Home / January, 2009
POTD: Stuck!
Jan 30, 2009 6:00 - 0 Comments
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Boy, that ice sure is a bummer for some of us . . . especially for this little guy, who had been slowly sinking into softening ground for some time. Now he’s ice bound!
Rockville Central Radio To Feature Mark Pierzchala On TCAT
Jan 29, 2009 11:32 - 0 Comments
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We have a boffo show lined for tomorrow’s edition of Rockville Central Radio! We go live at noon. (And, you can always listen to past episodes on that page too, just scroll down.)
We’ll be talking to Mark Pierzchala, who is the new interim chair of the Town Center Action Team (“TCAT,” for those inthe know). He’ll be talking about an upcoming “Town Center Summit” (my term) they are planning for march.
Yes, we know Mark is running for City Council. That’s not the subject of this interview. Later, as the campaign heats up, Rockville Central will interview all candidates for City office as we did last election.
How to listen? Just go here on your computer. Or, feel free to just call into our listener line at 646-200-3332. While you’re on the phone, you can hear the whole show. AND . . . you can ask questions too.
In fact, we encourage it. So call in at 646-200-3332!
Just go here to listen every Friday at noon. Or anytime — you can listen to any previous episode. More than once if you want!
Events In Rockville 1/29/09 - 2/8/09
Jan 29, 2009 7:45 - 1 Comment
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Pick of the Week
Lunar New Year Celebration! 
Saturday, January 31 from Noon - 2:30 PM at
VisArts • 155 Gibbs Street • Suite 300
Even though firecrackers are illegal here in Montgomery County, you can celebrate the beginning of the new year across Asia in China Japan, India, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Singapore by attending Rockville’s first ever Lunar New Year event. Chinese character writing; paper folding, and clay sculpting.
*Yo-yo performances by the Kuang Chi Chinese School
*Karate demonstration by Kicks Karate
*GuZheng instrumental solo by Lia Lee
*Music and dance performances by the Chinese Music Society of Greater Washington
*Breakdancing by Rocket Crew
*East Rising Lion Dance Troupe
Free yummy refreshments from Seven Seas • Tara Asia • Thai Pavilion • Mama Wok and Teriyaki. Sponsored by the Mayor and Council and the Asian Pacific American Task Force.
Picture from www.interculturallearning.net
Events in Rockville
This community event listing is a partnership between Rockville Central and Rockville Living. If you would like your community event to be listed, you must submit your request through Rockville Living using this form. Your event will be considered for publication in Rockville Central’s events listing and Rockville Living’s Calendar. We need your help collecting and posting events — that is how this resource will get better and better. Please become a regular contributor by requesting a username so that you can enter the information directly to the database. We publish event listings occurring in & around our coverage area (map) on Thursdays. Please be advised that all of the event information is contributed by readers and event details can change. You should check with the source before attending. The inclusion of events is at our discretion.
