Potomac, MD August 2018

Potomac PotomacLifestyle.com

AUGUST 2018

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SERVING THE COMMUNITY AT GREGORIO’S TRATTORIA BULLDOGS SHARE WHAT MAKES CHURCHILL HIGH SCHOOL SO SPECIAL MONTGOMERY COUNTY NONPROFIT SEEKS COMMUNITY SUPPORT

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2018 PUBLISHER

KC Cole | KC.Cole@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR

Nicolette Martin | Nicolette.Martin@LifestylePubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Danielle Tepper, Vanessa Mallory Kotz CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Celebrating Family

Ronald Gilbert Baker, Jack Hartzman, Monica Vidal

WHEN YOU THINK OF FAMILY, WHAT COMES TO MIND? Maybe it’s the people you share your mornings with: your lifelong partner who makes you breakfast, the toddler who wakes you up before sunrise or is it man's best friend—our always faithful, loving companions?

Maybe it’s the people you share your years with: the grandfather who tells you old war stories at the Thanksgiving table, the uncle who brings you souvenirs from his travels or the aunt who can almost perfectly replicate your grandmother’s best pie recipe.

Or maybe it’s the people you share your life with: the friends who have and always will be there for you, the parents who have always supported you and watched you grow or the kids who are watching and learning from you day after day.

This month here at Potomac Lifestyle, we’re celebrating our Kids + Pets issue. But

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CHIEF SALES OFFICER CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING ART DIRECTOR OPERATIONS DIRECTOR EDITORIAL MANAGER EDITORIAL AD MANAGER AD COORDINATORS

LAYOUT DESIGNERS

we’re also celebrating the overarching feel of family and you, our readers.

We would like to also give a special thanks to our bulldog parents, Dimitri and Amy, pictured above, for letting Killey, left, and Judge, right, join in on the mascot fun with Churchill High School!

Thanks for reading—we can’t wait to see you around!

LAUNCH COORDINATOR PUBLISHER SUPPORT EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTANT APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPERS

Steven Schowengerdt Matthew Perry DeLand Shore Brad Broockerd Sara Minor Janeane Thompson Nicolette Martin Victoria Perry Kate Baxendale Chad Jensen Cyndi Harrington Alicia Huff Adella Wrisinger Jessica Soetaert Cyndi King Dana Rudolph Emily Stout Hailey Stepanek Carli DiMarco Melanie Carlisle Randa Makeen Michael O’Connell Annie Chan Harshith Potu

ALABAMA | ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA GEORGIA | IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MICHIGAN | MINNESOTA

KC Cole , Publisher

MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA OREGON | SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | UTAH VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

PotomacLifestyle.com ON THE COVER Gregorio’s Trattoria PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACK HARTZMAN 6

Potomac Lifestyle | August 2018

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 AUGUST 2018

FEATURES 10 A Hearty Dish Serving the Community at Gregorio’s Trattoria

20 Churchill Bulldogs Longtime Principal Dr. Joan Benz and Her Students Share What Makes Churchill High School So Special

27 Party Animals Traveling Petting Zoo Squeals on Wheels

20 32

32 Paws for a Cause Montgomery County Nonprofit Seeks Community Support

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10 DEPARTMENTS 6

Lifestyle Letter

10

Hot Spot

14

Open House

32 Giving Back 34 Local’s Choice

Recently SOLD Potomac Properties FOR AT LEAST 100% OF ASKING PRICE!

This data is a sampling of sold properties from June 2018.. Source: IRES MLS system.

