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The Monocacy Monocle Page 1
Mystery History
Ten Biggest Changes
Premiere Issue March 5, 2004 through March 31, 2004 Volume 1, Number 1
Return A
ddress:The M
onocacy Monocle
P.O. B
ox 175Poolesville, M
D 20837
Inside the Monocle
see page 5
Does This Donkey KnowSomething You Don’t?
see Profiles page 3
The Boatman of BeallsvilleA whole new demonstration of the
“can-do spirit” has come to Beallsvillein the startling endeavor of DanielRoussin, a European artisan, cabinetand furniture maker. This remarkableand outgoing individual is single-handedly building his own boat in aclearing off Route 109 in Beallsville.Now this is not your standard rowboator sport motorboat. Dan has muchbigger dreams.
Where exactly the notion to build aboat first emerged is hard to say, but inanother time and place it probablywould have sounded like: “Dan, DAN,build me a boat 40 cubits by 40 cubits.”For those not quite up on the cubitmeasuring system, this boat is goingto be 65 feet long. That’s right, half thesize of an ark—right in our backyard.
After just spending five minutestalking to Dan a natural skepticismevaporates. He’s a man with a plan,and it looks like he is just the man todo it. Upon sharing his portfolio ofcabinetry, furniture, and completelibraries that he has built over theyears, the impression one gathers isthat his clients must have includedBuckingham Palace or Versailles.
He speaks with a warm smile,unwavering certainty and clear vision,as he describes the dream that is up tofour years away from completion. Inthe mind’s eye and with shared imagi-nation, the vision of a four bedroom,three level ship powered by two300 hp engines begins to take shape.With sleeping berths for twelve andtwo staircases, this Wave Runner willbe ready for horizons unknown.Judging from his portfolio, the wood-
Daniel Roussin works on the hull of his 65 ft. boat.
As The Monocle goes to press forthe first time, we see a number ofsignificant new developments that mayoccur in the coming months. We alltake pride in the pastoral beauty andpeacefulness of our region, and we canoccasionally enjoy a slower pace of life,but we are nevertheless a vibrant andever-changing community.
From our vantage point, we see thefollowing changes that may be in thenot too distant future. Whether theyare good, bad or ugly—we’ll leave thatdecision up to you.
We will provide more detailedreports on each one of them in futureeditions to help keep you ahead of theinformation curve.
Poolesville is considering a newTown Hall. A search committee
has been formed, and a number oflocations are on the hunt list. Rightnow, it looks like the committee istargeting the west side of Whalen Park.The discussion and debate is really justbeginning.
The new Woodstock EquestrianPark is located on Route 28
between Beallsville Road (Route 109)and Martinsburg Road. This site is onboth sides of the Rte. 28 and you haveprobably seen the stone gatewayentrances, fencing, tilling and newdriveways being put in place.
working and craftsmanship will besuited for a king.
The Monocle is excited aboutreporting on Dan as he advancestoward his dream and we willperiodically give you progress reportsthat you will not want to miss. Hispositive attitude and energy areinfectious, so expect to be wildlycheering him on from the dock or, inthis case, the woods. Will his dreamcome true? Let’s find out together.
see CHANGES page 2
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2
Recognize This Location?see LOCAL QUIZ page 9
The Gazebo at Whalen Park.
The Monocacy Monocle Page 2
The Big Board
Carroll Manor Lions Clubof Buckeystown
The Carroll Manor Lions Club ofBuckeystown will join the Lions Clubsof Urbana and Jefferson in holding aBasket Bingo on March 27th at theCarroll Manor Fire Department inAdamstown. The doors will open at5:30 pm, and President Scott Cherryencourages all those Basket Bingoenthusiasts to come on out! For moreinformation or advanced ticket salescall Robert Shry at 301 874 2414.
The Carroll Manor Lions Club isin its 53rd year of service to the commu-nity with projects for those in need.
Pennies for PatientsKicks Off at JPMS
A penny for your thoughts canbecome a penny for a miracle.
The students at John Poole MiddleSchool are looking to be part of amiracle by participating in the Leuke-mia & Lymphoma Society’s Pennies forPatients Program. This program raisesfunds for leukemia, lymphoma and
myeloma research, and for patientservices. This important mission notonly helps patients, it allows participat-ing students to experience theinspirational value of helping others.
