in its well-chronicled issues with race. She was proud to hear my news and receive my thanks when we spoke in early August.
“ My involvement with # FreedomWalk2026 comes from a place of deep respect, empathy, and a desire to acknowledge the history that shaped this community,” she said.“ Living in Poolesville, I’ ve come to understand that the past is not distant, it lives on through families, stories, and places. Supporting Tony and building relationships within the African American community is my way of honoring that history, listening, and doing what I can to help foster connection, understanding, and healing.”
IFOR ONE, WAS RELIEVED to be relieved of my driving responsibilities four days after leaving Poolesville. On Monday,
May 4, Tony finally found a suitable driver who had the free time to drive Harriet all the way to the Canadian border. I was thrilled to rejoin Tony and Harriett at Niagara Falls on the day they symbolically crossed to liberation, July 1.
Sculptor Wesley Wofford also made the journey that day, too, all the way from North Carolina. His sculpture, he said, had never received so much attention— thanks to the 62-year-old conductor who had the youthful notion to walk to Canada once again. Somewhere, he said, Harriet Tubman herself must be smiling at Tony Cohen’ s initiative.“ People all along the route were really tapping into the message that Wesley’ s statue depicted, which I still see as a modern-day rescue mission,” said Tony, who seemed none the worse for wear and tear after averaging about 13
miles a day for two months.“ I think some people see freedom as a destination. I see it as a state of mind. It’ s something we’ re always striving to reach: the more perfect Union. More perfect, but never perfect. The people of Poolesville seemed to understand that better than anyone, but I was thrilled to find people everywhere who are still excited about the promise of America.”
Paul Tukey is an award-winning author from Potomac, and founding Chief Advancement Officer for The Potomac Trust. By popular demand, the Harriet Tubman Journey to Freedom sculpture by Wesley Wofford will be on display at Button Farm in Germantown from Sept. 6, the 250th anniversary of Montgomery County, until Oct. 30. Visit www. Menare. org to donate to # FreedomWalk2026 or to read first-hand accounts of the experience.
Poolesville Veterinary Clinic, LLC
BLACK ROCK
Dr.’ s Peter Eeg, Ashley Young, Marianne Van Doorn and the entire staff are dedicated to providing the highest quality veterinary care with a personal touch.
61 Vineyard is a new on-farm winery in Montgomery County’ s Agricultural Reserve. Our first vintage was 2020, and our tasting room doors opened in October 2021. We offer dry wines grown and produced on our farm, including Carbernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Savignon, Chardonnay, Albarino and Chardonel. Enjoy our wine tastings and flights, by the glass or bottle. Some snack items are available, including charcuterie.
Hours of Operation Monday- Friday 7:30am- 7:00pm Saturday 8 am- 3 pm • Closed Sunday
19639 Fisher Ave • Poolesville, MD P: 301-972-7705 • F: 301-972-7706 Info @ poolesvilleveterinaryclinic. com www. poolesvilleveterinaryclinic. com
Hours: Thursday 2-8, Friday 2-9, Saturday 12-9, Sunday 12-6
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plenty I autumn harvest 2026 27 www. 61vineyard. com • 28712 Kemptown Road • Damascus, MD 20872