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Susan Belford

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Holy Child Equestrians Win Championship

Sarah Holladay wins CASEY Award.

Potomac has a long history of equestrian triumphs — and Holy Child is living proof that history can repeat. The young women of the HC Junior Varsity squad have captured the prestigious championship of the Inter-School Horse Show Series (ISHS) for 2012.

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A Service Dog for Saij

"Service Dog Awareness Day” is planned at Potomac Village Starbucks.

Saij Singh’s service dog, a black lab named Saffy became his new best friend just a few months ago. Saffy (short for Sapphire) wakes him up every morning with kisses and cuddles. She turns on lights, opens doors and watches over him. She even picks up his Wii game remote and returns it to his lap. When he arrives home from school, she bounds toward the bus with her tail wagging, ready to greet him with excited leaps and playful barking — but she is also aware that it is time for her job to begin.

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‘Babes in Arms’ at McLean School This Weekend

Pop standards such as “My Funny Valentine,” “The Lady is a Tramp,” “Johnny One-Note” and “I Wish I Were in Love Again” will be bursting from the McLean School as “Babes in Arms” hits the stage on May 4 and May 5. The 1937 musical tells the tale of a young man who decides to put on a show with his friends to avoid being sent to a work farm. Even though the play displays a life far different from life in Potomac in 2012, the 75-year-old Diamond Anniversary show has universal themes and numerous familiar tunes. The play will be performed at 7 p.m. at the McLean School, 8224 Lochinver Lane, Potomac. Tickets are $10 at the door.

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‘Dramatic Increase’ in Autism

Expert helps Churchill close out “Autism Awareness” month.

“More children are diagnosed each year with autism than with type 1 diabetes, childhood cancer and cystic fibrosis combined. The U.S. Government spends $126 billion on autism each year — and it will only go up because we must provide housing, employment, education, healthcare and community services for each autistic person.”

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The Tavern at River Falls Opens in Potomac Village

The long-awaited Tavern at River Falls is already a hit in Potomac. Finally opened after more than two years of work and determination by owner Jeff Grolig, the tavern offers a large U-shaped bar area, original photographic artwork and a menu that features tasty food created with the freshest of ingredients.

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Chastain Promotes ‘The First Tee’

Luncheon raises funds, awareness for youth golf program.

“You can change a child’s life by being involved in The First Tee,” Brandi Chastain, celebrated World Cup soccer star, Olympian, author and coach told an audience of more than 200 golfers and The First Tee supporters who attended the 2nd annual golf outing and luncheon held at TPC Avenel on April 18.

Broadway to Wootton

ArtSpeak — a program to bring professional actors and actresses to high schools — is featuring two Broadway stars in a free event at Wootton High School. The program will highlight the talents of actress Christiane Noll and actor Brad Oscar. The performance will take place at 7 p.m. on May 3, in the Thomas S. Wootton High School auditorium.

‘Legally Blonde’ Takes Stage at Churchill

“It’s really about being true to yourself.”

Femme fatale Elle Woods and her pocket dog Brutus will soon be sashaying into Churchill High School to entertain and delight.

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Salma Hasan Ali Bridges Divides with Her Personal Stories

Sharing stories, making connections.

Potomac’s Salma Hasan Ali has learned “the power of sharing personal stories.” “Stories humanize,” she said.

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‘Tiger Trot’ 5k Will Take Off April 15

Holy Child’s race is open to entire community.

At 8 a.m. on Sunday, April 15, the hills of Potomac will abound with runners competing in the 2nd annual Holy Child “Tiger Trot” 5K. The young women of the Connelly School of the Holy Child, their parents, siblings, grandparents, faculty and friends are eagerly awaiting the starting signal for this fun-filled yet challenging community event. The proceeds of the 5K run/walk will support both the Cabin John Fire Volunteer Fire Department and the wellness programs at the Connelly School of the Holy Child.

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Fashion Event Raises Funds for McPaw

Animal lovers gather to support new center.

Animal lovers and fashionistas filled the second level of the Friendship Heights’ Bloomingdale’s, enjoying a fashion show, champagne and the opportunity to raise funds for McPaw (Montgomery County Partners for Animal Well-Being) to support the new Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center. Even Ruby, an adorable and adoptable shelter dog was on hand for the ceremonies. As McPaw volunteer Madeleine Mersky explained, “Ruby is single and looking!”

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Web Designer Assists Apparel Store

Local expert builds athletic wear website.

Wildwood’s Bella Vestiti golf and tennis clothing store is just a short drive away from Potomac. But now, it is no further than one’s fingertips.

A Day To Embrace Change

Bullis’ "Beyond The Books" Day explores diversity

March 15 began for Bullis Upper School students with a surprise announcement by Guidance Counselor Lisa Gray.

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Making Spring and Summer Camps Fun and Educational

Coach Doug Wilson gives back to the community.

“Kids have a tendency to be afraid to try things because of their fear of failure. The only failure is not attempting. No one fails — they just fail to try.” That’s Coach Doug Wilson of Potomac and he knows all about trying.