SUBDIVISION

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Potomac Outside

$778,000

$810,000

104%

32

4

3

Fox Hills

$900,000

$930,000

103%

5

4

3.5

Highland Stone

$654,000

$668,500

102%

4

4

2.5

Regency Estates

$649,000

$660,000

102%

28

4

3.5

Potomac Woods

$710,000

$720,000

101%

2

5

3.5

Heritage Farm

$989,000

$1,000,000

101%

11

4

2.5

$1,089,000

$1,100,000

101%

4

5

3.5

Inverness North

$544,900

$549,900

101%

16

3

2/2

Pine Knolls

$985,000

$990,000

101%

10

4

4.5

Regency Estates

$679,000

$680,500

100%

5

5

3

River Falls

$1,198,000

$1,200,000

100%

13

4

4.5

Inverness Woods

$629,000

$630,000

100%

4

3

3.5

Country Place

$798,000

$799,000

100%

9

4

2.5

East Gate Of Potomac

$869,000

$870,000

100%

2

4

3.5

Inverness Knolls

$589,000

$589,000

100%

0

3

2/2

Fallsreach

$629,900

$629,900

100%

17

3

3/2

River Falls

$1,000,000

$1,000,000

100%

6

4

3.5

Potomac Outside

$1,330,000

$1,330,000

100%

0

5

4.5

East Gate Of Potomac

301-651-4900

HOT SPOT ARTICLE DANIELLE S. TEPPER

A HEARTY DISH

PHOTOGRAPHY JACK HARTZMAN

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AT GREGORIO’S TRATTORIA

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Potomac Lifestyle | August 2018

TH E

Lisa

Vogel

Agency I N - HOM E C A R E

lisavogel agency.com 410-363-7770 We bill and collect from all long term care insurances.

PIZZA IS ARGUABLY ONE OF AMERICA’S MOST BELOVED

License No.R2635 Licensed as a residential service agency by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Health Care Quality.

MEALS. It comes in all forms: deep dish, Neapolitan, thin crust, New York-style, pepperoni, pineapple, veggie—you name it, you can probably put it on pizza. Everyone has a favorite type, and everyone has a favorite place to get it. Greg Kahn hopes Gregorio’s Trattoria is yours.

Greg spent time around the restaurant business for much of his life. His father ran a distribution company that served restaurants, he worked in restaurants growing up, and he decided in high school that someday he would run his own.

“It was always a dream to have my own business somewhere along the way,” he says.

One of the restaurants where he worked, Mamma Lucia in Reston, Virginia, wound up being the location he would turn into the original Gregorio’s, which opened Oct. 3, 2008. The Potomac location celebrates five years this August.

With a passion for food—“I didn’t get this body because I like to take spinning classes,” he jokes—Greg turned Gregorio’s into a “neighborhood family place.”

“That’s who we are, that’s all we ever wanted to be—to be a part of this community,” Greg says. “I grew up here, my parents still live here. It’s home.”

Those family roots extend throughout the business; Kahn’s father, Donald, is his partner and can be found in the restaurant at least three nights a week. His two sons, Bobby and Nathan, are not quite old enough to don their own chef’s hats quite yet, but Greg says they love watching their dad in the kitchen. Gregorio’s even goes one step further in catering to their young guests by providing a ball of pizza dough for them to play with.

“It keeps them quiet,” Greg laughs.

CONTINUED >

August 2018 | Potomac Lifestyle

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HOT SPOT

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The Gregorio’s family includes a staff of 27 people, and it’s the people, whether his own or those who walk through his doors looking for a delicious meal, that Greg says is his favorite part of the business.

“Whether it’s the relationships I have with my staff or with guests, that’s what it’s all about, getting to know people,” Greg says. “That’s what we’re here for.”

That community focus drives his desire to give back. From birthdays to fundraisers, Greg is open to hosting any special event, as long as it fits his schedule and 90-seat capacity.

“I went to the local schools, so we do a lot to support those schools,” he says. “We participate in silent auctions and provide lunches on Pizza Day. For us, it’s all about showing how much we care.”

To that end, Greg also makes sure that anyone who wants to eat at Gregorio’s can find something on the menu, from offering vegetarian options like zucchini linguine to being aware of potential allergies and restrictions.

“We accommodate virtually every potential dietary need,” he says. “We have an extensive gluten-free menu—we do so much pizza that there’s a lot of flour in the air, so we can’t do much to prevent that, but we do the best we can.”

Everything is made from scratch daily, with the freshest top-quality ingredients that are sourced locally whenever possible. According to Greg, what sets Gregorio’s apart from the rest of the local food joints is the way they cook.