Thursday, January 29
10:00 am
Conversation Club at Twinbrook Library Join us for a weekly session of informal English conversation practice. New members are welcome, no need to register. more info
10:15 am
Preschool Storytime at Rockville Public Library Stories, music, and action activities for ages 3 1/2 to 6. more info
10:30 am-12:00 pm
Autoestima Y Tu Identidad at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center Este seminario, persenado en espanol, es para la mujer Latina. En este seminario se apprendera lo siguentne: la definicion y aspectos que elevan la autoestima; maneras de desarrollar y fortalecer talentos, character, y habilidades; technica para reconocer la belleza interna y externa; y desarrollar un programa personal para mantenerse positiva. Costo: $20, pago necessario cuando se inscriba. more info
12:00 pm
Free SCORE Business Plan Development Session at Rockville Public Library Write your business plan with the assistance of SCORE counselors and research librarians. Entrepreneurs may come back each week until their plans are completed. Each participant must bring a USB or flash drive to download and store their business plan between sessions. To register, phone 240-777-0001. more info
1:30 pm-3:30 pm
Values, Mission and Vision at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center Values guide us and give us a sense of direction, clarity and focus on what’s most important to us in life. Calrifyingyour values is an integral part of personal growth. this workshop will give you the opportunity to uncover your core values and define your mission and vision. $20, payable at registration; early registration recommended. To register or for more information, visit our website or call 240-777-8300. Held at 401 N. Washington Street, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850. more info
1:30 pm
Preschool Storytime at Rockville Public Library Stories, music, and action activities for ages 3 1/2 to 6. more info
6:00 pm
Spanish Conversation Club at Rockville Public Library Practice and improve your Spanish through conversation. Every Thursday, 6:00-7:30. more info
6:30 pm
“Circle Time” at Twinbrook Library Workshop for childcare providers. Please register on line after January 15, 2009, or call 240-777-0240. more info
7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Green Living Network: Innovative Thinking About How We Use Our Spaces at VisArts at Rockville Mixing architecture with sustainable living, Gerry Ellsbury, Jr. and Julia Caswell Daitch will share two dynamic presentations: “A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live: Innovative Thinking About How We Use Our Spaces” & “Architecture as Art”. There is no charge for this informative, entertaining evening of networking and learning. The event is sponsored by the Green Living Network for the purpose of sharing information on creating sustainable, healthy spaces. RSVP: 301.585.2782 or [email protected] 155 Gibbs Street,
Light refreshments and networking begin at 6:30.
7:30 pm-9:00 pm
Adult Literacy Tutor Orientation at Rockville Public Library The Literacy Council of Montgomery County will hold an orientation session for volunteers interested in helping adults learn to read, write or speak English. Tutors work one-on-one or with small groups. No foreign language skills are necessary. Tutors meet with students in libraries or community centers at mutually convenient times. Registration is required. Call 301-610-0030 or e-mail [email protected]. more info
Friday, January 30
10:00 am-11:30 am
MOMS Club Rockville South Monthly Mixer at Twinbrook Recreation Center If you are a stay-at-home mom and would like to meet other stay-at-home mom’s in your area, please join us for our monthly mixer. We have a craft for the kids to do and snacks — so come and find out more about our club! Please email us at [email protected] if you have any questions. Rockville Public Library The English Conversation Club, for new speakers of English, meets every Tuesday and Friday at 10 a.m.(in meeting room #1 on Tuesday and meeting room #2 on Friday) of the Rockville Library. No registration is required. more info
10:15 am
Cuddle ups for pre-walkers at Rockville Public Library Stories, songs, and rhymes for ages 0-12 months, with an adult. more info
8:00 pm-10:30 pm
Rockville Little Theatre presents Proof at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater David Auburn’s drama, Proof, is presented by Rockville Little Theatre. Winner of a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize, Proof is about the daughter of a brilliant but mentally ill mathematician who is faced with discovering the good and bad genes she inherited. Tickets $16 Adult, $14 Senior or student more info
Saturday, January 31
9:00 am-1:00 pm
Helping Residents Through Difficult Financial Times at Twinbrook Community Church TWINBROOK CITIZENS ASSOCIATION Presents HELPING RESIDENTS THROUGH DIFFICULT FINANCIAL TIMES
WHERE: Twinbrook Community Church, 5906 Halpine Road, Rockville, MD 20851 (Off Twinbrook Parkway and Ardennes Avenue).COST: FREE. Learn if your debt can be forgiven and how to reduce insurance costs. Get information on bankruptcy, your credit score, and creating a budget. Need more information? Call Rich at 301-717-9558 or email: [email protected]. RSVPs appreciated but not necessary.
