Contributor Review by Cheryl Kagan: YumBurgers

This Contributor Review is from Rockville Central friend, Cheryl Kagan, who recommends one of Rockville’s newest dining locations, YumBurgers in King Farm.

When one’s tastebuds are all primed for Russian blini, caviar, and goulash, it’s not the most pleasant surprise to find that the restaurant at King Farm has been replaced by a joint called “YumBurgers.” Lucky for us, the four of us decided to stay and enjoyed the discovery of an affordable new Rockville dining establishment.

I have a bias for locally owned restaurants and shops. In my opinion, they are more attuned to our community, more generous in their local giving, and more responsive to customers’ reactions. Michael Passas, a resident of Gaithersburg, bought this space with his wife when it came on the market in November. They’ve kept much of the experienced staff while transforming the menu and décor.

Addressing the menu first: it is in some ways, a straightforward burger joint, with hot dogs, burgers, and chicken with countless condiments and accompaniments. (Think Cheeburger, Cheeburger without the screaming kids and insane portions.) Michael is of Greek heritage, and his chef is Peruvian. There is a bar menu of options that reflect both.

While we were waiting for our food, we enjoyed a deliciously decadent appetizer called “Chester’s Sweet Tots.” The sweet potato nuggets were warm and tender insider the crispy exterior; the Buttermilk Garlic dressing and parmesan cheese made for a perfect complement!

The Greek-spiced lamb chops were completely delectable and very reasonably priced at approximately $12. The cole slaw that accompanied our dishes was tasty and without the mayonnaise gloppy texture I’ve sometimes found. We also enjoyed their chili, which was served (after they generously allowed us to sample it) in a large bowl over pasta. It was meaty with large chunks of tomato. It definitely had a bite but wasn’t overwhelmingly spicy. Lastly, the namesake of the place, their burgers, were delicious. I chose a customized “That’s My Burger” with my choice of cheese, 4 regular toppings, and 2 premium toppings. Although the kitchen accidentally left off the promised fries (which I didn’t need), I found the meal to be filling without the insane portions one finds at many restaurants. One can choose the burger with a bun or in a bowl; an extra dollar buys a second 5-ounce patty.

The owner was diligent in checking in to be sure we were satisfied. His eagerness for feedback makes it likely that the table service (fairly average) and kitchen will improve in the coming months. I’d recommend “YumBurgers” for a family with or without kids. It’s neither fancy nor fast food, but the friendly ambiance and tasty meals make it a new place worth patronizing soon!

Cheryl C. Kagan

YumBurgers Grill
800 Pleasant Dr, Suite 160
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 355-4979
[email protected]
www.yumburgers.com
Hours:
Sunday thru Thursday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Free Wi-Fi

This is a Contributor Review. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us, [email protected] if you would like to submit something!

Contributor Review By Hena Khan: Like a Moth to a Flame: Matchbox opens in Rockville

Photo from Matchbox.

I am extremely pleased to welcome this Contributor Review from my friend, Hena Khan, a children’s book author who you may know from her wonderful work and local appearances. Thank you Hena!

When deciding where to entertain a pizza and burger-loving friend visiting from California for a great meal and hip atmosphere last Friday night, one place came instantly to mind: Matchbox. Although I’d been eagerly anticipating the opening of the popular DC restaurant’s new Rockville location in Congressional Plaza on December 11, our plans pre-dated the grand event by one day. So down to Chinatown we trekked in the bitter cold, to pay a visit to the original Matchbox that opened its doors in 2003.

Even though our group of four was hungry, I was met with skepticism when I declared that we must order at least nine—if not more—mini-burgers as a starter. But all doubts disappeared the moment our tower of burgers arrived: black angus beef cooked to a touch of pink, snuggled inside fresh brioche bread and topped with our choice of gorgonzola and gouda cheeses. Piled on top like a crown was a glorious heap of the crispiest and lightest onion strings you’ll ever taste, sprinkled with a dusting of parmesan cheese.

Sure enough, in a matter of minutes, we were negotiating who got the last burger and emphatically agreeing on one thing: Matchbox was a winner. And we hadn’t even gotten to the wood-fired brick oven pizzas yet.

Photo from Matchbox.

Ever since my husband first introduced me to Matchbox years ago, fanning a box of spicy meatball pizza under my nose as we waited in line for a concert at the Verizon Center, it’s been a family favorite (I had to endure the whines of my sons who heard that I dared go eat there without them). But as exciting as it was to learn that it would soon be so close to home, I was a little nervous that something might be lost in the new Rockville location, which took over a historically unsuccessful spot. I wondered if the atmosphere and experience would somehow be diminished by a suburban setting.

