Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 03.14.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the February Council meeting included:
- Introduced Ordinance 2011-01; Zoning Text Amendment to Amend Article VII, Sections 3 & 4.
- Allocated $5,232.00 for part-time maintenance help through June 30.
- Approved the opening of the soccer field in Woodward Park for April 1st rather than the original date of April 15th in order to coincide with Montgomery County.
Town Elections
Nominations for Mayor and Town Council must be sent to Mary Kay DuBois by April 11, 2011. Residents are asked to put on their thinking caps and call Mary Kay at 301-926-8941.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Washington Grove Town Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 24, 2011, 7:30 p.m., in McCathran Hall, 300 Grove Ave. Washington Grove, Maryland. The purpose of this hearing is to take public comment regarding proposed Zoning Text Amendment No. 2011-01 to amend Article VII, Sections 3 and 4. This ordinance proposes standards for maximum enclosed area for dwellings in all residential zones based on total lot area. A copy of the proposed amendment is available upon request to the Town of Washington Grove, P.O. Box 216, Washington Grove, Maryland 20880 (301-926-2256).
Legacy Open Space Meadow Purchase
Thank you to Donors
The legal battle to secure the future of the 12-acre LOS meadow along Ridge Road was a long and costly one for the Town of Washington Grove. It was most costly to volunteers who devoted untold hours of time over a 10-year period. Then in 2009 and 2010, a generous donor who wishes to remain anonymous, contributed a total of $100,000 to defray the cost of the Town’s legal effort. The Town purchased the meadow from Toll Brothers in October 2010 for $100,000. Since that time, generous Town residents have stepped forward and contributed an additional $8,700 to offset the cost of this purchase. The Town gratefully acknowledges financial contributions from the following: Darrell Anderson, Margo Cavenagh, Mark Dubnick, Deborah Mehlferber, Paula Puglisi, David Stopak, Bill Tenney, Shelley Winkler and three other contributors who wish to remain anonymous.
Washington Grove Taxpayers
**IMPORTANT**
Every year the Town of Washington Grove receives a portion of the Maryland State tax paid by Town residents. Because our residents do not have mail delivered to street addresses, this presents a challenge for the State Comptroller’s office when attributing the taxes collected to Washington Grove. It is critical that all Washington Grove residents (including renters!) designate "Washington Grove." For Maryland IFile, under "Name of county and incorporated city, town, or special taxing area in which you were a resident on the last day of the taxable period", select "Montgomery, Washington Grove" from the drop down menu. This block is separate from the address blocks. Turbo Tax and H&R Block software also include drop down menus where you may select "Montgomery County" and then "Washington Grove." Please share this information with your renters and your tax preparer if appropriate. This DOES NOT increase your taxes, but DOES help ensure that the Town receives its proper share of local income tax revenue. Thanks for your help! Questions, call Treasurer Mary Challstrom at 301-926-4498.
Budget Worksession Scheduled
On Monday, March 28th the Mayor and Town Council will hold a budget worksession at 7:30PM in the Council Room.
Mark Your Calendars for Annual Town Meeting
This year’s Annual Town Meeting will take place on May 14, 2011.
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 03.15.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. Meetings are open to the public. The HPC encourages residents to come for an early consultation when planning a renovation.
Historic Window Weatherization and Restoration Workshop
Saturday, May 7th, 9am-1pm
The HPC will be hosting a half-day Historic Window Weatherization and Restoration Workshop in McCathran Hall. Come learn how to enhance the function, energy efficiency, durability and appearance of your windows while maintaining historic accuracy. More details to come–stay tuned!
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 03.02.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
If you are going to erect a building or structure (including fences), make structural alterations to, or move any existing building or other structure, you must first obtain a building permit from the Washington Grove Planning Commission. Please contact the Town Office (301-926-2256) or [email protected], or see permits for more details. The Historic Preservation Commission will review most permit applications as well.