“We do it the way it should be done. It’s a traditional dish the traditional way.”

Kahn’s personal favorite?

“My death row meal would be veal Parmesan, with a side of meatballs and tiramisu for dessert,” he says. “Listen, if I didn’t like it, we wouldn’t serve it. We’re here to serve your family great food. I always tell my guys, ‘If it isn’t great, it isn’t Gregorio’s.’”

Two area locations, GregoriosTrattoria.com 12

Potomac Lifestyle | August 2018

Donald and Greg Kahn

August 2018 | Potomac Lifestyle

13

OPEN HOUSE

Fun from A to Z POTOMAC CHILDCARE CENTER CREATES FAMILY-LIKE ENVIRONMENT ARTICLE DANIELLE S. TEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY RONALD GILBERT BAKER & JACK HARTZMAN

STEP INTO THE BASEMENT OF LEILA NASSAJ’S SPACIOUS POTOMAC HOME, AND IT’S LIKE WALKING STRAIGHT BACK INTO CHILDHOOD; A MYRIAD OF SHAPES, COLORS AND SOUNDS AWAITS. With endless opportunities to learn and play, it’s an oasis for kids that has earned its name—A to Z Fun Care.

Children who attend A to Z become like family to Leila, who officially opened her home to local kids on Sept. 4, 2012. After working as a clothing designer, she realized her lifelong dream was to help children, working as both a teacher and a provider. She got her license in 2010 and also went back to school for

Photo by Ronald Gilbert Baker

psychology; she is currently working toward her doctorate. She started her home daycare with her mother as a way to ensure it was the right career path for her.

“I’ve always loved children, and I wanted to make sure that this is me,” Leila says. “If I can work with children in action, it helps me get closer to my goals.”

From day one of A to Z, Leila worked hard to establish a curriculum for her kids. While simultaneously spending time as a student herself, she made sure to offer a genuine learning environment in addition to fun activities like crafts, music, puzzles, blocks and outdoor playtime.

“When I started this job, it took over all my life. I try my best to be the best,” she explains.

“My relationship with my parents here, we’re like family. We respect each other. They trust me with their children—that is worth a lot to me.”

After just one year, Leila had to expand to accommodate more children. She was fielding CONTINUED >

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Potomac Lifestyle | August 2018

Photo by Ronald Gilbert Baker

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15

OPEN HOUSE

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phone calls from eager parents hoping to claim a spot in the coveted care of her team. By word of mouth of happy clients, her business has continued to grow; she opened her second location on March 21, 2017, and is hoping to open a third this fall in Potomac Village.

The A to Z team consists of eight fun-loving educators: Two pre-kindergarten teachers; two for infants; two for toddlers; one substitute; and Leila, who keeps the ship running smoothly as owner and director of operations.

“We’re like sisters,” Leila says of her staff.

Leila accepts children from newborns to kindergarten age and, in some cases, has had children grow up with her.

“I’ve seen 10-week-old babies stay here until they’re 5 years old,” she says. “I have so many good memories. Sometimes when they leave, I become sick for weeks and stay in my office.”

The appreciation and positive feedback from her clients are what keep her going and motivate her to continue to improve A to Z any way she can.

“I believe whoever works with children never gets old. You get so much happiness and posi-

Photo by Ronald Gilbert Baker

tive energy from them,” she explains. “When my kids get here in the morning and hug me and say, ‘Leila, I love you,’ that’s the best thing I can hear.”

For more information, call 301.943.7775 or visit

AToZFunCare.com .

FAMILY TESTIMONIAL “Our daughter, Aida, is 2 1/2 years old and has been attending A to Z Fun Care since she was 1. Every morning, she looks forward to going to 'school' to play with her friends and sing the morning song. Leila and her team have degrees in education and a love for children which really shines through. I am always impressed with their fun learning curriculum. Aida especially loves the art activities, the science lessons and bringing in toys for 'Show and Share' on Fridays. Aida came home one day recently and was excited to show us that she can spell the words ‘seven’ and ‘eight.’ We couldn't be happier with A to Z Fun Care!” —Alexis and Jay Truitt

