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Alan Grant and Bob Nelson distributed dictionaries to third graders at Seven Locks Elementary School on November 25, 2019.
Stories
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 Nancy and Bob will share about their three-week adventure in Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa including the Rotary Education Project in Ilitha, Cape Town, South Africa (shown above). |
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 Adrian Mikeliunas is an internationally acclaimed speaker, computer consultant, and an expert trainer. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and a Certified Linux Professional and Instructor (CLP). For the past 30+ years, Adrian's broad computer systems experience includes serving as a project leader, security engineer, systems analyst, mobile developer, programmer, and technical instructor. He has extensive experience with personal computers, mobile devices, and mainframes. He shares his knowledge through conferences, white papers and the classes he teaches: Android, Linux, WordPress and Information Security. |
  [November 6, 2019] The beautiful bench from the Potomac Bethesda Rotary Club was delivered to our shelter today! The bench was placed in our non-smoking area for our ladies. Thank you so much for the lovely, thoughtful and useful donation to our center! Please send our deepest gratitude to the members of the Potomac Rotary Club for this generous donation! We will also post the donation on our Center's Facebook. Regards, Josiane Makon, LCSW-C, Program Director, Interfaith Works Women's Center, 2 Taft Court Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850. www.iworksmc.org |
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  Photos by Caesar Kavadoy |
 By Frederique Irwin: Betty is a woman who radiates kindness and love. She is also a tenacious business owner who has demonstrated incredible courage and perseverance to build a wonderful place for aging persons to reside. Betty is the founder of LAYTONSVILLE ESTATES, an assisted living home for independent-minded residents who want to enjoy elegant comfort as well as genuine and devoted care. After 15 years of working in local area nursing homes, she felt dissatisfied with the care and treatment that the residents were receiving. She wanted to make a difference, but she did not know where to begin. After three of her four children left for college, Betty convinced her husband to convert their house into an assisted living home; she spent months going through the regulatory requirements (including having to move out and live somewhere else) to become an official business. She has endured countless setbacks and expenses that she did not anticipate, but she continued (and still continues!) to move forward to build her vision of a home where people could come and feel respected, loved, and welcome. Betty’s compassion for those around her and her respect for all people make her not only a woman we admire in business, but a woman we admire as an individual. She is truly a special person who is making a very big difference in the lives of people who deserve it the most. |
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 Billy D. Louis is an Information Technology Specialist working on Capitol Hill for the Architect of the Capitol, where he serves as the Manager of the Project Management Branch within the IT Division. Mr. Louis has over 30 years of experience in computer networking and project management, and has worked for several organizations including the American Red Cross, Chevy Chase Bank, including 21 years of Federal Service. In his professional career, Mr. Louis has deployed and managed computer networks and Internet infrastructure. Mr. Louis has provided a variety of IT services to NOAA including leading the effort to consolidate the disparate email system into one corporate enterprise email system. At the American Red Cross, Mr. Louis organized the automation of nearly 100 Red Cross bureaus, including Blood Regions, Key Resource Chapters, Field Service Offices, and Military-base service to the Armed Forces. Mr. Louis has a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems, and numerous technical and project management certificates. Billy Louis is married to his lovely wife Marilyn V. Louis. They have four children, three daughters and one son, and has been a resident of Bowie, MD for the past 20 years. Mr. Louis officially joined Rotary International in 2014. He is a polio survivor and will speak on "Living With Polio." |
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Believe in Belize (believeinbelize.org) is an all volunteer non-profit with the main focus of implementing projects and providing services  in the country of Belize. The goal of the organization is to provide a place for individuals and organizations who share a common interest in helping with the development of the country of Belize. On April 17, 2018 we incorporated in the State of Maryland, USA as a non-profit business named Believe in Belize, Inc. On March 26, 2019 we officially became an organization Exempt under IRC 501(c) (3) and classified as a public charity under IRC 170 (b) (1) (A) (vi). |
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Bob Hanson 2013 Potomac Citizen of the Year At age 21, Bob Hanson was named the first national president of the Rural Youth of the United States of America, a federation of youths involving Boy and Girl Scout troops, Future Farmers of America, 4-H Clubs, “and groups instrumental in learning from others,” he said. In the mid-1950s he was chairman of the Bethesda branch of the YMCA and was instrumental in raising money for their building on Old Georgetown Road. He was equally successful in getting property donated in the 1960s for the Boy Scout headquarters on Rockville Pike. For 33 years he was an allied member of the New York Stock Exchange. Married to the late JoAnne Dinwell in 1950, the Hansons had three sons, John, Timothy and Charles. John, Tim and their families live nearby in North Potomac. A third son, Charles, (Chuck) and his family live in Colorado. For over 60 years he has been a member of the Rockville Rotary Club. In 1958, he founded the Potomac Rotary Club. He has been a board member of the American Automobile Association; Montgomery County Fair (he was an original member); 4-H Club (he was a national president); and Future Farmers of America. However, his involvement with the YMCA probably the most satisfying of his civic involvements. [Excerpted from connectionnewspapers.com.] Memories: "He lived a good life and sure lived as a true Rotarian. I loved going out to his ‘farm’ and seeing his old car." - Jason Hamel |
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 Dr. Van Blarcom worked at the United Nations, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development, and U.S. Library of Congress. Her experience includes interpreting national and international legislation, building capacity of governments, training, research and designing/assessing customs and trade projects on various assignments including those for the European Union, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank. She has traveled to 48 countries including work in custom administrations in Ethiopia (2018-2019), Ghana, Bangladesh, Zambia, as well as teaching at a Customs Academy and various Foreign Service Institutes (e.g., Ghana, United States, Philippines). Last month she started her own company, Customs and Border Management Services LLC. Dr. Van Blarcom attended the Knowledge Academy at the World Customs Organization in Brussels (2019), studied international trade law at Sydney Law School, has a doctorate from England (international trade), and master degrees from Columbia University (International Affairs) and the University of Minnesota (Economics). |
  Sponsor Caesar Kavadoy introduced new member Jake Matysek who gave his classification talk.  Rotary Foundation Chair Jon Van Winkle presented Phil Meade with an additional Paul Harris Fellow pin.   Program Chair Alan Grant received ideas for future programs and projects.   Caesar Kavadoy introduced his guest and neighbor, Saud Zafar. |
 VP - Financial Consultant, Charles Schwab, 2018-presentAssociate Financial Consultant, Charles Schwab, 2017-2018 Investment Consultant, Charles Schwab, 2017-2017 High Net Worth Registered Representative, Charles Schwab, 2016-2017 Analyst, Credit Suisse, 2015-2016 Education B.S., Finance, North Carolina State University |
 Program Chair Alan Grant thanked Jan Bresch, Executive Director, Special Love, for her presentation. |
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.jpg) Townsend is the President & CEO of the Healthcare Initiative Foundation which supports organizations that offer solutions to improve the capacity, availability and the delivery of quality health and wellness services for Montgomery County residents. The Foundation has distributed over $83 million since inception particularly focused on the most vulnerable in our community. Townsend currently serves on the Leadership Montgomery Board, Committee for Montgomery Board, Regional Primary Coalition, Suburban Hospital Community Benefit Advisory Board, Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers Board, County Executive Transition Team, and the BlackRock Center for the Arts Gala Committee. Prior board service includes, Nonprofit Montgomery FIRM Advisory Committee, United Way of NCA, Friends of Wells Robertson House, Inc., and Montgomery County Social Services Board. Preceding her work with the Foundation, Townsend was the City of Gaithersburg's Community Services Director overseeing and coordinating health and human services for City residents. Prior to her service with the city, she served as the Family Support Services Administrator for Family Services, Inc. managing early intervention and home visiting programs. Earlier in her career, she was the Healthy Families Frederick Program Manager, Legislative Director for the U.S. Overseas Cooperative Development Council, a Peace Corps Volunteer in Romania, and the Domestic Violence Shelter Manager for Heartly House. Townsend attained her Bachelor of Arts from Hood College in Law and Society and holds a Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University from the International Public Service and Development Program. |
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Dr. Franziska Grieder is the Dire  ctor of the Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP), a program within the Office of the Director, the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She was appointed as ORIP Director in January 2013 after serving as the Division Director of Comparative Medicine programs since 2004. ORIP supports NIH extramural research infrastructure and related research programs, including supervision and management of the seven national primate research centers, primate breeding and resource-related projects, development of mammalian (including rodent) and non-mammalian animal model resources, pre-and post-doctoral training for veterinarians, other research projects, and the shared and high-end instrumentation program. Dr. Grieder attended Veterinary School at the University of Zurich in Switzerland and subsequently earned both an MS and PhD degree in viral pathogenesis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She was a faculty member in the School of Medicine of the Uniformed Services University (USU) in Bethesda, Maryland, where – after her transition to NIH – she continues to serve as an Adjunct faculty member in the Department of Pathology. At USU, Dr. Grieder’s research focused on viral pathogenesis using mouse models to investigate neuroimmune mechanisms. |
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 Mr. Shank is the Chief Engineer at the Maryland Aviation Administration overseeing the planning, design and construction of the airport’s multihundred million-dollar capital improvement and systems preservation programs at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and Martin State Airport. He oversees MAA’s Offices of Planning and Environmental Services; and Office of Engineering and Construction and; Office of Noise, Real Estate and Land Use Compatibility. Mr. Shank has over 40 years of experience in airport development and associated transportation, commercial and institutional development. His accomplishments are measured in billions of dollars of projects completed throughout the United States and overseas. He is a Professional Engineer and a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives, and recipient of the 2015 AASHTO President’s Transportation Award for Aviation. Mr. Shank is a commercial pilot, flight instructor and aircraft owner. Aviation is his passion. |
 There are Paul Harris (PH) credits available for members to make up the $1000 donation required. It works this way: If you pay half of the amount you need for a PH fellowship, then the club will use available credits to make up the balance. So for instance say you already have PH credits amounting to $ 600. If you donate another $200, then the club will match your amount with some of those credits bringing the total to $ 1000 and bringing you a PH fellowship! And Rotary benefits, too! |
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 Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club Leadership for the 2019-20 Rotary Year President Dr. Todd Nitkin Vice President Juan Carlos Peirano Secretary Dr. Noel Howard Treasurer Phil Meade Rotary Foundation Chair Jon Van Winkle Program Chair Alan Grant Bulletin Editor Bob Nelson |
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  Shane Rock, CEO, Interfaith Works, talked about Interfaith Works and Homelessness in Montgomery County at the Rotary Club Meeting on June 6, 2019. He commended Gladys Howard and the Rotarians for the wonderful program of distributing pashmina scarves to 70 homeless women on Valentine’s Day. |
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Have You Registered District Conference 2019? |
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 Alfred Jerome Fletcher II has spent a career in government, working as the senior deputy director for the District of Columbia’s Department of Small and Local Business development and as an administrator in the District’s general services agency for several years. His area of focus as Assistant Chief Adminstrative Officer for Montgomery County is working with county departments and staff to grow the economy and make government more sustainable — two key pledges County Executive Marc Elrich made during last year’s campaign. |
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 Andrew “Art” Arthur serves as Resident Fellow in Law and Policy for the Center for Immigration Studies, a Washington, DC-based research institute that examines the impact of immigration on American society. He began his legal career through the Attorney General’s Honors Program as a clerk to Administrative Law Judge Joseph E. McGuire in the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer at the United States Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review. After a two-year clerkship with Judge McGuire, he received a second Honors Program appointment as a Trial Attorney in the San Francisco District Counsel’s Office, and later the Baltimore District Counsel’s Office, of the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). In 1999, he was promoted to the INS’s General Counsel’s Office in Washington DC, first as an Associate General Counsel, and later as an Assistant General Counsel and Acting Chief of the INS National Security Law Division. In the General Counsel’s Office, Mr. Arthur supervised attorneys handling cases involving espionage, terrorism, and persecutors. He also advised the Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General, and INS Commissioner on issues relating to national security. In July 2001, Mr. Arthur left the INS to become a Counsel on the House Judiciary Committee, where he performed oversight of immigration issues. After five years at House Judiciary, he was appointed to the immigration bench, serving for eight years as an Immigration Judge at the York Immigration Court in York, Pennsylvania. At the beginning of the 114th Congress, Judge Arthur left the bench and came back to Capitol Hill, where he served as Staff Director of the National Security Subcommittee at House Oversight and Government Reform before taking retirement from federal service in September 2016. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia (BA 1988), and of the George Washington University School of Law (JD 1992). |