I had nothing to worry about. The expansive 10,000 foot building, which was rebuilt from the ground up, dwarfs the Matchbox in Chinatown and its other location in Capitol Hill. But the space retains Matchbox’s signature design elements and rustic charm, with walls made of old barn wood from New York and fireplaces crafted from reclaimed brick. The 67 tables inside were each handcrafted by one of the principal partners, Ty Neal, who painstakingly poured layers of resin to highlight the centerpiece of each table: a unique matchbox.

“Customers bring us matchboxes all the time, from all over the world,” Neal explains—a personal touch that adds to the charm of the restaurant.

The two-story space includes a mezzanine level, two patios for outdoor seating, as well as a spacious private room (with clever plans underway to host birthday parties for the kid-friendly plaza).

The Rockville menu is exactly the same as the DC locations. Apart from the trademark mini-burgers, the signature wood-fired pizzas include ‘spicy meatball’ and ‘fire and smoke’ for those who like it hot, traditional favorites like ‘four cheese’ and ‘white pizza,’ and a variety of other choices boasting gourmet toppings like coppa Italian ham and arugula, wild mushrooms, grilled marinated chicken, and more (or build your own). With its crispy, blistered thin crust, the pizza is sure to please. But if you fancy something else, the menu features delicious salads, sandwiches to satisfy the most discerning foodie, and a host of creative entrees to choose from (like succulent braised beef short ribs served with garlic mashed potatoes and bacon-gorgonzola brussel sprouts in a red wine reduction). Plus, every day, long time Rockville resident Executive Chef Jonny Mac serves up original creations for lunch and dinner.

It’s really challenging to save room for dessert, but if you can swing it, it’s absolutely worth the extra calories. My favorite is the warm chocolate chip bread pudding, served with banana, rum caramel, and whipped cream—yum.

And how does the food in Rockville match up to the original? Perfectly. Plus, the fact that I didn’t have to drive downtown, circle around city streets searching for parking, wait for a table (at least, not yet!), or suffer a long bathroom line for a single stall might have allowed me to enjoy my meal even more than in the district. Now I can take comfort in knowing that my favorite grown-up comfort food, in all its glory, is just around the corner. All I need is an errand that takes me to, say, the Container Store. Don’t I need some new closet organizers?

Hena Khan

Hena Khan is a Rockville native, communications consultant and children’s book author (Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story, Chronicle 2008). She enjoys sharing her stories and talking about writing with local audiences and schools, and can be reached at [email protected].

This is a Contributor Review. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us, [email protected], if you would like to submit something!

Contributor Review by Michele Nguyen: Rock for Robert Full of SPIRIT

Mercury in Summer Photo by Georgia Yang

Last week the Rock for Robert concert kicked off the fundraising for the SPIRIT Foundation in honor of Robert Yin and a $50,000 contribution was announced. Thanks to Michele Nguyen for sharing this special occasion with us and describing why everyone loved Robert so much.

On November 24, 2010, the “Rock for Robert” benefit concert was held at Thomas S. Wootton High School. The concert was held in honor of Robert Yin, a beloved Wootton Class of 2008 alumnus attending Grinnell College, who passed away on May 17, 2010 following a fatal pole vaulting accident at the NCAA 2010 Midwest Track and Field Championships held at Illinois College. The benefit concert was organized by Georgia Yang and Brad Harlan, friends and classmates of Robert to raise funds for the new annual SPIRIT Scholarship to be given in Robert’s memory.

Crowd Photo by Georgia Yang

The concert featured an eclectic mix of music from seven ensemble and solo artists who each held a personal connection to Robert, and performed as a tribute to him. “Robert was one of the first people there in my musical career when I first started, he was like my musical buddy,” says guitarist/songwriter CJ Uy, “ I thought that by playing music, I could really help remember him.”

Robert’s former a cappella group at Wootton, The Supertonics kicked off the concert with harmonized ballads. Former track teammate Henry Nam followed with an original composition titled Yin Elegy on acoustic guitar. Also featured in the concert were: Landon classmate CJ Uy (Sidwell ’08), Landon ’08 classmate Derek Defensor, Wootton ’08 classmate and drummer Brendan McCusker with his band Mercury in Summer, Wootton ’08 classmate Peter Tran, and Wootton ’03 alumnus Zia Hassan. Together, these up and coming musicians treated the audience to an unforgettable concert that celebrated Robert’s life.

