Bethesda Magazine: May/June 2024 Digital Edition

Cappelletti at Aventino

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MUSIC CENTER

AN EVENING WITH LESLIE ODOM, JR.

Fri, May 3

Tony and Grammy-winner, known for his role in Hamilton

HERB ALPERT & LANI HALL

Fri, May 17

Grammy-winning jazz, pop, and Latin music icons

CHRIS BOTTI

Fri, May 31

Grammy-winning jazz trumpeter

MUSIC IN THE MANSION

THE ANDERSON BROTHERS PLAY GERSHWIN

Sun, May 5—two shows!

Gershwin classics on clarinet and saxophone

MAMA’S BROKE

Thu, May 16

Dark folk without borders

MAEVE GILCHRIST

Thu, May 23

Innovative Celtic harper and composer

AMP

ALEX CUBA

Sun, May 5

Grammy-winning Latin pop artist

ALLISON MILLER’S BOOM TIC BOOM

Fri, May 10—two shows!

Jazz sextet led by award-winning drummer

ARIEL POSEN

Thu, May 16

Rock guitarist with rootsy vibe

TRAY WELLINGTON BAND

Thu, June 6

High-energy acoustic progressive bluegrass

KYSHONA

Fri, June 7

Soulful singer and songwriter

VERONNEAU’S BLUE TAPESTRY

Sun, June 23—two shows!

A tribute to Joni Mitchell and Carole King

L to R: Herb Alpert & Lani Hall by Dewey Nicks, Leslie Odom, Jr., Allison Miller by Shervin Lainez, Chris Botti, Maeve Gilchrist by Josh Goleman, Alex Cuba by Cristina Woerns

White Oak Medical Center: A Legacy of Caring for Our Community

• Stroke

• 24/7 Emergency care

• Cancer care

• Orthopedics

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3054 Rundelac Road

Offered at $5,250,000

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Offered at $1,950,000

208 Tower Drive

Offered at $1,395,000

62 Restaurant Hotbed

Montgomery

County’s dining scene is thriving, thanks to these new upscale eateries

BY DAVID HAGEDORN

74 Makers of MoCo

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well here, especially where food and drink products are concerned. Here are eight locals who took culinary ideas and breathed life into them.

BY DAVID HAGEDORN

86 Seeds of Change

Healthy eating and Black history inspired a Silver Spring man to launch The People’s Market

BY NEVIN MARTELL

92 Cava Is Taking Over the World

The almost unbelievable story of how the restaurant chain went from Bethesda Row to the New York Stock Exchange

BY NEVIN MARTELL

100 SMALL BITE S

Morsels of food and drink news

102 T ABLE TALK

A new Indonesian gem, and five favorite finds at The Heights food hall

PAGE 62

Mike Friedman, co-owner and head chef of Bethesda’s new Aventino

PAGE 100

A cocktail at Cielo Rojo

PHOTO BY SCOTT SUCHMAN

FEATURES

106 18 Ways To Bliss Out

How to experience serenity now—check out local places to relax and rejuvenate BY CARALEE

ADAMS

118 Bethesda Interview: Eve Rosenbaum

The assistant GM of the Baltimore Orioles on playing softball at Walt Whitman High and life in the big leagues BY MIKE UNGER

127 Home

128 HOUSE APPROPRIA TIONS

Enjoying the sweet pleasures of cottagecore style

130 THE BUZZ ON NA TIVE BEES

158 DRIVING RANGE

Once dangerously polluted, D.C.’s Anacostia River is making a comeback as a destination for boating and exploring

166 FIELD TRIP

’Tis the season to prep the grill and get cooking

The season’s biggest events, and where to celebrate Pride month in MoCo

MoCo natives doing cool things, plus the hottest local books

A grassroots network of local women finds connections through choreography

Plans are underway for a museum celebrating Silent Spring author Rachel Carson

Citrine Angels brings together women in business

The area’s “respectable” revolutionaries

local biz news

They need your help. Here’s how to welcome them to your yard with the right plants.

136 HOME S ALES DATA

Real estate trends by ZIP code

140 WELCOME T O THE NEIGHBORHOOD

The glories of Garrett Park

147 Good Life

148 SHOPPING

Crisp white fashion finds

151 MADE IN MOCO

A North Potomac artisan’s lifelike wooden birds have attracted a flock of fans

154 TRA VELER’S NOTEBOOK

Three great getaways: a botanical garden, groovy hotel and Maryland shoreside B&B

Spotlight on Silver Spring

168 CELEBRATIONS

A joint 60th birthday party for one local couple was a splashy affair

172 HEALTH

A new frontier for post partum support

174 A GING WELL

Villages connect senior aging in place with helpful neighbors

176 WHA T I KNOW

Melina Bellows’ life lessons

Profiles: Ask the Senior Experts

PHOTO BY SKIP BROWN; ILLUSTRATION BY CHANELLE NIBBELINK; IMAGE BY GETTY; COURTESY PHOTOS

PAGE 168

Mary (left) and Tracy Vargo’s seashore-themed birthday party

PAGE 26

Cookout tips for the best burgers on the block

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Our Elevated Dining Scene

WHEN I MOVED TO NORTH BETHESDA FROM NEW YORK CITY MORE THAN 20 YEARS AGO, friends told me that Bethesda had more restaurants per capita than any city in the U.S. I never fact-checked that claim—I just started eating. For my first outing, I was trying to meet friends at a Mongolian barbecue joint and discovered I was at the wrong one (amazingly, there were two in downtown Bethesda back then). The next night I had dinner at Hamburger Hamlet in Georgetown Square. It was clear there was no lack of restaurant choices—some good, some bad—but over the years I often found myself heading to D.C. to eat at the buzziest spots on special occasions. Thankfully, the Bethesda-area dining landscape looks a lot different today as our community experiences a restaurant renaissance.

As our restaurant critic David Hagedorn points out in “Restaurant Hotbed” (page 62), some of D.C.’s top restaurateurs have recently turned their attention to Montgomery County. We don’t need to cross into the District to experience the wonders of Mike Friedman, the chef and co-owner of The Red Hen, an Italian hot spot in D.C., or trek to Navy Yard to eat at The Salt Line. Instead of going to them, they’re coming to us. Diners have been lining up at The Salt Line’s Bethesda Row outpost since its opening last summer. And Friedman has brought Roman-Jewish cooking to our town with his recently opened Aventino—the hottest reservation around right now.

This issue also highlights fascinating people in the food world who live in Montgomery County. In “Cava Is Taking Over the World” (page 92), we trace the ride of the restaurant rock stars behind Cava, the wildly successful fast-casual chain. We spotlight eight residents who embraced their passion for food and launched their own businesses in “Makers of MoCo” (page 74). And in “Seeds of Change” (page 86), we introduce you to Brandon Starkes, a Silver Spring resident who started a produce delivery service with a focus on supporting Black-owned farms.

I’m excited for you to dig into this issue—I’d love to hear what you think of it. Please send me a note at Kathleen.Neary@MoCo360.Media.

KATHLEEN NEARY EDITOR

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

LINDSEY MAX

BACKGROUND: The Potomac native is a part-time freelance photographer and works full time for an interior designer.

IN THIS ISSUE: Photographed one of the female business investors who make up the group Citrine Angels, as well as local mothers who love to dance for a story on MOM-entum.

FAVORITE MONTGOMERY COUNTY HANGOUT: “Homestead Farm. I’ve been going my whole life!”

FOR FUN: “I like to watch the Washington Capitals, craft, travel and do anything Halloween-related.”

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

JULIE RASICOT

BACKGROUND: Rasicot was born and raised in Connecticut and now lives in Silver Spring’s Woodside Park neighborhood. She’s the editor of the news site MoCo360.

IN THIS ISSUE: Gathered info on local business developments and wrote about “villages,” community organizations that lend a helping hand to older adults.

FAVORITE MONTGOMERY COUNTY HANGOUTS:

“Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Lake Needwood in Rockville, Candy Cane City park in Chevy Chase and the downtown Silver Spring farmers market.”

FOR FUN: “I like to take long walks with our beagle, Daisy, and ride bikes with friends and family; travel; cook; and read a good detective novel.”

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA

SILVER SPRING

Jennifer Farkas

EDITORIAL

BETHESDA MAGAZINE EDITOR

Kathleen Neary

BETHESDA MAGAZINE MANAGING EDITOR

Amy Orndorff

BETHESDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Kelly Kendall

ART DIRECTOR

Ellen Minsavage

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR

Olivia Sadka

MOCO360 EDITOR

Julie Rasicot

MOCO360 REPORTERS

Ginny Bixby, Courtney Cohn, Elia Griffin

RESTAURANT CRITIC

David Hagedorn

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Louis Peck, Carole Sugarman

COPY EDITORS

Elisabeth Herschbach, Steve Wilder

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Caralee Adams, Jennifer Barger, Rachel Pomerance Berl, Stephanie Siegel Burke, Christine Koubek Flynn, Dana Gerber, Amy Halpern, Dawn Klavon, Nevin Martell, Buzz McClain, Jacqueline Mendelsohn, Kristen Schott, Renee Sklarew, Mike Unger, Carolyn Weber

PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS

Skip Brown, Joel Kimmel, Hannele Lahti, Jing Li, Deb Lindsey, Lindsey Max, Brendan McCabe, Mary Kate McDevitt, Chanelle Nibbelink, Scott Semler, Scott Suchman, Louis Tinsley

PUBLISHING

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING OPERATIONS

Amélie Ward

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Arlis Dellapa, Penny Skarupa, LuAnne Spurrell

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jeni Hansen

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER

Mel Korobkin

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, EVENTS & AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT

Ashley Fletcher

DIGITAL PRODUCER

James Musial

OFFICE EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR

Rachel Collins

CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER

Onecia Ribeiro

INTERNS

Nathaly Osorio, Katherine Umanzor

ADVERTORIAL EDITOR

Stephanie Siegel Burke

ADVERTORIAL WRITERS

Jennifer Beekman, Ann Cochran

ADVERTORIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

Heather Fuentes, Lisa Helfert, Tony Lewis, Hilary Schwab, Michael Ventura, Stephanie Williams

FOUNDERS & ADVISERS

Steve and Susan Hull

TODAY MEDIA

PRESIDENT/CEO

Robert F. Martinelli

SECRETARY-TREASURER

Richard Martinelli

DIGITAL

DIGITAL PUBLISHER

Mike Martinelli

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL STRATEGY

Greg Mathias

ASSOCIATE DIGITAL PUBLISHER

Sabrina Sucato

DIGITAL PRODUCER

James Maley

CIRCULATION

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Lisa Bennett

ADMINISTRATION

CONTROLLER AND DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Donna Kraidman

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Nicole Jones

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE/LOGISTICS MANAGER

Jennifer Schuele

STAFF ACCOUNTANT

Nancy Nyce

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SPECIALIST

Jennifer Floor

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE COORDINATOR

Jazzmire Chairez

HUMAN RESOURCES GENERALIST

Priscille Manlan

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Patricia Rothermel

LOGISTICS COORDINATOR

David Smith

IN MEMORIAM

CHAIRMAN Angelo R. Martinelli (1927–2018)

VICE PRESIDENT Ralph A. Martinelli (1962–2019)

Celebrating 20 Years of Musical Excellence

International School of Music Students Take the Stage at the Kennedy Center

by Jennifer Smith

Montgomery County’s premier music school, The International School of Music (ISM), is proud to celebrate two decades of providing top-tier music education to its vibrant community. Founded in 2004 by pianist Inja Stanic, the school has grown to over 2,000 students, inspiring new generations of young talent, and promoting a deep love for music in the heart of the Washington DC metropolitan area. The school’s impact has reached far beyond its walls, both in shaping the lives of its students and by enriching the cultural fabric of its community.

Ms. Stanic expressed ISM’s ethos: “We inspire students to reach their full potential, musically and beyond, fostering resilience, creativity, problem-solving skills, and self-expression through music. At ISM, students explore a variety of musical instruments mentored by our talented teaching artists, all of whom are accomplished local performing musicians.”

“Over the past 20 years, thousands of students have passed through our doors, each one leaving their unique mark on our school’s rich tapestry,” Ms. Stanic adds. “They have gone on to perform at prestigious venues, win numerous accolades, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.” The school’s commitment to excellence has also propelled its students to perform at renowned concert halls, from Carnegie Hall in New York City to The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

“I love going to my piano lessons,” says Samantha B., a young ISM student. “ISM is a warm community. There’s real magic here and I love being a part of it. The performance opportunities are amazing!”

Director Cara Stuart, has been with ISM since its inception: “ISM has evolved into a remarkable place.

What we have here is what every music school aspires to be; we certainly encourage and celebrate commitment to excellence, but at the same time, we’re a music school for everyone, not just prodigies. I love walking through the halls and hearing all types of music from Mozart to Taylor Swift.”

Stuart, who is partly responsible for recruiting ISM’s outstanding faculty, adds “ISM has gathered an exceptional faculty; a team of pedagogues who are not just brilliant educators, but amazing performers. Those two skills are hard to find in the same person. Our dedication to hiring top-notch teachers ensures a transformative learning experience for every student.”

“We are humbled and grateful to serve such a wonderful and supportive community.“ says Stanic. “Throughout two decades, International School of Music has maintained a commitment to providing an exceptional music education, and making a lifelong impact on musicians of all ages.”

“Music opens students’ minds to new ways of looking at the world. That’s something everybody appreciates – I think it makes for better citizens. We are truly excited about our future and the incredible musical experiences that lie ahead!”

To commemorate its 20-year milestone, ISM invites the local community to its special anniversary performance at the Kennedy Center on Friday, June 14th at 7:30 pm.

Experience the remarkable talent of ISM’s students as they present an eclectic program of solo and ensemble performances, sharing their passion and skill by creating a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary music.

For tickets to the event contact 301.365.5888 or visit:

ismw.org/kennedy-center-concert/

The ISM Fiddle Band. Photo: Ricarhd Termine

PHOTO BY DANIEL MARTINEZ AND CITY OF GAITHERSBURG

The sequel to SummerFest 2023 in Gaithersburg is just one of many events to mark on your calendar. PAGE 28

COURTESY

PHOTO;

PHOTO BY LINDSEY MAX

Hot Grill Summer

Cookouts are in season, so it’s time to prep the grill and get down to business

BY NEVIN MARTELL

GRILL UP. Cooking for family and friends on your back patio requires nothing more than a simple charcoal grill, such as a Weber or Expert Grill, says Jarrad Silver, chef-owner of Silver and Sons BBQ, a food truck operation that plans to open a brickand-mortar location in Bethesda later this year. He advises using only hardwood lump charcoal—skip the chemical-packed briquettes. Ignite the charcoal with a chimney starter; it will need 20 to 30 minutes before it’s hot enough to cook over. Don’t want to invest in a grill? There are free-touse grills at several local parks, including Wheaton Regional Park, Aberdeen Local Park in North Potomac and Meadowbrook Local Park in Chevy Chase.

CREATE ZONES. Ed Reavis, co-owner of Money Muscle BBQ in Silver Spring, recommends shifting your coals to one side to create a hot zone, leaving a cooler zone with no coals on the other side. This allows you to cook over direct and indirect heat.

ACCESSORIZE PROPERLY. Roxie Hardy, owner of Hardy’s BBQ food truck in Bethesda, loves using tongs to handle meats on her grill. They enable her to get a firmer grip on items of various sizes. Burgers are her one exception. She flips them with a spatula. Don’t forget to have a meat thermometer on hand. And always have a fire extinguisher at the ready in case your grill catches fire. To prep the grill and help prevent food from clinging, Silver suggests waiting for the grill to get hot, then pouring a little vegetable or canola oil on a wad of paper towels and using tongs to brush the oily swab across the grate.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUTCHER. The Organic Butcher of Bethesda, Butchers Alley in Bethesda and Potomac’s Chop Shop Butchery all have knowledgeable staffers who can help you figure out what cut of steak or other proteins you want to cook.

MAKE FIVE-STAR BURGERS. Form a patty with quality meat and season it on the outside with salt and pepper, handling the meat as little as possible. Hardy advises cooking burgers over indirect heat—the cooler zone you set up—so they don’t char or dry out. And only flip a patty once, she says, because repeated flips can tear the meat or break up the burger.

TURN OUT SUCCULENT STEAKS. Liberally season steak with more salt than you think necessary and lots of freshly ground black pepper. If you want to add another layer of flavor, Silver suggests first rubbing it with an oil infused with garlic, herbs or spices. He starts steaks over the hot zone to get a nice sear on the meat, turning the steak 90 degrees before flipping it to create crisscrossing hash marks. Only sear each side for a few minutes, then finish cooking the steak over the cooler zone. After you take it off the grill, let it rest for five to 10 minutes before slicing so the juices distribute throughout the meat.

DON’T FORGET VEGETABLES. Silver suggests using a metal basket to grill smaller and thinner produce—such as cherry tomatoes, asparagus and mushrooms—so they don’t slip through the grates. Reavis likes throwing sheafs of romaine lettuce on the grill, which he uses to make a charkissed Caesar salad. And Hardy is a fan of cutting 1-inch-thick, cross-sectional slices from a head of cauliflower, seasoning them with salt, pepper and whatever spices strike her fancy, then grilling them over the hot zone for a few minutes per side before moving them to the cool zone to cook until they are tender all the way through.

LEAVE IT AS YOU WANT TO FIND IT. While your grill is still hot, use a metal brush to thoroughly clean the grate. Wait for it to cool a little, then flip it over and brush the underside. For a final cleaning and to ensure that you remove any hazardous metal bristles that might have come detached from the brush, Hardy sprays both sides with water—no need for any detergent—and wipes them dry with paper towels. Wait for used charcoal to cool completely, then put them in a lidded metal can or wrap them in tinfoil, and dispose of them in your trash.

MAY/JUNE

MUSIC

May 3

An Evening with Leslie Odom Jr.

May 25

RagDolls

The multifaceted performer won a Tony Award for his role as Aaron Burr in the musical Hamilton. He was also nominated for a Grammy for his song “Speak Now” from the film One Night in Miami… and for an Oscar for his role as singer Sam Cooke in the same movie. Expect to hear songs from those career highlights as well as standards and other tunes when he visits The Music Center at Strathmore strathmore.org

May 10

Allison Miller

The acclaimed drummer and DMV native leads jazz ensemble Boom Tic Boom during two shows at AMP by Strathmore strathmore.org

May 11

National Philharmonic

The National Philharmonic partners with The Washington Chorus in this concert, the Philharmonic’s last of the season. The two groups perform at The Music Center at Strathmore in a program of spiritual and religious compositions by Lili Boulanger, Igor Stravinsky and Ludwig van Beethoven. nationalphilharmonic.org

May 17

Herb Alpert & Lani Hall

Famed trumpeter Herb Alpert is now 89, but still blowing his horn. Together with his wife, vocalist Lani Hall, he’ll perform American standards, Brazilian jazz and classics at The Music Center at Strathmore. The performance also includes stories from the couple’s lives, A&M Records—which Alpert co-founded in the 1960s—and artists they’ve collaborated with over the past 50 years. strathmore.org

From the costumes and scarf-adorned microphone to the rocking guitar solos and fierce falsetto vocals, you “don’t want to miss a thing” when this allfemale Aerosmith tribute band takes the stage at Germantown’s BlackRock Center for the Arts. The band’s “Amazing” performance might leave you “Cryin’.” blackrockcenter.org

June 2

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

Sticky Fingers: A Night of the Rolling Stones

Six of the DMV’s leading ladies of indie rock, pop and blues come together at Bethesda Theater for a tribute to the Rolling Stones’ iconic 1971 album. Backed by a band of local musicians, they’ll perform “Wild Horses,” “Dead Flowers” and “Moonlight Mile,” along with the rest of the album and other favorites from the group. bethesdatheater.com

June 3

Madaraka Festival

Rappers, DJs, singers and songwriters from Kenya, Uganda, Cameroon and other parts of Africa take the stage at The Fillmore Silver Spring for this concert celebrating African culture, music and community. madarakafestival.com

June 27

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

A native of Clarksdale, Mississippi, home of the Delta Blues Museum, the Grammywinning guitarist, vocalist and songwriter has been hailed as a generational talent and

torchbearer for Mississippi Delta blues. See his performance at The Fillmore Silver Spring livenation.com

THEATER

May 22 through June 23

Long Way Down

This new hip-hop musical at Olney Theatre Center is based on the Newbery Medalwinning young adult novel by DMV native Jason Reynolds. After his brother is shot and killed, Will is determined to avenge his death, but what happens on the elevator from his top-floor apartment down to the street might change his mind. olneytheatre.org

May 29 through June 23

Topdog/Underdog

Writer Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play is about two con men brothers named Lincoln and Booth, their sibling rivalry and their struggle for dominance. But the dark comedy staged at Round House Theatre in Bethesda is also about larger themes such as race, poverty, violence and brotherhood. roundhousetheatre.org

June 21 through Aug. 19

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical

Based on the Caldecott Honor-winning book by Mo Willems, this musical at Adventure Theatre MTC in Glen Echo follows Trixie and her father

through the streets of New York City, but somehow Knuffle Bunny doesn’t make it home that day. adventuretheatre-mtc.org

food and drinks. The event aims to highlight Sligo Creek Parkway and the surrounding trails. montgomeryparks.org

May 4

Family Archaeology Day

SHOW YOUR PRIDE

May into July

Art Exhibitions in Rockville will feature two exhibitions exploring Black experiences. In the Gibbs Street Gallery, Sanah Brown-Bowers’ paintings of Black families tell stories of joy and 1980s nostalgia, blending pop art, fantasy and whimsy. They’re on display from May 24 through July 14. In the Kaplan Gallery from May 31 through July 21, the exhibition Wade, curated by Mae A. Miller-Likhethe, explores questions of Black ecologies, geographies and lifeways in the African diaspora through a variety of artworks. visartscenter.org

June 6-30

Kids can get a glimpse into the world of an archaeologist at this free event at Needwood Mansion in Rock Creek Regional Park. Hands-on activities include a simulated archaeological dig, making clay marbles and pots, tinsmithing and weaving. Try your hand at spear throwing or compete in a sack race. Also, learn how people in the region lived during the Civil War and pre-Colonial eras. montgomeryparks.org

May 4

Kensington Car Show

Bethesda Painting Awards Exhibition

This annual competition awards a $10,000 grand prize to a painter from Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C. See artwork by the finalists at this Gallery B exhibition in Bethesda. An opening reception is planned for June 14. bethesda.org

COMEDY

May 3

The Mother of All Comedy Shows

Women take the mic for this stand-up comedy show meant for audiences 18 and older at the Arts Barn in Gaithersburg. gaithersburgmd.gov

COMMUNITY EVENTS

May 4

Sligo Creek Fest

Sligo Creek Parkway transforms into a street festival from Dennis Avenue to University Boulevard, complete with live music, activities and entertainment for children,

Check out antique and customized cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles during this event at the Kensington Service Center and along Howard Avenue. The event is free to attend and also features a monster truck show, face painting and balloon twisting for kids, food vendors and live music. The proceeds benefit the Jubilee Association of Maryland, a Kensington organization that supports adults with disabilities. kensingtoncarshow.com

May 4-5

Rockville Arts Festival

Rockville Town Square becomes an outdoor art gallery at this free event showcasing work by more than 100 artists. In addition to art for sale, there will be art demonstrations, a community art project, a chalk art competition, and food and drinks for sale from local vendors.

visartscenter.org/rockville-arts-festival

May 11-12

Bethesda Fine Arts Festival

More than 100 artists from around the country display and sell paintings, photographs, sculpture, handmade jewelry and more at this free fair that also features live music, food from local restaurants, and a children’s area. It takes place around downtown Bethesda’s Woodmont Triangle bethesda.org/arts/artsfestival.htm

June is Pride month, commemorating the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York City for gay rights and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. Here are a few events the whole family can enjoy.

June 2

Rockville Pride

Pride Month kicks off in Rockville Town Square with a free event featuring live performances, information booths, arts and crafts, and activities for kids. rockvillemd. gov/2276/rockville-pride

June 9

Takoma Pride Day

Takoma Park celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with a day of free events featuring a kids parade, a street fair with face painting and a photo board, as well as a visit from drag queen Tara Hoot. mainstreettakoma. org/featured-events/takoma-pride

June 22

Pride Family Day

Enjoy hands-on art projects, free carousel tickets, rainbow desserts, a special backdrop for photo ops and a family dance party at Glen Echo Park. While you’re there, stop by the playground, art galleries and Glen Echo Park Aquarium (advance tickets required). glenechopark.org/ pridefamilyday

June 30

Pride in the Plaza

Last year’s Pride celebration at Silver Spring’s Veterans Plaza included live music and drag performances, poetry readings and dance, as well as family activities, food vendors, community resources and health screenings. Expect a similar setup at this year’s event. liveinyourtruth.org

—Stephanie Siegel Burke

BANTER BEST BETS

May 17

Roller Disco

Bring your skates and your funky moves for this free roller-skating party, which features a DJ and concessions for purchase. You can BYO chair, blanket and picnic to Ridge Road Recreational Park in Germantown. montgomeryparks.org

May 18

Gaithersburg Book Festival

Whether it’s the latest page-turning thriller on your bedside table, a deep-dive nonfiction exploration or a collection of poetry, there’s sure to be something to pique your interest at this annual book festival, which draws prominent authors from around the country. Fiction writer

Alice McDermott, journalists Carlos Lozada and Susan Page, and young adult literature writer Sharon G. Flake are just a few of the festival’s featured authors. Expect book talks, workshops, Q&As with writers, activities for kids and more during the free event at Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm. gaithersburgbookfestival.org

May 18

WaterFest

members who gave their lives and continues with a parade through downtown Rockville, featuring military and community groups, fire trucks, marching units and dance troupes. rockvillemd.gov/2402/ memorial-day-ceremony-and-parade

June 15

Silver Spring Blues Festival

This free block party has attendees literally dancing in the street with two performance stages for live music—one for acoustic acts and the other for electric groups. The 15th annual festival draws local, regional and national bands and musical ensembles to downtown Silver Spring silverspringblues.com

June 15

Mudfest

Learn about the local watershed at this event geared toward kids ages 5 to 12. Attendees can make and shake a rain stick, and also create fish prints, suncatchers, frog masks and other spring crafts at the Maydale Nature Classroom in Colesville. An aquatic scavenger hunt with prizes is also on tap. montgomeryparks.org/event/waterfest

May 25-26

Hometown Holidays Music Fest

Rockville kicks off the unofficial start of summer with this free two-day festival at RedGate Park. Rock band Everclear headlines two stages of live music, activities for kids and the Taste of Rockville food festival. rockvillehth.com

May 27

Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade

Founded 80 years ago, the event begins with a ceremony remembering service

Make mud pies and mud art, and slip and slide in mud pits at this down and dirty annual festival at Woodstock Equestrian Special Park in Beallsville. The family-friendly event takes place rain or shine. Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes for the ride home. montgomeryparks.org/event/mudfest

June 15

Paws in the Park

This one’s for the dogs. Leash up your four-legged friend for a festival that includes a group dog walk, demonstrations, contests and puprelated vendors at the Montgomery County Agricultural Center in Gaithersburg. mchumane.org/paws-in-the-park-2024

June 29

SummerFest

Gaithersburg celebrates Independence Day a few days early with a family-friendly festival

that includes food trucks, activities for kids, a fireworks display and SummerGlo After Party at Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm. gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation/ special-events/summerfest

SPORTS

May

31

Big Train Baseball

The summer collegiate team kicks off its 25th season with an exhibition game against the Southern Maryland Senators on May 31 and the home opener against the Gaithersburg Giants on June 1. The regular season ends on July 17 and playoffs begin on July 20. Catch the Big Train’s home games throughout the summer at Cabin John Regional Park’s Shirley Povich Field bigtrain.org

—Stephanie Siegel Burke

Culture Counter

The Greatest Night in Pop , a buzzy new Netflix documentary that chronicles the Jan. 28, 1985, all-star recording session of “We Are the World” to benefit famine relief in Africa, is a must-watch for all ’80s kids. Directed by Bao Nguyen (above left), who was born in Silver Spring and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 2001, the film includes interviews with some of the 46 artists who gathered on that legendary night, including Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper and Huey Lewis.

READING LIST

No matter how meticulously politicians try to sanitize their views or portray themselves in the most flattering ways, Bethesda’s Carlos Lozada says there’s a lot to learn about who they are from carefully reading things they’ve written. The former Washington Post book critic has assembled a collection of his essays in The Washington Book: How to Read Politics and Politicians (Simon & Schuster, February 2024). “This genre of literature, which is often looked down upon, is actually extremely rich and revealing,” the Pulitzer Prize winner says.

BY CARALEE ADAMS

A fan of The Amazing Race since she was a kid, Kishori Turner (above left) says it was a dream come true to compete on the 36th season of the CBS reality show, which concludes on May 15. The 26-year-old graduate of Quince Orchard High School in Gaithersburg and American University in Washington, D.C., was selected based on an audition video with Karishma Cordero (above right), her 22-year-old cousin from Texas, to race around the world against a dozen other teams. “It is so much harder than it looks,” Turner says. “It was definitely the adventure of a lifetime.”

David Finkel describes Brent Cummings as a “classic patriot.” The two met in 2007, when the Pulitzer Prize-winning Silver Spring journalist was embedded in Cummings’ Army combat unit during the Iraq War. Finkel went on to follow the Georgia resident from 2016 to 2021 to tell the story of the country’s moral reckoning through Cummings’ experience in An American Dreamer (Random House, February 2024). “It’s a journey book about a good person trying not to surrender to what was going on,” Finkel says, “but find ways to live with the values that he was taught and he believes in.”

Here were the most-requested books at the Montgomery County Public Library system in March 2024: Fiction

1 Tom Lake | Ann Patchett

2 Demon Copperhead | Barbara Kingsolver

3 Happy Place | Emily Henry

4 Fourth Wing | Rebecca Yarros

5 The Covenant of Water | Abraham Verghese

6 The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store | James McBride

7 Iron Flame | Rebecca Yarros

8 The Women | Kristin Hannah

9 Lessons in Chemistry | Bonnie Garmus

10 Love, Theoretically | Ali Hazelwood

Nonfiction

1 The Woman in Me | Britney Spears

2 The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder | David Grann

3 I’m Glad My Mom Died | Jennette McCurdy

4 Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI | David Grann

5 Elon Musk | Walter Isaacson

6 Crying in H Mart | Michelle Zauner

7 Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning | Liz Cheney

8 My Name is Barbra | Barbra Streisand

9 American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer | Kai Bird

10 Educated | Tara Westover

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Dance Moms

A grassroots network of local women finds connections through choreography

BY CARALEE ADAMS

“Push It” by Salt-N-Pepa blasts in The Studio of Dance in Gaithersburg as Eurae Muhn teaches a hip-hop routine to seven other moms on a rainy Saturday morning in early March. Two women brought th eir 5-year-old children, who happily play together—occasionally darting onto the floor to have their snacks opened. The women chat and laugh throughout the hourlong class, chiming in with tweaks to the choreography.

“Whatever your soul tells you to do!” Muhn says in response to a suggestion for a new move by one of the women, all of whom are dressed in pink and blue MOMentum dance troupe T-shirts. “Bring it, if you want to!”

The group started after Muhn, who lives in Rockville, posted an invitation in May 2023 on Facebook in search of moms who like to dance. A 2000 graduate of Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, Muhn did some dancing and acting while attending Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and says she missed it as a busy mom of two.

“I just had this dream for nonprofessional dancing moms to have a chance to get together and be in a safe space, create community and be able to perform,” says Muhn, who was shocked when hundreds of people responded to her social media pitch. “I didn’t realize there was such a need.”

