</b>Here are some thoughts on what makes Potomac special:
<b>GINNY BARNES:
<b>What do you love about Potomac?
</b>GB: Potomac has an abundance of trees, forests and stream valleys leading to the River. Thanks to good planning, Potomac Village still has the feel of a village that grew up around a country crossroads. It doesn't sprawl down River or Falls Road and it is becoming more walkable as we add paths and sidewalks.
<b>What "insider's tip" about Potomac would you share with a friend?
</b>For its size, the C&O Canal represents one of the most diverse parks in the National Park System. I consider it one of Potomac's greatest assets. You can reach the canal towpath and the Potomac from so many access points along our roadways and once on the towpath, you can walk all day. It is part of our history, a wonderful place to walk, bike, birdwatch or picnic. A real family place on our doorstep.
<b>What advice would you give a new resident on how to make themselves at home and get involved here in Potomac?
</b>Join the West Montgomery County Citizens Association, come to monthly meetings, meet people active in our community and help protect what we have and shape the future we want for Potomac.
Barnes is the Environmental Chair and President Elect, effective September, of the West Montgomery County Citizens Association.
<b>SUSANNE LEE:
<b>What do you love about Potomac?
</b>That we are the "Green Wedge" between Virginia and Gaithersburg. Home to lots (but never enough) tree canopy, Great Falls, and the C & O Canal.
<b>What "insider's tip" about Potomac would you share with a friend?
</b>Best sights — kayakers "playing" in the white water at Great Falls overlook just before sunset, early spring wildflowers along the C & O Canal. A little known Potomac treasure - Query Mill Hill Farm - superb organic vegetables - sold at the Rockville Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.
<b>What advice would you give a new resident on how to make themselves at home and get involved here in Potomac?
</b>Join and become active in the West Montgomery County Citizens Association.
<b>ADAM GREENBERG:
<b>What do you love about Potomac?
</b>The small town feel.
All the trees and green spaces
Great Falls Park.
<b>What "insider's tip" about Potomac would you share with a friend?
</b>Potomac Days
Great Falls Park
<b>What advice would you give a new resident on how to make themselves at home and get involved here in Potomac?
</b>Get out and explore your new community.
Talk to the local shop owners.
Get involved in local civic and or business groups to learn about your community and help shape the future of it.
Greenberg is president of Potomac Pizza.
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<b>Elie Pisarra Cain organizes the Potomac Day Parade each year, and then brings up the rear, making sure everything is in order.
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ELIE PISARRA CAIN:
<b>What advice would you give a new resident on how to make themselves at home and get involved here in Potomac?
</b>Don't miss Potomac Day, Oct. 23. Come join the parade or watch it and enjoy many free activities for children after that event; Potomac Theatre's production production of "The Micado" from Nov. 19-28, Friday, Saturday 8 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. at Bullis School right in the neighborhood near your new home; Visit Great Falls area of the canal which offers everything outdoors from riding a replica packet boat (designed for passengers) on the C&O Canal which has family friendly fares to hiking, biking, or jogging along the tow path parallel to the canal with a peaceful and beautifully natural setting for all to enjoy.
There are many artists who belong to a group called P.A.I.N.T. Call Anne Martinez (301-299-6321) for information. We have many great choices of independent and public schools to choose from, churches and synagogues to meet your family needs, parks nearby for recreation and convenient neighborhood shopping centers.
Potomac Newcomers would love to hear that a new family has moved in — ask your Realtor how to reach them to get all the information you need and, if you want to join a Chamber of Commerce or a service club like Rotary we have those, too. Join these activities to find friends and things to do; all of those who are already involved always want new people to join and help them! There are so many opportunities awaiting your participation. Join in today.
<b>JOHN KOLM
<b>What do you love about Potomac?
</b>The view and the peace along the C&O Canal at the end of the day, especially between Swain’s Lock and Violette’s Lock, where we are often to be found on our bikes.
<b>What "insider's tip" about Potomac would you share with a friend?
</b>Dinner at Normandie Farm anytime; watching the kayakers dance down Great Falls in summer; icescapes on the banks of the Potomac in winter.
<b>What advice would you give a new resident on how to make themselves at home and get involved here in Potomac?
</b>Shop local and say hello; explore the wilderness at “off” times when only locals go; join Rotary and get active in service projects.
Kolm, best-selling author, company CEO and Potomac resident.
