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The Holiday Issue

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER

KC Cole | KC.Cole@Lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Seasons Greetings, Potomac!

Keiristin Wilbert | Keiristin.Wilbert@Lifestylepubs.com

WE ARE EXCITED TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH YOU! As many of our favor-

Catherine Trifiletti | Catherine.Trifiletti@Lifestylepubs.com

ite venues have reopened, we are feeling especially grateful for this season's upcoming festivities. This issue is a celebration of the area’s wide-reaching, diverse institutions that enhance the holidays for local residents. One such establishment is the DMV's beloved Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which is commemorating its 50th anniversary with a year of unforgettable programming that will continue through September 2022.

COPY EDITOR

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATORS

Jess Bousa | Jess@Ordermychaos.com Delaney Wiggins | Delaney@Ordermychaos.com Trina Cox | Trina.C@KeygripMedia.com AD DESIGNER

Mary Albers

If you need to jumpstart your holiday cheer, getting in the spirit is made easy by the

L AYO UT DESIGNER

Washington Revels, a performance troupe who invites the audience to become a part

Kelsey Proctor

of their famous Christmas Revels show. With Covid-19 cutting off so much of our social interaction, this show is a welcome return to the joy of live theater.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jenny Hart, Lauri Gross, Marie Robey Wood CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Have you ever wondered why the word Hanukkah has so many spellings? Rabbi Stuart

Tony Powell, Jack Hartzaman

Weinblatt of the B'Nai Tzedek congregation explains the word's dynamic meaning and significance, while providing a brief history lesson of the holiday tradition's origins. Tis’ the season to give thanks and count your blessings. For that reason, we would like to introduce you to the powerhouse team that makes Potomac Lifestyle a top-notch publication every month, issue after issue. These hard-working editors, writers and photographers are a publisher's dream and I appreciate them immensely.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Speaking of gratitude, you'd be hard pressed to find someone who understands the

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

sentiment more than founder of Montgomery County Muslim Foundation Tufail Ahmad.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Although his non-profit gives back to underserved communities year-round, his work feels

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

especially salient during the holiday season. We would like to dedicate this story to Tufail’s

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

late wife, Sajida, who was an integral part of the organization and moreover, the community.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

If the local holidays feel like too much of the same this year, and you're as eager to travel as we have been, take your merriment and head to the Live Aqua Beach Resort in Cancun, Mexico. The adults-only resort doesn't overlook any detail for their guests. The story’s dreamy images that will have you booking your escape ASAP.

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KC Cole , Publisher ON THE COVER Aerial shot of Live Aqua Resort Cancun Mexico

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY POWELL 4

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

Proverbs 3:5-6 Potomac Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Potomac areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Potomac Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2021

FEATURES 18 Giving Back to the Community How the Montgomery County Muslim Foundation Makes a Difference

22 Living Well at Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancún Spend the Holidays in Paradise at this Luxury, All-Inclusive, Adults-Only Resort

28 Pillars of Motion The Kennedy Center Hosts Year-Long 50th-Anniversary Celebration

28 34

34 Hanukkah, or Should It be Chanukah? Explained by Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt of Congregation B’nai Tzedek

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Local Experiences

City Scene

Our Contributors

Giving Back

22 Travel Destination 28 Back Stage 34 Faith Reflections 38 Inspired By 42 Our Town

LOCAL EXPERIENCES

WINTER AND REVEL THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS UPON US! Potomac and surrounding areas are bustling with holiday activities. Here are a few highlights we know you and your family will enjoy!

SEASONAL LIGHT DISPLAYS AND EVENTS + The LuminoCity Festival will take visitors to a dazzling new world straight out of their wildest imaginations with an unforgettably spectacular night of lights in Roer’s Zoofari. Luminocity Roer’s Zoofari - 1228 Hunter Mill Rd, Vienna, VA 22182 + Visit Family Holiday Traditions, LLC in New Market, Maryland to experience an exciting new adventure where children see Santa's Scout reindeer outside and revel in the knowledge that Santa is close behind! Santa's Scout - 168 West Main Street # 700 New Market, MD 21774 + Washington Ballet's The Nutcracker runs from 12/2/21 - 12/26/21. Family Day is December 12th & Military Appreciation Night is December 8th. Warner Theatre - 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 + Festival of Light is an annual event for all divisions that features a wonderful evening of chorus, bands and orchestras and dance. Date: December 11, 2021 at 7:00pm Bullis School - 10601 Falls Rd, Potomac, MD 20854 + A Candlelight Christmas presented by the Washington Chorus is a beloved annual holiday tradition. Dates: December 16 -17, 2021 8:00pm - 9:30pm and December 23, 2021 7:00pm - 8:30pm Music Center at Strathmore - 5301 Tuckerman Ln, Rockville, MD 20852 8

