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December 20-26, 2017
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Page 6
Sharing the Festival of Lights News, Page 3
Relieving Stress A+, Page 6
Picking OutTheir Christmas Tree
News, Page 3
Tabitha, Austin, and Brandon Kidd choose their Christmas tree at the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department Station.
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2 v Potomac Almanac v December 20-26, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Photos by Deb Stevens/The Almanac
September, 2017 Sales, $495,000~$665,000In September 2017, 44 Potomac homes sold
between $3,350,000-$495,000.
Potomac REAL ESTATE
4 9432 Bentridge Avenue — $645,000
1 1405 Longhill Drive — $665,000
5 11812 Hunting Ridge Court — $635,000
6 1390 Stratton Drive — $635,000
2 11912 Jubal Early Court — $660,0003 10949 Whiterim Drive — $650,000
Address ...............................BR FB HB .Postal City ...Sold Price .....Type........Lot AC .Postal Code...... Subdivision....... Date Sold
1 1405 LONGHILL DR ...........4 ... 3 ... 1 ....POTOMAC ...... $665,000 ..... Detached ....0.24 .........20854 ......... HORIZON HILL .......09/07/17
2 11912 JUBAL EARLY CT .....3 ... 3 ... 0 ....POTOMAC ...... $660,000 ..... Detached ....0.21 .........20854 .......... REGENT PARK ........09/18/17
3 10949 WHITERIM DR .........3 ... 2 ... 2 ....POTOMAC ...... $650,000 ..... Townhouse .0.04 .........20854 .FAWSETT FARMS MANOR 09/15/17
4 9432 BENTRIDGE AVE .......3 ... 3 ... 1 ....POTOMAC ...... $645,000 ..... Townhouse .0.06 .........20854 ........... FALLSREACH .........09/08/17
5 11812 HUNTING RIDGE CT 5 ... 3 ... 1 ...ROCKVILLE ...... $635,000 ..... Detached ....0.39 .........20854 ............ GLEN OAKS ..........09/29/17
6 1390 STRATTON DR ...........4 ... 2 ... 1 ....POTOMAC ...... $635,000 ..... Detached ....0.22 .........20854 ...... POTOMAC WOODS ....09/28/17
7 1437 LONGHILL DR ...........5 ... 2 ... 1 ...ROCKVILLE ...... $599,950 ..... Detached ....0.26 .........20854 ......... HORIZON HILL .......09/08/17
8 8113 INVERNESS RIDGE RD .3 ... 3 ... 1 ....POTOMAC ...... $595,000 ..... Townhouse .0.05 .........20854 .. INVERNESS FOREST TH 09/28/17
9 12112 BENTRIDGE PL ........3 ... 2 ... 1 ....POTOMAC ...... $495,000 ..... Townhouse .0.03 .........20854 ........... FALLSREACH .........09/15/17 Copyright 2017 MarketStats for ShowingTime. Source: Bright MLS as of October 13, 2017.
Potomac Almanac ❖ December 20-26, 2017 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
NewsPotomac Almanac Editor Steven Mauren
703-778-9415 or [email protected]
See www.potomacalmanac.com
By Peggy McEwan
The Almanac
It was cold and windy Tuesday, Dec.12, the first night of Hanukkah, whenchildren from Congregation Har Sha-lom religious education classes, their
teachers and parents gathered outside tolight the Hanukkah menorah.
So windy in fact that the candle keptblowing out.
But no one was daunted. They were, af-ter all, celebrating a miracle.
Hanukkah is an eight-day festival cel-ebrating the rededication of the second Jew-ish Temple at Jerusalem. Though there wasonly enough oil to burn the temple candlesfor one day, the light burned for eight days,allowing time for new oil to be found.
In honor of this miracle, Jewish peoplehave celebrated Miracle of Lights for cen-turies, lighting an additional candle on themenorah each night for eight nights.
“The light reminds us that not only havewe fought for our freedom, but we want toinspire others to stand up for justice, fightfor freedom, light up dark places,” RabbiAdam Raskin, of Congregation Har Shalom,told the group.
That is why the congregation has itsmenorah close to Falls Road for passersbyto see, he said.