Robert’s wide-ranging influence on the community was evident in the diversity of the attendees at the concert, where his former teammates from his cross country and track and field days were present alongside his fellow chambers chorus members.

Robert's Mom, Sandra Giger on left, Brother Alex Yin on Right. Photo by Georgia Yang

For many attendees, including myself, this was our first time returning to Wootton High School since our graduation in 2008. “I saw so many people who I haven’t seen since I graduated,” noted Robert’s younger brother Alex Yin, “it was such a good event for people to come together and hang out.” The concert’s venue not only represented where we went to high school, but it was the place where most of us came to know and love Robert. It was in these halls that we would hear Robert’s contagious maniacal laugh, or run into his comforting surprise bear hugs. Coming back to Wootton High School for the concert was symbolic of our days in high school with Robert.

As concert-goers entered the event, there were only smiles and hugs as old friends reunited, and former classmates reacquainted. A sense of intimacy and nostalgia filled the air with the realization that the 200+ guests in attendance were connected to each other with the common link that is Robert. This is only a small measure of Robert’s greatness, that even after he is no longer with us, his ability to bring people together still remains. “That’s probably what he would have been doing anyway,” says Georgia Yang co-coordinator of the event, “just hanging out with all of us for Thanksgiving.”

The concert’s timing is significant in that it was held the night before Thanksgiving- a time when we celebrate the good in our lives and show appreciation for the things we are thankful for- something Robert never had any trouble demonstrating. Robert always openly cared for those he loved, and this was echoed by the number of people who attended the concert to support him

All smiles while volunteering. Photo by Georgia Yang.

The theme for giving was donations in the amount of $21 in honor of what would have been Robert’s 21st birthday on December 12, 2010. Bracelets etched with “Yeaaa Boi” a popular catch phrase that Robert informally coined and W.W.R.D (What Would Robert Do) were sold for $5 to serve as a reminder of Robert’s legacy. The concert raised $1,364.12, along with a pledge for $50,000 from an anonymous donor towards the SPIRIT Scholarship. “It was very touching to see such a tremendous outpour of affection for Robert,” says Ian Akisoglu, emcee for the event and classmate of Robert.

The SPIRIT Scholarship is a reflection of how Robert is remembered by those who love him and the traits that made Robert, Robert. Beginning with the graduating class of 2011, one Wootton High School senior will be chosen to receive $5,000, through the SPIRIT Scholarship. This student will demonstrate SPIRIT, an acronym for the ability to Show Potential, Integrity, Responsibility, and Inspire Thousands, as Robert did.

Robert’s family and friends formed the Robert Yin SPIRIT Foundation Inc. in order to support charitable projects that embody SPIRIT. In addition to the scholarship, the foundation will support education-oriented projects such as music and performing arts, track and field sports, and sports safety. To donate to any of these projects, please visit RememberRobert.org to donate securely online, or mail a check payable to the Robert Yin SPIRIT Foundation Inc c/o Suntrust Bank, 2433 Wootton Parkway, Rockville, MD 20850.

Michele Nguyen

This is a contributor review. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us, [email protected], if you would like to submit something!

Contributor Review by Brittany Sullivan: The Happy Elf

Photo from Montgomery College

Harry Connick Jr. visited Rockville on Saturday and was interviewed by Montgomery College student Brittany Sullivan, one of the writers for My Life At MC, an uncensored and unedited blog by nine students who write about their experiences both inside and outside the classroom.

On Saturday, November 13, 2010, Harry Connick Jr. made a star-studded appearance to Montgomery College to help promote his new children’s musical, The Happy Elf. Montgomery College and Adventure Theatre teamed up together to present a new, live stage production that told the story of Eubie, a North Pole elf who must bring Christmas joy to the sad little town of Bluesville to ultimately win a coveted spot on Santa’s sleigh team. Other big names in the industry helped to make this production possible including Tony Award-winners John Rando and Michael Rupert.

Harry Connick Jr. explained “this is a really exciting project, and it is my first time writing children’s music; however, it is still a work in progress.” The Happy Elf originated as a song, and later adapted into an animated TV special. Connick adds: “The stage version gets more deep into the character than the TV special. The show has a deeper meaning, it’s thicker.”

This was Connick’s first time to Montgomery College but he was “thrilled about The Happy Elf coming here,” citing Dr. Pollard’s ambition and the healthy campus environment.

This will be The Happy Elf’s last workshop before it attempts Broadway in New York. Each workshop allows for the cast to make their own interpretation of the script. “This will be the second innovation of writing the script,” explained Connick, “but that’s the great thing about theater; that’s how it works.”