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<b>Andy Alderdice, 2008 Potomac Business Person of the Year, just before the Potomac Day Parade.
<b>ANDY ALDERDICE:
What do you love about Potomac?
</b>A wonderful small town feel, with good restaurants and retail, surrounded by green, rolling, horse strewn pastures, within miles of the heartbeat of our country.
<b>What "insider's tip" about Potomac would you share with a friend?
</b>Potomac Day in the fall. A walk on the canal. Chamber networking events.
<b>What advice would you give a new resident on how to make themselves at home and get involved here in Potomac?
</b>Support our local restaurants and merchants, and join the Potomac Chamber of Commerce.
Alderdice is a Realtor with W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, a Long & Foster Company
<b>LARRY CHLOUPEK:
<b>What "insider's tip" about Potomac would you share with a friend?
</b>Our “hidden” jewel is the C&O Canal. My wife and I are huge outdoors people who immensely enjoy running or walking on the towpath at anytime during the course of the year.
<b>LINDA BARLOCK:
<b>What advice would you give a new resident on how to make themselves at home and get involved here in Potomac?
</b>The absolute best advice I would give to a newcomer to Potomac is to make a visit to the Potomac Community Center as soon as possible. Not only is it a fantastic place to gather information on programs and events, but it is the best place in town to meet the nicest people. I enjoyed my 21 years there immensely and have made countless life long friends.
<b>ELLEN COHEN:
<b>What do you love about Potomac?
</b>Potomac has lovely greenery and large trees for beautiful local walks plus it's close to plenty of places for longer walks. My favorite walking trails are the Millennium Trail through Rockville; the Capitol Crescent Trail through Bethesda and D.C.; and the canal from Great Falls to Fletchers Boat House. Many people in Potomac don't even know there's a trail from Goya Road (near Seven Locks and Montrose) along a creek to behind Cabin John shopping center and through Cabin John Park to River Road and beyond!
<b>What advice would you give a new resident on how to make themselves at home and get involved here in Potomac?
</b>A new resident can get involved and easily make friends through Potomac's active school community; golf and exercise facilities; neighborhood pools and associations; library and, of course, the Potomac Community Center — the very best place for kids and adults alike.
Also, the local Greater Capital Area Team in Training, the largest fund-raising arm of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, trains you in race-walking, running and biking for marathons — wonderful people and a great cause. No experience needed. You can get your exercise while helping!
The variety of Potomac supermarkets & restaurants is changing and growing — it's fun to explore new local places!
Cohen, is a Realtor, with W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, a Long & Foster Company
<b>Marcia Blumer:
<b>What advice would you give a new resident on how to make themselves at home and get involved here in Potomac?
</b>A sparkling jewel in the Potomac Area is our Newcomers Club. We are an organization dedicated to the development of fellowship and acquaintance among new residents and their assimilation into the civic life and social activities of their new community. We also welcome women who have recently retired and are now facing the dilemma of how to constructively fill their newly acquired free time. We include Potomac, Bethesda, and all surrounding communities.
We offer many interest and activity groups including but not limited to bridge, canasta, book clubs, dining events and even an investment group. We visit museums, historical sites, and many other places of interest. But most importantly, we provide valuable resource information and opportunities for many new and dear friendships.
For more information, please visit our website at potomacnewcomers.com.
Blumer is publicity chair doe the Potomac Area Newcomers Club.
<b>EDWARD FELDMAN:
<b>What do you love about Potomac?
</b>That I know how to spell it after 25 years! The green, the water, (not the deer or taxes).
<b>What "insider's tip" about Potomac would you share with a friend?
</b>Never tell anyone you are from here. They charge you more. Go experience the water! The Billy Goat trail where you see no brick or mortar!
<b>What advice would you give a new resident on how to make themselves at home and get involved here in Potomac?
</b>Please consider not moving here! Fairfax is easier to spell out! It’s way too crowded already! The County and Parks offer great programs with or without children. The parks are always empty as everyone else’s working!
I joke. Partially.
Feldman of EMF Realty.
<b>LINDA RIEGER:
<b>What do you love about Potomac?
</b>Really about River Falls — quiet, lots of kids, easy access to the Beltway and airports.
<b>What do you love about Potomac?
</b>Homestead Farm for pick your own fruits.
<b>What advice would you give a new resident on how to make themselves at home and get involved here in Potomac?
</b>Join your local pool and Civic Association.