Potomac, MD December 2019

PotomacLifestyle.com

DECEMBER 2019

Happy Holidays!

VIP HOLIDAY TRADITIONS DECEMBER TO REMEMBER MONEY MOVES HOMEWORK RECIPE = FUSION SCHOOL

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2019 PUBLISHER

KC Cole | kc.cole@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Jess Bousa | jess.bousa@lifestylepubs.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Bethany Hicks | bethany@ordermychaos.com

Happy Holidays From My Family to Yours AS THE SAYING GOES, TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE HAVING FUN. And time sure has flown by this year as we can’t believe we’ve put together the season end issue of Potomac Lifestyle in 2019! It seems like just yesterday we were sitting down to write our January letter to all of you—talking about resolutions and renewal—and yet, here we are, almost time to do it again.

AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor COPY EDITOR

Kate Baxendale CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lauri Gross, Danielle S. Tepper CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jack Hartzman, Toby Angel, WTA Photographers, Alison Tremblay, Bethany Hicks

There’s a unique perspective that working in publishing brings. While we certainly don’t want to wish our lives away, we’re always looking toward the future. Whether it’s planning our next issue or developing story ideas for the next year, we’re often already fast-forwarded to future months before the current month has even begun. The fastpaced lifestyle this industry calls for can often make it difficult to really settle down and absorb what’s going on around us and, before we know it, the year is over and it’s time to move forward again.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

So this December, we hope you take the time to slow down a little bit. Enjoy your time

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

with family and friends, bask in the magic of the winter season, reflect on past memo-

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

ries you hold closely in your hearts and keep the new ones you create in the present for as long as you can. We’ll take your lead, and we can’t wait to see you next year!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanza and a wonderful Winter Solstice.

Happy holidays to you all!

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

KC Cole , Publisher

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

PotomacLifestyle.com ON THE COVER General Manager James Boening of Lexus of Rockville

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACK HARTZMAN 4

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2019

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO Proverbs 3:5-6 Potomac Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Potomac areas’ most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Potomac Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2019

FEATURES 12 December to Remember New Owner at Ourisman Lexus of Rockville Rolls Out Innovations Galore Plus Incentives in December

15 Money Moves Wealth Management Firm Puts Clients—and Community—First

20 Holiday Memories Potomac VIPs Reminisce about Holiday Traditions and Establish New Favorites

26 Is Nightly Homework a Constant Battle for Your Child?

A One-to-One Private School that Helps

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Students with Homework Support, Courses for Credit and Tutoring

20

12

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Local Limelight

15

Giving Back

26 Culinary Creations 30 Renovate & Refine 36 Lifestyle Calendar 38 Our Contributors

GOOD TIMES 1.

2.

3.

6.

36th Annual Potomac Day The 36th Annual Potomac Day was a hit on Saturday, Oct. 12. Big thank you to Potomac Chamber’s Jennifer Matheson and Adam Greenberg of Potomac Pizza and all the amazing vendors and sponsors that participated. Congratulations to honorees, Friends of Library- Citizens of the Year, Falls Road Veterinary- Business of the Year- A big hand of applause to Potomac Youth of the Year- Caleb Robinson! And hats off to all the business for their contributions to the Potomac Community during the parade!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOBY ANGEL

4.

5.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

1. The Churchill High Scool Band | 2. Potomac Lifestyle | 3. East West Tae Kwon Do | 4. My Personal Trainer, Wyatt Oring and Nelson Swift | 5.

Potomac Rotary Club | 6. Ultimate Amusements courtesy of the Cutler Family | 7. Friends of The Library Potomac Chapter | 8. Potomac Cub Scouts Troop 773 | 9. Elected Potomac Day Grand Marshal Ellen Cromwell, founder of Georgetown Hill School, giving hugs! | 10. Squeals on Wheels provided

by The Phillips Family 8

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2019

Poto ma c + B et h es d a + C hev y C h a se + N W D C + N o r t h e r n V i rgi ni a

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Warmest wishes and happy holidays!