10:15 am
Storytime for 2′s and 3′s at Rockville Public Library Stories and activities for ages 2-3 with an adult. more info
11:00 am
Family Storytime at Twinbrook Library Join us for a storytime designed for families with young children. All ages welcome. more info
12:00 pm-2:00 pm
Lunar New Year Celebration at VisArts at Rockville Celebrate the Lunar New Year with performances by local arts groups and a reception featuring local Asian restaurants. Bring the family to this fun cultural event to practice Chinese character writing and learn traditional paper folding and clay sculpting techniques. more info
8:00 pm-10:30 pm
Rockville Little Theatre presents Proof at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater David Auburn’s drama, Proof, is presented by Rockville Little Theatre. Winner of a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize, Proof is about the daughter of a brilliant but mentally ill mathematician who is faced with discovering the good and bad genes she inherited. Tickets $16 Adult, $14 Senior or student more info
8:00 pm
National Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra: Mozart, Makris and Miles Hoffman at Strathmore Piotr Gajewski, conductor
Miles Hoffman, viola
Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony is widely regarded as representing the height of the Classical style. Polished and elegant, it is also exciting and brilliant with a celebratory fugue in the final movement. Andreas Makris’ Viola Concerto is a perfect foil for internationally renowned violist Miles Hoffman, the witty music commentator on NPR’s Morning Edition.
MOZART Cassation No. 2
MAKRIS Viola Concerto
MOZART Symphony No. 41, “Jupiter”
Kids ages 7-17 are free. Please call the Strathmore Ticket Office directly at (301) 581-5100 to purchase Kids free tickets. Kids free tickets are not available for online purchase.
*A free pre-concert lecture will be offered in the Education Center at 7pm. more info
9:00 pm
Live Music Sa
turday Night: Uncut at The Potomac Grill
Sunday, February 1
2:00 pm-4:30 pm
Rockville Little Theatre presents Proof at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater David Auburn’s drama, Proof, is presented by Rockville Little Theatre. Winner of a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize, Proof is about the daughter of a brilliant but mentally ill mathematician who is faced with discovering the good and bad genes she inherited. Tickets $16 Adult, $14 Senior or student more info
Monday, February 2
6:30 pm
CONVERSATION CLUB at Twinbrook Library Join us for our informal conversation classes, as we practice speaking English every Monday at 6:30pm. New members are always welcome, no need to register. more info
7:15 pm
American Sign Language Practice Club at Rockville Public Library Volunteer coaches will be available to help participants practice sign language. Participants must have already taken a sign language class. Drop in, registration is not required. For more information, contact Library Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community at [email protected] or 240-777-0001 or TTY # 240-777-0902. more info
Tuesday, February 3
10:00 am
English Conversation Club at Rockville Public Library The English Conversation Club, for new speakers of English, meets every Tuesday and Friday at 10 a.m.(in meeting room #1 on Tuesday and meeting room #2 on Friday) of the Rockville Library. No registration is required. more info
10:30 am
Preschool Storytime at Twinbrook Library Stories, songs, fingerplays, chants, and a short simple craft. more info
7:30 pm-9:00 pm
A Pair of Jacks: John Sullivan and John Samperton, Architects of Rockville’s Recent Past at Rockville City Hall Join Peerless for a tribute John S. “Jack” Samperton and John H. “Jack” Sullivan, retired architects whose work helped shape modern Rockville during the critical postwar decades. Mr. Samperton worked with Joseph Geeraert on the Twinbrook development and designed the Twinbrook Shopping Center. Mr. Sullivan designed the Tenley Building and the Rockville Municipal Swim Center, among many other noteworthy projects. The architects were classmates at the Catholic University School of Architecture in the late 1940s and have remained lifelong friends. The program features special taped interviews produced by the City’s cable channel, Rockville 11, and a live audience discussion with the architects. Admission is free. For additional information, contact Peerless at 301-762-0096 or [email protected]. This program is made possible by a grant from Montgomery Preservation, Inc. more info
Wednesday, February 4
6:00 pm
Crochet Club at Twinbrook Library Join us every Wednesday as we meet to learn and/or practice our crocheting skills. more info
Thursday, February 5
10:00 am
Conversation Club at Twinbrook Library Join us for a weekly session of informal English conversation practice. New members are welcome, no need to register. more info
10:15 am
Preschool Storytime at Rockville Public Library Stories, music, and action activities for ages 3 1/2 to 6. more info
12:00 pm
Free SCORE Business Plan Development Session at Rockville Public Library Write your business plan with the assistance of SCORE counselors and research librarians. Entrepreneurs may come back each week until their plans are completed. Each participant must bring a USB or flash drive to download and store their business plan between sessions. To register, phone 240-777-0001. more info
