State Swim Championships This Weekend In Rockville

This from >Rockville Central friend Alain Menguy:

“Just to let you know that this week-end at the Rockville Swim Center, hosted by the Rockville-Montgomery Swim Club (RMSC) will be held the 2008 Maryland State Long Course Championships! All the details about the championship are available here.”

“I attached a photo from last year championship, where my son Hugo (red cap) is in a close race (100 back) with Kenneth.”

Thanks Alain!

Former County Executive Neal Potter Passes Away

On Tuesday, former Montgomery County Executive >Neal Potter died with his family at his side at the age of 93.

Potter served the County for a remarkable 24 years, beginning in 1970 with his election to the County Council at the age of 55. He served as the fourth County Executive from 1990 through 1994, then returned to the County Council for another term, leaving the Council in 1998.

In the County’s press release, Council president Mike Knapp said:

“Neal Potter was a giant in the civic and governmental life of Montgomery County. His integrity and work ethic, and his unwavering commitment to good government, made an indelible mark on the County he served so well. . . . What mattered to him were the merits – not the politics – of even the most controversial issues. It was fitting that in 1998, the Council proclaimed him Councilmember Emeritus, calling him, ‘A man of his times, a man for all times.’”

Memorial contributions may be made to Citizens for Global Solutions, or the Chevy Chase United Methodist Church.

Memorial services are planned at the Chevy Chase United Methodist Church, at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10.

POTD: Evidence

>

I wonder what the CSI team will discover after their ballistics check on this weapon, which I spied in the bushes on a recent walk. Will they catch their perp?

Rockville Central Radio — Great Guests Set For Tomorrow Noon!

Tune into >Rockville Central Radio tomorrow at noon! It’s a talk show: Call-in number is 646-200-3332. It’s completely easy to listen to: Just go to this page at noon on Friday, to start listening in.

As you know, we have launched a weekly radio talk show called “Rockville Central Radio!” It airs every Friday at noon, and audience response has been really gratifying. Cindy Cotte Griffiths (“CindyCG”) and Brad Rourke (me) are the hosts.

Tomorrow’s show is going to be really big! We’ll have Board of Education candidate Laura Berthiaume (she kicks her campaign off on Saturday); Chris Patterson (leader of the band Leaving, TX), and Kyle Dine, who makes music about food allergies to raise awareness. This should be an awesome lunch hour!

(That coffee cup is merchandise from a certain band, not an advertisement for a neighborhood! You can get a cup like it here.)

Weekend to Weekend 5/29/08

>[Updated] Events in Rockville

Thursday, May 29

Seamus Kennedy, Concert in the Square, Rockville Town Square, 6 PM - 8 PM. “Irish” but you probably would have guessed! Apparently he leaps AND plays!

Friday, May 30

2008 Alumnni Basketball Games, Richard Montgomery High School Gym, 6 PM. $5 admission. RMHS Athletic Boosters has former RM players from the 1990’s to 2000’s in a three-game tournament. Music, shooting contests, raffles & concession stand.

Hand Painted Swingers, Austin Grill Rockville, 9:30 PM. No cover charge.

Saturday, May 31

Rockville’s Pike: Community Design Charrette, Richard Montgomery High School, 9 AM - 12 PM. An interactive workshop where you can actually design the Pike. This is an opportunity to work in a small group and map out your ideas. Designers will then use these ideas. You know you are on the Pike all the time, so you should make sure the plan meets your needs!

Yard Sale to Benefit Victim Assistance Fund, Rockville Elks Lodge #15, Taft Court, 9 AM - 2 PM. (No early birds.) The Montgomery County Police Victims Assistance Unit will be selling clothing (children and adult), household items, small furniture, and toys. All proceeds will help provide emergency and holiday assistance to needy crime victims and their families. For more information call: 240-773-5626.

Campaign Kick-off for Laura Berthiaume, Rockville Town Square, 10:30 AM. I met Laura at the Memorial Day Parade and she said to bring the kids for face painting and other activities. Laura is a Rockville resident running for an At-Large seat on the Board of Education.

Voice Recital, Twinbrook Library, 2 PM. Free. Stop by the library and hear young singers perform.

W.H.Y.-We Hear You, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 8 PM. $18. Hear from our youth about violence. A performance for Angela Santiago & Nikki Nicholson.

Shrek 3, Movies on the Square, Rockville Town Square, 8:30 PM (dusk). Free.

