Next Rockville Roundtable: Monday March 9

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POTD: Flow

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In my favorite donut shop, the Fractured Prune in Town Square, there are a bunch of drawings by area kids. This one caught my eye . . . it looks like a world made of flowing lava.

And I loved the vibrant use of color.

Responses To Our First Reader Survey

Gentle readers,>

As you know, we recently asked you to take out a readers survey. We thought you might be interested to know the results.

We established the survey in order to help us fine tune a few things about Rockville Central. Your input matters a lot, and there is a lot we plan to listen to. 103 people completed the survey, roughly double what I initially expected.

Anyone who is interested can see the full results here.

Here are the main findings:

• Overall, people who responded to the survey give Rockville Central high marks. On a scale of 1-5, we average 4.51, which leads me to think that we’re basically on the right track. Of course, people who don’t like Rockville Central probably did not respond, so this “overall grade” is among the least useful questions! Still . . . it feels good.

• Your favorite features on Rockville Central are, in descending order: general news about Rockville (4.23/5), city election coverage (4.09), recaps of community meetings (4.06), contributor opinions (3.93), and the weekly events listings (3.87). The high rating people gave to City election coverage surprised me a bit. I do get emails from people who think we are covering to much of that boring politics – but it seems they may just be a vocal minority.
• The qualities of Rockville Central that you most value are: that we are upfront about our opinions (4.12/5), that we try to be unbiased (4.06), we cover a wide range of subjects (4.00), and that we are Rockville-only (3.98). Here again was a pleasant surprise that placed a number of emails I get in context. I hear from some people that we our coverage is “slanted” which hurts because we try to be very much the opposite. It is gratifying to see that the vast majority of respondents appreciate our attempts to be down-the-middle and also to be upfront with our own opinions. One other surprise in this question: the relatively low weight people give to the fact that Rockville Central is volunteer (3.24). When we started, I thought that was something that added to the trust that people might put in Rockville Central. In fact, it appears people don’t really give a hoot about that, ranking it next to last (just above “quirky and zany,” which got 3.23 out of 5).
• As you know, we recently changed our email system. I’ve gotten about equal numbers of complaints and “thank yous” for the switch. According to the survey, for most people, our new system with one email per day with links is best, but the plurality is not large (44.3%). Scanning the comments, I can see that people strongly prefer whatever their preference happens to be when it comes to email notification. People also would like to be offered more choices when it come to email receipt. We’re working on that, but it appears that overall the new system is working OK for now. We’re going to keep it as is for a bit more and keep seeing how it goes. (There are a lot of factors that go into this email question, more than you’d imagine. Please trust we are thinking everything through, even if the result is not what you would prefer! I am skeptical of our ability to offer email choice anytime soon, I will be upfront about that.)
• Some people don’t like the POTD (Picture Of The Day). I was aghast to see the POTD ranked near the bottom of people’s favorite features (3.46/5)! Scandal! This was a surprise, because I get a lot of emails and comments from people about how they like the POTD, and we also get a steady stream of POTD submissions. So this is an area where I am going to just willfully and capriciously ignore what everyone says and keep posting a picture every weekday morning, as we have since the beginning of Rockville Central. It just means too much to me, as it is something I look forward to each morning! But now I understand that it is not for everybody!
• Rockville Rocks! When asked about some hypothetical “new ideas,” people expressed a lot of interest in seeing a concert that featured all-Rockville performers. 61.8% said they’d be interested. (In that vein, go see the East Rockville Pumphouse Open Mic on Saturday.) That’s something we will definitely examine putting together. In addition – and this was a bit surprising to me—large numbers of survey respondents expressed interest in hearing from speakers on issues (55.1%), and engaging in small group dialogue on issues (56.2%). This is something we will also definitely look into, and you may begin to see some lectures or forums in the near future.

Overall, there are three chief lessons I take from reading all the responses:

1) The personal voice is important. We don’t need to be wacky and zany, but people appreciate that there is a very clear narrative voice that is not pretending to be omniscient. It adds to the trust people place in us.

2) Stay balanced. One of Rockville Central’s chief qualities in the eyes of readers is that it is always trying to be fair. That people see that is a precious thing and not to be squandered. We must always strive to maintain fairness. Yes we will make mistakes and yes, sometimes people will disagree with us when we express an opinion. But we must be vigilant about our openness and even-handedness.