Unlike an ordinary fitness class, the MOM-entum women, most of whom are in their 30s and 40s and are moms of young children, are learning dance routines over several months to perform in public—and making friends along the way.

Karen Conner, owner of The Studio of Dance, was eager to offer space to help the group launch. “Dance is a place where truly you can be yourself. …If you can leave everything else at the door, it gives you that hour away from the rest of your life to stay grounded,” she says. “Moms need that. As women, we are the last people to take care of ourselves.”

As of early April, 475 had joined the private MOM-entum Facebook group. Muhn recruited a few other volunteer teachers

to lead the weekly classes, which members can attend unlimited for $35 a month. About 30 to 40 regulars participate in one of several classes that MOM-entum offers in hip-hop/K-pop, Bollywood, Latin/ballroom, jazz and other genres in Gaithersburg and at another location in North Bethesda.

“I wanted to show my kids that sometimes you take a risk and do something because you’re hoping that it can bring you joy. And it has,” says Dawn Mein, a mom of three in Rockville who joined the group after she says she struggled with anxiety during the pandemic. “It’s a very welcoming environment. Nobody’s judging. We make mistakes and laugh about it.”

Since her full-time government job went remote, Roxanna Tran says she missed her office friendships and sense of community. The Clarksburg mother of two says the diverse group of MOM-entum women has been accepting and kind. “I don’t think it really matters your background, whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or working mom,” says Tran, whose

Opposite: Roxanna Tran (center) and fellow dancers work on a routine at a Saturday morning MOM-entum class in Gaithersburg.

previous experience was limited to dance parties in college. “Whenever you find the time, you come in and enjoy yourself.”

Being able to bring their kids along has removed the barrier of child care that many of the moms say kept them from being active in fitness classes. The connections have spilled into group playdates with the kids and created an organic support system for the women. When one mom was going through a separation from her partner, another who had gone through a divorce offered to help her move and put together furniture.

Last November, about a dozen MOMentum members were in the Silver Spring Thanksgiving parade, performing snippets of their dance routines. Some of their kids rode on the float, throwing out candy and yelling, “Go, mommies!”

In January, the group hosted a showcase before an audience of 150 at Mont-

gomery College, where Muhn is an English professor. There were 25 dancers appearing in 10 different numbers—with a few performing in more than one. While not without its glitches (the stage manager couldn’t make it at the last minute), the experience was empowering for many.

“It was my first time onstage since high school. It was thrilling and scary all at once,” says Mein, whose family and friends were in the audience with signs cheering her on. “Our hearts were full

because our kids were proud of us.”

A video was shown in which the women expressed their gratitude for MOM-entum. “I dance b ecause it’s fun, it’s entertaining and it gets my body moving,” Elsabeth Mekonnen said in her video testimonial. Mekonnen, originally from Ethiopia, now lives in Montgomery Village and has a 2-year-old daughter. “In a way, dancing lets me be me. When I dance, I feel confident. I feel strong and I feel happy.”

MOM-entum plans to celebrate its oneyear anniversary in May with an evening of dance and refreshments, along with a massage therapist to provide pampering. A second dance performance is being planned for the fall.

“I don’t know where we’ll go in the future,” Muhn says of the grassroots dance network. “But for now I’m just happy that moms have a space to be together and rediscover who they are outside of being moms.”

MOM-entum performers at a Latin dance rehearsal for the January showcase at Montgomery College

Local Roots of ‘Silent Spring’

A planned museum in Silver Spring will celebrate author Rachel Carson

BY DAVID MONTGOMERY

Just a few steps down a path to the Northwest Branch in Silver Spring, the roar of traffic on Columbia Pike and the clamor of the nearby Trader Joe’s parking lot disappear. They’re replaced by the rush of water tumbling over smooth boulders and the burble of eddies downstream. Towering sycamore branches click and creak in the breeze. A few birds flit and sing in the shade.

The words of writer and environmentalist Rachel Carson might come to mind: “Hearing can be a source of…exquisite pleasure. …Take time to listen and talk about the voices of the earth and what they mean—the majestic voice of thunder, the winds, the sound of surf or flowing streams.”

It’s not a bad place to create the world’s first museum devoted to Carson and her ecological philosophy. A determined effort is underway to establish Springsong Museum in a historic building overlooking this spot.

Carson, whose 1962 book Silent Spring alerted the world to the danger of pesticides, lived most of her adult life in Silver Spring and, briefly, in Takoma Park. However, her tie to the area is not widely known among residents, says Rebecca Henson, an environmental policy analyst

who lives in Silver Spring and is leading the work to launch Springsong. Nearly $2 million has been raised for the estimated $8 million project, including a $1.25 million state bond and about $500,000 in private donations, according to Henson.

With the support of Montgomery Parks and elected officials such as Maryland state Sen. Will Smith (D), who sponsored the bond initiative last year, Henson’s team of 20 community members, architects, exhibit planners and Carson specialists is aiming for construction to begin after the county planning board approves it and for the museum to open by the end of 2026.

Henson began ruminating on the idea in April 2021, more than a year into

the pandemic and a few months after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

“Carson’s themes of connection and allowing space for awe in our lives…was just too great and too powerful of a message not to celebrate and jump into, and especially that she lived all over this part of the county,” Henson says. Carson’s last home, where she wrote Silent Spring, is a little more than 2 miles upstream from the museum site. There is evidence that the writer enjoyed being in the woods along the Northwest Branch. She was 56 when she died in 1964 of complications from breast cancer.

Plans call for the museum to be in an unoccupied red brick building owned by Montgomery Parks and located in Burnt Mills East Special Park, just north of University Boulevard. The now vacant structure was part of a water filtration

Biologist/author Rachel Carson visits the Northwest Branch near her home in Silver Spring in 1962.

system operated by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission from the 1930s to the early 1960s. Montgomery Parks would lease the building to the museum, according to David Tobin, manager of public-private partnerships for the parks. Henson’s group is seeking permits to begin work on the structure. “It’s very complex, but we’re allocating a lot of staff time to work collaboratively and help this succeed,” Tobin says.

The museum planners intend to use Carson’s life and philosophy as inspirations to explore ideas of connection and wonder through exhibits, gardens and programs for all ages. The space would highlight the Native American history of the location, the old mill that used to grind grain there, the relationship with a nearby African American community before desegregation, and the cleanwater heritage of the site.

For now, the only structure in the county dedicated to Carson’s legacy is her last home, at 11701 Berwick Road in Silver Spring, though it’s not regularly open to the public. Anyone can make an appointment to visit, says Diana Post, who is president of the Rachel Carson Landmark Alliance and has preserved the home with her husband, Clifford C. Hall. It includes research materials and some furnishings similar to items Carson had. Last year, 60 people visited, Post says, but there could be more this year with the planned postpandemic return of the annual open house in September. The home “offers the feeling of Rachel Carson,” Post says. “You feel this kind of peace and closeness to nature and simplicity.”

Outside the home, at the foot of a long

wooded slope, the Northwest Branch continues its patient flow—as it did when the Nacotchtank people fished there and when Carson lived and died there—bending downstream on its course to where an ambitious museum may one day tell those stories to new generations.

PHOTO

The proposed site for Springsong Museum

Giving Them Wings

A local organization is bringing together women in business over startup money, whether they’re looking to invest it or receive it

BY AMY HALPERN

In February 2019, an article online caught the eye of Bethesda business executive and attorney Lisa Friedlander. It was about a new investor group called Citrine Angels, whose mission was to connect novice female investors with early-stage, women-led startups. Friedlander quickly emailed the founder, Allyson Redpath, to offer her support.

“For decades…the percentage of capital—venture capital—going to female founders has been 2% or under,” says Friedlander, who co-founded an online marketplace for summer camps and other activities for kids called Activity Rocket in 2013 and then sold the business four years later to Thrively, a California-based education technology platform. “When I launched and grew and sold my company…[I] experienced firsthand the discrimination and difficulties of female founders raising capital.”

Fast forward to today, and Friedlander is one of Citrine Angels’ principals. Named after the gemstone believed to promote prosperity, Citrine Angels has a dual pur-

pose: It provides female-founded startups around the country with access to capital, and it teaches financially secure women throughout the D.C. area how to become successful angel investors.

“The idea is to create more women angel investors,” says Friedlander, who, along with two Northern Virginia women, took the helm in late 2019, after Redpath stepped aside to accept a high-ranking position with the Maryland Department of Commerce.

To be considered an accredited—or angel—investor by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, an individual must have a net worth (spouses included) of more than $1 million, excluding their primary residence, or individual income of more than $200,000 for the past two years. Citrine Angels members also must meet these requirements.

A $995 annual fee gives them access to monthly virtual pitch presentations, as well as monthly in-person networking gatherings and educational opportunities

that focus on everything from portfoliobuilding strategies to evaluating a startup for its investment potential. The group has a Bethesda mailing address, but its events are held either online or at sites around the D.C. area.

The nonprofit’s 80 members aren’t required to make regular investments, though they are encouraged to make at least a small investment every year—“as low as 5 and 10K,” Friedlander says.

The way it works: Citrine Angels accepts applications from female-led startups. A committee then vets each company, and those that pass the initial review are given the opportunity to pitch the group. If there’s enough interest in the startup from Citrine Angels’ members, then a lengthier due diligence process begins, with a deep dive into the startup’s financials, the marketplace for its product or services, and its leadership team. Once the due diligence report is shared with members, each decides whether she is interested in investing— either directly into the startup if the dollar

Lisa Friedlander of Citrine Angels, pictured in her office at Shulman Rogers, where she serves as chief revenue officer of the Rockville firm’s startup law practice group, Next

amount she chooses to put up meets the startup’s minimum investment threshold, or by pooling funds and investing together. Upon investment, Citrine Angels adds the company to its portfolio.

As minority shareholders, Citrine Angels’ members typically see a return on their investment when the startup is acquired by another entity, generally within three to seven years, according to Friedlander.

“[We’re] looking closely at who the founders are…we have to really believe that these founders have what it takes to grow a company to be successful,” says Lisa Conners, a Bethesda-based executive-leadership coach who became a member two years ago.

According to a 2018 Boston Consulting Group study, female-founded or cofounded businesses have an aver age rate of return of 78 cents for every dollar invested, compared to male-founded startups, which have an average rate of return

of only 31 cents.

Since its inception in 2019, Citrine Angels has provided more than $1.25 million in capital to approximately 20 femalefounded or co-founded companies across the country, in industries from consumer products to artificial intelligence to financial and medical technologies. Bethesdabased Pocket Naloxone Corp., which became part of Citrine Angels’ portfolio in 2020, is focused on developing an easyto-use, lower cost, over-the-counter naloxone product to help in the battle to prevent deaths from opioid overdoses. It was Friedlander’s first personal investment as a Citrine Angel. “A huge game changer and an incredible opportunity to save lives,” Friedlander says about the startup.

Citrine Angels also provided capital to help Bethesda entrepreneur Julie Melnick expand SkySquad, the company she founded to provide airport travelers with personal assistants who can carry their bags, help ease their way through

security and TSA lines, and navigate their way through the airport. The service is offered at five airports around the country, including Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

When Melnick first pitched Citrine Angels for funding, the organization took a pass; Friedlander told her to “show us some traction” with customers first, Melnick says. She heeded the advice, and when she pitched the group again two years later, in 2021, her company came away with about $35,000 from Citrine Angels members, in a round of financing that netted approximately $1 million in all, she says.

“The whole experience of running a startup, I believe, is really mindset and believing that…your service or your product is really worth something,” Melnick says. With Citrine Angels, she adds, a whole group of women are investing their hard-earned money to support a business, and “it’s really a vote of confidence.”

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SUNDAY 12PM–5PM

A VIEW DESIGNED FOR A VISIONARY

The

‘Respectable’ Revolutionaries

A daring statement drafted in a tavern 250 years ago in June marked the area’s break from Britain

BY ROBERT B. MITCHELL

Long before cars rushed along Rockville’s West Jefferson Street on their way to Interstate 270, and before the English Georgianstyle Grey Courthouse dominated South Washington Street, a modest four-room, 1½-story log and clay building stood near the current intersection of the two streets. It was inside Charles Hungerford’s tavern on June 11, 1774, that a group of 10 men describing themselves as a “respectable and numerous body” led the area in its first steps toward revolution.

Judged by modern sensibilities, the leaders of the Hungerford meeting might be considered unlikely rebels. Many owned large amounts of land. All but one enslaved Black people. Their location in lower Frederick County (Montgomery County would not come into existence until 1776) did not appear to be a breeding ground for insurrection. Settlers in the region during the 18th century “multiplied and prospered, and the remunerative prices obtained for tobacco, which could be so successfully grown on their new lands, stimulated their enterprise,” according to a book about the

A postcard with a note dated 1907 depicts the site where the Hungerford Resolves were drafted in 1774.

county published in 1879.

Nevertheless, those gathered wanted to protest the British crackdown on Boston for its resistance to paying taxes imposed by Parliament.The group—which included Thomas Sprigg Wootton and Zadok Magruder, who now each have a Montgomery County high school named for them—pledged to stand with the Massachusetts port city in a decision that has become known as the Hungerford Resolves. “[I]t is the opinion of this meeting,” the group asserted, “that the town of Boston is now suffering in the common cause of America.”

Little is known about what transpired that day at the tavern or who was present beyond the men identified in the Resolves, says John Riedl, a professor in the History and Political Science Department at Montgomery College who teaches a course on Maryland history. Women weren’t present, unless they were serving male customers, says historian and author Susan Cooke Soderberg of Germantown.

The tavern setting suggests that deliberations about the Resolves could have been quite casual, Riedl says. Taverns functioned as gathering places where wealthy planters and enslavers mingled with small farmers and cultivated their support for the enslavement economy. Given the informality that often prevailed at these establishments, it is possible that the Resolves—four onesentence statements of principle and a fifth delegating men to represent the region in Annapolis—were simply read to taverngoers and approved “with roars of acclaim,” Riedl speculates.

Regardless of how the Resolves were adopted, the dangers posed by a public declaration of support for Boston and condemnation of Britain—especially for those individuals who were named—were immediately clear. “To put your name on the document was a risky proposition. It could be personally not in your economic interest to do so,” says Matthew Logan, executive director of Montgomery History, the county’s historical society.

The men named in the Resolves “were risking pretty much everything,” Logan says. “If they had not been successful, you can imagine the retribution that would have been directed toward them and countless others around the colonies who supported revolution.”

Discontent had been simmering in the colonies for years, Riedl says. After the French and Indian War concluded in 1763, Britain angered colonists by imposing taxes to defray the costs of colonial defense. The Stamp Act, requiring tax stamps to be attached to newspapers and legal and commercial documents, proved particularly provocative. In 1765, county officials in Frederick refused to affix

tax stamps to public documents. It is thought to have been the first act of resistance in the colonies to the Stamp Act, Soderberg says.

Eight years later, developments hundreds of miles to the north of Maryland tu rned discontent to outrage. The flash point was a British tax on tea.

On Dec. 16, 1773, Bostonians disguised as Native Americans boarded British ships to toss more than 340 chests of tea into the frigid water of Boston Harbor, according to Harlow Giles Unger’s American Tempest: How the Boston Tea Party Sparked a Revolution. The government of King George III responded to the destruction of the cargo (valued at $1.7 million in 2023, according to the Census Bureau) by doubling down. In early 1774, Parliament closed the port of Boston and abolished local self-government in Massachusetts.

The measures stoked indignation from New England to South Carolina and brought Maryland into the fray. “Like a lot of places, Maryland was kind of straddling the fence until 1774,” Riedl says.

The Hungerford Resolves declared that “the most effectual means for the securing of American freedom will be to break off all commerce with Great Britain and the West Indies” until the hated tea tax was repealed. The Resolves further urged that “every legal and constitutional measure ought to be used by all America” to pressure Parliament into lifting the blockade of Boston Harbor and demanded that “the right of taxation [be] given up on permanent principles.”

Resistance soon accelerated and intensified. In October 1774, the tea-laden Peggy Stewart was set ablaze by its owner as angry residents of Annapolis refused to let its cargo come ashore. The victory of Massachusetts fighters over British troops at Concord and Lexington in April 1775 emboldened the colonies to embrace armed resistance. Gen. Richard Montgomery, for whom Montgomery County is named, died leading American forces in an unsuccessful attack on Quebec at the end of the year. Maryland’s last royal governor, Sir Robert Eden, departed for England on June 23, 1776. The Continental Congress declared independence less than two weeks later.

There was no going back. The Hungerford Resolves, adopted two years earlier, pointed the way forward.

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Putting Down Roots

Looks like AstraZeneca is here to stay in Montgomery County.

The global biopharmaceutical company announced in early February that it is investing $300 million in a new manufacturing facility in Rockville, expanding its footprint and leaving little doubt about its commitment to the county.

Expected to be operational by 2026, the facility at 9950 Medical Center Drive will bring jobs for more than 150 highly skilled employees, adding to the 4,500 at the company’s other county locations, including its research and development campus in Gaithersburg, according to the Maryland Department of Commerce.

The British company plans to use the Rockville facility to “launch its life-saving cell therapy

platforms in the U.S. for critical cancer trials and future commercial supply,” the department said in a statement.

“This new $300 million investment will accelerate our ambition to make next-generation cell therapy a reality, ensuring that we are ready to scale and meet the demands of patients,” said Pam Cheng, AstraZeneca’s executive vice president of global operations and IT and its chief sustainability officer.

Montgomery County Economic Development Corp. President and CEO Bill Tompkins said county officials are “thrilled that AstraZeneca continues to grow and invest in new technologies here in Montgomery County, which will ultimately lead to greater economic viability for our region.”

WORD ON THE STREET

BY THE NUMBERS

When it comes to making sure local businesses comply with county rules for development and construction, the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Standards is in charge.

Here’s how the department performed in fiscal year 2023, which started July 1, 2022, and ended June 30, 2023:

66,171

NUMBER OF INSPECTIONS PERFORMED BY RESIDENTIAL AND FIRE CODE COMPLIANCE

OFFICIALS

(5.2% decrease from the previous year)

86% OF COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE FIRE CODE (9.9% increase)

6,747

NUMBER OF RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PERMITS RECEIVING FINAL APPROVALS (37.9% decrease)

86% OF COMMERCIAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PLANS RECEIVING A COMPLETE FIRST REVIEW WITHIN 22 BUSINESS DAYS (3.9% decrease)

Sky High

Change is coming to downtown Silver Spring’s skyline as plans for a 300-foot-tall residential tower above Ellsworth Place mall have taken another step forward.

In January, mall owner GBT Realty Corp. of Tennessee submitted a sketch plan to the Montgomery County Planning Department outlining its intentions to build 450 residential units atop the five-story shopping center.

The sketch plan, a drawing that details the maximum densities for residential and nonresidential development, is one of several plans required before a development project can be approved by the Montgomery County Planning Board.

Ellsworth Place, at Colesville Road and Fenton Street, anchors Silver Spring’s downtown shopping and dining district and is home to major retailers and entertainment venues such as Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, Foot Locker, Michaels and Dave & Buster’s. Commas, a 13,000-square-foot food hall, was expected to open in the mall this spring.

Want to keep up with the Montgomery County business community? Check out Something to Talk About, a podcast produced by the Montgomery County Economic Development Corp. Former Washington Post columnist Bob Levey (pictured right) and business leader Kelly Leonard (left) co-host the audio and video podcast, which can be found at thinkmoco.com/podcast. Local leaders interviewed include Katie Hecklinger, CEO of BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown; Montgomery Community Media CEO Jasmine White; and Scott Copeland, then-owner of Bethesda Magazine and MoCo360.

Conceptual Rendering

The Grandview

The Grandview is accepting reservations now and anticipates opening and beginning to have residents move in during the Fall of 2025. The sales center has renderings of the 33-acre planned community, floor plans, virtual tours and information about timeline and pricing.

6701 Democracy Blvd. Bethesda, MD 20817 301-781-6201

TheGrandviewSeniorLiving.com

The Grandview is pending approval from the Maryland Department of Aging.

Q W hat is the timeline for The Grandview?

A C onstruction of The Grandview, in Bethesda, is well underway. This new senior living community is expected to open in the fall of 2025. It will be managed by Erickson Senior Living, a nationwide leader in the field. Since 1983, Erickson Senior Living has been committed to providing exceptional care and service that enables seniors to live better lives. Residents at The Grandview will gain more than a rewarding lifestyle; as part of Erickson Senior Living's network of communities, they'll benefit from Erickson’s strength, experience and resources.

Q W hat can seniors expect from The Grandview?

A T he Grandview will open with 247 independent living apartment homes for active seniors, age 60-plus, with future development planned. Located just minutes from all the dining, shopping and entertainment that downtown Bethesda

has to offer, The Grandview will have a wide range of modern, maintenance-free one- and two-bedroom apartment floor plans to suit residents' varying styles and budgets, as well as resort style amenities.

Q W hat kinds of amenities will it offer?

A From the fitness and aquatic center to game rooms, an urban park with walking paths and a great lawn for movies and concerts, an outdoor bocce court and much more, The Grandview will offer many opportunities for residents to stay active and engaged.

Our restaurants will include a topfloor venue with a wine bar and stunning views. An onsite medical center will offer a full range of services from a dedicated staff, ensuring residents can protect their health, well-being and independence.

You don’t have to be retired to live there, but retirement will definitely be taken to new heights with this elevated, carefree lifestyle that The Grandview will provide.

The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center

Tucked between Malcolm King Park and the bustling shopping, dining and entertainment at Rio Washingtonian, The Carnegie offers a best-of-bothworlds lifestyle. Peaceful outdoor spaces combine with Rio’s activity and convenience. To experience one of our signature events, anyone can visit the website and enjoy a sample of what The Carnegie has to offer.

10200 Washingtonian Blvd. Gaithersburg, MD 20878 240-690-0726

LifeAtTheCarnegie.com

Q W hat makes The Carnegie different?

A W elcoming residents in August 2024, every aspect of The Carnegie is designed to allow our members to live a fully engaged, active lifestyle. Premium amenities include chef-prepared meals in a choice of multiple indoor and outdoor dining venues; an indoor heated, saltwater pool; fitness center, wellness spa and yoga studio. What truly sets us apart is our Art of Living Well programming that enriches the lives of our residents.

Q W hat is the Art of Living Well?

A T he Art of Living Well is more than a program, it's a philosophy that encompasses matching passion with purpose. We discover individuals’ interests and then create meaningful opportunities for them to engage and thrive through the nine dimensions of wellness. We have created unique partnerships with prestigious cultural institutions and local businesses to curate memorable experiences only available to our residents.

Q How do your partnerships tie into The Art of Living Well programming?

A O ur partnerships allow us to extend our services to members, enabling them to explore, share or reignite passions. For example, the Gaithersburg Book Festival was one of our first partners and embodies our commitment to developing intergenerational connections that nurture an interest in reading, writing and literary conversation. We also collaborate with local artisans, as well as cultural and wellness partners, to create intellectual and educational collaborations that foster a strong sense of community. From exclusive membership privileges with The Library of Congress to onsite lectures through The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Johns Hopkins University and engaging performances with The Kennedy Center, our partnerships are carefully chosen to elevate the lives of our residents.

DIRECTOR

JENNIFER PASTORA, GENERAL MANAGER

AMANDA MCPHERSON, THE ART OF LIVING WELL

Best Senior Care

ALEX PETUKHOV, OWNER & NATALIYA CANCEL, MANAGER

17830 New Hampshire Ave. Suite 302 Ashton, MD 20861

301-717-2212

BestSeniorCare.us

Q W hy choose home care instead of a facility?

A I t has been our experience that aging at home can lead to a more satisfying aging process. Familiar surroundings and routines help the elderly age gracefully. Hiring caregivers through an agency gives assurance and protection. They are properly screened, trained and vetted. Our caregivers focus solely on one client. With no restrictions on who can come to visit, aging at home is the best option for an elderly individual with family in the area who does not want to be shut out by endless Covid restrictions that happen in a facility.

Q How do you choose your caregivers?

A M any of our aides have been with Best Senior Care for over 20 years!

We make extraordinary efforts to find multi-lingual, certified, licensed and carefully select caregivers. We look for individuals with passion, experience, deep

family ties, dependability and certain medical backgrounds. They are trained in permanent safety issues such as fall prevention, understanding mental health disorders, bed mobility, incontinence care, nutrition and conflict management. Caregivers are not matched with clients without being confident that they are equipped with all the necessary tools to respond to any sort of emergency. We are very fortunate to have such a strong team.

Q How can high-quality home care minimize emergency room visits and hospitalization?

A As a physician in one of the busiest emergency rooms in Maryland, Dr. Shannon Petukhov says: “Aging patients are more susceptible to falls that can have debilitating consequences. Confusion, physical ailments and degraded vision can all be to blame. Having a consistent home caregiver can dramatically reduce admission to the hospital.”

Peggy Bresler, Compass Chevy Chase

AMY CARROLL

WITH MOM SANDI TUCKER & PEGGY BRESLER, REALTOR

“Peggy made the process of downsizing and moving my aunt out of her home of over 45 years remarkably smooth and stress-free for my mom and I. She showed great patience and tremendous respect, while working tirelessly to create a seamless transition throughout." — Amy Carroll

5471 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 300 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 M:  240-671-9459 | O:  301-298-1001 peggy@compass.com Compass.com

Q How are senior moves different?

A For older adults, selling a long-time home and downsizing can have considerable emotional impact. Recognizing my clients' physical and emotional needs, potential technological challenges and their preferred pace is essential. In addition to my real estate expertise, I work with a network of professionals who share my empathy and compassion for seniors who are transitioning.

Senior moves often involve collaboration with adult children, requiring respect and communication with all parties to build trust. Carefully guiding seniors and their families through the many steps in preparing a home for sale, from initial consultation until comfortably settled in their new home, helps ensure a seamless transition. Amy Carroll shared, "Peggy made the process of downsizing my aunt and moving her out of her home

of 45-plus years remarkably smooth and stress-free."

Q How do you tailor your services to meet clients' unique needs?

A I b egin with a clear understanding of their preferences and concerns, then provide a plan with options within their budget and timeframe. Patience is key as seniors navigate the complexities of such a huge life change. Success for me is knowing that I've helped make their transition as easy as possible. Says client Carolyn Frank, "Thanks to her experience and patience, Peggy guided me through what became a year-long process, downsizing from my suburban home into a Bethesda condo, showing me several condo options even before listing my home. The resources and guidance she provided readying my home for sale, and throughout the transition, were invaluable."

Family & Nursing Care

Family & Nursing Care is a leading resource for private duty home care services in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Since 1968, they’ve been helping older adults maintain their independence and quality of life in the comfort of their own home.

1010 Wayne Ave., Suite 1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-588-8200 familynursingcare.com

Q How do client services managers help guide clients and their families through the home care experience?

A A t Family & Nursing Care, every client services manager has a high level of training to serve as a liaison, educator, active listener and problem solver for clients and their families. Every step of the way, they serve as the primary point of contact for all clients’ home care needs, both practical and emotional. Their responsibilities include making personal visits to clients at home, or in the hospital or other setting. Through visits, they get to know the client as well as the client’s preferences and priorities so that they can help guide clients through any challenges they may face. Above all, client services managers are dedicated to maintaining ongoing communication to ensure all a client’s home care needs are continually being met.

Q I s there a nurse who oversees client care?

A A s upervisory nurse is assigned to every client who chooses to receive home care through Family & Nursing Care Select. Upon starting care, a nurse meets with the client and their family to professionally assess their needs and create a fully customized plan of care for the caregiver(s). In addition to routinely checking in with caregivers about a client’s well-being, supervisory nurses also visit clients in their homes to provide ongoing supervision of services, skills support and education for caregivers. They re-assess the plan as needed. This nurse oversight is welcomed by the clients’ family members, who find the extra attention comforting. Many family members live out of the area. Even if they live close by, their schedules may not allow for the personal oversight of their loved one’s care.

Kensington Park Senior Living

BACK ROW, FROM LEFT: YENNY DAWSON, MERCY ARREY, JANET GOLDBERG, JAMIE KARP & OLIVE GREY-COKER

FRONT ROW, FROM LEFT: MARY MELL, CHRISTINA CORLESS & RACHEL COKER

Kensington Senior Living fulfills its promise to “love and care for your family as we do our own.” Its founders and owners, local to the Washington, D.C. metro area, are proud to open their eighth and newest community, The Kensington Bethesda, in summer 2025.

3620 Littledale Road Kensington, MD 20895 301-946-7700

KensingtonParkSeniorLiving.com

Q How does Kensington Park drive successful aging at every stage for seniors?

A I n independent living, the bighearted team of professionals takes care of it all with concierge services, three meals a day, weekly housekeeping and laundry, transportation and much more. One step further, Kensington At Home, a licensed home health care service owned and operated by Kensington Senior Living, offers independent living residents the convenience of care in the comfort of their home.

When more support is needed, assisted living offers the highest caliber of care, no matter how needs may progress.

Kensington Park provides relevant clinical services that include full-time registered nurses coordinating the comprehensive medical care of each resident. Licensed nurses, both RNs and LPNs, are on site 24/7, as well as primary care partners.

Three levels of memory care are thoughtfully designed, providing support at every stage of cognitive impairment. Each tier encourages residents to participate in life’s daily routines, helping them feel safe and successful while doing so. Team members are certified in Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care.

Q How does Kensington Park’s team demonstrate excellence?

A L ed by managing director Mary Mell, this best-in-class team is a passionate group of lifelong senior living professionals driven by their personal commitment to serve. With backgrounds that span the senior care spectrum, they have a deep understanding of older adults and their families. A collaborative spirit is fundamental to their approach, along with a profound commitment to deliver their promise to “love and care for your family as we do our own.”

Silver Bridges Consulting

GINGER NOCE & KRISTY KENNEDY, FOUNDERS

Silver Bridges Consulting is your concierge solution for finding the ideal senior living community, whether you are looking in the Washington, D.C. metro area or across the country.

Working with Silver Bridges Consulting ensures alignment of your loved one's needs, preferences and budget with the community where they will thrive.

Q W hy choose to work with a senior living consultant to find the right community?

A W ith more than 100 options in the D.C. metro area alone, making the right choice is crucial. As senior living consultants, we streamline the process, sparing families the overwhelming task of navigating the complex senior living landscape. On average, families spend 25-30 hours researching and visiting communities.

Working with Silver Bridges Consulting means you have an experienced advocate guiding the process, so you'll find clarity and comfort knowing that you've made the right decision.

Q W hat sets Silver Bridges Consulting apart?

A O ur decades of experience in the industry and exceptional customer service ensure tailored support from initial and ongoing consultation through a smooth move-in and beyond. We advocate for and

support our clients throughout the entire process. Our vetted network of preferred providers ensures comprehensive assistance, covering everything from selling a home, packing and moving, asset liquidation and legal assistance.

Q How can Silver Bridges Consulting help me make the best decision?

A At Silver Bridges Consulting, we are committed to educating and empowering our clients. We have walked in your shoes and know firsthand the emotions, complexities and logistics involved in this decision. Our approach is profoundly personal. We accompany you on tours and possess the discernment to ask the right questions and pinpoint precisely what to observe. Unlike placement agencies driven by financial incentives, our recommendations are unbiased and solely focused on what's best for our clients. Let us help you navigate the maze of options and lead you to the ideal community.

Stein Sperling

BACK ROW, FROM LEFT: ADAM S. ABRAMOWITZ, SARAH J. BRODER, DAVID S. DE JONG, DAVID B. TORCHINSKY

FRONT ROW, FROM LEFT: MICAH A. BONAVIRI, JEFFREY A. KOLENDER

To draft or change a Power of Attorney, it is important to consult with an attorney to ensure that any Power of Attorney and related documents are carefully crafted to accomplish exactly what is intended and not more.