Sunday, June 1

Meet the Artists Opening Reception, Glenview Mansion Art Gallery, 1:30 - 3:30 PM. Free. Exhibit includes the work of John Mors, Theresa Martin, and Valerie Watson.
At 2 PM Kathleen McLaughlin sings the blues.

Rigoletto Concert by The Baltimore/Washington Metropolitan Repertory Opera, Christ Episcopal Church, 6:30 PM. Suggested donation $20. Chocolates and champagne/red wine for sale at intermission.

Monday, June 2

Rockville Pike Open House at the Charrette Design Studio, 718 Rockville Pike (formerly Koons Ford) for the Rockville Pike process, 5 PM - 8 PM. “The public is invited to interact with the consultants and staff and to see the progress of the designs.”

Tuesday, June 3

Kid’s Day, Rockville Town Square, 6 PM – 8 PM. Free activities for the kids! Climbing, golf, baseball, dance, and a Velcro wall! Every Tuesday until July 22nd. Kids eat free at participating restaurants.

Rockville Pike Public Meeting, Richard Montgomery High School, 7 PM - 9 PM. “The results of the charrette will be presented, and feedback from the public will be requested.”

Wednesday, June 4

Scott Harlan, Concerts on the Square, Rockville Town Center, 6 PM – 8 PM. Adult comtemporary.

Thursday, June 5

Cletus Kennelly and Lori Kelley, Concert in the Square, Rockville Town Square, 6 PM – 8 PM. Folk.

Friday, June 6

Leaving, TX at the First Friday Deck Party, VisArts, 6th Floor, 5 PM – 8 PM. The boys from Leaving, TX will be bringing their alt-country sound to town and I am not going to miss them! Lead singer, Chris Patterson, will be a guest on our Rockville Central Radio show this Friday, May 30! Tune in at noon!

Saturday, June 7

Rockville Growers Only Farmers Market, Corner of Monroe Street & Rt. 28, 9 AM – 1 PM. Free parking. First one of the season! Flowers, fruits, vegetables, plants and home-baked goods. Always a good review.

Bourne Ultimatum, Movies on the Square, Rockville Town Square, 8:30 PM (dusk). Free.

Flower & Garden Festival, Rockville Town Square, 11 AM – 5 PM. “Traditional Japanese Garden Displays, over 30 flower and garden related exhibitors, industry specific demonstrations, Japanese inspired entertainment and a raffle to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Campaign.“

Sunday, June 8

First Home Game for the Rockville Express, Montgomery College Rockville Knight’s Field, 5 PM. Free Admission to all Home Games, which are Family-Friendly with Souvenirs and food from O’Brien’s Pit Barbeque.

Email Cindy Cotte Griffiths with information for any fun, educational or community events to be included in Weekend to Weekend. Businesses are invited to send along specials and discounts. Please include links to your event and organization. We publish event listings occurring in & around our coverage area (map) on Thursdays. The inclusion of events and specials is at our discretion.

If you attend an event, we invite you to write a Contributor Review. Just send it in and we will consider it. Rules: Event is in Rockville; fairly recent; article is your work; you are not offering it for publication elsewhere. Try to keep it under 500 words; we will edit for length. Include a photo if you have one!

POTD: No Way.

>

I saw this and I thought: “No way that rake made this pile.”

Biotech Business Roundup

As we have pointed out before, Our Fair City of Rockville is an important hub in the biotechnology industry. In the past few days there have been important developments for two Rockville biotech firms.>

• Rexahn Pharmaceuticals has announced that its shares are moving up in the world — from over the counter to the American Stock Exchange, trading as “RNN.” The company works on discovering, developing, and commercializing treatments for cancer, central nervous system disorders, sexual dysfunction and other unmet medical needs. “As we continue to aggressively pursue our clinical development efforts, our listing on the Amex will increase shareholder value and provide expanded visibility to the investment community and capital markets, at large,” stated Dr. Chang H. Ahn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rexahn.

• Emergent BioSolutions, which we have featured before in its anthrax-vaccine work, announced that it has inked a deal to purchase Meriden, Conn.-based Protein Sciences — including its Stage III-trial FluBlok flu vaccine. According ot the company’s press release, “FluBlok has potential for use in both seasonal and pandemic settings. The clinical program for FluBlok, which includes four trials and more than 6,000 participants, has demonstrated promising immunogenicity, including in the elderly. FluBlok has been granted both fast track status and priority review by FDA.”

