Garrett Park pool makes way for ducks

Pool manager Sean Ruttkay said he first noticed a couple of mallard ducks, a male and female, swimming in the pool early one June morning. Shortly after the pool opened, the male duck left and the female hid in some nearby bushes. The ducks followed this routine each day for the next several weeks, Ruttkay said. Following the female duck into the bushes one day, Ruttkay found a nest with nine eggs in it.

The eggs hatched in July, Ruttkay said, and soon after that, he found the mother duck and nine ducklings taking their first swim across the pool.

"They had a little trouble getting out, but our former mayor Carolyn Shawaker, helped them," Ruttkay said.

While pool-goers pretty much left the ducks alone, he said, employees grew rather attached to their feathered friends.

"We named the duck Harvey," Ruttkay said.

But one day a few weeks ago, the duck family relocated and hasn't been seen back at the pool since.

"She was definitely a loved duck and we were sorry to see her go," he said, "but we're glad nature took its course and she found a new place to live because the pool probably isn't the best place."

Back to school memories

What was it like the first time you (or your kids) boarded the school bus and left summer behind? How long did it take you to pick out the perfect back-to-school outfit? Do you have a plan for getting the best deal on school supplies?  Tell us about it!

The Gazette wants to hear all your back-to-school memories, from first-day jitters and disasters, to making fast friends with your desk- or office-mate. Montgomery County Public Schools open Aug. 26, so send us your photos and share your memories by Aug. 21.

Photos and stories will be considered for print and online. E-mail us at memories@gazette.net or write to The Gaithersburg Gazette, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD, 20877.

Congratulations!

Ceylan Conger of Kensington was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, the most prestigious international scholarship awarded by the U.S. government, to conduct research in Turkey on "The Role of Women in the Modern Art Movement." Conger is one of nine recent Fairfield University graduates selected for the Fulbright, setting a record that nearly doubles the previous record of five.

Conger said she is interested in Turkey's current political and social issues.  "As one of the most modernized countries of the Middle East, and in ongoing negotiations with the European Union, I believe Turkey will be advancing and changing in a very forward manner and I would like to be there to witness that," she said in a statement.

In addition, Conger said her mother was born in Turkey and she hopes her travels there will help her to better understand that side of her family's culture and customs.

She will be leave in September for Turkey where she will be working at the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. Following her Fulbright, she would like to work in public service, possibly with the State Department in foreign relations.  

Telling tales in Kensington

The third season of storytelling at Kensington Row Book Shop on Sept. 3 with a few tall tales by the event organizer, herself, Ellouise Schoettler.

Schoettler, a professional storyteller, has been selected as one of four regional tellers to join the national-teller lineup at the fifth annual Williamsburg Storytelling Festival and she will be a headliner at the first Grand Rivers Storytelling Festival in Grand Rivers, Ky., later this fall.

Kensington residents can get a preview of the stories that Schoettler will take on the road from 7:30-9 p.m., Sept. 3, at the bookstore, located at 3786 Howard Ave., Kensington.

The original stories, which are meant for grown-ups, talk about family and personal life.

"Fifteen years ago my family stories were mostly about my parents and their ‘old days,'" Schoettler said in a statement. "Today, at 72, my stories have their own old days. Every day is a story and I count myself lucky to be having so much fun telling them."

Schoettler has lived half her life in Chevy Chase, but her stories are nourished by her North Carolina roots and have a distinctly southern flavor.

For more information, call 301-951-1213.

Reunite with old friends and classmates

ïWheaton High School, Class of 1973 is having a 35 Year Reunion on Oct. 25 at the Willow Tree Inn, Montgomery Village. For more information, contact the reunion committee at WHSClassof1973@gmail.com.

ïThis year marks the 50th anniversary of Connecticut Belair Swim & Tennis Club, a private club in Wheaton. If you were once a member, come back on Aug. 30, for the club's 50th Anniversary Feast. Bring your memories and mementoes. For more information, visit www.cbpool.org and click on "50th Anniversary Feast" on the left side, or call 301-946-4500.

This column is for you. Share your good news! Feel free to send press releases and news tips. Contact Stephanie Siegel via e-mail at ssiegel@gazette.net, phone at 301-280-3006, fax at 301-670-7183, or snail mail at 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.