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2021

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CITY SCENE

Pillars of Motion

THE KENNEDY CENTER STANDS ON ITS HISTORY WHILE MOVING FULL-STEAM AHEAD FOR ITS YEAR-LONG 50TH-ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION ARTICLE LAURI GROSS

The opera house at The Kennedy Center is aglow even befeore patrons arrive. Info and tickets at Kennedy-Center.org. Photo by Ron Blunt. 10

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2021

MOTION. It’s what first comes to mind when reflecting

Bernstein’s “Mass” (its world premiere served as The

on The Kennedy Center. Bodies in motion. Thoughts in

Kennedy Center’s inaugural presentation in 1971).

motion. Dancers, musicians, performers, educators, lecturers all in motion. For 50 years.

Surprisingly, the history of the Kennedy Center lived mostly in the basements and attics of those who worked

In 1958, President Eisenhower signed legislation cre-

and performed there. Now, the “If These Halls Could

ating a National Cultural Center. Later President John F.

Talk” exhibit serves as the public launch of Kennedy

Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy launched a

Center Archives. When this year-long exhibit concludes

fundraising campaign for its construction. Two months

in September, Robert Van Leer, Senior Vice President of

after President Kennedy’s assassination, President

Artistic Planning for The Kennedy Center explains, “We’ll

Johnson designated the nation’s National Cultural Center

open a new, permanent exhibit in tribute to JFK which will

as a living memorial to President Kennedy, which opened

expand the storytelling around JFK, the man.”

to the public in September 1971.

Describing the foundation around which The Kennedy

Usually referred to as simply The Kennedy Center,

Center planned its anniversary programming, Van Leer

there is nothing else simple about this hub for wonder,

says, “We established ideological pillars around our

creativity, transformation, and possibility.

responsibility as a living memorial.”

In most years, The Kennedy Center hosts more than

The Kennedy Center will also announce 50 cultural

2,200 events and exhibits including theater, music,

leaders from the worlds of sports, food, the arts and more.

dance, lectures, workshops, and classes, some of

“These are icons who look toward the future, and who

which are free to attend.

demonstrate our value system and what we believe is

The Kennedy Center campus includes several venues,

the value system of JFK,” he explains. These leaders will

a rooftop terrace, pavilions, a reflecting pool, the outdoor

participate in a spectrum of activities over the anniversary

REACH Plaza, a Grand Foyer, the Hall of States, an out-

year, including performances, conversations with political

door beer and wine garden, and more.

leaders, panels and discussions about cultural issues,

The 50th-anniversary celebration kicked off September

education in the arts, etc.

14 with a concert hosted by Audra McDonald featuring

In the spring, The Kennedy Center will present the

the National Symphony Orchestra and performances by a

debut of all new works for the Washington National Opera

trove of preeminent artists. The year-long celebration will

and, Van Leer explains, “Philip Glass is writing new works

conclude September 2022 with a production of Leonard

for the National Symphony Orchestra.”

CONTINUED >

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CITY SCENE (CONTINUED) Some additional pillars include: ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO, ESTELLE, AND VALERIE JUNE In honor of Black Music Month, these groundbreaking Black female artists will present a one-night-only engagement slated for June 2022. THE ROOTS CREW As part of their 2021 Holiday Tour, The Roots Crew’s two-year residency includes performances, curatorial endeavors, activations, and humanities activities.

The "If These Halls Could Talk" exhibit in The Kennedy Center's Grand Foyer. Photo by Margot Schulman.

WAYNE SHORTER AND ESPERANZA SPALDING Shorter and Spalding blend jazz and classical in their new opera based on the Euripedian myth: “Iphigenia: A New Opera,” opening in December. CARLOS SIMON The musical creations of this Kennedy Center Composer-in-Residence

Opened in 2019, the REACH Plaza at The Kennedy Center is a set of dynamic indoor and outdoor spaces. Photo by Richard Barnes.

range from concert music to film scores with influences of jazz, gospel, and neo-romanticism. MO WILLEMS As the Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence author and illustrator Willems worked with 240 community members to create a mural on the bluestone floor of the REACH Plaza. This “We Are All Connected” playscape will remain installed through March, 2022 for playing and viewing.