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Potomac Lifestyle | August 2018

Photo by Ronald Gilbert Baker

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ARTICLE VANESSA MALLORY KOTZ PHOTOGRAPHY JACK HARTZMAN

Churchill Bulldogs LONGTIME PRINCIPAL DR. JOAN BENZ AND HER STUDENTS SHARE WHAT MAKES CHURCHILL HIGH SCHOOL SO SPECIAL

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Potomac Lifestyle | August 2018

Churchill High + the

bulldogs

After serving as principal of Churchill High for 21 years, Dr. Joan Benz is retiring. She spent 44 years working in Montgomery County Schools as a teacher, office specialist, assistant principal and principal at seven different schools. We chatted with her about her impressive career and her love of Churchill High.

WHAT LED YOU TO A CAREER IN EDUCATION? As a very young child, I was in awe of my teachers and loved going to school. Babysitting and annually teaching swimming to children in a summer recreation program confirmed my path. I never deviated from that path!

SINCE YOU ARE RETIRING, WHAT WILL YOU MISS MOST ABOUT BEING PRINCIPAL OF CHURCHILL SCHOOL? My greatest loss will be my daily interactions with hundreds of children, my amazing staff members and my incredibly supportive parents and community members.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS GENERATION— THOSE IN HIGH SCHOOL RIGHT NOW? Our futures are in strong hands with this generation of young people. They are focused. They set goals and use their intelligence and motivation to attain those goals. Our students at Churchill give back every day. They use their voices to support common concerns and to decry injustices. They tutor, fundraise for local and national charities, conduct food drives and recognize our community heroes and heroines by delivering cookies to fire stations and police departments at holiday time. As our diplomats, doctors, lawyers, politicians, support service professionals and parents of the future, we are in strong and responsible hands.

WHAT ARE THE GREATEST OBSTACLES YOU SEE FOR THOSE GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL TODAY? WHAT MUST THEY OVERCOME THAT WE DIDN'T? The world is not as stable as it may have been previously. Information and technology are bombarding us and will intensify in the future. Some of this is positive, some, detrimental. Leading a balanced life in a competitive world will be a challenge. The more we prepare our young people now, hopefully, the more they can manage their challenges.

CONTINUED >

August 2018 | Potomac Lifestyle

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CHURCHILL BULLDOGS

(CON TI N U ED)

WHAT'S NEXT? WILL YOU TRAVEL? DO YOU PLAN ON CONTINUING TO WORK WITH YOUNG PEOPLE? I definitely will continue to travel, to read extensively and I will work with young people. Having been the wife of a naval officer, an educator and a licensed therapist, I can continue to give back. I am very interested in assisting military families in their transitions from one duty station to the next. My specific interest is to guide young people to adjusting and to being successful in their new educational programs.

» RYAN NEEDLE, JUNIOR

WHAT BRINGS OUT THE BULLDOG IN YOU? Getting involved at Churchill, whether that is organizing a TEDx event, playing on the varsity tennis team, leading tours as a Churchill ambassador, teaching students how to use a 3-D printer or simply talking with friends at lunch— this makes me a bulldog.

WHAT MAKES YOUR SCHOOL SPECIAL? Churchill is a place where I can be myself and pursue the things I love.

» CYRILIA WILLIAMS, SOPHOMORE WHAT MAKES YOUR SCHOOL SPECIAL?

Many reasons! The attentive teachers, students who strive in academics and extracurricular activities to represent our school as No. 1 in the state of Maryland and, of course, or mascot, the bulldog.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL AND WHY? English and math. Both classes allow me to think and be reliant on my own knowledge and to complete tasks such as problems or writing creative essays and stories is so fun and interesting.

» LUCAS LIN, SOPHOMORE

WHAT MAKES CHURCHILL HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL? I love the community. It’s unique in that it lets me express myself and be a leader. No matter what, there’s tons of support everywhere.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL AND WHY? I like any kind of science class. All the information feels useful, and the curriculum has lots of great experiments to do— last week in biology we dissected a pig.