1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 700 Rockville MD 20852 301-340-2020

SteinSperling.com

Q I s financial fraud against seniors truly a concern?

A A s the number of seniors continues to increase, so does the prevalence of financial fraud targeted at this vulnerable population. Financial exploitation is a serious concern that can result in devastating consequences for seniors, including the loss of life savings and financial independence. It’s crucial to take steps to protect loved ones from financial fraud.

Q How can a financial Power of Attorney help?

A A f inancial Power of Attorney (POA) is an important, helpful tool that permits a designated person or institution to make financial decisions on behalf of another person. The goal is to have a POA in place before someone becomes too frail, ill, handicapped, or incapacitated. Without a POA in place for an incapacitated

individual, the alternative is a costly court proceeding for guardianship.

Q W hat are concerns around POAs?

A I ronically, one of the ways senior exploitation can happen is through abuse of a POA. Since the agent under the POA typically has access to funds, property and personal information of the principal and can make decisions without informing family or close friends, a broadly worded POA can lead to financial exploitation and other harm. The agent can make large purchases or investments that may not be recouped at a later time. This can be addressed with proper counseling as to who might be a good fit as an agent and defining appropriate parameters of the agent’s authority.

Grand Oaks Senior Living

Grand Oaks Senior Living, located in Northwest Washington, D.C., offers personalized care plans focused on improving residents’ quality of life and providing a vibrant senior living experience. Enjoy the treasures of the nation's capital and a lively community while aging well and building lasting relationships over unforgettable experiences.

5901 MacArthur Blvd., NW Washington, D.C. 20016 202-349-3400

GrandOaksDC.org

Q How would you describe the atmosphere at Grand Oaks?

A G rand Oaks offers residents and their families a warm, inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Residents describe our team members as friendly, attentive, accessible, enthusiastic and comforting. Our luxurious, private apartments offer a safety-centered design with 24/7 security and nursing support. Outside of their living spaces, residents enjoy countless amenities and activities, including a fullservice salon, social clubs, exercise and educational classes, local excursions, restaurant-style dining and more.

Q How does your Sibley connection benefit your residents?

A L ocated on the campus of Sibley Memorial Hospital, Grand Oaks is the only community in the metropolitan area where residents are physically connected to a hospital and medical office building. Sibley’s proximity gives our residents the

freedom to live their lives to the fullest, knowing that an entire staff of specialists is available just around the corner if or when they need them. Residents have access to a full suite of various medical services such as dentistry, podiatry, cardiology, neurology, oncology, emergency services and more, without ever leaving the campus.

Q W hat are some other things that might set you apart?

A G rand Oaks is the only community in the area with a full-time nurse practitioner on staff. Our nurse practitioner collaborates with community physicians to offer the best possible care to our residents. This helps to minimize hospitalizations and improve the overall well-being of our residents, both physically and mentally. Additionally, our team members accompany residents to medical appointments located on the campus, so residents and families have peace of mind knowing they don’t have to travel far for care.

Maplewood Pa rk Place

Maplewood Park Place is a quaint, suburban neighborhood inside the Capital Beltway. Named Best Senior Living Community by Bethesda Magazine for 15 years in a row, our right-sized community offers home ownership, an independent lifestyle, and a full continuum of care.

9707 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, MD 20814 301-850-1950

MaplewoodParkPlace.com

Q How can I maintain my independence while living in the community?

A I n our resident-owned community, you’ll enjoy the advantages of home ownership without the burdens of home upkeep. Our director of sales, Sion Zewdie is a friendly face you’ll see on campus. She gives personalized tours, organizes special events and oversees apartment renovations. Sion also helps new residents get involved with the co-op board or with our 20 clubs and committees.

Q W hat happens if I need a higher level of care?

A We offer a full continuum of care right here in the community. Barbara Harry, our executive director and health care administrator, will see to it that you get care that’s customized to your individual needs. As an independent living resident, you can receive in-home care or transition to our

MAPLEWOOD PARK PLACE HAS A DEDICATED TEAM OF EXPERTS THAT WORK TO SERVE RESIDENTS IN ALL LEVELS OF LIVING

five-star-rated health care center, which provides assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care support and rehab that includes physical, occupational and speech therapy. For added peace of mind, we offer a Lifecare Plan that delivers high-quality, long-term health care at affordable rates.

Q How do I make sure all my health needs will be met?

A Our independent living physician, Dr. Gary Wilks, specializes in geriatric medicine and is on call 24/7 and available on-site four days a week for those under the concierge practice. Additionally, residents can consult with a variety of specialists—from audiologists to podiatrists—who can perform many tests on-site, including EKGs, X-rays and lab work. We also offer a Life Safety program that features daily wellness checks, a 24-hour emergency response system, 24-hour security and a front desk concierge who answers questions and provides support.

CarePlus Home Health

HEATHER NAJJAR, CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER & TOM NAJJAR, FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

2024 Finalist and 2022 Top Vote Getter, Best of Bethesda In-Home Health Care Provider

7361 Calhoun Pl., Suite 301 Rockville, MD 20855 301-740-8870

CarePlusInc.com

Q W hat makes a better home care experience?

A C arePlus has trained, experienced and trustworthy caregivers who customize services to the time and needs of our clients. This process is led by co-owner and Chief Clinical Officer, Heather Najjar DNP, CRNP, FNP-C. Heather has more than 25 years of nursing experience and is an integral part of everyday operations. Our team approach allows clients to age in place, at home in a safe, comfortable and familiar environment.

Linda S. Chaletzky

202-966-1400 lindac@lnf.com

LindaChaletzky.com

Q D o you enjoy working with seniors who are selling a longtime home?

A From my perspective, creating a seamless journey for seniors entering a new chapter is one of the most satisfying aspects of my work. The combination of my background in social work and as a founding member of G.W.'s geriatric team has positioned me well to handle delicate sales.

I understand the challenges seniors face and put my skills to good use for them. My network of other professionals, from movers to estate planners, provides a comprehensive suite of resources that contribute to a smooth process.

For seniors and for others, my mission is clear. As a guide, confidante and strategist, I work to empower people to make informed decisions about their future.

Holy Cross Health Network

ANNICE CODY, PRESIDENT

1500 Forest Glen Road Silver Spring, MD 20910

301-754-7000

HolyCrossHealth.org

Q W hat senior care services does Holy Cross Health offer?

A We proudly offer a full range of services to meet the needs of seniors in our community. This includes primary care, acute care in our hospitals, home health care to support post-hospital recovery, primary care and senior health and wellness programs.

We have four primary care practices, including two practices embedded in senior living buildings: one at Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg and another in The Leggett in downtown Silver Spring.

In 2008, Holy Cross Hospital was one of the first hospitals in the country to create a Seniors Emergency Center designed and staffed to meet the specific needs of seniors.

Our nurse-supervised Medical Adult Day Center is ideal for socially engaging, activity rich care for adults—particularly those with dementia or a developmental disability. It has been a welcomed resource for adult children and spouses caring for a loved one.

Q W hy is Holy Cross involved in services beyond medical care?

A We believe that self-care and preventive care are cornerstones to overall good health and living your best life. We provide education to help older populations manage chronic conditions such as diabetes. Our Senior Fit classes, in more than a dozen sites as well as virtually, see an average of 1,000 people participating weekly.

Q How does Holy Cross meet the special needs of seniors?

A W e meet the needs of seniors with specialization and care coordination. We have hired board-certified geriatricians and specialists such as clinical pharmacists who provide education and medication management.

Our nurse care managers help patients manage chronic conditions and a single electronic medical record across all our sites facilitates effective communication among our care teams.

CarePatrol

RHONDA MYLES, ALM, CDP | SENIOR CARE CONSULTANT

CarePatrol of Howard-Montgomery Counties

301-836-2605

HowardMontgomery.CarePatrol.com

Q How does CarePatrol help seniors to live their best lives?

A A fter a thorough needs assessment is analyzed, we recommend three senior care communities that can specifically meet each client’s health, social and financial needs and preferences. We conduct private, personalized tours and offer full care details and transparent pricing.

Q W hat career path brought you to CarePatrol?

A M y health care career began in 1988 at The ARC of Prince George's County as a residential counselor. Working for the ARC taught me patience and compassion. It paved the way for me to further my education and work for Adventist Healthcare Services, Heartland Hospice and several senior living communities. My desire to help families find the right solution for their loved ones brought me to my role with CarePatrol.

Riderwood Senior Living

3140 Gracefield Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904

1-800-610-1560

Riderwood.com

Q W ith so many senior living options, how do you determine the best fit for your lifestyle, finances and future?

A R iderwood, the premier continuing care retirement community in Silver Spring, offers some advice. It’s important to find a community that encourages activity and engagement. At Riderwood there are 250-plus clubs, classes and activities like yoga, travel and continuous learning opportunities.

Get the most value for your money. Many people are surprised by all that’s included at Riderwood. A predictable monthly service package covers day-to-day expenses like signature dining in 11 on-site restaurants, all utilities, maintenance, property taxes and more.

Plan ahead for future needs with continuing care health services. At Riderwood, there’s access to multiple levels of support right on-site. Whether needed or not, there is security in having it available.

Specialty Care Services

VENISE DAVIS, CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER & PEARL XU, CLINICAL NURSE MANAGER

“We pride ourselves on providing customer support that is second to none,” says Al Simons. “80 percent of our referrals come from friends and family of those who have used our services and feel 100 percent comfortable leaving their friends and loved ones in our care.”

8555 16th St., Suite 101  Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-585-6300

SpecialtyCareServices.com

Q W hat motivated you to be in the business of caring for seniors?

A D riven by my personal experience of visiting my grandmother in a nursing home, I founded Specialty Care Services in 2002 to help area seniors age comfortably and safely at home. We expanded from there.

Q D o you believe home care is the best option?

A Yes. Many seniors choose to age in place because of their emotional attachment to a particular home or community. Home care can also give loved ones the reassurance that their family members are being well cared for without forcing mom or dad into an unfamiliar and possibly distressing environment. Home care can, if needed, keep mom or dad at home all the way through end of life. What’s more, home care can also expand the range of options available to any senior, allowing them to choose to stay at

home or seek care outside of the home, as best suits their situation.

Q D o you have flexibility to meet individual needs?

A Yes, we do. Regardless of a client’s lifestyle, age or living arrangement, whether they’re looking to maintain their independence, accelerate post-operative recovery, receive respite support or hospice care, all plans are individualized. Our pricing offers a good value, and we accept all longterm care insurance plans.

Q Is it difficult to find good caregivers?

A W e hire only the best caregivers, dedicated to providing outstanding service and making life the best it can be for our seniors. Our caregivers, all fully vaccinated, are matched with clients based on case-specific experience and skillsets, ensuring warm, successful client-caregiver relationships.

HOTBED Restaurant

Montgomery County’s dining scene is thriving, thanks to these new upscale eateries

BY DAVID HAGEDORN

PHOTOS BY DEB LINDSEY

Ifventures from savvy restaurant groups during and after the pandemic are any indication, there’s gold to be found in Montgomery County. Alexandria, Virginia-based Common Plate Hospitality opened The Heights, a 10,000-squarefoot food hall, in Chevy Chase in December, and The Grove, an upscale Mediterranean restaurant, in Potomac’s Cabin John Village in November. Jackie Greenbaum, who owns several restaurants in Washington, D.C., and Silver Spring’s Quarry House Tavern, has been doing booming business in Gaithersburg from the day she opened Charley Prime Foods at Rio last May. Long Shot Hospitality has a winner with its first Montgomery County location of The Salt Line, which opened at Bethesda Row in July. Olney resident Mike Friedman, the chef and co-owner of D.C.-based RedStone Restaurant Group, is confident that the prospects are good at Aventino and AP Pizza Shop, which debuted in Bethesda in January. “We are thrilled to go into a new community and give our special brand of hospitality,” Friedman says. “Bethesda and Montgomery County are especially important because a lot of these residents have been our clients in Washington for years. We are so excited to be closer to home for them.”

The bar at Aventino in Bethesda is a lively spot. Top photos, from left: lamb ribs at Aventino; “Faux Gras”—whipped mushroom pate with pickled shallots and grilled bread—at Charley Prime Foods in Gaithersburg; sea scallop ceviche at The Salt Line in Bethesda; duck breast at The Grove in Potomac

Whole-roasted dorade with braised escarole, toasted pine nuts, currants and charred lemon at Aventino

AVENTINO

ne of the best dishes at Aventino, a RomanJewish-inspired Italian restaurant that opened in Bethesda in January, is a secret—diners have to ask for it. With the off-menu item, chef and co-owner Mike Friedman has managed to indulge three of my favorite pastimes—snacking, sipping and splurging—in one perfect starter for two. A 12-gram tin of Osetra caviar served on ice comes with two half-pours of Prosecco and cunning conveyances for the roe: three perfectly spherical, light-as-a-feather, golf ball-size potato buns (maritozzi) filled with whipped crème fraîche (think creamfilled Pac-men) and topped with chopped chives and a few droplets of olive oil. The $60 price tag makes it an extravagance to be sure, but on a special occasion it’s a delightful way to luxuriate and relax before looking at the menu. (I downed my Prosecco and moved on to a terrific Sicilian spritz made with Lambrusco and blood orange, thrilled to see underappreciated Lambrusco getting attention.) Postcaviar, I indulged in warm, roasted Campagna olives sprinkled with fennel seeds, coriander, pink peppercorns and rosemary, a welcome treat offered to all Aventino diners.

OThe look of the 4,000-square-foot, 135-seat bi-level restaurant, which is named for one of Rome’s seven hills, is the work of D.C.-based Grizform Design. To have the best vantage point of the goings-on, ask for the captain’s table just past the host stand; it affords a view below to the buzzy 50-seat bar outfitted with emerald-hued tile and gray marble, a tucked-away open kitchen and a dining room with tufted blue-velvet semicircular banquettes, marble tables and gold velvet and caned bistro side chairs.

Aventino (plus its adjacent 30-seat AP Pizza Shop) has been much anticipated, with the dual opening delayed for nearly a year due to construction and supply-chain issues. But good things have come to us who waited, not surprising given the experience that 42-year-old Friedman brings to the table. His RedStone Restaurant Group, which includes business partners Mike O’Malley, Colin McDonough and Gareth Croke, includes three D.C. restaurants: the Red Hen and two locations of All-Purpose Pizzeria. (Hence AP Pizza Shop’s name.) Friedman met O’Malley in 2004 when he bluffed his way into a cooking job at Mon Ami Gabi, where O’Malley was assistant manager, with little more experi-

Caviar on ice comes with crème fraîche-filled potato buns and two half-pours of Prosecco. Complimentary roasted olives are offered to diners.

ence than having worked in a deli in Westfield, New Jersey, the predominantly Italian suburb of New York City where he grew up.

Before starting his own company, Friedman, who lives in Olney, earned an associate degree in 2007 from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, then worked at several notable D.C. restaurants, including Zaytinya and Jaleo, both owned by José Andrés, and Proof and Estadio, both now closed.

Friedman’s sweetbreads, dredged in seasoned flour, fried like chicken and served with creamy tuna sauce and a celery root and apple remoulade, are sumptuously desirable in their velvety texture and subtle offal tang. Artichokes, halved lengthwise through the stem and trimmed of choke and tough outer leaves, are braised in white wine, anchovies and olive oil, roasted to order and topped with parsley sauce, toasted breadcrumbs and fresh mint. They are delectable but should be served with bread for sopping up the liquid gold.

Another appetizer not to be missed: suppli al telefono, meaning “telephone cords” and referring to the strings of melty mozzarella cheese that result when these crispy risotto fritters are pulled apart. “We also put chicken livers cooked with chicken stock in them as a nod to Rome’s offal tradition,” Friedman says. That boost of umami makes these nuggets otherworldly. I’m a mortadella fan, so I am thrilled with the gnoccho fritto—fried ribbons of yeast dough that serve as crackers for thin slices of luscious, upscale, bologna-like charcuterie larded with cubes of fat and made in-house. Its dried cherry mustard compote is a perfect complement to the richness.

The chef’s fondness for Italy began when he visited there in 2006 with his father. The trattorias of Rome impressed him, particularly those in Aventino, the area where Jews lived until the 1500s, when they were forced into a cramped ghetto until 1870. He pays homage on the menu to their cucina povera (literally “poor kitchen”), cooking made from the most economical ingredients, such as artichokes—too hard to clean and eat, so cast aside by highbrow Romans— and variety meats, the “undesirable” parts of the animal.

Many Aventino pastas are Roman classics—spaghetti-like tonnarelli cacio e pepe (with Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly ground black pepper); rigatoni carbonara; lumache (snail-shaped pasta) all’amatriciana (with tomatoes, Calabrian chiles and guanciale). All the pastas are homemade. Don’t miss the spaghetti and manila clams “diavolo,” bathed in white wine, olive oil, garlic and chiles and topped with toasted breadcrumbs laced with bottarga (cured mullet roe) and a dollop of neonata, a Sicilian hot sauce that Friedman makes with Fresno chilies, ginger, red vinegar, lemon juice and anchovies. Also divine are the cappelletti stuffed with ricotta cheese served atop sunchoke puree, bathed with a preserved white truffle butter sauce and sprinkled with sunchoke chips. (I would prefer the pasta rolled a little thinner.)

For entrees, lamb ribs rubbed with black pepper, fennel, coriander and chile flakes— crusty on the outside but fall-apart tender—are the star. Their honey vinegar glaze and pickled fennel accompaniment are perfect foils to add sweetness, acid and crunch to the tender lamb’s slight mustiness.

Presented skin-side-up, the pan-seared whole dorade (like branzino) is a stunner. When I lift the skin to start taking the fish apart, I discover it has been deboned already, its two perfectly cooked fillets reassembled to conceal the braised escarole with pine nuts and currants underneath. The sweetness of the fish and currants melds with the slight bitterness of the greens to strike a pleasing balance.

The Amalfi lemon float— vanilla gelato, lemon granita, kiwi, coconut gelee and juniper coriander soda

Chef and co-owner Mike Friedman in his new restaurant

Anne Specker, who worked at Michelin-starred Kinship and Métier restaurants in D.C. for seven years, is Aventino’s uber-talented pastry chef. Her Amalfi lemon float is a glass of vanilla gelato, lemon granita, fresh kiwi and cubes of coconut gelee that gets topped with juniper coriander soda tableside. It’s utterly chic and refreshing. Her almond panna cotta with orange mousse, candied kumquats, cara cara orange segments and honeycomb toffee tuiles is a refined and light way to end a meal.

Aventino is a smash hit, an already hard-to-get-into addition to the Bethesda dining scene. I do have some minor quibbles. They could use more soundproofing; the

din is deafening when the place is hopping, which is most of the time. The rimmed plates they offer as share plates are too small for much of anything other than being a nuisance. (Dinner plates for sharing, please!)

On my last visit to Aventino in February, a team of Secret Service people was doing advance work for a high-up government official’s visit. I won’t say who it was, but Friedman tells me he loved it and is looking forward to becoming an Aventino regular. I’d say he has excellent judgment.

4747 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda; 301-961-6450; aventinocucina.com

FAVORITE DISHES: Caviar and maritozzi; risotto fritters; wine-braised artichokes; gnoccho fritto; fried sweetbread with celery root; panzanella with trumpet mushrooms; cappelletti with sunchoke crema; spaghetti with clams; whole dorade with braised escarole; lamb ribs; Amalfi lemon float; almond panna cotta

PRICES: Appetizers: $10 to $20; Pastas: $19 to $26; Entrees: $45 to $48; Desserts: $9 to $14

LIBATIONS: Aventino’s dynamic libation list includes seven craft cocktails ($16), four spirit-free drinks ($12), three spritzes ($16) and six beers ($8 to $10), five of them draft. The wine list features 39 bottles: six sparkling ($56 to $170); one rose ($75); one orange ($70); 11 white ($58 to $125) and 20 red ($60 to $200). Ten wines by the glass (two sparkling, four white and four red) range from $14 to $17.

SERVICE: Top-notch

Aventino’s dining room

THE GROVE I

f anyone missed the cherry blossoms this year, head to The Grove—the cheerful 4,000-square-foot interior of the upscale Mediterranean restaurant is festooned with them. I’m a fan of Madrid-born chef Jose Lopez-Picazo’s cooking, starting with heavenly pan de cristal ($14), airy, toasted bread rubbed with garlic, slathered with grated peeled tomatoes, drizzled with Spanish Arbequina olive oil and sprinkled with Maldon salt. It comes with the “Gilda” pintxo (little snack)—a skewer of anchovies, piquillo pepper, pickled guindilla pepper, an olive and a cornichon—and a spoonful of sobrasada, a spread of raw, cured ground pork laced with Spanish paprika.

Lopez-Picazo adjusts his menu frequently, but appetizer favorites I sampled include warm poached oysters topped with hollandaise sauce and Osetra caviar ($28) and tuna tartare with avocado and soy yuzu dressing ($28). Among my preferred entrees are crispy-skinned duck breast with blood orange demi-glace ($44) and grilled halibut with asparagus and pearl onion confit ($38). Finish with cheesecake topped with apricot marmalade or a chocolate orb filled with tiramisu, both $11. Sommelier Julia Ollar will guide you through The Grove’s well-curated 34-bottle wine list.

11325 Seven Locks Road, Potomac; 240-386-8369; thegrovemd.com

Charcoal halibut with potato “scales,” calamari, cockle clams, cherry tomatoes, creamy yellow pepper sauce and lemon foam

Tuna tartare at The Grove

THE SALT LINE

udging by the crowds at The Salt Line, the seafood-centric restaurant is a prime example of the right thing in the right place at the right time. It’s the third—and first Montgomery County— location of Long Shot Hospitality’s concept, which offers reasonably priced, unfussy food in a pleasant, nautically themed environment with—praise be—plenty of soundproofing.

JThe 7,500-square-foot space seats 60 outside and 170 inside, including 24 at a bar with a buzzy scene, even during late-night happy hour that starts at 9:30 p.m. daily and offers half-price oysters, $10 cocktails and other specials. My favorite things at The Salt Line include an ice-cold martini made with blue cheese-infused vodka ($18); rockfish tartare dressed with coconut milk, fish sauce, Thai chiles, lime juice, pickled chiles and crispy fried shallots ($15); and bucatini with littleneck clams, pancetta, sweet red Jimmy Nardello peppers and garlic swathed in onion puree ($26). Tip: If the Nashville hot fried soft-shell crabs wind up on the menu again this summer and fall, order them.

7284 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 240-534-2894; thesaltline.com

Bucatini with littleneck clams, housemade pancetta and Jimmy Nardello peppers at The Salt Line

The Salt Line’s blue cheese martini

CHARLEY PRIME FOODS

n Charley Prime Foods, restaurateur Jackie Greenbaum had a smash hit on her hands from the moment she and coowners Gordon Banks and executive chef Adam Harvey opened the American gastropub. The 7,700-square-foot space seats 85 inside and 110 on its buzzing lakeside patio, half of which is covered by a 12-foot-high pergola outfitted with a louvered roof and retractable mesh screens. Heaters make the space usable year-round, but the place really runs on full cylinders in good weather.

IThe original menu was steak-centric and fancier than now. “It was hard to reconcile the summer patio, which is crazy, with the more formal dining room inside,” Greenbaum says. “So we’ve lightened the menu and added more raw bar items, dips and spreads, with more emphasis on seafood and sandwiches and less on steaks. We’ve got crabcakes, both sandwich and platter, three burgers and a shrimp roll now.” There is still a section devoted to steaks (steak frites, flat-iron, 12-ounce strip, 8-ounce filet mignon, ribeye), but Greenbaum notes that high-end beef prices fluctuate drastically weekly. “It’s very hard to manage and keep the quality and pricing stable,” she says. (Steaks range between $27.95 and $47.95.)

Charley Prime’s bar program makes it as much a drinking destination as a dining one. The 32-drink cocktail list is divided into intriguing categories: Crushes & Frozens & Margarita Remixes; Our Old-Fashioneds; Charley Classics & Classic Charley; Charley’s DMV Mules; and Totally Tiki. There are 14 wines offered by the glass and bottle, 11 beers and an extensive offering of non-alcoholic cocktails.

9811 Washingtonian Blvd. (Rio), L9, Gaithersburg; 240-477-7925; charleyprimefoods.com

The dining room at Charley Prime Foods. Inset: steak frites. Top right, from left: the Rum Runner (dark rum, Campari, pineapple and lime juices) and the Suffering Bastard (dry gin, bourbon, ginger-lemongrass syrup, soda and bitters)

New Nightlife: TURNCOAT SPEAKEASY

pen the blacked-out glass door of Turncoat, the speakeasy that is one of the 10 concepts at The Heights food hall in Chevy Chase, and step into an homage to the days—or rather nights—of the Prohibition era. The 400-squarefoot space features a decorative tin ceiling, a 14-seat bar with cushy stools, and a corner banquette in tufted black leather with low cocktail tables. Mugshots of bygone gangsters (Capone, Dillinger) adorn the walls. Behind the bar, a replica of a red Rock Creek Railway trolley car houses the liquor. The walls are crimson red, the lighting is low.

OOwner Common Plate Hospitality attributes the speakeasy’s name to a signal that train conductors used during Prohibition—turning their coats in a certain way—to indicate the availability of forbidden spirits. The company’s beverage director, Dan Marlowe, created 12 fun craft cocktails ($16 to $19), including the Rum-Runner (Luxardo Maraschino, simple syrup, espresso, rum), Billie Holiday (orange bitters, prickly pear syrup, rye, orange twist), Boot-Legger (chocolate and orange bitters, turbinado syrup, guanciale-infused Old Overholt rye, SmokeTop cherry wood smoke) and the Clawfoot Tub, a gin-based drink served in a mini clawfoot tub and topped with pineapple tonic foam to resemble suds. Twelve wines are available by the glass ($10 to $25) or bottle ($40 to $99), and four beers are offered ($7 to $15). A bar menu includes terrific duck fat fries ($14), sliders (beef or fried chicken for $17, lamb for $24), a lobster roll ($27) and mushroom wonton tacos ($14). For more on The Heights food hall, turn to page 104.

5406 Wisconsin Ave., Suite A, Chevy Chase; 240-800-3822; theturncoatbar.com

David Hagedorn is the restaurant critic for Bethesda Magazine.

Turncoat Speakeasy’s Clawfoot Tub cocktail. Opposite, from top: the Boot-Legger cocktail; Turncoat’s interior; bar food and cocktails

the food issue

ALSO RECENTLY OPENED

ala Bethesda

In March, restaurateur Deniz Gulluoglu, who lives in Cabin John, opened the second location of her D.C.-based Levantine restaurant ala in Bethesda, taking over the former Positano space.

4948 Fairmont Ave., Bethesda; ala-dc.com

COMING SOON

Bouboulina

Noted Montgomery County restaurateurs Ted Xenohristos, Dimitri Moshovitis, Ike Grigoropoulos and Brett Schulman, who co-founded Cava (see page 92), plan to open a steak and seafood restaurant in Pike & Rose at the end of the year.

11580 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda

Elena James

Danilo Simich and chef Colin McClimans expect to open Elena James, an all-day cafe, this summer in the Chevy Chase Lake development. The duo opened Nina May in Washington in 2019 and Opal in Chevy Chase, D.C., in 2022.

8551 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase; elenajamescc.com

Solaire Social

Solaire Social, a 10-vendor food hall that was slated to open in Silver Spring in 2023, is expected to be up and running this spring.

8200 Dixon Ave., Silver Spring; solairesocial.com

COURTESY MACK ORDAYA (TOP); JOHN RORAPAUGH (MIDDLE, BOTTOM)

MAKERS

LAN JIN OF JINLAN WENHUA DUMPLINGS WITH TRAYS OF HER HANDIWORK

ONE OF DINI’S DIVINE PIES (WILD BLUEBERRY) FRESH OUT OF THE OVEN

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Montgomery County, especially where food and drink products are concerned. Here are eight locals who took ideas and breathed life into them, some as full-time endeavors, some as side gigs, and all with passion.

DAVID HAGEDORN BY

MAKERS OF MOCO

PHOTOS BY SCOTT SUCHMAN

CLEAR SKIES MEADERY TURNS OUT FLAVORED HONEY-BASED CREATIONS.

GLENN MILANO FROM CHEVY CHASE PIZZA CO. MAKING HIS FAMOUS PEPPERONI PIZZAS

PHOTO BY SCOTT SUCHMAN

LAN JIN, JINLAN WENHUA DUMPLINGS

FOR POTOMAC RESIDENT LAN JIN, 50, teaching Chinese to children for the past 11 years at Bethesda’s Norwood School has been one way to introduce people to her native culture. Making and selling dumplings has become another.

“All Chinese people know how to make dumplings. It’s very social for us,” she explains. “I’d make and freeze them for friends and colleagues so they could make them at home, and teach my students how to make them for Chinese New Year.” They were such a hit that Jin started selling them as Jinlan Wenhua Dumplings (wenhua means “culture” in Mandarin) at the now-closed Central Farm Market in Falls Church in October 2020, and then at Bethesda Central Farm Market three months later. Now she’s at eight farmers markets, including Bethesda on Sundays and the Freshfarm market in Silver Spring on Saturdays. She produces the dumplings in a commercial kitchen in Gaithersburg, but will be moving the operation to White Flint Station in North Bethesda this summer, when she anticipates opening a 30-seat restaurant there called Jin Lan Dumplings. She plans to open another location in Georgetown in October.

On the market menu are varieties of frozen beef, pork, lamb, chicken, shrimp and vegetarian dumplings, such as pork and chive; pork and bok choy; chicken and cabbage; egg, shrimp and chives; and lamb and carrots. The dumplings are raw and come with directions for pan-frying and microwaving. All are $13 for eight dumplings, except for lamb dumplings, which are $15. Other items include Sichuan wontons ($15) and Shanghai scallion pancakes ($15).

Jin, who now only teaches part time, sources many ingredients from other farmers market vendors. She has 14 part-time workers, two drivers and four dumpling makers. “I like to give jobs to immigrants, especially mothers and grandmothers. A lot of Chinese grandmothers came here to help with their grandchildren; once the kids are grown, they have nothing to do at home,” she says. “Now they have something to do with their hands and a way to socialize.”

JINLANCOOKS.COM

CHRIS PEDROZA, THE KERNEL’S POP

I“NEVER THOUGHT I’D BE DOING POPCORN AS MY BUSINESS,” says Chris Pedroza, a Clarksburg resident who works in sales for GE HealthCare and dedicates his nights and weekends to The Kernel’s Pop, which he started in 2021 when the pandemic was in full swing. He was born and raised in Potomac, his family often touring battlefields and historical homes in the Maryland area, something the history maven continued into adulthood. During a visit to Gettysburg, he looked at the local businesses—restaurants and ice cream parlors—and wondered what was missing. Popcorn, he decided, and he coined the name The Kernel’s Pop, creating a backstory to go with it: a colonel who returned to his farm and realized he could shoot popcorn out of his retired cannons and create a delicious treat for the community.

In his research, Pedroza, 32, came across an old-fashioned way of making popcorn: popping the corn with no seasoning in a Dutch oven, then coating it with salted caramel and baking it for four hours. “Low and slow, like good barbecue,” he says. He used to make the popcorn at home, but recently moved the operation to a commercial kitchen in Frederick. The popcorn is available online and at Unwined Candles in Sykesville, Maryland, and Locally Crafted in Gaithersburg. Flavors include buttery caramel, caramel and cheddar, better cheddar, sweet and crabby (with Maryland crab seasoning) and scout mix (caramel, chocolate and toasted coconut). A 1-quart bag is $10.