In the Hall of States at The Kennedy Center, this display is part of the Center's 50th-anniversary celebration. Photo by Margot Schulman.

JACQUELINE WOODSON AND JASON MORAN As The Kennedy Center’s new Education Artistin-Residence, Woodson’s residency will feature a June 2022 collaboration with Kennedy Center Artistic Director for Jazz, Jason Moran, on Summer Picnic, an all-ages event at the REACH. “In 1971,” Van Leer reflects, “They focused on performance. Now, we look at how we can entice participation, experimentation, incubation. We changed over the last couple of years by adding hip hop as a pillar. We expanded contemporary presentations including new work and comedy and expanding the palette to include more forms so people can see the full spectrum of what we represent.” Even with so much in motion, clearly there are plenty of firm pillars on which The Kennedy Center will continue to stand.

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2021

eers, TMJ, Invisalign and Teeth Whitening

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Smiles

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ed that providing the highest quality of care in the safest As setting we begin As wethis begin newthis phase newin As phase patient we begin in care, patient thisrest new care, assured phase rest assured in that patient providing rest quality that providing of quality care in ofthe the care highest safest in thesetting quality safest setting of care in the safest setti SP Eproviding C I that A care, LIZ I the N Ghighest Iassured N the highest remainsremains our number our number one priority. remains one priority. ourImplants, number one priority. Crowns, Veneers, TMJ, Invisalign and Teeth Whitening

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OUR CONTRIBUTORS CATHERINE TRIFILETTI CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Contributor's Gratitude

Editing Potomac Lifestyle has helped me get back to my roots. I grew up in the area and, even after my parents moved, I just couldn't stay away! I now live in Logan Circle with my husband and hairy daughter, Rosie. Although I am full time with an entertainment marketing firm, supporting local journalism is of the utmost importance. I previously served as managing editor of Washington Life magazine, where I had the pleasure of experiencing our dynamic DMV area in a holistic way. If

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOU, POTOMAC

Instagram is your thing: @cathtrifslan

I am excited to serve as Editor for Potomac Lifestyle magazine. I enjoy roller blading, attending festivals, musicals, concerts and hosting the hit TV show “Bacon & Bellini Explores Culture and Cuisine.” Food is my love language. Family is very important to me. My cousin and I founded www.shopcastironskillet.com as a way to expose small specialty grocery vendors to the world. In my free time, I enjoy afternoon boat outings on the Potomac. KEIRISTIN WILBERT EDITOR THANK YOU FOR WELCOMING POTOMAC LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE INTO YOUR HOME EACH MONTH. While we are glad to help you get to know your neighbors, retailers, and community, we realize that you do not know a lot about us....the team behind Potomac Lifestyle.

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2021

LAURI GROSS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Lauri worked in corporate PR for a decade before switching to write magazine features as a freelancer 24 years ago. She is a fan of biographies, memoirs and books about world history, and also a sports fan and dog lover. She loves tending her pollinator-friendly yard when she’s not walking, biking or swimming. Lauri and her husband of 33 years enjoy visiting their grown kids in New York and Texas.

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in three book clubs. CONTINUED >

1 0 12 3 R i v e r R d P o t o m a c , M D 2 0 8 5 4 CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

OUR CONTRIBUTORS (CONTINUED)

JACK HARTZMAN & MONICA VIDAL CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

DELANEY WIGGINS SOCIAL MEDIA

My name is Delaney Wiggins and I am a 24 year old

WTA Photo is the photographic arm of the Washington

who recently graduated from Towson University with

Talent Agency. For more than 50 years, WTA, their

a degree in Graphic Design. I love using my creativity

bands, DJs, photographers and videographers have

and visual elements to bring together a group of peo-

proudly supported Potomac and the DMV for wed-

ple and promote a brand! My hobbies include working

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out, watching movies and playing my Nintendo Switch.

at www.washingtontalent.com.

