Table of Contents
- Town Council News
- News from Grove Boards and Commissions:
Historic Preservation Commission | Planning Commission - News from Grove Committees:
Borders | Emergency Preparedness and Safety | Forestry & Beautification | Lake |
Lighting | Racial and Social Equity | Recreation | Woods - News from Other Grove Organizations:
Film Society | Sustainability | WG Cares | WG Methodist Church | Woman’s Club - Shared Use Bike Path Connection Task Force
- Coming Events Calendar
Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday, October 11, 2021, 7:30pm
The public is invited to attend this virtual meeting via ZOOM at bit.ly/WGCouncilMeeting
Meeting ID: 297 850 640
Password: 074385
Or dial-in to 301-715-8592
Actions at the September meeting included:
- Awarded “Welcome to Washington Grove” sign contract, in the amount of $10,539.00 to Sign City.
- Adopted Resolution 2021-12, Sustainable Maryland Municipal Certification.
- Approved contracting with ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability for a four-year period.
- Put on hold Resolution 2021-11, Establishing Rules of the Uses of the East and West Woods.
Maintenance Supervisor Steve Werts to Retire ☹
Sadly for Washington Grove, after more than 10 years of service, Steve Werts has indicated he plans to turn in his keys and retire as Town Maintenance Supervisor as of December 1, 2021. Most of us have not looked forward to this day. But I know all of us are grateful for all of Steve’s innumerable contributions to the Town and will wish Steve the very best transition to a well-deserved retirement.
Town Maintenance Supervisor Needed!!
- Anyone know someone who may be interested?
- Are you interested in changing gears and taking on an important and challenging job, mostly outdoors, and filled with varied activities and responsibilities?
Please contact Mayor Compton (240-432-5700) or the Town Office (301-926-2256) for more particulars and with potential persons.
A/V Volunteers Needed!!
The Mayor and Town Council are looking for volunteers for a short-term commitment to investigate the use of audio and/or video recordings of Town Council meetings. Interested persons should contact Mayor Compton (240-432-5700) or the Town Office (301-926-2256).
News from Grove Commissions
Historic Preservation Commission News
Next meeting: Tuesday, October 19, 2021, 7:30 pm.
The public is invited to attend this virtual meeting via ZOOM. For a copy of the Agenda, email Chairman Bob Booher ([email protected]).
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3440199688
Meeting ID: 344 019 9688
Summary of Joint Meeting of Council, Planning Commission and HPC
The Town Council, Planning Commission, and Historic Preservation Commission hosted the President of the Maryland Association of Historic District Commissions, Fred Stachura, and the Chair of the Prince Georges County Historic Preservation Commission, John Peter Thompson, for a presentation and discussion of measures to help protect the Town from unneeded demolition of structures that contribute to the character of our National Historic District.
Fred led off with the comment that the Grove so far has been lucky to remain intact but that it will not be lucky forever. He then provided a general description of the context for most demolition management regulations as part of broader historic preservation ordinances. This provides the framework for decisions and actions based on accepted preservation law but allows each community to tailor efforts around their individual needs. Protective actions that conserve the integrity of the historic district are more successfully defended in court.
John Peter pointed out that PG County could be a model for the Grove, as we have limited municipal resources and means of enforcement. The basis for preservation measures starts with the desire of the residents to retain and protect their valued history.
It was felt that this was a good starting point for further study. Fred offered to assist us in developing appropriate protective measures suited to our largely volunteer government. A first step may be becoming a Certified Local Government which opens up state assistance. The PC and HPC will develop a team that can focus on the best approach.
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday, October 6, 2021, 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend this virtual meeting via ZOOM. As part of the Town’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, this Planning Commission Meeting will be conducted online, rather than in person.
Residents and the public can joining the Zoom videoconference at: https://zoom.us/j/781347688.
Meeting ID: 781 347 688
Or dial in to 301-715-8592 and following the audio instructions.
Please make sure your name is associated with your zoom device in order to be admitted from the Waiting Room.
Building Permit Submission Deadline
The deadline to submit a building permit application for approval by the Planning Commission and review by the Historic Preservation Commission is the 2nd Wednesday of the month prior to the PC meeting at which the permit will be reviewed (this will be in the following month). This timing ensures the HPC will be able to complete a formal review before the PC meeting as this review is required for the PC to approve the permit in a timely fashion. If you are considering any renovation or building project at your house, be sure to get a copy of the procedures to apply for a Town Building Permit which will help you through the Town’s process.