3) Cover all of Rockville. People love that we cover Rockville only – but they want us to cover all of Rockville. Some comments took us to task for focusing more on “west side” issues and giving “east side” issues less play. That is an absolutely fair criticism and it is one I am always trying to work against. I have varying degrees of success in that department, but please know we are committed to including all of Rockville in all we do. I happen to live on the west side and so that is what I see every day – I know that brings with it a responsibility to look harder elsewhere but sometimes I fall down. We rely on readers like you to both catch us when we are not walking our talk – and also to help us with tips, colums, and co
verage. Please keep us informed about what you know is going on throughout Rockville, so we can pass it on.

I was humbled and moved as I read the survey responses, because it was clear that many, many of you who took the time to respond see Rockville Central as “yours.” That means so much and I will always try to respect that.

Let me just add one last thing.

Since we began, I have seen Rockville Central as a volunteer-only endeavor. However, as I mention above, this is not as highly valued by readers as I thought it was. In fact, some commentors let us know they would like to see ads for local businesses, and would be interested in seeing Rockville Central becoming more self supporting. I am not saying this is definitely the case, but I am beginning to think that may be the next step for us, to “grow up” a bit and let Rockville Central become something that stands more on its own legs.

I am terribly anxious about doing that, because I don’t want to throw away something that is working pretty well as it is. But there seems to be a credibility issue at work here. As Rockville Central has grown, I get the feeling people want to see it become even more of an “institution” that they can depend on.

So that’s something to watch for. If you see us begin to accept advertising or do other things that look “official” – please know that they are in the spirit of building on what we have, and trying to do what is best for our readers and the community.

Thank you.

Events In Rockville 2/26/09-3/8/09

>Pick of the Week

Family Friendly Open Mic
Sponsored by the East Rockville Civic Association
Saturday, February 28, 2009 7 PM – 10 PM
at the Pump House, 401 South Horners Lane
Pack up your favorite munchies and non-alcoholic beverages for a night out in East Rockville. You never know who might show up at an open mic to share their musical talents … but that’s the best part of the fun!
If you are absolutely sure you would like to play, please let them know in advance by emailing [email protected]
Be aware that the Pump House has limited seating and parking.

Graphic from the ERCA website.

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, February 26

10:00 am-12:00 pm
When a Loved One Leaves Home at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center If a loved one has moved out, your family dynamics change. Join us in this workshop, where we’ll talk about the emotions you may be feeling, the changes in your home life, and steps you can take to make your home nurturing place for you, filled with positive memories and new dreams. $20, payable at registration; early registration recommended. To registe or for more information, visit our website or call 240-777-8300. more info

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. Before your first session, go to www.score.org/template_gallery.html and dowload the following onto a USB drive, review them, and bring to the library:
-Business Plan Template; Sales Forecast (12 months_); Start-up Expenses; Opening Day Balance Sheet; Projected Balance Sheet; Breakeven Analysis; Cash Flow Statement (12 months); Cash Flow Statement (4 years); Competetive Analysis; Personal Financial Statement; Profit and Loss Projection (12 months); Profit and Loss Projection (3 years); and Financial Forecast. 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

8:00 pm-10:30 pm
Victorian Lyric Opera Company presents The Merry Widow at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater VLOC presents Franz Lehar’s The Merry Widow. This operetta is an intoxicating whirl of elegant ladies, eligible bachelors, can-can dancers and ever-flowing champagne.
Tickets: $20 Adult, $15 Senior and Student. There will be a half-price preview performance on February 26. March 1 is Community Outreach Day. Two students (15 & under) are free with each paying adult. There will also be backstage tours and children’s activities. more info

Friday, February 27

10:00 am-12:00 pm
Divorce Legal Seminar, Part II (child-related issues) at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career C
enter Attorney-led overview of legal and physical custody, visitation, child suport and health insurance. Offered monthly. [Non-child-related issues covered in Divorce Legal Seminar, Part I, on Feb. 13.] $20, payable at registration; early registration recommended. To register or for more information, visit our website or call 240-777-8300. more info