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Manuel Suar  ez-Mier has taught economics at various universities in the US and Mexico and was Director of the Center for North American Studies at American University 2014-2015. In a professional career that spans over 40 years, Suárez-Mier successively combined working in the financial system and Foreign Service of Mexico as well as for transnational financial institutions, with teaching economics at the Technological Institute of Mexico and the universities of New Mexico, Georgetown and American in Washington DC. He did his doctoral studies at the University of Chicago, was the Chief of Staff of the Governor of the Bank of Mexico and the top economic diplomat in Washington at the time of the negotiations of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between the U.S., Canada and Mexico. More recently (2007-09), he represented the Attorney General of Mexico in the U.S. when the Mérida Initiative, a plan for both nations to jointly fight transnational criminal organizations, was negotiated and approved by the U.S. Congress. He has written extensively on issues related to Latin America’s political economy and security issues in North America and writes a weekly column in Mexico City’s newspaper Excelsior and monthly at the Asian Times of Hong Kong and appeared in countless interviews for radio and TV with Al Jazeera, BBC, Bloomberg, CCTV, CNN and Reuters. |
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After many years as a trial and appellate lawyer, David O. Stewart became a bestselling writer of history and  historical fiction. His histories have explored the writing of the Constitution, the gifts of James Madison, the outrageous western expedition and treason trial of the mysterious Aaron Burr, and the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson. His histories have won the Washington Writing Award for best book of the year, the History Prize of the Society of the Cincinnati, and the William H. Prescott Award of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America. His first novel, The Lincoln Deception, about the John Wilkes Booth Conspiracy, was called the best historical novel of 2013 by Bloomberg View. Sequels include The Wilson Deception, set at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, and The Babe Ruth Deception, which follows the Babe’s first two years with the Yankees. |
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 "I've been doing journalism since the age of 6, when I launched the late, lamented Levey's News (circulation: 1). I served as editor, publisher, columnist, and crayon-er. My mother still has copies for the curious. My college diploma says I majored in English, but I actually majored in editing the student newspaper. I took over as editor-in-chief on Nov. 22, 1963 (talk about your basic baptism by fire). I did everything from paste-up to tossing bundles on front stoops. It qualified me for my first professional job: cub reporter for the Albuquerque Tribune, a Scribbs-Howard p.m. I spent 13 months there before falling in love with a young woman who lived in D.C. While on a Labor Day, 1967, visit to her, I decided to apply to the Post. It lasted. We didn't. In my first 14 years on the staff, I worked as (in order) night police reporter, day police reporter, roving national political reporter, assistant city editor, courts reporter, District Building reporter, Capitol Hill reporter, feature writer, assistant sports editor, and feature writer again. In June 1981, I was asked to write a daily column. Having tried just about everything else, I signed up. It lasted. Somehow, 3,000 columns later, I have too. I was born in Manhattan and grew up in the Bronx. I escaped at a tender age to attend the University of Chicago, where I earned a BA with special honors. I've worked for seven local radio stations and four local TV stations as a commentator and talk show host. I've taught journalism at three local universities. I'm a life master and regional champion at tournament bridge, and I still play competitive slow-pitch softball (good field, spotty hit). I'm married to historian (and recovering journalist) Jane Freundel Levey. I have two children, both of whom profess to be bored by newspapers, but there's time." |
 [L-R] Tom Lewis with Julio Valcarcel and Brian Walsh of exerceo. Thanks very much to Nancy Mason for introducing the speakers to the club. |
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 With avid gardeners for parents and grandparents, Merikay has been surrounded by blooming plants and eating home-grown foods all her life. Merikay has a 2-acre garden in Darnestown where, with the help of her husband and son, she is converting a vast expanse of lawn into a healthier habitat of trees, shrubs, and perennials. Merikay has been a Master Gardener since 2007 and has served as the Chair of the Speakers Group. Merikay also serves on the Board of the Muddy Branch Alliance and the Seneca Creek Watershed Partners, local watershed protection groups. Merikay has organized their native tree initiative since 2014, distributing nearly 2,000 native trees to neighbors in the watershed areas. She is also the MBA Board lead for the Lands Green Waters Clean initiative. She is the founder of Earth Stewardship East, a local faith-based environmental group (www.eartheast.org) which has created conservation landscaping on an historic site and hosts a variety of earth stewardship events. |
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 Kevin M. Coleman is the founder of KMC Empowerment where he provides empowering speeches, leadership training, and coaching to help make individuals and organizations successful. KMC Empowerment was established to help promote professionalism, work ethic, passion, and relationship building techniques that will inspire individuals and organizations to strive toward excellence at all times. Kevin also helps the U.S. Government by fostering great interpersonal communication between clients and customers. Kevin served as the President of the Benjamin Banneker Chapter (BBC) of Blacks In Government (BIG). Kevin serves as an officer at his local Church. He is also a Class Leader for 15 families and serves as Chaplain for the Class Leader Ministry and Steward Board. In addition, he is actively involved in the TV, Health, and Outreach ministries of his Church. His interests are empowerment speaking, training, outreach, coaching, reading, writing, and spending time with family. In the training The 3 Key Laws for Personal/Professional Growth, the audience will learn how to be an effective next generation leader. Most people understand that they need to grow in order to reach their potential, but few are intentional about it, and fewer still have a plan to direct their growth. People plan their vacations, and careers, but invest little time in plotting out their personal growth. This training will serve as a blueprint for your growth. This interactive training consists of solid examples that will help position you for next generation growth as an individual. |
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 This week's guest speaker is Pedro Zavarce, CEO and Senior Producer, of PZ Video. PZ Video Productions, Inc. is a full-service production company with over 25 years of professional production experience, providing creative video, audio and photography solutions to a range of clients, from small to large corporations. |
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Hi Mr. Kavadoy, I am writing you concerning my daughter's desire to give your club members free tickets to her theater company's annual gala  . My daughter, Susan Alexander Thompson, has been involved in the theater scene in Maryland for 30 years. She performed and taught for years with the Young Americans of Washington in Wheaton and represented the state as Miss Maryland in the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City in 1996. She now has her own company, Take the Stage, in Rockville and teaches musical theater to many very talented youngsters. Attached is a poster/flyer that is self-explanatory and it offers free tickets to attend Take The Stage's (TTS) Sixth annual Broadway Revue Showcase "Stand Out" on February 22, 23, and 24 at the Kreeger Theater in Rockville. This invitation is made to the Rotary Club, its members and anyone they wish to give the tickets to. Please note that you should use the discount code "rotary" to obtain free tickets at: www.takethestageperformance.org. Thanks and let me know if you need anymore info. I hope you can attend and we have a chance to meet. Dan Alexander. 703-967-5488 |
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 Christopher B. Summers is founder and president and chief executive officer of the Maryland Public Policy Institute, Maryland's leading public-policy think tank. A native of Baltimore City and veteran of the Armed Forces, Mr. Summers has an extensive background in public policy and economic policy research. Prior to launching the Maryland Public Policy Institute, Mr. Summers held positions on Capitol Hill and in the nonprofit sector, including the Capital Research Center, a Washington-based think tank that studies corporate philanthropy and funding of issue advocacy organizations, and in the Thomas A. Roe Institute for Economic Policy Studies at The Heritage Foundation. His opinion editorials have appeared in The Baltimore Examiner, The Baltimore Sun, The Montgomery Journal, The Daily Record, The Fresno Bee, The Cumberland-Times News, The Baltimore Business Journal, and National Review. Mr. Summers holds a B.A. in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland. |
 Julie Meade Discussed the Question, "Why do some people become alcoholics while others don’t?" at the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club meeting on January 31, 2019. (Photo by Tom Lewis) |
 Julie Meade is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. An awardee of the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Individual Predoctoral Fellowship, her dissertation work focuses on the neuroscience and pharmacology of drug use, depression, and chronic pain.A microscopic, hermaphroditic worm that readily eats Jell-O shots might hold the secret in its ancient DNA to what separates a social drinker from an alcoholic. This lecture and PowerPoint presentation will discuss how scientists can use worm genetics to develop new treatments for human alcohol use disorders. |
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 The Montgomery County Planning Board sets policy on parks and planning issues, prepares master plans for County Council action, and acts as the final decision-maker in subdivision reviews and for site, sketch and project plans. The Board makes recommendations to the County Council, the Board of Appeals, the school system, and other local, county, state, and federal agencies on projects affecting land use. The Planning Board reviews and makes recommendations on the County’s Capital Improvements Program, reviews and approves land acquisitions and major park development contracts, and approves plans to develop park facilities.Gerald Cichy worked at the Maryland Transit Administration/Maryland Department of Transportation on projects such as the Corridor Cities Transitway, Purple Line light rail system and regional transit-oriented developments. From 1979 to 1984, he was director of transportation for Montgomery County and collaborated with federal, state and county agencies as well as developer and citizen groups to solve mutual problems. During his tenure, Gerald Cichy worked with Planning Department staff to coordinate implementation of master plan transportation projects. Among Gerald Cichy’s achievements is a patent for a bus rapid transit vehicle with doors directly opening to transit platforms. He is a recipient of the Federal Transit Administration’s “Innovative Idea Award” for a 200-mile bus rapid transit system supplementing the Metrorail system in the Washington, DC region. In 2016, he graduated from the Senior Leadership Montgomery program. Gerald Cichy holds master degrees in both city and regional planning, and civil engineering from Catholic University. The Rockville resident has lived in Montgomery County for nearly 50 years. |
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 Strathmore is a nonprofit multi-disciplinary arts center and presenting organization based one-half mile outside the Capital Beltway in North Bethesda. Best known for performances and events at the Music Center at Strathmore, the organization has been presenting accessible, affordable visual and performing arts in the smaller Mansion at Strathmore and all over its 16-acre site since 1981. Strathmore also presents throughout the community and at a new 250-seat venue, AMP, at Pike & Rose. Bill Carey is the Director of Donor and Community Relations and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the membership programs, special fundraising activities, and the community relations programs for Strathmore. Prior to joining Strathmore in 2002, Bill Carey served as the Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the financial regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Board in Washington and retired from government service in 2000. He is a resident of Kensington, MD and works for the National Hockey League as an off-ice official. |
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 Visit Montgomery, MD is the destination marketing organization for Montgomery County, Maryland – located just north of Washington, DC. Whether you’re traveling to the Metropolitan area for business or leisure, we’re here to bring you helpful information about our area, no matter the season. The mission of Visit Montgomery is to give our visitors useful information for a visit to Montgomery County and Washington, DC area and to enthusiastically promote, market, and sell Montgomery County, Maryland as a destination for meetings, conventions and travelers, fostering economic development and benefiting and supporting members and the overall business community. We love advocating, promoting, and partnering with local, county and state organizations and government officials in an effort to further these goals. Close. For Comfort |
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Thursday, January 3: Meeting at Normandie Farm Restaurant  Guest Speaker: Francey Youngberg, Vice President for External Affairs, Melwood As the Vice President for External Affairs, Francey Lim Youngberg manages the teams responsible for marketing, communications, fund development, vehicle donations, volunteer recruitment, and special events. She brings to Melwood 30 years of experience from the private, nonprofit and public sectors including congressional and intergovernmental relations, public affairs/public engagement, fundraising, advocacy, and volunteer management. Previously, Francey was a presidential appointee under the Obama Administration. For seven years, she served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Engagement and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs for the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). She was responsible for managing the key stakeholder relationships of the HUD Secretary to advance the Agency’s budgetary and policy priorities in Congress and in the media. Francey also represented HUD at several White House councils and initiatives. She led HUD’s team in creating the multi-year agency plans and delivering on their stated goals. Prior to joining HUD, Francey advised clients for 10 years on cultural competency, merchant and community outreach, minority recruitment, language access needs, and fundraising. Her clients included the Smithsonian, D.C. Government, D.C. Metro Police Department, H Street Community Development Corporation, as well as federal agencies and nonprofits. Prior to consulting, Ms. Youngberg was a tax attorney for Morgan Lewis in Philadelphia, and Hogan & Lovells in D.C. and a regulatory attorney for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. She left legal practice to serve as the founding Executive Director of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies. Ms. Youngberg graduated from Wellesley College and Harvard Law School. |