When the students come to youfor your loose change be sure totake the time to check between thecushions, scrounge around in that topdrawer, and look under the car floormat. Your generosity can be just theticket the Leukemia and LymphomaSociety is looking for.
For more information you can callJPMS at 301-972-7979. After March 5th
you can call the society directly at703-960-1100.
Spring Mulch SaleThe Poolesville High School
Booster Club has a Spring MulchFundraiser. Mulch is selling for $3.50per bag, with delivery available. Fordetails and to order call 301-349-2539.
Steve and Jane HorvathA Great Real Estate Team
Montgomery County & Frederick County
Ask Us About OurListing/Buying Special Rates
Want to Know What Your Home is Worth?Give Us a Call:
(301) 651-5700 (Cell)(301) 407-2111 (FAX)
EQUAL HOUSINGOPPORTUNITY
REALTOR®
CHANGES from Page 1
The Park will be maintained andoperated by the Maryland NationalCapital Park and Planning Commis-sion (M-NCPPC).
The Town of Barnesville isconsidering the restoration of
a 78 year-old building located at thecorner of Old Hundred and BarnesvilleRoads to be their new town hall. Plans,costs, and a schedule for the projecthave not yet been determined.
St Peter’s Parish, an EpiscopalChurch in Poolesville, has
obtained Diocesan approval to proceedwith their building expansion. Con-struction is expected to begin thisspring. The plans will leave the historicsanctuary intact and essentiallyunchanged. The church parish hall andeducational facilities will increase byover 50 percent, with many otheradditions and improvements through-out the building.
Most of you have passed by theComus Inn and have watched
the renovation and expansion inprogress over the past few months.The rebirth of this restaurant willrestore one of our historic sites, andhopefully provide a much appreciateddining experience.
The Montgomery CountyHeritage Area Advisory
Committee is hoping to make
Poolesville a center for historicaltourism in the upper MontgomeryCounty. There is some talk they mightwant to lease the old Town Hall.
An old fashioned farmers’market may come to Poolesville.
The Poolesville Parks and PlanningCommittee has been looking forcommunity uses of the centrallylocated Whalen Park and at this time isgiving serious consideration for afarmers’ market on Saturday mornings.
A luxury home developmentmay be built on the old polo
ground property. Building and zoningpermits have been requested for up to20 luxury homes on the site.
With significant pride andprejudice and a total lack of
humility, we believe the most profoundchange is the publishing of TheMonocacy Monocle. A community andregional newspaper focusing on news,lives, events and people living fromBuckeystown through Poolesville,from Adamstown through Hyattstown.
You might have expected the list tobe “a top ten” list. We have only nineso that we can hear from our readers asto what you think the tenth oneshould be. And, remember look to ourHorizons Section in future issues toprovide the details.
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Honey NotesNow that winter is over, the soda won’t staycold in the garage. You might want to makeroom in the fridge by throwing out all thosehalf empty bottles of salad dressing.
19831 Fisher Ave., Poolesville, MD 20837 Corporate Accounts Welcome
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The Monocacy Monocle Page 3
Family Album
Agra resides with her son andsister (Saxa) on a farm in Barnesville(outside the town limits). She and Saxawere born in Death Valley, rescued andbrought to Maryland in 1985. She isproud to be a symbol of the Demo-cratic Party, but we suspect she hasquietly supported Republican candi-dates in the past.
Do you have a great picture of apet or other loved one? Perhaps he orshe has a special talent or a tale to tell.Send your pictures and stories [email protected] your name and phone number.
Agra enjoys tuning into NPR radio.
Locals Lisa Patterson, Diana Bateman, and Sheri Boweshare coffee and conversation at The Corner.
Bill Poole receives the Poolesville Area Chamber ofCommerce Annual Community Service Award from
Jacob Perkins.The “Crafty Ladies” of the United Methodist Memorial Church at their spaghetti dinner.
Look carefully, that’s Commissioner Tom Dillingham helping out.
Noticed the road sculptures along Rt. 355 in Hyattstown?We’ll fill you in on their Arts Festival in a later issue.