In addition to the candle lighting, cel-ebrants prayed a blessing and sang tradi-tional songs led by Cantor Henrique OzurBass.
The center candle, the Shamash, is usedto light the others, said Jennifer Newfeld,
Congregation Har Shalomgathers for Hanukkah.
director of education at Congregation HarShalom.
“The other [candles] are not allowed todo any work because the only thing theyare supposed to do is publicize the miracle,”she said.
Members of the congregation also hosteda Fire and Ice celebration at Rockville townSquare Saturday night. During that timethey lit five candles on a menorah followedby a community ice skate.
Sharing the Festival of Lights
On a MissionThe Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department Santa rides the fire truck intoneighborhoods, delighting families and collecting toys for children living inhomeless shelter.
‘Tis theSeasonAlethea and JonBacos with Echoat the Christmastree display atthe Cabin JohnPark VolunteerFire DepartmentStation.
Photo by
Deborah Stevens/
The Almanac
Cantor Henrique Ozur Bass leads students in song Tuesday at the firstnight lighting of the Menorah at Congregation Har Shalom on Falls Road.
Rabbi Adam Raskin of Congrega-tion Har Shalom on Falls Roadreminds children of the symbolismof lighting the menorah on Tues-day, the first night of Hanukkah.
Photos by Peggy McEwan/The Almanac
4 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ December 20-26, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opinion
Submit civic/community announce-ments at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome.Deadline is Thursday at noon, at leasttwo weeks before event.
HOLIDAY SOBER-RIDEFree Sober Rides. The annual Holiday
SoberRider program will operate 8p.m.-4 a.m. each night from Friday,Dec. 15, 2017-Monday, Jan. 1, 2018.area residents age 21 and oldercelebrating with alcohol maydownload Lyft to their phones, thenenter the code in the app’s “Promo”section to receive their no cost (up to$15) safe transportation home.WRAP’s weekly Holiday SoberRidepromo codes will be posted at 2 p.m.on Dec. 15, Dec. 23 and Dec. 31 onwww.SoberRide.com.
WINTER GUIDE AVAILABLEThe 2017-2018 winter issue of the
Montgomery County Guide forRecreation and Parks programsis now available to the public. TheWinter Guide features a wide varietyof classes and programs designed tohelp participants stay active and havefun. To view the Winter Guideonline, visitwww.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/Resources/Files/publications/WinterGuide2017-2018.pdf.
Blood Donations Needed. TheAmerican Red Cross urges eligibledonors to give more life by givingblood this December. In December,donations decline but the needs ofpatients remain steady. During theholiday season, set aside an hour togive the most important gift – giveblood and give more life. All those
who come to give blood or plateletsDec. 21, 2017, through Jan. 7, 2018,will receive a long-sleeved Red CrossT-shirt, while supplies last. Make anappointment to give blood by visitingredcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767.
❖ Rockville-Rockville Blood DonationCenter, 11820 Parklawn Drive(unless otherwise noted)
Dec. 20: 7:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m.Dec. 21: 12:45-5:45 p.m.Dec. 22: 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m.Dec. 23: 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m.Dec. 24: 7:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m.Dec. 26: 12:45-5:45 p.m.Dec. 27: 7:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m.Dec. 28: 12:45-5:45 p.m.Dec. 29: 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m.Dec. 30: 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m.Dec. 31: 7:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m.❖ Silver SpringDec. 20: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., American
Nurses Association-Silver Spring,
8515 Georgia Ave., Suite 400Dec. 21 and 26: 1:30-7 p.m., Montgomery
Chapter House, 2020 East WestHighway
Dec. 26: 2-6 p.m., Long Branch Library,8800 Garland Ave.
MONDAY/JAN. 8Budget Forum. 7 p.m. at the Bethesda-
Chevy Chase Regional Services Center,4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda.Montgomery County Executive IsiahLeggett is holding a budget forum to seekinput from residents about Fiscal Year2019 (FY19) Operating Budget priorities.The County Executive will announce hisRecommended FY19 Operating Budgeton March 15. If services or aids areneeded to participate, call 240-777-6507,Maryland Relay 711 or email a request [email protected] www.montgomerycountymd.gov.