   President Todd Nitkin thanked Dr. Mary Lynne Dittmar for her excellent presentation on space activities and plans.   Tom Lewis presented Past President Bob Fuhrman with a Paul Harris Fellow.   |
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Before starting her own consulting firm in 2004, Dr. Dittmar coordinated R&D and later managed Flight Operations for The Boeing Company on the International Space Station Program. More recently she was Senior Policy Advisor to the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), which manages the International Space Station National Laboratory. She has also served as a senior advisor to NASA, the DoD, and the FAA. Mary Lynne is a Fellow of the National Research Society, an Associate Fellow of the American Institute for Astronautics and Aeronautics, and serves on the Board of Directors of the American Astronautical Society. From 2012-2014 she was a member of the National Research Council Committee on Human Spaceflight, and is currently in her second term as a member of the Executive Committee of the Space Studies Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. In June of 2018 she was appointed by the NASA Administrator to the User’s Advisory Group of the National Space Council. She resides in Washington, D.C. Dr. Mary Lynne Dittmar will talk about the business of space, why space exploration is valuable and how we can all benefit. The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration is an alliance of space industry businesses and advocacy groups collaborating to reinforce the value and benefits of deep space exploration with the public and our nation's leaders. The goal is to build lasting support for a long-term, sustainable, strategic direction for human space exploration and science, ensuring that the U.S. remains a leader in space, science and technology. |
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In 2016, opioid addiction killed more people than car crashes did. Why are opioids so dangerous? The story starts with the discovery of a chemical made by the brain that is essentially morphine. This natural chemical can cause the same type of opioid overdose in infants as heroin causes in adults. Incredibly, children whose brains make too much of this chemical and addicts can both be brought back from the edge of death with the same pharmacological treatment. This lecture and PowerPoint presentation will discuss the basics of how opioids produce pain relief and death, and what civilians can do to arm themselves against the opioid epidemic. Julie Meade is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. An awardee of the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Individual Predoctoral Fellowship, her dissertation work focuses on the neuroscience and pharmacology of drug use, depression, and chronic pain. |
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Before starting her own consulting firm in 2004, Dr. Dittmar coordinated R&D and later managed Flight Operations for The Boeing Company on the International Space Station Program. More recently she was Senior Policy Advisor to the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), which manages the International Space Station National Laboratory. She has also served as a senior advisor to NASA, the DoD, and the FAA. Mary Lynne is a Fellow of the National Research Society, an Associate Fellow of the American Institute for Astronautics and Aeronautics, and serves on the Board of Directors of the American Astronautical Society. From 2012-2014 she was a member of the National Research Council Committee on Human Spaceflight, and is currently in her second term as a member of the Executive Committee of the Space Studies Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. In June of 2018 she was appointed by the NASA Administrator to the User’s Advisory Group of the National Space Council. She resides in Washington, D.C. Dr. Mary Lynne Dittmar will talk about the business of space, why space exploration is valuable and how we can all benefit. The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration is an alliance of space industry businesses and advocacy groups collaborating to reinforce the value and benefits of deep space exploration with the public and our nation's leaders. The goal is to build lasting support for a long-term, sustainable, strategic direction for human space exploration and science, ensuring that the U.S. remains a leader in space, science and technology. |
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Due to the inclement weather, President Todd Nitkin has cancelled tonight's Rotary Club meeting. The next Dictionary Distribution is this Tuesday, November 20, at 10:30am at Seven Locks Elementary School. The next Rotary Club Meeting/Social will be held on Thursday, November 29, at 6:30pm Bretton Woods Recreation Center. |
 Bill Carey is the Director of Donor and Community Relations and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the membership programs, special fundraising activities, and the community relations programs for Strathmore. Prior to joining Strathmore in 2002, Mr. Carey served as the Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the financial regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Board in Washington, D.C. Mr. Carey retired from government service in 2000. He is a resident of Kensington, MD and works for the National Hockey League as an off-ice official. |
  Bob Bachman from Montgomery History gave a PowerPoint Presentation on How Montgomery County Grew Dramatically in the 1950's at the Rotary Club Meeting on November 8, 2018. [Upper photo by Bob Nelson; lower photo by Koo Yuen.] |
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 Alan Grant and Bob Nelson distributed dictionaries to third graders at Bells Mill Elementary School on October 23, 2018. |
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October 23 10am Bells Mill Elementary School November 1 1:30pm Potomac Elementary School (temporarily located in Bethesda) November 8 1pm Beverly Farms Elementary School November 13 10am St. Elizabeth Catholic School November 15 11am drop off at Waters Landing Elementary School November 20 10:30am Seven Locks Elementary School November 29 1pm Poolesville Elementary School December 5 10am Wayside Elementary School Please let Alan Grant know if you will be coming to help distribute dictionaries to third graders. |
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Perspectives on the Public Interest features adapted Public Interest Podcast interviews with The stories within these pages provide insight into the lives of men and women who seek to leave the world better than they found it. In this book explore the imaginative, iterative process of discovery that led to the identification of autoimmune disease. Delve into a behind-the-scenes look at how major news networks shape national discourse. Learn how one entrepreneur uses business to create social change. Glean wisdom from politicians
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 Tom Lewis thanked author Philip Tarnoff who discussed his latest book "In the Footsteps of Rome" at the Rotary Club meeting on October 11, 2018. |
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In the Footsteps of Rome  reflects Philip Tarnoff’s intimate knowledge of the workings of Federal and State governments as well as those of the private sector. During his half-century of employment, Mr. Tarnoff has observed a gradual decline in the effectiveness of the agencies with which he worked while watching the continued growth of their bureaucracies. His activities have included contact with many state and federal agencies, most recently focusing on the operation of the nation’s highway transportation system, a pursuit for which he has received many awards. As our government continues to pour vast sums of money into defense while its infrastructure crumbles, it becomes increasingly clear that the US is following the path of the Roman civilization whose investments in military superiority dwarfed expenditures on the Empire’s other critical needs, while doing little to deter its enemies. His first book, The Road Ahead, which discusses potential improvements in transportation operations has received universal acclaim. It is now followed by a work of fiction, In the footsteps of Rome, which exposes the weaknesses of a deteriorating society. |
 Jerry Garson is the Transportation Chairman, Montgomery County Civic Association, Inc., and has been involved with transportation issues for over 40 years. He has been a resident of Montgomery County for 28 years (Potomac) and prior to that in New York City. He has been a CPA for over 40 years. |
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 President Todd Nitkin congratulated Lylie Fisher, Facilitator of Montgomery County’s Caregiver Support Program, who gave a Video Presentation on the Dementia Friendly Initiative on September 20, 2018. [Photo by Tom Lewis] |
 Lylie Fisher is the facilitator of Montgomery County Maryland’s Caregiver Support Program. In this role she improves coordination and collaboration amongst caregiver providers, designs culturally diverse communication strategies and identifies how best to increase the availability of resources for caregivers. Ms Fisher is: the lead for Montgomery County’s Dementia Friendly initiative, forging public-private partnerships that generate positive community and business strategies; and a Member of the Maryland Commission on Caregiving. Prior to joining the County Ms Fisher was the Director of Community Engagement with Iona Senior Services in Washington DC. Under her leadership Iona established the successful Take Charge/Age Well Academy.Originally from Australia Ms Fisher is a recipient of an Australia Council Fellowship for her contributions to national community cultural development. She became an International Research Fellow at San Francisco State University, and has lived in the United States since 1998. Ms Fisher has a BA in Visual Arts, Graduate Certificates in Communications and Social Sciences, and Advanced Graduate Certificate in Transformational Coaching. For over twenty years Ms Fisher has facilitated dynamic programs that support organizations, communities and individuals to powerfully embrace their full potential. |
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 As the Director of the Division of Construction for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Mr. Seth Adams is responsible for managing operations related to design and construction of school facilities and the implementation of the MCPS Capital Improvements Program. This responsibility spans from the early planning stages to final close out of capital projects. Mr. Adams responsibilities involve matters related to the budget, finances, staffing, resources, project controls, and the development of the annual capital expenditure request and six-year Capital Improvements Program. Mr. Adams is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Maryland and is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional. He received both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering degrees from the University of Maryland. |
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 Jerry Pasternak is Pepco Region Vice President, Maryland. In that capacity, he serves as Pepco’s primary liaison to political, business, community, non-profit and consumer leaders throughout the company’s Maryland service territory. From 1994 to 2006, Jerry served as Special Assistant to Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan. As the senior political and policy advisor to the County Executive, Jerry contributed strategies for public policy decisions and provided oversight, guidance and direction to ensure successful implementation of policy objectives for more than 25 departments and agencies within the county. Among his more notable achievements, Jerry helped engineer the redevelopment of Silver Spring and the development of the Music Center at Strathmore, the Montgomery County Conference Center, and Rockville Town Center. Before joining Pepco, Jerry was Director of Government Affairs and Senior Counsel at a law firm in Bethesda, where he lobbied on behalf of clients at the state, county and municipal levels. Jerry graduated with a BA degree in Political Science from New York City’s Yeshiva University. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Southern California School of Law and a Masters of Laws in Taxation from Georgetown University. |
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 This week is a Social at beautiful Bretton Woods. |
 Laurie Menzel is a Major Gifts Officer for The Rotary Foundation, Zone 33. Laurie’s area of responsibility includes Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, Delaware, and part of Tennessee. Laurie works from her home office in Alexandria, Virginia and travels throughout the area to meet individually with donors. Laurie comes to Rotary after three years with Girl Scouts’ Nation’s Capital, the largest Girl Scout Council in the U.S., where she was a key member of their major gifts team. In addition to securing major gifts, she chaired their Planned Giving Outreach Committee, which worked closely with volunteers to identify and cultivate potential planned gifts from their peer members; created major donor recognition events; and trained their board members on fundraising. Prior to moving to the Washington DC area, she spent 13 years in Stuttgart, Germany through her husband’s career in the Air Force. Laurie earned a Master’s degree in Non-Profit Management from Regis University. She is a Rotarian (West Springfield, VA club) and remains active with local community service projects. |
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 Ellen Bryan is a broadcast journalist and is a morning TV personality on WUSA 9 in Washington, D.C. As Miss Ohio 2011, she competed at Miss America before starting her journalism career. She produces an online series called "Minute Motivation" providing daily motivational videos online to encourage people to chase their dreams and let go of fear and anxiety. Her oldest sister was struck by lightning in 2000, paralyzing her for the past 18 years. She has shared her story across the country as a national spokesperson for NOAA. |
 Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club is now in its 33rd year of serving the community by supporting Manna Food Center. Come join our dedicated team on the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm at Manna Food Center in Gaithersburg. It's a great opportunity to introduce prospective members to a hands-on project and students receive community service credits. |
 "Believe in Belize" founder Nabil Bedewi and Caesar Kavadoy load used computers for schools in Belize. Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club is donating $1500 to the project.  |
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 Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club Chartered August 4, 1980 |