When asked which character most resembled him, he chose the main happy elf, Eubie. “I am very impulsive and enthusiastic,” stated Connick, “but sometimes I can have a short attention span. However, I think there is a little Eubie in all of us.”

This hour and fifteen minute production had both its pros and cons. The vocals by Clint Johnson and Elliot Dash were spectacular, and had the smooth richness required to conquer the jazz melodies. Also, the set and lighting helped capture the audience and bring them into Santa’s workshop and the town of Bluesville. However, there were small glitches in the sound department, and the vocals by Valerie Issembert and Nova Y. Payton were pitchy at times. For a play that was filled with so much talent I felt that it compared to the typical Montgomery College production. The songs were not extremely catchy, and when asked to perform one of his songs he wrote for the play, Connick had trouble remembering the lyrics and required assistance from Clint Johnson.

The Happy Elf is a production that is sure to amuse children, but if it wishes to perform on Broadway there is much room for improvement. It will continue to play at Montgomery College at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center through November 28, 2010. For more information you can visit www.montgomerycollege.edu or www.adventuretheatre.org.

Brittany Sullivan

This is a contributor review. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us, [email protected], if you would like to submit something!

Contributor Review by Janet Wilson: Jackie’s Wine Club

Off the beaten path of Rockville’s Town Square proper is an obscure gem of a meeting place, Jackie’s Wine Club. Located at 12 North Washington Street in the storefront that was Temptations Ice Cream Shop in a previous life, Jackie’s is a welcome addition to the neighborhood with incredibly affordable prices.

Jackie’s features “a distinct selection of wines from Argentina, Chile, France Italy and Spain” according to their menu, along with a tapas menu with options that hail from the same countries. You can purchase wine to go and by design, their pricing is more like a retail store than a wine bar. But why not stay and enjoy the minimalist, contemporary atmosphere where you can listen to music, catch a football or soccer game on the flat screen tv or just people watch.

In recent weeks, we’ve enjoyed a full body 2007 Cantele Primitivo from Italy for $21 a bottle, a medium body 2009 Santa Julia Pinot Noir from Argentina for $16 a bottle and tasted a fantastic Aqua de Piedra Malbec, also from Argentina, that sells for $15 a bottle. Where else other than home can you sip this quality of wine for the equivalent of $4 a glass.? Leftovers? No worries; Maryland State Law allows you to take the remainder home.

With a broad selection of tapas, you can pair that wine with a snack or make an entire meal. In addition to the cheese plate where you choose the number and types of cheeses, there are empanadas from Argentina ($3.95); pizzetas from Italy with your choice of white or red sauce ($7.50); Spanish tapas that include the homey & satisfying tortilla de patata (egg and potato pie $3.95), colossal shrimp sautéed in garlic ($7.95) and chorizo sausage ($3.95). Other options range from ceviche ($5.59) to Pate de Campagne ($5.00) to the ham and cheese sandwich traditional to Argentina (get it lightly toasted $4.00).

With the unfortunate demise of Bobby’s Crabcakes, we’re doubly committed to patronize the local restaurants especially the small, independently-owned options such as Jackie’s Wine Club.

Janet Wilson

This is a contributor review. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us, [email protected], if you would like to submit something!

Contributor Review By Chas Hausheer: Just Two Persons’ Opinion About Againn Tavern

Photo from Againn Tavern website

Chas Hausheer visited the new Againn Tavern with his wife, Sheila Sweeney, and sent along a Contributor’s Review. Againn has a popular location in Washington, DC and describes itself as a contemporary British Isles Bistro with extensive single-malt Scotch, whiskey, and beer selections. Againn is pronounced “a-g-uin” from the gaelic “at us” or “with us”.

Againn Tavern has moved into and opened up in the former Houstons property on The Pike. Being big fans of the previous occupant, curiosity tinged with high expectations - oh and hunger - drew the wife and me to try them out for a recent Saturday lunch.

For those who were familiar with Houstons the first thing you will become aware of is that the décor has been changed a bit; brighter lighting and a bit more of an open feel are the first things you will notice. Shutters have been removed from the floor to ceiling windows in the front dining area and the fully functional open flame gas sconces have been relegated to the bar only. I saw nothing different in there but I did notice later that their web site offers rental of personal scotch lockers. I’m betting they smell a whole lot better than my gym locker.