Check out my website www.delaneydesign.art. A 1995 graduate of The Juilliard School, Tony Powell has been called a “Renaissance Man” by the Washington Post. He’s an experienced professional

fashion, portrait, commercial and event photographer with a demonstrated history of working at the highest levels within the entertainment and media industries. Currently comprised of 10 of DC’s best photographers, TonyPowellImages was founded in 2009 to meet any and all photo and videographic needs. TONY POWELL CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

JESSICA RICE DIGITAL MARKETING Helping people exponentially grow their businesses is what I love to do. Partnering with Potomac Lifestyle as the magazine’s Preferred Digital Marketing agency has helped both of our teams be better and do more for the business partners in the magazine. From making your online presence more engaging and optimized to increasing your lead flow and foot traffic, our expertise in marketing has helped our clients accomplish their business goals. When I am not directing the operations at Exponential Media, I love to spend time with my family, traveling, riding in classic cars and spending time with my new puppy, Oaklee! 16

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2021

GIVING BACK

GI V I NG BAC K TO THE C OM M U N I T Y

Ahmad with MCMF food program volunteers

Ahmad at the MCMF ribbon cutting

HOW THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY MUSLIM FOUNDATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2021

MCMF’s Senior Program

ARTICLE MARIE ROBEY WOOD

Tufail Ahmad and Marc Elrich County Executive with MCMF volunteers at a volunteers appreciation picnic program in May 2021

TUFAIL AHMAD HAS LIVED MANY LIFETIMES IN HIS

holiday presents. Following the traditions of the Muslim

85 YEARS AND HAS CONTRIBUTED TO NUMEROUS

religious holiday of Eid-ul-Adha, which celebrates gener-

WORTHY ORGANIZATIONS, BUT PERHAPS HIS MOST

osity and hospitality, they donated 400 pounds of meat to

SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO OUR COMMUNITY

the Manna Food Center in Gaithersburg.

HAS BEEN IN THE LAST 20 YEARS REPRESENTING

In 2007 he worked with Ike Leggett, then the county

THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY MUSLIM COMMUNITY.

executive, to form the non-profit Montgomery County

Ahmad was born and raised in India and graduated

Muslim Foundation (MCMF). The county supported this

from university there. In 1958 he moved to Pakistan

effort by extending $80,000 in grants allowing Ahmad and

and joined the Civil Service of Pakistan in the Auditor

his volunteers to rent an office and hire part-time staff.

General’s office. This job included four years at the United

Today the foundation serves as a multi-purpose location

Nations and he often visited the Pakistani embassy in

for collecting/distributing food and clothing to the needy,

Washington. He eventually left the government, moved

assisting recently arrived refugees, conducting senior

to the DC area and in 1977 established his own private

activities (exercise and yoga classes), and youth programs

shipping company. After his three children had settled

(including SAT prep and coding classes). During the

their own lives, his family encouraged him to leave his

depths of COVID-19, MCMF and its volunteers distributed

business and start doing what he loved.

much-needed food to many families and also supported

What Ahmad loved was being active in local and state

local hospitals and police/firefighter departments.

Democratic politics. However, after 9/11 the Muslims he

Ahmad hopes to continue expanding these efforts.

knew in the community became afraid to leave their homes

Recently, the foundation raised funds to provide five

for fear of reprisals. Ahmad felt that staying isolated was a

$1,000 scholarships for young ladies to attend univer-

huge mistake and encouraged everyone to get involved.

sities. Spurred on by the Black Lives Matter Movement,

In 2002 he led a Muslim group collecting food from three

MCMF also raised $50,000 from its members to spon-

restaurants and feeding more than 800 homeless people

sor African American students in academic programs,

residing in a shelter near Union Station. “In Islam feeding

including vocational training.

the hungry and helping those in need is everyone’s duty, and

For Ahmad, it’s a family affair – his three children and

we had to go beyond just saying this to others,” he explains. seven grandchildren, as well as his beloved late wife This focus continued through the years to 2006, and

Sajida, supported him and follow his example by vol-

members of the Islamic Community Center of Potomac

unteering and making financial donations to MCMF. “It

started collecting food from Giant, and then donating

makes me so happy and it is so important to be helpful to

Christmas gift baskets that included toys and other

others,” Ahmad concludes. CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

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TRAVEL DESTINATION

LI V ING W ELL AT L I V E AQ UA B E AC H RE SORT C A NCÚ N 22

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2021

SPEND THE HOLIDAYS IN PARADISE AT THIS LUXURY, ALL-INCLUSIVE, ADULTS-ONLY RESORT.