POTD: Festooned

>

I just could not think of another term for this photo. Note the red wagon, setting off the bunting. Brace yourself for a spate of Memorial Day imagery, by the way!

Animal Exchange Honored By Our Fair City

>Rockville Central friend (and frequent guest on our radio show) Ruth Hanessian has passed the following along. It’s all about Animal Exchange’s important “lend a pet” program.

Congratulations, Ruth!!

The City of Rockville Senior Center recently presented its Corporate Appreciation Award to Animal Exchange, a 29-year-old retailer in Rockville, Md., for its Lend-A-Pet program which lets older residents borrow a pet—for a few weeks to years. Ruth Hanessian is president of Animal Exchange.

Lorraine Schack, Senior Social Services Manager, presented the award to Ms. Hanessian on May 20, 2008, at the Senior Center’s annual volunteer appreciation event with a plaque that reads, “In recognition of 25 years of providing joy to the senior citizens of Rockville through the pet loan program, we proudly honor Animal Exchange with the Rockville Senior Center Corporate Appreciation Award.”

Begun in 1983, the Lend-A-Pet program brings an assortment of pet birds and fish to the Rockville Senior Center once a month. Rockville senior center members are welcome to “borrow” an animal for a test drive of the pet ownership experience. Ms. Hanessian also provides food and supplies for the first month of the pet loan. Seniors may return the animal at any time, but most keep the pet indefinitely.

“Numerous studies have documented the benefits of pet ownership, particularly for seniors who often experience loss or loneliness. Caring for an companion animal has positive physical and emotional benefits,” Ms. Hanessian says. “It is so gratifying to see the joy shared between animals and older owners. That’s what the Lend-A-Pet program is all about.”

Rockville City Councilwoman Phyllis Marcuccio praises the program for allowing seniors “to gather another beating heart in their home. In the city of Rockville, we want everybody’s life to be as positive as possible. One of the best ways to do that is enabling the elderly to have the sense of companionship that comes from owning a pet.”

Animal Exchange has been in business in Rockville, Md., since 1979. Ruth Hanessian has placed more than 1,000 pets with older Rockville residents through the Lend-A-Pet program. Pet store managers interested in starting a pet loan program, may contact Animal Exchange at (301) 424-PETS or [email protected] for more information.

POTD: Irises

>

This photograph is by Rockville Central friend Brigitta Mullican. Of it, she says: “I missed the Azaleas when they bloomed, but I got back in time to see my Iris plants in bloom.” Me, I don’t know petunias from papier mache . . . I just think it’s cool how the blue of the house matches the sky!

20th Hometown Holidays Shines

With the high gas prices, I began to wonder if anyone went anywhere this weekend except for >Hometown Holidays. People packed the streets of downtown Rockville, eating out in restaurants and at the Taste of Rockville, strolling past the artwork at the VisArts Fine Arts Festival, and enjoying seven stages of entertainment. The vibrant scene on Maryland Avenue at Town Center made me feel as if I was somewhere else. This is a new Rockville, much acclaimed over the weekend.

Information abounded in booths along Maryland and East Montgomery Avenues. A Board of Election volunteer dressed up in a funny hat tried to round up much-needed election judges, while City staff sold “Take Rick Springfield Home” raffle tickets benefiting the Recreation Fund (a cardboard version). Funds were collected to help the earthquake victims in China. At the Going Green Expo they were even giving away books.

On Saturday, my family caught Paul Hatfield performing on the Kids Stage. Actually we didn’t really have to catch him since he never fell, staying upright on the six foot unicycle and even larger ladder. Although I can’t figure out exactly why, he never fails to make me laugh, though it probably has something to do with the adult humor about economic stimulus packages and the quantity of gas you can purchase for a dollar. On Sunday the Kids Stage featured Reptiles Alive which attracted a large crowd at both shows because kids just seem to love the lizards.

Parents tired the kids with all day passes to bounce and slide on the giant blow ups. Since the rides were open until 10 PM, the kids enjoyed playing in the dark while the adults listened to the concerts on the Main Stage.

Saturday night Vanessa Carlton came on and played that piano. She belted the songs out, her voice pouring over the crowd. “There’s nothing better than taking your shoes off in a storm” summed up her explanation for her new album title Heroes and Thieves. She was caught in a bad storm in Central Park with her dog, Lord Victor, and began thinking about the good and the bad. She talked between each song, and thank goodness I don’t think you could have stopped her, because it was fun to get to know her.