Calendar
March 5Violin Concert Evening of Magic
Sandra Wolf-Meei-CameronPHS Fundraiser
Poolesville HS Auditorium 7:00pmAdult: $10/Student $5.00
March 9Monocacy Elementary School PTA
7:00pmJohn Poole Middle School PTA
6:30 — 9:00pm
March 12Basket Bingo
Carroll Manor Volunteer Fire Dept5:30pm Call 301.874.2414
March 135K Run/Walk
to Benefit Habitat for HumanitySeneca State ParkCall 301.990.2014
March 15John Poole Middle School
PTA Family Night7:00 – 9:00pm
Poolesville Commissioner MeetingTown Hall — Poolesville Village
Shopping Center19710-C Fisher Ave. — 7:30pm
March 16PHS PTSA
6:30 — 8:30pm
March 20Monocacy Lions Basket Bingo
St. Mary’s Pavilion, Barnesville5:30pm Call 301.972.8763
March 22Lacrosse
Blair at Poolesville High SchoolGirls 5:15pmBoys 7:00pm
March 26Lacrosse
Wooton at PHSGirls: 5:00pmBoys: 7:00pm
BaseballRockville at PHS
3:30pmSoftball
Rockville at PHS3:30pm
March 27Basket Bingo
Carroll Manor LionsCarroll Manor VFD Adamstown 5:30pm
Call 301.874.2414 March 29
Baseball HomeSeneca Valley at PHS
3:30pmSoftball
Seneca Valley at PHS3:30pm
March 30Outdoor Track Home Meet
Blair at PHS3:30 pm
Relax and Visit Friends In Town
And, the winner is...
Hi’ Ya From Hyattstown
Spaghetti Dinner Brings Smiles and Raises Funds for a Good Cause
“I Haven’t Missed a Dinner Meeting in 37 Years.”
Edwin Brown, A Monocacy Lion since 1942, discussesthe origins of this service organization.
The Monocacy Monocle Page 4
Editorial
Published by Monocacy Press, LLCP.O. Box 175Poolesville, MD 20837301 349-0070 • FAX 301 349-5646
John ClaytonPresident and PublisherPrinting and Circulation
Rande DavisPublisher and Editor
Advertising301 349-0070
Laura DavisCalendar of Events
Shooting Star Graphics, Inc.Graphics and Design
Other [email protected]
The Monocacy Monocle isanindependently owned andoperated publication of MonocacyPress, LLC which is solely responsiblefor its content.
Monocacy Press LLC does notespouse any specific political view,and any editorial opinions expressedin the Monocle are the opinions of theeditorial staff. The Monocle does notendorse any product or service, andis not responsible for any claims byadvertisers.
Articles and letters submitted for publication must be signed and maybe edited for length or content. TheMonocle is not responsible forunsolicited material.
All contents of this publication areprotected by copyright and may notbe reproduced in whole or part for anyreason without prior consent of thepublisher.
We hope you will find us to be avibrant bi-weekly publication for thedynamic and unique area of westernupper Montgomery County andsouthern Frederick County. Our goal isto connect residents from Poolesville toBuckeystown and from Adamstown toHyattstown with a sense of commu-nity. Regardless of how or where wefind our employment, we share muchin common by virtue of our choice ofresidency.
Our goal is to become an impor-tant part of your life. We encourageyou to become involved with us in thisnew venture and to feel comfortablecontacting us with your opinions, ideasfor articles, and pictures that reflect thejoys of living in this area. We hope toinform, entertain, and delight ourreaders with articles about you andyour friends living throughout thisregion. With your input, we will bemuch more than a “town paper.”
While we have the format of anewspaper, we hope to deliver anexpansiveness found more in maga-zines. Will we have the news of the
day? You bet we will. Our bi-weeklyschedule may not always allow us tobe first with the news, but we arecommitted to a much more importantproposition: a passion for accuracy.
We want to provide a publicationthat truly reflects the character of ourdifferent communities with articles onthe people, the places, and the eventsof our lives. Starting a new publicationis like starting a new relationship, andlike any relationship the key to successis trust. When it comes to hot topicsand the politics of the day, look for usto bring a more deliberate, “just thefacts, ma’am” approach to presentingand discussing these issues. We thinkthe slogan “we report, you decide” is aworthy goal.