Price wise, they are definitely as upscale as Houstons if not a little more so but with a brand new menu. They call it comfort food with a strong organic bent and stress locally produced produce. Good for our local growers and green in every sense the word is used today. Again for Houstons’ fans there is still a spinach and artichoke dip. It is on our “to do list” for our next visit.

We enjoyed a very fine lunch and dessert with top notch service. Granted they were not very busy at the time but our drinks were refreshed without prompting – a sign that your wait person is not forgetting you and just what I like.

We both had the day’s specials – me a delightful chicken sandwich on a cibatta roll. The wife had a poached tuna sandwich garnished with hardboiled egg slices and some kind of mayonnaise mix. Both came with small salads of mixed field greens. She also had a side of a delicious cold tomato and basil soup. The table bread was tasty and hearty; may have been some kind of multi grain. Our portions were generous and though neither of us has a refined palate (although she reads Bon Appétit) we found ourselves doing the full mouth smile and nod at each other with our first tastes. For dessert we shared what is called Eton Mess. It was lemon curd, berries and some small pieces of meringue. As yummy as it was the being served in a canning type jar, albeit it quaint did make getting the last little sweet morsel a bit difficult. Not to fear we did mange though; ‘will and way’ you know.

We had a very genial chat with the general manager Marciel Vizcarra. She is attempting to adjust things to the more family centered Rockville clientele. Towards this end a limited children’s menu has been added along with some kiddy distracting place mat games and crayons. I did get a kick that the coloring page for the children we saw is Magritte’s “The Son of Man”.

Being from a family that tends to dine in a larger troupe one new wrinkle is bound to please similar groups, that is, Againn does take reservations. As much as we loved Houstons I feel we will most definitely return again to Againn.

Their web site is AgainnTavern.com and they are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Note they do plan to open for brunch in the near future. The full address is 12256 Rockville Pike and their phone number is 301-230-9260.

This is a contributor review. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us, [email protected], if you would like to submit something!

Contributor Review by Tracy Pakulniewicz-Chidiac: Twinbrook's Little Secret - Seska Lounge

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Every 5 - 6 weeks, my girlfriends and I have a “Ladies Night Out” where we make it a point to discover new restaurants in the area while we chat and catch up on “life”. After frequenting many of the Town Center establishments, we were in search of “less-chain” and more “mom and pop” type venues. Our latest event lead to the discovery of Twinbrook’s Little Secret: Seska Lounge - a contemporary woman-owned restaurant serving Caribbean and French inspired fare.

Located just behind the Twinbrook Post Office on Viers Mill, Seska Lounge is identifiable by the big, red, illuminated sign on the first floor level - with the entrance located on the ground level. Upon entering, you get the sense you’ve left Rockville and are in the middle of New York City. The modest size space is adorned in black, white and red with sleek wood tables, red bamboo and a white tile bar.

The food is sumptuous! Everything is made fresh and you can taste the passion that was put into preparing every bite! Ranging from curry from the West Indies to Asian inspired appetizers, there is something to please everyone. And vegetarians, no worries, if you don’t see it on the menu, a specialty dish will be crafted just for you! My personal favorite: dessert of course! Piping hot bread pudding - made with croissants and rum-soaked raisins, served with a side of creamy vanilla ice cream.

While the food and atmosphere are amazing, the best part of the Seska Lounge is the owner: Francesca. She is warm, friendly and treats you like family. She hails form Ghana, her mother’s birth place, and picked up the Caribbean influence from her father’s Jamaican roots.

Throughout our evening at Seska Lounge, we were able to take our time eating, enjoy the atmosphere and New Age tunes playing in the background. And, each course was followed up by a visit from Francesca to make sure we were enjoying ourselves and the food.

It was a perfect Ladies Night Out. I suspect this will be one place we’ll return to - and I hope many of you will give it a try as well! This is one “secret” that everyone should know!

Tracy Pakulniewicz-Chidiac

This is a contributor review. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us if you would like to submit something!

Contributor Review By Andrea Jarrell: Chic Boutique Comes to Town Square

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My Bags From Knits, Etc.

They had me at the stylish Jackie O handbags I spied through the window. Hello! A new boutique with good prices to boot has come to Town Square.

Knits Etc specializes in, well, knits — floral and paisley tops and cardigans in Lily Pulitzer colors. Chic neutral silk sweaters. Even some cute fall sweater dresses in the back. Lots of pashminas and Eileen Fisher knockoff shrug-wraps. While summer lasts, they’re also carrying cute sundresses and halter dresses a la Ali MacGraw in her ’70s hippie phase. The best part is many items are half price right now. I walked out with two of those Jackie O bags for the price of one.