On Sunday our hometown band, The West End, rocked the finish line for the Ride and Stride on the Courthouse Stage at noon. By the time their second set started at 2:00 PM, Hometown Holidays was going strong and The West End even stronger. While the kids enjoyed the fountain, the band played through their genuine songs for their dedicated followers and new-found fans. Their Americana rock was a straight up crowd pleaser drawing people to the show on a gorgeous afternoon.

Later, Wooten High’s male a cappella group, the Supertonics, sung to a large crowd gathered in front of the Regal Cinema. People would recognize the songs and delight in their upbeat energetic interpretations.

The last performance of the weekend was Rick Springfield on the Main Stage. “It’s all fun until someone loses an eye”. Rick did hit a roadie above the eye with his guitar. A quick survey of the band indicated that only one of them hadn’t had any stitches yet. Who would have known that performing was so dangerous? Although at least one song, Kristina, sounded retro, most were updated sounding more rock than pop. Rick really interacts with the audience and had front-row fans even attempt to sing “Don’t Talk to Strangers”. People commented that they stayed around longer than planned, and at least one fan really meant to be there.

The only glitch all weekend was that the Rt. 355 parking garage system wasn’t working on Friday night. The signs indicated that over 130 spaces were left and there were none. Lines of traffic drove all the way to the top, trusting the number, only to find no available spots.

Although the new fountain in Town Square is cool and splashy, it dominates the front of the stage. Even with the water on low, audiences felt cut off from the performers. As parents, we’ll have to be prepared to have our kids get wet since it seems impossible to keep them out. Hopefully this won’t be a deterrent for attending an event.

The whole weekend was almost too much fun, just exhausting. Preparations for such an extensive event must have been even more exhausting for the City Staff, who planned and then manned the festivities. We all owe them some gratitude for a job well done!

POTD: Stripey

>

I like the reds and yellows.

Rockville Central Radio — Tomorrow! Noon!

Tune into >Rockville Central Radio tomorrow at noon! It’s a talk show: Call-in number is 646-200-3332.

As you know, we have launched a weekly radio talk show called “Rockville Central Radio!” It airs every Friday at noon, and audience response has been really gratifying. Cindy Cotte Griffiths (“CindyCG”) and Brad Rourke (me) are the hosts. Lots of different people call in, including members of the City Council, local business leaders, community activists, local musicians — oh, a host of folks. A veritable passel.

It’s completely easy to listen to: Just go to this page at noon on Friday, to start listening in. You’ll need a computer, an Internet connection, and speakers.

(That coffee cup is merchandise from a certain band, not an advertisement for a neighborhood! You can get a cup like it here.)

Weekend to Weekend 5/22/08

>Events in Rockville

Thursday, May 22

The Rockville Singers Chorus, Concert in the Square, Rockville Town Square stage, 6 PM – 8 PM.

Friday, May 23

Blessing of the Animals, Animal Exchange, 605 Hungerford Drive next to the Giant, 4:30 PM. Bring your pets. Blessings by Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish clerics. A fun community gathering of pet lovers. Please have all pets on a leash or in a carrier.

Saturday, May 24

Rockville Growers Only Farmers Market, Corner of Monroe Street & Rt. 28, 9 AM - 1 PM. Free parking. First one of the season! Flowers, fruits, vegetables, plants, and home-baked goods. Always a good review. Great way to start off the holiday weekend with some special treats!

Hometown Holidays!!!! Check out the full schedule for Saturday. Something for EVERYONE! Honestly, I can’t understand not going!! SEVEN stages of entertainment, Taste of Rockville featuring 30 of our best restaurants, the VisArts Festival (wide range of very talented artists from near and far), Going Green Expo, and lots for the kids!

Don’t miss The Culkin School, Maryland Stage, 4 PM – 5 PM. With over 500 students, many of these fine Irish dancers are our Rockville neighbors. Elaborate costumes and flair!

Sunday, May 25

Hometown Holidays!!!! Check out the full schedule for Sunday. SEVEN stages of entertainment, Taste of Rockville featuring 30 of our best restaurants, the VisArts Festival (wide range of very talented artists from near and far), Going Green Expo, and lots for the kids!