Lake Committee
Next meeting:Wednesday » 03.16.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Mark your calendars as the Lake Committee will continue to meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month through the fall. It’s time to start planning for clean-up day, geese, lifeguards, swim instructors and budget priorities. For more information, please contact John Hutchinson (Hutch); 301-926-8767.
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 03.16.11@ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend. New members always welcome!
There’s a Mouse in the house!! Concert No. 3
Washington Adventist University Pro Musica – music for everyone’s taste; from Bach & Schubert to Foster & Copeland. Wine & meatball reception to follow.
- March 20, 2011;McCathran Hall 3:00pm
- Tickets still available: Call Alice Negin, 301-926-2858 or Ann Briggs, 301-926-6347.
Film Society News
Our last film of the season, Stage Beauty, will air on March 13, at 7 PM in McCathran Hall. Women were banned from appearing on the English stage until King Charles II ended the prohibition in the 1660’s. Stage Beauty explores the ramifications of this liberalization on art, gender roles, romance, and identity. An engaging and gorgeous treat, the movie stars Billy Crudup and Clare Danes. Directed by Richard Eyre, 2004, UK/USA, 106 minutes.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s in the Grove!
- Blackthorn St. Patrick’s Day Céilí
- Friday, March 11, McCathran Hall
- Dance Workshop – 6 to 7 p.m.
- Céilí – 7 to 11 p.m.
Music by the Martin Family Band
Free to Town residents, but donations gladly accepted to help pay the band. Bring a dish or dessert to share. For more info call:301-990-0184. Sponsored by the Washington Grove Recreation Committee.
Woman’s Club News
WOMAN’S CLUB ANNUAL CHILI SUPPER
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2011
Whether or not you believe the Groundhog’s prediction for an early spring this year, it’s time; once again, to spice up those winter doldrums with the Woman’s Club’s Chili Supper! This free and delicious event will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011, in McCathran Hall. Start time is 6:00 pm, and ALL Grovers, especially new ones, are invited. Non-alcoholic beverages will be served, but BYOB is fine. The Woman’s Club is currently seeking donations of food for the Supper’s popular menu: meat or vegetarian chili, cornbread, and coleslaw.
If you are willing to donate one or more of these dishes, or would like to volunteer to set up, serve, and/or clean up, please contact coordinator, Pat Di Bella-Kreger at [email protected] or 301 869-1907.
Support WGES Mural Project
We are so pleased to announce that our own Craig English has generously agreed to volunteer his time and talents to work with Washington Grove Elementary School to create, with the fifth grade students, a prominently located mural for the main hallway. The school community is thrilled to have the opportunity to create artwork under the guidance of an artist of Craig’s renown! Craig will be meeting with the fifth graders all during February, designing and painting a mural that will draw its inspiration from the Chesapeake Bay and the aquatic creatures that live there. Not only will Craig encourage the fifth graders’ artistic talents, but he’ll be interjecting some real science about the Bay. As the students design and paint, they’ll be gaining insight into the importance of the region for recreation as well as the source of local seafood we all love. They’ll also learn how our actions in Montgomery County can damage or preserve the Bay for future generations.
With your help, we hope to raise $500 to allow the school to purchase the materials needed for the project. Cash donations can be made to the Woman’s Club (there will be a basket at the chili supper). Checks payable to the Washington Grove Elementary School PTA (deductible as a charitable donation) can be left at the chili supper or mailed to The Woman’s Club of Washington Grove at P.O. Box 354.
Why Washington Grove Elementary School? You may know that WGES serves a diverse community. Just during the last 5 years, the FARMS rate at the school increased from 50% to almost 75%. This means that many of the children come from families whose yearly income qualifies for free or reduced price meals. (Currently, a family of 4 would qualify for reduced price meals with a total income of $40,000.) The school has qualified as a Federal Title 1 school under the new No Child Left Behind structure for the past 5 years. Thank you in advance for your generous support!