10:00 am-12:00 pm
Perfectionism at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center Is your self-worth based on achievement? Do you selectively see your mistakes but not your accomplishments? In this informative and supportive seminar, you’ll learn realistic steps you can take to successfully manage your perfectionist tendencies. $20, payable a registration; early registration recommended. To register or for more information, visit our website or call 240-777-8300. more info

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

10:15 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
Victorian Lyric Opera Company presents The Merry Widow at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater VLOC presents Franz Lehar’s The Merry Widow. This operetta is an intoxicating whirl of elegant ladies, eligible bachelors, can-can dancers and ever-flowing champagne.
Tickets: $20 Adult, $15 Senior and Student. March 1 is Community Outreach Day. Two students (15 & under) are free with each paying adult. There will also be backstage tours and children’s activities. more info

8:00 pm
Peking Acrobats at Music Center at Strathmore Awe-inspiring feats and colorful spectacle - a thrill-a-minute experience for the whole family! “Amazing - and stunning, and breathtaking and WOW!” (Seattle Times) There will be two 45-minute sets with an intermission. more info

Saturday, February 28

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

7:00 pm-10:00 pm
Open Mic Night at Pump House Open Mic night. All ages welcome. No amps required (unless it’s very small). Bring your own munchies and NON-alcoholic beverages. Space limited. Send questions to [email protected] more info

8:00 pm-10:30 pm
Victorian Lyric Opera Company presents The Merry Widow at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater VLOC presents Franz Lehar’s The Merry Widow. This operetta is an intoxicating whirl of elegant ladies, eligible bachelors, can-can dancers and ever-flowing champagne.
Tickets: $20 Adult, $15 Senior and Student. March 1 is Community Outreach Day. Two students (15 & under) are free with each paying adult. There will also be backstage tours and children’s activities. more info

8:00 pm
Barrueco Plays Concierto de Aranjuez at Music Center at Strathmore National Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra: Barrueco Plays Concierto de Aranjuez. Celebrating one of the most popular works of the 20th century, the National Philharmonic presents internationally renowned guitarist Manuel Barrueco whose recording of Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez was cited by Classical CD Magazine as the “the best recording” of the work.
Piotr Gajewski, conductor
Manuel Barrueco, guitar
PROKOFIEV Symphony No. 1, “Classical Symphony”
RODRIGO Concierto de Aranjuez
RAVEL Mother Goose Suite
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.
more info

9:00 pm
Live Music Saturday Night: Sherwood Blues at The Potomac Grill more info

Sunday, March 1

2:00 pm-4:30 pm
Victorian Lyric Opera Company presents The Merry Widow at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater VLOC presents Franz Lehar’s The Merry Widow. This operetta is an intoxicating whirl of elegant ladies, eligible bachelors, can-can dancers and ever-flowing champagne.
Tickets: $20 Adult, $15 Senior and Student . March 1 is Community Outreach Day. Two students (15 & under) are free with each paying adult. There will also be backstage tours and children’s activities. more info

2:30 pm
RMHS Mid-Year Choral Concert and Gala at Richard Montgomery High School All are welcome to an afternoon of varied entertainment, tasty food, and unique sales. The Mid-Year Choral Concert Sunday will include a number of gala events. Come to sample light Irish fare at A Taste of Ireland. Bid on a unique find at the Silent Auction. Browse through books, CDs, DVDs and videos for bargains at the Used Book Sale. Musicians will entertain you as you eat, drink and shop on RMs Main Street beginning at 2:30 p.m. The RM Mid-Year Choral Concert will begin in the auditorium at 4:30 p.m. The Treble Chorale, Concert Chorus and Madrigals will perform under the direction of Ronald P. Frezzo, IB and Vocal Music Instructor. A Taste of Ireland and the Used Book Sale will end before the concert. Silent Auction final bids will be accepted during the concert intermission. Auction check out will be after the concert. The proceeds of the day will benefit the choral performance tour to Ireland this June. The concert, auction and book sale have free admission. Enjoy A Taste of Ireland for $5.00. *Contact Lisa Newman to reserve A Taste of Ireland ticket at [email protected].