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240-463-6918 dcareahouses.com traudel.lange@compass.com

AROUND TOWN

CONGRATULATIONS TO LOCAL TEEN ANNAHID MEYSSAMI AND HER NEW BOOK, HIDDEN SCALES Local author Anna Meyssami just published her debut children’s fantasy novel, Hidden Scales, under the pen name of A.M. Robin. Her book release party in Potomac was featured in The Capital Gazette in September, which more than 100 people attended. “It was amazing to see so many members of our com-

“Inspiring self-confidence and good behavior in children to manage the challenges they face at a young age.”

munity, including teachers, friends and neighbors, coming together to share this exciting time with me,” Anna says. Born and raised in Montgomery County, she is completing her final year of dental school in Baltimore while writing her next book. AMRobin.com

Meetings, Greetings & Friendships Respect for Self & Others Table Manners and Dining Social media Etiquette & Safety The Protocol of Public Places Sportsmanship, Team Building Peer Pressure and Sticky Situations Compassion & Kindness TO REGISTER LOG ONTO www.youthetiquette.com/registration CONTACT: GLORIA OGBEMUDIA (301) 983-1800 I gloria@youthetiquette.com Current Date for Holiday Course: December 7 and 14. $99 | Ages 5 to 14 | 2:30pm to 3:30pm

Winter Course Dates: February 1, 8, 22 and 29 (Saturdays) $195 | Ages 5 to 9 (2pm to 3pm) | Ages 10 to 14 (3:15pm to 4:15pm)

POTOMAC HISTORY BOOK PUBLISHED BY LOCAL JUDITH WELLS NOW AVAILABLE Never-before-published photographs display the history and beauty of Potomac. The Civil War and its aftermath left its mark on Offutts X Roads, the early name of Potomac. The book tells the story of the 1865 gold rush, “Tommyknocker” ghosts and

10

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2019

the mining that continued until 1940. Rare photographs highlight the celebrated Potomac Hunt.

Local author Judith Wells has a record of accomplishments such as executive coach, journalist and columnist. To purchase a copy, it’s available locally at Strosniders Hardware. You can also order online on Amazon or ArcadiaPublishing.com.

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MCPS EMPLOYEES NOW HAVE FREE ACCESS TO COUNTY RECREATION FACILITIES

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All full-time Montgomery County Public Schools employees officially have free and unlimited access

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to all county recreation and aquatics facilities.

Councilmember Gabe Albornoz will hold a press conference to make the announcement formally.

He’ll be joined by Recreation Director Robin Riley, Vice President of the Montgomery County Board of Education Patricia O’Neill and Board of Education Chair of Policy Management Committee Judith Docca.

Other county employees already had free access to the recreation facilities, so now teachers and other school employees can also enjoy the benefit. MCPS employees who wish to enjoy the benefit can register online, but Gabe says they’ll have to go to a recreation facility in person to obtain a pass. MyMCMedia.org

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December 2019 | Potomac Lifestyle

11

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

DECEMBER TO REMEMBER NEW OWNER AT OURISMAN LEXUS OF ROCKVILLE ROLLS OUT INNOVATIONS GALORE PLUS GREAT INCENTIVES IN DECEMBER

DECEMBER TO REMEMBER In December, Lexus offers massive price incentives, and clients who purchase a car in December from Ourisman Lexus of Rockville will receive a year of complimentary pick-up and delivery service. For the proper presentation on Christmas morning, they can also lend you a big red bow.

ARTICLE LAURI GROSS | PHOTOGRAPHY JACK HARTZMAN 12

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2019

AMERICANS OF A CERTAIN AGE

This month, the dealership is rolling

ARE FAMILIAR WITH TALES TOLD

out another innovation that James

TO THEM BY THEIR PARENTS THAT

says is gaining steam elsewhere in the

START WITH THE ICONIC PHRASE,

country, but he believes his dealership

“WHEN I WAS YOUR AGE …” THE

is among the first in the DMV to offer it.

STORY OFTEN INCLUDES BITS

It’s called a subscription service, and

ABOUT WALKING TO SCHOOL IN

James says it will be app-driven.

THE SNOW, WHICH WAS USUALLY UPHILL BOTH WAYS.

“You just pay a monthly fee, and you can drive any cars on our lot

Today’s version might go like this:

from a fleet of previously owned cars

“When I was your age, we had to

that are not more than a few years

appear in person at a car dealership

old. The fee covers the monthly pay-

to buy a car. And we kept that car

ment, service, insurance and mainte-

for 10 years. And each time it needed

nance. You can come in and out and

service, we had to drive the car to the

swap cars as much as you want,” he

dealership and sit and wait for them

explains, adding that millennials are

to service the car.” At which point,

happy to pay one amount that covers

shocked gasps will fill the air.

everything. “It’s a huge market get-

Don’t believe me? Just ask James Boening, executive general manager of Ourisman Lexus of Rockville.

ting ready to explode.”