The pages of the Connection News-papers (including the AlexandriaGazette Packet, the Mount VernonGazette, the Potomac Almanac and
the Centre View) have been full of holiday spiritbeginning before Thanksgiving. Group and in-dividual efforts to help the needy, holiday pa-rades, Santa arriving by boat, Santa arrivingby horse-drawn carriage, Santa arriving at theMalls, tree lightings, Menorah lightings, sto-ries of giving, secular celebrations, religiouscelebrations. Shopping locally. Giving locally.
Christmas is about the birthof Jesus Christ. Whether youbelieve the Christmas story lit-erally or in spirit, you know it
is the story of joy, hope and love, with the prom-ise of redemption.
It is also about embracing the teachings ofJesus: to love thy neighbor as thyself; to helpthe needy; to feed the hungry and clothe thepoor; to care for those who are sick; to inviteand welcome strangers; to treat others as youwould have them treat you.Matthew 7:12:
“So in everything, do to others what youwould have them do to you, for this sums upthe Law and the Prophets.”Matthew 25:35-40:
“For I was hungry and you gave me some-thing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave mesomething to drink, I was a stranger and youinvited me in, I needed clothes and you clothedme, I was sick and you looked after me, I wasin prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord,when did we see you hungry and feed you, orthirsty and give you something to drink? Whendid we see you a stranger and invite you in, orneeding clothes and clothe you? When did wesee you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one
of the least of these brothers and sisters ofmine, you did for me.’”
SO LET US SHARE the verse relating thebirth of Jesus from the Bible, Luke 2: 4-19:
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, outof the city ofNazareth, intoJudaea, unto the cityof David, which iscalled Bethlehem;(because he was ofthe house and lin-eage of David:) Tobe taxed with Maryhis espoused wife,being great with child. And so it was, that,while they were there, the days were accom-plished that she should be delivered. And shebrought forth her firstborn son, and wrappedhim in swaddling clothes, and laid him in amanger; because there was no room for themin the inn.
“And there were in the same country, shep-herds abiding in the field, keeping watch overtheir flock by night. And, lo, the angel of theLord came upon them, and the glory of the
Whether you believe the Christmas storyliterally or in spirit, you know it is the story of joy,hope and love, with the promise of redemption.
Merry Christmas
This is our last regular edition of 2017. Nextweek, after Christmas, we will publish our an-nual Children’s Issue, devoted entirely to theartwork and writing of local students. We havemore submissions from local students thanever, and so some children’s and teens’ artworkand writing will spill over into the first weekof the new year.
Our next regular edition will publish Jan. 3-4, 2018, with deadline for content and adver-tising of Dec. 30 (late ads accepted).
In the meantime you can reach the editors
Lord shone round about them: and they weresore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fearnot: for, behold, I bring you good tidings ofgreat joy, which shall be to all people.
“For unto you is born this day in the city ofDavid a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Andthis shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find thebabe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in amanger.
“And suddenly there was with the angel amultitude of the heavenly host praising God,and saying, Glory to God in the highest, andon earth peace, good will toward men.
“And it came topass, as the angelswere gone awayfrom them intoheaven, the shep-herds said one toanother, Let us nowgo even untoBethlehem, and seethis thing which is
come to pass, which the Lord hath made knownunto us. And they came with haste, and foundMary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a man-ger. And when they had seen it, they madeknown abroad the saying which was told themconcerning this child. And all they that heardit wondered at those things which were toldthem by the shepherds.”
— Mary Kimm
“Truly I tell you, whateveryou did for one of the least ofthese brothers and sisters ofmine, you did for me.”Editorial
Editor’s Note About the Rest of 2017at [email protected] andsales/marketing/advertising [email protected].
Find digital replica editions of recent papersat www.ConnectionNewspapers.com/PDFs
Past issues of the Connection back to 2008are available at connectionarchives.com/PDF/
Advertising information, Special Section de-tails here www.connectionnewspapers.com/advertising
Sign up for a free digital subscription atwww.ConnectionNewspapers.com/subscribe
POTOMACALMANAC
www.PotomacAlmanac.com
Newspaper of PotomacA Connection Newspaper
An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered
to homes and businesses.