Pedroza recently purchased a kettle corn maker, a truck and a trailer, and he sells kettle corn in addition to his other offerings at events such as the Locally Crafted Makers Market at Gaithersburg’s Rio on cer-

LAN JIN PINCHES A VEGETARIAN DUMPLING TO SEAL IT SHUT.

CHRIS PEDROZA HOLDING BAGS OF POPCORN FROM THE KERNEL’S POP

VOULA TRIPOLITSIOTIS, BLUE LACE CAKES

WHAT DO A BOLD BLACK AND RED NISSAN 350Z RACE CAR, sky blue Birkin bag resting on a signature orange Hermès gift box, and a giant pump kin with delicate green tendrils all have in common? They’re spectacular cakes created by Voula Tripolitsiotis, a custom cake artist who oper ates out of her Gaithersburg home.

Tripolitsiotis, 42, earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in sculpture from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore in 2002. Among the jobs she’s held was a five-year stint as a wedding photographer, which led her to discover cakes. “I never went to pas try school, but I baked my whole life. Like most artists, you jump from job to job until you find your path,” Tripolitsiotis says. In 2013, she took a job as a sugar artist at nowshuttered Amphora Restaurant in Vienna, Virginia, even though she had never so much as touched fon dant. She built a portfolio there for a year and half, then worked with cake bakers such as Creative Cakes in Silver Spring and Fancy Cakes by Leslie, a since-closed bakery in Bethesda.

In 2017, Tripolitsiotis struck out on her own, focusing on special-occasion cakes. “Every thing is made by my hands specifically for you,” she says. Cakes start at $325 for a single-tiered cake and $375 for multitiered. Wedding orders start at $650.

VOULA TRIPOLITSIOTIS CRAFTS A MODERN BLACK WEDDING CAKE WITH GREENERY (LEFT). BELOW IS ANOTHER OF HER CREATIONS, A STACKED CIRCLE CAKE.

MANISHA EIGNER, CLEAR SKIES MEADERY

IN DECEMBER 2018, MANISHA EIGNER, 55, burned out from a career in the pharmaceutical regulatory field, chose to go into business for herself. The Bethesdan teamed with Yancy Bodenstein, a longtime friend who had married Eigner’s best friend from graduate school, to open a store featuring mead. Bodenstein had been making the honey-based fermented libation, which historians generally consider to be the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage, at his Gaithersburg home since 2003. “Years ago, some of them tasted like Manischewitz [kosher wine], but over the years they greatly improved,” says Eigner, who decided the time was right to capitalize on a resurgence in meaderies.

With Eigner as the majority partner (Bodenstein is a National Institutes of Health chemist), they opened in the Kentlands in Gaithersburg in March 2020, just as the pandemic began. It was rough going, but thanks to a supportive community their 12-tap meadery caught on. “We were able to stay afloat by a thread,” Eigner says. In December 2022, they decamped to an 8,000-square-foot, 40-seat, 23-tap facility in Rockville. It’s the only meadery in Montgomery County.

Clear Skies’ mead is fermented in a twostep process before being aged for three to six months. ABV (alcohol by volume) is 7% or 13%. Flavored meads, most sold in 12-ounce cans ($5.56 or $3.50), include Meadarita (lime, salt, agave), Twisted Cherry, Violet’s Outburst (with notes of lilac and lavender) and Jolly Watermelon. Several Montgomery County retailers carry Clear Skies products, such as Dawson’s Market (Rockville), Downtown Crown Wine and Beer (Gaithersburg) and Old Town Market (Kensington). CLEARSKIESMEADERY.COM

PHOTO BY SCOTT SUCHMAN

MANISHA EIGNER INSIDE THE CELLAR WHERE MEAD IS FERMENTED AND STORED

GLENN MILANO, CHEVY CHASE PIZZA CO.

FOR GLENN MILANO, A SENIOR ADVISER in the U.S. Agency for International Development’s global health office, necessity was the mother of pizza. The 50-year-old Chevy Chase resident, a pizza fanatic since living in Rome during college, was unimpressed by the quality of pizzas available to his family during COVID-19—something he hadn’t noticed until spending so much time at home—so he set out to make his own. He immersed himself in pizza-making, acquiring a computer program to help develop and track every batch, and giving away pizzas to family and friends. That led, in late 2021, to the owner of Chevy Chase Farmers Market asking him to sell pizzas there after seeing an Instagram post about them. “Demand was through the roof,” Milano says. “I brought the ingredients and a Gozney pizza oven and sold out the first day.”

To become more efficient and consistent, Milano turned to making fully baked frozen 11-inch pies ($13.99) instead of fresh, relying only on high quality ingredients—such as 00 flour, San Marzano tomatoes and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese from Italy—to make four varieties: Margherita, pepperoni, mushroom and cacio e pepe.

When Milano introduced the frozen pies at the farmers market later in 2021 he quickly sold out of 100 of them. Now the pizzas are made at a commissary kitchen in Rockville. (For pizza aficionados: The dough is 65% hydration with a 72-hour ferment and baked at 900 degrees Fahrenheit in a brick oven.) Dawson’s Market in Rockville started carrying the frozen pizzas in January 2023; now they’re available in several stores, including Brookville Market (Chevy Chase) and Corner Market (Silver Spring).

CHEVYCHASEPIZZA.COM

ROBIN SNIDER, RUSTIC ROUTE COFFEE CO.

ROBIN SNIDER, 38, HAS BEEN DRAWN TO COFFEE CULTURE since she was in Poolesville High School. “A friend of mine worked at Starbucks and I’d watch her being a barista, making the coffees and talking to customers at the same time, and it made an impression on me,” she says. Snider earned a degree in hospitality and tourism from Virginia Tech in 2007, then worked various foodand beverage-related jobs (catering sales, event planning and restaurants) before settling on a career in marketing and fundraising for the Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences, a private school in upper Montgomery County.

A year before the pandemic, Snider decided to change careers and wound up at the Watershed Cafe in Poolesville, a farm-to-table restaurant in Montgomery County’s Ag Reserve where she got to be a barista. When the restaurant closed at the beginning of the pandemic, Snider’s entrepreneurial spirit kicked in. She bought a Behmor 1600 drum coffee roaster and started learning what goes into a great cup of coffee— where the beans come from, how climate affects them, how they’re roasted and for how long. She built out a two-story garage on her Barnesville property and Rustic Route Coffee Co. was born, specializing in small batch, fairly sourced, chemical-free coffee. It’s outfitted with an American-made Mill City roaster. “I went from a microwave-size one to one as tall as me,” she says.

Rustic uses eight different beans from five places: Colombia, Nicaragua, Brazil, Sumatra and Ethiopia. All are single origin, except for the espresso, which is a blend of Ethiopian and Nicaraguan beans. “The things you can change in the roasting affect the flavor—the heat and time, the amount of gas pressure, the speed of the drum. Airflow makes a difference because it creates more or less oil. No two beans are roasted the same,” Snider says. The coffee is $15.99 for a 12-ounce bag, available online (free shipping to Montgomery County) or at several retail stores, including Locally Crafted (Gaithersburg), Potomac French Market, Dawson’s Market (Rockville), Butler’s Orchard (Germantown) and Locals (Poolesville).

ROBIN SNIDER SMELLING RUSTIC ROUTE COFFEE CO. BEANS; A SELECTION OF THE COMPANY’S ROASTS (ABOVE)

PHOTOS BY CAITLIN BESTON

GLENN MILANO FLIPPING PIZZA DOUGH IN HIS COMMISSARY KITCHEN IN ROCKVILLE

AJAY MALGHAN, AHARA

AT AHARA’S 2,000-SQUARE-FOOT WAREHOUSE IN ROCKVILLE, enormous clusters of organic lion’s mane mushrooms resembling heads of cauliflower sprout from inoculated logs on multiple stacked shelving units. On other racks, antler reishi mushrooms—long brown protrusions tipped in white, like pussy willows—flourish. Both kinds of mushrooms, once fully grown (four to five weeks for lion’s mane; three to four months for reishi), are dried, pulverized into powder and turned into capsules ($24 for 60 capsules of 250 milligrams each). Lion’s mane powder is also available as chai mix, flavored with turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and cloves ($20 for 2.3 ounces), and cocoa mix ($16 for 4 ounces).

Rockville resident Ajay Malghan, 44, owns Ahara, a company he founded in 2022 with his father, Subhas Malghan, to create mushroom-based products as health supplements. Ajay says that nutrients in lion’s mane promote nerve, gut and brain health, and that reishi mushrooms are potential immune system boosters. “We call ourselves a mindful mushroom company,” Ajay says. “Ahara means ‘diet’ in Sanskrit. It’s an Ayurvedic tenet that everything is food and everything you consume should be nourishment that connects all the senses.” (The FDA, per its website, “advises consumers to talk to their doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional before deciding to purchase or use a dietary supplement. For example, some supplements might interact with medicines or other supplements.”)

AHARA SELLS LION’S MANE MUSHROOMS (TOP) AND REISHI MUSHROOMS (CENTER) IN CAPSULE FORM.

At 20, Ajay, an artist and photographer, was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia, undergoing chemotherapy and then, over the years, 16 surgeries for avascular necrosis caused, he says, by a bad reaction to prednisone. To alleviate crippling pain and debilitating mental health issues, including depression, he sought various palliative remedies. In 2018, a forager friend told him about lion’s mane mushrooms and Ajay threw himself into researching mushrooms and their potential healing properties. Now he credits mushrooms for his improved mental state. “It’s night and day compared to before,” he says.

DINI MCCULLOUGH

AMOZURRUTIA MAKING A STRAWBERRY CHOCOLATE CHIP CRUMBLE PIE (RIGHT) IN ROCKVILLE

DINI MCCULLOUGH AMOZURRUTIA,

SOMETIMES PASSIONS COME LATER IN LIFE RATHER THAN SOONER. Garrett Park resident Dini McCullough Amozurrutia, 55, figures that the key lime pie she made for her then-boyfriend’s birthday in October 2021 was only the second or third pie she’d ever made. This March, she opened Dini’s Divine Pies in Rockville, sharing space with Vignola Gourmet in Randolph Hills shopping center.

Her ex’s workmates and her friends started asking McCullough Amozurrutia to bake pies for them, and that became a nice side gig to her job as a legal aid attorney for Montgomery County. Soon she acquired a business license, rented space at a commercial kitchen and began selling pies at Rocklands Farm Winery and at various pops-ups, including one at MezeHub. Vignola Gourmet started carrying her key lime pie, which led to their collaboration.

McCullough Amozurrutia uses an all-butter crust for her extra flaky pies and empanadas. Nine-inch pies are $32 to $40; 6-inch pies are $16 to $18; empanadas are $5 to $8. Her Guinness chocolate cream pie with whipped cream spiked with Jameson’s has already become a signature. Others include mixed berry (with or without mezcal), sweet potato with curry spices, apple cardamom crumble, classic apple, cherry and Mexican chocolate. Empanada fillings include blueberry, strawberry (dipped in chocolate) and cherry with candied jalapeños.

CULTURE WATCH

An Imagination Stage Musical Hit!

IMAGINATION STAGE

MISS NELSON IS MISSING!

JUNE 20-AUGUST 10

Meet the fifth graders whose poor behavior drives away their sweet teacher, Miss Nelson. Her substitute, the dreaded Viola Swamp, is so strict that she motivates the kids to search for Miss Nelson and try to make amends. Best for ages 4+. Based on the book by Harry Allard

Illustrated by James Marshall. Book, music & lyrics by Joan Cushing. Directed by Janet Stanford Get Tickets on our website. www.imaginationstage.org

Dance with Us!

MARYLAND YOUTH BALLET

Train at one of the nation’s finest schools of classical ballet! Maryland Youth Ballet offers a comprehensive classical ballet training program for Children, Youth, and Pre-Professionals ages 2-18 as well as extension classes for teens in ballet and jazz.

TRAIN WITH THE BEST!

Train with experienced faculty, perform in professional full length productions and grow as a dancer in the performing arts. Some scholarships are available. Audition required for new students 8+.

Presenting Rumplestiltskin at Wolf Trap’s Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods July 26-28!

www.marylandyouthballet.org | (301) 608-2232

12th Annual Rockville Arts Festival VISARTS

SATURDAY, MAY 4, 10 AM-5 PM

SUNDAY, MAY 5, 10 AM-5 PM

Rain or Shine

East Middle Lane and Maryland Avenue in Rockville Town Square

Shop and stroll our vibrant outdoor festival and artisan market featuring original art by 130 fine artists, artisanal goods, a fun community art project, our second annual chalk art competition, art demonstrations, food trucks, craft beer, and wine.

Meet new and returning artists creating one-of-a-kind pieces in ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, glass, painting, photography, printmaking, wood, metal, mixed media, and fiber.

Spend the day with family and friends and pick up a unique work of art, fashion accessories, home and garden décor, furniture, natural bath and body products, handcrafted candy and nuts – and more! FREE www.visartscenter.org/rockville-arts-festival (301) 315-8200

+

at CultureSpotMC.com CultureSpotMC.com is a service of the Arts & Humanities of

Cassie Taggart, 2023 Award of Distinction

CULTURE WATCH

Sing Down The Moon: Appalachian Wonder Tales

ADVENTURE THEATRE MTC

APRIL 26 - MAY 26

Journey into the Appalachian Mountains in this award-winning musical that deftly weaves four fairy tales of Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and more plus original music into a keepsake quilt of mountain lore and wisdom for the whole family. This play with music incorporates singing, mountain dances, music, and puppets to create a highly theatrical storytelling style.

Recommended for all ages. Tickets are $25 each.

www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org (301) 634-2270

Bethesda Fine Arts Festival

SATURDAY, MAY 11, 10 AM – 6 PM

SUNDAY, MAY 12, 10 AM - 5 PM

PRESENTED BY THE BETHESDA URBAN PARTNERSHIP

Norfolk and Auburn Avenues in Bethesda, MD

The 19th annual Bethesda Fine Art Festival returns featuring more than 100 of the nation’s best contemporary artists, live entertainment and downtown Bethesda restaurants. Artists will sell their original paintings, drawing, photography, furniture, jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, glass and more. Admission is FREE and more information including the list of participating artists can be found on our website.

www.bethesda.org.

L’Éternel

NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC & THE WASHINGTON CHORUS

MAY 11, 7:30 PM AT THE MUSIC CENTER AT STRATHMORE

NatPhil and The Washington Chorus reunite under the baton of TWC Artistic Director Eugene Rogers for a program of choral works by Lili Boulanger, Igor Stravinsky, and Ludwig van Beethoven. Boulanger’s Psalm 24 paints a picture of the composer’s faith and immense talent, while Symphony of Psalms blends religious texts into Stravinsky’s unique musical vision. Beethoven’s Mass in C Major showcases his masterful understanding of the power of orchestra and chorale.

Tickets start at $19. All Kids. All Free. All the Time. www.nationalphilharmonic.org | (301) 581-5100

A CHORAL MASTERPIECE

MORE THAN 100 ARTISTS

The Magic of Dance

AKHMEDOVA BALLET ACADEMY (ABA) PRESENTS

“PETER AND THE WOLF/MAGICAL GARDEN/AVANT-GARDE”

JUNE 8, 3 PM & 7 PM AT MONTGOMERY COLLEGE

CULTURAL ARTS CENTER, SILVER SPRING

ABA presents the ballet premiere of the exciting story of the hungry wolf, the ill-fated duck, the fortunate cat, the fearless little bird, and brave Peter, who helps save his friends from the wolf’s jaws - and saves the wolf from the hunters’ guns. Each character in the story is represented by a melody played by a different instrument. The 3pm 1hour show is followed by a Q&A and photo shoot with the dancers. The 7pm 2 hours show also consists of classical, contemporary and character master pieces. Many of these creations have won awards nationally and internationally at ballet competitions and were applauded by many audiences.

Tickets: www.akhmedovaballet.org/showevents More info: Contact@AkhmedovaBallet.org www.akhmedovaballet.org | (301) 593-6262

CultureSpotMC.com

service of the Arts & Humanities of Montgomery County

Seeds of Change

Healthy eating and Black history inspired a Silver Spring man to launch The People’s Market

BY NEVIN MARTELL

PHOTOS BY LOUIS TINSLEY

It’

sa cloud-shrouded Friday morning in early October, but warm enough to feel more like summer than autumn. Dressed in a battleship-gray T-shirt, faded black jeans, a tan baseball cap pulled on tightly, and white Nike trainers that stand out against the rich brown dirt, Brandon Starkes, 35, walks through a long, open-ended hoop house, checking out neat rows of hot and sweet peppers, and trellis lines sporting Rubenesque, regally purple eggplants. He’s chatting with Gail Taylor, the owner of Three Part Harmony Farm, a 2-acre plot in

the food issue

Brandon Starkes (left), founder of The People’s Market, chats with Gail Taylor, owner of Three Part Harmony Farm.

Northeast D.C. pocketed between The Catholic University of America and Trinity University.

The two are discussing the produce Starkes will be picking up in the coming days. Whatever just-harvested greens and vegetables he receives will feature in his weekly deliveries to customers around the D.C. area through his startup venture The People’s Market, a riff on the CSA (community supported agriculture) model in which customers subscribe to a farm’s harvests for a set period of time. With a focus on supporting Black-owned farms, such as Three Part Harmony, the company offers weekly, biweekly and monthly subscriptions for a half box for $40 (which is ideal for two people for four or five meals) or a full box for $60 (best for four people for four or five meals), with the option to add other local products, including eggs; flowers; jams from Browntown Farms in Warfield, Virginia; and soaps from Root Down Cleansing in Silver Spring.

For Taylor, working with Starkes is a way to honor her labor and her crops. “To be able to hand over my products, that I put so much love and intention into, to this man, who I know is going to take care of it the way that I want it to be and get it to his customers fresh, that’s wonderful,” she says. “I really appreciate Brandon and everything he’s doing. It’s a perfect synergistic match.”

Though the two would love to chat more, Taylor has a long to-do list, and Starkes must get on the road to make a pickup at another one of his partners, Upper Marlboro’s OlaLekan Farm. Hopping into his black 2006 Toyota Highlander “with too many miles on it,” he sets off.

T“ I wonder ed what they could have become.

... I saw their vision, and I saw myself in their vision.”

Brandon Starkes, on honoring the legacy of the People’s Grocery murders in 1892

HIS FARM-TO-TABLE JOURNEY BEGAN IN THE EARLY DAYS OF LOCKDOWN AS THE PANDEMIC RAGED in the spring of 2020. Starkes found that he and his family were developing bad habits around food. They weren’t eating well, and he was gaining weight. When he went to the mainstream grocery stores near his home in northern Silver Spring in search of organic produce, so he could cook healthier fare, the vegetables and fruits looked wan and unappealing. There isn’t a Whole Foods or MOM’s Organic Market near his home, so Starkes began going farther afield to visit farmers markets, where he finally found a bounty of naturally cultivated, hyper-fresh, regionally grown produce. This discovery got him wondering. How could other people access vegetables, fruits, greens and herbs like this if they didn’t have an organic grocer nearby and couldn’t visit a farmers market due to scheduling conflicts, transportation obstacles or other issues?

Another thought process was unfurling on a parallel track. Starkes kept seeing Black farmers on his social media feeds, a

Vegetables from Three Part Harmony Farm, Owls Nest Farm and OlaLekan Farm fill Starkes’ car.

growing movement of younger entrepreneurs frankly discussing their operations, what they were growing, the challenges they faced. Some of the obstacles echoed long-standing issues Black farmers have been confronting since the Great Migration, which started early in the 20th century and spanned roughly six decades, during which about 6 million Black Americans left the South for Northern, Midwestern and Western states. “Sometimes the picture is painted that folks moved for a better opportunity,” says Starkes, who is Black. “But a lot of them were running from Jim Crow laws and spaces where people didn’t want them.”

This profound internal diaspora—coupled with limited access to capital due to discriminatory lending practices and structural racism—had a devastating impact on Black farmers. In 1920, roughly 1 million Black farmers worked the land, accounting for 14% of all farmers; in 2017, fewer than 50,000 farmers identified as Black or mixed race, a mere 1.4% of the total, according to the USDA.

In all this bleakness, Starkes saw an opportunity. He could support Black farmers by creating a market for their crops, while

also helping customers access locally sourced fresh seasonal produce. It would be a completely new career path for him, but he could lean into the relationship-building and organizing skills he honed while working as a community organizer in D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray’s administration and in local government for Prince George’s County, where he is still employed.

There was just one fundamental obstacle: He needed farmers, and he didn’t know a single one.

Starkes began cold-calling anyone and everyone. At first, farmers he managed to get on the phone were too busy, didn’t have time to talk, weren’t sure they wanted to work with a startup. And who was this guy that was calling? What was his story? Finally he got a green light from Botanical Bites & Provisions in Fredericksburg, Virginia—a two-hour drive if traffic was bad. It wasn’t ideal, but it was a starting point.

Thanks to persistence and a lot of time on the phone, he built a small, sturdy network that now includes roughly half a dozen farms from across the D.C. area. Though he focuses on supporting Black-owned operations, he sources from a diverse array of small farmers. “As long as these farmers care about the community, the soil that they work, and the work that they do, I’m willing to work with anyone,” he says.

When it came to naming his blossoming venture, Starkes wanted “something powerful that meant something.” He cast his thoughts back to the tragic story of the People’s Grocery, a Black-owned business and thriving community hub on the outskirts of Memphis, Tennessee. In 1892, a fight erupted outside the store between white and Black residents, including some of the staff. Confrontations with the police followed, and the shop’s owner and two employees were arrested. While they were in custody, a mob stormed the jail and lynched the three men, a horrifying act that sent shockwaves across the country.

To honor the legacy of those murdered, Starkes chose the moniker The People’s Market. “I named it after them because I wondered what they could have become,” he says. “What could they have created for their community and other communities? I saw their vision, and I saw myself in their vision.”

With a name and a business model, Starkes began making deliveries in June 2022. His weeks have a set, steady rhythm. On Fridays he picks up produce at farms. More is dropped off at a warehouse in Hyattsville, where on Saturdays he assembles the coming week’s offerings with a small team of apprentices from OurSpace, a local nonprofit focused on aiding systemically disadvantaged farmers and adjacent communities. Starkes and a few other drivers do up to 60 deliveries on Sundays in Montgomery County, D.C., and parts of Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia.

“ I’m just telling my story and other people’s stories in hopes that it connects for people.”

Brandon Starkes

WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT OLALEKAN FARM IN THE URBAN FARM INCUBATOR at Watkins Regional Park, the landscape goes wide-screen, revealing a sweeping spread surrounded by trees and dotted with wellmaintained garden plots, growing tunnels and small sheds. Farmer Tolu Igun is at a portable table flanked by two red plastic baskets packed tightly with freshly harvested ginger. Their conventional farmers garb—black overalls and a tan shirt—is offset by closely sheared lime-green hair, pink plastic bangles on one wrist, and gold hoop earrings catching the midday sun. Hose in one hand, a fistful of young ginger in the other, they run the water over the blushing twists of the aromatic rhizome, separate them into smaller clumps and snip off their leafy stems.

“You can make tea with the leaves,” they say as they set the clippings to the side and weigh the ginger. “And I was talking to someone who stir-fries the leaves.”

This is Igun’s first growing season, though their farm experience stretches back a decade, when they began learning about urban agriculture while living in Detroit. OlaLekan Farm honors their family’s Nigerian roots by growing crops of the African diaspora, including black-eyed peas, beans and okra, its mesmerizing pale yellow flowers with resplendent purple centers in full bloom in the sunshine.

It’s one thing to grow a crop; it’s another to sell it. Working with Starkes gives Igun a guaranteed market, which means guaranteed income. They might sell 1 or 2 pounds of this ginger to a customer at a market, but Starkes is here to pick up 15 pounds. After they finish bagging it all up— along with an extra bag they give Starkes to take home to his family—he films them on his phone, asking questions about the ginger and how to use it, so he can make videos for social media.

Starkes is a constant presence online, posting clips soundtracked to R&B and hip-hop and packed with info on what’s in that week’s delivery and how to use it;

Igun,

Starkes.

footage of farm visits and farmer spotlights; and insights into his work. His videos glow with earnestness and infectious positivity, conscientious counterprogramming to all the negativity online. “There are folks who say Black businesses have this challenge and that challenge—and those things are real,” he says. “But at the same time, there’s a lot of us who just have our noses to the ground and we’re working hard. I want to show that it’s not all about the trauma that we’ve experienced, though that’s real, too. I’m not trying to re-create the narrative, because I don’t really have the energy or time for that. I’m just telling my story and other people’s stories in hopes that it connects for people.”

His posts and the reactions they garner also help him get to know his customers better, giving him a peek into their lives. Sometimes if he sees someone is celebrating a birthday, he’ll include a note in their delivery box, or if someone has lost a family member, he may slip in a bouquet of flowers.

BUMPING DOWN A MAZE OF WINDING DIRT ROADS THROUGH FORESTED AREAS AND ALONGSIDE PASTURES, Starkes makes his way to Owl’s Nest Farm in Upper Marlboro, the last stop of the day. Pulling up to a clearing next to a collection of sheds and covered wall-less work areas where produce is being cleaned, sorted and packed up, he greets owner-operator Elizabeth Whitehurst with a hug. Later he says, “A lot of these farmers have turned into friends, which is special.”

The two walk to the nearby fields to see what’s on the verge of being harvested. There are neat rows of greens with leaves fully parted to catch the sun, bushes ornamented with snack-size sweet peppers, and long mounded lines of dirt hiding a crop of sweet potatoes. Over the course of the year, roughly 50 different vegetables and fruits will come out of these 6 acres. “We really want to grow a wide variety of things, because people don’t want turnips every week,” says Whitehurst, who is white.

When the tour is over, Starkes returns to his Highlander, pops open the hatch, and begins filling the rear with racks full of just-harvested kale, collard greens, shishito peppers and Tokyo Bekana cabbage. “It’s like a cross between lettuce and bok choy,” he says, explaining the cabbage. “It’s tender like lettuce, but it has a little bit of a bitter kick at the end like bok choy.”

Ensuring that everything is arranged snugly and safely, he closes the hatch and bids Whitehurst a warm goodbye. Then he’s back behind the wheel. Tomorrow he will be packing boxes, and Sunday will find him on the road again to make deliveries, all part of the cyclical rhythm of The People’s Market.

Nevin Martell is a full-time freelance writer based in Silver Spring whose work regularly appears in The Washington Post, The Boston Globe and The Daily Beast.

Tolu

owner of OlaLekan Farm in Prince George’s County, bags baby ginger alongside

CAVA IS TAKING

THE ALMOST UNBELIEVABLE STORY OF HOW THE RESTAURANT CHAIN WENT FROM BETHESDA ROW TO THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE BY

NEVIN MARTELL

PHOTO BY LAURA MURRAY

From left: Founders Ike Grigoropoulos, Brett Schulman, Ted Xenohristos and Dimitri Moshovitis

OVER THE WORLD

Touring Cava’s new 21,000-square-foot headquarters in Northwest D.C.’s City Ridge development feels like walking the line at one of the booming Mediterranean fastcasual concept’s restaurants. Each room is named for an elemental ingredient in building a bowl, including tzatziki, hummus, avocado, coriander, dill, paprika, harissa, chickpea—and Crazy Feta, of course.

Featuring a full kitchen where new ingredients and dishes-in-progress are tested, the buzzy operation consumes a whole floor and is home to roughly 60 employees, a fraction of the more than 8,700 people now working for the publicly traded company valued at more than $6 billion with 328 restaurants spread across 24 states and D.C.

It can be hard to believe that Cava’s first location only opened on Bethesda Row in 2011, the brainchild of its four co-founders: CEO Brett Schulman, now 52, chief concept officer Ted Xenohristos, 45, director of culinary excellence Ike Grigoropoulos, 43, and Dimitri Moshovitis, 44, executive chef for the fullservice restaurant group. That group includes two locations of Cava Mezze, Melina, Julii and the forthcoming Bouboulina, a Greek-influenced American steakhouse in North Bethesda’s Pike & Rose.

The meteoric rise of Cava is one of the brightest stories to ever come out of the DMV’s restaurant scene, but its success was never a forgone conclusion. Talking to the four co-founders today, there’s still a sense of disbelief that their path has taken them to where they are.

THE STORY OF CAVA BEGINS WHEN Ted, Ike and Dimitri were tweens, all growing up in Montgomery County as children of Greek immigrants. Though they went to separate high schools, the boys bonded while playing in a Greek basketball league.

They all loved the cuisine their families made— a shared heritage that helped bind them, even as it

separated them from non-Greek classmates. “We didn’t eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch, we brought in spanakopita,” Ted says.

Dimitri was particularly entranced by food, spending hours in the kitchen watching his mother cook everything from braised short rib atop bucatini with a snowfall of grated mizithra cheese to lemony chickenpowered avgolemono soup. At the end of his freshman year of high school, he dropped out to pursue a culinary career. “My parents weren’t happy,” he says. “I was a first-generation American. They wanted something prominent—a doctor or lawyer—not a cook.”

Meanwhile, Ted and Ike attended college, though neither graduated. They ended up back in Montgomery County, working as servers at Olazzo, Bethesda’s beloved red sauce spot. It was a formative experience for both; Ike assisted with keeping the books, putting his unfinished accounting studies to use, while Ted worked the front of the house.

As luck would have it, Dimitri bought Tel Aviv Café, a casual Mediterranean joint just around the corner. When Ted and Ike had a break, they’d pop over to grab a coffee so the three friends could talk about their wildest dream: owning a restaurant together.

After Tel Aviv closed, a former vendor told Dimitri about a space that once was home to a Russian bakery in Rockville’s Traville Village Center, a potential site for the friends’ restaurant. The plaza where it was located was littered with empty storefronts, the space needed major renovations and they had no money.

From left: co-founders Moshovitis, Grigoropoulos and Xenohristos in 2014

“WE [WERE] GOING ON NO SLEEP, WONDERING WHAT WE ARE DOING WITH OUR LIVES.”

—TedXenohristos

Despite the odds, they decided to go for it, maxing out a few credit cards to cover the build-out.

The trio ultimately decided to do mezze-style modern Mediterranean cuisine as a celebration of their roots. Dimitri chose to eschew well-known dishes such as spanakopita, moussaka and pastizzi. “All that stuff is awesome, and I love eating it, but that’s not all Greek cuisine is,” Dimitri says. Instead, he developed a forward-thinking menu featuring grilled whole fish served with the head on, baby lamb chops meant to be eaten by hand, and a skillet of lemon and ouzo-accented saganaki cheese that would be set alight tableside.

The space felt like a wine cave, so they covered the windows to emphasize its dusky, cozy atmosphere. Looking for a short, pronounceable name, they dubbed their fledgling startup Cava Mezze, the former a term for wine cellar or specialty wine store in Greece. It opened the Tuesday before Thanksgiving in 2006 with Ike behind the bar, Ted waiting tables and managing, and Dimitri in charge of the tiny kitchen, backed up by a single cook and a dishwasher.

The first few months were a blur, but two things quickly became clear: The restaurant was hugely popular—often requiring a two-hour wait—but it wasn’t making any money. Taking a break from behind the bar, Ike took a few days to analyze their finances. He realized their food and labor costs were through the roof. The first-time restaurateurs adjusted but were soon faced with a new challenge. Diners often would ask for to-go orders of the restaurant’s dips and spreads: hummus and spicy hummus, tzatziki, Crazy Feta punctuated with jalapeño peppers, and what many simply called “that red stuff” because they weren’t familiar with harissa, the fiery red chile paste that became one of Cava’s signature items.