For those seeking something even bigger and newer to make a huge statement,

“We are doing everything we can to

the dealership offers what James calls a

engage our clients wherever they want

brand within brand but is officially known

to be,” he says. “It’s what clients want,”

as the Ourisman Grand Collection.

he adds, referring to a slew of changes

“We take brand-new cars, and we

being introduced at the dealership since

build them to look completely differ-

Chris Ourisman, the president and new

ent—new wheels, new exterior pack-

owner took over in January 2019.

ages. These are significantly different

“If they want us to come to their home to sell them a car, if they want to

compared to stock cars. These are super high-level impactful cars.”

do paperwork through the mail, we are

A stock Lexus sells for about

no longer like, ‘You gotta come in.’ We

$45,000 to $70,000. Cars in the

are actually creating some apps and

Ourisman Grand Collection sell for

tools to help clients do the total trans-

about $80,000 to $150,000.

action without ever coming into the store if they don’t want,” James says.

Ourisman also offers pick-up and delivery for service clients.

“You do not have to come in,” James says. “You call and set up an appoint-

“We have already sold 15 of them, and we are building more,” James says.

Upgrading the physical appearance of the dealership is another element of the changes being ushered in at Ourisman.

ment or set it up with an app. We bring

“The entire store will be redone,” he

them a loaner. We pick up their car.

says. “It will be way more futuristic and

We service and wash the car, and we

more streamlined and will flow better.

deliver their car back to them. We have

And there will be iPads all over.”

a lot of people who are super interested.

They don’t have to waste any time.”

It will be fun to watch the next generation explain that to their grandchildren.

December 2019 | Potomac Lifestyle

13

GIVING BACK

ARTICLE DANIELLE S. TEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY WASHINGTON TALENT AGENCY

money moves WEALTH MANAGEMENT FIRM PUTS CLIENTS—AND COMMUNITY—FIRST CONTINUED >

December 2019 | Potomac Lifestyle

15

H GIVING BACK

(CON TI N U ED)

“HELPING YOU CREATE A LIFE AND LEGACY YOU DESIRE” IS THE GOAL

Collins Investment Group chose to support

COLLINS INVESTMENT GROUP SEEKS TO ACHIEVE FOR ITS CLIENTS,

the following organizations in 2018—and you

ACCORDING TO THE COMPANY’S WEBSITE TAGLINE. The group strives to leave

can too! Visit their respective websites to

behind a legacy of client-centered, community-focused service.

learn more about their missions and how you

Founded in 2003, the independent wealth advisory practice has grown to be

can get involved.

well-recognized in the D.C. metro area, managing $880 million in assets as of Sept.

30, 2019. With Bob Collins (owner, CEO and managing director) at the helm, the team

+ Canine Companions for Independence,

is more than capable of helping reach that goal for its clients.

CCI.org

The group’s reputation precedes it, but it is known throughout the community for

+ The Children’s Inn at NIH, ChildrensInn.org

more than its mission; Collins Investment Group also gives 1% of topline gross reve-

+ Court Appointed Special Advocates

nues to local nonprofits and charities. Every holiday season, each teammate picks one

(CASA), CASAForChildren.org

charity or cause they are passionate about, and a round-up of the chosen charities

+ Face to Face, FaceToFaceGermantown.org

goes out in their annual holiday card.

+ Feed the Hungry, Inc.,

“I really do believe you have to give back to your community, if you can, on a small scale or a big scale. We will continue to do that,” Bob says.

The holiday cards offer a chance for clients to see which charities are being sup-

FeedTheHungryPhil.org + Hearts & Homes for Youth, HeartsAndHomes.org

ported. Among those included in 2018 were Heart and Homes for Youth, Canine

+ Montgomery County Humane Society,

Companions, Montgomery County Humane Society, Tragedy Assistance Program for

MCHumane.org

Survivors (TAPS) and Feed the Hungry, Inc.

+ Sons of the American Legion Squadron 86,

“I like helping people,” Bob says. “I got into a field that I really love; I’m addicted to it.