1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314
Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go to
connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe
PUBLISHERMary Kimm
[email protected]@MaryKimm
EDITORIALPHONE: 703-778-9415
E-MAIL:[email protected]
EDITORSteven Mauren, 703-778-9415
ASSISTANT EDITORMike Salmon
CONTRIBUTING WRITERSSusan Belford, Carole Dell,
Cissy Finley Grant, Carole Funger,Colleen Healy, Kenny Lourie,Peggy McEwan, Ken Moore
ContributingPhotographers
Harvey Levine, Deborah Stevens
Art/Design:Laurence Foong, John Heinly,
Ali KhalighProduction Manager
Geovani Flores
ADVERTISINGFor advertising information
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVESDisplay Advertising:
Kenny Lourie [email protected]
Debbie FunkNational Sales & real Estate
David GriffinMarketing Assistant
Jerry VernonExecutive Vice President
Potomac Almanac is publishedby Local Media Connection LLC
Five Time First PlaceAward-WinnerPublic Service
MDDC Press Association
Four TimeNewspaper of the Year
An Award-winning Newspaperin Writing, Photography, Editing,
Graphics and Design
Bulletin Board
Potomac Almanac ❖ December 20-26, 2017 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
OUR LADY OF MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH
Rev. William D. Byrne, Pastor9200 Kentsdale Drive
Potomac, Maryland 20854301-365-1415 www.olom.org
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH US
ADDITIONAL MASS INFORMATION
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
9:00 am no 7:00 am or 8:30 am Mass
Monday, January 1, 2018
New Year’s Day, Mary, Mother of God
9:00 am
no 7:00 am or 8:30 am Mass
Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24Prelude music begins one half-hour before each Mass
4:00 pm Cherub & Children’s Choir/Flute (Church)
4:00 pm Piano/Cantor (McAuley Hall)
6:00 pm Cantor/Hand Bells
8:00 pm Choir/Strings/Trumpet/Flute
10:00 pm Schola/Strings/Trumpet/Flute
Christmas Day, Monday, December 25
9:00 am Choir
11:00 am Vocal Quartet
5:00 pm
Submit entertainment announcementsat www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal-endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.
ONGOINGFriends of the Yellow Barn.
Through Dec. 23, The Yellow BarnStudio gives annual members show.Visit www.glenechopark.org orwww.yellowbarnstudio.com. Call301-634-2222.
Winter Lights Festival. Through Dec.31, Sunday-Thursday, 6-9 p.m.;Friday-Saturday, 6-10 p.m. at SenecaCreek Park, 11950 Clopper Road,Gaithersburg. Winter Lights is a 3.5-mile drive through a holiday lightshow at Seneca Creek Park with morethan 360 illuminated displays.Additional events include WineUnder the Lights, Run Under theLights, Leashes ’n’ Lights, and, S’MoreLights & Trolley Rides. Visitwww.gaithersburgmd.gov/leisure/special-events/winter-lights-festival.
Silver and Gold Exhibit. Varioustimes through Jan. 6 at The WaverlyStreet Gallery, 4600 East WestHighway, Bethesda. Call 301-951-9441.
THROUGH DEC. 31The Nutcracker Puppet Show.
Various times at the Puppet Co.Playhouse 7300 MacArthur Blvd.,Glen Echo. The story of Clara-Marie’sfavorite toy and their adventurestogether in the Land of theSugarplum Fairy. $12. 5 years old -adult. Call 301-634-5380 or visitwww.thepuppetco.org.
Frosty the Snow Man on Stage.Various times at the Glen Echotheater, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., GlenEcho. Frosty dances into the hearts ofkids and adults alike. $12. 5 years
old - adult. Call 301-634-5380.
THURSDAY/DEC. 21Holiday Caroling and Concert. 1-2
p.m. at the White Oak Senior Center,1700 April Lane, Silver Spring.Eggnog and hot cider while singingholiday tunes with the NorthPotomac Amazing Senior Singers.Call 240-777-6944.
FRIDAY/DEC. 22Holiday Party with DJ Tyzer. noon-
2 p.m. at the Margaret SchweinhautSenior Center, 1000 Forest GlenRoad, Silver Spring. Nutritionprogram will provide lunch followedby moving and shaking on the dancefloor. Call 240-777-8085.