TO STEP INSIDE THE LIVE AQUA BEACH RESORT CANCÚN IS TO IMMEDIATELY FEEL COMFORTABLE, SOOTHED, AND AT PEACE; IT’S AS IF YOU’RE MEANT TO BE THERE. The glass lobby is brightly lit, with enticing views of the horizon visible through its tall windows, and offers newcomers two pleasant greetings: one for the nose, by way of the resort’s powerful aromatherapy– every public space, from the lobby to the hallways lined with guest rooms, boasts its own signature scent. The other is for the ears and heart: staff members who say sincerely with a smile, “Welcome home.” This message will be repeated throughout your stay. Unlike most resorts, who treat guests as if they are… well, guests… Live Aqua’s perspective is that the resort is your sanctuary, playground, and yes, home, during your time there. It’s clearly a messaging that works, as the number of loyal, repeat guests the brand hosts is rather outstanding. Anyone who has clocked at least two visits to a Live Aqua property (there are six throughout Mexico, and as of this year, one in the Dominican Republic) is bestowed the title of being a certified “Aqua Lover.” Fans of the brand wear this title proudly; one even went on to create a private Facebook group for regular and prospective visitors of the Cancún property that now has over 13,000 members.

Live Aqua Resort vacationersErica, Ana, Evette, & Sabene

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED)

Employees, too, are treated well and kept

Presidential Suite

happy; Live Aqua, the most upscale brand in Posadas’ La Colección Resorts portfolio, has a much higher than average staff retention rate, says general manager, Alfredo Santamaria (who has been at the Cancún property for 10 years himself, and has no desire to ever leave). The way a company supports and empowers their employees is more important now than ever before, considering the devastating impact the pandemic has had on the hospitality industry. The thoughtful welcome continues into your guest room, where you’ll find a colorful and personalized message painted on the bathroom’s glass wall (“Our housekeepers have a graffiti problem!” joked Santamaria when I complimented the design) and at night, a pair of slippers by the bed embroidered with your name. Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancún is a luxury, all-inclusive, adults-only property, that caters to (and pleases) a truly diverse audience. In the Aqua Club, a VIP lounge on the property’s fifth floor that offers private check-in and checkout, as well as access to premium snacks and liquors, I met Joe Petri, the district manager of Home Depot in Buffalo, New York. “You’re probably wondering what a guy that looks like me is doing here,” he quipped with a wink, waving a hand at his tattooed skin. Petri, 52, and his wife are “Aqua Lovers” to the core. This is their second visit to the Cancún property; they first fell in love with the resort on an anniversary trip five years ago, and were determined to make it back. “Everything about this place is fantastic,” he says, noting that they already reserved a room to come back again next year.

By the pool, I met DC area resident and

And by the beach, I met Kitzia Mitre, a 36-year-

Potomac Lifestyle reader, Yemisi Egbewole, 29,

old socialite and star of the Netflix reality show,

a legislative assistant at the White House. She

Made in Mexico. She and her husband came to

booked her stay at the Live Aqua on a whim with

Cancún for a long weekend to celebrate their

a group of fellow young politicos a mere week

birthdays, and were excited to spend time by

earlier, and was excited to cut loose and have a

the ocean and order room service to their suite,

bit of fun after working hard for the current and

all while sharing their journey with her 217K

previous administrations. “Here’s to vacation

Instagram followers. Mitre lives near the Live Aqua

and taking a break!” she said, raising a glass.

Urban Resort in Mexico City and “loves the brand.”

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2021

No matter what you’re looking to get out of your

eight different restaurants, with cuisines ranging

vacation, the Live Aqua has it. Romance and relax-

from Mexican to Italian to Mediterranean to Asian

ation? Every room at the resort has an oceanfront view

fusion. The menus as they stand are excellent, but

and balcony, and with 24/7 room service, you’ll be in

so is the chef’s willingness and ability to meet any

no rush to leave – except to visit the Feel Harmony

diner’s needs. Potomac Lifestyle photographer Tony

Spa, which offers a wide variety of therapeutic treat-

Powell follows a strict vegan diet, and Live Aqua’s

ments including massages, wraps, baths, and facials.

chef went out of his way to create customized, off-

Fun in the sun? In addition to a white sand

menu dishes for him at every meal.

beach with turquoise waters, the resort has seven

If you’re thinking of traveling this winter, there’s

pools of different sizes and temperatures, many of

no better place to head to than the Live Aqua

which spill into each other, making for a creative

Beach Resort Cancún. Cancún as a destination

design. Parts of the pool area (namely, the rows of

continues to take COVID-19 precautions very

cabanas guests are able to reserve) are tranquil,

seriously, and that extends to the resort, as well.

making an excellent spot to read or catch a tan. In

Everyone is required to wear masks when moving

the center, you’ll find upbeat activities like water

through public spaces, and the outdoor areas are

aerobics, an attentive waitstaff happy to refresh

set up in a way that’s very comfortable to socially

your next beverage, and an infinity pool overlook-

distance. Personally, there’s nowhere else that I’d

ing the ocean, perfect for photo opps.

rather socially distance myself from my worries

The food at the Live Aqua is better than expected for an all-inclusive, too. The resort has more than

than under the Mexican sun with a margarita from Live Aqua in my hand.