Monday, March 2

6:45 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, March 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

Wednesday, March 4

8:30 am-5:00 pm
FREE Bioinformatics Forum at The Universities at Shady Grove Federal government agencies and labs, universities and the private sector present bioinformatics technologies that are available for licensing and partnerships. Available resources for bioinformatics R&D in the such fields as diagnostics, computational analysis, simulation and modeling, health care and homeland security will be discussed. more info

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

6:00 pm-9:00 pm
Divorce Legal Seminar / Su Derechos Legales en el Divorcio at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center This attorney-led seminar in Spanish covers how to choose an attorney, get a restraining order in cases of domestic violence, obtain custody of your children and get child support, and how property is distributed. $30, payable at registration; early registration recommended. Presented by the Montgomery County Commission for Women, Counseling and Career Center. more info

Thursday, March 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

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

6:00 pm
Searching for Health Information on the Internet for Computer Beginners at Rockville Public Library This free eight-week session class will teach basic computer skills and how to search the internet, with a focus on health topics. Register for the whole eight-session class by calling 240-777-0001. Classes will be held in the PC Lab on the second floor. more info

8:00 pm
The Who’s Tommy at Parilla Performing Arts Center The Who’s classic rock opera comes to the stage in a high-energy, one-of-a-kind spectacular experience. Tommy is the tale of a boy’s journey from pain to triumph. After witnessing a horrific event at the age of four, Tommy is traumatized into a catatonic state. When he reaches adolescence, it’s discovered that Tommy has a knack for playing pinball, and after his mother finally breaks through to his catatonia, he becomes international pinball superstar. Winner of the 1993 Tony Award for Best Original Score, don’t miss this legendary musical written by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff featuring the hit songs “Pinball Wizard,” and “Tommy.” Tickets are $10 Regular, $8 Seniors and Students 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. Before your first session, go to www.score.org/template_gallery.html and dowload the following onto a USB drive, review them, and bring to the library:
-Business Plan Template; Sales Forecast (12 months_); Start-up Expenses; Opening Day Balance Sheet; Projected Balance Sheet; Breakeven Analysis; Cash Flow Statement (12 months); Cash Flow Statement (4 years); Competetive Analysis; Personal Financial Statement; Profit and Loss Projection (12 months); Profit and Loss Projection (3 years); and Financial Forecast. more info

Friday, March 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

6:30 pm-8:30 pm
To Stay or To Go at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center Explore your options and goals in deciding whether to remain in or leave a difficult relationship. You’ll learn decision-making strategies
to help you reach a positive outcome. $20, payable at registration; early registration recommended. more info

8:00 pm
The Who’s Tommy at Parilla Performing Arts Center The Who’s classic rock opera comes to the stage in a high-energy, one-of-a-kind spectacular experience. Tommy is the tale of a boy’s journey from pain to triumph. After witnessing a horrific event at the age of four, Tommy is traumatized into a catatonic state. When he reaches adolescence, it’s discovered that Tommy has a knack for playing pinball, and after his mother finally breaks through to his catatonia, he becomes international pinball superstar. Winner of the 1993 Tony Award for Best Original Score, don’t miss this legendary musical written by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff featuring the hit songs “Pinball Wizard,” and “Tommy.” Tickets are $10 Regular, $8 Seniors and Students more info

8:00 pm-10:30 pm
Victorian Lyric Opera Company presents The Merry Widow at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater VLOC presents Franz Lehar’s The Merry Widow. This operetta is an intoxicating whirl of elegant ladies, eligible bachelors, can-can dancers and ever-flowing champagne.
Tickets: $20 Adult, $15 Senior and Student. more info

9:00 pm
The West End at The Potomac Grill The West End is proud to announce our next show, on March 6 at The Potomac Grill, 1093 Rockville Pike. We’ll take the stage at 9pm and play all night. Expect to hear old favorites and new songs off of our latest CD, This Ride Could Be My Last. We are excited to introduce Kia Ramarui as a musical guest, playing violin. The show is free and all ages!