Knits Etc. is located at 33 Maryland Avenue and also has locations in Annapolis, Baltimore and D.C. Welcome to Rockville!

Andrea Jarrell

This is a contributor review. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us if you would like to submit something!

Photo by Andrea Jarrell

Contributor Review By Piotr Gajewski: The Baker's Wife

>The following Contributor Review is by Rockville City Council member Piotr Gajewski:

The Baker’s Wife by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin) is a funny yet touching story with many life’s lessons in the bargain. The action takes place in a small French town of Concorde, which is itself a “character” in the plot (much as is Rockville on Rockville Central!).

The Richard Montgomery High School production is expertly directed by Denise Duvall Saladyga and conducted by Peter Perry. The cast is uniformly strong with good singing voices and often able dancing. I was at the premiere and thoroughly enjoyed the show and recommend it for its great community entertainment value. Congratulations to all who worked to make this production the success that it is! The remaining performances are March 20 and 21 at 7:00 p.m.

Piotr Gajewski

Contributor Review By Mark Pierzchala: Mattie J. T. Stepanek Park Dedicated in King Farm

>The following contributor review is by Rockville Central friend Mark Pierzchala, as are the photos. The City of Rockville press release was used for fact checking and correct spellings.

A celebrity-studded succession of speakers and a Rockville crowd of several hundred people dedicated Rockville’s Mattie J. T. Stepanek Park yesterday in King Farm. Mayor Susan R. Hoffmann led the proceedings. In addition to political figures headed by Representative Chris Van Hollen, there were speeches by Khaliah Ali (daughter of Mohammad Ali), composer/singer Nile Rodgers, and a surprise appearance by Oprah Winfrey. Mayor Hoffman welcomed the crowd and summarized the funding and development of the park. Later, she gave a recap of Mattie’s life and a touching introduction of Jeni Stepanek Mattie’s mother.

Several speakers noted how Mattie was able to overcome adversity and effectively advance his message of peace. In his 13 years Mattie was a remarkably prolific poet; his Heartsongs series made the N. Y. Times bestseller list.

Councilmember Anne Robbins read a letter from the family of President Jimmy Carter. Councilmember Piotr Gajewski, who lives in King Farm, noted his own family’s use of the park and its importance to the development. Councilmembers John Britton and Phyllis Marcuccio, the District 17 state delegation, members of the county council, the board of education, Mayor Will Roseman of Carlstadt, NJ, and Annie Kennedy of the Muscular Dystrophy Association also spoke. (Carlstadt, NJ is building its own peace park in honor of the young Stepanek’s work.)

Jeni Stepanek spoke about the meaning of Mattie’s life and recited some of his work. She spoke about Mattie’s belief that peace starts with the individual. It was a remarkably poised, poignant, and positive speech of hope.

Winfrey remembered Mattie’s appearance on her show and related how she and Mattie often communicated by phone and email afterwards. She noted how a house from across the park came up for sale allowing Mattie’s mother to move in, calling it a ‘God Wink’.

After the speeches, the crowd moved to the sculpture of Mattie Stepanek where there was a ribbon cutting ceremony and an unveiling of the artwork.

Music was an important part of the affair starting with the Montgomery County Pipes and Drum Band marching in the colors. The King Farm Chorus sang the world’s premier of “Look Up Way Down” (lyrics by Mattie Stepanek, set to music by Pepper Choplin). The rock band Creation sang “Stop Be Silent” (lyrics by Mattie Stepanek). A King Farm community gathering followed the dedication.

The hosts of the affair were the Mayor and Council of the City of Rockville, the Mattie J. T. Stepanek King Farm Foundation, Inc., and the King Farm Citizens Assembly, Inc.

Editor’s note: City council member Anne Robbins sent along this wonderful note later in the day: “What a day to honor a young man who had done so much in his 13 years on earth. A fine autumn day, much pagentry, and a mother who had lost much, but was now seeing Mattie’s peace ideas being spread around the world. And, at the end of the program, a surprise guest, OPRAH, who was a great friend of Mattie’s. She charmed everyone and was so natural signing autographs for everyone. WOW! It will be a long time before Rockville sees another occasion like this one.”

Governor O'Malley Visits College Gardens Elementary

>Rockville Central friend Mark Pierzchala passed along the following Contributor’s Review of today’s event at the newly-renovated College Gardens Elementary.

