
Summer in the Parks 2023
The Grove’s summer camp for kids, Summer in the Parks, will be held this year June 27 – July 21. SITP is open to Town residents and non-residents who are rising kindergarteners through rising 7th graders. Learn more about this year’s camp on the SITP page.
Swim Instructor Needed at Maple Lake
Afternoons during the month of July; pay is $20/hour; contact Sung Chang or John Hutchinson for details.
Volunteers Needed to Water Our New Trees
Fourteen new trees (oaks, dogwood, redbuds, service berry) were planted in the East Woods along McCauley, Frankland, and Cherry walking trails to replace lost trees and support the tree canopy. We are looking for volunteers, individuals, or families who can “adopt” a new tree and water it once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. Can you help? If so, please contact Joan Mahaffey.
Upcoming Events
… in the Grove …
Friday June 9, 5:30 pm: Join us for the inaugural Washington Grove Yappy Hour on Friday, June 9 at 5:30 pm at the Dog Spot in the West Woods. We’ll have signature cocktails like the Bark & Squirmy and Puppermint Ice Tea, but welcome refreshments to share! Dogs can register on site or in advance by downloading and completing this form (PDF). For more information, reach out to Liz Gillanders or Ali Faupel.
- Saturdays June 10, June 17 and July 8, 9 am – noon: RASEC will be hosting virtual discussions on the film Deconstructing Karen. Join a conversation about racism and white supremacy and the ways these are upheld every day. The June 10th session is only for people who self-identify as women; the June 17th session is only for people who do not self-identify as women; and the July 8th session is for all who attended either of the June sessions. Register here.
- Saturday June 10, 11 am: EV charging stations ribbon cutting! Join us at the intersection of Center Street and Chestnut Road for the ceremony.
- Thursday June 15, 7 – 9 pm: Community Stories: “Freedom”. RASEC invites Washington Grove residents and residents from neighboring communities to share stories around a theme of freedom. Freedom means something different to everyone. For some it might be about a total sense of freedom or empowerment. For others it might mean freeing themselves from situations, thoughts, or patterns. This event will provide a forum to share and honor our stories about freedom. Use this link to register and let us know if you want to share a story or be an audience member.
June 23 – 25: Music Weekend! Schedule of events:
- Friday June 23, 5 pm, Maple Lake:
- 5 – 6 pm: children’s singalong
- 6 – 7:30 pm: Grove musicians will lead the town in a campfire singalong (bring your own dinner; s’mores will be provided)
- Saturday June 24:
- HPC speaker mid-day (more information will be provided as we approach music weekend)
- 6 – 8:30 pm: Live music under the stars at the Gazebo. Bring your own dinner and a blanket! Snow cones and popcorn will be provided.
- Sunday June 25, 10:30 am – 12 noon: Enjoy a jazz POTLUCK brunch at the Gazebo. Mimosas will be provided.
- Friday June 23, 5 pm, Maple Lake:
- Friday July 14th, 6 pm: Children’s Youth Recital: More details will be provided as the date approaches.
- Thursday to Sunday August 10 – 13: 150th Anniversary Celebration. View the schedule.
… and Nearby
Casey Community Center Farmers Market
Every Thursday through November, 11 am to 2:30 pm: Enjoy some fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables; come get some eggs, beef or pork ready to put on the grill; bring home some savory homemade breads or artisan sweets; get some fresh ground coffee. See their food truck calendar and learn more about the market. Casey Community Center, 810 South Frederick Avenue.
News You Can Use
Resources to Get Through Tick Season
- which kinds of ticks are prevalent in Maryland,
- how to avoid and remove ticks, and
- about the many different illnesses caused by tick-borne bacteria, parasites and viruses.
CSX Train Blocking Aitcheson Crossing? You Can Report It.
Although trains that block crossings are not breaking any federal laws, they may put public safety at risk. The Federal Railroad Administration tracks the location and impacts of blocked crossings in order to learn where, when, for how long, and what impacts result from blocked highway-rail grade crossings. There may be legitimate operating and/or safety-related reasons for a crossing to be occupied by a slow or idling train. You can locate the at-grade Aitcheson Crossing on a map and report that a train is blocking it here (the crossing number is 140 505 S, and CSX refers to it as the “Ridge” crossing). Note that this form should not be used to report emergencies.
MoCo Now Accepting Mattresses and Box Springs for Recycling
Residents can now drop off mattresses and box springs at the Transfer Station and Recycling Center in the upper lot, across from the household hazardous waste program area. Before you drop your items off, make sure they are deemed acceptable (crib mattresses, futons, pillows and pillowtop mattresses, for example, are NOT acceptable). View more information on mattress recycling from MoCo | View the flyer (PDF)
Need Stamps? Buy ’em Before Prices Rise (Again)
If the Postal Regulatory Commission approves a new postage price hike, stamp prices will increase for second time this year, to 66 cents, on July 9. Learn more.
>> Older News You Can Use articles that have been removed from the home page are available on the News You Can Use Archive page.
Notices from the Mayor
Sewer replacement on Chestnut Avenue began Tuesday May 30. Learn more here (PDF).
Our non-native invasive (NNI) plant control contractor will be working several days between June 5 – 8 in the East Woods, weather depending. Learn which plants will be targeted, where the contractor will be working, what you may see as a result, and who to contact if you have any questions (PDF).
We have negotiated with USPS the elimination of post office box fees. Details are still pending; however, no refunds will be granted, and we therefore advise that if you need to renew your box rental, you should do so for the shortest term possible (i.e., three months, which you can sign up for online). View more details. Further updates will be posted here.
Town Bulletins
Older Town Bulletins:
- Bulletins dated March 2022 or older are available here or here
- Bulletins dated April 2022 or later are available here.