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

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BACK STAGE

The Promise and Mag ic of the Season ARTICLE LAURI GROSS

R E VE L S An audience sing-along. Audience participation is an important part of the Revels experience.

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2021

APPROACHING ITS 40TH YEAR, THE CHRISTMAS REVELS DELIGHTS THE SENSES, INCLUDING A SENSE OF JOY AND TOGETHERNESS

PERHAPS PURCHASING A TICKET TO THE CHRISTMAS REVELS SHOULD COME WITH A WORD OF CAUTION: ‘WARNING:

AFTER

EXPERIENC-

ING THE CHRISTMAS REVELS, YOU MAY NEVER WANT TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITHOUT IT AGAIN.’ The uninitiated who attend a performance of the Christmas Revels may expect to take their seat and be entertained by a show on stage before returning to their normal life as the same version of themselves who entered the theater. Instead, the Christmas Revels gives audiences a whole lot more than a stage performance, and in return, it expects more than a passive audience. The characters on stage engage audience members as invited guests who very nearly become characters themselves. Here, the vaunted fourth wall doesn’t stand a chance. Characters address the audience and invite them to lend their own sounds known as body percussion, which can include tapping, clapping, stomping, snapping etc. In non-Covid years, audience participation might also include singing carols, joining hands in a line dance, or becoming part of the drama. (Due to changing health recommendations, this year’s exact plan is still evolving.)

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

BACK STAGE (CONTINUED)

The Washington Revels chorus in the 2006 American Christmas Revels.

The overall effect, says Roberta Gasbarre, artistic director and stage director for the Christmas Revels, is warm and homey. “It feels like you are being welcomed back into a holiday tradition that you may never have celebrated before.” The Christmas Revels is one of many shows performed annually by the Washington Revels, a group that is connected artistically to Revels companies in eight other American cities. Billed as An American Winter Solstice Celebration, this year’s show will be performed at the Spanish Ballroom in Glen Echo Park, and will feature eight in-person performances December 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19. A video-on-demand of the performance will be available December 21-January 6. Tickets can be purchased online at RevelsDC.org/Christmas-Revels. Each year, the Christmas Revels has a different theme. Over nearly four decades, the Washington Revels have presented Christmas Revels celebrating many cultures including Celtic, English, French, Russian, African-American, Bulgarian, Nordic, Native American and many more. The professionally staged

The Teen Chorus plays an important role in every Christmas Revels.

and directed show includes professional actors and musicians as well as talented amateurs from all walks of life who fill out the ranks of the cast which, this year numbers around 60 people. This year’s theme is: Reunion, which resonates in at least two ways. First, Gasbarre explains, “It’s a reunion for us and the audience who we have not seen live since December 2019.” (Last year’s show was virtual.) But there’s also a reunion written into this year’s story, which is set in 1870 Washington, DC, at the home of the country’s first African American member of the United States Congress; Senator Hiram Rhodes Revels (whose name, while fitting, is only serendipitously related to the name Washington Revels). “We chose this setting because it reflects people coming out of a time of great struggle and hardship: the Civil War,” Gasbarre says. “We wanted to reflect what’s going on with our community and how we’re hopefully coming out of the pandemic; how we are shifting to a growing awareness of inequality and how we’re working to make things more equitable and welcoming.”