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Potomac Lifestyle | August 2018

CONTINUED >

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CHURCHILL BULLDOGS

(CON TI N U ED)

»

HARV SHERGILL, JUNIOR

WHAT BRINGS OUT THE BULLDOG IN YOU? Seeing the diversity and opportunity at this school, all the resources to learn and discover.

WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? Woodworking and doing public service with Sikh Kid to Kid.

»

HANNAH BUSH, JUNIOR

WHAT DO YOU LOVE TO DO OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I am a competitive triathlete. I love staying active, and I also enjoy listening to music and hanging out with my three younger sisters. In addition, I have a huge passion for volunteering.

This year I earned my Girl Scout Gold Award through the creation of my club, Churchill Heart Factory, which partners with the Ronald MacDonald House in Baltimore. I am always looking for new ways to give back to my community.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL AND WHY? This year I took AP Chemistry and my amazing teacher, Mrs. Boppana, pushed me every day. She taught me that it’s not about grades, it's about actually understanding and learning the material, which is such an important message, especially at a school as competitive a Churchill.

24

Potomac Lifestyle | August 2018

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Party Animals TRAVELING PETTING ZOO SQUEALS ON WHEELS

ARTICLE VANESSA MALLORY KOTZ | PHOTOGRAPHY RONALD GILBERT BAKER

FOUNDED BY HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM JOHN AND JILL PHILLIPS, SQUEALS ON WHEELS TRAVELING PETTING ZOO COMBINES THEIR PASSION FOR ANIMALS AND FAMILY TOGETHERNESS. Squeals on Wheels brings goats, rabbits, piglets, hedgehogs and other sweet animals to your child’s (or grown-up) party. They work to ensure all kids have fun learning about and interacting with the animals and each other. Their son, Grant, was kind enough to give us a sneak peek into this zoo on wheels. We also scored an exclusive interview with the family’s African Pygmy Goat.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA FOR SQUEALS ON WHEELS? My parents started Squeals on Wheels as a fun way to share our pets with the community. As it grew over the years, my brother, Tyler, my sisters Chelsea, Marlena and Raquel and I all helped on weekends and when we were home from school to support the family business.

HOW DO THE CHILDREN REACT WHEN THEY SEE YOUR ANIMALS—WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF IT? The best part is seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces and teaching them something new. Education is a big part of our company’s mission, and we work to make sure all attendees walk away with a better understanding of the animals around them.

CONTINUED >

August 2018 | Potomac Lifestyle

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PARTY ANIMALS

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Potomac Lifestyle | August 2018

WHAT’S THE MOST UNUSUAL REQUEST YOU’VE HAD FOR A SQUEALS ON WHEELS PARTY? We had a wedding request for some of our pets to be the “ring bearers” for the ceremony. Another client asked us to a 70-year-old’s birthday party. His brother wanted one of our goats to wear a sign that read “happy birthday, you old goat.” And last, but certainly not least, a young man asked if one of our alpacas could help him ask his date to prom.

WHERE DO THE ANIMALS STAY WHEN NOT ON THE ROAD? DESCRIBE THEIR CARE. They stay on my parents’ farm in Potomac where they hang out in the barn, pastures and with three generations of our family. They are all family pets and get lots of love when at our farm.

»

»

AFRICAN PYGMY GOAT

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR SQUEALS ON WHEELS? This is my third year with the best family I have ever had!

WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? THE WORST? What’s not to like? Life with Squeals on Wheels includes getting scratches behind my ears and sampling the best lawns the DMV has to offer. I love the variety of lawn flavors!

AFTER A LONG DAY OF BEING PETTED BY HAPPY CHILDREN AND ADULTS, HOW DO YOU LIKE TO UNWIND? The best part of my day is being out in the community and getting big hugs from the kids and kids at heart. Coming home, all my goat brothers and sisters share stories about the day we had and the friends we made.