Town Council Meeting Agendas and Minutes
- May 22, 2023 Meeting
- Minutes – not yet available
- Agenda (PDF)
- May 13, 2023 Annual Town Meeting
- Minutes of the 2022 Annual Town Meeting (PDF)
- Minutes – not yet available
- Agenda (PDF)
- May 8, 2023 Meeting
- Minutes – not yet available
- Agenda (PDF)
- April 10, 2023 Meeting
- March 29, 2023 Budget Work Session
- Minutes of Special March 27, 2023 Meeting re: Resolution 2023-01 “Acknowledging Washington Grove’s Racially Exclusionary Past”
Reports from the Town Councilors
Historic Preservation Commission
- May 2023 Meeting
- Minutes – not yet available
- Agenda (PDF)
- April 2023 Meeting
- March 2023 Meeting
- Minutes – not yet available
- Agenda (PDF)
Planning Commission
- June 7, 2023 Meeting
- Minutes – not yet available
- Agenda (PDF)
- May 3, 2023 Meeting
- Minutes – not yet available
- Agenda (PDF)
- April 19, 2023 Work Session
- Minutes – not yet available
- Agenda (PDF)
- April 5, 2023 Meeting
Contact Information
Mayor and Town Councilors and their Areas of Responsibility
Mayor
John Compton
240-432-5700
[email protected]
The Mayor is responsible for all intergovernmental relationships and activities.
For Councilors with no contact information listed below, please refer to the phone numbers and email addresses shown in the Town Directory. If you do not have a Directory, please call the Town Office at 301-926-2256, or email the Town Office at [email protected]. Want to write the mayor and all councilors? Please write to [email protected].
Contracts
Rob Gilmore
Dog Park
Mary Warfield
[email protected]
Emergency Preparedness and Safety
Eva Patrone
[email protected]
Forestry and Beautification (includes memorials)
Barbara Raimondo
[email protected]
Gateway
Peter Nagrod
[email protected]
Historic Preservation Commission
Robert Gilmore
Lake
Mary Warfield
[email protected]
Lighting
Barbara Raimondo
[email protected]
Maintenance
Peter Nagrod
[email protected]
Maryland Municipal League
John Compton
McCathran Hall
Barbara Raimondo
[email protected]
Planning Commission
Peter Nagrod
[email protected]
Racial Equity
Barbara Raimondo
[email protected]
Recreational Events/Recreation Committee
Eva Patrone
[email protected]
Recreational Facilities (Woodward Park, Playground and Tennis Courts)
Eva Patrone
[email protected]
Roads and Walkways
Rob Gilmore
Shady Grove Crossing
Christine Dibble
[email protected]
Sustainability
Mary Warfield
[email protected]
Washington Grove Conservation Park
Christine Dibble
[email protected]
Website and Communications
Christine Dibble
[email protected]
Woods
Christine Dibble
[email protected]
Town Office Contact Info
McCathran Hall
300 Grove Avenue
PO Box 216
Washington Grove, Maryland
20880-0216
- Phone: 301-926-2256
- Email: [email protected]
- Rental Information
Town Office
Located in the lower wing of McCathran Hall, the office is usually open 9:30am – 12:30pm; and 1:00pm – 5:00pm. Town Clerk Kathy Lehman is available to answer your questions. Please drop by, call the office at 301-926-2256 or send an email to [email protected].
Staff Directory
Clerk
Kathryn L. Lehman
301-926-2256
[email protected]
Treasurer
Jean Moyer
301-775-1168
[email protected]
Boards and Commissions
Board of Supervisors of Elections
Nick Suzich
Supervisor
240-750-9289
[email protected]
Joe Clark
301-869-7944
[email protected]
Margo Cavenagh
301-963-0294
[email protected]
Marc Hansen
Chair
301-869-0926
[email protected]
Satoshi Amagai
301-330-1336
[email protected]
Charlie Challstrom
301-926-4498
[email protected]
Kathie Evans
Alternate
301-869-7816
[email protected]
Historic Preservation Commission
Bob Booher
Chair
301-963-3935
[email protected]
Robert Gilmore
Council Liaison
Wendy Harris
914-388-2195
[email protected]
David Stopak
301-330-5446
[email protected]
Mimi Styles
301-519-1957
[email protected]
Georgette Cole
Chair
301-330-6740
[email protected]
Peter Nagrod
Council Liaison
301-512-5771
[email protected]
Jonathan Dail
[email protected]
Sylvie Favret
Robert Johnson
301-346-6267
[email protected]
Sung Chang, Alternate
Volunteer Committees
vacant
Chair
Emergency Preparedness and Safety
Dave Lutter
Chair
703-862-7445
[email protected]
Forestry & Beautification (F&B)
Georgette Cole
Chair
301-330-6740
[email protected]
vacant
Chair
Tom Land
Chair
240-801-0646
[email protected]
Virginia Quesada
Chair
301-706-7933
[email protected]
Racial and Social Equity (RASEC)
Leadership Team
Paula Puglisi
301-963-8555
Betsy Klinger
301-325-1956
[email protected]
Emily Cavey
Chair
[email protected]
Bob Booher
Chair
301-963-3935
[email protected]
Patrice Klein
Co-Chair
301-926-2256
[email protected]
Joan Mahaffey
Co-Chair
240-631-8064
[email protected]
Doug Tallamy’s Presentation “Homegrown National Park”
In this talk, Dr. Doug Tallamy, T.A. Baker Professor of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Delaware, explains to Grovers what they can do to support a healthy ecosystem and why that’s important. He describes an approach to conservation that empowers each of us to play a significant role in the future of the natural world. The talk was sponsored by the Town’s Sustainability, Forestry & Beautification, and Woods Committees. Watch the video on the Sustainability Committee’s main page or on YouTube.