Public Ways & Property Permits (PW&PP) Up for Approval in September
- 315 Grove Ave.: Brick Walk
Permits Approved in September
- None
2021 Comprehensive Plan
The Planning Commission has received comments from the Maryland Department of Planning and other state agencies on the 2021 DRAFT Washington Grove Comprehensive Plan (CP). These are being reviewed for integration into the plan where appropriate. A Public Hearing on the plan in November may be scheduled.
The 2021 DRAFT Comprehensive Plan is available here (PDF).
Residents are encouraged to review the plan and send written comments to the Planning Commission if you have feedback.
The next CP work session will be October 20 at 7:30 p.m. REMOTE ACCESS ONLY
As part of the Town’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, these Comprehensive Plan Work Sessions will be conducted online, rather than in person. The agenda will be posted at the Town office and on the Town web site the week before the meeting.
Work Session Access:
Residents and the public may access using Meeting ID: 781 347 688
By dialing in to: 301-715-8592 and following the audio instructions.
OR by joining the Zoom videoconference at: https://zoom.us/j/781347688
Please make sure your name is associated with your zoom device in order to be admitted from the Waiting Room.
News from Grove Committees
Border Committee News
Next Meeting: Thursday, October 14, 2021, 7:30 p.m., via ZOOM Videoconference.
This Committee meets the second Thursday of each month. All are welcome. Contact Peter Nagrod ([email protected]) for information on how to join the meeting.
Emergency Preparedness and Safety Committee News
Next Meeting: Thursday, October 18, 2021 at 7:30 p.m.
Join the Zoom meeting by videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89199207143?pwd=aUVsTUpCbTRMWjdMdnZ1aEhLdGwrZz09
By Phone: 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 821 2399 1201
Passcode: 609269
Forestry and Beautification Committee (F&B) News
The next meeting will be Wednesday October 13 to plan for fall tree planting. If you have a suggestion for where a new tree is needed, please contact one of the F&B Co-Chairs Georgette Cole ([email protected]) or Audrey Maskery ([email protected]) or our Council Liaison Barbara Raimondo ([email protected]).
Feeling that Fall tang in the air yet? it’s a GREAT time to plant a tree in your own yard too. Keep in mind that Montgomery County has a FREE TREE PLANTING PROGRAM. Tree Montgomery will plant and help maintain a shade tree in your yard. Here’s the information about it. The new tree will be a nice substantial one and they have tools to help you choose the right tree for your space. Many Grovers have already taken advantage of this great program and you can too!
Lake Committee News
Next Meeting: Thursday, October 21, 2021, 7:30 pm
Via ZOOM Video Conference
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3601159376
Meeting ID: 360 115 9376
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,3601159376# US (Washington DC)
Please join us for an end-of-season wrap up and a discussion of the meeting with the Racial and Social Equity Committee. Call or e-mail John Hutchinson if you have any questions or suggestions or want to be put on the notification list: 240-997-5820 (cell); [email protected].
Lighting Committee News
The next meeting will take place Wednesday, October 27 via ZOOM Video Conferencing. We will continue to meet on the 4th Wednesday of every month. All are welcome to attend!
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89962020052?pwd=LzhpSUlleFg2eFdaYzJINDVQOVZZQT09
Meeting ID: 899 6202 0052
Passcode: 063079
The Town Council approved our recommendation to do a trial installation of three bollard, low voltage lights along the pathways by McCathran Hall. These bollard lights have been installed by Steve Werts. We hope that TWG residents will go by one evening and check them out. We would like to hear feedback about these light fixtures.
Questions, ideas or concerns? Please contact Virginia Quesada at 301-706-7933 (cell) or [email protected], or Robert N. Johnson at [email protected].
Racial and Social Equity Committee News
Next meeting: Sunday, October 10, 2021, 2:00 pm
All are welcome! Folks who would like to attend should email [email protected] to get the Zoom link. And more information on how to join the committee, our goals, past meeting minutes, and historical resources can be found here: https://linktr.ee/RacialEquityGrover.
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Wed, October 14, 2021; 7:30 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82051482150?pwd=YnRwZUJmL1ZENXNPNVZPYll0dGRkUT09
Meeting ID: 820 5148 2150
Passcode: 137695
Thank You!