When we choose to provide ouropinion on a topic or issue, we willpresent our opinion clearly as such,and in the appropriate place—oureditorial page. Furthermore, we willmake our case with the same regardfor accuracy in reporting the facts, andwith complete respect and consider-ation for the people involved in oraffected by the issue at hand. TheMonocacy Monocle espouses noparticular political affiliation or parti-san political philosophy. While we
currently accept paid advertisementsfrom candidates for public office,these acceptances do not reflect theMonocle’s political preferences.
For what it’s worth, the Monocle’sPublishers and Editors are probablyabout as politically incompatible astwo people can be. In no particularorder (that avoided an argument rightthere) one is a lifelong Democrat, andone a lifelong Republican. In ourdiscussions, we tend to find reasonablyacceptable levels of agreement on mostlocal issues, but as we climb the ladderthrough local and state elections,significant gaps appear. We haveavoided further discussion of nationalissues in the interest of meeting ourdeadlines.
We’ll save our passion for demon-strations of just how much we enjoyliving in this area.
Whether you are a newcomer orlife-long resident, we hope to bringfresh information about the region’sheritage, and ideas on how to enjoyits richness. We will also present arespectful focus on people and eventsby sharing our milestones and transi-tions.
Our bi-weekly schedule will startin April. We will circulate the Monoclefree of charge through scores oflocations throughout the region andselected home delivery. If you have afavorite location for us to place thepublication that you think we missed,just give us a call. Of course, if you donot want to chance missing anyparticular issue, we certainly want toencourage you to subscribe at a verylow introductory cost of only $10.00per year pre-paid.
The Monocacy Monocle… keepingan eye on the news for you!
What to Look for from the MonocleIn future issues we will provide
comments, observations, letters to theeditor, and occasional Op-ed articles inthis area of the newspaper. For now,we just want to give you a briefdescription of the various departmentsand features we plan to offer.
Calendar of Events: Listing ofevents of importance to groups withinour area.
The Big Board: A bulletin board forannouncements provided by groupsserving our community.Be sure to keep us posted!
Mystery History: Fun and intrigu-ing historic places and events that arenot high on the radar screen, but arehistorical mysteries to most of us.
Profile: Humorous pictures fromour lives. Got a cute or funny pictureof your pet, friend, in-law, or neighbor?E-mail it in. Of course, we’ll be check-ing to make sure, if it is a person, thathe or she approves.
Horizons: In-depth stories aboutthe many changes that continuallycome our way. These may only be onthe horizon now, but they’re coming.Know of something coming? Call ore-mail us.
The Arena: Governmental andpolitical updates, from the county,town or village. We recognize ourpublic servants as those “In the Arena”and we respect their willingness to stepup to the plate.
Day Tripper: Suggestions for greatone-day or weekend trips and outingsclose to home. Got an idea of a greatlocal adventure? Let us know.
The Pulse: The lifeblood of anycommunity is represented by itsvolunteer service groups, churches,synagogues, temples, and civic organi-zations. Have something you want therest of the area to know about: educa-tional, service, fundraiser, festival, etc.?Be sure to plug us in.
Photo Album: Pictures of thepeople and events of our area.
Youth Educational/Sports Up-dates: Stories on events from ourschools and youth sports associations.We look to parents, teachers andcoaches to help us on this one!
Business Profiles Up: An up closeand personal focus on the local busi-ness people serving us.
Entrepreneurs: Focusing on thecreative and entrepreneurial spirit.
Tribute: Tributes to our seniors,military heroes, and first-responders,who contribute so muchto our community.
Editorial Comments: We will shareour opinions and perspectives ontopics that we feel are important.
Op-Ed and Letters to the Editor:Selected letters that you send to us.This one is up to you.
The Monocacy Monocle Page 5
•Antiques * Collectibles * Vintage Kitchenware
Cookbooks * Civil War & History BooksChina * Glass * Bottles
Framed Art * Prints * NotepaperMiniatures * Games * Toys
Gourmet & Homemade Goodies•
Open Thursday thru Sunday *** 12 to 5 p.m.And daily by appointment or by chance * Groups Welcome
Email: [email protected] * 301.972.8588Look for the Antiques Flag behind Town Hall
All sales support the John Poole House Museum.
John Poole HouseGeneral Store Museum
Museum Gift Shop19923 Fisher Avenue, Poolesville, MD
ThePulse
First Vice Commander BobOuellette has put out the call for YOUto help military personnel recentlywounded in action in Iraq.