1:30 pm
Preschool Storytime at Rockville Public Library Stories, music, and action activities for ages 3 1/2 to 6. more info
6:00 pm
Spanish Conversation Club at Rockville Public Library Practice and improve your Spanish through conversation. Every Thursday, 6:00-7:30. more info
Friday, February 6
10:00 am
English Conversation Club at Rockville Public Library The English Conversation Club, for new speakers of English, meets every Tuesday and Friday at 10 a.m.(in meeting room #1 on Tuesday and meeting room #2 on Friday) of the Rockville Library. No registration is required. more info
10:00 am-5:00 pm
Design Charrette for “Pink Bank” at Rockville Public Library Learn more about Rockville’s modern architecture and actively participate in the creative process of adapting older buildings for new and innovative uses in a design charrette co-sponsored by Peerless Rockville and the University of Maryland School of Architecture. During the three-day charrette, the public is invited to develop hypothetical design concepts for adaptive use of the 1964 Suburban Trust Building or “Pink Bank,” located at 255 N. Washington Street. The charrette will be held in the first floor meeting room at Rockville Library on Friday, February 6 through Sunday, February 8 from 10 am to 5 pm. The property owners, Kettler, Inc., have an approved development plan that calls for demolition of the building as part of Town Center II redevelopment. The Pink Bank is one of the City’s most distinctive modernist buildings and was designed by Washington architect Arthur Anderson for the Suburban Trust Company. Former tenants include famed Rockville attorney Vivian V. Simpson, who served as Maryland’s first woman Secretary of State, among other important posts. Charrette sessions are free
and open to the public; reservations are not required. For additional information, contact Peerless Rockville at 301-762-0096 or [email protected]. more info
10:00 am-1:00 pm
The Road Back to Work at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center If you’ve been out of the workforce for a long time and want to get back in, this workshop will help you understand the current job market and steps you can take to help you become a competitive job-seeker. We’ll also discuss different paths you can take to land a new job and enhance your career prospects. $30, payable at registration; early registration recommended. To register or for more information, visit our website or call 240-777-8300. more info
10:15 am
Storytime for 2′s and 3′s at Rockville Public Library Stories and activities for ages 2-3 with an adult. more info
6:30 pm-9:00 pm
Art After Hours at VisArts at Rockville Free event the first Friday of each month. Bring your friends and enjoy live music, food and wine as you browse the galleries and visit with our resident artists in their studios. more info
8:00 pm-10:00 pm
Celtic Celebration with Maggie Sansone at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater Maggie Sansone will bring her hammered dulcimer to the Fitzgerald along with Sue Richards on Celtic harp; Rob Greenway on Irish flute, accordian and guitar; Matt Bell on percussion; Seth Kibel on sax and clarinet; and finally Andrea Hoag on fiddle. The Teeling School of Irish Dance will also be here with step dancing and costumes! Tickets: $15 Adult, $13 Senior and Student more info
Saturday, February 7
10:15 am
Cuddle ups for walkers at Rockville Public Library Stories, songs, and rhymes for ages 12 to 24 months, with an adult. more info
11:00 am
James and the Giant Peach at Parilla Performing Arts Center
James Trotter lives with his mean aunts in a rickety old house, on top of a lonely hill near a garden where nothing grows, except for a barren peach tree. James’ life changes after a mysterious man gives him a bag of magic crystals. Strange, wonderful things happen after James accidentally drops the crystals at the roots of the peach tree. A peach grows to a colossal size on top of the old tree, soon becoming bigger than the house. Late one night, James crawls inside the peach and meets huge Old-Green-Grasshopper, a tremendous Ladybird and other huge creepy-crawlies. After the peach detaches from the tree, it rolls down the hill, across the countryside and into the ocean and the adventure of a lifetime begins. Written by beloved author Roald Dahl, this enchanting musical will captivate audiences of all ages Recommended for ages 7 and up • Tickets are $7 Adults, $6 Seniors and Students more info
12:00 pm-2:00 pm
PAW (Partnership for Animal Welfare) Adoption Event at Petco PAW (Partnership for Animal Welfare) will be having an adoption event (dogs only) at the Rockville Petco. (301) 984-9733. Come to the show and see our rescue dogs. If you are interested in any dog at the show, a PAW volunteer will be there to assist you. You may also call the PAW line at (301) 572-4729 for show information or visit our web site to see what dogs are available for adoption. Send an email to: [email protected] more info
7:00 pm-9:30 pm
Duquesne Univerisity Tamburitzans at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater The always popular Tamburizans return to Rockville with the music, song and dance of Eastern European cultures, featuring authentic costumes and instruments.