A customer suggested they package and sell the dips and spreads in local Roots Market; he could help them get stocked. So after closing and cleaning up for the night, the friends would form a primitive production line. Dimitri made batches in the kitchen, then brought tubs of them out to the bar. There, Ted and Ike would scoop the contents into containers, put on lids and plastic rings, and use a blow-dryer to seal them. They would do deliveries early the next day, transporting the dips in the back of Ted’s car. “Tempers would flare,” Ted remembers. “We [were] going on no sleep,

wondering what we are doing with our lives.”

The learning curve for the new business was steep. Deliveries were late. A fair number of dips and spreads spoiled. The production process at the restaurant was unsustainable. Once again, they were confronted with the problem of having created something popular that they were unable to monetize properly.

Fortuitously, Ted’s cousin Christina Hall introduced

PHOTOS BY LAURA MURRAY

The interior and storefront of Cava’s Bethesda Row location

them to Brett Schulman, chief operating officer of Snikiddy Snacks, a successful local natural snack food company that was founded by his wife and motherin-law. “We hit it off quickly,” Ike says. “Sometimes you meet people and it just feels right.”

Brett came on as a consultant, quickly stabilizing the dips and spreads business. Concurrently, the three friends were talking about opening a second Cava Mezze in D.C. They found a location on Capitol Hill and obtained a loan. But in the middle of building out the space, the Great Recession hit. As the economy cratered, the bank pulled their loan. Ted and Ike had to sell their condos and move back in with their parents.

Out of the blue, the guys caught a lucky break. While catering an event at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George in Bethesda, Ted bought a couple of raffle tickets. He wound up winning a Jeep Wrangler. He drove it straight to the dealership and sold it for $21,000, money they used to finish the second restaurant, which opened in 2009. It was an immediate hit, scoring rave reviews, its reservation book

always packed, and helping the three friends earn the Restaurateurs of the Year award from Washingtonian

As the restaurants prospered and the dips and spreads business flourished, Ted, Ike and Dimitri felt Brett could play an even bigger role in their expanding empire. In March 2010, they offered to make him their fourth partner in all their ventures. At first, Brett demurred, telling them, “Giving away 25% of your company is not a good deal for you.”

“Right then and there,” Ted says, “I knew that not only was he really smart and had the business acumen, but he was also a good person.”

Brett asked for a night to consider the offer. It seemed like it would be a good fit. “Everyone had complementary skills,” Brett says. “Dimitri with the food, Ike with operations and finance, Ted with concept and brand, and I brought the business side of it.”

But he still wasn’t sure. That evening, he and his wife dined at the new Cava Mezze on Barracks Row. He was impressed with the diversity of the clientele, the happiness of the employees, and the energy of the enterprise. “And I loved how good I felt after I ate,” he says.

PHOTOS BY LAURA MURRAY, SCOTT SEMLER, LAURA

Cava’s menu items include the Greens+Grains Bowl (above) and Greek Chicken Pita (right).

“I didn’t feel gut-bombed; I felt satisfied.”

He was in.

BRETT AND HIS FAMILY OFTEN ATE FASTCASUAL, but he found himself yearning for healthier dining choices in a market littered with burger and pizza options. He had a lightbulb moment: Why not transform Cava Mezze’s Mediterranean cuisine into a fast-casual concept? “This food needs to be unleashed to a larger audience,” he remembers thinking.

To test the idea, the four partners gathered at the Rockville restaurant in June 2010. Dimitri put together a bowl with salad greens, a few dips, chicken souvlaki, tomatoes, onions and a few other things. Everyone loved it and could see the potential, but knew they didn’t have the resources to make it a reality.

They started reaching out to family members, friends, customers—anyone who could be a potential investor. In between lunch and dinner service at the original Cava Mezze, they hosted presentations, running through the concept and the numbers, showing off sketches of the interior from designer Peter Hapstak, and offering a taste of the food. “We pitched it as the Greek Chipotle,” Ted says.

It took three months, but they raised $2.6 million for three initial locations of Cava Mezze Grill. (The name was later shortened to Cava Grill before simply becoming Cava.)

The inaugural location opened on Jan. 18, 2011, on Bethesda Row, the co-founders drawn to the surrounding area’s mix of residential and office space.

It didn’t look like what most Americans expect of a Greek restaurant. There was no blue and white color scheme, the logo instead embracing a black, yellow and white palette. Rather than a sprawling space punctuated with statues of Greek goddesses and amphoras, the slender 1,800-square-foot eatery hewed minimalist industrial with wood tables, black stools, and light fixtures created from grappa bottles.

As they walked the line, diners chose from a base of pita, mini pitas, basmati rice, or romaine lettuce, then had the opportunity to add dips and spreads, proteins—including marinated lamb, Greek sausage flavored with leeks and fennel seed, falafel and grilled chicken—and a flurry of toppings, such as feta, cabbage slaw and tomato-onion salad.

The debut made a splash, garnering positive press as the restaurant began to build a following. But the startup wasn’t making money. Running a fast-casual concept was vastly different than running a fullservice restaurant. It felt like the hurdles they faced at the first Cava Mezze and with the dips and spreads business were happening all over again.

Despite the growing pains, they opened a second location in Tysons Corner Center in Virginia a year later in March 2012. It was “disastrous,” as Ted puts it, but for a different reason: People just weren’t coming to dine in their corner of the mall. Hoping to entice folks, the team put flyers on cars in the parking lot, playing a cat and mouse game with security, who would chase them away. A few weeks after opening, they decided to introduce themselves more formally to their new neighbors by giving away free meals while encouraging diners to donate to a nonprofit focused on food insecurity. The first Community Day was a huge hit, creating much-needed buzz and birthing a tradition that continues to this day with the opening of each new location. In the weeks that followed, they had to set up stanchions to control the long lines.

Behind the scenes, though, the outlook remained dour. “It still wasn’t going well businesswise, but we could see that people loved the food,” Ted says.

They pressed on, powered by a belief in their food and the concept.

In July 2012, the third Cava opened in D.C.’s Columbia Heights; the fourth debuted in the District’s Tenleytown that fall. The turning point came with the opening of the fifth Cava in Virginia’s Mosaic District early in 2013. On Community Day, guests waited in line for two hours to receive a free meal. “It opened big, and the other locations started taking off,” Brett says.

That autumn, they did another round of fundraising from family and friends, even as big-name outside investors began inquiring about becoming a part of Cava’s growth. “That was the moment we realized we had something, and we had to do everything we could to not screw it up,” Ike says.

Locations in D.C.’s Chinatown, Bethesda’s Westfield Montgomery mall and Gaithersburg’s Kentlands debuted in 2014. Bigger still, Cava was expanding outside the D.C. area—across the country to California. Ted moved to the Golden State to oversee the building of the commissary kitchen that would service a series of new restaurants (the first opened in Topanga, a suburb of Los Angeles, in October 2015).

As 2015 dawned, all four co-founders could feel

Cava’s four founders at the Topanga location in Woodland Hills, California, in 2015. It was Cava’s first location on the West Coast.

Cava was gaining unstoppable momentum. “It felt like the wave was building behind us,” Brett says. “We felt the need to jump on our surfboard and surf it, or we’re gonna get crushed by it.”

They began having more serious discussions with outside investors, raising $16 million in an April deal. Six months later, they raised an additional $40 million to further accelerate Cava’s growth.

The extra capital was necessary due to Cava’s business model. Rather than franchising, they have sole ownership of their locations, a format borrowed from Chipotle. “It came out of our passion for brand control,” Brett says. “We knew it was going to be more capital intensive, but we wanted to put forward a premium brand and a premium product.”

For the next two years, Brett toured the country, looking at potential locations for Cava expansion, including in Richmond, Virginia; Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina; Boston; and Dallas and Austin, Texas. During this process, Cava opened in New York City near Union Square in August 2016. More investments poured in. The dips and spreads business was off the charts; they’re now available in Whole Foods and at other grocers across the country.

Cava was becoming a major player.

There were, however, other Mediterranean fastcasual concepts vying for diners’ attention, most notably Zoës Kitchen, though it was struggling financially.

The idea was floated that Cava could buy them. Price tag: $300 million. Despite the fact that Zoës Kitchen’s year-to-year sales were down, and they had considerable debt, their portfolio of 258 locations across 20 states was irresistible. Plus, Cava would be sidelining a major competitor.

The deal closed the day before Thanksgiving in 2018. Overnight, Cava went from owning 70

“I’M A HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUT AND A SECOND-GENERATION GREEK WHO WORKED IN KITCHENS HIS WHOLE LIFE. AND NOW WE’RE ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE.”

—Dimitri Moshovitis

restaurants to owning 328 spread across 23 states and Washington, D.C., making it the largest restaurant operator in the Mediterranean genre.

The Cava team’s joy was short-lived. Zoës was in even worse financial shape than they understood. “I called my wife and said, ‘Oh, my God, what did I just do?’ ” Brett says. “Ten years of great hard work and I just made one critical decision that could undermine this entire business.”

They spent the next year stabilizing Zöes Kitchen and began converting those sites into Cava locations. It was a fraught process. “I used to have black hair preZoës,” Brett jokes. “Now I have gray hair.”

But their hard work was paying off. Everyone was feeling better. It was going to be smoother sailing in 2020.

THEN THE PANDEMIC STRUCK. However, it turned out Cava was surprisingly well prepared for the dark days ahead.

“After being punched in the face for the first six or seven weeks, and feeling like the sky was falling, we quickly realized a lot of the investments we had made prior to the pandemic were going to pay off,” Brett says, pointing to their ability to quickly pivot by ramping up delivery, curbside pickup and contactless ordering, as well as their numerous locations in suburbs and the Sunbelt, to which many people decamped during the lockdown.

In April 2021, Cava received another $190 million in financing to help the company expand even further. Revenue that year was $500 million, and it rose to $564 million in 2022. It’s safe to say that’s literally tons of Crazy Feta, harissa honey chicken and skhug sold.

In February 2023, Cava announced that the com-

The founders at the New York Stock Exchange for Cava’s June 2023 initial public offering

pany would be going public late that spring. “Based on feedback and our trajectory, we felt we were ready to be a public company,” Brett says. “Even in our early days, people were asking us if they could buy stock in Cava.”

The night before the initial public offering (IPO), Dimitri and his family walked past the New York Stock Exchange, its facade sporting gigantic yellow and black banners with the Cava logo and the slogan, “Welcome to our table.” His mother began crying, setting off a torrent of tears that swept through the group. “I’m a high school dropout and a second-generation Greek who worked in kitchens his whole life,” Dimitri says. “And now we’re on the stock exchange.”

The next morning, June 15, 2023, the four co-founders gathered at the New York Stock Exchange in lower Manhattan. At 9:30 a.m., surrounded by the other three co-founders, Brett rang the morning bell, signaling the start of trading. CAVA, the company’s official ticker symbol, was on the market.

“I kept asking myself, Is this really happening?” Ike says. “Looking back, I feel like I was floating in la-la land. It was very surreal.”

By the end of the day, the stock had nearly doubled in price, raising $318 million for the company. It was one of the biggest first-day gains in nearly two years, smashing many predictions.

IT’S BEEN 13 YEARS SINCE THE FIRST CAVA OPENED. Through the ups and downs, the bedrock friendship of the co-founders has endured. “No one has a big head here,” Ted says. “No one’s trying to be the man. Everybody views it as still a partnership. We have always had such an absolute trust in each other, and we have that same trust today.”

The debut location in Bethesda still plays a pivotal role, serving as a testing ground for fresh ideas. Guests can try menu items in development, including baklava-flavored oat milk-tahini shakes, and get a peek at the restaurant’s new, airier Mediterranean-inspired redesign.

Cava continues to add new locations, including its first in Chicago this spring, a foray into the Midwest. According to the company’s IPO filing, the aim is to have more than 1,000 locations in the U.S. by 2032. “It feels like we’ve been working on this thing for our entire lives,” Ike says. “But the crazy thing is, we’re just getting started.”

Building or Renovating? Keep These Provisions In Mind

Building a new home or renovating your current one is a significant investment, especially considering factors like rising material costs, shifts in the labor market, long lead times, and other impacts of the current economic climate that continue to push up the average cost of construction or renovation. With the stakes higher than ever, your project requires careful planning and consideration. It is crucial to select the right contractor and architect, define the scope of work, and establish specifications and timelines to protect yourself and ensure your dream home becomes a reality. The construction contract plays a critical role, detailing your project’s specifics and outlining the expectations and responsibilities of both the contractor and homeowner.

Here are some of the key factors to consider when negotiating a construction contract.

• Establish a clear timeline for the start and substantial completion of construction. Consider including incentives for timely completion and liquidated damages for delays. Liquidated damages represent the daily cost for projects that exceed the contract completion date.

• Specify the materials, fixtures, finishes, and color selections you desire. Address what will happen if a particular item is unavailable or delayed.

• Clearly outline the total contract price, any required deposit, percentage for overhead and administrative fees, the amount and timing of progress payments, procedures for change orders, and terms for final payment.

• Define the warranty provided by the contractor, including coverage and duration.

• Include an indemnification clause where the contractor agrees to indemnify and hold the homeowner harmless from losses due to the contractor’s negligence or work on the property.

• Incorporate a termination clause for situations where the contractor breaches or defaults on the contract.

• Add a provision for attorneys’ fees in case of contract disputes, and specify the governing law, venue, and jurisdiction for resolving any contract-related disputes.

successful business

management, operation, and succession.

Vegans (and all lovers of delicious fresh food), rejoice: In January, a second plant-based restaurant opened for business in Bethesda. Joining the already heralded Planta is Rooted3, an eatery and market run by Chevy Chase residents Molly Gibson and Melissa Peppe. Embracing the motto that “good food = good mood,” Rooted3’s totally plantbased menu is free of nine top allergens, say Gibson and Peppe: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, crustacean shellfish, wheat, soybeans and sesame. Gibson, a trained chef, and Peppe use 100% organic whole foods, often sourced from the Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative, and serve the fare in compostable containers. From 7 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends, customers can order gut-friendly smoothies, gluten-free pancakes and protein waffles at the counter before sitting inside the beachy botanical-inspired cafe or in the outdoor courtyard. For lunch or dinner, try a handcrafted bowl, such as the umami shroom version with arugula and herby brown basmati rice topped with fritters, roasted broccoli and beets, crunchy pepitas, crispy onions, citrus pickled cabbage and red onion drizzled with a roasted garlic dressing. Air-fried sides, housemade spritzers and organic cocktails are also available. Looking to stock up on healthy foods? Gibson shelves a curated selection of her favorite allergen-free snacks and gluten-free breads. She also plans to serve housemade items, including seasonal salads and chia seed pudding, via a graband-go this spring.

4916 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, rooted3.com

BY JACQUELINE MENDELSOHN

Clear Skies Ahead

COMINGS & GOINGS

Super Bowl Noodle House closed its Rockville location in April.

The Clarks Lodge Bar & Grill, offering a variety of pasta, seafood and steaks, opened its doors in Clarksburg in April.

The restaurateurs behind the Levantine restaurant ala in Dupont Circle unveiled a second location in Bethesda in March.

RESTAURANT DISCOVERY

Cielo Rojo, a fine-casual Mexican restaurant previously at 7056 Carroll Ave., owned and operated by Bethesda native Carolina McCandless and her husband, David Perez, reopened in a new location on the same street in January. The move expanded the restaurant’s capacity from 40 to more than 120 guests in addition to a private dining room, a 13-seat bar and a 40-seat seasonal patio. McCandless, who oversees operations, and Perez, the executive chef, fell in love with the former Austin-Healey showroom’s expansive windows, which let in abundant natural light. Custom millwork, crafted almost entirely by McCandless’ father, complements the Mexican art and minimalist lighting. Longtime fans have been pleased to find that Perez has carried over several of the former location’s beloved dishes, such as pozole rojo, a red chiles-based hominy stew garnished with chicken, avocado and herbs; quesa birria, a trio of mini quesadillas filled with braised grass-fed short ribs; and a wide selection of heirloom corn tacos filled with ingredients ranging from slow-cooked pork to tequila-infused cremini mushrooms. New menu items include an array of shareable plates, as well as chicken enchiladas topped with a trio of housemade mole sauces. Cielo Rojo is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday, with brunch available on weekends. Stay tuned for tequila, mezcal and Mexican wine tastings this summer.

7211 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, cielo-rojo.com

Pinch of Wisdom

“Don’t be shy on the seasoning! A pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon, a few drops of good olive oil and lots of fresh chopped herbs go a long way to making a boring dish much more delicious.”

—MATT ADLER, CHEF AND PARTNER AT CARUSO’S GROCERY IN NORTH BETHESDA

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, a national chain serving Maine lobster, is scheduled to open an outpost at Rio in Gaithersburg this spring.

Cielo Rojo’s sunny interior

FROM LEFT: PHOTO BY CAMERON WHITMAN; PHOTO BY SCOTT SUCHMAN; PHOTO BY DEB LINDSEY

Nothing compares to what’s next.

Indonesian Zing

“I LOVE LIME LEAVES. EVERYTHING HERE IS MADE WITH THEM.” —ARTHARINI, CHEF & OWNER OF THE RESTAURANT ARTHA RINI

The first bite of chicken satay explodes with flavor at Artha Rini, an Indonesian restaurant in Kensington opened in August by the chef and owner Artharini, who goes by one name. Artharini marinates the skewers overnight with a sweet and sour sauce flavored with ginger-like galangal, white pepper, garlic, onions, mushroom powder and lime leaf. She serves the grilled skewers with a sauce of ground fried peanuts cooked with brown sugar, chiles, garlic and lime leaves ($13). “I love lime leaves,” she says. “Everything here is made with them.” That explains the fragrant, citrusy tang to so many of the dishes at Artha Rini.

Artharini is Javanese. She immigrated to the United States in 2004 when her husband, Wirawan Ismudjatmiko, took a job at the Embassy of Burkina Faso, and they settled in Silver Spring. He later wound up at the Algerian Embassy, leaving that position to help his wife—he waits tables at the 24-seat restaurant while she prepares meals in its open kitchen.

When she was a child in Semarang, Indonesia, Artharini’s family ran a catering business, and her grandmother sold gudeg (jackfruit stew) in a food stall. Artharini was drawn to

the kitchen early on, even winning a cooking competition in high school. She parlayed her home cooking skills into professional ones in Silver Spring when a client at her sister-in-law’s day care heard of her prowess and ordered some food. Word of Artharini’s talent spread in the Indonesian community, and she found herself cooking for several people who worked at the International Monetary Fund. That led to gigs for the Indonesian Embassy, making it necessary for Artharini to find commercial cooking space, which she did elsewhere in the

A rice platter with spiced egg, chicken, beef rendang and jackfruit curry

Owner Artharini and her husband, Wirawan Ismudjatmiko, in the restaurant kitchen

commercial strip where Artha Rini is located now. When that landlord offered to rent her the brick-and-mortar spot she is currently in, she leapt at the opportunity, decorating the small space with a collection of Indonesian clay cooking pots, wayang golek (doll puppets) and an intricate Balinese wooden statue depicting the birdlike Hindu deity Garuda.

The flavor nexus of many of the all-halal dishes at Artha Rini are white or red spice pastes called bumbu, whose base is onions, garlic and candlenuts. (Red bumbu has red chile peppers and paprika in it.) Highlights are mendoan (batter-fried tempeh, $3 per slice); rawon (beef soup made with coconut milk, galangal, lime leaves, tomatoes, onions, celery and a salted hard-boiled egg) served with cassava chips, rice and a potato fritter ($16); and nasi padang, steamed rice platters offered with one to four tastings of Indonesian specialties: braised beef in spicy red curry sauce (rendang), jackfruit curry, egg in red bumbu, and grilled chicken ($9 to $18). It’s an excellent way to tour Indonesia in one meal.

—David Hagedorn

ARTHA RINI, 10562 Metropolitan Ave., Kensington; 240-5057203; artharini.com

Chirashi sashimi at Doki Doki. Opposite top: short rib lo mein at Sky Lantern. Opposite bottom: soft-serve at Mimi’s Handmade Ice Cream

Reaching New Heights

The Heights, a 10,000-square-foot Chevy Chase food hall that opened at Wisconsin Place in December, was curated by Alexandria, Virginia-based Common Plate Hospitality (CPH).

The hall’s 10 concepts feature notables of the DMV restaurant world, newcomers, and CPH establishments, such as Urbano (a full-service Mexican restaurant), This Deli of Ours and Turncoat Speakeasy (see page 72 for more on that). There is seating for 84 inside and 78 on a spacious patio.

In 2022, CPH’s chef and co-founder Chad Sparrow held a competition called Stall Wars, the winner of which would receive a built-out stall where they would have a one-year lease (renewable) and pay a percentage of sales as rent. Two entrants were so outstanding that both were granted stalls: Saoco and Sky Lantern.

We toured the food hall and discovered five dishes we love.

THE CUBANO SANDWICH AT SAOCO ($15)

In addition to being the chef and owner of Saoco, a Miami-style Cuban cafe, Colombian-born Dario Arana-Rojas, is a salsa dancer.

“Saoco is the swagger you feel, the happiness that embraces you when salsa dancing,” he says. That’s also the feeling you get when eating what we consider the best Cuban sandwich we’ve ever had. Arana-Rojas marinates Boston butt with sour orange, tons of garlic and a cumin-based spice mix for 48 hours, slow-roasts it for 16 hours and shreds it. The pork is layered with shaved and shredded Virginia tavern ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, yellow mustard and a mayo-based secret sauce inside a split mini loaf

of Cuban bread imported from Miami. The sandwich is brushed with lard and placed in a press until the bread is crisp and the cheese oozy. The richness of the pork shines through, with the mustard’s acid acting as a foil instead of being overwhelming.

THE 36-HOUR DRUNKEN BEEF SHORT RIB

LO MEIN AT SKY LANTERN

($20.75)

Chef and owner Phuriphada (Yui) Chonsorawuth offers modern twists on Thai cuisine at her stall Sky Lantern. For her riff on drunken noodles, she rubs short ribs with five spice powder and garlic and cooks them sous-vide for 36 hours. Ultra-thin slices of the short ribs are served atop lo mein noodles stirfried with garlic, shallots, basil and housemade chile oil. Fried basil leaves and sauteed cherry tomatoes complete the dish.

MASALA UTTAPAM AT DC DOSA ($15)

This is the third location of Mumbai native Priya Ammu’s DC Dosa (the others are in D.C. and Crystal City, Virginia), which offers variations of two crepe-adjacent South Indian street foods made with lentil-based batters: dosas (large, crispy pancakes folded over fillings omelet-style) and uttapam dosas (thicker and more the texture of American flapjacks). We love the masala uttapam, which is griddled on one side, then flipped over and topped with turmeric-tinged curried potatoes dotted with black mustard seeds and flipped over again to crisp the potatoes like hash browns. It’s topped with chopped cilantro and comes with two of four chutney offerings: onion tamarind, mango habanero, coconut and cilantro sesame.

CHIRASHI SASHIMI AT DOKI DOKI SUSHI ($27)

Chef Kevin Tien, who owns the acclaimed restaurant Moon Rabbit in D.C. and is a James Beard Foundation award nominee, cofounded Doki Doki Sushi with chef Judy Beltrano. (Doki Doki means heartbeat in Japanese.) They offer a wide range of nigiri and rolls (classic and specialty), but we’re fans of the chirashi sashimi, pristine slices of hamachi, salmon and tuna served atop sushi rice with surimi (crab stick), wakame (kelp salad), house-cured cucumbers and shredded daikon, as well as requisite garnishes: pickled ginger, wasabi and, for the rice, sushi-zu, a soy-and-vinegar-based dressing.

SOFT-SERVE SWIRL IN A FISH-SHAPED CONE AT MIMI’S HANDMADE ICE CREAM ($9)

Who can resist a cake cone shaped like a fish with a swirl of soft-serve vanilla and matcha ice cream rising from its mouth? Not us. Order the taiyaki (which means sea bream, a type of fish) cone from Alexandria-based ice cream shop Mimi’s Handmade.

—D.H.

THE HEIGHTS

FOOD HALL, 5406

Wisconsin Ave. (The Shops at Wisconsin Place), Chevy Chase; 240-800-3820; theheightsfoodhall.com

Readers’ Pick, Best Restaurant in Potomac & Italian Restaurant

MAYBE YOUR LIFE IS FEELING CHAOTIC. MAYBE YOU’RE QUIETLY GOING THROUGH THE BLAHS. Or maybe things are fine—good, even!—but you could use a little inner peace. Who couldn’t? Happily, there are plenty of local places to relax and rejuvenate. From connecting with nature to writing in a journal to lingering over a great cup of coffee, options abound for every budget and schedule. Investing in some quality “me time” won’t only benefit yourself—that positive energy also can affect the well-being of those around you.

BY CARALEE ADAMS ILLUSTRATION BY MARY KATE MCDEVITT

1 WALK A LABYRINTH

Just off busy Montrose Road, Faith United Methodist Church has an outdoor labyrinth made of bricks in a peaceful memorial garden. There is ample free parking for anyone who wants to come 24/7 to stroll through the circular maze. It is next to a water fountain that does its best to be heard above the white noise of the whirring traffic. A labyrinth is an opportunity to just be present, says the Rev. Laura Norvell, the church’s pastor. “Most people continually walk until they feel complete. It takes a couple times to let go of everything else that’s going on,” she says. “I also find that you naturally slow down the longer you walk until you become more attuned.”

6810 Montrose Road, Rockville, faithworkshere.com

2 PAMPER YOURSELF

Do you yearn to feel calm or resilient?

Energized or confident? Woodhouse Spa matches your mood with its services and custom aromatherapy scents. If your intention is peace of mind plus deep relaxation, the spa offers a meditative mood soak that includes exfoliation, massage and a mineral bath. Clients are given a thin, beaded, volcanic rock bracelet infused with their chosen scented oil. For a little bit of everything, the head-to-toe relaxation package is a popular choice with a facial, massage and pedicure, says Justine Nguyen, spa director. The experience begins with ambient music playing in the softly lit relaxation room stocked with chocolate and a variety of hot teas. Everybody is offered complimentary champagne and mimosas during their visit.

2 Paseo Drive, North Bethesda, woodhousespas.com

Take the Plunge

If you love the soothing feel of water and are game for a different type of spa visit, stop by Hope Floats in downtown Bethesda. To experience float therapy, you’ll lie on your back in an individual enclosed tank containing about 10 inches of water and 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt to make your body buoyant. After about 15 minutes of meditative music, the rest of the 60- to 90-minute session is silent and completely dark. “The air in the tank, the water and your skin are all the same temperature. You literally don’t know what’s in the water and what’s out,” says manager Lynette D’Arco. “You float effortlessly. It relieves your body from all the ties of gravity.”

7625 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, hopefloatsusa.com

4START A JOURNAL

Many people think they’re failing if they don’t have the discipline to write in a journal every day—but nothing could be further from the truth, says Julia Tagliere, a writer who lives in Sandy Spring and is an instructor at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda. Journaling can take many forms, such as jotting thoughts on a sticky note, making a recording, drawing a sketch, or writing in a composition notebook, she says. Tagliere says it’s valuable to take the time to reflect on your life and later go back to reread how you felt about those experiences. “It’s an interesting exercise to see things like growth, clarity, mercy or grace starting to flow through those moments,” says Tagliere, founder of the MoCo Underground Writers Showcase. “It’s a way of getting back into an intimate knowledge of your own self.”

4508 Walsh St., Bethesda, writer.org

HUSH UP 5

Across many religions and Indigenous wisdom traditions, being silent in nature is a valued practice, says Nat Reid, director of the Dayspring Silent Retreat Center

Owned by an ecumenical church, the center is located on 210 acres in Germantown with ponds, meadows, woods and trails. At monthly weekend retreats, you start with a meal and program on Friday night—then stay silent until midmorning Sunday. The center has private rooms for 18 people. Most sign up individually, but often form a community over the weekend, Reid says. While the retreats are based on Christian theology, people of all faith traditions (or none) are welcome. On weekdays, Dayspring has self-guided retreat days and quiet days. “It’s quite remarkable how almost everybody who comes just feels deeply blessed by the silence,” Reid says. “Even people who are nervous and don’t know if they can be quiet.”

11301 Neelsville Church Road, Germantown, dayspringretreat.org

GAZE AT THE STARS 6

There’s something about looking up at the night sky that puts everything in perspective. Observatory Park in Gaithersburg is a good spot to stargaze—and it’s even more fun when you can watch with others. The city of Gaithersburg’s Skywatching Program hosts events at the park when there are noteworthy shows above. Visitors can bring blankets and lawn chairs, and volunteers are on hand to answer questions, says Karen Yaffe Lottes, the program coordinator. On July 27 at 6:30 p.m., you can learn how to use a telescope. Come Aug. 10 from 9:30 p.m. through 1 a.m. for an outdoor movie followed by a meteor shower. Skywatching programs are free, but registration is required. Look for upcoming dates on the website.

100 DeSellum Ave., Gaithersburg, gburg.md/skywatching

For people looking to fill empty corners or shelves, plants can spruce up a home and be like “living furniture,” says Joe Ressler, CEO of Rewild , a com

pany with indoor plant stores in Potomac,

and Washington, D.C. It can be rewarding to

a routine of tending to plants and then

they change with the seasons. A go-to plant

beginners? A monstera. The tropical climber

require a lot of light, Ressler says, and it’s

putting out new growth, which is fun to watch.

7937 Tuckerman Lane (Cabin John Village), Potomac, rewilddc.com

Love on an Animal

Why is stroking warm fur so soothing? It just is. Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary relies on the community to help support the farm animals and wildlife that it rescues. When you volunteer at the farm or sponsor an animal ($5 a month for a chicken to $30 a month for a horse), you can visit the 400-acre refuge yearround. There are also group tours most Saturdays from April through October by appointment. “The animals are so loving and want to be around people,” says Terry Cummings, co-founder and co-director of the sanctuary. “It’s just a really enjoyable thing that makes people feel really happy and peaceful.”

15200 Mount Nebo Road, Poolesville, animalsanctuary.org

Explore Yoga or Tai Chi 9

You know these things are supposed to be good for both mind and body—you probably have friends who swear by them—but how do you get started if you’re among the uninitiated? Body & Brain in North Potomac will do a private introductory session to assess your flexibility, balance, stress level, breathing patterns and balance, then recommend a class. The studio offers online and in-person sessions in yoga, tai chi, qigong, core strengthening and meditation.

12116 Darnestown Road, Suite 7, North Potomac, bodynbrain.com

CONNECT WITH LOCAL BOOKLOVERS 10

At People’s Book in Takoma Park, you can buy a $2 cup of coffee, listen to author talks on Sundays, and drop into a variety of book clubs that meet monthly. “Part of my vision of this store was people coming in, pulling chairs together and having a place to talk about books,” says Megan Bormet, who opened People’s Book with her husband, Matt, in June 2023. “We now have 12 different book clubs hosted by people in the neighborhood who have a passion about some type of genre, so there really is something for everyone.” The store’s website lists all the clubs (time travelers, graphic novels, poetry and more), upcoming books and meeting times.

7014-A Westmoreland Ave., Takoma Park, peoplesbooktakoma.com

STROLL AND REFLECT 11

The 1-mile loop around the perimeter of Brookside Gardens in Wheaton is a popular draw for walkers all year long. The path is paved and level and has the added perk of offering lush views of plants and flowers that change with the seasons. Brookside offers an eight-week guided class in the spring and fall called Strolls for Well-Being. Participants are given a journal with prompts and are invited to take 12 separate walks through the garden, each with a theme (such as awareness, joy or trust) to reflect upon individually. The group meets at the beginning, middle and end of the program.