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Wootton Thespians Present ‘The Wizard Of Oz’

Wootton High School is “off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz.” This beloved tale of Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow has warmed the hearts of audiences since 1939 when Judy Garland introduced Dorothy with her ruby slippers to America.

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Potomac Neurosurgeon Releases ‘Operation Love’

For Bernie Stopak, it’s 25 years between CDs.

As a neurosurgeon for more than 40 years, Dr. Bernie Stopak of Potomac performed hundreds of surgeries on the brain. Now, at age 75, his latest "operation" is related more to the heart. His newly released CD is a personal and intimate song collection reflecting his own journey through the intricacies and emotions of love and relationships. This CD is titled "Operation Love."

Help Save Ezra’s Life or Another’s

Register to become a bone marrow donor.

Two-year-old Ezra Freeman has a rare primary immune deficiency called Hyper IgM Syndrome. Only with a bone marrow transplant will his life be saved. Thus far, neither doctors, hospitals nor the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation have been unable to find a donor match. Time is critical.

Supporting Brain Injury Programs

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month.

Many people have been affected by a loved one or friend who has had a traumatic brain injury, a stroke or a concussion. According to MedStar National Rehabilitation Network, one and a half million traumatic brain injuries, concussions and nearly a million strokes occur every year in the United States.

13-Year-Old Makes Audiences Laugh

Shaping an early career in comedy.

Hoover Middle School’s Gabriel Stopak might be the next Jay Leno or Dave Letterman. The 13-year-old displays no reticence at standing up in front of an audience of adults and presenting his comedy routine.

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Learning To ‘Take Life To the Next Level’

Life Coach Susan Samakow inspires.

Dealing with transitions in life can often be confusing, difficult and emotional. Moving, retiring, divorce, becoming an empty nester, switching careers — change is often complicated and challenging.

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Whitman Grad’s Paromi Tea Makes Its Mark

Paul Rosen loved the taste of "bush tea" from the U.S. Virgin Islands where he grew up — tea that was created from the herbs and flowers native to the environment. When he returned as a teenager to the Bethesda, he was unable to find teas with the "fresh as the day it was picked" aroma and taste that he desired. Because of his passion to satisfying this tea craving, he was inspired to research hundreds of varieties of tea — and to launch his own tea company, Paromi Tea.

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MoverMoms Celebrate 5 Years of Helping Others

More volunteers always welcome.

Chief Inspiration Officer Salma Hasan Ali describes the power of MoverMoms this way: "It might seem like it’s a drop in the bucket, but when people collectively do just a little, the bucket suddenly becomes full."

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‘Crafting for a Cure’ Benefits Ovarian Cancer Research

Taking control through their craft.

All are touched by cancer, some more than others. Five Potomac women who met every week in a crafting group were devastated when one of their members was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. As an antidote to worrying and losing sleep while their friend was fighting the disease, they mobilized — and "Crafting for a Cure" was born. They started selling belt buckles, necklaces, earrings, and brooches — and donating all their profits for ovarian and gynecological cancer research.

Har Shalom Players To Perform ‘Bye Bye Birdie’

Musical harkens to ‘50s and ‘60s

It’s 1958 — and Conrad Birdie is coming to the small town of Sweet Apple, Ohio to plant “One Last Kiss” on 15-year-old Kim MacAfee’s lips. The story continues as Kim’s family gets ready to appear on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” where Conrad Birdie will be serenading Kim.

Lori Tansey Martens’ focus is on International Ethics

Lori Tansey Martens’ Helping Businesses Navigate Ethics Globally

Ethics is a familiar topic in the news — from charges that a political candidate has ethics violations to the savings and loan crisis in the 1990s to the very current banking and mortgage financial break-down. The establishment of business ethics came into its own arena in the late 1980s, both within major corporations as well as in academia.

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Third Annual “Cecily’s Advocacy” Parenting Workshop at McLean School

Workshop Teaches How To Adjust to Learning Differences

“Learning Differences: What Works?” will be the subject of the third annual “Cicely’s Advocacy” workshop on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the McLean School, 8224 Lochinver Lane in Potomac. This workshop kicks-off with a keynote address by dyslexia researcher and expert, Thomas G. West who will speak about “Amazing Shortcomings, Amazing Gifts.

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Long-Time Potomac Residents Share Their Stories.

Eyewitnesses to Potomac’s Past

“Each of our speakers is a history book,” Dana Semmes told the standing-room-only crowd at the Shanghai Café in the Potomac Oaks Shopping Center. “They will share with us memories of Potomac long ago in the ‘30s, ‘40s and 50s.”

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‘Mini-Mester’ Day Challenges Holy Child Students

Teachers present their dream courses.

If you had the opportunity to design a new urban plan for Potomac Village, what would you change? Twelve junior and senior students from the Connelly School of the Holy Child were given this challenge Tuesday morning, Jan. 24, during a surprise “mini-mester” day. After an explanation of what city planning is all about by teacher Cindy Kahan, the girls were assigned to “dream big with no constraints.

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