WHO IS YOUR BEST ANIMAL PAL IN THE PETTING ZOO, AND WHAT DO YOU DO TOGETHER? Captain Jack, our dwarf horse, is my best friend. He’s great at finding the freshest spot

M

ari and Marnie love running their female-owned residential cleaning company, Two Maids & A Mop, which serves Montgomery County, DC and Northern VA. They also love giving back to their community by partnering with Cleaning for a Reason (CFR). Through this partnership, Two Maids offers free house cleaning to women undergoing cancer treatment. As a female owned business Two Maids knows that it is very important to give back to the women in the community and they recognize the importance of a clean home during a difficult time. Choose Two Maids and A Mop for your next cleaning and help to support a women owned business that is helping women in your community. A sparkling clean home is the added bonus! Give them a chance--they would love to work with you!

in the yard!

For more information, visit SquealsOnWheels.us .

(240) 660-2118 | twomaidsrockville.com 495 S Stonestreet Ave. Rockville, Maryland 20850

August 2018 | Potomac Lifestyle

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Potomac Lifestyle | August 2018

WE BRING OUR ANIMAL FARM TO YOU! Squeals on Wheels is an educational, interactive and award-winning miniature traveling petting zoo serving Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. We offer a closely supervised, hands-on, educational experience in a supportive, caring and engaging environment that children and your guests will cherish for years to follow!

Our services have been used for programs for ages 1-99, Corporate Events, Company Picnics, Church Events, School Educational Events, Day Care Setting, Home Schooler Programs, Weddings, Anniversaries and so much more!

Squeals On Wheels is a professional, insured, family business, licensed by the US Department of Agriculture. Our top priorities are safety, engagement, and educating people about our animal friends.

August 2018 | Potomac Lifestyle

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GIVING BACK ARTICLE DANIELLE S. TEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY JACK HARTZMAN

PAWS FOR A CAUSE MONTGOMERY COUNTY NONPROFIT SEEKS COMMUNITY SUPPORT

FOUR YEARS AGO, THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES AND ADOPTION CENTER OPENED ITS DOORS TO LOCAL PET LOVERS. A multimillion-dollar state-of-the-art facility 20 years in the making, MCASAC has become the largest open-admission animal shelter in the county, operated by the animal services division of the police department.

Those who step inside hoping to bring home a new best friend and family member will see 50,000 square feet of space dedicated to helping up to 6,000 animals each year—more than 80 adoptable dogs can be housed at one time, along with upwards of 150 cats, with room leftover for small mammals, birds, reptiles and more.

What MCASAC visitors don’t see, however, is the group of people who worked vigorously to open those doors in the first place, and it’s their commitment to helping animals that keeps the place running behind the scenes.

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Potomac Lifestyle | August 2018

Shamanic and Energy Healing Come and be transformed Come and be empowered Come and be elevated

Montgomery County Partners for Animal Well-Being is the fundraising nonprofit organization that incorporated in 2010 with the sole mission of creating a safe place for animals.

“We really fought for it,” says Allan Cohen, one of the founding board members. “The problem is, even though we’re in their county, folks don’t realize we’re here.”

Individual Energy Healing Sessions Individual Transformational Sessions Individual Spirit Guide Connection Group Energy Healing Workshops Group Meditation Classes Couples Harmony Workshops

“Most people look for something with the name 'Humane Society' on it, but MCPAW is not a humane society, because unlike humane societies, we don’t own and operate the shelter, it’s done by the county,” explains Donald Hoffman, another MCPAW board member.

“That’s why it’s called Montgomery County Partners for Animal WellBeing. We’re out there facilitating fundraising activities to enable the shelter to be more successful in taking care of animals and ensuring they have a good place to live until they find a home.”

MCPAW’s slogan reads, “Helping pets feel at home...until they

Atousa Raissyan Shaman, Healer, Artist AtousaRaissyan.com Soulystic.com 240-244-9321 Farnsworth Drive, Potomac, MD 20854

find yours.”

MCPAW strives to provide hope for abused, abandoned and lost pets in Montgomery County.

“We hope many people will see the need to come over and ask about adopting these wonderful animals that need so much love and compassion and are willing to give so much love and compassion back,” Donald says.

The organization's biggest roadblock is visibility, but one goal for the second annual MCPAW Party on Oct. 13 is to increase its community presence. The black tie (optional) event serves as an opportunity for all Montgomery County pet owners and lovers to come together and celebrate their passion for animals.