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2021

ROBERT COLLINS OF COLLINS INVESTMENT GROUP Among Barron’s and Forbes top ranked financial advisors In the show, Senator Revels and his wife, Phoebe are hosting a party in

in the country.

their elegant parlor “to celebrate and look ahead to what might be forged in our wonderful country,” she continues. “It was a time of hope and of remembering the struggle. So, we feel that this year we want to celebrate this moment in history and this contemporary

Currently Ranked by Forbes #4 in Maryland

moment as well.” Gasbarre paints the scene as she says that master percussionist and storyteller David Fakunle will look into the audience and teach them to make those body percussion sounds. “Kids especially love this,” she laughs. As guests at the Revels’ party celebrate with joyous carols, traditional melodies, toe-tapping

heartfelt dances,

spirituals the

and

audience

becomes every bit as swept up in the celebration on stage. The artists who bring the story to life include dancers, the band Whiskey Before Breakfast, the Washington Revels Brass and the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices. The story also introduces another family preparing for a party. “It’s in a smaller,

Give us a call or visit us on the web at collinsinvestmentgroup.com

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that time was not the neighborhood of

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the elite,” Gasbarre says. “Instead, laborers, itinerant travelers, and citizens of the city with little means live in a few rooms while also creating holiday traditions that bring joy.” And, she adds, “We’ll see how these two houses come together.” So as not to reveal a plot twist, she leaves us with, “This Revels reminds us how we can rediscover and refresh lost connections with love, joy, and shared traditions. In a special way, this is a little bit of holiday magic.”

your financial goals. 6901 Rockledge Drive | Suite 730 | Bethesda | MD | 20817 301.915.9630 | collinsinvestmentgroup.com Robert Collins is Managing Director and Co-CIO of Collins Investment Group. Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors and America’s Top Wealth Advisors ranking algorithm is based on industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. Investment performance is not a criterion. Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors rankings are based on assets under management, revenue generated for the advisors’ firms, and the quality of the advisors’ practices. Investment performance isn’t an explicit factor because clients have varied goals and risk tolerances. Collins Investment Group, a division of XML Financial Group. Investment advisory services offered through XML Financial Group. Securities offered through affiliate XML Securities, LLC, Member FINRA | SIPC.

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FAITH REFLECTIONS

HANUKKAH, OR SHOULD IT BE CHANUKAH?

EXPLAINED BY RABBI STUART WEINBLATT OF CONGREGATION B'NAI TZEDEK

PHOTOGRAPHY JACK HARTZMAN

A CARTOON I SAW A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO DEPICTED A TEACHER ASKING A STUDENT TO SPELL THE FINAL WORD IN THE FINAL ROUND OF A SCHOOL SPELLING BEE. The teacher asked the student to correctly spell the word “Chanukah.” The joke is that there is no one way to spell the word in English. It can be spelled – with or without a “C” at the beginning, with one “n” or two, with one “k” or two and with or without an “h” at the end. There is, however, of course a correct way to spell it in the original Hebrew. The root of the word “Chanukah” is dedication, because it celebrates the time that the Jews living in ancient Judea successfully fought for their freedom and rededicated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, which the Romans had desecrated and defiled. 34

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2021

One of the commandments associated with the hol-

It is because of this legend that a number of foods are

iday is to publicize the miracle. But what is the miracle

associated with Chanukah. A favorite is potato pancakes,

that is supposed to be publicized?

called “latkes,” which are fired in oil. In Israel, a kind of donut

The holiday celebrates the victory of the few over

also fried in oil, called “sufganiyot,” has a similar connection.

the many and the victory of a small minority who

On each of the eight nights of the holiday a candle is

fought for the right to be different, to preserve their

used to light other candles in a candelabrum. The first

religious observances and not to assimilate more than

night, one candle is lit, the second night, two, and so on. In

2,000 years ago. We celebrate the event as a victory of

so doing, we are reminded of our responsibility to increase

God over the forces that sought to extinguish Judaism

and add to the light in the world. Although it is often called

and the Jewish people.

a menorah, the correct term for it is a “chanukiyah.”

Another explanation of what we celebrate and what

While Chanukah falls in December, due to the nature

miracle to publicize stems from a legend composed cen-

of the Jewish calendar, which seeks to harmonize a cal-

turies later. It contends that when the Macabees, who led

endar calculated based on the moon and the cycle of the

the battle, came to the site of the Temple, they found there

sun, it can move around. Sometimes it may be early in

was only one jar of oil that was pure, that had not been

December. Sometimes it could be later in the month. One

subjected to contaminated use by the pagans whom they

thing it is not though – it is not the Jewish version of

had just defeated and driven out of the Temple.

Christmas, which after all has a correct spelling. CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

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INSPIRED BY

Gratefully

ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

GIVING AWAY AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR, LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS IS GIVING $300,000 TO RECIPIENTS IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND BEYOND... AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!