Here is the situation: Many of thewounded in action have their clothesliterally torn off as they are evacuatedout of theater within twelve hours.This fast departure does not allow forthe wounded to gather up personaleffects.
While wounded soldiers get greatcare here in the States, there arenumerous personal items they need inorder to be comfortable, especiallywhen you consider long-term conva-lescence. These are items that theGovernment cannot purchase, nor canthey solicit donations, so, it all comesdown to the groups like the AmericanLegion and individuals like you.
Here’s what they need: Personalclothing from undergarments to sportsor leisure clothing, socks, sweats, jeans,
jackets, toothpaste, brushes, andshaving materials. They could also usestationary, prepaid phone cards andstamps.
We know the people in theMonocacy region want to support ourtroops, and now you have a verysimple way to do so. Gifts and cashdonations can be sent to CommanderBob Ouelette at 17300 Chiswell Road,Poolesville, MD 20837. You can alsodrop off items in the collectioncontainer at Poolesville Beer & Wine.The store is located in Poolesville onFisher Avenue, across from WhalenPark.
American Legion Post #295You Can Help the Recently
Wounded Veterans from Iraq
Mystery History
Today’s busy traveler could easilygo by this barn a hundred times andnever give it much thought. Yet, hadthey come upon this building in earlySeptember of 1862, they most likelywould have noticed a busy place. Hadthey been knowledgeable aboutConfederate officers, they would haverecognized General Jubal A. Earlyand Colonel John Singleton Mosbycollaborating with General Robert E.Lee in his effort to “bring the war toWashington.” You see, this barn brieflyserved as a headquarters for theseConfederate officers during the CivilWar events around White’s Ford.
The barn is located on MartinsburgRoad in Dickerson, just west ofLongview Creek, that empties into thePotomac River near White’s Ford(upstream from White’s Ferry). Justbehind the barn, as the ground risesslowly toward a hill, a Civil Warmilitary encampment was discoveredsome time ago.
The barn was built in or around1830, but this is a little uncertainbecause the “Date Stone” near the roof
on the south side, while put in place,never did get chiseled out. The builderswere the same crew who worked onLock 26 of the C&O Canal, and whoalso built of some of the homes andbuildings servicing the canal.
Jack Shawver bought the place in1982. His family came here fromGermany in 1780. “We were the WestVirginia Shawvers. There was anotherpart of the family that is known as theOhio family…they were cabinetmakers who became farmers,” Mr.Shawver told us. His father bought theland that is now known as SnowdenGun Club. As a boy in the early 1920s,his father used to collect arrowheads
Wobble Knob Farmand Native American artifacts alongthe creek beds and in the areas theyplowed. Mr. Shawver showed us animpressive Indian plowstone and abeautiful collection of arrowheads, allfound on the property, as well as atomahawk head (chipped at the tip)that was dug up on the property.
Was it a “bad luck farm?” Well, theoriginal owners, the Trundle family,must have thought so since theydeeded the property “Wilson’s BadLuck.” In the final analysis, I am notsure the Confederates would havedisagreed with them.
Maybe the farm was bad luck andmaybe it wasn’t. But, just to make sure,Mr. Shawver renamed the place
“Wobble Knob Farm” after the style ofthe stone that was used to construct thebarn. Mr. Shawver assures us that hisexperience has been “nothing butgood.” Either way, the barn holds itsplace in history and now the mysteryis solved.
Native American plowstone. Local arrowheads.
Hand-hewn beams have held the barn securefor 165 years.
Jack Shawver in front of the historic barn.
Veteran and business owner Jay Schwartzmaninvites you to drop off personal items for vetsat his store, Poolesville Beer & Wine.
The Monocacy Monocle Page 6
South Mountain for Hiking, History and Antiquing
This feature suggests ideas forspur of the moment family outings to
be enjoyed nearby.
South Mountain is an enjoyableone day trip that can provide somehealthy outdoor back-to-nature timeas well as historical appreciation.While our primary target was thehiking trail around South Mountain(Garthland State Park), we also enjoyedside trips to several of those attic-likeantique and collectible shops. You maybe surprised to learn just how muchfun this kind of antiquing can be, evenfor the kids.