MDLegion86.org

You can find a lot of careers that you have passion for, but you don’t make a difference in

+ St. Peter’s Episcopal, Poolesville, Just

people’s lives. So many people get taken advantage of, but I’ve always put the client first.”

Lunch program, StPetersPoolesville.org

Clients have come to expect a top-notch experience when turning to Collins Investment Group. Bob was nominated and ranked No. 11 in Maryland by Forbes’

+ Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), TAPS.org

Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list for 2019. The list spotlights more than 3,000 top advisors across the country who were researched and interviewed. Barron’s does an annual ranking of America’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors, organized by state, for which Bob has ranked in the top 20 for Maryland, most recently in 2018.

With more than 100 years’ worth of experience on the team, Collins Investment Group has a wealth of knowledge and expertise and is continuing to grow its wealth management practice—and it just so happens to be in your neighborhood.

For more information, visit CollinsInvestmentGroup.com.

DISCLAIMER Barron’s Top 1,200 Advisors [prior to 2014, the Barron’s Top 1,200 was recognized as the Barron’s Top 1,000 Advisors]—The rankings are based on data provided by thousands of advisors.

Factors included in the rankings were assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record, length of service, quality of practice and client retention. Forbes—Ranking algorithm based on industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. Investment performance is not a criterion.

Investment and Insurance Products | NOT FDIC INSURED | NO BANK GUARANTEE | MAY LOSE VALUE Investment products and services offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Collins Investment Group is a separate entity from WFAFN.

16

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2019

HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES

Every holiday season, a portion of revenues is donated to charities and non-profit organizations of our teammates choice so that we can contribute to causes we are passionate about and give back to our community.

301-915-9630 | CollinsInvestmentGroup.com 6901 Rockledge Drive Bethesda, Maryland 20817

Investment and Insurance Products | NOT FDIC INSURED | NO BANK GUARANTEE | MAY LOSE VALUE Investment products and services offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), member SIPC, a registered brokerdealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Collins Investment Group is a separate entity from WFAFN.

ARTICLE LAURI GROSS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

HOLIDAY MEMORIES POTOMAC VIPS REMINISCE ABOUT HOLIDAY TRADITIONS AND ESTABLISH NEW FAVORITES

ELLEN CROMWELL As the grand marshal of the Potomac Day Parade in October, Potomac resident Ellen Cromwell sat back and waved to her admirers along the parade route. It’s practically the only time in her life she has done so, as she has always instead preferred to be in the action. As the founder of Georgetown Hill Early School, being in the action for Ellen has always meant teaching.

Ellen retired seven years ago at age 78 after expanding Georgetown Hill to 10 campuses serving more than 1,000 early-childhood students.

Reflecting on traditions and memories of the holiday season, Ellen says, “I grew up in a small apartment in the Bronx with very few toys. My friends and I mostly played imagination outside. One year, I remember receiving a family of Raggedy Anne dolls who were very important to me.”

These days, she said, her favorite holiday tradition is “to unpack the boxes of old Christmas tree ornaments that hold so many memories and carefully place them on the tree.”

Early in Ellen’s career, she authored three groundbreaking books about early childhood education. After retiring from Georgetown Hill, she began writing books for children, including Are You Listening, Potbelly?, TALASI...

A Story of Tenderness and Love and The Bus Ride: A Timeless Story That Bonds Generations Through Shared Memories. Today, Ellen enjoys seeing others give her books as gifts.

“Now that I live in a senior community, I have been so happy to see grandmothers purchase my books and share them with their grandchildren. They are all loving stories about diverse families, and they encourage conversations about values, memories and childhood.”

As for gifts she likes to receive, Ellen says, “My favorite gift is to spend time with my children and grandchildren. I always loved seeing all of my grandchildren play sports, play instruments or sing. Recently, my two youngest grandsons have become interested in writing and publishing their own stories. I love that we can share this hobby together. They come to me for advice!”

20

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2019

BRUCE AND MARGO FONOROFF

Ellen Cromwell

Anyone invited to a Hanukkah party at Bruce and Margo Fonoroffs’ should plan to bring a menorah. It’s not that Bruce, a retired senior executive in the Department of Defense, or Margo, a retired Montgomery County school principal, don’t have their own. It’s just that their Hanukkah parties feature a group candle lighting before dinner, so, the more menorahs, the better. As for the meal, Margo makes homemade latkes and slow-cooks brisket sliders for the more than 50 people attending.