Just a note: The next time you visit WGES, (perhaps when you vote), take a few moments to view the mural located in the cafeteria and created by Craig in 1983. It still looks brand new. It portrays a group of “real” Grove kids waiting for the bus.
WGUMC News
Winter Sermon Series on Essentials of Christian Faith-All are welcome to participate, to hear, and to ask questions: 11:00 a.m. Sundays. Two more left; February 20th (God Redeems) & 27th (God Indwells). Refreshments follow at 12 noon.
- On 2nd Sunday of each month all are welcome to "Family Friendly" services, with skits and music directed to children as well as adults.
- March 13th is the next Family Friendly service, so bring the kids and make a joyful noise!
- Coming on March 9th, 6:30 pm– Pancake Supper and Ash Wednesday Service
Town Arbor Day
Start getting those rusty wheelbarrows and muscles tuned up for Saturday, April 9. The Town within A Forest will celebrate its woodland surroundings with another major volunteer work day. Details coming in the March Bulletin.
We Have a Bulb!!
Residents are encouraged to check out the streetlight at the corner of McCauley Street and Chestnut Road to see the light bulb that will soon become the Town standard for our streetlights. This has been a long time coming!!
Brush Pick-up Reminder
As of March 3, 2011, our trash and recycling contractor will resume picking up your recyclable yard waste in properly marked containers and/or large brown bags. Residents are strongly urged to take full advantage of this service.
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ROBERT D. EVANS
MARCH 1, 1945 – JANUARY 16, 2011
Born in Vermont, Bob received his B.A. from Yale University in 1966 and his law degree from the University of Michigan in 1969. He began his legal career at the Chicago firm known today as Sachnoff & Weaver, practicing corporate and commercial law. When an opportunity to work on public policy issues arose, he joined the ABA Chicago staff in 1972, and soon found himself working in the ABA’s Washington, DC office. Since 1982, Bob has served as director of the Governmental Affairs Office, providing strong leadership on many issues, including judicial independence, tax reform, the PATRIOT Act, and numerous anticrime and antiterrorism bills. Perhaps what people will remember most is Bob’s career long effort to guarantee access to justice for all through the development and preservation of the Legal Services Corporation, which funds local legal aid programs to help low-income individuals and families deal with basic legal problems that affect day-to-day living.
Bob is listed in "Who’s Who in America" and "Who’s Who in American Law." He has received numerous awards and commendations for his dedicated and tireless work in seeking equal justice for America’s poor, including recognition from the National Legal Aid and Defender Association and the National Clients Council.
Bob has also made outstanding contributions to Washington-area communities. He has served Washington Grove, MD, as mayor and town council member, and served on the Washington Grove Planning Commission as chairman. Bob has also chaired the Associations division of the National Capital Area United Way Campaign, and has helped to raise millions of dollars for DC area charities to support those in need. He also was president of Project Northstar, a homeless children’s tutoring program for homeless children in the District of Columbia.
With his dedication to the rule of law, his professionalism, his expertise, and his unfailing good humor, Bob has fulfilled the highest ideals and goals of the legal profession. He has improved the administration of justice, and brought greater access to legal representation and American justice for all persons, regardless of their economic or social condition.
The above was submitted to the Congressional Record (Tuesday April 10, 2007-Vol.153 No.57) by Senator Ted Kennedy on the Retirement of Robert D. Evans.
Bob died on January 16, 2011 at Casey House, a hospice sponsored by Montgomery Hospice. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathie, their daughter, Sarah, mother Barry and sisters Phyllis and Marilyn. Many have said “when Bob Evans speaks, people listen”. His quiet, knowledgeable presence on the Town Council, the Planning Commission and as Mayor helped the Town deal with many difficult issues in a civil and equitable way. We are so lucky to have had Bob Evans living in our Town. We are so sad that he is gone. In his honor, we should all "look on the brighter side of life", as he would have it no other way!!