Governor Martin O’Malley joined Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) superintendent Dr. Jerry Weast, and high ranking county elected officials in a visit to College Gardens Elementary School (CGES) this morning. They were hosted by principal Dr. Albert DuPont and warmly welcomed by staff and students. College Gardens received substantial state and county construction funding and the visit underscored the current administration’s support for education. CGES opened its new building in January 2008.

At College Gardens, O’Malley and group stopped first in the Media Center. They were greeted in Chinese by students from the Chinese immersion program. This was followed by a presentation and speeches. The Governor gave a State of Maryland flag to the school. In his brief remarks, he noted that CGES was the only Primary Years Program (PYP) in Maryland and how this extended the International Baccalaureate Program to the elementary level. He also noted that the school would soon be receiving solar panels.

From there, the entourage proceeded to a 3rd grade classroom, a Chinese immersion classroom, then to the courtyard where they were serenaded by about 80 third graders. O’Malley and company then planted a native Maryland Redbud tree.

Other people I recognized included State Senator Jennie Forehand, Delegate Kumar Barve, County Executive Isiah Leggett, and cluster superintendent Dr. Sherry Liebes (former principal of CGES). It was a well-run affair and the delegation kept to the schedule like clockwork. Weast, DuPont, Leggett, and Barve all spoke briefly at one point or another. O’Malley seemed to go out of his way to praise Barve on at least two occasions. To some extent it seemed a credit-taking event; nevertheless the school community was thrilled to have the visit.

Twinbrook Pool Party A Success

>Rockville Central friend Brigitta Mullican passed along the following update on the weekend’s Twinbrook Pool Party. It sounds like a hoot!

The Twinbrook Pool Party this weekend was a great success! The three main sponsors were the Twinbrook Swimming Pool, the Twinbrook Citizens Association (TCA), and the Crusader Lutheran Church. The City of Rockville supported the event with a $1,000 Neighborhood Matching Grant requested by TCA. Event coordinators were Elizabeth Bono and Brigitta Mullican. Volunteer hours were matched for the grant by the:

Crusader Lutheran Church Members; Rockville Bike Advisory Committee; Rockville Sister City Corporation; Community Ministries of Rockville; League of Women Voters (MC); Montgomery County Street Outreach Network (DJ Yogii & 9 young adults in training ); Twinbrook Boy Scout Troop; D.C. Historic Trolley Representative (free tickets were given to 4 winners); John Jendzurski Band (Twinbrook Resident); Twinbrook Swimming Pool Board & Members; Twinbrook Citizens Association; Richard Montgomery and Rockville High School students; Twinbrook and Meadow Hall Elementary Schools.

We had 14 young adults from Richard Montgomery and Rockville High Schools who served approximately 500 free Sno-cones and popcorn. The Pool Concession sold over 400 hot dogs so you can see we had great attendance for the community event. We contributed the great event attendance to the Twinbrook and Meadow Hall Elementary Schools sending home the event flyers to the school families and all the local publicity received.

Thanks, Brigitta!

Would you like to write a contributor review of an arts or community event to Rockville Central? Excellent! 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!

Outdoors in Rockville!

>This Contributor’s Review is from Rockville Central friend, Amy Ellis.

It’s finally time for the return of the outdoor events that really make it feel like Spring/Summer in Rockville! I enjoy the greening plants and blooming flowers of early Spring very much, but my heart really sings when it’s time to get outside to dine, listen to music, and stroll comfortably around the city- not too cool and not yet hot and humid. There are a number of restaurants downtown with outdoor seating and it’s getting to be one of the prime times of the year to take advantage of that opportunity.

This past Saturday, May 17th, was the opening day for our Rockville Farmer’s Market. The sky was a beautiful blue, a brass band playing in the background lent a particularly festive atmosphere, and many old favorite vendors were back for another season selling local produce, baked goods, plants, meat, cheeses, and toiletries. These folks all grow or produce their own goods, so shopping at the market is a great opportunity to support not only the local food movement, but also hardworking small business people who take great pride in the high quality of the things that they sell. Strawberries are in at many of the farms (and will be coming in soon for others)- YUM!- and I saw lots of wonderful looking salad greens, bedding plants, and cut spring flowers. I satisfied my craving for sweet breads at the Trail Garden (and noted for future expeditions that a new baker- Praline- had some very tempting croissants that will certainly warrent a tasting), picked up some Minty Foot Cream at Bubbles and Bees (a little goes a long way- the big jar lasted me all Winter), snagged fudge at Unger’s, and of course grabbed some strawberries, too!