Bruce

and

Margo

established

this

annual party soon after their 2007 move from their single-family Potomac home to the condos at Park Potomac, a planned mixed-use community.

Bruce serves on the Park Potomac Condo, HOA and Master Association boards of directors and was appointed by former County Executive Ike Leggett to the Commission on Common Ownership Communities. He is also the chairman of the Park Potomac Ice Cream Social for Charity, and Margo is the co-chair.

Bruce and Margo Fonoroff

Reflecting the Fonoroffs’ passion for helping underprivileged children, Bruce and Margo ask their Hanukkah guests to bring items for needy families, such as canned goods, disposable diapers, hats, etc., which they donate to Interfaith Works of Montgomery County. That way, they say, they are not only celebrating the holiday but also practicing the Jewish concept of Tikun Olum: acts of kindness performed to perfect or repair the world.

CONTINUED >

December 2019 | Potomac Lifestyle

21

HOLIDAY MEMORIES

(CON TI N U ED)

Photography by Bethany Hicks

SUSAN PAGE USA Today Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page covered six White House administrations and interviewed the past nine presidents. She is also a frequent analyst on television. But since she is usually the one asking questions, it’s possible that none of her interview subjects know that on Christmas Eve, her favorite night of the year, Susan’s traditional family dinner is takeout pizza.

“We start by attending the Christmas pageant at our church,” she says. “When my kids were little, they participated in the pageant,” she adds, referring to her sons, Ben and Will. “They were initially cast as sheep but graduated to bigger parts, eventually filling just about every role.”

After the pageant, Susan says the family heads home and orders takeout pizza before opening presents.

One year, Susan gave her boys a play kitchen, which included a pretend phone.

“Ben marched over to the phone and tried to call Domino’s to order pizza. This may indicate that they hadn’t seen me doing a lot of home cooking in our actual kitchen,” she laughs.

Susan is the author of The Matriarch: Barbara Bush and the Making of an American Dynasty, a New York Times bestselling book. She is now working on another biography, Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Arc of History.

Books are Susan’s favorite gifts to give.

“I love to find a book for someone that they might never have considered but that I think they would end up treasuring,” she says. “One year I found a used book of portraits taken by August Sander, a renowned German photographer, called Citizens of the 20th Century: Portrait Photographs 1892-1952.”

The book includes portraits taken during the Nazi era and includes a portrait of her husband’s grandfather, Hermann Leubsdorf, labeled “Persecuted Jew.” When Susan corresponded with the Sander estate in Germany, “They were glad to learn that (Hermann) and his wife managed to immigrate to the United States, to safety,” she says.

22

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2019

Photography by Bethany Hicks

BOB LEVEY Bob Levey says he does not have the “business gene.”

“I’ve never been anything but a journalist,” he says.

Yet he knows how to craft a deal hard to refuse: He is currently offering two sausage factories for the price of one.

“If you like the political sausage factory, you get that. If you want the journalism sausage factory, you get that,” he says, referring to his new novel Larry Felder, Candidate, which Bob says is “a real good ground-level look at the reality of Congress, political campaigns and big-time downtown journalism, which are my worlds.”

A renowned Washington Post journalist from 1967-2004, Bob is also a well-known radio and television talk-show host and commentator. Of his several books, Larry Felder, Candidate is Bob’s first novel.

Bob self-published the book and is also promoting and selling it himself (from BobLeveyPublishing.com or BobLevey@Comcast.net).

Bob is happy when people tell him they are giving his novel as a gift for Christmas, Hanukkah or any occasion.

It happens “all the time,” he says, adding that the book is a “great gift for anybody who knows or cares about this community and is curious about what really happens.”

Bob’s own holiday traditions are low-key.

“Our Hanukkah celebrations are only slightly about gifts and very little about religion, but all about family,” he says.

His wife, Jane, a historian, and their two grown children join them, along with some extended family members. None bring as big a smile as the family’s littlest member, who Bob refers to as the “world’s greatest grandson,” also known as Robin Levey.

The Levey family is a musical bunch, with singing and/or instrumental talent on each of their resumes, so their holidays always include lots of tunes.

Bob’s Hanukkah gift to himself, he says, would be to finish his second novel, which will be about the world of radio.