ABOUT SIX YEARS AGO ANNA SAROL, THE DAUGHTER OF A SINGLE MOTHER, WAS PARALYZED IN A GYMNASTICS ACCIDENT WHEN SHE WAS A FRESHMAN IN HIGH SCHOOL, BUT UNTIL LAST YEAR SHE DID NOT HAVE A STAIRLIFT IN HER HOME. The stairlift was made possible when Lifestyle Publications gave her family $10,000. “I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my

“I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my family and I are. —Anna Sarol

family and I are,” Anna says. The money for Anna’s stairlift was part of a giveaway campaign from the company during the 2020 Christmas season that benefited more than 80 recipients across the country with a final distribution of $250,000 throughout the year. When the company opened nominations, they were flooded with submissions. Community leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you nominated people that were in need of assistance. As the eyes and ears of the community, these readers were able to help identify people who might have

Anna Sarol

otherwise gone unnoticed or unrecognized. One such nominee was Kathy*, an aunt who is raising her three young relatives. The children came from an abusive situation, and Kathy, a single guardian, works tirelessly to provide for them. Nevertheless, the family was already living in poverty despite her working seven days a week when Kathy lost her job during the pandemic. She resorted to selling tamales to help pay the rent. When a case manager with a Big Brothers Big Sisters foster youth mentoring program heard about Lifestyle’s campaign and call for nominations, she quickly thought of Kathy. “When I shared the news that Kathy was selected and would be receiving $3,000, she cried, screamed, and was in disbelief,” the case manager said. “She immediately wanted to give back to me and the donor by providing endless tamales. This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors.” In yet another case, Emily* who worked as a janitor at a school, was a recipient and was struggling to afford simply buying groceries for her children. Before the ongoing difficulties of the pandemic even started, a tornado destroyed the school she worked at just a couple weeks before the initial shutdown in March 2020 which resulted in a loss of income for her. Emily was incredibly surprised and grateful to receive assistance from the giveaway. *Names changed for privacy

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2021

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GIVE AWAY $3OO,OOO This year the company will have nominations for the giveaway open from December 1-15, 2021. To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. The leaders of Lifestyle Publications believe God has blessed them with their company’s continued success, so they in turn wish to be a blessing and encouragement to others as they increase the amount of this year’s giveaway to those in need to $300,000 for the year.

Nominate HERE! Follow @citylifestyle on Instagram

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

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OUR TOWN

H O W T H E PA N D E M I C S AV E D T H E P O T O M AC R E A L E S TAT E M A R K E T IN 2020, THE SUBURBS WERE DEEMED PARADISE.

THE PANDEMIC OF 2020 BROUGHT ON MANY ADVERSE EFFECTS TO PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD. The Potomac community was not in any

ARTICLE PAUL E. BICIOCCHI, PRINCIPAL BROKER OF FORUM PROPERTIES, INC.

way spared. Masking, school disruption, germa-

phobia all became the norm. But one dynamic that changed dramatically and for the better, was the local residential real estate market. Specifically the Potomac market, which was rescued from the 2015 - 2019 doldrums that had plagued the 20854 zip code for years.

Paul E. Biciocchi, Principal Broker Forum Properties, Inc

With the local market trend moving into “Bethesda” where one could live and enjoy a “10” walk score, the pandemic created a huge upheaval to the “norm.” Millennial couples living in the city,

were starting at $1,500,000 plus. It appeared that

now found that the 800 sq. ft. condo was great

everyone wanted more space. Larger homes,

while they both worked 50 hours at the office.

larger lots, amenities such as swimming pools,

However, now with the work from home format

sports courts... and voila... Potomac neighbor-

imposed on them and restaurants shut down,

hoods offered the answer.

they found living in a small home/ work environ-

The opportunity to buy a home with a half

ment 24/7 unbearable. This ignited an exit from

acre, one acre or two acre lot for $1,000,000 -

Washington, DC. Add to this the disruption and

$1,250,000 was seen as superb value. Larger lots

violence surrounding the November elections and

were able to accommodate or already had ameni-

the suburbs were deemed “paradise.”

ties like swimming pools. Homes with space and

However, Bethesda had become very “pricey”

grounds for a full size family to enjoy made

with new construction condos selling from $800

Potomac utopia for a large segment of the sub-

per square foot to $1,000 per square foot. Former

urban market. Sluggish, “outside of the Village”

$750,000 homes were now pushing the $1 million

neighborhoods saw a tenfold uptick in demand.

mark and new construction single family homes

Things are looking up for 20854.

Potomac Lifestyle | December 2021

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