 Ronnie T. Davis is the president and founder of Longstream Coaching and Training LLC. With the desire to help people reach their potential and vision, Ronnie has taken herself from educator to certified coach and trainer. With twenty years of motivating individuals to plan, achieve and succeed, Ronnie works with individuals, groups and businesses providing personalized coaching and training.Ronnie holds a B.S. degree in Elementary Education and Masters Degree in Education, as well as a Certification in Administration from Towson University. She is a certified Personal Life Coach, Social + Emotional Intelligence Coach and Career/Business Coach, a DiSC specialist and has a certificate in Applied Positive Psychology. Ronnie is a charter member and past president of the Southern Harford County Rotary, the area membership chair for Rotary District 7620/ District 1, and sits on the District's education committee. She is on the Board of Directors of Freedom Federal Credit Union, a board member of The Chesapeake Professional Women's Network and past chair for the Harford County Commission for Women. She is on the Governance Committee for the Arc Northern Chesapeake and the Chair of the Membership Committee for the Women's Giving Circle. Ronnie was nominated for the Athena award in 2012 and 2014. She is the past Area Director of the Professional Referral Exchange. |
 Rockville Robotic's Wizards.exe Team Won the INSPIRE Award at Detroit World Championship and is Representing the USA at FIRST Global Championship in Mexico City later this month. Above are four members of the team and their coach being congratulated on their presentation by Rotary Club President Todd Nitkin. |
 Rockville Students Robotics Team: Wizards.exeWizards.exe, FIRST Tech Challenge Team 9794, is formed by eleven students; five boys and six girls aged thirteen to eighteen. We are a third-year FTC team based in Rockville, Maryland. Our mission is to Engage, Xpand, and Educate (EXE) our community. We work to inspire students to join FIRST and STEM and advocate to our local government officials through community events. Wizards.exe Won the INSPIRE Award at the Detroit World Championship and was Invited to be Team USA at the 2018 FIRST Global Championship in Mexico City, Mexico, this month. |
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 Tom and Lucy Leuchtenburg were honored at the Rotary Club Meeting on July 19, 2018, for many years of service. They are relocating to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where they plan to continue involvement with Rotary. |
 Rotary District Governor Rich Glover made his official visit to the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club on July 19, 2018. President Todd Nitkin thanked him for his presentation. |
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R  ich is a member of Southern Frederick County Rotary, Frederick County, Maryland; One of 4 Clubs in Frederick County, comprising of approximately 22% of membership of 61 Clubs in District 7620.Rich is a past President of two Clubs: the Johnson County Rotary Club of Overland Park, Kansas (2000) and Southern Frederick County Rotary Club in Frederick Maryland (2011). Combining Kansas and Frederick he is entering his 25th year as an active member of Rotary. Rich has been instrumental in expanding 6 Interact Clubs in Frederick County. Rich has held most Club level Avenues of Service positions, including leadership in major fundraising. Rich was the founder of the Frederick Rotary Pro Am and within 3 years raising over $101,000 after expenses. One event of note, Rich was the team leadership member of fundraising with Johnson County Kansas Rotary Clubs with net funds to support an unprecedented $1,000,000 in pharmaceuticals and medical supplies that were airlifted through Heart to Heart International to Mother Teresa in Calcutta, India. Rich has also been a member of a Rotary International humanitarian mission to El Progresso, El Salvador to work with Action for Water & Education Foundation. Rich is a Paul Harris Society member, a Paul Harris Fellow +5 Recipient, Rotary Foundation Benefactor, Paul Harris Society member, and Sustaining Paul Harris member. |
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 Katey Boerner, Executive Director, Glen Echo Park, spoke about one of the finest cultural resources in the Washington, DC area at the Rotary Club meeting on June 21, 2018. President Todd Nitkin presented the Rotary cup to Katey who is also President elect of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rotary Club. |
 Katey Boerner, Executive Director, Glen Echo Park, will speak about one of the finest cultural resources in the Washington, DC area at the Rotary Club meeting on June 21, 2018. Katey is also the President-Elect of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rotary Club. Glen Echo Park is home to 13 resident artists and arts organizations, a thriving social dance program, a restored 1921 Dentzel Carousel, two award-winning children's theaters, a weekend drop-in art program for children, numerous art studios and galleries, a nature program, and hundreds of classes in visual and performing arts, including ceramics, painting, photography, glass, music, dance, and more. These activities, as well as free summer concerts, festivals, and special events bring thousands of visitors to the Park each year. |
 President Todd Nitkin thanked Author Kim Protho Williams who gave a presentation on her new book, "Lost Farms and Estates of DC" at the Rotary Club Meeting on June 14, 2018. [Photo by Tom Lewis] |
 Kim Prothro Williams is an architectural historian with the D.C. Historic Preservation Office. For more than twenty-five years, she has been researching and writing about historic buildings and communities in D.C., Virginia and Maryland, with her primary focus being to evaluate buildings for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Kim is a published author of books, articles and heritage trail brochures dealing with the built environment. Two of her books, “Chevy Chase: A Home Suburb for the Nation’s Capital” and “Pride of Place: Rural Residences of Fauquier County, Virginia,” address the transformation of the agricultural landscape. Her most recent title is “Lost Farms and Estates of Washington, D.C.,” which explores the rural remnants of the nation’s capital. |
 Rotary International President Ian Riseley and Rotary District 7620 Governor Greg Wims congratulated Annapolis Rotary Club President Sue Weber for planting 60,000 trees in Uganda. RI President Ian spoke at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rotary Club meeting on June 6, 2018. |
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Scott Ker  r is the R&P Compliance Manager at World Relief assisting with oversight of World Relief's refugee resettlement program, throughout the United States. Scott began serving refugees directly by securing employment and providing case management in World Relief's High Point Office in 2000. After 6 years, he was promoted and was transferred to the Baltimore corporate office. Scott began to travel throughout the US monitoring offices for compliance with the State Department’s program requirements. Scott’s responsibilities increased as he moved into management, overseeing two positions. More recently he has developed standardized training and visited offices for specific training interventions. Scott also guest lectures at Towson University in globalization classes speaking on refugee topics annually, and served as a co-facilitator of the recent Cultural Orientation Resource Exchange (CORE) workshop in Seattle. He is also looking forward to the International Summer School for Forced Migration at Oxford University this summer. Scott holds a B.A. in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University. |
 President Todd Nitkin presents Dr. Marissa Leslie with the Rotary Cup for a great presentation and interactive discussion about "Mental Health in America" at the Rotary Club Meeting on May 31, 2018. |
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Dr. Marissa Leslie's topic is "Mental Health in America" at the Rotary Club Meeting on May 31, 2018.
 Marissa Cummings Leslie, MD has dual board certification in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and General Psychiatry. She is currently the Medical Director of both Inpatient and Outpatient Services for Adventist HealthCare Behavioral Health & Wellness Services in Rockville, Maryland. She completed her Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and University of Pennsylvania program in 2007. She completed her General Psychiatry residency at Loma Linda University in Southern California in 2005. She has previous research collaborative experience in anti-violence and anti-bullying studies at CHOP. She has also holds a certificate from the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma. Her main academic interest is PTSD in immigrants and refugees. |
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 Tom Lewis presented the Rotary cup to Past President Nabil Bedewi for his presentation on Belize. Nabil’s wife Kareen and daughter Lucy also attended. |
.jpeg) Metro-Bethesda Rotarian Erika Dickstein shared website trends at the meeting on May 10, 2018. President Todd Nitkin thanked her with the Rotary cup. |
 Tom Lewis (right) presented NY Times Bestselling Author Ronald Kessler and his wife Pam with the Rotary cup for his presentation on his latest book, "The Trump White House" at the Rotary Club meeting on May 3, 2018. |
 Ronald Kessler, the New York Times bestselling author of 21 non-fiction books, will be our special guest speaker at the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club dinner meeting at Normandie Farm Restaurant on May 3, 2018, at 6:30pm. Guests are cordially invited. In 1968, Ronald Kessler joined the Wall Street Journal as an investigative reporter in the New York bureau. He became an investigative reporter with the Washington Post in 1970 and continued in that position until 1985. Kessler has won 18 journalism awards, including two George Polk awards—one for national reporting and one for community service. Kessler has also won the Robert Novak Journalist of the Year Award, the American Political Science Association's Public Affairs Reporting Award, the Associated Press' Sevellon Brown Memorial Award, and Washingtonian magazine's Washingtonian of the Year award. [Cost for the dinner is $26.] |
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.jpg) McLean Quinn received a Rotary cup from Bob Nelson in appreciation for his presentation at the Rotary Club meeting on April 19, 2018. |
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 Susan Rosenvold from Montgomery History portrayed Clara Barton at the Rotary Club Meeting on April 12, 2018. Tom Lewis thanked our speaker with a Rotary cup. |
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McLean Quinn will spea  k on the “Challenges of Growth and Development in Montgomery County.” He is Vice President of Land Acquisition and Development at EYA. McLean’s responsibilities include new deal sourcing and acquisitions, entitlement and predevelopment, and overall project stewardship. He has led underwriting and negotiations for numerous projects at EYA and is currently leading the entitlement effort on three large residential redevelopments in Montgomery County, including EYA's Shady Grove Station redevelopment. Before joining EYA, McLean evaluated opportunistic real estate investments for Morgan Stanley's Real Estate Fund (MSREF) in New York and worked in private equity and investment banking at Wells Fargo in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has a BA in political science from Davidson College and an MBA with Distinction from the Kellogg School of Management, where he was an Austin Scholar. |
 President Todd Nitkin thanked former Rockville Mayor and current County Executive Candidate Rose Krasnow for her presentation. President Todd Nitkin and Neil Cohen welcomed Maryland State Fire Marshal Brian Geraci and Captains Jimmy Seavy and Eric Bernard from the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department. [Photos by Tom Lewis] |
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"Clara Barton: No Ordinary Courage" is the topic for the Rotary Club meeting on April 1  2, 2018, at 6:30pm, the 106th anniversary of her death. Public Service hallmarked Clara Barton’s life from her initial career as a school teacher to her medical support and nursing during the Civil War, establishment of the American Red Cross and First Aid Association in 1905. A favorite civilian volunteer of Generals Ambrose Burnside, Benjamin Butler and Ulysses S. Grant, she received a rare compliment from President Abraham Lincoln via his published request to the public supporting her missing soldier’s identification work. This presentation explores the talents and events that guided Barton throughout her life and her legacy to the American people through the American Red Cross. This will be a brief first person portrayal by Susan Rosenvold from Montgomery History, as Clara Barton tells her own story. |
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Please consider signing this petition to ask the Mayor and Council to override the Advisory Board's recommendation. Consider submitting written testimony to cityclerk@rockvillemd.gov or City Clerk's Office, City Hall, 111 Maryland Ave., Rockville, MD 20850. Attend the public hearing on the name at 7 PM, Monday, April 30, at City Hall, 111 Maryland Ave. The Mayor and Council are scheduled to take action on the recommendation at their May 7 meeting. Thank you. Arlene and Neil Cohen
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 Rose Krasnow served two terms on the Rockville City Council and three terms as Rockville Mayor. She was Director of the Montgomery County United Way, Chief of Development Review at the Maryland National Park & Planning Commission, and in 2013 became the Deputy Director. Rose managed the Zoning Code Rewrite team, overseeing an effort that led to the adoption of a new zoning code in October of 2014. She is currently a candidate for County Executive. Guests are invited for dinner ($26). |
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Rotarians from the RC of Kathmandu Mid-Town and Dr. Milan Maharjan, Chairperson of Ear Care Nepal (ECN), appear in the picture The Rotary Club of Potomac-Bethesda is the international sponsor of this Gl |
.jpg) President Todd Nitkin thanked Paul McDermott, Professor Emeritus, Montgomery College, who had great photographs and maps to go along with his talk, "Strolling on the C&O Canal" at the meeting on March 29, 2018. |
 Paul D. McDermott is Professor Emeritus at Montgomery College. He is the author of seven books and the only community college visiting scholar at the Geography and Map Division of the Library of Congress. He will be coming with an illustrated presentation on the C&O Canal. He has prepared maps of the canal that will be available for purchase at the meeting. Now that spring is here and the blossoms will be coming out, his topic is so appropriate, "Strolling on the C&O Canal." |
 It's the first Rotary Club Social this spring, so come out to Bretton Woods Recreation Center on March 22, 2018, at 6:30pm for great fellowship. |
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 Hospice Caring is a community-based nonprofit that provides social, emotional, and practical support to individuals with a serious illness and their families, as well as those who are grieving a death. Join us to learn more about Hospice Caring’s services, and to hear Jade Davis share her personal experience with Hospice Caring. After the death of her first husband, Jade found amazing support in Hospice Caring’s group for widows and widowers under the age of 50. “I knew that when I had my legs back under me, I just had to get involved with this wonderful organization and do what I could to support others,” said Jade. “This work matters, so very much.” Jade has been volunteering with Hospice Caring since 2013 and has been an incredible addition to Hospice Caring’s Adult Bereavement and Volunteer Helping Hands (caregiving) programs. She has facilitated 5 adult bereavement groups and cared for 5 patients and families to date. To learn more about Hospice Caring, please visit www.HospiceCaring.org or call 301-869-4673. |