December 2019 | Potomac Lifestyle

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ARTICLE PROVIDED | PHOTOGRAPHY JACK HARTZMAN

RECIPE FOR E LIMINATING HOME WORK BAT TLES

RECIPE FOR ME ANINGFUL SOCIAL E NGAGE ME NT

RECIPE FOR STUDE NTCE NTE RE D WE LLNESS

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

+ Homework completed on campus

+ Homework Café dedicated to

+ One-to-one teacher/mentor-

+ Silent and Social Homework Cafés

social interaction and academics

to-student ratio

for homework completion

+ Student clubs and field trips

+ Healthy Habits and Life Skills classes

+ Academic support from qualified

+ Community service projects

+ Physical Wellness and Yoga

Homework Café Teachers

+ Student leadership opportunities

+ Creative expression through Art

+ Personalized one-to-one learning

including Student Ambassadors Group

and Technology

+ Customized scheduling

+ Friday group enrichment classes

+ State-of-the-art Music, Recording

+ Materials provided, including books

+ Prom and graduation ceremonies

Studio, Maker Space and Tech Lab + Compassionate community building

and laptops

At Fusion Academy Rockville, helping

The Homework Café is the heart

Incorporating the philosophy of love,

children succeed academically, socially

and social hub for students at Fusion.

motivate, teach, students at Fusion can

and emotionally goes into everything

As no two students learn the same, no

personalize their experience through a

they do and is a huge part of the

two students have the same schedule,

deeper connection with their selected

non-traditional school experience. The

making socializing with other students

teacher/mentor. Students can also

director of the Homework Café provides

is a priority next to academics. Through

enjoy a school that caters to their

an environment that assists students

building a safe and supportive culture,

individual interests through hands-on

in homework completion, which puts

the community always comes together

self-expression with a professional art

them on a positive path to developing

during lunch and between classes to

and graphic design studio, wellness

better relationships with family and

connect. Students can participate in

classes, Maker Space and Tech Lab.

friends after school by decreasing the

clubs that include Yearbook, Athletics,

potential stress of school anxiety.

Art, Music and Student Ambassadors.

Field trips range from laser tag or rock climbing to a tour of Washington, D.C. led by a history teacher.

December 2019 | Potomac Lifestyle

27

FRESH ICE CREAM + SOFT SERVE + BAKED GOODS + DESSERTS

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28

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2019

COUNSELING HAS TO FIT INTO YOUR BUSY LIFE • Perfectionism • OCD • Boundaries • Codependency

• Narcissistic Abuse • Father/Mother Wound • Spiritual Growth

MICHELLE NELMS MA, LCPC/LPC (410) 382-1450

licensed in both Maryland (#LC7481) and Virginia (#0701008587) insurance not accepted. Credit cards and HSA cards only. Individuals age 18+

The Lahey Group

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Your Home Sold GUARANTEED or I’ll Buy It!*

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Glad we can help you get your home sold! "Our home was under contract after only 5 days on the market!

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So happy for our VIP Clients and #amazing friends, Chris and Amber! Thank you for trusting our real estate team to help you find your new #home!

Congrats Jonathan and Martha!

Hope you love your new #home!

Glad that our proven home selling system got you $15k over

Congrats to our VIP client and friend Kunal on becoming a new #homeowner! So glad to help him get an amazing deal! 43k below market value!! Wow.

Congratulations to my friends and #Awesome clients, Mauro and Jackie! I hope you guys #love your new #home!

Another satisfied VIP sellers! Our buyers in waiting program Delivered again!

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RENOVATE & REFINE

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ARTICLE LAURI GROSS PHOTOGRAPHY ALISON TREMBLAY

30

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2019

The Lahey Group and their partner, Thin Line Home Inspections, fulfill the “serving big” part of The Lahey Group mission as they sort and pack meals.

NOURISHNOW, A NONPROFIT FOOD BANK, WORKS TO END HUNGER BY RECOVERING FOOD FROM RESTAURANTS, GROCERY STORES AND OTHER ENTITIES THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO TO WASTE AND DONATES IT TO THOSE IN NEED. The Montgomery County-based Lahey Group of Re/Max Fine Living, which serves the whole

Desiree Hargett, top agent with The Lahey Group, sorting and packing meals for deserving families.

