speaks

Sign up now, only 100 participants will be registered.

Ever wanted to compete in a triathlon, but were afraid to commit for fear of not being experienced enough? Now is the time to rev up one’s training because “Tri to Listen” — a June 3 triathlon is right around the corner — literally. The race will take place in Poolesville — a 20-minute drive from Potomac. The triathlon, “powered by Autism Speaks” is an opportunity for both novice and veteran tri-athletes to compete in a near-by event that offers a small field, a pool swim (versus a river, lake or bay swim), and beautiful scenery.

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Ahmad Receives Neal Potter Award

Service projects of Muslim Foundation recognized.

Almost everyone can remember their feelings, thoughts and where they were on Sept. 11, 2001. For Tufall Ahmad, an American Muslim living in Potomac, “on Sept. 11, 2001, everything changed. I realized the need for Muslim Americans to redefine their identity. 9/11 opened my eyes to where we are living, and how the U.S. has given us everything.”

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Steeplechase Race Marks 60th Year

Event will benefit Yellow Ribbon Fund.

On May 20, the horses will be ready and waiting for the flag to drop, racing fans will be lining the track, tailgating and enjoying catered feasts, and the rails will be filled with young and old — waiting to hear the sounds of hooves and see the brilliant jerseys flash by in the 60th Potomac Hunt Steeplechase Race.

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Anthony Wilder Design/Build Unveils Fire Truck Playhouse

Project spotlights work of Rebuilding Together.

The crowd impatiently waited for the orange cover to be removed, then cheered as they grasped the full impact of the fire truck playhouse. The imaginative 10-foot high fire truck immediately captivated every child and adult at the presentation at the Anthony Wilder Design/Build (AWDB) offices in Cabin John.

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‘Bullis Gives Back’ 5K/2.5K Fun-Run Will Benefit Charities

Course adjusts to school’s new acreage.

The “Bulllis Gives Back” 4th annual 5K/2.5K Fun Run will have a new look this year. The course will incorporate Bullis’ recently purchased acreage — and the pre-race will include a greater focus on health and exercise. Last year, more than 400 students, faculty and community members ran the distance — and the organizers are expecting more than 500 to take off when the starting gun sounds this year.

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Har Shalom Hosts 2012 Potomac Spring House Tour

Proceeds to benefit variety of charities.

It’s time for the annual 2012 Potomac Spring House Tour hosted by Har Shalom — an opportunity to stroll through five of the most elegant and exquisite homes in Potomac and Bethesda. This show features five homes that offer the tour guests a chance to view gardens, furnishings, antiques and art. It is an opportunity to view trends in decorating, architecture and landscape design.

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Steeplechase Race Marks 60th Year

Event will benefit Yellow Ribbon Fund.

On May 20, the horses will be ready and waiting for the flag to drop, racing fans will be lining the track, tailgating and enjoying catered feasts, and the rails will be filled with young and old — waiting to hear the sounds of hooves and see the brilliant jerseys flash by in the 60th Potomac Hunt Steeplechase Race.