Community Corner

Riggleman, a Headless Hen and 'Children of Eden'

It's the 'Expect it,' edition of 'The Rundown.'

So, hear any news about the Washington Nationals lately? 

How are they doing? Did they win yesterday? Is still pulling all the right levers? Is Mike Rizzo sticking to “The Plan?”

Is there a plan?

Find out what's happening in Rockvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

OK. No more “tongue in cheek.” That got me into trouble when I tried to write at an hour when I forgot that lawmakers (sometimes) have a sense of humor. Mea culpa, dear readers.

When I picked up the cell phone about 4:15 p.m. on Thursday and heard my father yell, “Did you see that?!”—No “Hello.” No “Are you watching the Nats game?”—I knew something was up. Not a life or death something, but a “you gotta be kidding me” kind of something—which these days is often an “only in the DC sportosphere” kind of something.

Find out what's happening in Rockvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Since hearing the news (and quickly switching into community journalist mode to provide ) I’ve had the same mix of emotions as a lot of Nationals fans. Shock turned to sadness turned to frustration tinged with grief. Yes grief.

Such is the fate of a Washington sports fan these days. Is our ball club destined to always be “first in war, first in peace and last in the [National] League?”

Here’s the “Where have you gone WJ?” edition of “The Rundown”:

  • It’s not the San Diego Chicken, but it is a chicken and he does hang out by the road. (Not that he’d ever try to cross, because .) Anyway, as Alison Bryant reports in this Gazette blowout, he’s lost his head. If found, please contact Kickin’ Chicken. .
  • There’s something in the air. What is it? Find out on Tuesday at as the Rockville Science Cafe hosts Ray Hoff, a professor of physics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Hoff, the director of the Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology and director of the Goddard Earth Science and Technology Center (he's a busy guy), will deliver a lecture called “What's Up in the Air?: Air Column Sampling in the DC Metro."
  • It’s not in our Patch, but it’s not far away and it’s for a good cause, so today it gets a shout-out: The first-ever Alex’s Run will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday at the Olney Boys and Girls Club Freeman Fields in Olney. The 5K run/walk is designed for runners and walkers of all levels. Race-day registration is $30 and includes a race T-shirt and refreshments. Click here for more information.
    The Alex Popeck Never Back Down Foundation was established in memory of Alex Popeck, a 17-year-old track and cross-country runner from Sherwood High School (my alma mater), who succumbed to injuries suffered in a car crash late last year.
    The foundation seeks to educate newly-licensed drivers and future teenage drivers of safe driving practices. In spring it will award college scholarships to Montgomery County high school students “who best embody Alex’s qualities of caring, compassion, humility, honesty and his ‘Never Back Down’ attitude," according to the foundation’s Web site.
  • Have the lazy, hazy days of summer set in already? Looking for something to get out and do this weekend?
    offers a chance for children ages 2 to 5 to hear a story and “take a hike” (in a good way) from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday. Cost is $3 for city residents and $5 for nonresidents.
    The Musical Theater Center at the . The city’s Web site describes the production as “a joyous and inspirational musical about parents and children of faith–not to mention centuries of unresolved family business.” Well, I’m intrigued.
  • Who should be the next Nats manager? Could it be you? Submit suggestions and applications to us @RockvillePatch on Twitter or commiserate with other long-suffering Washington sports fans at Rockville Patch on Facebook.


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