1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, montgomeryparks.org

PHOTO BY LAURA CHASE DE FORMIGNY

LISTEN TO A GREAT VIEW

The entrance to Great Falls National Park in Potomac is at the end of MacArthur Boulevard, just beyond the intersection of Falls Road. Visitors are welcome from sunrise to sunset. There is an entrance fee, which you can pay online if the booth isn’t staffed, along with plenty of parking. Grab a trail map at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center to choose an easy, moderate or strenuous hike. Just five minutes down the C&O towpath is the beginning of the Olmsted Island Trail. You can hear the rushing water hitting the rocks, providing a natural soundtrack for your hike. Along the boardwalk, it’s just a quarter mile to a spectacular view of the Potomac River.

11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, nps.gov/grfa

Try Reiki 13

“What you experience in a Reiki session is typically magical,” Saya Barkdoll, owner of Ohana Wellness , says of the Japanese technique to reduce stress and promote healing. “Reiki is energy work. It’s really specific to the energy that we all have surrounding us,” Barkdoll says of sessions that are generally quiet and last 30, 60 or 90 minutes. “[The practitioner] will hold their hands above you—sometimes placing them gently on your body— depending on you and what is going on.” The focus is on areas of congestion or tension where the person might be holding in trauma to allow time and space to move the energy along and provide relief, she says. Reiki is one of many relaxing services offered at Ohana, including massage therapy, cupping, reflexology and acupuncture.

Stock up onProductsHealthy 14

Bethesda Co-op is a gourmet and organic market that has been around since 1975. Wandering through the store, you can inhale the aroma of fresh produce, assorted incense, scented soaps—and an entire aromatherapy section with essential oils and sprays. Need a comfy place to Zen out? Pick up a colorful handmade meditation pillow and some votive candles. The co-op is also a good place to find local products, including elderberry jam, apple butter, honey and bee pollen. It has a vast wine selection (with posted recommendations) and more than 100 kinds of beer. Along the back wall, bulk bins feature tasty snacks (dark chocolate pecan granola, organic Greek yogurt pretzels, spicy Cajun snack mix) and on shelves are packages of healthy dried fruit. If you want to send some good vibes to others, the co-op has beautiful greeting cards with photographs and artwork that go beyond the typical chain store offerings.

6500 Seven Locks Road, Cabin John, bethesdacoop.org

VISIT SACRED GROUNDS

While Washington National Cathedral is known for its architecture, the grounds surrounding the building are impressive, too. Wander through the Bishop’s Garden, which is carefully landscaped with a variety of plants and sculptures. There are places to rest and soak in the beauty, including a gazebo. A manicured lawn, enclosed by stone walls, provides a safe space to picnic with kids or pets (on leashes). Beyond the garden, you’ll find a stone footpath through Olmsted Woods, a forest of oak and beech trees. It’s free to explore the grounds daily, dawn to dusk.

Dine in a cozy restaurant

Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood in Garrett Park, Black Market Bistro occupies a converted historic Victorian home with wooden floors, high ceilings and dining in three intimate rooms. A front porch surrounded by a lush canopy of trees provides seating for diners in warm weather. The bistro has one menu for the day featuring appetizers (mussels, cornmeal-crusted oysters), soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizza and entrees (hardwood grilled Atlantic salmon and pan-seared mountain trout). Some popular items have a New Orleans flair, including shrimp and grits, and beignets with powdered sugar, both of which are on the Sunday brunch menu. Local artists rotate their work in the gallery at the rear of the restaurant.

4600 Waverly Ave., Garrett Park, blackmarketrestaurant.com

You may not consider yourself the kind of person who uses a mantra, but meditation is for anyone seeking balance in their life, says Trisha Stotler, an instructor with Insight Meditation Community of Washington. “It’s investing in getting to know yourself, how you tick, what your stressors are, how you respond to things, and working with that over time,” she says. It’s not a short-term fix, Stotler says, but meditation can be transformative—especially when practiced in community. Drop-in classes (in-person and online) are available throughout the area, including one at River Road Unitarian Universalist Church in Bethesda on Wednesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. taught by Stotler, Kyaw Win and Vicki Goodman. The sessions include about 30 minutes of guided meditation, followed by an instructor talk on a topic, such as compassion, and a group discussion. There’s no fee, and registration isn’t required, but donations are accepted.

Oh, that first delicious bite of a fresh cookie, piece of fudge or your favorite childhood candy. It’s a simple pleasure—and one that we all deserve now and then. If you’re going to splurge, you might as well go for the good stuff. Henry’s Sweet Retreat has an in-house pastry chef who makes cookies, bars, fudge, cupcakes and pies. The store also has fine chocolates, flavored popcorn and more than 100 jars of candy—plus coffee drinks and housemade hot chocolate to pair with your dessert. Enjoy your treats upstairs, where you’ll find chess, checkers and other board games to play as you linger.

4823 St. Elmo

Eve Rosenbaum pictured at Oriole Park at Camden Yards

A CONVERSATION WITH EVE ROSENBAUM

The assistant general manager of the Baltimore Orioles on playing softball at Walt Whitman High School, analyzing ballplayers and her induction into a unique hall of fame

BY MIKE UNGER

OPENING DAY is sacred for those who worship at the altar of baseball, and Eve Rosenbaum has been a true believer her entire life. As a girl growing up in Bethesda, her parents would take her out of school every year to see her beloved Baltimore Orioles begin the long season.

“I remember my first-grade teacher [at Carderock Springs] was a big baseball fan,” Rosenbaum says. “When my parents came in to pick me up the principal buzzes down over the intercom and was like, ‘Eve’s parents are here to pick her up.’ And [my teacher] was like, ‘Can I come?’ ”

Today, Rosenbaum, 34, is assistant general manager for those same Orioles, and she’s played a key role in their revival. The team she joined in 2019 as director of baseball operations is coming off a monumental season in which it won its first American League East Division title in nine years. It’s been a remarkable rise for the O’s, who were among the worst teams in baseball for the previous half decade, and Rosenbaum, who in 2022 was promoted to her current position, making her one of Major League Baseball’s highest-ranking female executives.

Thirty-seven days before the team’s March 28 opener, Rosenbaum is sitting in her office at the O’s spring training facility in Sarasota, Florida, speaking to a reporter on Zoom. There’s an air not just of optimism, which is ubiquitous in the baseball world this time of year, but of confidence in her voice.

“For the last few years, when we’d come into camp it was kind of like, ‘Who’s going to be on the team this year?’ ” she says. “We would have no idea. And now we have this young core that’s been together for a long time, and we have veterans. The team is well respected and established across the league. So I feel like it’s this more natural progression of, ‘Here we go.’ ”

Rosenbaum has been charging ahead her entire life. She grew up in a family that loved baseball and started her c areer playing with and against boys in BCC Baseball, a local league. At Walt Whitman High School she switched to softball and excelled as a catcher—and a student. She was president of the Student Government Association and had the resume and chops to be admitted to Harvard after graduation in 2008.

In Cambridge she walked on to the softball team and played for four years, helping the Crimson capture two Ivy League titles. Winning seems to follow Rosenbaum. Two years after joining the Houston Astros, she was the team’s international scouting manager when they won the World Series. When she followed current Orioles general manager Mike Elias from Houston to Baltimore in 2019, the Orioles were in the midst of a slow and painful rebuilding process. Her work has contributed to a stunning turnaround. The team has MLB’s No. 1 ranked minor league system according to Baseball America, and last year tied for the fourth most wins in a single season in franchise history.

“She is one of the bright young baseball minds in the league today,” Elias told MASN.com when he promoted Rosenbaum. “She has experience across basically every department…she knows the draft, she knows player development very well, she knows analytics very well and kind of the intersection of all those areas.”

Although she lives in Baltimore now, she often comes back to Bethesda, where her parents and many friends still live. Who knows where her next home will be? If her career trajectory continues on its current path, she could become baseball’s second-ever female general manager. But for now, her focus is on helping the Orioles win their first World Series in more than 40 years.

“We won 101 games last year, but we were knocked out of the playoffs,” she says. “It’s not satisfying enough. The job’s not done.”

Bethesda Magazine spoke with Rosenbaum via Zoom in February. The interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length.

I know it’s hard to separate being a fan from your job, but how fun was last year? The style of baseball that we played last year was genuinely exciting. I was on the edge of my seat so often because we had so many great late-inning comebacks, or it came down to the last pitch with [closer] Félix [Bautista] on the mound. It can be a little bit stress-inducing if you work for the team, but it was a very fun style of baseball. There was not a boring moment.

When did your love affair with baseball start?

It started before I can even remember. My parents tell me that I knew how to throw a ball before I knew how to walk. So really, it’s been my entire life.

What, if anything, do you remember about playing baseball as a kid in BCC Baseball?

I still have some of my jerseys, because for a long time we were the Orioles. So everyone used to fight over being No. 8 [Cal Ripken Jr.’s number]. I still have my No. 8 jersey. It’s tattered and the letters are falling off, but I still have it. I just loved playing. I was a catcher when I played at Harvard, and that goes back to when I was in BCC. I think it was third grade when they switched to kid pitch, and I remember the very first game our coach was assigning us positions. I was randomly assigned to be catcher for the first game. My dad was a catcher, so he was like, ‘All right, this is it. We’re a catcher now.’ I was randomly assigned to be a catcher, and then I was a catcher at Harvard, so there’s all these ways that BCC influenced the rest of my life.

Were the Orioles always your favorite team?

They were, yeah. We had season tickets to the Orioles, so we would drive up from Bethesda to Baltimore all the time. I mean, we must have gone to 60 games a year when I was growing up.

Who was your favorite player?

Definitely Cal. Cal was everyone’s favorite player growing up. I went to Cal Ripken Sr.’s baseball camp, and I went to a camp that Junior did as well. I was at the game

ABOUT EVE ROSENBAUM

FROM: Bethesda

LIVES IN: Baltimore

COLLEGE: Bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in philosophy from Harvard University

OCCUPATION: Assistant general manager of the Baltimore Orioles; previously international scouting manager of the Houston Astros

when he broke the streak [for most consecutive games played in baseball history].

What were some of the highlights of your softball career at Whitman?

High school was like the peak of my career because that’s when I was good compared to everyone else. When you get to college, it’s a different story. When I got to Whitman, I had stopped growing and all of the boys were growing, so my choices were to go out for the boys’ baseball team and probably play JV or to play varsity softball, where I’d be the starting catcher. So I switched to softball. I just immediately loved it. I loved my teammates, I loved the fast pace of the game, I loved being able to call my own pitches. I remember how good some of the other teams in Montgomery County were. Poolesville and Damascus were really good. I thought I was good and then we’d go play Damascus and they would kick our butts. It was really eye-opening.

What about during your four years playing catcher at Harvard?

We won the Ivy League championship in my junior and senior years. I think any athlete can tell you winning a game is hard. Winning a championship is harder. Winning back-to-back championships is super hard—even though the

[NFL’s Kansas City] Chiefs make it look easy. That was an incredible accomplishment. My senior year, we went to the NCAA Tournament, and we beat the University of Maryland. Being an Ivy League team and winning games in the tournament, it’s the same as in basketball.

Did you always have your eye on a career in professional sports?

I think both yes and no. Honestly, I think it was maybe a teacher at Whitman who came up to me and said something like, ‘You’d be really good working in sports’ because I was such a sports fanatic. A lot of people who work in sports now did love sports growing up. But beyond just being a fan, I always got to see how the games impacted the communities off the field and how it would bring people together. I mean, people don’t agree on anything these days, but a whole city or whole state can root for a team and live and die on the roster moves and the outcomes of games. Going to school in Boston, it’s in a state that’s really in love with its sports teams. So in college I said, ‘OK, I want to try my

hand at the strategy side of this, at the business side of this.’

How’d you break into the business?

After my sophomore year in college, I got an internship with the Red Sox. I worked in Fenway Affairs, which dealt with local government and local business affairs around Fenway Park. Then the next summer, I got an internship with Major League Baseball in their baseball operations department. Then I got a job with the NFL.

What did you do for the NFL?

I did a program called the Junior Rotational Program, which is like their executive training program. It’s right after you graduate from college. It was four six-month stints in different departments around the Commissioner’s Office, which for me was great because I knew I wanted to be in sports, but I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. I got to see how the most successful league in the country ran their business. Out of that I was hired to be a manager of business intelligence and optimization for NFL Media.

Why did you make the switch to baseball?

Baseball has always been my favorite sport. I was happy doing what I was doing. I was in my early 20s, I was living in New York City, but I went back and forth between L.A. and New York. And then one of the guys who I interned for at Major League Baseball came to me one day and said, ‘Hey, Eve, I remember you from your internship. I remember that you were a really good worker and that you loved baseball. I’m the international scouting director for the Houston Astros right now, and I need some help. Do you want to come work for me?’ I figured this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to break into baseball operations and scouting. So I did it.

You met Orioles general manager Mike Elias in Houston. What first struck you about him?

This is funny. I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned this to anyone. The first thought I’ll always think about for Mike was his office was right behind where my first desk was. He was the amateur

Rosenbaum at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida, with Orioles Director of Baseball Strategy Brendan Fournie

“I’m not so naive to think that being a woman in baseball is exactly the same as being a man. I know there’s not a lot of people who look like me in baseball.”

–Eve Rosenbaum

You’re one of the highest-ranking female executives in baseball. I’m sure people ask you about that all the time. Does that impact your job or life in any way or is it just something you have to talk about in interviews?

scouting director, so he was always on the road. He was never there. So everyone used his office as a phone booth. If he was there everyone would be like, ‘Oh, what do we do now?’

He was always working. He was just enmeshed in the amateur scouting world. The guy’s a super hard worker and super knowledgeable.

You were in Houston when they won the World Series in 2017. How do you think about that title looking back on it now knowing the sign stealing scandal that surrounded it?

I don’t know. There’s not a great answer to that. What I like to focus on is that the team then followed it up with another World Series [title] in 2022 with a lot of the same players. And the team’s been really good ever since. I’ve heard all sorts of opinions about it, and they’re all valid things for people to feel and say. Regardless of that, I take a lot of pride in the Astros the last few years because a lot of the young international players who I helped sign when I was there have been key parts of that team. So that’s what I like to focus on…the players who I saw go from being 15 years old to be a 2022 world champion.

What does your role as assistant general manager with the Orioles entail?

My main job is to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Major League team. A lot of that is roster management and the daily transactions of optioning guys between AAA and the majors. Discussing with the medical staff if someone needs to go on the Injured List or a rehab

assignment. Working with our pitching coaches to map out which relievers are available for that night and what our starting rotation is going to be for the next week or two.

Then there’s the bigger picture items for the Major League roster, like free agent signings and trades, which we spent all off-season working on. Waiver claims, smaller cash considerations trades. There’s a lot of player evaluation that I do on a day-to-day basis and then getting together with our little strategy team here in baseball ops and discussing what moves we want to make.

I touch all facets of the baseball operations department: player development, minor league operations, strength and conditioning, performance, analytics.

Is there one specific attribute you’re looking for in a player, a skill that a player has that makes them a quintessential Oriole?

I don’t know if I can [distill] this down into one particular trait, but we look at players who we think are going to fit our particular roster. We put a big focus on that. Based on this player’s skill set, how is he going to fit in with the other 39 guys we have on the 40-man roster right now? We spend a lot of time focusing on our particular situation in the American League East, which is grueling. We have a really good, young, exciting core that’s going to be here for a while, so we spend a lot of time focusing on players who skill-wise will fit in with that group. And then also making sure that the player’s going to come in and be an asset in our clubhouse as well.

The answer is both yes and no. It’s not like I wake up in the morning and say, ‘Oh my God, I’m a woman in baseball.’ I mean, it’s true, but it’s not what I’m thinking about; what I’m thinking about is the same thing that everyone else in the building is thinking about, which is how do we improve the Orioles and how do we win on the field? How do we win today? How do we win tomorrow? How do we win next year? How do we win two years from now? That is the goal in baseball. That’s what I’m singularly focused on all the time.

I’ve always thought that if I do my job well, go above and beyond what’s asked of me, anticipate what my boss and his boss are going to need, the rest will kind of take care of itself. I’m not so naive to think that being a woman in baseball is exactly the same as being a man. I know there’s not a lot of people who look like me in baseball. For some people it might be unusual to see someone like me at a workout. I’m 5’4”. A lot of people in baseball are a foot taller than me. They might not even see me. They might just walk right past, but that’s OK. You just keep plugging away and eventually people get used to it. So it’s something that I’m aware of, but it’s not something that I think about every day because I’m just focused on the team.

You were inducted into the Greater Washington Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2021. I’m sure there are a lot of ways you could have responded when you got that call, ranging from, ‘What’s that?’ to ‘I grew up dreaming of this.’ How did you react?

When they called me to tell me that I was nominated they prefaced it by saying, ‘Not a lot of people get in the first year that they’re nominated, so you might not get in this year.’ So I didn’t think anything of it. Then they called back a few months later and told me that I was in. It was like the best day of my parents’ life.

I knew about the JCC [Bender Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington in Rockville]. We were not members

growing up, but they had a pool and a gym and indoor basketball court. It was a cool place to go with friends who were members. I did not realize that they had a sports hall of fame. When I learned about it I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is the most incredible thing.’ Because the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame that they have there is all about raising money for the summer camp program that they do at the JCC. And the summer camp program is something that everyone in Bethesda and Rockville knows about. It’s a normal day camp for kids, except that they also accept all sorts of kids with physical and mental disabilities. And the money that comes in through the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame helps ensure that those families with the kids who have special needs don’t pay a cent more in order to go to that camp. And that is really the meaning behind the Hall of Fame. I don’t know how many Hall of Fames can say that they serve such a great cause.

Do you get back to Bethesda a lot?

When I go to downtown Bethesda now it’s totally different. When I was growing up, we used to go hang out at the Barnes & Noble. It was the place to be. Now it’s Anthropologie. I still love going back to [Westfield] Montgomery mall. That has changed as well, but Montgomery mall has always had a really good food court. There’s

a little place called The Market on the Boulevard [in Cabin John]. Anytime I go to Bethesda, I usually stop there on my way home and pick up dinner. Bethesda is just a great, great, great place to grow up.

Mike Unger is a writer and editor who grew up in Montgomery County and lives in Baltimore.

Rosenbaum speaks with Orioles Vice President, International Scouting & Operations, Koby Perez in the Orioles’ Draft Room during the 2021 MLB FirstYear Player Draft.

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DOWNTOWN BETHESDA

BOB GRAVES

301.538.9337 | o 301.975.9500

Bob.Graves@LNF.com

Bethesda Top Producer 2020-2024

Bob has been working in the Maryland real estate industry for 35 years. Having lived most of his life in Montgomery County, he has developed a deep understanding of the local real estate market and has helped numerous clients make life-changing moves. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, Bob has successfully helped buyers and sellers navigate the constantly changing market. Whether you are interested in a starter house or a luxury estate, he has the expertise to guide you through every step of the buying or selling process. He is committed to providing his clients with top-notch service and personal attention, ensuring that their unique needs and goals are met.

Bob is a Gold Team member of Long & Foster Real Estate, a liated with North Potomac O ce in Maryland. Najam, a long time Realtor®, is an experienced decorator, stager and creator of special deals for her clients.

JOANNA ARGENIO

202.258.2273 | joanna.argenio@lnf.com

longandfoster.com/JoannaArgenio One Bethesda Office 301.907.7600

HOME IS WHERE HER HEART IS ~ LET HER BRING YOU HOME

A Realtor® since 1983, serving buyers and sellers in Maryland, DC and Virginia, Joanna is a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), a Graduate of Realtor Institute (GRI), Staging Certified, and has earned the ranking of Top 1% Nationally, Top 150 Agents in Mid-Atlantic Region, and Long & Foster’s Gold Team ~ a consistent award winner!

A home is a significant asset and so is your Realtor! Joanna’s expertise, commitment, creative marketing, dedication, negotiating, and problem-solving skills, passion, and boundless energy is reflected in every aspect of her work. She demystifies the buying and selling process, providing her clients with an understanding of the process every step of the way. It’s this commitment to transparency and support that truly sets her apart as an outstanding Realtor.

Joanna brings a wealth of resources and Long & Foster’s all-inclusive team to serve your needs from A to Z, providing a win-win experience for her clients.

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• Over 12+ years in Real Estate

• Licensed in Maryland and Ohio

• Speaks: Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, English

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LOCAL HOME SALES BY THE NUMBERS / WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

PHOTO BY HANNELE LAHTI

Bethesda resident Mariana Borelli tends to her bee-friendly garden. PAGE 130

Sweet cottagecore style finds

Gems of Garrett Park

COURTESY PHOTO (TOP LEFT);

GETTY

(TOP RIGHT)

THE SIMPLE LIFE

The cottagecore aesthetic is still going strong, with a focus on cozy, comfortable home environments filled with botanical patterns, natural materials and a dash of nostalgia

BY CAROLYN WEBER

2

3

1 HANDY DANDY Every quaint kitchen needs a supply of durable and adorable tea towels for hands and dishes. These are 18 by 28 inches, made of soft, absorbent cotton and flax, and embroidered with a whimsical wildflower and mushroom motif. $9.99 at World Market, 12266 Rockville Pike, Rockville; 301-816-2480; worldmarket.com 2 FANCY FUNGI We love the scalloped edges on these gorgeous ceramic plates. Each of the eight colors features a different reproduction of mushroom artwork from the 19thcentury book Illustrations of British Mycology. The plates measure 9 inches in diameter and are microwave- and dishwashersafe. $24 each at Anthropologie, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda; 240-345-9413; anthropologie.com 3 GATHER ’ROUND A farm-style table is the centerpiece of any cottage kitchen or dining room. This one is handcrafted from natural cherrywood, measures 42 by 60 inches, and can extend with one or two 18-inch leaves. The style is also available in maple, oak or walnut in a variety of sizes. $1,720 to $5,890 at Little Homestead Furniture, 1321-D Rockville Pike, Rockville; 301-762-5555; littlehomestead.com

4 HELLO, SUNSHINE Bright and cheery hand-painted sunflower wallpaper exudes country charm. Each unpasted roll measures 20.5 inches wide by 33 feet long and covers 56.4 square feet. It’s available in three colors: coastal blue, hydrangea and ochre (pictured). $198 per roll at Serena & Lily, 7121 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda; 240-531-1839; serenaandlily.com 5 FLOWER POWER These flowery sheets and pillowcases have old-fashioned appeal with a fresh color palette. The edges of the crisp cotton percale fabric are finished with a gold scalloped detail. The Misha & Puff Brimfield floral sheet set comes in two sizes, twin and full. $69 to $99 at West Elm, 951 Rose Ave. (Pike & Rose), North Bethesda; 301-230-7630; westelm.com 6 CLASSIC COOKING Copper cookware has always been valued for its even thermal transmission and warm good looks. The Coppermill vintage-inspired, 1-quart covered baking dish features tin-lined, heavy-gauge copper, trefoil handles and a brass ring lid handle. $225 at Crate & Barrel, 4820 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.; 202-364-6100; crateandbarrel.com

THE BUZZ ON NATIVE BEES

Honeybees get all the attention, but it’s native bees that need your support. Here’s how to welcome them to your yard with the right plants.

BY AMY BRECOUNT WHITE

Opposite, clockwise from top left: A bumblebee, carpenter bee, sweat bee and leaf-cutting bee, which are are all native to Montgomery County. Right: A bumblebee on a plant in Mariana Borelli’s garden in Bethesda.

WHEN Tyra Villadiego, 33, walks around her family’s quarter-acre yard in Silver Spring, she doesn’t just enjoy the blooming moss phlox in the spring or the variety of asters in the fall. She notes the most welcome addition: native bees.

“There are so many kinds of bees I hadn’t noticed before, like ones that are really small, and I had guessed were flies,” she says.

About 257 types of native bees live in Montgomery County, says Sam Droege, a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey based in Laurel, Maryland, who researches native bees. These lesser-known bees are critical both to successful pollination as well as biodiversity, but they face threats from habitat loss, pesticides and even competition from honeybees. With suburban development consuming former fields, meadows and forests, and the common tendency to plant only lawn grass and non-native plants in our yards, there’s only so much pollen and nectar to go around. Like Villadiego, homeowners can plant native perennials, shrubs and trees whose blooms will provide vital food for a variety of bees that emerge throughout the seasons, helping them to thrive and reproduce.

For Villadiego, creating a yard to nurture native bees at first seemed like a daunting task. She had to contend with erosion, invasive plants and her father’s preference for a Japanese garden aesthetic. An educational program at Wheaton’s Brookside Gardens in 2023 put her on the right path.

“The whole project became fun again because I had the clear information to make it happen,” Villadiego says. In particular, she was inspired by Massachusettsbased scientist Jarrod Fowler’s eponymous website. She turned to research lists created by Fowler and Droege and learned that certain flowering host plants, such as asters and goldenrods, are best for supporting native bees of the Eastern U.S.

Villadiego’s enthusiasm and knowledge persuaded her father, Ruperto, to help her add native plants throughout their property, and led her mother, Zoraida, to understand why it’s a good thing to have more native bees. Initially, Villadiego bought asters, Virginia bluebells and coreopsis at local native nurseries, but that got expensive. She also sourced many through local native plant Facebook groups where generous gardeners often offer free plants, and soon found the yard abuzz with fascinating native bees.

IN THE U.S., THERE ARE NEARLY 4,000 KINDS OF NATIVE BEES, according to the University of Maryland Extension—including bumblebees, carpenter bees, leaf-cutting bees, sweat bees, mining bees and mason bees. European honeybees, Apis mellifera , aren’t native. They were imported by colonists in the 1600s to produce honey and wax. More recently, wellintentioned people concerned about declining pollinators decided to help our local ecosystems by becoming backyard beekeepers. Some scientists, however, now discourage that practice.

“The reality is that being a beekeeper is not pollinator conservation,” says Rich Hatfield, a senior endangered species conservation biologist with the Oregon-based Xerces Society, a nonprofit that supports conserving invertebrates (bees, butterflies, moths and others) to protect ecosystem health. “It’s a fun hobby, but it’s not conservation.”

Honeybee colonies have faced many recent challenges from diseases, pesticides and the loss of habitats, but as managed commodities they aren’t at risk of disappearing, unlike some threatened native bees. In 2023, there were more than 2.7 million honeybee colonies in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Unfortunately, such large numbers of honeybee colonies may negatively impact native bees.

By adding honeybees to a setting, “you’re bringing in competitors for a native species,” Droege says. “A lot of times you don’t need honeybees, for the wild bees are doing everything.”

Native bees help “create functional ecosystems in our country,” Hatfield says, by having “an integral role in plant reproduction.” Honeybees can’t do much of the pollination work that native bees can. Native bees “come in all different shapes and sizes that are attuned to go into the different shapes and sizes of native flowers,” he says. The local bees evolved ecologically to match the needs of our native plants.

While honeybees can still be important in large-scale commercial agricultural settings, “native bees like the blue orchard bees [a type of mason bee] are better and more efficient pollinators of native crops,” according to a webpage by the U.S. Forest Service. Similarly, some plants—tomato, eggplant, cranberry and blueberry, among them—require a type of buzz pollination practiced by native bumblebees and others. Their vibrations release pollen that honeybees can’t get to, according to the Xerces Society.

Some might argue that honeybees have been in the U.S. long enough to acclimatize to our ecosystems and thus become essential, but that time span is short when compared with the millions of years that native bees have co-evolved with native plant species. Some local plants even require a specific bee to reproduce and, therefore, exist.

In Montgomery County, the native spring beauty plant, an early bloomer, requires a specific mining bee that has evolved to emerge from its nest at the perfect time to gather that pollen, enabling both species to reproduce. The hibiscus bee requires pollen from the mallow family (a type of native hibiscus), and the gorgeous pinxter azalea supplies pollen for one particular mining bee. If these native plants disappear from our landscapes, these bees that are all native to the county won’t exist. And vice versa.

“If we want to continue to live in a diverse, healthy ecosystem, native bees have to be a part of that,” Hatfield says. Unlike honeybees, native bees don’t create large honey reserves they can rely on if the overall pollen and nectar supply is low. They need a steady supply from native plants that bloom from early spring until frost.

How to Support Native Bees

PLANT NATIVE FLORA. Aim to have native plants blooming from early spring until frost and include a variety of shapes and colors. Experts recommend Virginia bluebells, spring beauty, wild geraniums, sunflowers, mountain mint, asters and goldenrods, along with native blooming shrubs and trees, such as spicebush and redbud. Plant clusters of the same flowering plant to make foraging easier. If you have limited space, even a window box or planters can make a difference.

MIND THE CHEMICALS. Buy plants from vendors who advertise that they don’t use systemic neonicotinoids or insecticides. If the vendor doesn’t say, then ask. The chemicals that plants absorb persist in their tissue and can kill pollinators that feed on them. Also, while some mosquito-fogging companies claim that they are organic or avoid beneficial insects, the chemicals they use are “highly toxic to bees, killing them on contact and for more days after treatment,” according to the National Wildlife Federation.

LEAVE LEAVES AND STEMS IN YOUR YARD UNTIL SPRING. Native bee larvae and bumblebee queens stay in nests underground, in leaf litter, or in hollow stems during the winter to emerge in the spring. “If you take all that plant material and throw it in the compost bin or throw it away, you’re potentially killing a lot of overwinter ing insects,” biologist Rich Hatfield says. When your plants start growing again, it’s safe to do a spring yard cleanup.

Opposite: A mining bee. Above: Tyra Villadiego works in her family’s native garden in Silver Spring. Below: A goldenrod plant.

“Bumblebees are always fun and have cute little personalities. I just love finding them sleeping in the flowers.”

—Mariana Borelli, Bethesda resident and native gardener

Droege and others are also concerned that honeybees may help spread non-native invasive plants by pollinating them, which helps them to reproduce. “We have a lot of those European plant species as invasives and as garden plants,” he says. “The use of those plants by honeybees is almost preordained because these are the same plants that they adapted to a long time ago.” Such nonnative plants include Canada thistle, clovers and English ivy, according to Droege.

Local native bee enthusiasts find that the insects are quite easy to live with—even in close quarters. In 2022, when North Potomac resident Mike Honig realized that a bumblebee colony was nesting in the wall of his home, he did something unusual—he let them stay.

“I was a little concerned at first, but then I learned that bumblebees basically survive for just one season,” he says. Honig did a lot of online research but admits “it was a bit of a hard sell” convincing his wife, Marian,

when they could hear buzzing through the wall. Eventually, Mike says, she “got used to the idea, and we would watch them flying in and out.”

Native bees rarely sting, or their stingers can’t penetrate our skin. If you are stung, it’s usually by a honeybee or a yellow jacket (a type of wasp). Droege describes most native bees as “single moms looking for food” who are entirely responsible for their offspring. A honeybee colony has bees to spare and will sacrifice them to protect the hive. Native bees usually don’t defend their nest because they might “die and that’s the end of their whole line,” he adds. If highly provoked, bumblebees might sting to defend their colony. Only honeybees die after stinging you, and they may cause allergic reactions with their sting.

Most bees nest underground or in tree cavities, logs or hollow stems. We “walk across hundreds of bees’ nests all summer long,” Droege says.

Bethesda resident Mariana Borelli filled her yard with native, pollinator-supporting plants and opened a nursery to help others do the same.

Honig, 66, an avid native plant gardener, never felt threated by the bumblebees. He waited for the outdoor temperature to cool, observed no more activity (the fertilized new queens spend the winter elsewhere), and sealed the hole where their deck joins an outside wall. He hasn’t had any issues since.

WHEN BETHESDA RESIDENT MARIANA BORELLI DECIDED TO CONVERT HER YARD to native plants, she faced frustration on several fronts. Many of the so-called “native” plants that were sold locally weren’t truly native to Maryland. Or she found mainly cultivars rather than straight native species, which means the plants were likely manipulated by breeders for size, coloration or larger blooms. Unfortunately, Droege says, such cosmetic changes often translate into less available pollen and nectar, so he recommends avoiding cultivars.