DMV area and is led by founder and CEO Jon Lahey, partners with NourishNow in support of The Lahey Group motto: Serving big, changing lives, making a difference. Every time The Lahey Group helps someone buy or sell a home, it feeds 100 people through NourishNow. Also, twice monthly, The Lahey Group

SERVING BIG, CHANGING LIVES, MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

partners help pack and sort NourishNow meals. As a world traveler and food blogger, John is known as the #TheFoodieRealtor. Georgia Ingalls, director of operations for The Lahey Group, said the group’s involvement with NourishNow “encircles all of this,”

NourishNow provides meals like this, through support of local prepared-food producers and partners.

referring to John’s popularity among foodies and The Lahey Group and its partners’ commitment to helping local people in need.

CONTINUED >

December 2019 | Potomac Lifestyle

31

RENOVATE & REFINE

(CON TI N U ED)

The NourishNow corporate team led by team lead Brett Meyers. NourishNow is a nonprofit food bank where local families can pick up a five-day supply of food.

“AS A WORLD TRAVELER AND FOOD BLOGGER, JOHN IS KNOWN AS THE #THEFOODIEREALTOR.”

Ryan Allnutt of Thin Line Home Inspections (in blue) partner of The Lahey Group and NourishNow CEO Brett Meyers unload the weekly meal packages.

32

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2019

FREE PROPERTY TAX REVIEW

Don’t pay more than your fair share on your property taxes— let our consultants assess your real estate taxes.

(301) 340-8700 (ext. 1101) | CoakleyRealty.com

photos by Jack Hartzman

WE CATER TO YOU & HOLIDAYS TOO!

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Potomac Lifestyle | December 2019

IT’S TIME TO RESERVE YOUR HOLIDAY EVENTS

Let Hunter’s Bar and Grill Host Your Special Occasion!

Anniversaries » Birthdays » Wedding & Baby Showers Christening » Celebration of Life » Business Meetings

HuntersBarAndGrill.com

10123 River Rd Potomac, Maryland

|

301-299-9300

A boutique outpatient addiction center located in the heart of Potomac. Our program is evidence-based and entirely confidential. Day and evening programs, and free family support, are available.

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“I love coming here.” – actual patient December 2019 | Potomac Lifestyle

35

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

7

NOV 8–JAN 5

Pictures with Santa are encouraged.

THE MEMORIAL ILLUMINATION ANTIETAM NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD

WINTER WALK OF LIGHTS

Enter on Route 34

Vienna, Va.

NOV 15–DEC 30

On the first Saturday of December

You’re invited to the Winter Walk

every year, 23,110 luminaries are lit

of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical

Entrance inside The Christmas Village

at Antietam National Battlefield to

Gardens in Vienna, Virginia. From

at Gaylord National Resort

signify the soldiers who died, were

mid-November until just after New

ICE! is back with an all-new theme

lost or injured in one of the bloodiest

Year’s Day, the garden is transformed

featuring the 1957 Dr. Seuss classic

one-day battles in American history.

into a half-mile walk of lights. Revisit

How The Grinch Stole Christmas!

This unique event is a great oppor-

the Lakeside Lights, the Fountain of

Watch how the Grinch tries to

tunity to take a drive into Maryland

Lights and the Holiday Nature Walk.

steal Christmas from the Whos of

to experience some local Civil War

Finish your visit by roasting marsh-

Whoville

history with the family. NPS.gov

mallows and sip on hot beverages by

sculptures and displays. Experience

the fire. NoVaParks.com

your favorite scenes in magnifi-

7

THE DISTRICT’S HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE

District Wharf, 1100 Maine Ave. SW,

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens,

CHRISTMAS ON THE POTOMAC

through

interactive

ice

cent hand-carved sculptures made

14

from more than 2 million pounds of ice. HappeningInTheHill.com

A CANDLELIT CHRISTMAS

The Music Center at the Strathmore, 5301

21

Washington, D.C.

Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, Md.

Celebrate the parade and see the

It's

beautifully decorated boats pass by.