WEDNESDAY/DEC. 26Animation Workshop. 1:30 p.m. at
Century Blvd. Germantown.Montgomery County Public Libraries(MCPL) will offer several AnimationWorkshops during the MontgomeryCounty Public Schools’ winter break.The hands-on, one-hour programsare designed to show participantshow to animate their drawings andcreate a flipbook. The programs arefor ages 10-14 years old. All supplieswill be provided. Free. Call 240- 777-0006.
THURSDAY/DEC. 27Animation Workshop. 1:30 p.m. at
Gaithersburg Library, 18330Montgomery Village Ave.,Gaithersburg. Montgomery CountyPublic Libraries (MCPL) will offerseveral Animation Workshops duringthe Montgomery County PublicSchools’ winter break. The hands-on,
one-hour programs are designed toshow participants how to animatetheir drawings and create a flipbook.The programs are for ages 10-14years old. All supplies will beprovided. Free. Call 240- 777-0006.
THURSDAY/DEC. 27Animation Workshop. 10:30 a.m. at
Gaithersburg Library, 18330Montgomery Village Ave.,Gaithersburg. Montgomery CountyPublic Libraries (MCPL) will offerseveral Animation Workshops duringthe Montgomery County PublicSchools’ winter break. The hands-on,one-hour programs are designed toshow participants how to animatetheir drawings and create a flipbook.The programs are for ages 10-14years old. All supplies will beprovided. Free. Call 240- 777-0006.
FRIDAY/DEC. 28Animation Workshop. 10:30 a.m. at
Twinbrook Library, 202 Meadow HallDrive, Rockville. Montgomery CountyPublic Libraries will offer severalAnimation Workshops during theMontgomery County Public Schools’winter break. The hands-on, one-hour programs are designed to showparticipants how to animate theirdrawings and create a flipbook. Theprograms are for ages 10-14 yearsold. All supplies will be provided.Free. Call 240- 777-0006.
FRIDAY/DEC. 28Animation Workshop. 1:30 p.m. at
Aspen Hill Library, 4407 Aspen HillRoad, Rockville. Montgomery CountyPublic Libraries (MCPL) will offerseveral Animation Workshops duringthe Montgomery County Public
Schools’ winter break. The hands-on,one-hour programs are designed toshow participants how to animatetheir drawings and create a flipbook.The programs are for ages 10-14years old. All supplies will beprovided. Free. Call 240- 777-0006.
SATURDAY/DEC. 30Family Painting Fun. 2-5 p.m. at
VisArts, 155 Gibbs St., Suite 300,Rockville. Blank 16-inch-by-20-inchcanvas, acrylic paint, brushes, easel,and aprons provided. Visitwww.visartsatrockville.org/.
New Year’s Party. 6-10 p.m. at theHoliday Park Senior Center, 3950Ferrara Drive, Wheaton. Ring in theNew Year a night early with partyhats, streamers, and plenty ofdancing. For ages 15 and up withdisabilities. $10. Call 240-777-4999.
SATURDAY/JAN. 6Art Retreat. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in the
Buchanan Room, VisArts, 155 GibbsSt., Rockville. $50. Visitwww.visartsatrockville.org/.
An Evening of Russian Jewels. 8p.m. at the WestmorelandCongregational UCC Church, 1Westmoreland Circle, Bethesda.Pianist Alexander Paley,internationally acclaimed concertsoloist and soloist with orchestrasthroughout the US, Europe, Chinaand South America, returns for hisonly annual concert in the DC area.Visit www.westmorelanducc.org/.
SUNDAY/JAN. 7Meet the Artist. 3-5 p.m. at the River
Road Unitarian UniversalistCongregation, 6301 River Road,Bethesda. Judith L. Smith will bedisplaying her “Journeys!” exhibit.Call 202-234-4887 or [email protected].
Art ExhibitThe “Silver and Gold,” exhibit Will be at The WaverlyStreet Gallery, 4600 East West Highway, Bethesda throughJan. 6 . Call 301-951-9441 for more.
Entertainment
6 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ December 20-26, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Education●Learning●Fun
By Marilyn Campbell
When artist Kathryn Coneway isfeeling overwhelmed by thestress of the holiday season, she
heads outside to find peace and calm innature.