This show sells out!
Please note the early start time.
Tickets $30 Adult, $28 Seniors and Children more info
9:00 pm
Live Music Saturday Night: On The Bus at The Potomac Grill Enjoy The Original Music of “The Greatfull Dead” If You were Here on The 3rd You know IT Will be Crowded… Get Here Early for a spot!!!!!!
Sunday, February 8
3:00 pm-4:00 pm
Rockville Concert Band presents Swingtime at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater Rockville’s 75 member band performs a lively show for mid-winter. Free, no tickets required more info
4:00 pm-5:00 pm
Community Ministries of Rockville Benefit Concert at Christ Episcopal Church A benefit concert will be held on February 8, 2009 to raise funds for the Rockville Emergency Assistance Program (REAP). The program will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 107 South Washington Street, at 4 PM. Local groups including the Rockville Chorus, the Rockville Singers and the Sharpe Street Methodist Gospel Choir will be performing. These groups will provide a varied program of music ranging from classical to swing to “oldies but goodies” to gospel to benefit REAP. more info
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!
Schools Delayed Today (Jan. 29, 2009)
Jan 29, 2009 6:05 - 0 Comments
One more time!>
Due to the ice and such, school is delayed two hours today, according to Montgomery County Public Schools:
Montgomery County Public Schools will open two hours late on Thursday, Jan. 29, due to emergency weather conditions. Bus service will be provided on a two-hour-delayed schedule. Morning prekindergarten, morning half-day Head Start, other half-day programs and field trips are canceled. Other activities and programs that begin at 10:30 a.m. or earlier are canceled. Administrative offices will be open on time. Day care programs in school buildings will remain open as scheduled.
POTD: Wishing
Jan 29, 2009 6:00 - 0 Comments
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This peach tree is just allllll ready for warmer weather!
Update on the Boards and Commissions Workgroup
Jan 28, 2009 14:08 - 3 Comments
As I >wrote, last Wednesday, January 21, 2009, the Boards and Commissions Workgroup met to identify recommendations to the Mayor and Council. Contessa Crisostomo covered the meeting for the Gazette and her article today provides a fine summary (and even includes a quote from me).
Cindy Cotte Griffiths, who serves on the Human Services Advisory Commission, said the process needs to be more systematic and, in turn, would attract more people to serve.
But a focus on recruitment and advertisement of vacancies is also important, she said.
“There are always vacancies and sometimes for long periods of time,” Griffiths said.
The Workgroup would like to receive as many comments as possible to make sure we get this right. In particular, John Hall and I have proposed a three-week period between the time the Mayor announces an applicant for appointment and the vote by the Mayor and Council. This period would provide time for interviews of the applicants to groups with legal decision-making responsibilities: the Planning Commission, the Board of Appeals, and the Historic District Commission. Our goal is the streamline the process as much as possible so that the three-week waiting period would apply to all appointments even if no interview was required. Our belief is that this would not unduly delay the process.
If you have thoughts and concerns on any aspect of the process, term limits, or reappointments, you can send them to the City Clerk or Councilmember Phyllis Marcuccio, who is chairing the Workgroup.