To get to South Mountain, headnorth to Frederick on I-270. TakeUS 15 to Alternate Route 40, andcontinue West to Middletown, Mary-land. This is a really quaint town withan inviting antique store, so plan tomake this your first stop. As you pullinto the center of Middletown, take aquick detour off Route 40 by turningright at the “four corners” and you willspot the antique shop within 100 yardson the right.
Returning to Route 40, headtoward South Mountain, and you willcome to the entrance of Garthland StatePark (eight miles from Middletown on
the right, across from the Old SouthMountain Inn).
South Mountain is a terrific placefor one of those good old fashionedpark picnics—it even has barbecuegrills, so you might want to plan ongrilling and picnicking on the spot.Once in the park we suggest you passthe lower parking lot and drive to thetop parking area. (There will be avoluntary $2.00 entrance fee, so makesure you have some singles with you.)
Along the path that leads to the topof South Mountain and to our nation’svery first Washington Monument, youwill find historical markers thathighlight key milestones in the life ofour first president. This is terrific forkids, and we promise you will learnnew facts about President Washington.
Just before reaching the summit,you will come upon a small path thatbreaks away northbound. This is partof the famous Appalachian Trail, whichspans more than 2,000 miles fromGeorgia to Maine. Serious hikers couldspend an entire afternoon exploringthis trail. We rank amateurs, however,walked on the path for a few hundredyards just for bragging rights.
The view from base of themonument at the summit of SouthMountain is one of the best in thearea—panoramic and warmly pastoral.As you take in the breathtaking view ofthe surrounding area, visible for nearly360 degrees, look down over theslopes, the paths and the gullies. It ishere, just below you and around thetop, that 13,000 Confederates and36,000 Federals fought in the Battle ofSouth Mountain. It is here that Lee’shopes of a sustained campaign in theNorth were first stopped. It is herewhere two Presidents of the UnitedStates participated in the Civil War:Rutherford B. Hayes and WilliamMcKinley.
Most important of all, it was herethat the “Federal army missed an opportu-nity, where, with better coordination andconviction, the southern army could havebeen divided and defeated, possiblybringing an early end to the war.”(www.dnr.state.md.us/publications/southmtbattle.html)
We left South Mountain at lunch-time and the fresh air and hiking gaveus a real appetite. There are severaloptions for lunch. The Old South
Mountain Inn at the entrance to thepark offers a formal, estate-likeatmosphere. For a more casual lunch,we drove to Boonsboro, the small townwe had viewed from the mountain.We stopped at the Old Pike Inn, justoutside of town, a fun and relaxinggrill that serves stacked sandwichesand delicious fries.
Attached to the Inn is theBoonsboro antique and collectibleshop. This is our favorite kind of shop,where super deals can be found andsome real treasures may be hidden.The attic atmosphere gets you thinkingyou can stumble on a one-of-a-kindfind.
The scenic ride back home tookless than 50 minutes. When we arrivedback in Poolesville before 4 PM, havingstarted out mid-morning, we weresurprised at how much we hadaccomplished in only one afternoon.
Service Directory
Locally Owned and Operated
DOOR PRIZESDOOR PRIZESDOOR PRIZESDOOR PRIZESDOOR PRIZES
Basket Bingo NightSponsored by the Monocacy Lions Club
Saturday, March 20 2004St. Mary’s Pavilion in Barnesville, MD20 Games and 3 Special Games
Doors Open at 5:30pmGames Start at 6:30pmAdvance Tickets $15.00
Tickets at the Door $20.00Extra Games $5.00
Call Chip Smallwood (301) 831-8203
Send The Monocle your business card for our Service Directory.Call Rande Davis (301) 349-0070 for pricing details.
The Monocacy Monocle Page 7
Youth SportsThe Falcons, Poolesville’s girls’
futsal team, traveled to a nationaltournament in Boston last month,won their first game, and eventuallyfinished in fifth place in the NorthwestRegion 1. The Falcons have only beenin futsal competition for three andone-half months, but they haveaccomplished a great deal at the stateand regional championships.
So, what’s a futsal team, anyway?Futsal is a Brazilian indoor soccergame. It is played on a basketball courtand there are no wall boards. Asmaller, heavier ball is used that allowsfor more control.