“I get easily overwhelmed by the crowdedparking lots and busy stores,” she said.“When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I’ll go toHuntley Meadows Park and walk around.The beauty of nature restores me. You’rewith other people when you’re there, butthere’s still solitude.”
From those who are dashing to finishholiday shopping and those who are finan-cially strapped to those grieving a loss ordreading dealing with strained familial re-lationships, the stretch of time betweenThanksgiving and Christmas is often hecticand emotionally charged. Recharging andinfusing the holidays with joy and peacemight mean redefining the holiday season.
“Research shows increased happiness af-ter thinking of three good things that hap-pened to you today and what caused them,”said Jerome Short, Ph.D., associate profes-sor of psychology at George Mason Univer-sity. “Also, people report improved moodfrom doing fivekind acts in aday, expressinggratitude, pur-suing impor-tant goals, andplaying sports.”
An evening ofmusic and quietcreativity is onemethod thatElizabeth Rees,associate rectorat Saint Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Alex-andria uses to recharge during the holidayseason. The event called “Healing Arts” isheld at the Center for Spiritual Deepeningat St. Aidan’s. “Sometimes for me, medita-tive art helps me to get into a differentspace,” she said. “And with instrumentalcello and guitar music in the background,it [is] beautiful.”
Visual imagery is another technique Reesemploys. “I went to a… prayer-yoga-dancegathering this week, and [the instructor]had us physically pretend to pick up thingsthat we want to let go of or that are weigh-ing us down to place on an imaginary fire,”she said. “I loved the imagery: my burdensand distractions going up in smoke alongwith my prayers rising to God to make spacein me for something new.”
Coneway uses the season’s natural sur-rounding to inspire her art, which is anotherway in which she finds joy and relaxation.“The gift of this time of day is the display oflight and colors of early morning andevening,” she said. “I encourage families togather around the table and [create] arttogether. Whether its parents addressingChristmas cards while children are draw-ing or making a collage out of wrappingpaper or tissue paper, I encourage familiesto work on something together.”
Serving others and expressing gratitudeare research-driven techniques for findinghappiness says Dr. Lois T. Stover, Ed.D.,dean, School of Education and Human Ser-vices at Marymount University.
“Make holiday cards and send them out.It’s fun to drop a word of kindness anony-
mously tosomeone in theneighborhoodand then tellthat person topass along theidea, leavingwords of kind-ness or grati-tude themselvesfor someoneelse,” she said.“Create an ‘I am
thankful for ...’ wall and cover it with stickynotes that complete the sentence as newthoughts come to mind each time you passby.”
There’s plenty of holiday joy that comeswithout a price tag, suggests Stover. “Drivethrough various neighborhoods just afterdark and exclaim ‘Oooh – aah’ over homesor other buildings that have particularly fun
Finding Peace and Joy Relieving stress and findingmeaning in the holiday season.
or beautiful displays of lights,” said Stover.“Listen to holiday music in a variety ofgenres and make play lists of favorites. Singalong loudly. It’s hard to feel down whilebelting out anything from ‘Frosty theSnowman’ to ‘Joy to the World.’”
For those looking to maintain the religiousmeaning of the season, Rees suggests dailydevotions sent electronically. “I’ve found
RichardSylvain, PatKeithly andEileen Myersattended a“HealingArts” event atthe Center forSpiritualDeepening atSt. Aidan’sEpiscopalChurch inAlexandria.Such activi-ties can bringpeace and joyduring ahectic holidayseason.
ArtistKathrynConeway andher familyspend time inHuntleyMeadowsPark whenthey’re feel-ing over-whelmed bythe holidayrush.
Photo courtesyof KathrynConeway
“Moments of quiet and restand being able to be present inthe moment help me to getthrough the frenzy.”
— Elizabeth Rees, Associate Rector, SaintAidan’s Episcopal Church
some wonderful daily prayers that arriveeach day by email. Just a minute or two offocus on what is deep and joyful and holyhelp center me for the day,” she said. “Forme, Ignatian prayer has been speaking tome lately, imagining myself into the storiesof scripture. Moments of quiet and rest andbeing able to be present in the moment helpme to get through the frenzy.”