Sledding Hills In Rockville
Jan 28, 2009 10:27 - 2 Comments
If you are of a mind to capitalize on today’s second-in-a-row snow day, you may be thinking about hitting the local sledding hills. Who wouldn’t?>
Just about a year ago, we published a map of some reader favorites. Here they are below:
Email us with more, and I will add them.
You’re welcome!
Schools Closed Today (Jan. 28, 2009)
Jan 28, 2009 6:32 - 0 Comments
You can put down the sandwich you are making, because the >schools are closed again, due to the winter weather we’re witnessing.
Don’t take my word for it. Here is MCPS:
Montgomery County Public Schools are closed today, Jan. 28, due to emergency weather conditions. All school and community activities in school buildings also are canceled. All administrative offices will open two hours late. Day care programs in school buildings will also open two hours late today.
The weather folks are predicting a fine day tomorrow, so hold out.
POTD: Ow-ow-owooooooooo!
Jan 28, 2009 6:00 - 3 Comments
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This photo is by Mark Pierzchala. Of it he says: “I took this picture from the Falls Grove bike path. When I read the sign, I felt as if it were sending a mixed message. The large ‘Coyote Habitat’ and the line drawing jump out at you and I thought at first it should be taken as a positive. But then reading the details, you get the opposite feeling.”
Indeed!
Schools Closed Today (Jan. 27, 2009)
Jan 27, 2009 6:18 - 0 Comments
This from >Montgomery County Public Schools:
Montgomery County Public Schools are closed today [1/27/2009] due to emergency weather conditions. All school and community activities in school buildings also are canceled. All administrative offices are open. Day care programs in school buildings will remain open as scheduled.
After yesterday’s scheduled day off, I know there are some disappointed parents!
POTD: Placido!
Jan 27, 2009 6:00 - 0 Comments
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Rockville Central friend Alain Menguy sent in this wonderful shot of Placido Domingo. Here was his excited description: “Placido Domingo in Rockville!!! Rare privilege to see him as he was conducting the WNO Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists at Strathmore!”
It’s hard not to agree.
Congratulations To New Mark Commons
Jan 26, 2009 9:01 - 0 Comments
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Rockville Central friend Joe Jordan, who is president of the New Mark Commons Board, let me know that his community has been approved by the Commission on the Environment to receive the Environmental Excellence Award.
New Mark is receiving the award because of the neighborhood’s exemplary management of the many trees that make up its urban forest — it’s known for this aspect (indeed, I have heard it can be ten degrees cooler than other parts of town due to the shade).
You can see the award application they sent here.
It’s worth noting that New Mark Commons is a frequent destination for planners around the country, because of the thought that has gone into its planning from the beginning.
Congratulations to our friends!
POTD: RIP
Jan 26, 2009 6:00 - 0 Comments
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This evocative photo is by Rockville Central friend Eric Jensen. Of it, he tells us: “A shot from St. Mary’s Cemetery – William F. Flack.”
Eric sells Fine Art Prints and is available for portrait and event photography. Check out some of his work on Flickr!
Contributor Opinion By John Britton: Another Inaugural Observation
Jan 23, 2009 21:45 - 4 Comments
>The following contributor opinion is by Rockville City Council member John Britton:
It was not difficult to make the decision whether to stay at home and enjoy the inaugural events from the comfort and warmth of our living room or go to what promised to be a too-crowded, too frigid Mall to view the Inaugural events. A no-brainer; It was go from the beginning for all of us – Katherine, Eric , Anna and myself – to hear the Inaugural address directly, to see the people, to breathe the same air as President Obama and the other dignitaries, to insert ourselves into a moment of history. We did not have tickets to anything, so we were full into the common man thing which kept our expectations at a manageable level. To our great surprise, these expectations were exceeded.