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 Tom Clifford gave a presentation on the "Universities at Shady Grove" at the Rotary Club Meeting on March 8, 2018. [Photo by Tom Lewis] |
 "The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs from nine Maryland public universities on one convenient campus in Montgomery County. USG helps prepare students for rewarding careers in the region’s most high-demand fields. Students who successfully complete their coursework on the USG campus graduate with a degree from one of its nine partner universities. Through on-campus services such as academic coaching, career advising, internship preparation, personal counseling, and leadership training, students leave the USG campus with the academic skills and real-world experiences needed for successful careers." |
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[From daretodreamfilm.com]  Dare to Dream, How Rotary Became the Heart and Soul of Polio Eradication, is a high-quality, full-length documentary film that tells the story of how a small group of visionary Rotary leaders dared to set a breathtaking goal of eradicating polio for all of the children of the world. In doing so, they laid the groundwork for the single most successful public health coalition in history. This film gives Rotarians, and non-Rotarians, the back-story to the incredible decision to eradicate polio. Audiences will be astounded to learn that the Rotary Foundation was not involved in the early days of polio eradication, that the public health community was not interested in eradicating single diseases, and that several prominent Rotary leaders were vehemently opposed to Rotary getting involved with service projects on a global scale. Yet three successive RI Presidents along with a few other extraordinary Rotary leaders pursued a grand vision and eventually overcame all obstacles in setting Rotary on a course that, more than thirty years later, is set to achieve the most incredible public health victory the world has ever seen. |
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 David Trone will speak at the dinner meeting of the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club on Thursday, Feb. 15, which starts at 6:30 p.m. and meets at Normandie Farm Restaurant (10710 Falls Road, Potomac, MD).Mr. Trone is co-owner of Total Wine and More. He will speak about how he and his brother grew their business from zero to $2.7 billion in revenue. He is also a candidate for the Democratic nomination to represent Maryland’s 6th Congressional District. |
 Valentine's Gifts to Homeless Women were beautiful pashmina scarves from Gladys Howard. Rotarians dined at the Far East Restaurant in Rockville. |
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 Established in 1977 in the memory of Harold W. Rosenthal, the Rosenthal Fellowship was created to expose young scholars of foreign affairs to the inner workings of Congress, the U.S. Department of State and other agencies of the federal government. Each year, a select group of graduate students are chosen. Fellows are chosen for their outstanding scholarly achievements, for their character and for their commitment to the study of international affairs. The Rosenthal Fellows community helps the next generation of international affairs professionals have the opportunity to work in international affairs offices in the federal government. |
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Eleven Clubs Receive Foundation Banner Recognition Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Kaelyn Banerjee and John Germ Rotary International President are pleased to recognize the following clubs for their support of The Rotary Foundation 2016-2017: The top three per capita giving clubs to The Rotary Foundation during the 2016-2017 Rotary year were Charlotte Hall, Capitol Hill, and Columbia-Patuxent. This designation requires a minimum $50 per capita level of giving. Eight clubs were recognized as 100% Foundation Giving Clubs. These are clubs in which every dues-paying member contributes a minimum of $25.00 to any Rotary Foundation gift designation and the club per capita giving average contribution is a least $100. Clubs recognized were Aberdeen, Gaithersburg, Glen Burnie, Greenbelt, Metro Bethesda, Potomac-Bethesda, Prince Frederick, and Prince George’s County. Five clubs were recognized as Every Rotarian, Every-Year Clubs. They were Glen Burnie, Gaithersburg, Metro Bethesda, Potomac-Bethesda, Prince Frederick. To be recognized, every dues-paying member must contribute a minimum of $25 to the Annual Fund with a per capita giving of at least $100. |
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 John Barrett Townsend II currently serves as the Manager of Public and Government Relations for AAA Mid-Atlantic in its Washington office. His professional background encompasses varied careers in broadcast journalism, local government, the high tech industry, and Capitol Hill. Prior to joining AAA Mid-Atlantic he served as a Communications Director and Legislative Assistant for U.S. Representative Scotty Baesler for the Sixth District of Kentucky. For nearly a decade he was the Press Secretary for the Mayor of Lexington. All told, he has served three members of Congress as a speech writer or Communications Director. He is also a veteran of political campaigns on the local, statewide, and national levels.He left the Hill to serve as an appointee to the U.S. Department of Energy. He was a public affairs officer and a special occasion speech writer for Energy Secretary Bill Richardson. He went on to serve as the Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs for Avaya Inc., one of America’s leading telecommunications providers. He is a former broadcast journalist, reporting the news at radio stations and television stations in Huntsville, Alabama (WEUP Radio – co-host of “Inner City News, Views and Interviews,” WAAY Radio – host “Rapping with WAAY” and “Dialogue” and WAAY-TV – Host “Dialogue with John Barrett Townsend”), Baton Rouge, Louisiana (WBRZ-TV- general assignment reporter ) and Lexington, Kentucky (WLEX TV – broadcast journalist, news producer and news assignment editor, WKYT TV – host of “Directions with John Townsend”). John Townsend holds a BA in English and Political Science from Alabama A&M University, a master’s in International Relations from the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce at the University of Kentucky and another master’s, this one in writing, from Johns Hopkins University. |
 Tom and Barbara Allen gave a mini-forum on "Opioid Awareness" at the Rotary Club meeting on January 11, 2018. Their nonprofit James’ Place Inc. provides education, advocacy and scholarships for recovery housing.  [L-R] Tom and Barbara Allen with Rotary District Governor Greg Wims |
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Tom is a past president of the Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent and a retire fire protection engineer. Barbara’s career includes many years in executive positions in the computer industry, executive coaching and yoga teacher. Barbara’s beloved son, Jim, died in March, 2003. He struggled with substance use disorder for almost 22 years losing the battle to an overdose of heroin and alcohol. Additionally, Barbara’s brother, Bill, and niece, Amanda, also lost their lives as a result of this disease. The ups and downs of these three important people led to the work Barbara & Tom do today. Establishing James’ Place, Inc. and its educational arm Shatter the Stigma® are important means to share knowledge and help other families know they are not alone. Barbara serves on various local, state and national coalitions and is co-chair of Maryland’s Behavioral Health Advisory Council. Barbara & Tom are active members of The Compassionate Friends (TCF) since 2003. TCF supports parents, grandparents and siblings who have lost a loved one to any cause, at any age. Barbara served on the national TCF Board of Directors, Barbara is Chapter leader and Tom is treasurer for the Patapsco Valley Chapter in Ellicott City, Maryland |
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January is Rotary's Vocational Service Month |
 Rotarians, family members and guests gathered for the annual Holiday Party held at Bretton Woods Recreation Center on December 21, 2017. There is no meeting scheduled for December 28, 2017. Happy New Year! |
 John McCarthy, States Attorney, Montgomery County, spoke about Opioid Addiction at the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club Meeting on December 14, 2017. Pictured [L-R] are John McCarthy, P-B President Todd Nitkin and Rotary District Governor Greg Wims. |
 Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club Holiday Party on December 21 at Bretton Woods Recreation Center. |
 It's the busy holiday season, but Alex Naron along with Rotarians Steve Naron and Bob Nelson, and other volunteers packed 144 food boxes at the Manna Food Center on December 12, 2017. Why not make a New Year's resolution to join them in 2018 on the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm? |
 The State's Attorney's Office is a constitutionally created independent agency. Their mission is to serve the public interest through fair and honest administration of justice by exercising responsibilities to: prosecute criminal violations in Montgomery county; educate the public to criminal justice issues; provide training to lawyers for future service; address inequality and promote fairness in the criminal justice system; insure access to the criminal justice system; promote professional relations with judges and attorneys; and further the efficient use of criminal justice resources. John attended Catholic University of America on a baseball scholarship between 1970 and 1974. Following his graduation from Catholic University, John taught at Good Counsel High School in Wheaton, Maryland and, while teaching, John attended law school in the evenings at the University of Baltimore. John graduated in 1979. John was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1979 and began his legal career in private practice. John joined the State's Attorney's Office for Prince George's County in 1980 and eighteen months later became a Public Defender in Montgomery County. John joined the State's Attorney's Office for Montgomery County in 1982. Before ascending to the position of State's Attorney in 2006, John served as Deputy State's Attorney in Montgomery County for ten years. Prior to that, John had headed every major trial division in the office. |
 Sander Benjamin Cohen, born August 26, 1984 in Washington , DC., died at the age of 33 on December 8, 2017. He heroically passed serving in the Line of Duty for the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office. Sander is survived by his loving parents Dr. Neil and Arlene Soodak Cohen, his beloved dog Mia, and grandmother Rose Soodak; he is preceded by his late grandparents Robert Soodak and Minnie and Samuel Cohen. He also leaves behind six aunts and uncles (Teresa and Joel Soodak; Howard and Carol Cohen; Sondra and David Cohen), as well as four cousins (Jessica and Ethan Soodak; Rebecca and Samuel Cohen).Sander Cohen was a nine year veteran of the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, where he held the rank of Deputy Chief. He served as the Regional Commander of the Northeast Regional Office. Throughout his career, Sander received numerous awards including a Unit Citation from Prince George’s County Fire & EMS Department for his involvement in a multi-agency investigation. In addition to his public service as a State Fire Marshal, Sander was a 14 year veteran of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department, where he held the rank of Lieutenant. Sander was a dedicated and active member holding many positions including Shift Officer and Director. He was awarded a Citation of Bravery for his life saving actions at an apartment fire on December 22, 2003. A memorial service will be held on December 14, 2017 at B’nai Israel, 6301 Montrose Rd Rockville, MD 20852 at 11 Am. A private internment will follow. Shiva will be observed and open to the public on Thursday, December 14th from 6pm to 10pm at Woodmont Country Club located at 1201 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland. Close friends and immediate family will continue Shiva on Saturday, December 16th at the Cohen residence. |
 Susan Glover, Senior Vice President, Adventist HealthCare spoke on "Patient Safety and the Role of the Patient Advocate" at the Rotary Club Meeting on December 7, 2017. |
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Final opportunity in 2017 to participate in a Dictionary Distribution to third-graders  |
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.jpg) Beloved wife of Nihad Kaibni and the late Michael S. Cunnane; loving mother of Katya Cunnane Pilong (Kevin) and Danielle Cunnane Garcia (Danilo); grandmother of Mikaela Pilong and Antonio Garcia; Daughter of Yolanda Blacutt and the late Jose Carrasco; sister of Carlos, Maria Julia and John Carrasco. Friends will be received at PUMPHREY'S COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME, 300 W. Montgomery Ave. (Rt. 28 just off I-270), Rockville, MD on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 from 7 to 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Raphael's Catholic Church, Falls and Dunster Roads, Potomac, MD on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Montgomery Hospice. Please view and sign the family online guestbook at: www.pumphreyfuneralhome.com |
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Jordan P. Cooper has extensive on-the-ground legislative experience in Annapolis. Jordan first worked  in the Maryland General Assembly in 2003 as a Student Page. More recently, he worked for two years as a Legislative Aide for Delegate Keith E. Haynes in the House of Delegates. During this time, Jordan gained professional experience solving problems and providing answers to constituents in need of assistance. Jordan pursued his MSPH in Health Policy with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. As a health care policy advisor at the National Partnership for Women and Families, he wrote comments pertaining to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act on the use of quality measurement to improve value in health care. |
 Guest Speaker on November 2, 2017, was Dr. Michael Schoenbaum, NIH Epidemiologist, who discussed the Identification and Treatment of Suicide Risk in the Military. |
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Michael Schoen  baum (PhD in Economics, University of Michigan, 1995) is Senior Advisor for Mental Health Services, Epidemiology, and Economics in the National Institute of Mental Health's Division of Services and Intervention Research. He conducts analyses of mental health burden, service use and costs, intervention opportunities, and other policy-related issues, in support of Institute decision-making; and he works to strengthen NIMH's relationships with public and private stakeholders, to increase the public health impact of NIMH-supported research. Dr. Schoenbaum's research has focused particularly on the costs and benefits of interventions to improve health and health care, evaluated from the perspectives of patients, providers, payers and society. |
 October 26, 2017, was a Rotary Club Social at Bretton Woods, the First Since the Passing of Arthur Blitz. |
 Remembering Arthur H. Blitz |
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Alan Grant and Bob Nelson distributed dictionaries to third graders at Waters Landing Elementary School on October 24, 2017. |
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 “Climate Change” was the topic at the October 12, 2017, Rotary Club Meeting with Guest Speaker Bilal Haq who was formerly Director for Marine Geoscience Programs at National Science Foundation. [Photo by Tom Lewis.] |