Many Thanks to Joey Fones, Ali Faupel and
ALL who helped bring back our Labor Day traditions!!
Trick or Treat in Washington Grove
Sunday, October 31, 2021
6:00 – 9:00 P.M.
We ask that kids and adults wear masks during trick or treating.
Save the Date — Virtual Holiday Show Sat. December 11!!
We now have confirmation from Montgomery Municipal Cable that they will work with us again to tape and broadcast this year’s Holiday Show. Hooray! Now all we need are cast members, musical acts, and backstage help!
If you would like to be involved, please contact Judy Mroczka at [email protected] or Marilynn Frey at [email protected]. We are in search of musicians, actors, artists, as well as people with videography and media skills, technical skills, and organizational skills. We will not be having the usual series of in-person rehearsals, so do not worry. And whether or not you will be helping with the show, do mark your calendars for December 11th so you can watch with us!
Tai Chi Sessions in McCathran Hall
Attention All Grovers! Tai chi practice helps reduce stress, increase balance and focus, and can increase strength, flexibility, and aerobic conditioning. Join leader Claire Rosser and your neighbors for free gentle tai chi sessions in the Hall Wednesday mornings from 10:30 to 12 noon. Note that the lessons involve a minimum of instruction; participants follow along with Claire. Wear comfortable clothing. MASKS REQUIRED. Contact Christine Dibble for more information: [email protected] or 240-702-6719.
Woods Committee News
Next meeting: Monday, October 4, 2021, 7:30 pm via Zoom Video Conference.
Join the Zoom Meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82405334979?pwd=WG9YdVR1U2lSWDlXMHpWaFlyNzRXdz09
By Phone: 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 898 0268 1336
Passcode: 110091
The WC is working with the Mayor and Town Council to gather comments from Town residents on clarifying existing rules for the uses of our Woods Preserves. This will assist us in posting trail signs at the East Woods trail entrances to better identify trail names and trail etiquette with markers such as ‘no bicycles’ and ‘dogs on leash’ to maintain trail and public safety. We would appreciate if you copy the WC co-chairs on any comments submitted to the Mayor and Town Council. A reminder to please stay on the walking trails to protect understory native plant vegetation and avoid tick exposure to you and your pets.
Our volunteer Bow Hunter Fire Fighters of Maryland (BHFFMD) began bow hunting in our Woods after September 10th. One doe was harvested in the East Woods in September. Members of BHFFMD are EMTs and firefighters who are vigilant about public safety, and therefore, there is no reason to curtail our use of the Woods. They will bow hunt at sunrise and sunset. The archery season extends through January 31, 2022. Please contact Joan Mahaffey or Pat Klein if you have any questions.
Stay healthy and safe and enjoy the autumnal beauty of nature in our East and West Woods Preserves.
News From Other Grove Organizations
Film Society News
Oliver Sacks: His Own Life — Discussion on Sunday, October 17
Watch “Oliver Sacks: His Own Life,” streaming free, and then join our discussion on Sunday, October 17, at 7:30 p.m. The Zoom link for the discussion is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85866917374?pwd=UWhGM0lZNHJGTkpvL2tuaHlvOEp3UT09. Shortly after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, Oliver Sacks brought friends and colleagues together to help him make a documentary. Rich with interviews filmed in his apartment, this most personal history describes Sacks’s convoluted, sometimes tortured path to becoming a beloved doctor, author, and paradigm-changing neurologist. Sacks’s deeply empathic connection with each patient gives him truly rare insight and is beautifully displayed in this film. His exuberance, not only for science but for all of life, makes it joyful. Directed by Ric Burns, 2020, USA, 1 hour, 51 minutes, English.
Stream Oliver Sacks: His Own Life on Kanopy, a streaming service offering independent features, foreign and classic films, and documentaries. Kanopy is provided by Montgomery County Public Libraries to its cardholders, who can view up to 10 films per month free. Any Internet-connected device will work, including computers, tablets, and televisions with streaming capability or streaming sticks. If you don’t have a library card, you can get a “digital” MCPL card free online. Mimi Bolotin, 301-977-7331, will happily help anyone get a card or use Kanopy.