Volunteering at Upper Marlboro’s Chesapeake Natives nursery in 2020, Borelli learned the necessary botanical and business skills to start a nursery, which she did in 2022 in her backyard. Open by appointment only, Wildflower Native Plant Nursery offers native species that she has sourced reliably or grown herself.

With more native plants in her yard, Borelli, 49, initially noticed increasing numbers of birds. That led her to “look more closely and pay attention to the insects,” she says. “Bumblebees are always fun and have cute little personalities. I just love finding them sleeping in the flowers.”

Native bee supporters usually eschew the neat-andtidy yard aesthetic dominated by lawn grass. Appre ciating the potential ecological value of his property through his daughter’s eyes, Ruperto Villadiego adjusted his perception of what makes it beautiful.

Similarly, Honig is “keen on leaving plant stems to overwinter and not doing a fall cleanup” because he’s learned that native bees, butterflies and fireflies spend the winter in hollow dead stems and leaf litter, which is quite valuable for them. Now he awaits spring’s warm weather “to clean up last year’s mess in the garden.” While others may think his yard looks “ratty, it’s there for a purpose,” he says.

In the summer, when his native mountain mint blooms abundantly, Honig often “counts no less than 50 types of little bees. Some of them you can barely see.” For him, gardening for these native pollinators “brings with it an awareness that we’re all connected in this ecosystem.”

An Arlington Regional Master Naturalist, Amy Brecount White does her best to create abundant and sometimes “messy” habitats for native bees in her yard.

Our Most Common Native Bees

BUMBLEBEE

Large (½ to 1½ inches); live in colonies with queens in hollow places; practice buzz pollination; essential for fruits and vegetables

CARPENTER

Large (1 inch); bore nests in exposed wood; may hover to look at you; generalist pollinator, also practices buzz pollination

LEAF-CUTTING

Locally, about ½ inch; cut leaves to line their nests in cavities; pollinate wildflowers, fruits and vegetables

MINING (ADRENID)

Small (up to ½ inch); dig holes to nest underground; pollinate spring-blooming flowers, trees and fruits

ORCHARD MASON

Small (½ inch); efficient pollinator, especially for gardens and orchards; nest in tunnels in wood

SWEAT

Small (½ inch or less); metallic-looking; collect salt from skin and can sting lightly; nest underground or in rotting wood; pollinate flowers and crops

Sources: Virginia Cooperative Extension, Maryland Department of Natural Resources

HOME SALES

A peek at one of the area’s most expensive recently sold houses

SALE PRICE:

$3.5 million

LIST PRICE: $3.5 MILLION

Address: 3800 52nd St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

Days on Market: 2

Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 5/2

SALE PRICE:

$3.45 million

LIST PRICE: $3.5 MILLION

Address: 5260 Partridge Lane NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

Days on Market: 66

Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 5/1

SALE PRICE:

$3.01 million

LIST PRICE: $3 MILLION

Address: 5110 Cathedral Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

Days on Market: 137

Listing Agency: Compass

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

SALE PRICE:

$3.6 million

LIST PRICE: $3.5 MILLION

Address: 6204 Elmwood Road, Chevy Chase 20815

Days on Market: 6

Listing Agency: Compass

Bedrooms: 7

Full/Half Baths: 6/2

SALE PRICE:

$2.6 million

LIST PRICE: $2.88 MILLION

Address: 17 W Irving St., Chevy Chase 20815

Days on Market: 77

Listing Agency: Washington Fine Properties

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 3/0

SALE PRICE:

$2.45 million

LIST PRICE: $2.45 MILLION

Address: 8904 Iron Gate Court, Potomac 20854

Days on Market: 24

Listing Agency: Redfin

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/2

SALE PRICE:

$2.44 million

LIST PRICE: $2.5 MILLION

Address: 3725 Cardiff Road, Chevy Chase 20815

Days on Market: 113

Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 5/1

SALE PRICE:

$2.4 million

LIST PRICE: $2.6 MILLION

Address: 11729 Gainsborough Road, Potomac 20854

Days on Market: 36

Listing Agency: Washington Fine Properties Bedrooms: 7

Full/Half Baths: 6/1

SALE PRICE:

$2.32 million

LIST PRICE: $2 MILLION

Address: 9733 Beman Woods Way, Potomac 20854

Days on Market: 5

Listing Agency: Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 6/1

SALE PRICE:

$2.3 million

LIST PRICE: $2.15 MILLION

Address: 8120 Kerry Lane, Chevy Chase 20815

Days on Market: 7

Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 5/1

SALE PRICE:

$2.2 million

LIST PRICE: $2.35 MILLION

Address: 7500 Nevis Road, Bethesda 20817

Days on Market: 62

Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 5/1

SALE PRICE:

$2.18 million

LIST PRICE: $2.2 MILLION

Address: 9620 Eagle Ridge Drive, Bethesda 20817

Days on Market: 91

Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 5/1

SALE PRICE:

$2.15 million

LIST PRICE: $2.15 MILLION

Address: 5813 Nevada Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20015

Days on Market: 7

Listing Agency: Compass

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

SALE PRICE:

$2.05 million

LIST PRICE: $2.1 MILLION

Address: 7009 Heatherhill Road, Bethesda 20817

Days on Market: 16

Listing Agency: Compass

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

SALE PRICE:

$2.05 million

LIST PRICE: $2 MILLION

Address: 8010 Riverside Drive, Cabin John 20818

Days on Market: 7

Listing Agency: Long & Foster Real Estate

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 3/0

SALE PRICE:

$1.89 million

LIST PRICE: $1.89 MILLION

Address: 21 Bridle Court, Potomac 20854

Days on Market: 128

Listing Agency: Washington Fine Properties

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

SALE PRICE:

$1.88 million

LIST PRICE: $1.88 MILLION

Address: 6419 Winnepeg Road, Bethesda 20817

Days on Market: 20

Listing Agency: RE/MAX Realty Services

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

SALE PRICE:

$1.88 million

LIST PRICE: $1.88 MILLION

Address: 6415 Winnepeg Road, Bethesda 20817

Days on Market: 8

Listing Agency: Long & Foster Real Estate

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

SALE PRICE:

$1.87 million

LIST PRICE: $1.9 MILLION

Address: 3806 Woodbine St., Chevy Chase 20815

Days on Market: 69

Listing Agency: Keller Williams Capital Properties

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

SALE PRICE:

$1.86 million

LIST PRICE: $1.8 MILLION

Address: 9117 Potomac Station Lane, Potomac 20854

Days on Market: 6

Listing Agency: Washington Fine Properties

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 5/1

SALE PRICE:

$1.85 million

LIST PRICE: $1.75 MILLION

Address: 5709 Trafton Place, Bethesda 20817

Days on Market: 4

Listing Agency: RE/MAX Realty Services

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

ZIP CODE

REAL ESTATE TRENDS

20015 (Upper NW D.C.)

20832 (Olney)

20855 (Rockville)

20016 (Upper NW D.C.)

20850 (Rockville)

20877 (Gaithersburg)

20814 (Bethesda)

20851 (Rockville)

20815 (Chevy Chase)

20852 (North Bethesda/Rockville)

20878 (Gaithersburg/North

20816 (Bethesda)

20853 (Rockville)

20882 (Gaithersburg)

20817 (Bethesda)

20854 (Potomac)

20895 (Kensington)

20901 (Silver Spring)

20902 (Silver Spring)

20903 (Silver Spring)

20910

(Silver Spring)

20906

(Silver Spring)

20912

(Silver Spring)

Information courtesy of Bright MLS, as of March 19, 2024. The Bright MLS real estate service area spans 40,000 square miles throughout the mid-Atlantic region, including Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. As a leading Multiple Listing Service (MLS), Bright serves approximately 85,000 real estate professionals who in turn serve more than 20 million consumers. For more information, visit brightmls. com. Note: This information includes single-family homes sold from Feb. 1, 2024, to Feb. 29, 2024, as of March. 19, 2024, excluding sales where sellers have withheld permission to advertise or promote. Information should be independently verified. Reports reference data provided by ShowingTime, a showing management and market stats technology provider to the residential real estate industry. Some sale and list prices have been rounded.

A livable arboretum Garrett Park

BY CAROLYN WEBER

The town of Garrett Park is bounded by the MARC train tracks to the northeast, Rock Creek Park to the southeast, Kenilworth Avenue on the northwest side, and the Parkside Condominiums to the southwest. The ZIP code is 20896.

HISTORY The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad built a station in Garrett Park in 1893, and the village was planned and developed around it as a suburb of Washington, D.C. It was named after John W. Garrett, who was a president of the B&O Railroad. Garrett Park was incorporated as a town in 1898 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

AMENITIES Garrett Park is surrounded by public transportation options. The Brunswick Line of the MARC train still stops in the neighborhood, buses run regularly on Strathmore Avenue, and the Grosvenor-Strathmore station on the Metro’s Red Line is close by. The heart of the town is Penn Place, a former general store in the historic district that now houses the post office, town offices and archives, an art gallery and the popular Black Market Bistro restaurant. Locals enjoy hiking and biking trails in Rock Creek Park, and arts and entertainment at The Music Center at Strathmore, which is within walking distance. There are two

playgrounds in the community, as well as tennis/pickleball courts and a swim club. Young residents attend Garrett Park Elementary School, Tilden Middle School and Walter Johnson High School.

VIBE You know you’re in Garrett Park when you see the old-fashioned streetlamps on a stretch of Strathmore Avenue. Quiet streets weave past well-kept historic homes beneath a dense canopy of leaves. The vast variety of trees is so important here that the town was designated as an arboretum in 1977. There is no home mail delivery in the town, so residents connect

5

6

at the post office where they fetch their mail. The neighborhood is very social, with semiannual progressive dinners, a July Fourth parade, Halloween festivities, and even a film society that screens movies several times a year at the town hall.

HOUSING STOCK Of the 375 houses in Garrett Park, the Victorians get a lot of attention, but there are home styles from every era since the town’s inception. Sears catalog bungalows, cottages, farmhouses, midcentury split levels and new contemporary homes all add to the eclectic charm of the neighborhood.

$1,180,000

Garrett Park

Chase Builders

8750 Brookville Road | Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-588-4747 | ChaseBuilders.com | IG: @chasebuildersinc

BIO

Chase Builders Inc. is an award-winning builder in Maryland. Every Chase Builder’s home is custom designed and built with top quality, luxury features. Although they differ in style, floor plan, size and features, our unique homes have this in common — they are thoughtfully designed and well built.

OUR WORK

A stunning custom-built six-bedroom home in Chevy Chase completed last year, was tailored to our client’s vision and family’s needs. Its four finished levels feature a spacious family room with vaulted ceiling, a spectacular dining room with adjacent butler’s pantry, a luxury kitchen, a fabulous home theatre, and a large wine cellar, all while attaining a comfy home feel. Additionally, the outdoor living area boasts a spacious screened porch with a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen, an oversized flagstone patio and an in-ground pool. Each home we build is uniquely customized with uncompromising quality in the tile work, exceptional trim detail, designer lighting and premium finishes. Built with the homeowner in mind, our goal with every project is to create an inviting, spectacular home where friends and family can gather for many years to come.

GTM Architects

7735 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 700 | Bethesda, MD 20814 240-333-2000 | GTMArchitects.com

BIO

Celebrating a landmark 35th anniversary this year, GTM Architects is an award-winning design firm offering architecture, planning and interior design services. Always committed to serving the needs and vision of its clients above all else, GTM’s professionals possess a wide array of finely tuned skills across vastly diverse styles and specialties.

OUR WORK

The design for this custom colonial home seamlessly blends the timeless elegance of classic, traditional architecture with contemporary aesthetics and functionality. Overcoming the challenging large sloping lot, GTM Architects created a dynamic walk-out to a beautiful pool and patio area. The exterior mix of white brick and siding is complemented by a traditional front roof line, accentuated at the back by dormers that add height to the rooms and create a secondary massing effect.

A thoughtfully designed floor plan features a center hall colonial layout, spacious living areas, a private office with terrace access, and an inviting walk-out basement. The elegant interior showcases exquisite stair hall paneling, unique built-ins with bookshelves and hidden drawers, stained mahogany office walls and a luxurious wine room tucked away below the stairs. A screened porch and lower-level covered space leads out to the pool through dramatic arches.

Pinehurst Design Build

11716 Parklawn Dr. | North Bethesda, MD 20852 301-383-1600 | Pinehurstdb.com

BIO

Tom Gilday brings his widely known excellence and experience to his new company, Pinehurst Design Build. Tom and his skilled team of architects, designers, project managers and craftsmen flawlessly execute beautifully designed renovations that reflect each client’s aesthetic and lifestyle. At Pinehurst, we think the remodeling experience should be awesomely simple and unexpectedly fun.

OUR WORK

Pinehurst transformed this basement by merging modern, clean lines with the charm of a hidden speakeasy. The existing basement was filled with ducts and broken into small rooms, so our team designed millwork to conceal soffits and removed walls to open the space. We added a kitchenette centered on the fireplace to create symmetry, and a custom fireplace wall assembly added storage and space for a large TV while hiding ductwork. A concealed door behind the pool cue rack opens to a speakeasy room with a vaulted ceiling, antique beams, handmade bricks and candle niches, creating an atmospheric room to enjoy a libation or two.

Sandy Spring Builders

4705 West Virginia Ave. | Bethesda, MD 20814 301-913-5995 | SandySpringBuilders.com

BIO

Sandy Spring Builders is the premier custom homebuilder in the area. We are an integrated, full-service team with 40 years of experience in bringing our client’s vision to life. Our well-built homes make a lasting impression, proven by our vast portfolio and myriad awards including being selected multiple times as “Best Builder” in the Bethesda Magazine Best of Bethesda Readers Poll.

OUR WORK

A modern aesthetic was our client’s vision for his new home in downtown Bethesda, but he also wanted it to be a place where he could comfortably hang out and entertain friends. Mission accomplished! This stunning home has a staircase in the entry with open risers, wood treads, steel centerpiece and glass rails. The kitchen is a contrast of dark cabinets and appliance panels with white countertops and waterfall edge island. One of the key elements for the owner was the screen porch with adjoining patio and outdoor kitchen. The warm tones of the sapele wood paneling on the porch wall and ceiling are carried to the outside patio and contrast beautifully with the black privacy linear paneling and the stone walls and flagstone patio. The heaters in both the porch and patio area ensure that this space can be used year-round. Details abound in this modern beauty.

James McDonald A ssociate Architects

10135 Colvin Run Road | Great Falls, VA 22066

703-757-0036 | James@jamesmcdonaldarchitects.com

JamesMcDonaldArchitects.com

BIO

The team at JMAA has more than 30 years in residential construction experience. We have completed projects throughout the mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Some of our homes have been part of some of the most premier developments in the metro region.

OUR WORK

The JMAA design process revolves around our clients’ needs and wants. From a single room house addition to a grand estate, it is important for us to listen to our clients’ needs and bring our design talent, market knowledge and construction knowhow, into play in every design. Our design team can expertly transition from traditional aesthetics to ultra-modern designs to satisfy our clients’ diverse palettes. In every project, the balance of light, volume and lifestyle helps shape every part of the house. We strive to create a feeling of home individualized for each client.From the moment we meet, we start to define the parameters of the project with a design charrette, exploring different ideas and solutions to bring forward and discussing the design aesthetic and desired project scope.

Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC

8120 Woodmont Ave., Suite 950 | Bethesda, MD 20814 301-951-4391 | StudioZDC.com

BIO

Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC is an Award-Winning Architectural Firm specializing in Custom and Luxury Residential Architecture and Large-Scale Renovations. Studio Z provides complete services for our clients on custom and speculative homes. Our success is built on a balance of client expectations, well executed architecture and market sensitive investment.

OUR WORK

Studio Z has always been about our built environment enhancing a client’s lifestyle. As a team of Architects, it’s our responsibility to understand our client’s diverse activities and develop a plan that unifies function, financial commitment and aesthetics into a family home that compliments their personalities. The evolution of a typical Studio Z house leads us to explore a variety of architectural styles tailored to meet the personalities of individual clients. While architecture styles vary, our philosophy of integrating with a property’s natural characteristics enables us to maximize a client’s experience throughout their home. By working naturally with a site’s contours and seamlessly transitioning to exterior spaces, our clients enjoy a unique experience both inside and out.

148

The white stuff: style finds from local stores

156 Charlottesville’s groovy Little Mod Hotel

A BEACHY KEEN BIRTHDAY PARTY / POSTPARTUM SUPPORT / SECRETS OF SILVER SPRING

Bladensburg Waterfront Park in Prince George’s County makes a good gateway to the Anacostia River, which flows into Washington, D.C. PAGE 158

COURTESY PHOTO (TOP LEFT);

PHOTO BY TOM HENNESSY (TOP RIGHT)

STITCH PERFECT

French Connection

“Nellis” dress, $98 at South Moon Under, 10247 Old Georgetown Road (Wildwood Shopping Center), Bethesda, 301-564-0995, southmoonunder.com

SEA SCALLOPS

Marysia swimsuit, $359 at Everything But Water, Westfield Montgomery mall, Bethesda, 240-760-2147, everythingbutwater.com

FLARE DEAL

Mother “The Hustler” ankle-fray jeans, $218 at Evoluxxy, 11804 Grand Park Ave. (Pike & Rose), North Bethesda, 301-281-2999, evoluxxy.com

Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout Whiteout

No need to wait until Memorial Day to stock up on these monochromatic must-haves for spring and summer BY

JACQUELINE MENDELSOHN

SUNNING IN STYLE

Prada “Symbole” oval sunglasses, $517 at Bloomingdale’s, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, 240-744-3700, bloomingdales.com

PRETTY IN PLEATS

Uniqlo linen/cotton shorts, $40 at Uniqlo, 11853 Grand Park Ave. (Pike & Rose), North Bethesda, 855-486-4756, uniqlo.com

SHELL GAME

Anine Bing “Jennie” top, $120 at Anine Bing, 7243 Woodmont Ave., Suite 10A, Bethesda, 240-744-0100, aninebing.com

BLANC CANVAS

Elan “Jacqui” jumpsuit, $115 at Scout & Molly’s, 11882 Grand Park Ave. (Pike & Rose), North Bethesda, 301-348-5047, scoutandmollys.com

melinagreek.com | 301.818.9090 | @melinagreek Pike & Rose

GREEK CUISINE WITH FRESH, QUALITY INGREDIENTS IN A FINE CASUAL SETTING

cavamezze.com | @cavamezze Rockville and Olney locations

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD GREEK HANGOUT

julii.com | 301.517.9090 | @jullieats Pike & Rose

FRENCH BISTRO WITH A TOUCH OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

A Bird In the Hand

Customers flock to North Potomac artisan

Larry Sprague’s lifelike wooden avians

BY DAWN KLAVON

After 70-year-old Larry Sprague retired from his computer science career four years ago, he began woodworking in earnest, ultimately choosing to create birds modeled after species found at the shore and others he has noticed at his feeder. As wooden friends accumulated in his North Potomac home, Sprague’s wife, Georgiann, gave him a gentle nudge to thin the flock in their increasingly cluttered nest.

Thus began Sprague’s second career as an artisan, carving wooden birds and crafting aluminum butterflies under the name LCSprague Artisan Crafts. “It’s a hobbypassion,” he says of his zeal to create more than 200 seagulls, swans, wrens and the like each year. “I enjoy making things.”

Most popular are his “comfort birds,” small wooden and colored resin creatures that can fit in the palm of a hand and cost from $35 to $40. Sprague began making them because his wife loved how they felt in her hands; she says each one has a different personality. Now customers scoop up these comfort birds—he estimates he’s sold well over 100 since starting in May 2023.

“I liked the idea of keeping a lovely little bird on my desk to play with and hold when I’m on video calls,” says Silver Spring customer Tacy Lambiase. “I work remotely and find myself playing with hair ties and pens while I’m on calls—I

figured a comfort bird would be a nice upgrade from those.”

Sprague has had a lifetime love affair with woodworking. His father taught him the art as a child, and growing up on a lake in New Jersey surrounded by wildlife gave him endless subjects to carve.

Sprague has collected wood over the years to fuel his hobby, and uses it for unpainted wood carvings. A woodworking friend donates leftover walnut, which Sprague uses in creating comfort birds. He buys wood from local lumber suppliers for the rest of his products and creates

his masterpieces in garage and basement workrooms at his home. Comfort birds take about two hours across three days; other projects can take longer.

Knowledgeable birders give him props for the precision in his life-size carvings and painting of birds such as mallards, downy woodpeckers, chickadees, sandpipers, egrets, bluebirds, cardinals and hummingbirds.

“He’s scientifically accurate—that matters for us,” says Kathy Caisse, gift shop manager at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, one of the sellers of Sprague’s

Larry Sprague at his home workshop making a wooden duck

wares. “He is also very regional—who wouldn’t love it?”

Customers can order custom items by contacting Sprague through his Facebook or Instagram page, and he ships or arranges for pickup. As a frequent exhibitor at local markets, he says he can sell 40 birds in a day. His smaller hand-painted birds and ducks start at $45 to $65. Larger

“YOU CAN TELL EACH PIECE HAS BEEN GIVEN ATTENTION AND IS A TRUE LABOR OF LOVE.” —HEATHER LUXENBERG, CO-OWNER OF LOCALLY CRAFTED

birds and ducks run from $100 to $150. Depending on size and detail, some carvings can sell for $350 or more.

“I really like doing the markets because I meet the people who buy the stuff,” Sprague says.

Butterflies made from repurposed aluminum cans have joined the artisan’s repertoire. “It’s actually soda pop and beer cans, but to be honest, most of mine are beer cans,” he says. “You can stick them out in the garden all year long.”

Rockville resident Larissa Johnson saw Sprague’s butterflies at Brookside Gardens and was hooked. She contacted Sprague directly, ordered butterflies and picked them up at his home. “I love them;

I have them in so many of my plants at my house,” she says. Johnson bought large 4½-by-3½-inch butterflies with a 15-inch recycled aluminum stake for $15 each and a smaller 3½-by-2½-inch version with a 9-inch stake for $12 each.

The owners of Locally Crafted in Gaithersburg, which carries Sprague’s products, know the regional artisan landscape, and say the fruits of his labor are distinctive. “People constantly are commenting on the quality of the woodworking,” says Heather Luxenberg, co-owner of Locally Crafted. “You can tell each piece has been given attention and is a true labor of love.”

“I think what impresses me most about his work is that very few crafts are made entirely by hand,” says co-owner Stacey Hammer. “He literally takes a piece of wood and turns it into something else.”

Nothing Compares to stellar service.

Barbara, a full-time award-winning real estate consultant, brings over 30 years of industry-leading experience and knowledge to every transaction. A reputation built on trust, professionalism, integrity, and exceptional service.

Real Estate is Barbara’s passion! Licensed in MD, DC & VA, and a resident of the Capital Region for over 40 years, she understands the nature of this sought-after market, and oversees her clients’ best interests whether selling or buying.

Specializing in luxury homes and all home price ranges with expert marketing and staging, along with a vast professional network, Barbara is an asset in achieving all your real estate goals.

Barbara is fluent in Greek, an active volunteer in her community, and enjoys lifelong friendships with her valued clients.

Barbara

A. Skardis,

CRS, GRI, SFR Associate Broker

+1 240 481 0700 bskardis@ttrsir.com

www.barbaraskardis.ttrsir.com Bethesda Brokerage o +1 301 516 1212 2024 GCAAR award winner

Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. TTR Sotheby’s International Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

A flock of Sprague’s creations roost on a table at his home.

PHOTO BY LOUIS TINSLEY

11811 Dinwiddie Lane

Rockville, Maryland

4 BED | 2.5 BATH

This stately colonial in ultra-convenient Old Farm is truly one of a kind. Stationed amongst picturesque mature trees and custom landscaping, off a private, shared driveway, this home boasts both old-world charm and modern amenities. Formal living and dining rooms offer traditional entertaining spaces and a family room with fireplace is the perfect spot to curl up with a good book.

OFFERED AT $1,039,000

5315 Edgemoor Lane

Bethesda, Maryland

5 BED | 4.5 BATHS

This house is situated on a corner lot in a prime location, offering a perfect blend of modern living and timeless charm. The interior has updated amenities ensuring comfortable family living and is lit with natural light. A 2 car side-loading garage finishes off the spectacular offering. This property has everything you need right in the heart of Bethesda!

OFFERED AT $3,420,000

peg.mancuso@gmail.com

tmancuso317@gmail.com

Richmond in Bloom

Explore more than 50 acres of spectacular green space at Richmond’s Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and take advantage of a yearlong celebration of horticultural displays, art exhibits (including works by artist-in-residence Kyle Epps), live music and more in celebration of the garden’s 40th anniversary. In addition, a variety of classes and tours make their debut in 2024, including Botany & Ecology; Beekeeping, Birding & Bugs; and Plant Play: Make & Take Workshops.

Lush displays of peonies, irises and roses will appear in succession throughout May and into June. With nearly 2,000 blooms in Ginter’s 9,000-square-foot Cochrane Rose Garden, you can find dozens of rose varieties from around the world. Visit May 18 and 19 for the Richmond Rose Society Show and get advice on growing roses. Weather affects bloom times. Check the garden’s social media for updates.

Rosa “Cherry Parfait”

Adding sound to your sight and scent experience, the Groovin’ in the Garden concert series returns after nearly a decade to the rose garden’s terraced lawn. The altcountry and folk-infused rock band Carbon Leaf kicks off the season on May 30. Tickets begin at $38. In addition, Flowers After 5 con certs (included with admission) showcase local and regional musicians on Thursday nights (except May 30, July 4 and Sept. 19). Leashed dogs are allowed to attend on the second and fourth Thursday nights.

Numerous peaceful paths and woodsy trails wind past sculptures and blooming flower beds. Climb the stairs of the new Klaus Family Tree House for expansive views of the gardens and lake

below. If you have little ones who need to cool off, head to the new splash pad in the Children’s Garden.

The botanical garden is open year-round, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $20; $15 age 65 and older or military; $10 ages 3-12; free for members and children younger than 3.

Double your exploration time in the gardens with an overnight stay at the nearby Museum District Bed & Breakfast (museumdistrictbb.com), where you can relax on a big front porch.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond, Virginia, 804-262-9887, lewisginter.org

—Christine Koubek Flynn

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden at sunset

The new splash pad

Iris blooms

A spring plant sale at the Botanical Garden

A Groovy Getaway

The new Little Mod Hotel, steps away from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, is a retro escape for aficionados of 1960s style, parents traveling with teens on a college visit, or a graduation weekend. Opened in September 2023, this midcentury modern property is flush with vintage vibes. Each of its 15 guest rooms includes a pistachiocolored minifridge, a record player with a wide range of albums (from Elvis and the Beatles to Ray Charles and John Coltrane)—and a phone that looks like an old-fashioned rotary dial but works by push buttons. King bed or double queen configurations are available and include a small sofa or two chairs, along with light-filled bathrooms done up in colorful tiles. Five larger Studio King rooms have a full-size fridge, microwave and wet-bar area.

Don’t miss breakfast or lunch at The Mod Pod, the hotel’s on-site Airstream-turned-food-outlet. Order an açaí smoothie and try one of the popular breakfast tacos (filled with egg, chimichurri, avocado, pico de gallo, pickled onions and your choice of a protein), or opt for a waffle cone stuffed with steak, red pepper crema, avocado and roasted vegetables. Rates begin at $189 per night. Petfriendly rooms are available. —C.K.F.

Little Mod Hotel, 207 14th St. NW, Charlottesville, Virginia, 434-443-3207, littlemodhotel.com

COURTESY ANNA KARIEL PHOTOGRAPHY (TOP LEFT, BOTTOM)

Left: A retro bathroom

Above: A snack from The Mod Pod

Above: A guest room at Little Mod Hotel

Right: All rooms come with a record player.

Chestertown Charm

Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Chestertown is home to many 18th-century Georgian- and Federal-style homes, and the vernacular-style White Swan Tavern bed-and-breakfast. A 2023 renovation completed by the inn’s new owners combines the old-world charm of antique and reproduction furniture with modern amenities, including updated guest bathrooms with glassenclosed showers. The inn is a short walk to the town’s waterfront and Washington College (founded in 1782, it was the first college chartered in the sovereign United States), plus restaurants, art galleries, shops and a Saturday morning farmers market.

Each of the inn’s six period guest rooms and suites has a comfortable bed with luxury linens and decor that is a nod to the property’s history. The spacious John Lovegrove Kitchen room—

named for the 1730s shoemaker whose one-room dwelling was the lot’s first building—is a guest favorite for its rustic brick floor, exposed-beam ceiling, cozy seating and elegant bathroom.

While most small inns have guest rooms with a single king or queen bed, White Swan’s Wilmer Room is ideal for a family or friends getaway, with two four-poster double beds and a sitting area with views of the heart of Chestertown.

Rates at White Swan Tavern begin at $150 and include coffee and tea any time of day, plus a hot breakfast to enjoy in the dining room or on the shaded back patio or front porch. —C.K.F.

White Swan Tavern, 231 High St., Chestertown, Maryland, 410-778-2300, whiteswantavern.com

White Swan Tavern

The John Lovegrove Kitchen guest room

Alfresco breakfast

Return of a River

Once dangerously polluted, D.C.’s Anacostia River is making a comeback as a destination for boating and exploring

BY JEFFREY YEATES

Ahalf dozen white egrets and blue herons strut along the riverbank scanning for fish, while a lone bald eagle, high on a tree limb, surveys the scene from above. Kingfishers and ospreys call all around me. A fox darts along the shoreline. A cormorant spreads its wings to dry off in the sun.

It’s a warm, late July evening, and I’m on an open pontoon boat, taking a free twilight cruise on the 8.5-mile-long Anacostia River that flows from Maryland into Washington, D.C. The thriving riverscape unfolding before me could not be more different from the image I always had of this waterway growing up. Back then, it was dirty and toxic—a place to avoid.

The bad rap wasn’t unfounded. “The Anacostia in the 1970s and ’80s was grossly polluted, barely hanging on,” says Chris Williams, president of the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS), an environmental advocacy group. “It was a dying river.”

AWS sponsors the spring and summer boat tours, in part, to show off how far this tributary of the Potomac has come in recent decades. The nonprofit’s offices near the Anacostia’s headwaters in Bladensburg, Maryland, are tucked inside the 1732 George Washington House—a former inn that was reportedly a stopover for our first president on his travels from Mount Vernon to points north.

“The goal is a boatable, swimmable and fishable Anacostia. We’ve achieved the first,” Williams says. Swimming is still off-limits, but improvements in water quality have put that second goal nearly within reach. “Fishing—being able to catch and safely eat a fish without concerns about pollution—is at least a few years away,” he says, “but it’s coming.”

The organization’s 35-year history of stewardship does seem to be paying off. In 1996, AWS sued the U.S. Navy over harmful

materials left in the riverbed by shipbuilding at the Navy Yard, prompting an $18 million cleanup. In 2000, after the nonprofit and its partners successfully sued the District of Columbia for violating the Clean Water Act, new efforts began to divert some 2 billion tons of sewage per year that previously infiltrated the river.

With help from community volunteers and school science programs, AWS has restored water-filtering mussels to the Anacostia’s aquaculture. Thanks to these and other water quality initiatives, river otters have returned. Area residents can now enjoy recreational activities on and around the river that didn’t exist a few decades ago. A new and accessible urban water playground is emerging.

• • •

A FEW WEEKS LATER, I HEAD TO THE WASHINGTON ROWING SCHOOL AT BLADENSBURG WATERFRONT PARK over Labor Day weekend for a “Learn to Scull” class. A sign on the office door reads: The expert in anything was once a beginner.