We decided to head into downtown on Monday evening to spend the night in my office located within the security zone. Think camping without s’mores and mosquitoes; hotel without the beds! Apart from being in a room with a hyperactive motion detection light system, the accommodations were, well, accommodating. Being there gave us the strategic advantage of leaving the office in the morning by foot, destination anywhere on the Mall (with a quick stop in Starbucks for breakfast). We quickly learned of the mass of humanity travails at the east end of the Mall and worked our way from 7th Street, NW to 18th Street, NW before finding our access to the Mall. If nothing else, the trek across downtown DC – devoid of automobiles save for the occasional emergency vehicle — was worth the moment. Along the way were ad hoc vendors selling everything imaginable, restaurants with their offerings and urns of coffee set out on tables in the street and spontaneous celebrations at nearly every turn – as one pundit put it, “a block party of historic proportions”. By the time we encountered the snaking conga line led by someone dressed in a polar bear outfit singing tunes to Obama, we were no longer surprised by what downtown could offer that day.
After a minor stand-off with the National Guard who were woefully outnumbered by the masses (power to the people!), we worked our way onto the Mall and stood in the shadow of the Washington Monument. We arrived in plenty of time for the swearing-in ceremony, with a view of a jumbotron and clear, crisp audio projecting from the Capitol Building platform. There was an ever so slight but detectable disconnect between the movement of lips on the screen and the words that we heard – akin to watching one of those old B-rated, 1960’s era Japanese horror films. But certainly no distraction from the solemnity of the moment. After its obligatory booing and hissing in the beginning each time President Bush or Vice President Cheney appeared on the screen, the crowd fell into an incredible hush. To the dilemma of how to silence nearly 2 million people, evidently you need only a Barack Obama on the stage in front of them. And what a crowd – the mood and diversity made the scene the mother of all Pepsi commercials.
At the risk of being hyperbolic – actually there is no such risk in this situation – the experience was exhilarating, majestic, stunning, breathtaking [insert superlative here]. Put simply, it was awesome. Even through the slightly harrowing situation of 1.8 million people implementing the same exit strategy at the same time (when even the words “yes we can” presumed herculean efforts!), the day’s experience could not be diminished. We now proudly carry the right to say for all time, “We were there!”
John Britton
Rockville Central runs occasional, edited opinion pieces by contributors as well as other guest columns. Their views are not necessarily those of Rockville Central. We encourage you to join the growing list of contributors! To submit your piece for consideration, contact us.
Help for Difficult Financial Times
Jan 23, 2009 13:20 - 0 Comments
Posted by: Cindy Cotte Griffiths
Department: News
Tags: announcements, by Cindy Cotte Griffiths, twinbrook
Department: News
Tags: announcements, by Cindy Cotte Griffiths, twinbrook
Rich Gottfried has provided information about a free presentation on Saturday, January 31, 2009 offered by the >Twinbrook Citizens Association at the Twinbrook Community Church, 5906 Halpine Road, Rockville, MD 20851 (Off Twinbrook Parkway and Ardennes Avenue).
“Helping Residents Through Difficult Financial Times” will include helpful advice from several knowledgeable professionals. Here’s the schedule:
9:00 am to 9:30 am
Coffee And Donuts
Welcome and Meet the Presenters
9:30 am to 10:00 am
Foreclosure, Taxes and the IRS: Can Your Debt Be Forgiven?
Speaker: Richard Gottfried, CPA, M.S. in Taxation
10:00 am to 10:30 am
Reducing Your Insurance Costs
Speaker: Marian Healey, BB&T
10:30 am to 11:00 am
Understanding Current Mortgage Lending Conditions
Speaker: Steven Yegher, National City Mortgage
11:00 am to 11:30 am
Can Bankruptcy Save Your Home?
Speaker: Michael Wolff, Goren, Wolff & Orenstein, LLC
11:30 am to 12:00 pm
Panel Discussion: What Your Credit Score Means to You
12:00 pm to 12:30 pm
Moving Forward: Creating a Budget and Managing Expenses
Speaker: Richard Gottfried, CPA, M.S. in Taxation
12:30 pm to 12:45 pm
Questions and Wrap-up
If you need more information, call Rich at 301-717-9558 or email: [email protected].
RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary.