Washington

Sip hot cocoa and make s’mores at

the National Capital Brass, more

the fire pit. Visit the lighted Christmas

than130

Tree and enjoy other fun activities,

alongs and the magnificent candlelight

North Bethesda, Md.

including live music, skating on

processional, A Candlelit Christmas

The Soul Crackers honor the music of

the ice rink and sampling winter

includes popular songs such as

Memphis and Motown with their rol-

drinks at the Waterfront Wine & Beer

"The Dream Isaiah Saw," "Hallelujah

licking renditions of timeless songs

Garden. WharfDC.com

Chorus" and more holiday favorites to

like “I Feel Good,” “Dancing in the

fall in love with! Strathmore.org

Streets,” “Signed, Sealed, Delivered

7–29 HOLLY TROLLEYFEST

National Capital Trolley Museum, 1313 Bonifant Road, Silver Spring, Md.

Holly TrolleyFest celebrates the season with toy trains and Santa aboard

36

Parents, don't forget your cameras!

not

Christmas

without

Chorus!

singers,

The

Featuring

organ,

sing-

SOUL CRACKERS ANNUAL HOLIDAY SHOW

The Strathmore, 11810 Grand Park Ave.,

I'm Yours,” plus some holiday favor-

14

ites. Known for their signature med-

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT MAGGIANO'S LITTLE ITALY – CHEVY CHASE

horn section, creates combustible

leys, lead vocalist Tommy Lepson, along with the nine-piece band’s

5333 Wisconsin Ave. NW,

the streetcars from 12:30–4:30 p.m.

Washington, D.C.

Santa will not be available after

Come join Santa and Mrs.Claus for a

Christmas, however, there are street-

delicious breakfast buffet. Write let-

car rides and seasonal toy trains set

ters to Santa and decorate holi-

We are always accepting sub-

up. DCTrolley.org

day-themed cookies. Santa's elves

missions for events you'd like to

will even help to assist them in mak-

see included in our Calendar sec-

ing their own "magic reindeer food" in

tion. Submissions are accepted

hopes that Santa and his reindeer

via

will come and visit on Christmas Eve.

PotomacLifestyle.com.

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2019

the

Contact

Us

tab

at

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EVERY DAY!

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HOLIDAY SPECIAL, HALF PRICE CONSULT FOR ALL DECEMBER 2019 ($100 SAVINGS) Schedule your initial phone consult

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December 2019 | Potomac Lifestyle

37

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Our Contributors HAPPY HOLIDAYS! WE COULD NOT DO IT WITHOUT YOU!

JACK HARTZMAN

MONICA VIDAL

JESS BOUSA CEO of Exponential Media and

Partner of WTA Photo, the photo-

Partner of WTA Photo. Senior

graphic division of the Washington

Event Producer, Photographer, and

Editorial Coordinator

Talent Agency; Lead Photographer,

Creative Director.

Jess fell in love with the unstoppable

Creative Director and Producer

Monica is one of the most highly

power of the internet more than 10

Jack has not missed a beat in the

regarded female photographers in the

years ago and learned how to leverage

Washington, D.C. area, creating time-

DMV. A true pioneer and visionary in

every facet of it to grow businesses and

less images for nearly 30 years. He

the events community, she specializes

nonprofits. His purpose is to ultimately

specializes in weddings, bar and bat

in unique portraits, all types of event

maximize one's full potential along with

mitzvahs, corporate events, portraits

photography and event production. For

print through first-class branding, con-

and, of course, editorial photography as

more information about this dynamic

sulting and digital marketing services.

you see in Potomac Lifestyle magazine.

duo, visit WTAPhoto.com.

Visit: www.myexpomedia.com

DANIELLE TEPPER

LAURI GROSS

BETHANY HICKS

Writer

Writer

Social Media

for

Lauri has for more than a decade

Bethany is a creative person who

Potomac Lifestyle for two years and is

worked in corporate PR with Discovery

loves photography. She has run her

a content creator whose work has been

Channel, TLC and Animal Planet. Lauri

business, Bethany J. Photography, for

published both nationally and at the

switched to freelance work, helping

six years while earning her degree in

community level. Her full-time gig at

clients with corporate communications

the subject. In addition to photogra-

HumaneSociety.org brings her love

and media relations. Since 2000, Lauri

phy, she works as a graphic designer

of words and animals together. She also

has been writing feature stories and col-

and social media manager. Her goal

enjoys photography, foodie adventures,

umns on a freelance basis for local and

is to create simple, expressive and

pop culture and hazelnut coffee.

regional magazines and newspapers in

beautiful photography.

Danielle

has

written

articles

the Midwest and the DMV. 38

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2019