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.jpeg) It is with great sadness that we report the passing on October 4, 2017, of our beloved Rotarian of 35 years and Past President Arthur H. Blitz. Art was a leader in the club organizing annual fix-up projects at the Jewish Foundation for Group Homes. He always brought a funny story and occasionally entertained fellow Rotarians with his magic tricks. He will be sadly missed. We express our condolences to his family, wife Mimi, and children Leslie, Robin and Mickey. His funeral is scheduled for Monday, October 9, 2017, at 10:30am at Congregation Beth El, 8125 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, with interment to follow at Judean Memorial Gardens, Olney, MD. Family will be receiving friends through Friday evening, October 13th and holding Shiva Minyan at 7pm on Monday, October 9th and Tuesday, October 10th. Memorial contributions may be made to CHI, Inc., 10501 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20903 or to the Montgomery County Humane Society, 601 S. Stone Street Ave, Rockville, MD 20850. |
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The Economic Strategy Institute (ESI) is a private, non-profit, non-partisan public policy research organization dedicated to assuring that globalization works with market forces to achieve maximum benefits rather than distorting markets, and imposing costs. This should be achieved on the basis of principles, policies, and institutions consistent with democratic values. Because security and national welfare will increasingly depend on performance in the global marketplace, the Economic Strategy Institute is particularly concerned with developing national and corporate strategies to assure that globalization takes place on a level playing field and the reality is mutually beneficial. The Institute is a firm believer in markets, but it knows that all markets operate within boundaries of different rules and institutions. ESI studies and understands the importance of macroeconomic factors such as interest rates, exchange rates, and savings rates. But, unlike many economic policy organizations, ESI places particular emphasis on institutional and structural factors and on the circumstances of the particular industries that make up the overall economy. It is, after all, impossible to have a smoothly running machine if the key components are faulty. Accordingly, ESI analyzes major industries and technologies as well as domestic and international economic industrial policies. The growing importance of globalization and ESI's practical, business-like approach to the issues have made the institute a major player in government circles since its founding in 1989. ESI's staff shape opinion and strategy by publishing books, articles and editorials as well as by providing testimony to Congress and private consultation to government and business leaders. The institute also conducts a number of influential conferences and lectures throughout the year. Over the past decade, ESI has had a major influence on the conclusion of the NAFTA and Uruguay Round negotiations, U.S. economic and trade policy towards Japan, China and Europe, and telecommunications, international aviation, and other important economic and trade issues. ESI has also helped shape strategy for a number of multinational corporations. As we move into the next century, the world’s marketplace will become even more complex to corporations, governments, and consumers. The Economic Strategy Institute is well suited to tackle these complexities and provide expert analyses and leadership on the important elements of the globalized economy. |
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Naheed Oberfeld is a Success Strategist who works with passionate and driven business owners and professionals who are respected expe  rts in their field. She helps them achieve greater financial success by showing them how to effortlessly attract their ideal clients, overcome debilitating boom and bust cycles, confidently charge the true value of their products and services, and shed patterns of procrastination and stress.With 15 years of experience in the corporate world, including fortune 100 companies, Naheed left the Finance industry to embark upon her passion; empowering others to create financially rewarding businesses without stress and struggle. She works with clients from all over the world helping them to overcome their personal and professional blocks to achieve a happier and more abundant life. Naheed’s Business Transformation programs guide you to create an empowering inner “Money Story” so you can release behavior and mindset patterns that limit your earning potential. Her coaching style, programs, and techniques are designed to easily break through resistance which allows your natural creativity and passion to propel you into greater success, ease, and joy. |
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Bilal Haq, a scientist and a poet, was formerly at the US National Science Foundation as the director for marine geoscience programs. He is currently a research associate at the Smithsonian Instituti In geosciences Haq’s publications are amongst some of the most cited. The influence of this work can also be gauged by the inclusion of one of his paper (Haq et al., 1987) published in Science Magazine that is listed among the 100 most influential publications in Geosciences of all times, a list that includes such luminaries as Lyell, Darwin, Hutton and Milankovitch. He has also been honored by his peers by the naming of a marine plankton species and a fossil genus after him. As a poet Bilal Haq has published four volumes of verse since 2015. Because he has spent most of his career trying to find hidden patterns in Nature, our planet’s past conditions, its ancient oceans and climates, his research took him to some of the most pristine places on Earth that reveal what our World could be like if we had the foresight and will to rehabilitate it. His poetic message is a simple one that we have to relearn to live in peace with Nature if we are to endure. He divides his time between Paris, France, and Washington, DC. |
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 The 2017 Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club Dictionary Project kicks off on October 3 at Seven Locks Elementary School with Poolesville Elementary School scheduled for October 12. There are more schools to be added to the schedule and you may sign up to assist under "Events." For more information contact Alan Grant at 301-258-1033 or agrant@grantlaw.net. |
.jpg) Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, when Jews prayerfully reflect on the past year and look hopefully into a promising future. The central observance of this two-day holiday beginning on September 20 is the sounding of the shofar, the ram's horn, signifying the coronation of the king, and calling people into a time of apologizing and healing relationships.Greetings for the first night are “Leshanah tovah tikatev vetichatem” and for females, “Leshanah tovah tikatevee vetichatemee” meaning “May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.” At other times, with them a “Gemar chatimah tovah” meaning “A good inscription and sealing in the Book of Life." -Rev. Mansfield “Kasey” Kaseman |
 President Todd Nitkin thanked motivational speaker Roderick Mitchell for giving an inspiring presentation on the “Application of Firefighting Concepts to Everyday Life” at the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club Meeting on September 14, 2017. [Photo by Tom Lewis.] |
 Roderick’s personal journey of facing–and overcoming–seemingly insurmountable obstacles is the foundation of his deeply personal and energizing presentations. He engages every member of the audience through his message of hope and endurance. Along with over 1,500 candidates, Roderick applied for a District of Columbia firefighter position in 1989. Passing both the written and physical agility exams, Roderick finished in the top 1% of all candidates. Roderick is a member of the National Speakers Association and a seasoned member of the Toastmasters International. Numerous audiences, from non-profits to social organizations and local schools, have enjoyed Roderick’s engaging, entertaining, and motivating messages of empowerment. Many small and large corporations throughout the region have experienced Roderick’s skill and professionalism as a presenter and trainer. |
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 Greg Wims is a 6th generation Marylander with 49 years of volunteer service to the community. He has served on many nonprofit boards, University of Maryland Dental School, Universities at Shady Grove, Montgomery College, YMCA, Kennedy Center and Boys and Girls Club just to name a few. He presently serves on the Congressional Bank Board in the Metro Washington DC area. He founded the Victims’ Rights Foundation 21 years ago to help victims of violent crime. They just opened a preschool in Kenya 6 months ago. Greg is a Paul Harris fellow and a Paul Harris Society member. He is a member of the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rotary Club. He is married to Michelle and has three children and two grandkids. Please welcome Greg Wims, District Governor. |
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[From Governor Greg Wims who will be our guest speaker on September 7, 2017] As you know, Hurricane Harvey has hit Texas and Louisiana very hard. The Rotary District in coordination with the Disaster Aid USA is starting a fund drive. Please see the Press Release. Individually and as a club, I urge you to donate generously. Rotary's theme this year is Make A Difference. Its time to make a difference. Donations are needed urgently, and checks (payable to DAUSA) can be mailed to: Disaster Aid USA, 9817 Lanham Severn Road, Lanham, MD 20706. Online donations can be made by visiting the website - www.disasteraidusa.org and clicking-on the PayPal button. DAUSA is a tax-exempt 501-c-3 type organization, and all donations are tax-free. Questions may be directed to: Paul Mahata (Pmahata@verizon.net) or Bob Grill (Bob.Grill@DisasterAidUSA.org)
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 On August 24, 2017, Guest Speakers Pete Tomao and Amy Ginsburg addressed “Walkable, Bikeable, Sustainable and Transit-friendly Communities.” Pete Tomao is the Montgomery County Advocacy Manager for Coalition for Smarter Growth and Amy Ginsburg is the Executive Director of Friends of White Flint. [Photo by Tom Lewis] |
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The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading organization in the Washington DC region dedicated to making the case for smart growth. Our mission is to promote walkable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities, and the land use and transportation policies and investments needed to make those communities flourish. Friends of White Flint advocates for the walkable, bikeable, sustainable, transit-friendly community we need. We educate the community about how smart growth design provides the lifestyles we want. We make sure that everyone in our community is up-to-date about the latest Pike District news. Building consensus and working together, residents, property owners, community groups, government officials, businesses, and homeowner associations can ensure the Pike District fulfills the promises of the White Flint Sector Plan. Pike District Pedestrians is a grassroots collection of people who want to improve safety for pedestrians in the Pike District. We're supported by the staff of the Coalition for Smarter Growth and the team at Friends of White Flint.  As the Montgomery County Advocacy Manager for Coalition for Smarter Growth, Pete Tomao is excited to help bring better transit options to Maryland. A long-term resident of our region, Pete understands how important public transportation is to our economic future, particularly in Montgomery County. Pete comes to the Coalition for Smarter Growth from the National Association of Letter Carriers, where he was a political and grassroots organizer. Prior to working for the NALC, he was an organizer on the Obama campaign in Las Vegas. He holds a BA in Political Science from American University, which is where he developed his love for the Washington region.  Amy Ginsburg is the Executive Director of Friends of White Flint. Amy, who has lived within two miles of White Flint for most of her life, possesses three decades of pragmatic experience in advocacy, nonprofit management, marketing, and fundraising. She previously served as the Executive Director of Neediest Kids, Executive Director of Manna Food Center, and Executive Director of the Low Vision Information Center. Amy has also been the Director of Development and Director of Marketing for a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. Amy is part of the Leadership Montgomery Class of 2010 and was formerly the President of her HOA. She graduated with a B.A. in Public Relations and Psychology from Syracuse University and an M.A. in Nonprofit Management from the University of Maryland University College. |
 President Todd Nitkin thanked guest speaker Robert Drozd who addressed Maryland Legislative Issues and National Security at the Rotary Club meeting on August 17, 2017. |
 Author Judy Welles gave a presentation on Lilly Stone, a daring woman who changed the landscape of business and culture in Montgomery County, at the Rotary Club meeting on August 10, 2017. Lilly Stone was the grandmother of the late Potomac-Bethesda Rotarian John Stone. |
 Guest speaker Robert Drozd will address Maryland Legislative Issues and National Security at the Rotary Club meeting on August 17, 2017. Robert Drozd is a husband of 20-plus years, first-generation American, father of two teenage daughters, and a recently-retired Air Force officer. He works as a national security professional under contract to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Robert was born to an English mother, and Robert's father was a WWII refugee from Poland. Robert was born outside Richmond, Virginia, and grew up in the suburbs of Dayton, Ohio, and chose to make Maryland his home after serving in eight different states and three foreign countries. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Wright State University and Master’s Degrees in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University  and Military Operational Art and Science from the Air Force’s Air University. Robert is a candidate for Maryland State Senate in District 14 that spans from Burtonsville to Damascus. |
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Topic: Lilly Stone (Grandmother of the late P-B Rotarian John Stone) Historic photos and a book tell the s Celebrating the 37th Anniversary of the chartering of the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club |
 President Todd Nitkin thanks Michelle Chapin for her talk, “DIY Pitfalls of Estate Planning,” at the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club meeting on August 3, 2017. [Photo by Tom Lewis] |
 Michelle Chapin, a member of Paley Rothman’s Estate Planning, Estate & Trust Administration, Tax and Corporate practice groups, advises individuals, families and small business owners regarding their estate and gift planning needs. Her approach is thorough, and Michelle excels at providing clients with easy to understand explanations of intricate legal and tax matters. She works closely with her clients to create comprehensive and customized estate and business succession plans to achieve their tax and non-tax wealth preservation objectives. She also helps clients implement lifetime gifting and post-mortem wealth transfer strategies and counsels fiduciaries on estate and trust administration matters. Michelle focuses a part of her practice on estate planning for clients with international issues, including estate, gift and other tax concerns of non-U.S. citizens, U.S. citizens with non-U.S. citizen spouses, and U.S. citizens owning property abroad. When she’s not being interviewed by the Wall Street Journal or speaking to various groups in the DC metropolitan area, Michelle enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and 2 children. [Thanks to Art Blitz for arranging this week’s speaker.] |