My whole family has been looking forward to the return of Concerts on the Square. Last Summer, we frequently met friends for the Thursday evening concerts- getting take-out for dinner at one of the restaurants in Town Center (Lebanese Taverna was a big favorite and this year I’m looking forward to Bobby’s Crabcakes) and making a picnic of the occasion. The kids played together in the grass while the adults listened to the music and enjoyed some conversation. We’ve already got plans to go out and hear Seamus Kennedy next week. I’m glad to see that Wednesday night will also be a concert option through July and we are looking forward to attending one of the Movies on the Square events. The Tuesday Kids Day events look like fun, too. Magic, reptiles, Mad Science- what’s not to like about that?!

The Rockville Express Summer Collegiate League baseball games appear to be worth checking out. They will play at Knight’s Field at the Rockville Campus of Montgomery College during June and July. It looks like an excellent chance to take the kids to watch a baseball game that’s close to home with reasonable ticket prices and a small venue where you can see the action up close. Someday you may even have the chance to say about a major league star “I remember seeing him play during the summer in Rockville back when he was in college…”

Finally, the weekend slate of activities for Hometown Holidays looks great and if the current predictions hold up, it looks like the weather will be perfect. I want to check out the VisArts Fine Arts Festival, my older son is excited about participating in the Ride and Stride for Rockville (this year the 2-mile fun walk for a start) and we will all enjoy having a “Taste of Rockville” and listening to/watching the many fine performers scheduled on various stages around town. The Memorial Day Parade will cap off the weekend. Truly something for everybody!

What do you like to do outdoors in Rockville? Share your favorites in the comment box…

Contributor Review by Dianna Burge: Fiddler On The Roof

>This contributor review is by Rockville Central reader Dianna Burge:

I had the pleasure of going to see “Fiddler on the Roof” Saturday, April 5. First off, the new auditorium was terrific! I am a graduate of RM in 1965 and was thoroughly fascinated by the seating, sound systems, and staging.

I found “Fiddler on the Roof” to be excellent! My friend and I had good seats and the show was phenomenal! I have seen many versions of this musical and I was blown away by Zach Sandberg as Tevye, Lauren Kuzminsky as Golde, Matty Golub as Motel, plus the dancing and acting of Micajah Dudley as Mordcha, the innkeeper, he was fantastic, and such a great actor. You would never have known that these were high school students.

The choreography of this production was terrific! Hats off, to each entertainer no matter how big or how small the part…. they were all important and wonderful! The chorus also blew me away…. such wonderful voices that added so much to the production.

I particularly loved the dream sequence. I was in awe… this particular scene is very important to the story and they made it remarkable and unforgettable. Being a huge fan of this particular musical, I was actually watching, and listening for any mistakes. The cast was so good…. I never did see or hear one error in the whole production. My gratitude goes to the Conductor of the wonderful orchestra, and each student musician that played such amazing music that added so much to the musical’s success. All I can say is, “Bravo!”

Would you like to write a contributor review of an arts event to Rockville Central? Excellent! 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!

Contributor Review by Lori Miller: Fiddler On The Roof

>This contributor review is by Rockville Central friend Lori Miller:

You really should take your kids to see “Fiddler on the Roof,” the spring musical at Richard Montgomery High School. And bring their grandparents. It will get the conversation going about past and future, parents and children, love and music. You might want to start that conversation before the show; this musical is a little more complex than most, and younger folks will get more out of it-and you’ll do less on-the-spot narration-if you explain some of the history and names.

The show is the first in RM’s new auditorium; the acoustics are much better here, and there are no bad seats, unless you’re a little kid. Parents may want to come early to scout out the best sight lines; the reserved seats are in the front and center, but the back rows may be better for shorter viewers.

Some RM traditions still hold-the cast, chorus and orchestra are huge and impressive, and the production has been carefully designed. It’s hard to take your eyes off Zach Sandberg as Tevye; he has some transcendent moments out there. But be sure to watch Matty Golub as a charming Motel the tailor and Micajah Dudley as the dancing, and scene-stealing, innkeeper.

The best entrance of the show belongs to the ghost of Fruma-Sarah during the dream sequence, but some younger viewers may dive for cover. If you see night terrors ahead, join in the post-show tradition at RM and take your children up to meet the actors and crew. They can see the ‘ghost’ among her friends, and maybe start dreaming about their own days on the RM stage.

“Fiddler” runs at 7:30 p.m. April 5, 11 and 12. Tickets are available at the door at $10 for adults and $5 for students. Reserved tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for students; call 301-610-8087.

Would you like to write a contributor review of an arts event to Rockville Central? Excellent! 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!