The Falcons are coached by JerryMiller, and assistant coach, PatrickStevens. A team of ten girls wasorganized from those Jerry hadcoached at various levels in the past.Right from the start the team’s enthusi-asm was charged-up. The Falconsplayers are tenth-grader LauraWolford (Team Captain and goalkeeper), ninth-graders Sarah Bell(winger), Natalie Miller (winger),Kirsten Schuster (striker), Maddie
Keese (winger), Marisa Shapiro(striker), Megan Rose (striker), andJacqueline Orona (winger), and eighth-graders Stephanie Hilton (winger), andFaith Clauser (striker).
The Falcons ended their first groupplay (season) in first place and lost thechampionship game against thePotomac Riptide in sudden deathovertime. They went all the way to thechampionship game in the 2003Maryland Futsal State Cup Tourna-ment where they remained tied aftersudden death overtime to come downto one of the most intense moments insports—a penalty kick. On the thirdand final penalty kick the Falcons lostan exhilarating game.
On the strength of this perfor-mance they were selected to representMaryland in the national Region 1tournament in Boston. Team managerKathy Bell and Sue Wolford went tothe community for support to make thetrip possible. Through their hard workand dedication, and because of theever-present generosity of area parentsand other contributors, they raisedenough money to make the trip.
The unknown Poolesville girls
stunned the tournament veterans bywinning their first game 6-2 against theBrookline Beast, a Massachusetts team.Faith Clauser, the team’s youngestplayer, scored four of the Falcon’s sixgoals, one of them on the 2nd halfkickoff. Who were these upstarts fromPoolesville?
The Falcons then took on theHerndon Jaguars from Virginia andafter falling behind 4-1, they kept theircomposure, and bounced back byscoring two unanswered goals, only tofall short in the end, 4-3.
But the real test came with theirthird game, which pitted the Falconsagainst the Shooting Stars from Massa-chusetts, the two-time National Cham-pions. At half time it looked bleak,down 2-0, the girls once again reacheddown deep and came back to tie thegame. But miracles had to wait foranother day, as the final score was 4-2.The fighting girls from Poolesvillefinished fifth in the Northeast regionand are eager to build on this for nextyear. Hooray for a great start and agreat season all around for the girls ofthe Falcons Futsal team!
Falcon Futsal Team: Champs at Heart! Carroll Manor AthleticAssociation Concludes
Basketball ClinicsThe CMAA is a non-profit organi-
zation dedicated to recreational sportsfor youth, ages 3 to 14, in and aroundCarroll Manor Elementary school inAdamstown. Their basketball clinic forfirst and second grade boys and girlsended in February, and they are nowgetting ready to start their baseballseason.
The members of CMAA maintainthe athletic fields and concession standat Carroll Manor Elementary school,where there are three baseball fields,and five soccer fields. Parents whowant to know more can call DennisBendorf at (301) 874-6164.
Coach Curtis Osborne with players: ChrisMasser, Trevor Lecuano, and Vincent Osborne.
VOTE
CHUCK FLOYDFOR U.S. CONGRESS
“BUILDING a BETTER ROAD to the FUTURE”Paid for by the Floyd For Congress Committee, Charles Recknor, Treasurer
www.floydforcongress.com
The Monocacy Monocle Page 8
Focus On Business
There you are right in the middleof your latest home project and you’remissing a key item. Or you are unsureof how to proceed with the next stepand need a helping hand. As theowner of Poolesville Hardware, JohnSpeelman has been the answer to thissituation for nearly twenty years.
The store is stacked to the ceilingwith inventory that satisfies that “gottalook at the gadgets” gene found mostlyin males.
John has a friendly demeanor, andalways greets the customer with “can Ihelp you?” as a serious inquiry, not asanother form of “hello.” He is commit-ted to memorizing his customers’ firstnames. As an insight to his personalpriorities, when we first broached thenotion of doing an up close andpersonal interview, his first commentwas, “Super, but you have to mentionmy employees.”
On the personal side, he hasresided with his wife, Zoellen, since1983 on Mt. Nebo Road, where she hasher own horse boarding business. Anative Marylander who grew up in the
Rockville area, John had a chanceencounter with George Hilliard in1986. Asked about available retailspace in Poolesville, George directedJohn to Bill Bliss, who owned WesternAuto at the same location. It must havebeen great timing, because a verbalagreement was struck inside of anhour.
John, a former auto mechanic,became a retailer in a building that atone time or another was a movietheater and a church. With tongue incheek, John refers to the business as“Holy Hardware.”