Save the date for these other upcoming shows:
* Apr. 18 @ The Austin Grill, Rockville Town Square
* Jun. 6 @ The Austin Grill, Rockville Town Square
* Aug. 27 @ Courtyard, Rockville Town Square

Saturday, March 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

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 and cats) at the Rockville Petco. (301) 984-9733. Come to the show and see our rescue dogs and cats. If you are interested in any dog or cat 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 the dogs and cats that are available for adoption.
Send an email to: [email protected] (dogs)
Send an email to: [email protected] (cats)
more info

8:00 pm
The Who’s Tommy at Parilla Performing Arts Center The Who’s classic rock opera comes to the stage in a high-energy, one-of-a-kind spectacular experience. Tommy is the tale of a boy’s journey from pain to triumph. After witnessing a horrific event at the age of four, Tommy is traumatized into a catatonic state. When he reaches adolescence, it’s discovered that Tommy has a knack for playing pinball, and after his mother finally breaks through to his catatonia, he becomes international pinball superstar. Winner of the 1993 Tony Award for Best Original Score, don’t miss this legendary musical written by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff featuring the hit songs “Pinball Wizard,” and “Tommy.” Tickets are $10 Regular, $8 Seniors and Students more info

8:00 pm-10:30 pm
Victorian Lyric Opera Company presents The Merry Widow at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater VLOC presents Franz Lehar’s The Merry Widow. This operetta is an intoxicating whirl of elegant ladies, eligible bachelors, can-can dancers and ever-flowing champagne.
Tickets: $20 Adult, $15 Senior and Student more info

9:00 pm
Live Music Saturday Night: On The Bus at The Potomac Grill Enjoy The Original Music of “The Greatfull Dead” You know how they sound; You know IT Will be Crowded… Get Here Early for a spot!!!!!!

Sunday, March 8

2:00 pm
The Who’s Tommy at Parilla Performing Arts Center The Who’s classic rock opera comes to the stage in a high-energy, one-of-a-kind spectacular experience. Tommy is the tale of a boy’s journey from pain to triumph. After witnessing a horrific event at the age of four, Tommy is traumatized into a catatonic state. When he reaches adolescence, it’s discovered that Tommy has a knack for playing pinball, and after his mother finally breaks through to his catatonia, he becomes international pinball superstar. Winner of the 1993 Tony Award for Best Original Score, don’t miss this legendary musical written by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff featuring the hit songs “Pinball Wizard,” and “Tommy.” Tickets are $10 Regular, $8 Seniors and Students more info

2:00 pm-4:30 pm
Victorian Lyric Opera Company presents The Merry Widow at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater VLOC presents Franz Lehar’s The Merry Widow. This operetta is an intoxicating whirl of elegant ladies, eligible bachelors, can-can dancers and ever-flowing champagne.
Tickets: $20 Adult, $15 Senior and Student. more info

Monday, March 9

10:00 am-12:00 pm
Boundary-Setting Strategies for Women at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center If you feel guilty when you say “no,” often feel torn between your job and your family or feel responsible for the problems in your family, you may have boundary problems. This workshop can help you become more skilled in setting boundaries. $20, payable at registration; early registration recommended. more info

6:45 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 He
aring Community at [email protected] or 240-777-0001 or TTY # 240-777-0902. more info

Tuesday, March 10

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

11:00 am-1:00 pm
Strong Interest Inventory at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center The Strong Interest Inventory is one of the most respected and widely-used career planning tools in the world. It is recommended for anyone making decisions about occupational choice, career direction or job satisfaction. It will give you a profile of your vocational interests, characteristics and occupations that seem best suited to you. Two sessions: March 10 (test) and March 31 (group interpretation of test results). Offered monthly. $50, payable at registration; early registration recommended. more info

11:00 am-12:30 pm
Dealing with Verbal and Emotion Abuse: A Support Group for Women at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center In this four-week support group, you’ll learn about abuse, why it can be difficult to recognize, how damaging it can be to you and your relationships, and new strategies for responding to it. And, you’ll gain needed suppport from others. Meets March 10, 17, 24 and 31. Limited to 10 participants; advanced registration required. Call Louise Hanson (240-777-8300) or go to our website. $50, payable at registration. more info

6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Caring Communication for Couples at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center Does it ever seem as though you and your mate speak different languages? Each person in a relationship has different ways of communicating affection and love. Join us in this couples-only workshop to learn what you each need to feel loved, respected and secure. You’ll also gain valuable insight into each other’s way of communicating and ideas for building a reserve of love and respect. Limited to 10 couples. $20 per person, payable at registration; early registration recommended. Call Louise Hanson at 240-777-8300. more info