 President Todd Nitkin presented the Rotary Cookbook to Author, Inspirational Speaker and Ultra-athlete Croix Sather at the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club Meeting on July 20, 2017. |
 2016-2017 President Bob Fuhrman pinned Incoming President Dr. Todd Nitkin with the Rotary President's pin at the club meeting at Bretton Woods on July 13, 2017. |
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Croix Sather "From the moment Croix steps on the stage he will captivate your audience. He starts strong and keeps your audience on the edge of their seats with his stories of his Run Across America and his World Record "Badwater Solo" Run through Death Valley when he crushed the previous record by almost 5 hours." "What Croix has done is certainly impressive, but more impressive is how he has master the art of story telling to connect with your audience and inspire them in a way that creates lasting change. There is story telling and there is story telling that creates change because it reprograms your mind for success." "You can have a great keynote speaker presentation, or you can have a great keynote speaker presentation that will inspire your team and one that will increase their performance, productivity endurance, and discipline. Croix weaves in mindset and performance strategies that improve your teams performance organically into the stories and presentation." "At the end, the line is out the door because everyone wants to get a book signed by Croix after hearing his inspirational keynote presentation." Books: Dream Big Act Big (Run Across America Edition): Breakthrough and Unleash the Superstar Within You |
 We have Manna Food Center box packing the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm. Please let Alex Naron know if you can join. Family and friends are welcome. Student Service Learning forms will be completed. Location: 9311 Gaither Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Contact Alex with any questions at alexnaron@gmail.com or phone 240-620-4795. |
.jpg) Bob Fuhrman will exit stage right, and we will inaugurate our incoming President, Dr. Todd Nitkin. This meeting will be held at the Bretton Woods Recreational Center, which is located at 15700 River Road, Germantown, MD 20874. Spouses are encouraged to attend. Also, some awards will be presented for the Rotary Year just ended. |
 The flooding of March 27, 2017, in northern Peru destroyed the homes, fields and livestock of many families living in the shantytown of Nuevo Catacaos, which is located not far from the city of Piura, Peru. The Rotary Club of Piura reached out to the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club for possible assistance to benefit a small fraction of the perhaps 10,000+ people affected by the flooding in Nuevo Catacaos. The assistance consisted of purchasing and distributing to dislocated families 120 mattresses, 120 blankets and 60 personal hygiene kits. The distribution took place on June 11, 2017. |
 Tom Lewis received the Rotarian of the Year Award for 2016 and 2017 at the Rotary Club Meeting on June 22, 2017. Tom continues to serve as the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club Treasurer and is the Vice President for Business Development at LKA Computer Consultants. |
 George Clack led a discussion on sanctuary cities and immigration issues at the Rotary Club Meeting on June 22, 2017. |
 George Clack will lead a discussion on sanctuary cities and immigration issues. He is a member of the Howard County chapter of Indivisible, a grassroots organization made up of individuals concerned about the current Administration's policy agenda.Since retiring from federal service, Mr. Clack has been an Adjunct Instructor at both Johns Hopkins University and Howard Community College, where he has taught courses in literature, film, blogging, and social media. For the last three years he has also been a Contributing Editor to American Diplomacy Magazine. Prior to that time he served as Director of the State Department's Office of Publications, where he also was creative director for the internet magazine eJournal USA. Mr. Clack joined the State Department in 1999, when the U.S. Information Agency merged into the Department. While at USIA, he served in various capacities, including as editor-in-chief of America Illustrated, a Russian language magazine distributed in the Soviet Union; associate editor of Dialogue, USIA's worldwide intellectual journal; and Director of the Near East/South Asia Office, in charge of the Washington file news service. Mr. Clack is a graduate of Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania and has a Master's in English from the Claremont Graduate School in California. He was raised in Pittsburgh. |
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 Ed Kerns spoke on "What Does Climate Change Mean for Business and Civic Leaders?” at the Rotary Club Meeting on June 8, 2017. |
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Ed Kerns has a Master’s degree in Chemistry from California State University. He worked four years for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the cleanup of pollution in rivers and lakes and on hazardous waste site cleanup. He then worked 30 years in drug research at Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer where he was Associate Director of Chemical Technologies. For the last 4 years of his career, he worked at National Institutes of Health on drugs for rare diseases. Mr. Kerns is co-author of four books on drug research. Since retiring, he has been involved in volunteer activities with the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, Science Montgomery, Town of Laytonsville Parade and The Climate Reality Project. His talk will also address the question of what he believes can be done to address climate change. |
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Beyhan Trock, a local architect and a longstanding member of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rotary Club, will discuss her book, The Ottoman Turk and the Pretty Jewish Girl - Real Turkish Cooking. Beyhan is the daughter of a Moslem father and a Sephardic Jewish mother. This is an extraordinary, unique, and beautiful book. It not only provides a variety of ethnic Jewish and Turkish recipes. It traces an unusual blend of cultures in mid-20th century Istanbul as well as discusses her parents' love story which had to overcome many obstacles. The book is at once a cultural history, a biographical study, and a valuable source of culinary experience and wisdom. |
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Magician Performance ("Legal Hocus Pocus") by  Kenneth M. Trombly, Esq.Local personal injury lawyer Ken Trombly will entertain us on the evening of May 11 by performing magic tricks. He is a member of the IBM, the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Ken graduated from Newton High School in Newtown, Massachusetts, with Nan Darack Fuhrman, President Bob Fuhrman's wife. Ken put himself through law school partially by performing tricks. He entertained as a magician at two presidential inaugural balls but is still waiting for and would greatly appreciate an invitation from the Court of Saint James. |
 Ellicott City, Montgomery Village and Potomac-Bethesda Rotarians share a table at the Rotary District Conference banquet on May 6, 2017. [L-R] Dr. Fred Lewis, EC President Bruno Reich, EC President-elect Pam Kreis, Nancy Mason, Bob Nelson, PB President Bob Fuhrman, Cecilia and Edco Bailey. |
 Dinner and Live Music was featured at the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Meeting on May 4, 2017. |
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6:30pm Dinner and Social Beginning at 7pm in the lounge across the hall: "It's Bob Smith & Rob Vetter"
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  On April 20, 2017 President Bob Fuhrman congratulated Alan Grant's nephew Ari Menes who spoke on "What film means to me" and showed several montages he made. |
 "My name is Ari Menes and I am from Reading, Massachusetts. I am a fifteen year old freshman at Reading Memorial High School. I love basketball, sports, movies, comic books, talk shows, video games, traveling, and hanging out with my friends. I love new adventures and experiences. Last summer I traveled for the first time alone and it was to Israel, a country I travel to almost yearly. I have a passion for film and I hope to attend film school in the future. I will be showing three of my montages/trailers/edits and will be talking about film." |
 Back from his trip to Maui, President Bob Fuhrman thanked Neil Cohen for sharing ways to optimize benefits of air travel bonus miles during his presentation "Frequent Flyer University” on April 13, 2017. |
 Rotarians Tom Lewis, Bob Nelson and Steve Naron with sons Alex and Will and other volunteers pack 200 food boxes at Manna on April 11, 2017. |
 Our own Neil Cohen -- a highly experienced and well traveled participant in frequent flyer programs -- will share with us his wisdom on how to accumulate air travel bonus miles and how to optimize the benefits of these programs. As Neil says, "Why pay when you can fly for free?" |
 President Bob Fuhrman congratulates Guest Speaker Vicki Perper on her presentation “The Importance of Fighting Back Against Plaque” at the Rotary Club meeting on April 6, 2017. Photo by Tom Lewis. |
 You are Invited to Join the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club for a Social at Bretton Woods on May 25, 2017. [Photo by Tom Lewis.] |
.png) Social at Bretton Woods This Thursday, March 30, 2017. Guests invited! |
 Treasurer Tom Lewis congratulates President-Elect Todd Nitkin on his presentation "The Inspiration School Project of Ethiopia,” the largest international project ever for the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club at the meeting on March 23, 2017. More information is available at www.inspireethiopia.org. |
.jpg) The Inspiration School Project of Ethiopia aims to build a complete, fully sustainable school system in the rural Southwest village of Wadeye, where presently no functioning school system exists. We will begin our journey with the transformation of the primary school into a fully functional educational facility, complete with suitable infrastructure including classrooms, desks and chairs, teaching materials, a science center, a library, access to water and sanitation, and a playground. Instructors will be fully certified, and they will be supplied by the government upon certification of the school. We have already formed two village committees, one in Wadeye and one in Addis, and Parent Teacher Association to ensure the teachers receive continuing education and the school becomes a school system that continues to operate at a high level of competency. Please join us in transforming Ethiopia, one new student at a time. Caesar Kavadoy will also describe a project for Peru that is experiencing disastrous flooding. |
 There's room at the table at the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club meeting on March 16, 2017. Join us! |
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The State's Attorney's Office is a constitutionally created independent agency. The mission is to serve the public interest through fair and honest administration of justice by exercising responsibilities to: prosecute criminal violations in Montgomery county; educate the public to criminal justice issues; provide training to lawyers for future service; address inequality and promote fairness in the criminal justice system; insure access to the criminal justice system; promote professional relations with judges and attorneys; and further the efficient use of criminal justice resources. John McCarthy oversees the prosecution of 25,000 criminal matters per year. He is responsible for hiring, training, and monitoring a staff of approximately 150, 80 of whom are attorneys. The state's attorney position is the same as being a district attorney. |
 Linda Meade gave an excellent presentation on her Antarctica Adventure at the Rotary Club Meeting on March 9, 2017.
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 Our own Linda Meade will speak about her recent trip to Antarctica and show slides of her adventures at the end of the Earth. |
 Guest Speaker Dr. Karina Korostelina Addressed the Conflict in the Ukraine at the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club Meeting on March 2, 2017.
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Karina Korostelina (M.A., National Kiev University; Ph.D., Odessa State University; and Doctor of Science in social psychology, Institute of Psychology of the Ukrainian Academy of Science, Kiev) is a full Professor at the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University (GMU) and Director of the History, Memory, and Conflict Resolution Program at GMU. She has been a Fulbright New Century Scholar and a Research Fellow at both the Kennan Institute and at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars (D.C.) Dr. Korostelina has received grants from the MacArthur Foundation, Soros Foundation, and the U.S. Institute of Peace, among other foundations. She is the author of several books, including Constructing the Narratives of Identity and Power: Self-Imagination in a Young Ukrainian Nation (Lexington Books, 2013). Dr. Korostelina's talk will focus on the current conflict in Ukraine.
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  President Bob Fuhrman presents the Rotary Cookbook to guest speaker Kathleen Koch.
 President Bob Fuhrman and his wife Nan welcomes District Governor Nominee Designate Barton Goldenberg and his wife Marina.
 Former Area Governor Dr. Barry Thompson and his wife Jo Ann.
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 John F. Bowis is the President of Chevy Chase Automotive. In mid-January, he provided a talk on this subject to the Rotary Club of Metro Bethesda, and it created a huge "buzz." Mr. Bowis is extremely knowledgeable regarding current thinking about how driverless cars will radically affect our life styles over the next eight to ten years. |
 Kathleen Koch is an international speaker on disaster and resilience and founder and executive director of LeadersLink, the first nonprofit to harness and share elected officials’ disaster lessons learned to help communities better prevent, prepare for and recover from similar crises. She is an award-winning journalist and author who for 18 years was a CNN Washington correspondent covering the White House, Pentagon and Capitol Hill as well as numerous disasters including 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. Koch currently writes op-eds for publications including CNN.com, USA Today and U.S. News & World Report. She speaks and moderates at events including the International Disaster Conference and Exposition, the Halifax International Security Forum, the GLOBSEC Global Security Forum and the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk Conference. Koch anchored two prize-winning documentaries on the recovery of her hometown, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, and recorded its journey in a best-selling book, Rising from Katrina, which was named Best Nonfiction in the Southeast Region in the 2011 Independent Publisher Book Awards. She also shared in the 2006 Peabody Award CNN received for its coverage of the hurricane. Koch is a senior advisor for Project Rebirth, a nonprofit founded after 9/11 to help first responders, service members, individuals and communities overcome trauma and become more resilient. In 2011, she launched Words of Hope for Japan, the largest letter-writing campaign in the U.S. to collect cards and letters for the survivors of the earthquake and tsunami. Koch was a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar at the University of Dijon and is the 2014 winner of the Rotary Global Alumni Service to Humanity Award for Zone 31. She currently serves on the University of Southern Mississippi Mass Communications and Journalism Advisory Board.