Potomac Almanac ❖ December 20-26, 2017 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
By Ashley Claire Simpson
The Almanac
This year, popular items onchildren’s holiday wish lists arelikely video games, mobile de-vices, and trendy articles of
clothing. There’s a more enriching way to ap-proach holiday gift giving for youths, though.
Keeping in the holiday spirit doesn’t meanmentally checking out, according to Dr. LisaTurissini, chair of Marymount University’sEducation Department. Stimulate their in-tellect and curiosity with gift giving thisyear, and ultimately provide children withmuch more than the surges of adrenalinethey’ll receive from unwrapping somethingshiny or with a battery.
Turissini, who has been an educator formore than 30 years, leans toward gifts thatresult in experiences. When holiday seasonrolls around, she suggested an array of giftsthat ultimately lead to more knowledge, ormore memories
“Experiential gifts stay in our memoriesforever, and an interesting trip can be oneof the best family gifts,” she said. “Musiclessons, for instance: As kids learn newskills, such as playing a musical instrument,they gain confidence. Also, the process ofstudying, practicing, and performingteaches kids how to set and achieve goals.Kids taking these kinds of classes or lessonsare able to explore their creativity.”
These types of gifts don’t have to be ex-pensive either.
“Board or card games are great becausethey will lead to a coming together for afamily game night, which is old-fashionedfun,” she said. “Developing strategiesthrough critical thinking and learning howto be a good winner are some of the ben-efits. Our family in particular enjoys Risk,Monopoly and Uno.”
She added that downloading a collectionof good Podcasts makes a great gift, too.
Local early education experts agree thatplaying is an important part of childhood,and gift-giving season is a great opportu-nity to provide them with the tools for thebest kind of play.
“Children learn through play,” Turissinisaid. “When playing with educational toysand games, children can develop percep-tion, intuition, and reasoning as they en-gage in creative activities. Educational toyscan help children connect to their thoughtprocesses and further develop their capa-bilities to think freely. Common toys thathelp boost cognitive skills include puzzlesand number games. By providing childrenwith well-devised play experiences, insideand outside, children develop appropriatesocial interaction skills, language skills andemotional development.
While technology has changed so muchabout this generation of elementary schoolaged children, teachers continue to see thebenefit of traditional learning toys. Tech-
nology isn’t all bad,but, kids need timeaway from screens tointeract with the realworld.
“I’ve taught littlepeople for eight yearsand higher ed for al-most six years,” said Dr.Carley Fisher-Maltese,an Early ChildhoodEducation assistant
professor for George Mason University’sCollege of Education and Human Develop-ment (CEHD). “Some STEM-related toysthat I’d consider purchasing for my own kidswould be telescopes, microscopes, and logicand/or puzzle books.”
Despite the lure of mobile devices, young-sters today still seem to find fun in thesimple stuff.
“I love books of science experiments, par-ticularly kitchen science, where you can findpretty much everything you need in yourkitchen. My kids love making slime — theyeven have kits you can buy to make it —and making volcanoes explode with a littlebaking soda and vinegar. I also like build-ing toys for kids, such as marble mazes andmagna tiles. There are some good robot-building kits and drones that connect toyour phone or tablet that you can buy forolder kids.”
Think outside the box – literally. Dr.Debbie Stone, GMU CEHD assistant profes-sor of Child, Family and Community En-gagement, said some of the best gifts areimpossible to wrap up or put in a gift bag.
“I am a big advocate for open-ended toyssuch as building materials, art supplies, adollhouse, kitchen, etcetera,” Stone said.“Anything that sparks open-ended play andproblem solving gets my vote.”
Children need to keep moving over holi-day break, too. A gift as simple as a jumprope could help with this.
“It is important for children to engage inphysical activities during holiday break,”Turissini said. “Bike riding and nature walksare terrific ways for children to get thephysical exercise that they need. In colderweather building a snowman or going sled-ding can be fun for all. By allowing chil-dren to participate in a variety of activitiesyou will ensure continued not only healthyemotional and physical development, butalso kids who are recharged and ready toget back to school.”
With existing excitement in the air, it’s aperfect time to spark a love of discoverywithin children.