7:00 pm
Real Maryland FC (Pre-Season ) Game vs. Aegan Hawks at Richard Montgomery High School Come support your local professional soccer team, and see players from our area play against players from around the world. Real Maryland FC is a professional soccer team that participates in the second division of the United Soccer Leagues. All Regular Season Home Games will be played at the new Richard Montgomery High School Stadium in Rockville, MD. There will be 10 Regular Season Home Games played this summer. In addition to these games, Real Maryland FC will be holding different events at the stadium from April 1 - November 1. These events include exhibition matches against local Universities, International Exhibition Matches, The Monarch’s Men’s Open League, a High School Soccer Tournament, Super Y League Games and potentially camps and clinics. more info

Wednesday, March 11

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

8:00 pm
Russian Classical Ballet Theatre: Don Quixote at Parilla Performing Arts Center The Russian Classical Ballet Theatre was created in 1994 under the directorship of one of Russia’s most honored dancers and choreographers, the most honored People’s Artists of Russia and legendary star of the Bolshoi Ballet, Yuri Vetrov. The company’s formation was supported in part by the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation and is modeled after the tradition of the Bolshoi Ballet. Many of its dancers have graduated from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy. The Russian Classical Ballet Theatre has toured with tremendous success throughout Russia, the Ukraine, Bella-Russe, the Georgian Republic, Armenia, Japan, the People’s Republic of China, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, in addition to undertaking major tours in Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Venezuela, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Mexico. In the winter and spring of 2009, the company will make its first major tour of the United States and Canada. The Russian Classical Ballet Theatre will perform the full-length, fully staged production of Don Quixote. Tickets are $44 Regular, $42 Seniors and Students 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!

POTD: Locked Up

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This seemed a silly level of security for an ATM, if you ask me . . .

Rockville Central Radio Friday To Feature Adam Pagnucco Of Maryland Politics Watch

We have a gob-smacking show lined for Friday’s edition of >Rockville Central Radio! We go live at noon. (But if you miss it, you can always listen in later.)

This week’s show features one of our favorite guests, the always-insightful Adam Pagnucco of the most visited political blog in Maryland, Maryland Politics Watch. Adam is a great political observer and analyst. We’ll be talking about the District Four race in Montgomery County, and the money race and what it means for various politicians.

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.

An Excursion to Sam’s Café & Market

>As I drove back and forth on Rockville Pike the last few weeks, I noticed Sam’s Café & Market moving into a new storefront. When the neon words “hookah”, “shisha”, and “international” glowed in the front windows with a grand opening banner, I stopped in to try something new.

After ten years in Ritchie Center, Sam has moved his homemade gelato to this new location on Rockville Pike (844 Rockville Pike) across from Wintergreen Plaza. Although at a new location, he continues to prepare up to 84 flavors of gelato, many without dairy and eggs.

Although my taste of the lemon gelato creamily melted in my mouth, I wanted to try the bubble tea with tapioca balls sinking to the bottom of every flavor. Before sipping through the large straw, I wondered how to avoid swallowing the beads whole but this wasn’t a problem as I carefully sipped my “chewy” Café Latte and wandered around the shop.

You can’t help but notice the beautifully-colored smoking devices called hookahs. I had to ask if you smoked with them and of course you do. Sam joked that everything sold at the shop was legal. He insisted a hookah’s comparable to smoking cigarettes but much better. When I saw the selection of shisha tobaccos flavored with mint, banana, mango, fruit, and cocktails, I started to wish that I did smoke, so I could try the exotic piece of equipment.

In addition to a grocery store with dry goods, pickles, beans, bulgar, barley, and nuts from Iran, Turkey, Israel and Lebanon, the café serves salads, sandwiches, and kabobs with chicken, beef, and lamb. Sam pointed out that their method of cooking the meats removes the fats making the dishes quite healthy. The Café goes light on the spices. Aash, a thick fortifying peasant soup of lentils, red kidney beans and vermicelli noodles, tops the menu. Even on a chilly winter day, the sun pouring in the walls of windows created a bright spot to eat lunch. The bakery had trays of baklava and almond cookies.

When I looked at the bottled water, I couldn’t help but notice this wasn’t your ordinary selection. The waters were flavored with fenugreek, cumin seeds, rose, chicory, and orange blossoms. In one refrigerator I found bottles of Coca-Cola and PEPSI along with cans of yogurt soda and coconut juice. Large pots of coffee and tea were available for refills.