It’s a maxim I end up repeating under my breath several times during the course of the three-day class. While a few students in our group of 12 have some prior rowing skills, most of us look like baby water bugs, fumbling to put our oars in the right place while keeping our sculls upright.

Perched on her skinny racing shell with nary a wobble, coach Cindy Cole glides among us, calling out advice and admonitions. A lifelong competitive rower, Cole founded the Washington Rowing School in 2006. “This upper part of the Anacostia, away from the Potomac, is the perfect place for beginners,” she says. “The river is sheltered with calm, flat water. You also don’t have to worry about powerboats up here.”

Kayakers at Bladensburg Waterfront Park

It’s a good thing, since I’m barely managing to avoid stationary trees. After haplessly gliding into a thicket of overhanging branches, I sort myself out and reposition my oars in their locks— “Thumbs on the ends!” Cole calls—and pull back out into the middle of the river.

Later on, I involuntarily test the river’s swimmability when I knife one of my oars too far underwater and tumble overboard. The coaches good-naturedly welcome me into the “Anacostia Swim Club.”

While there is something cinematic about the rhythmic glide of a rowing scull, the Anacostia is just as welcoming to canoes and kayaks, which don’t require special training. Various spots along the river have watercraft to rent if you don’t have your own.

Exercising that option, I return to Bladensburg Waterfront Park—this time with my teenage daughter, Sarah—and rent a double kayak. Showing off her well-honed strokes from summer camp, she efficiently paddles us out into the river. I surrender to her superior skills and pull out my binoculars to zero in on some herons hunting along the shore.

Our family has kayaked in a lot of scenic places: Florida, Croatia, Thailand, Hawaii and nearby Antietam Creek in Maryland. It’s hard to believe at first that this placid waterway is in the middle of our nation’s capital. Distant train horns and other city sounds come and go, but all we can see are trees and wetlands on either side.

We paddle past the river entrance to the National Arboretum and wend our way through the beauty of Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens, an oasis for beavers, turtles, waterfowl and dragonflies, known for its water lilies and summer blooming lotus flowers. Nearby, cyclists rattle across half-hidden bridges on the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail.

Humans have been plying these waters for centuries. During his famed 1608 expedition, Captain John Smith would have seen Nacotchtank Indians using canoes to fish and gather food on the river, which the explorer noted was fed by “sweet and innumerable springs.” Colonial settlers later moved in and began growing tobacco.

After the Civil War, many formerly enslaved people built homes on the river’s east side, founding the D.C. neighborhood that bears the Anacostia name. The 19th-century abolitionist Frederick Douglass was one such resident, and his home, Cedar Hill, is now a National Historic Site. Perched on a hilltop with original furnishings and the statesman’s papers on display, the

Left: Anacostia Watershed Society volunteers at the Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens. Above: Frederick Douglass’ house. Below left: Turtles swim in the Anacostia River at Bladensburg Waterfront Park.

WHY I GIVE

“When others turned their backs on him, Montgomery College helped [Jonathan] open his wings and fly high.’’

CRISTINA RABADÁN-DIEHL AND MICHAEL DIEHL MONTGOMERY COLLEGE FOUNDATION DONORS

Abright smile and a kind heart are what first comes to mind when we think about our son, Jonathan. He grew up in Bethesda in a stable, educated, and warm family. He participated in sports and attended MCPS. While Jonathan’s dyslexia impacted his academic performance, his intellect and resilience played in his favor, but with time he became unseen by his peers, his teachers, and the system. Judgment, disappointment, and insecurity followed him, until he discovered Montgomery College.

The day Jonathan registered for classes, he appeared taller, and his smile was brighter. He chose construction management, became the vice-president of the Student Construction Association, and graduated in 2016. He transferred to the Universities at Shady Grove to pursue

his bachelor’s degree. When others turned their backs on him, Montgomery College helped him open his wings and fly high.

When Jonathan died unexpectedly in June 2019, we knew that his dream of helping others was now in our hands.

The Jonathan Diehl Scholarship supports students pursuing a career in construction management. When we receive letters from his scholarship recipients, we feel Jonathan is smiling down on us because his scholarship is about making dreams come true and giving hope.

We give to ensure that other students will have the same opportunities our son Jonathan had. We hope you will join us.

CRISTINA RABADÁN-DIEHL AND MICHAEL DIEHL

Jonathan Diehl

house is open for tours, with skyline views of D.C., including the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol.

Douglass is also the namesake of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, which spans the river and connects the Anacostia neighborhood to D.C.’s Navy Yard between Nationals Park and Audi Field. Notable for its soaring white arcs, the landmark structure features wide bike and pedestrian lanes on both sides.

•

DECADES AFTER ITS NADIR, THE ANACOSTIA RIVER IS SLOWLY RECOVERING ITS VITALITY, and it offers a wide range of ways to explore it. Toward the end of our pontoon boat cruise, I ask our captain and guide, Emily Castelli, 29, what she likes most about the river.

“My favorite part about the Anacostia River is when I’m in my boots and waders, planting wetlands and restoring mussels,” says Castelli, who grew up in Prince George’s County and started

IF YOU GO

PLAY

The 20-mile Anacostia Riverwalk Trail (capitolriverfront.org/go/ anacostia-riverwalk-trail) is a popular route for pedestrians, cyclists and skaters that hugs both sides of the river. Don’t miss the scenic east side section between Kenilworth and Bladensburg Waterfront Park, which goes through forest and wetlands.

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens (nps. gov/keaq), operated by the National Park Service and known for its giant lily pads, is worth a visit for the wildlife and birding opportunities. Admission is free.

Bladensburg Waterfront Park ( pgparks.com/ parks_trails/bladensburg-waterfront-park) is located at the quieter north end of the Anacostia and offers a wide range of amenities, including canoe and kayak rentals, a boat launch and river tours. Cyclists riding the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail stop here to rest and refill water bottles.

volunteering with AWS river cleanup events at age 12. (She returned to the D.C. area after graduating from Elmira College in New York in 2016.)

Expertly maneuvering our vessel to its small boat ramp near the former RFK Stadium, she is careful to avoid the fishing lines of an angler who introduces himself as Keith. Though swimming and fishing in the river are still considered unsafe, he clearly isn’t waiting for an official green light.

Earbuds in, with Tupac and Jay-Z providing the soundtrack for his outing, he shows off several large catfish laid out in his cooler.

“What do you do with the fish?” I ask.

“Give it to folks who need the food,” he says.

Yet another reason to protect and restore the health of this vital resource for all who cherish it.

Jeffrey Yeates, who lives in Arlington, Virginia, writes about cycling, travel and local culture.

The Ballpark Boathouse (boatingindc.com/ballpark-boathouse), a smaller facility at the south end of the Anacostia near Nationals Park, also rents boats; season passes are available.

Capital Rowing Club ( capitalrowing.org ) and Washington Rowing School ( washingtonrowingschool.com ) offer rowing classes and organize competitive teams for those who want to improve their skills.

DC Sail (dcsail.org), a program of the National Maritime Heritage Foundation, has a wide range of sailing courses for adults and kids. Once certified, members can rent boats.

Tickets On Sale Now!

EAT & DRINK

In D.C.’s Anacostia neighborhood, Black-owned 6Co Eatery (6co-eatery.business.site) is a few blocks from Cedar Hill, the former home of abolitionist Frederick Douglass (nps.gov/frdo). Stop in for a steak and cheese sandwich and a side of excellent Cajun fries. Also good for a quick bite: DCity Smokehouse ( dcitysmokehouse. com ), whose half smoke smothered in brisket chili is a must. The Anacostia location of Busboys and Poets (busboysandpoets.com) offers dishes such as Creole shrimp and fried catfish alongside a sizable selection of vegan creations, and serves brunch daily until 3 p.m.

On the opposite side of the river, Capitol Riverfront (capitolriverfront. org) is home to fountains, a boardwalk and a shallow wading pool with a waterfall that’s popular with kids in summer. Hit All-Purpose Pizzeria (allpurposedc.com) for a craft brew and a deck-oven pie topped with pepperoni and hot honey. To satisfy a seafood craving, grab a table at the ballpark-adjacent location of The Salt Line (thesaltline.com), whose owners include retired Mr. National himself, Ryan Zimmerman. Jackie American Bistro (jackiedc.com), named after legendary first lady Jacqueline Kennedy, is a hot spot for international flavors, wine and cocktails in a ’60s-inspired setting with a river terrace.

VOLUNTEER

The Anacostia River is healthier than it used to be, thanks to thousands of volunteers who have helped to restore its wetlands, reintroduce native plants and aquatic life, and remove trash.

The Anacostia Watershed Society (anacostiaws.org), Anacostia Riverkeeper (anacostia riverkeeper.org) and National Park Service ( home.nps. gov/anac/getinvolved/ supportyourpark/volunteer.htm) offer a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups interested in habitat conservation.

June 4–6

John Legend with the Wolf Trap Orchestra

Brittany Howard

Patti LaBelle

Gladys Knight

June 8

Roger Daltrey

KT Tunstall

June 12

Wilco

June 20

Michael Feinstein

A Tribute to Tony Bennett with The Carnegie Hall Big Band

June 26

TLC

En Vogue

Jody Watley

July 5

Pilobolus re:CREATION

July 10

Wolf Trap Opera La bohème

National Symphony Orchestra

July 19

Daryl Hall + Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton

July 25

Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me!

August 1

...and many more!

Shreya Ghoshal

Silver Spring

The area’s downtown is packed with international dining options, nightlife and offbeat shops

BY AMY HALPERN

Silver Spring may have gotten its name from a small spring discovered in the 1800s, but today it’s better known as one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. And with nearly 30 Ethiopian restaurants—not to mention Senegalese, Nepali, Creole, Thai and other dining experiences—located in or just outside its compact downtown district, Silver Spring also boasts one of the country’s most diverse food scenes.

Pair a new cuisine with a concert, theatrical performance, movie or poetry reading and make a day or an evening of it. Arts and entertainment venues The Fillmore, Silver Spring Black Box Theatre, and AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center all sit on the same block of Colesville Road in the heart of town—and if a jolt of caffeine is needed, nearly two dozen locally owned coffee and tea shops are within walking distance, too, many owned by folks from across the African diaspora.

PLAY Home to three pools, a gymnasium, a seniors lounge and the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame, the Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center is the county’s newest and most state-of-theart recreation complex. Opened in February, the 120,000-square-foot, $72 million facility offers free or low-cost programming to county residents—everything from water aerobics, fitness and art classes to pickleball, basketball and badminton. 1319 Apple Ave.; montgomerycountymd.gov

Clarksburg

Damascus

Germantown

Gaithersburg Olney

Aspen Hill Rockville

Potomac Bethesda Silver Spring

Poolesville

Kensington

Analog Market in Silver Spring

SIP Sleek, upscale Citizens & Culture is a recent entry into the downtown Silver Spring scene. Head upstairs for a bar with a retractable roof and a wall of plants. 8113 Georgia Ave.; citizensculture.com

PARTY With its festive decor and Cuban vibe, El Sapo Cuban Social Club is the place to enjoy some ropa vieja and a lavender margarita any day of the week. But if you can catch one of El Sapo’s drag brunches, held every other month, all the better. Host Brian Rivera—known as Ashley when in drag—sews his own outfits, makes five costume changes per performance, and “keeps it classy,” he says, so the whole family can partake. 8455 Fenton St.; elsaporestaurant.com

DRINK Now open in the space formerly occupied by Astro Lab Brewing, Third Hill Brewing Co. has quickly established a loyal clientele who come for its curated assortment of microbrewed IPAs, pale ales and lagers. Plus, there’s Capital Trivia night every Thursday. 8216 Georgia Ave.; thirdhillbrewing.com

SHOP For one of the best selections of bras for large cup-size women—and a personalized bra-fitting by a pro—stop by Dor-Ne Corset Shoppe. The small but well-stocked retailer has been around since 1932 and carries bras up to size 52 O. 8126 Georgia Ave.; dornecorset.com

SPLURGE Treat yourself to either “sugary” or “chewy” (or both) at The Original Velatis, which began selling its hand -

crafted Italian-style caramels back in 1866 at its long-shuttered D.C. location. A fixture of Silver Spring since 2009, the enticing little shop sells them by the piece and in boxes themed for nearly every holiday and occasion. 8408 Georgia Ave.; velatis.com

BROWSE Just blocks from the town center, the new Analog Market serves coffee from its sister company, local purveyor Bump ‘n Grind, as well as vintage clothing and crafts by Silver Spring-based artisans— from hand-painted lamps to Goth-themed scented candles. Named “Best Luddite Shopping Experience” by Washington City Paper last year, the old-school shop has DJs who spin vinyl on weekends. Upstairs is the Silver Spring outpost of Loyalty Books, with a large selection of titles by Black, Latino and queer authors and other marginalized groups. The market and bookshop are only open Thursdays through Sundays. 923 Gist Ave.; bumpngrind.co

EAT The reputation of Ethiopian restaurant Beteseb carries all the way home to Africa. That’s according to celebrity chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson, who showcased the family-run eatery in No Passport Required, his award-winning PBS series. The 2018 episode featured chef/ co-owner Darmyalesh Alemu teaching the famous chef how to make kitfo, a spiced raw beef delicacy. But the most popular dish at Beteseb these days is its veggie combo: traditional vegan stews served with injera, the spongy pancake that’s a staple of Ethiopian cuisine. 8201 Georgia Ave.; betesebrestaurant.com

COMING UP

Events at Veterans Plaza, 1 Veterans Place, silverspringdowntown.com

Carnival Nation’s Caribbean American Heritage Festival will showcase bands from across the DMV, Caribbean food vendors, and plenty of soca music and dancing from 1 to 9 p.m. on June 9.

Silver Spring’s 2024 Summer Concert Series kicks off June 20 and runs from 7 to 9 p.m. every Thursday evening through Aug. 1, except July 4. Bring the whole family and groove to a mix of crowd favorites and new musical offerings while the kids enjoy lawn games and more.

Montgomery County Pride in the Plaza comes to town from noon to 8 p.m. on June 30, featuring a drag story hour, LGBTQ+ entertainers, activities and a concert during the day, and a Pride ball in the evening.

Life’s a Beach

A 60TH BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR ONE LOCAL COUPLE WAS A SPLASHY AFFAIR  BY KRISTEN

SCHOTT

THE BIRTHDAY DUO: Mary Vargo, a retired biochemist, and her husband, Tracy Vargo, a principal at real estate development company Stonebridge, live in Potomac. The pair met in Pennsylvania, where they grew up, and moved here together in 1986. Their 60th birthdays were in June 2023.

THE BEST FRIEND: Dale Glass, 62, is a retired science teacher currently holding a long-term substitute position. (When this gig ends, she says she’s going back into retirement.) Dale moved to Potomac from Dallas, but like the Vargos, she grew up in Pennsylvania—though they didn’t cross paths till much later, when their kids brought them together. Dale’s daughter, Emma, and the Vargos’ son, Andrew, started dating in ninth grade. On the 10-year anniversary of their first date, Emma and Andrew became engaged—then married two years ago. “We’re co-mother-in-laws turned best friends,” Dale says.

THE PARTY PLANNING: It was only natural for Dale to throw Mary and Tracy their milestone birthday celebration, and she knew just who to call to help her pull it off: Janice Carnevale, owner of Bellwether Events, with whom Dale had worked when her older daughter, Lelia, got married (at the Vargos’ house, no less). Mary had also relied on Bellwether Events when she threw Dale’s 60th birthday party. While Mary and Tracy’s fete wasn’t a surprise, Dale did hope the duo would show up and “be delighted by how fun it was.” She also wanted fireworks and to have Citizen Cope perform. With Carnevale’s help, she settled on the Dockmaster Building, an indoor/outdoor venue on District Pier at the Wharf in Washington, D.C. Fireworks can be set off from a barge in the water. As for Citizen Cope? The singer-songwriter—and former D.C. resident—is Tracy’s favorite. The performer was available only on June 2 last summer, and so the date was set.

Mary (left) and Tracy Vargo rang in their 60th birthdays together at a party with seaside touches, including antique oyster-can vases and nautical rope.

PHOTOS BY STEPHEN BOBB

THE DAY-OF: To make things easy, Mary and Tracy and their family (including kids Kate, Patrick and Andrew) stayed at the InterContinental Washington, D.C.—The Wharf, just steps from where the soiree would take place. (Dale stayed there, too.) “We spent the day in the pool, then walked over to the party, and went back at the end of the night,” Mary says.

THE THEME: The waterfront location begged for a coastal beach theme. “I wanted it to look like an upscale dockside bar,” Dale says. A marquee sign on the pier reading “Life’s a Beach When You’re 60” set the casual, laid-back vibe for the 60 guests in attendance. Inside, Carnevale and her team had gone all out. Antique oyster cans filled with sea glass-toned florals (delphinium, campanulas, hydrangeas, sweet peas, snapdragons and others) served as centerpieces on the mix of tables. Various lounge areas (complete with beachy rattan furnishings) were staged inside and out, so guests could gather to chat, relax and nosh.

THE MENU: The abundant food options by Susan Gage Caterers made a splash. A raw bar was set up in a rowboat and featured

oysters shucked to order, among other seafood. Passed appetizers included mini-Reuben sandwiches (Tracy admits to loving these), grilled peach crostini, salmon brochettes, caprese skewers and a rendition of fish and chips served on potato chips. Dinner was buffet style, with lobster rolls (Mary’s favorite), lamb chops, halibut, a leek-and-shallot galette, tomato risotto, baby lettuce salad, asparagus and roasted-onion milk bread. Desserts included a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and edible white chocolate seashells. And the specialty cocktails? A Dark and Stormy and Strawberry Basil Margarita were among the drinks guests could indulge in at the outdoor open bar, which was outfitted with chunks of coral, decorative rope knots and vintage glassware in greens and blues.

THE CONCERT AND FIREWORKS: Citizen Cope played both upbeat and mellow tunes for about an hour. “Mary, Tracy, Kate, Patrick and Andrew looked so thrilled and happy,” Dale recalls. “Tracy kept putting his arm around Kate, and they were singing together.” Following the set, Citizen Cope stayed to mingle with guests and take photos. “I think people liked that because they felt he wasn’t just showing up to perform, and integrated into the event a little bit,”

Dale says. He even watched the fireworks— a highlight for Mary. “The night was so nice, and the fireworks went on for a long time,” she says. “It was perfect.” But the event didn’t end there: Instead, it kept going with music from a DJ, dancing, late-night snacks and cute seashell-shaped cookies Dale found on Etsy for guests to take home.

THE PICTURE-PERFECT MEMORY: Perhaps the most sentimental moment came when the Vargos managed to wrangle their immediate family together for a photo on the dock. They also pulled off snaps with Dale and the kids’ significant others—no easy feat to get everyone looking at the camera, eyes open and smiling. “We took one big picture together,” Mary says, “and it all worked out.”

VENDORS: Audiovisuals, Capitol Media Systems; catering and dining rentals, Susan Gage Caterers; DJ, DJ Flow from Zandi Entertainment; fireworks: Pyrotecnico; florals, LynnVale Studios; invitations, Paperless Post; large furniture rentals and colored glassware, Something Vintage Rentals; performer, Citizen Cope; photography, Stephen Bobb; planner and designer, Janice Carnevale of Bellwether Events; tabletop decor pieces, White Glove Rentals; transportation, RMA Limo

HEARING GOALS MATTER TO US

At Chesapeake Hearing Centers, we see the difference improved hearing makes every day. We love watching patients react with joy to a loved one’s voice and being part of the milestones people experience along their betterhearing journeys. We take great pride in helping people reach their communication goals. We’d love to help you!

— Dr. Rose Buchbinder

Nurturing New Moms

Child care centers are becoming a new frontier for postpartum support

During the fall of 2020, while the rest of the world was feeling stuck during the ongoing pandemic quarantine, Nicole Kumi felt empowered at home. She’d just given birth to her second child, he was eating well, and breastfeeding was going much more smoothly than it did while nursing her daughter three years earlier. But the tranquility was short-lived—after a few weeks, he became colicky, crying endlessly.

“The deal was that I’d sleep from 8 p.m. to midnight, and my husband would sleep from midnight until 4 a.m.,” says Kumi, a behavioral health specialist who lives in Silver Spring. But when it came time for her to lie down, she couldn’t sleep. Her mind raced anxiously. One

BY REBECCA GALE

night, after she thought she heard a scratching noise in the kitchen, she took everything out of all the chests and drawers, convinced there would be evidence of a mouse.

There wasn’t.

The next morning, with the kitchen in complete disarray, Kumi and her husband acknowledged that she needed help. Kumi, who is 41 now and has shifted her behavioral health practice to counsel women with postpartum mood disorders, decided to contact her older daughter’s child care provider. Though her son was only 8 weeks old—and Kumi still had three weeks left of maternity leave—the woman who ran the child care center assured her that she and her staff would

watch over the baby and that Kumi should get some sleep.

“She was my savior,” Kumi says.

A dozen women listen to Kumi share this story and nod in understanding. All 12 work for Wonders Early Learning + Extended Day, a Bethesda-based child care center. They’re gathered for training on how to identify and help parents who experience a postpartum mood disorder. Such training previously targeted medical professionals who come in contact with new parents, but today’s is geared toward child care providers, who, experts are realizing, have a front-row seat to parents during a crucial postpartum period.

“These [child care] professionals play a pivotal role in connecting and interacting with parents during such a vulnerable time,” Kumi says.

Liza Pringle, the curriculum and instruction specialist at Wonders, opted to attend an online training session in postpartum mood disorders after sharing with Joanne Hurt, the executive director, that one pregnant mother didn’t seem like herself when dropping off an older child. After hearing about Pringle’s positive experience, Hurt contacted Mikah Goldman Berg, the chapters program manager for Postpartum Support International (PSI), a national organization with headquarters in Portland, Oregon. Berg connected Hurt with Kumi, who serves on the Maryland chapter’s board.

PSI’s trainings on postpartum mood disorders are typically geared toward medical professionals, though some are open to anyone. The goal of the training at Wonders, Kumi says, is to ensure that child care providers understand the prevalence of postpartum mood disorders and how to provide resources. “These are people who are seeing the moms in vulnerable settings where they may have their guard down,” Kumi says. “Many parents can keep defenses high around friends and family, and then have their breakdown…in an unusual location, such as a child care drop-off or pickup.”

During her training, Pringle was surprised to learn how often a pediatrician’s office assumed such postpartum

mood disorder screenings were being done by OB-GYNs, and how often OBGYNs thought the pediatrician’s office was doing them. “It made me realize how many women were being missed in this process, and that we had access to them and could play a role,” she says.

Only 20% of moms receive a screening, according to PSI data, despite one in five new moms and one in 10 new dads experiencing a postpartum mood disorder.

While early childhood educators can’t conduct screenings or provide diagnostic guidelines, they can be aware of signs to look for and how to intervene. “Postpartum mood disorders don’t discriminate,” Kumi says. “It can be just as prevalent in a government-funded day care as an affluent, prestigious preschool. It’s knowing what to look for that matters.”

Berg believes that training people who come in contact with new parents is one of the best ways to increase awareness of

“THESE [CHILD CARE] PROFESSIONALS PLAY A PIVOTAL ROLE IN CONNECTING AND INTERACTING WITH PARENTS DURING SUCH A VULNERABLE TIME.” —NICOLE KUMI OF POSTPARTUM SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL

postpartum mood disorders and encourage those affected to seek help. Like Kumi, she knows this from firsthand experience following the births of her two daughters. It wasn’t until she found a support group through PSI that she understood she wasn’t alone. “Having people say, ‘You are not alone, you are not to blame, and, with help, you will be well,’ is what made a difference,” Berg says. “So many moms don’t know it’s so prevalent or where to look for help.”

Following the training, Wonders is updating how it connects with parents

who might have a postpartum mood disorder. PSI resources will be readily available to families and prominently posted, and its leadership team will incorporate check-in questions that teachers can use to aid parents. Wonders also plans to incorporate lessons learned from Kumi’s training into the routine training for teachers.

“We can take this on,” Pringle says. “The parents can know they aren’t alone. We just need to be informed so we know the next steps to give them help.”

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Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Villages connect seniors aging in place with volunteers who live nearby

BY JULIE RASICOT

Living alone in downtown Silver Spring and no longer able to drive because of a disability, Cynthia Goodman was feeling increasingly isolated when her doctor suggested in 2015 that she join a local organization that connects residents who need help with others who are willing to provide it.

So Goodman signed up to become a member of Silver Spring Village, one of 30 such groups in Montgomery County. Often led by volunteers, these grassroots organizations are dedicated to helping residents age in place by creating communities of neighbors helping neighbors and fostering social connections.

Now in her ninth year as a member, Goodman relies on Silver Spring Village volunteers to drive her to doctors’ appointments and village-organized social events, including jewelry swaps and

a Socrates discussion group held at a member’s home. Volunteers often help her with light chores that she can’t do herself, such as installing a handheld showerhead in her apartment and adjusting the brakes on her walker.

“You don’t have to feel like you’re so alone and so isolated,” says Goodman, 63, who says she doesn’t have family in the area to help her. “They’ve got a group for every interest, practically, so it’s really a good community. You feel like you know people in your community. You have friends.”

Montgomery County’s villages are among a total of about 80 in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., according to the Washington Area Villages Exchange, and among several hundred nationwide. The groups serve a range of purposes, from Village of Takoma Park’s focus on providing services to lower-income community members to Bradley Hills Village’s mission to build community by sponsoring events and activities in the Bethesda neighborhood.

Some, like Silver Spring Village and Bradley Hills Village, charge an annual membership fee—some as high as several hundred dollars—to provide services delivered by volunteers as well as access to village social events. Villages may be intergenerational or may require members to be a certain age to join. Some villages have paid staff, and many offer an online system where members can request services and volunteers can sign up to help.

Silver Spring Village, which started in 2013 and serves residents of several ZIP codes, holds the distinction of being the largest in the county, with 279 members, according to Executive Director Douglas Gaddis, 59. The nonprofit, which has an annual budget of about $250,000, handles roughly 2,000 service requests annually and offers about 950 social, educational, recreational and cultural events. Annual fees range from $180 to $495, depending on the type of membership.

Barbara Ryan, 71, has been a volunteer with Silver Spring Village since 2017, signing up a couple of times a week to drive members where they need to go. “I get to meet really interesting people and, you know, folks are really appreciative of getting the help,” says Ryan, who will also call members for a check-in chat.

According to those involved in the village movement locally and nationally, the county may be unique in having a village coordinator on staff. That job at the Department of Health and Human Services is held by Pazit Aviv, 51, who says she serves as a “jack-of-all-trades” by providing guidance and technical assistance for existing villages and those starting to organize.

“My job is primarily to devote my time to figuring out ways that we can make this movement successful and thriving,” Aviv says. “What we’ve learned collectively with the village leaders is that we need a comprehensive approach to just informing the public, so outreach and education is an ongoing goal.”

Aviv notes that a strong community connection is the foundation of a successful village. “Very often, villages started with just that goal of reweaving those local social connections, reminding

Village of Takoma Park volunteer Dave Lanar (right) helps John Wilkinson, who is blind, run errands.

“THEY’VE GOT A GROUP FOR EVERY INTEREST, PRACTICALLY, SO IT’S REALLY A GOOD COMMUNITY. YOU FEEL LIKE YOU KNOW PEOPLE IN YOUR COMMUNITY. YOU HAVE FRIENDS.”

CYNTHIA GOODMAN, SILVER SPRING VILLAGE MEMBER

people what we are all about—we’re social animals, we need connections, we need communities—and building those foundations is not just for the purpose of serving people when they need a ride,” Aviv says.

Bradley Hills Village, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in November, started with the idea of providing services for the neighborhood’s older residents, but has evolved into an intergenerational organization focused on building community through events and activities, according to President Caryn McTighe Musil. Annual fees run from $75 for associate members who want to participate in activities but don’t need services to $200 for a full household membership.

“We do reach out to help each other, but [residents] really wanted community. They really wanted to know people and have a greater sense that I live in a neighborhood where I actually know the person next to me,” says McTighe Musil, 79, who became involved with the village by attending its book club meetings. “So, in addition to being of service to people as they age, it

is actually a very important vehicle for building a stronger sense of community that’s more cohesive and caring.”

Village of Takoma Park, which started in 2014, serves about 250 members who pay an annual $25 fee to receive services. Membership is not required to attend social events; services are more of the focus. “For us, we felt like it was really the lowincome seniors in Takoma Park that were becoming really isolated,” says volunteer coordinator Sandy Egan, 72.

Takoma Park resident John Wilkinson, 63, who lives in an apartment complex, was one of the early members, joining in 2014. Wilkinson, who is blind, says he relies on village volunteers to take him to doctors’ appointments and other locations, praising them for being punctual and reliable. According to village officials, volunteers have provided him with rides 135 times, most of them round trips, since he joined the village.

It’s a decision Wilkinson has never regretted.

“I’m really, really glad I did,” he says. “It’s been a lifesaver.”

Why the Bad Stuff That Happens Is a Gift (Really!)

New York native Melina Bellows now lives in the Palisades neighborhood of Washington, D.C., where she applies her considerable experience as a journalist at Ladies’ Home Journal, Entertainment Weekly, Cosmopolitan and as the former longtime publisher of National Geographic Kids to her own Fun Factory Press, a local firm specializing in children’s nonfiction. Bellows, 58, lives by wo rds of wisdom delivered to her in her 20s by two people you might have heard of.

I was going through a bad breakup with a boyfriend, and there I was in Chicago interviewing Oprah [Winfrey] for Ladies’ Home Journal . And because it’s Oprah, you have a real conversation, you know? And she told me that when anything bad

“AND INSTEAD OF SAYING, ‘OH, I DIDN’T GET THAT JOB’ OR ‘I MADE A FOOL OF MYSELF FOR DOING THAT,’ IT PUTS YOU IN THE POWER SEAT TO SAY, ‘WHAT CAN I TAKE FROM THIS? WHAT CAN I LEARN FROM IT?’ ”

—MELINA BELLOWS

negative voice running in my head. I was suddenly aware of that and I could turn it off, or at least ignore it. ‘Don’t believe everything you think,’ right?

I have since learned that Oprah got that advice from someone who mentored her: Dr. Maya Angelou. Oprah said she was whining or crying about something, and Dr. Angelou said, ‘You stop that crying right now. This is a gift.’ So Dr. Angelou gave her tough love, and Oprah passed it on to me and I continue to pay it forward to my young interns.

happens to you, it’s actually a gift if you ask the situation what it has to teach you.

That really did a couple of things for me. First of all, it stopped the pity party. And instead of saying, ‘Oh, I didn’t get that job’ or ‘I made a fool of myself for doing that,’ it puts you in the power seat to say, ‘What can I take from this? What can I learn from it?’ It has you thinking about the future instead of thinking about the past. That was really powerful to me. If something bad happens to you, it’s not necessarily bad: It has something to teach you.

When Oprah gave me that advice, it made me think about the way I spoke to myself, and it made me aware that I had a really

A second story: I interviewed my all-time idol, [author and filmmaker] Nora Ephron, who took me under her wing a little bit. In my 20s, I was looking for love and going about it in all the wrong ways, and Nora taught me—like Oprah did— when something bad happens to you, it’s actually great, because you can make a great story out of it later. She taught me to take the bad stuff that happens to you and use it.

She also said the worse the thing is, the more people want to hear about it. She said people love hearing about terrible things that happen to other people, and she should know: She wrote Heartburn, which was about the demise of her marriage to [journalist] Carl Bernstein. And it became an incredible movie starring Meryl Streep.

—As told to Buzz McClain