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Larry first joined Rotary in 1974 and has served RI, District 7620, and the Washington, DC, Rotary Club, in many distinguished capacities. The funeral service for Judge Lawrence S. Margolis. 10:00 am Sunday, January 22, 2017. Ohev Shalom - The National Synagogue 1600 Jonquil St., NW, Washington, DC 20012 (16th and Jonquil St., NW) The family will begin receiving guests at 9:30; the service begins at 10:00. Street parking on 16th Street. Followed by burial at Judean Memorial Gardens 16225 Batchellors Forest Road, Olney, MD 20832 After the funeral the family are welcoming friends and family at the home of Aleta Margolis and Michael Brodsky 3410 Turner Lane Chevy Chase, MD 20815 And Shiva will be held at the house as well through Tuesday evening. [Photo taken July 7, 2013, of Judge Margolis at Governor Peter Kyle's Installation.] |
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 President Bob Fuhrman presents a Rotary Cookbook to our first guest speaker of 2017, Jordan Cooper. Jordan addressed local government services and infrastructure issues (especially WSSC) on January 12, 2017
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Jordan P. Cooper has been consistently engaged in public service for the past 16 years and has spent 8 of those years being actively engaged in Maryland politics. Jordan works on Health IT and Health Information Exchange implementing Obamacare for the District of Columbia’s Department of Health Care Finance. He ran as a Democratic Candidate for Delegate in the 2014 election cycle. He served as the President of the Luxmanor Citizens Association (2013-2014) and currently serves on the Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board, the White Flint Downtown Advisory Committee, the Rockville Selective Service Board, and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Customer Advisory Board. He is an Area Coordinator in District 16 for the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee and is a member of the District 16 Democratic Board. Jordan has a master's degree in health policy from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a bachelor's degree in political science from Vassar College. Jordan was born and raised in Bethesda, Maryland.
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 [L-R] Bob Nelson, Tom Lewis and Alex Naron at the Manna Food Center on January 10, 2017. The Rotarians and volunteers packed 96 boxes of food for needy families in Montgomery County.
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2017 Rose Parade Rotary Float "Doing Good in the World" - Photo by Bob Nelson "The 2017 Float promotes and celebrates the 100 years of The Rotary Foundation. The Foundation empowers Rotarians to travel throughout the world and create and complete projects which serve people in need in six areas of focus which are: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education, and growing local economies. The spectacular and colorful dragon is clearly a world traveler carrying luggage decorated with the six symbols of the areas of focus. The Dragon also is proudly wearing a necklace with a medallion marked 100 for the 100 years of service." |
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.jpg) Art Blitz gave a review of Historian Joseph J. Ellis' Book "The Quartet" at the Rotary Club meeting on December 15, 2016. Tom Lewis convened the meeting for the President.
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 Above is just a sampling of the many thank you notes that were received by the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club from third-grade students who had received a dictionary.
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.jpg) Our own in-house counsel Arthur Blitz will speak on Joseph Ellis' book "The Quartet." Published in 2015, Ellis focused on four men who he asserts lead the transition from the ineffectual Articles of Confederation to what he describes as the founding of "American nationhood," the creation, adoption, and effectualization of th e U.S. Constitution. Those identified as the "Quartet" were George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison. According to the author, three important "supporting players" were Robert Morris, Gouverneur Morris and Thomas Jefferson. Expert in legal thinking, Art Blitz is sure to provide a concise summary and analysis, which should make for an illuminating and memorable presentation. |
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 President Bob Fuhrman presented a Rotary Cookbook to Dr. Joseph Goldberg to thank him for his talk, “India - Potential for Terrorism and Armed Conflict” at the Rotary Club Meeting on December 1, 2016.
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The viewing is this Thursday 7-9pm at Pumphrey’s Funeral Home in Rockville, MD http://www.pumphreyfuneralhome.com/. The funeral mass is Friday at 1pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rockville, MD https://stmarysrockville.org/. |
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Dr. Jose
 ph Goldberg is a "defense intellectual" who worked for over three decades on actual and emerging international "hotspots." His talk will focus on India and will cover a broad range of issues, including the potential for terrorist activity in India.Dr. Goldberg is a native of Sioux City, Iowa and received his Ph.D. in political science from the University of Washington (Seattle). He studied as well at the University of Minnesota and the University of Michigan. He served as a faculty member at Simon Frazer University (Vancouver, British Columbia), the University of Virginia, and Hampden-Sydney College (Farmville, Virginia), where he served as well as Chairman of the Department of Political Science.
He accepted a position as Director of Research at the Institute for Strategic Studies at the National Defense University, where he conducted and directed research on national security concerns. After five years, he joined the faculty of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (now the Eisenhower School) as a Professor of National Security Studies. In addition to examining strategic issues, Dr. Goldberg concentrated on counter-terrorism, South Asia, and weapons of mass destruction. Dr. Goldberg has published on national security concerns in these areas, as well as on the Middle East. As is the case with many Department of Defense officials, his work required significant foreign travel.
After over twenty years with the U.S. government, Dr. Goldberg retired and has been working on a study of terrorism in India, an issue that has enabled him to integrate ideas related to the areas on which he has worked for many years.
The issues on which he will speak are of great concern to the United States and the rest of the world.
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The Rotary Foundation Announces Top District Clubs for 2015-2016
Top Three Highest Clubs in Annual Per Capita Giving-- Catonsville, Ellicott City, and College Park
The Rotary Foundation (TRF) recently announced club recognitions based on annual foundation giving for the 2015-2016 Rotary year ending June 30. The Rotary Club of Catonsville with contributions to the Annual Fund of $341.67 per capita was ranked first in District 7620. The Rotary Club of Ellicott City ranked second with per capita giving of $322.61 and the Rotary Club of College Park ranked third with per capita giving of $316.30. These clubs were three of only 1564 clubs worldwide to achieve Top Three Highest in Per Capita Annual Giving honors. Only clubs with a minimum of US$50 per capita were eligible.
100 Percent Giving Clubs
Eleven district clubs were recognized as a 100% Foundation Giving Club. They were: Aberdeen, Baltimore, Bonds Meadow, Catonsville, College Park, Columbia Town Center, Crofton, Elkridge, Metro Bethesda, Potomac, and Potomac-Bethesda. Only 4,609 clubs worldwide attained this status. To be eligible, 100% of all active members must personally contribute to TRF and the average contribution must be at least US$100.
Every Rotarian, Every Year/Sustaining Member Clubs
Six district clubs were among the 2,253 clubs worldwide to attain 100% Foundation Sustaining Member Club status. They were: Aberdeen, Baltimore, Bonds Meadow, Columbia Town Center, Metro Bethesda, and Potomac-Bethesda.
The above clubs received banners noting their accomplishments.
Twenty Clubs were honored for supporting the End Polio Now Campaign with an annual donation of $1,500 or more to the PolioPlus fund. The clubs, recognized with a certificate of appreciation, included Aberdeen, Annapolis, Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Bonds Meadow, Carroll Creek, Charles County (La Plata), College Park, Columbia, Columbia-Patuxent, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Glen Burnie, Lake Shore-Severna Park, Lexington Park, Montgomery Village, Parole, Potomac, Potomac-Bethesda, Silver Spring-Kensington, and South Anne Arundel County.
Congratulations to each of the clubs recognized. These contributions to TRF help to fulfill the dream of sixth RI President Arch Klumph when he envisioned an endowment for the purpose of “doing good in the world” one hundred years ago.
Rotary District Governor Anna-Mae Kobbe
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.jpg)  Back from photo safaris in Botswana and South Africa, Nancy Mason and Bob Nelson showed 167 photos from their exciting journey. Nancy received the Rotary Cookbook from President Bob Fuhrman for her presentation. Bob Nelson celebrated his birthday at the Rotary Club meeting.
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  Alan Grant and Bob Nelson distributed dictionaries to third graders at Waters Landing Elementary School on November 15, 2016. [Below] Students at the Melvin Berman Hebrew Academy display new words they found in their dictionaries. |
 Back from photo safaris in Botswana and South Africa, Nancy Mason and Bob Nelson will narrate and show some of their photos from their exciting journey.
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Jan Bresch is the Executive Director of Special Love, Inc., a non-profit whose mission is to provide a community of support for children with cancer and their families. Special Love provides a nurturing environment of free camps and programs, while helping with emergency financial assistance and educational scholarships for young survivors. She is responsible for leading all aspects of Special Love’s mission to support children with cancer and their families. Jan joined Special Love in 2018 after serving as a member of its Board of Directors. Prior to Special Love, she was the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Prevent Cancer Foundation, and served as the Direc
tor of Development and Public Relations for the Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health, Public Broadcasting professional, advisor for other organizations such as Stupid Cancer and AOL.
Chief J. Thomas Manger has been the Chief of Police in Montgomery County, Maryland, since February 2004. He began his law enforcement career in 1977 with the Fairfax County (Virginia) Police Department. He rose through the ranks to become Chief of Police in 1998. During his tenure in Fairfax County, Chief Manger received numerous awards including the Silver Medal of Valor. Chief Manger is credited with reorganizing and expanding the Police Department’s Community Policing efforts. His commitment to the highest ethical standards for policing and his enactment of new policies to increase departmental accountability earned significant recognition from the community, including the Fairfax County Human Rights Commission Award for outstanding contributions, and the N.A.A.C.P.’s Community Service Leadership Award. In 2012, Chief Manger was inducted into the Montgomery County Human Rights Hall of Fame. Chief Manger is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy, the National Executive Institute, the Police Executive Leadership School at the University of Richmond, and the Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia, and he has also completed Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School’s Program for State and Local government. Following his retirement in March 2019, Chief Manger is now the Senior Associate Director for the Major Cities Chiefs Association Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
Evolved from its beginnings in 2006, what is now Exerceo, started as Co-founder, Brian Walsh's desire and commitment to give back to the community. Brian tirelessly taught and mentored people living in his Howard County community. His original focus on high school students quickly expanded to college students and adults of all ages looking to begin careers in the IT field. Brian's IT services business, Sofiac, Inc. was used as a vehicle to offer unique hands on experience to the people he mentored and trained. 
Dr. Mary Lynne Dittmar is President and CEO of the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration, an industry trade group supporting human exploration, science, and commerce in deep space. Under her leadership the Coalition has grown from 5 companies to more than 60 over the past three years and is a well-regarded source of information, policy thought leadership, and education in support of NASA’s programs, the aerospace industry, and national leadership in space.
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those who seek to improve the state of the world. These conversations are intended to ennoble public service, create a platform for positive civil discourse, and facilitate dialogue with difference.
Tom & Barbara Allen are passionate advocates for all things substance related. Their Maryland based nonprofit 
Clyde Prestowitz is founder and President of the Economic Strategy Institute. His leadership has propelled ESI into an important role in the public policy process, influencing and often defining the terms of the debate in the areas of international trade policy, economic competitiveness, and the effects of globalization. Mr. Prestowitz has played key roles in achieving congressional passage of NAFTA and in shaping the final content of the Uruguay Round, as well as providing the intellectual basis for current U.S. trade policies toward Japan, China, and Korea. 
on in Washington DC and an associated research professor at Sorbonne University’s UPMC in Paris. As a marine geoscientist he has been honored by several professional awards in and marine sciences in the US and Europe. He was elected a member of European Academy of Sciences, and was honored by Sorbonne with doctoris honoris causa degree for his works on sea-level changes of the Phanerozoic and the impact of the on-going sea-level rise on maritime nations. Haq has broad experience in the academia, the industry and the government, and has also held assignments with the White House and the World Bank in Washington DC. He has taught or undertaken research as a visiting professor at many universities around the world, including MIT, Oxford, Cambridge, Copenhagen, Paris, and at Tongji University in China. His research career also includes a twelve-years tenure at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and six years with Exxon Production Research Company.
is an American author, inspirational speaker, and ultra-athlete. His self-help and personal development books cover the topics of personal transformation, self-help, psychology of success, and high achievement.
Larry Margolis passed away suddenly on January 18, 2017, after delivering dictionaries to 3rd graders.