Sustainability Group: Climate Action News
Next meeting: Tuesday, October 12, 2021, 7:30 pm
Join Zoom Meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3440199688
Meeting ID: 344 019 9688
Town Joins “Sustainable Maryland”
The Town Council has passed a resolution to join our neighboring communities in Sustainable Maryland, a collaborative effort among nearly 90 organizations, including the Maryland Municipal League and several research centers at the University of Maryland. Its mission is to “enhance livability for all Marylanders by helping municipalities choose a direction for their sustainability efforts, improve access to resources needed to implement action, measure their progress, and gain recognition for their accomplishments.” It certifies municipalities as they “go green.” Our Town’s current efforts put us well on our way to certification.
Town Establishes Voluntary Inventory of Electric Yard Tools
Fall is upon us… and so is an opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint in outdoor activities. This is an excellent time to begin to retire gas-driven equipment and switch to electric-powered ones, especially if your electricity is coming from renewable sources. These include battery or corded equipment for mowing, trimming, edging, pruning, mulching, and leaf blowing. Chainsaws also can be electricity driven. If you use a yard work service, why not make your electric tools available to them when they work in your yard?
The Sustainability Group has established an inventory of electric yard tools. Now you can learn about fossil-fuel-free yard tools that are owned by your Grove neighbors. Ask questions and see them in action. Add to the list yourself and join the discussion. Let’s share what we know about electric yard tools at Yard Tools for a Greener Grove.
Switching to electric equipment has many benefits. The most important one is reducing fossil fuels that are worsening the climate crisis. Noise reduction is another big improvement that we will appreciate when the old ear-shattering equipment is gone. Another benefit is getting rid of messy, smelly gasoline cans that are a worry to have around our homes and garages. And, finally, many users of electric equipment report that the new tools are lighter weight, easier to use, and require much less maintenance than gas-driven versions.
The Sustainability Group thanks you for moving, step by step, as expeditiously as we can to reduce our carbon footprint.
Washington Grove Cares News
Do you need a ride somewhere, an errand run, a walking partner, a homemade cookie, or a strong arm for a small task? We live in a caring community. Remember that Washington Grove Cares can marshal help when you need it. Please reach out to us with your ideas for keeping us all connected. Call 301-944-2962 or email [email protected]; our website is washingtongrovecares.org.
WG United Methodist Church (WGUMC) News
Please join us at 11:00 am Sundays.
Starting Sunday, October 11th, we resume meeting Sunday mornings at 11:00 am. We’ll be socially distancing and following the current COVID recommendations in effect each week. Masks will be required. If you prefer, you can still join us over Zoom. Please just contact Pastor Andrew Peck-McClain at [email protected] to be included.
We continue to collect non-perishable food donations to support the St. Martin’s food bank. Your contributions can be dropped off on the screened-in porch at Peggy Hansen’s house, 201 Chestnut Avenue, in Washington Grove, or bring them when you join us on Sunday morning.
Washington Grove United Methodist Church is a Reconciling Congregation, which means we believe that each person is a precious creation of God and is of sacred worth. We welcome and celebrate persons of every gender identity, racial or ethnic background, sexual orientation, and physical or mental ability into full participation in the life of this faith community. We celebrate the gift of love and affirm all loving relations and marriages.
Our mission is: To follow Jesus, worship God, and provide loving service to our community and the world.
Woman’s Club News
Many Thanks for Our Town’s Generosity!
We are often called The Little Town with the Big Heart for our willingness to help alleviate so much of the suffering around us. The Woman’s Club is so grateful for the responses we get to our frequent calls for help for specific projects and needs. This newsletter highlights many but by no means all our ongoing Outreach programs and projects. Our hope is that each of you will see some need that catches your heart.
All donations can be dropped off in the boxes on the Clubhouse porch on Wendy Weisbard’s porch at 119 Grove Road. Monetary donations are always appreciated. The checks should be made-out to the Woman’s Club with a notation in the memo field if you want them to go to a specific project.
Please Think about the Men of Our Local Shelters Who Always Need Socks
As the brutal cold of winter approaches, please think about how hard it is on the homeless if they have no socks! This fall and winter, we will continue to collect new white socks. These are always the most requested items at homeless shelters.
Halloween Candy Now and Halloween Candy Later
With your help, the Woman’s Club is collecting candy before Halloween to make Trick or Treat bags for the Seneca Heights family shelter, and if we collect enough, we’ll make bags for places like Priscilla’s and Becky’s Houses and the Men’s Shelter. We will be putting together the bags ahead of time so they can be delivered that day, so please have those candy donations to us by October 16th.