“Picture a future where, rather than mak-ing a trip to the local store for a toy, yourchild could create toys for him or herself,”Turissini said. “It sounds like something outof a futuristic movie, but conceivably, kidscan make their own creations using a 3Dprinter, which today is extremely expensive.But, as with computers and flat-screen TVs,the price of 3D printers will eventually godown as the technology becomes morewidely available. In a couple of years, yourchild and her friends could be printing theirown dollhouse furniture, trains, and cars.”
Gifts to stimulateintellect and curiosity.
Entertaining and EducationalHoliday Gift Guide
Fisher-Maltese
Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.
By KENNETH B. LOURIE
Talk about a superfluous statement.I was asleep in bed and awoke to find one of
our five cats, Biscuit, the oldest at 11+, lyingsphinx-like on the front right of our bed. Thoughit was dark, I could see in his yellow eyes that hewas awake.
Wanting to feel a cat against my body, I said,“Biscuit, come here. Come lie against my chest.”No response so I repeated the request. This timewith a bit more conviction: “Biscuit, come here. Iwant to feel you next to me.” Again, noresponse. In fact, no reaction whatsoever. So Imuttered, without thinking even: “OKAY, Biscuit,suit yourself.”
And then I laughed. Of course he’s going tosuit himself. That’s what cats do. I should begrateful he didn’t jump off the bed. After all, hewas minding his own business.
And that business is the entire philosophy ofthe feline species captured in two words. If anyof you has ever owned a cat and been sensitiveto and appreciative of their differences with thecanine population, cats don’t really come whenyou call them. Nor do they respond to a millionother things you ask of them. If you understandand embrace that behavior, you’ll likely begin tosee this non-responsiveness as part of theircharm.
However, when they do come when you callthem, or when they climb uninvited onto yourchest while lying in bed or snuggle with you onthe couch; oh, how special you feel. And if youdon’t feel put upon or tolerated and can insteadsavor the uniqueness of their knead (and do eve-rything you can to encourage its repetition), thenyou can indeed find pleasure and purpose in thatmoment, rare though it may be – or maybe not.
Accepting the perameters of the relationshipwith your cat, and managing your expectations,will go a long way toward understanding whatyour cat is able to give you. And what cats cangive you is companionship and love – on theirterms of course. The mere fact that Biscuit islying on the bed should be enough to make mehappy. Expecting that he would rise due to mybeck and call, at night, especially while he’s cat-napping is unreasonable on my part. Biscuit isnot being difficult in the least. He is simplyadhering to a non-responsive-type behavior thatgenerations of cats – and generations of cat own-ers, should be accustomed to, not questioned oreven curious about.
As an extraordinarily experienced cat owner(almost 40 years), I should have known better.Yet I couldn’t resist the temptation/control theurge to give Biscuit (a cat) the chance to changethe course of presumptive cat history and cometo me when I asked. The problem is, once in ablue moon – or was that a red moon (it certainlyappeared to be above the fold on the front pageof The Washington Post the other day), cats willbreak with historical convention andrespond/react/reply in kind with both word anddeed. They’ll come, they’ll snuggle, they’ll talk,they’ll nuzzle, they might even lick. In fact,they’ll do everything they can to endear them-selves to you.
But it doesn’t happen often or rather it does-n’t happen consistently. Yet it remains the goal ofevery committed (or rather should be) cat ownerto make every attempt to induce their cats tosuccumb to their cat-seducing charms. Like rightnow, Twinkle, our white, five-and-half-years-olddomestic medium hair, is doing everything shecan to get my attention. She’s walking back andforth across my note pad (as I’m trying to write;I’m busy), she’s rubbing her head against my faceand using the top of my pen as some sort of headscratcher, she’s lying on her left side with asmany as four paws outstretched across my leftarm as I use it to block her advance and she’stalking non-stop.
She’s being such a pain, but you have to lovethem. If you can’t appreciate their untimelyintrusions and instead expect some kind of pre-dictable dog-like obedience, you need morethan “The Cat Whisperer,” you need “The CatScreamer,” because it’s NOT HAPPENING.
“Suit Yourself,Biscuit”
8 ❖ Potomac Almanac ❖ December 20-26, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