“What we’re really looking to do is establish an evening function that will enable us to share with everybody who we are, what we’re doing, give them a quick update, recognize some individuals, and then give people a chance to talk to each other and tell their stories,” Donald says.

Of course, each member of MCPAW has their own special reason for getting involved.

“Most of us have our own love and passion for animals,” Donald says. “I’m personally involved because I have four rescue pit bulls

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that I love dearly like my own children. And I see that there’s breed discrimination, but all dogs, all cats, all animals deserve an even break. They all deserve the opportunity to be treated with what we would consider dignity and respect. When we say we’re for animals, we really mean for all animals.”

The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center is at 7315 Muncaster Mill Road in Derwood. To learn more about

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL, Potomac Lifestyle 240-630-1205

MCPAW, visit MCPAW.org.

August 2018 | Potomac Lifestyle

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LOCAL’S CHOICE

5 things we love...

Lindsey

My friendship with Sophia. I make sure as a friend that I am always there for Sophia through happy and especially difficult times. Friends should make each other feel safe and trust each other, and that is what our friendship is about.

Sports: tennis, basketball, diving Good Deeds day at our synagogue. Sophia and I help the Israeli military by making cards and flower pots for the soldiers.

Rocky road ice cream with sprinkles from Sprinkles in Potomac Village

Walking and playing with my dogs: Maizey, a golden retriever; and Bluebell, a Shih Tzu/ Pomeranian mix.

Sophia

I love our friendship because we have known each other since before we knew how to speak. We both truly understand each other like we are sisters.

Our favorite thing to do together is have sleepovers, watch movies and go to the mall.

Hobbies: dance, play the piano and sing

I like to volunteer at Kids Enjoy Exercise Now and help kids with special needs.

For my Bat Mitzvah project this year, I am planning a fashion show at Bloomingdales in Chevy Chase to help raise money for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

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Potomac Lifestyle | August 2018

BEST FRIENDS LINDSEY AND SOPHIA

ARTICLE VANESSA MALLORY KOTZ PHOTOGRAPHY MONICA VIDAL

LINDSEY AND SOPHIA HAVE BEEN BEST FRIENDS SINCE THEY MET AT BINDEMAN PRESCHOOL. They support each other “through thick and thin.”

the 2 annual mcpaw party You are cordially invited to

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P R E S E N T I N G

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“the great gatspy” Join us for the best roaring twenties party of the year as an elite member of Jay Gatsby’s legendary West Egg Parties William F. Bolger Center - Franklin Ballroom 9600 Newbridge Drive | Potomac, MD 20854 Saturday October 13, 2018 | 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm Silent & Live Auctions Live Music, Cocktails, Dinner, Dancing Special Guest and More! : Costumes Encouraged, Black Tie Optional

dress code

dogs are welcome to attend

ticket prices Sale ends September 1

Early Bird Tickets:

Regular Tickets:

Single: $160

Young Professional (under 35) $125

Couple $240

Single $185

Table of 8 $1,100

Couple $300

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Table of 8 $1,400 (with name recognition)

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MCPAW is the dedicated non-profit partner of the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center. Our Mission is to: Benefit the animals residing at MCASAC prevent animals from ending up in shelters Promote positive relationships between animals and people in Montgomery County

Call Celine Ryan or go online to purchase tickets: celine.ryan@excelservices.com 301-984-4400

Or purchase online: https://2ndannualmcpawparty.eventbrite.com

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A to Z

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chool & C s e r P hild e r C Ca ar

Special Event for

POTOMAC LIFESTYLE READERS. A To Z Invites Families to Join a Special Event

Barnyard Saturday

10120 Falls Road on September 1st , 11am-12pm Children can meet and play with barn animals such as;

ducks, bunnies, goats, piglets and more CALL NOW AND SET UP AN APPOINTMENT.

NEW LOCATION OPENING SOON IN THE HEART OF POTOMAC VILLAGE FALL 2018!

(301) 943-7775 // AtoZFunCare.com // Potomac Falls Rd(near 270 north/south & 495)