After eating in the Café, s few researchers from NIH enjoyed some gelato cones. They clued me into a couple of other markets on Rockville Pike. We wound up discussing how unfortunate it would be to if we redeveloped the Pike in such a way that these small, privately-owned shops were pushed out, unable to afford the higher rents.

For now, I’m going to continue to enjoy little excursions to unique places tucked away on Rockville Pike.

Contributor Opinion By Mark Pierzchala: Support Closure Of Princeton Place Fence; Only Open When Smoking Areas Are Provided On Campus

>This is a contributor opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such opinions for consideration — the more voices the better. We especially welcome people who disagree with us. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

One more note. Mark has announced that he is running for City Council. We do not know of other declared candidates yet; as we do, we will try to make sure we provide a balanced forum for all voices.

Dear College Garden Neighbors (via the College Gardens Forum ListServe),

Montgomery College has informed the City of Rockville that with respect to the Princeton Place access to Montgomery College, it plans to “modify and close the opening of the fence to provide immediate relief for the residents. College and city staff agree that immediate relief has to be provided to those residents most adversely affected by the College’s Tobacco Free Campus policy. The College expects to close the opening and erect a new fence beginning as soon as February 28, 2009.”


The information above comes from an internal City memorandum dated February 23, 2009. One of the action items on the memorandum is that there will be a stakeholder’s meeting on March 16 where various options will be presented and feedback from the stakeholders gathered.
Since I’m running for City Council some people including some neighbors would like me to reiterate my oft-stated position on this issue. There are two points: First, given the current Montgomery College policy of absolutely no smoking on campus, I support the closure of the fence to provide relief for the campus’s near neighbors on Princeton Place. The impacts on them have been severe and real. Second, I would support the re-opening of the fence but only if this is accompanied by the implementation of a smoking area on campus. I can’t see any other solution that would provide permanent relief to the Princeton Place residents while re-establishing access.

Please keep in mind that it is Montgomery College that has caused the problem. The Princeton Place residents are defending their children and their property; I can’t fault them for that. We should not allow unilateral action by Montgomery College to cause a rift in our neighborhoods.

With the current MC policy, either keeping the gate open or closing it, would have negative impacts on the community. This fact was clearly established in Citizen’s Forum to Mayor and Council and in testimony to the Planning Commission and the MC Board of Trustees the past several weeks. It is my opinion that the only unifying position for our community is if both College Gardens and Plymouth Woods rally around a position for the College to modify its policy and establish one smoking area on campus.

Other groups, such as the Rockville Bike Advisory Committee should also make the establishment of a campus smoking area central to their efforts to re-open access. Further, I call on Mayor and Council to formally state such a position by resolution. The facts are known and other so-called solutions have been proposed and found lacking. Though I recognize that individual council members have been vocally supportive, it is time for all our elected to go on record and to formally take a clear and strong stand in defense of its neighborhoods.

Yours,

Mark Pierzchala

POTD: Escher

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I know this is sort of strange . . . but I liked how you could not tell whether this angle is bending inwards or outwards. I also liked the bright colors!

Buskers! Audition With City Hall For 2009 Season

As you may know, Our Fair City has a “buskers’ program” in Town Square. This means that if you would like to be a street performer, you need to get a permit. Auditions are coming up for this season’s festivities. This from the City’s press release:>

The City of Rockville invites jugglers, magicians, clowns, musicians, mimes and street performers to audition for the chance to exhibit their talents in Rockville Town Square this year.

Auditions will be held Tuesday, March 10, and Wednesday, March 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Rockville Senior Center, 1150 Carnation Drive.

Performances may include playing an instrument, singing, mime, dance, theater and clowning.

“Street performers really add to the fun and energetic feel of Town Square,” said Colleen McQuitty, special events manager. “We think the buskers program is great for the City and the performers who have the chance to showcase their skills for a new audience.”

A busker permit is required prior to performing on Rockville streets and sidewalks. Permits specify when and where performances are allowed to occur.
To schedule an audition, complete an application available on-line here and submit it to the City of Rockville, Department of Recreation and Parks at 111 Maryland Avenue. City staff will contact applicants to schedule a specific audition time upon receipt of the complete application. Once auditions are complete, permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.

For more information on the buskers program, including applications, performance guidelines and permit locations and times, go here or contact Jen Betts, events specialist at 240-314-8604 or [email protected].