-Our very own hometown band, The West End, is playing the Courthouse Square Stage from 12-1 PM then 2–3:30 PM. Yes!! The West End IS the ROCK in ROCKville Hometown Holidays and you know what I think about that! Our Rockville Central publisher, Brad Rourke, will be singing and playing along with Monique DeFrees, Mike Shawn, and Matthew Taylor.

-Supertonics, Montgomery Stage, 5:30 – 6:30 PM. Energetic a cappella from Wooten High School. Hear them on last week’s Rockville Central Radio.

Stride to Ride, City of Rockville, 7 AM to 12 PM. You can bike, walk or run. Distances from 2 miles to 28 miles around Rockville. This is a fundraiser for the Rockville Recreation Fund and the Rockville Bike Fund and you should preregister by Fri. 5/23 by 3 PM Adults $35/Kids under 12 $25. Rock Enroll #25006. Registration possible but more expensive after this time. All routes start and end at Rockville Town Center corner of East Montgomery Avenue and Maryland Avenue. Maps, t-shirts, refreshments and health screenings too!

Monday, May 26

Memorial Day Festivities, 9 AM.

Memorial Day Parade, Rockville, 10:30 AM – Noon. Look for me with my Cub Scout Pack 928 on Tim Jone’s firetruck! Always fond of the parade, a highlight of my year!

Tuesday, May 27

Mommy & Me on the Square, Rockville Town Square, 10 AM – Noon. Free every third Tuesday of the month. Children under 5 accompanied by an adult can enjoy a storytime, singing, arts & crafts, and balloon animals. Think about staying for lunch because there will be specials! Meet in front of the Rockville Library.

Kid’s Day, Rockville Town Square, 6 PM – 8 PM. Free activities for the kids! Climbing, golf, baseball, dance, and a Velcro wall! Every Tuesday until July 22nd. Kids eat free at participating restaurants.

Wednesday, May 28

Jokers Wild, Concerts on the Square, Rockville Town Center, 6 PM – 8 PM. Free swing concert so twirl, twirl.

Thursday, May 29

Seamus Kennedy, Concert in the Square, Rockville Town Square, 6 PM – 8 PM. “Irish” but you probably would have guessed! Apparently he leaps AND plays!

Friday, May 30

Hand Painted Swingers, Austin Grill Rockville, 9:30 PM. No cover charge.

Saturday, May 31

Rockville’s Pike: Community Design Charrette, Richard Montgomery High School, 9 AM – 12 PM. An interactive workshop where you can actually design the Pike. This is an opportunity to work in a small group and map out your ideas. Designers will then use these ideas. You know you are on the Pike all the time, so you should make sure the plan meets your needs!

Yard Sale to Benefit Victim Assistance Fund, Rockville Elks Lodge #15, Taft Court, 9 AM – 2 PM. (No early birds.) The Montgomery County Police Victims Assistance Unit will be selling clothing (children and adult), household items, small furniture, and toys. All proceeds will help provide emergency and holiday assistance to needy crime victims and their families. For more information call: 240-773-5626.

Peerless Rockville Open House and Work Session, Frieda’s Cottage, 19 Thomas Street, 9 AM – Noon. Free. Enjoy a house tour to see the restoration and help with some good, old-fashioned chores like weeding, trimming and raking. They have completed the plasterwork, painting, and original oak floor work so stop by and see!

Campaign Kick-off for Laura Berthiaume, Rockville Town Square, 10:30 AM. Laura is a Rockville resident running for an At-Large seat on the Board of Education. She’s a mom of three including one at Maryvale Elementary, as well as a local attorney specializing in elder issues.

Voice Recital, Twinbrook Library, 2 PM. Free. Stop by the library and hear young singers perform.

Shrek 3, Movies on the Square, Rockville Town Square, 8:30 PM (dusk). Free.

Email Cindy Cotte Griffiths with information for any fun, educational or community events to be included in Weekend to Weekend. Businesses are invited to send along specials and discounts. Please include links to your event and organization. We publish event listings occurring in & around our coverage area (map) on Thursdays. The inclusion of events and specials is at our discretion.

If you attend an event, we invite you to write a Contributor Review. Just send it in and we will consider it. Rules: Event is in Rockville; fairly recent; article is your work; you are not offering it for publication elsewhere. Try to keep it under 500 words; we will edit for length. Include a photo if you have one!

POTD: Through The Flowers

>

(With apologies to The Primitives.) This cool shot is by Rockville Central reader Alain Menguy, who always has an eye for striking images.