As in the past, we’re also collecting leftover candy from your Trick or Treaters, to be shared with the various shelters so they can have occasional sweets. We’ll take those candy donations at any time!
Washington Grove Elementary School Needs Our Help!
Bringing Music to the Students
Our Club is again seeking donations to help support the instrumental music program for the fourth and fifth grade students at Washington Grove Elementary. Both L&L Music in Walnut Hill Shopping Center and Lashoff Violins on East Diamond Avenue work closely with Ms. Moraca, the music teacher. You can purchase needed items from them or give a check to the Woman’s Club for us to make the purchases.
- Instruction books
- Reeds for the woodwind instruments
- Rosin and violin bows
The Teachers’ Supply Closet Needs Restocking!
We are still focusing on one of our Club’s Outreach programs to keep the Teachers Supply Closet well stocked. Without community support, the teachers end up buying needed supplies for the less fortunate children out of their own pockets! These are some of the things always needed:
- Glue sticks
- Hand sanitizers
- Paper
- Pencils
- Pencil sharpeners
- Tissues
Winter Coats, Hats, Scarves and Gloves
As part of the Teacher’s Supply Closet, we are still collecting hats, coats, gloves, scarves and other winterwear for the needy children of Washington Grove and the surrounding schools. Our local schools work together to try to ensure that no students go through the winter without adequate winter wear. They are in contact with each other, and trade around as needed to secure the right sizes. So, as you sort your closets this fall, please consider donating any out-grown or out-loved winterwear.
Helping Archways Kids and Their Families
The six Archways families are in need of all of the non-SNAP necessities, plus things like towels and wash clothes.
We’re also asking for treats for the kids. There are 13 children in the program, ranging in ages from 2 to 18 years old and an 11-month old baby. Their social worker likes to bring them something when she does her visits. Our goal is to provide at least one treat and one non-SNAP item a month for each family. The next Archways pickup will be in early October.
We’re Helping Out Where SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Formerly Food Stamps) Leaves Off
As the needs of those around us continue, our Club is collecting some of the much-needed items that SNAP doesn’t pay for. We are collecting these items for the apartment residents of the MoCo Coalition for the Homeless’s Archways Program and those who depend on the help of the Interfaith Food Hub.
Especially needed are:
- Deodorant
- Diapers – sizes 3 and up
- Diaper wipes
- Feminine hygiene products
- Hand sanitizer
- Laundry detergent
- Paper towels
- Pedialyte – any flavor
- Similac – especially the blue boxes of powder
- Toilet paper
Where to Drop Off Your Donations
Monetary donation checks should be made out to the Woman’s Club with a notation in the Memo field if you want them to go towards a specific project, such as:
- Archway or Shelter Projects
- Music program
- School Supplies
- SNAP Plus
- White Socks
All donations can be dropped off either on the Clubhouse porch or in the painted can on Wendy Weisbard’s porch at 119 Grove Road.
Shared Use Bike Path Connection Task Force
The nine-member Task Force appointed by the Mayor and Town Council have met in weekly Monday Zoom meetings since July. They have been very energetically assembling information in 10 criteria areas for presentation and evaluation in their report to the Town Council to be delivered at the November 8th Town Council meeting. On September 1st, the Task Force heard input from residents in public appearances. Last month they hand-distributed a flyer to most residences with notification of a second public appearance session held September 30th, as well as how residents can electronically access a large number of Task Force documents including reference, factual, and historical materials, meeting minutes, agendas, and other information.
The Task Force will continue to meet Monday evenings in October. Look for agendas and reminders to be distributed via Grove Alert.
October Coming Events Calendar
(All meetings via ZOOM Conference unless otherwise indicated)
October 2 >> BluestoberFest
October 4 >> Woods Committee 7:30 pm
October 4 >> Shared Use Bike Path Connection TF 7:30 pm
October 6 >> Planning Commission 7:30 pm
October 11 >> Town Council 7:30 pm
October 13 >> Forestry & Beautification 7:30 pm
October 13 >> BUILDING PERMIT SUBMISSION DEADLINE
October 14 >> Border Committee 7:30 pm
October 17 >> Racial Equity Committee 7:30 pm
October 19 >> Historic Preservation Commission 7:30 pm
October 21 >> Lake Committee 7:30 pm
October 24 >> Holiday Show Filming All Day – Town Hall
October 27 >> Lighting Committee 7:30 pm
October 28 >> Emergency Preparedness and Safety 7:30 pm