Contributor Opinion By Art Stigile: Response To Redgate Golfers

>This is a contributor opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such opinions for consideration — the more voices the better. We especially welcome people who disagree with us. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

The following contributor opinion is by Art Stigile.

I read with interest Joe Jordan’s recent contributor’s opinion about the RedGate Golf Course, and I listened closely to the statements made by many golfers at the recent Citizen’s Forum. Golf is not my game, but I understand and respect their passion. I think hockey is life. But if golf is your passion, I hope you can continue to enjoy playing at RedGate for many years.

Unfortunately, nothing that I heard from golfers deals with one very important inconvenient truth. RedGate is drowning in a sea of red ink, and taxpayers are being asked to fork over increasingly large subsidies for as far as the eye can see. Over its first 28 years, golfers paid for all of RedGate’s operating and capital expenses. Since FY99, the golf course has operated in the red every year, except one, despite receiving $600,000 in taxpayers subsidies over the past three years. The current budget projects an FY09 deficit of $275,745 that grows to $388,479 in four years. By the end of FY13, RedGate’s cumulative deficit is expected to exceed $2 million – more than the expenses to run RedGate for one year. Red seems to be the appropriate color for the golf course.

Who’s paying for this? Taxpayers.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. In May 2006, Mayor and Council approved a Five Year Business Plan for RedGate. (See here.) The Plan promised to put RedGate “in the black” by FY09.

By any measure, the Plan has failed.

The Plan identified two key ingredients to success – average dollars spent per round, and total rounds played. Below are the Plan’s projections for both measures and results to date. Results have fallen far short of the Plan, and the results for FY09 will not be any better, given the sharp drop in rounds played last summer.


I have 2 questions for golfers. Why should we taxpayers subsidize golfers? How much subsidy is enough?

The closest thing to answer that I’ve heard is that the City subsidizes other recreation, so why shouldn’t it subsidize golfers? I’ll tell you why. I pay high taxes, with no complaints, to fund services that benefit all of us – a first-class police force, good roads, conservation of our natural resources, snow removal – and to provide opportunities to less fortunate folks who are struggling to stay afloat in the worst economy in 35 years. I don’t expect to pay high taxes to subsidize middle-class adults who can afford to pay for their favorite recreation.

If golfers disagree, if golfers feel they are entitled to a taxpayer subsidy, then I have a suggestion. The Community Services section of the Rockville budget provides funding to nonprofits that provide social services to the needy. Let’s add a line for Taxpayer Subsidies to Golfers. That way, golfers can come down to City Hall each year and explain to Mayor and Council and to all taxpayers why they have a higher priority than folks who are finding it hard to stay in their homes and pay for their kids’ health care.

Frankly, I’d rather spend my tax dollars helping the truly needy.

There is an alternative. Increase fees immediately by $7-8 per round of golf, and it would eliminate the annual deficit.

Art Stigile

POTD: Wall

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I spent some time this weekend in Town Square, enjoying some of the scenery. This wall always fascinates me.

Planner: City Meetings This Week (2/23/2009)

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POTD: Squall

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That was quite a snow squall Sunday morning! This was the scene at the Town Square Ice Rink.

Brrrrr.

Enter Rockville REDI's Women's Business Plan Competition

Details on a great competition crossed my desk recently and I wanted to share it with you. This is from >Rockville REDI:

Women in business will tell you that success is a combination of inspiration, perspiration and a really good business plan. Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) understands the importance of a solid business plan, and today announces the 6th annual StartRight! Women’s Business Plan Competition to reward entrepreneurs for good preparation. The contest is open to Maryland, District of Columbia and Virginia businesses that are at least 51% women-owned, and have been in operation for two years or less. Eligible entrants could win up to a $10,000 cash grand prize.

To participate in the StartRight! Women’s Business Plan Competition applicants must submit an executive summary and $25 entry fee to REDI by March 25, 2009. The full business plan must be submitted by April 1, 2009. REDI’s business plan writing seminars will be held on Tuesday, February 24; Wednesday, March 11; and, Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at the Rockville Regional Library located at 21 Maryland Avenue. The 9:00 am to 12:00 noon classes are free and open to all. For more information on the business plan writing seminars or the StartRight! Competition visit Rockville REDI’s website.