John Speelman and Dina Mowell.
It hasn’t always been easy over thenearly twenty years he has operatedthe business. In fact, if Bill Bliss hadn’textended him a few times when rent
didn’t come in on time, John wouldhave had to go back working under acar or behind the steering wheel. Wesay that because along with everythingelse, John is a former NationalChampion Dragster, having won the1989 Pennsylvania Keystone NationalDrag Racing Championship.
So, the next time you stop in thehardware store, test John to see if heremembers your name. Also, just as hemade us promise from the beginning,talk with the real backbones of thebusiness: Steve Pratt—manager,Spencer Schmidt, Dina Mowell, ScottLowe, Craig Earle, and the one andonly, Dee Dee Diederick!
A Welcome to New BusinessOwners in the Area
Congratulations to J. D. Slagle onbecoming the new owner of the Beerand Wine store located in the “OldCVS” shopping mall. The new store:J.D. Beer and Wine, replaces B&S Beerand Wine. J.D. has resided inPoolesville since 1975 where he and hiswife, Pam, raised their two children,Eric and Ashley. After 32 years, J.D.recently retired from the Montgomery
County Fire Department where he wasstationed primarily at Rockville andUpper Montgomery County. He hasbeen an active JV Coach and assistantVarsity Coach for girls’ lacrosse.
Café Latte, anyone? A cup ofcoffee, good conversation, and maybesome light reading are several of theattractions of The Corner, the recentlyopened convenience market and café inPoolesville. The store, owned byDr. Phillip Pittman and managed byCarlos Oniroz, offers a relaxing sittingarea equipped with computer ports forthose who want to sip and search. Thelight menu offers breakfast, lunch anddinner. Their specialty is a CubanPanni bread sandwich.
A mother and daughter team issetting up a new CURVES, a healthand fitness franchise, in the oldPoolesville CVS location. MildredBeeman and her daughter, Lisa, havejoined together to open this femalesonly service. CURVES offers a 30minute fitness program composed oftwelve stations. The Beemans hail fromCharles County, and have plans toopen a second location in Kensington.
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Draft of PoolesvilleBudget Completed
For those expecting fireworks,tension and disgruntled behavior,the public work sessions for thepreparation of the Town of Poolesville2005 draft budget would have been abig disappointment. On the otherhand, the public process is just nowbeginning.
For those who have never attendedsuch a meeting, the process is notmuch different from what you do atyour own kitchen table—it only takeslonger. Town Manager Wade Yostprepared a preliminary budget thatshowed, category by category, item byitem, the expenses for the Year 2003,expenses for the current 2004 to date,and an estimated expenditure for 2005.The same was done for the incomedata.
The commissioners reviewed,questioned, quizzed and challengedMr. Yost on his estimates almost itemfor item and required more specific
explanations in detail on a wide rangeof topics listed within the document.Each commissioner seemed moreintent at this point on making sure theyunderstood the reasoning behind eachentry rather than assuming a pro orcon position. (However, sporadiccomments and questions suggestedfuture discussion and debate.) Mr. Yostanswered all the questions that werefired at him, and based on the positivecomments and reactions of thecommissioners, came through the blitzunscathed. Of course, the primarypurpose of these work sessions was todevelop a working document that canbe used to complete a final budget forthe town.
Some of the most significant itemson their upcoming agenda will bebudget decisions regarding theWesmond Sewer Rehabilitation Project(now in the pilot stage of an estimated2.5 million dollar, possibly 10 yearproject), the proposed town hall project(1.5 million dollars), the WastewaterPlant progress, the Master Plan, andthe tax rate.
Commissioner Tom Dillinghamprovided a list of new issues, propos-als, and priorities: holding the line on
the current tax rate, consideration ofthe town handling some of its ownpolicing responsibilities, augmentedsnow removal services (sidewalks),consideration of compensation orinclusion of benefits for commission-ers, employing a full time codeenforcement officer, restriction of theteen center to Poolesville kids only,and passing a resolution maintaininga $750,000 budgetary cash reserve.
At this point, it seems safe to saythe commissioners have a consensus tomaintain the current tax rate. Whilemany concerned citizens may plan toattend the public hearings and meet-ings to come, The Monocle will keep aneye on the details and the big picturefor those not able to attend. The realdiscussions and debates are justbeginning. Stay tuned.
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