- This April Town Bulletin is being distributed to all residences electronically as part of the Town’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. No paper copy will be mailed.
- All Town meetings in April will be held by REMOTE ACCESS ONLY. Information for joining each meeting is included in the meeting announcements below.
- For information concerning plans for the Town Election and the Annual Town Meeting, see the Notice of Public Hearing and Town Elections articles below.
Message From the Mayor
Today in Washington Grove, the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging us individually and together as society. I want to offer my personal take on these two challenges. We – as a community of families and individuals – have risen to the challenge of complying with the drastic public health measures that have disrupted all aspects of our lives. At-home restrictions and social distancing are our daily mantras. We have closed facilities and taken Town business online. And in the Grove spirit of togetherness we continue to offer assistance to our neighbors in need. By now we all recognize these restrictions have been imposed for good reasons, aiming to limit the numbers of us developing severe disease, to head-off overwhelming our medical system’s capacity to provide life-saving medical intervention, and to prevent deaths.
As individuals our first concern is to avoid getting COVID-19. While community protections are in place, we each bear the greater responsibility for protecting ourselves from the disease. This is mostly, and simply, a matter of prudent personal hygiene. While engaging in the essential activities of our interrupted lives we cannot avoid the risk of interacting with other individuals. Make no mistake, our most effective defense against contracting this disease and then retransmitting it to others is to rigorously follow recommended personal hygiene and behavior.
In Washington Grove you continue to rise to these challenges in so many ways. Let’s continue to cooperate as individuals and as community, and we will emerge safe and sane from this crisis together.
Respectfully,
Mayor
TOWN COUNCIL NEWS
Next meeting: Monday, April 13, 2020; 7:30 p.m. The Council meets the 2nd Monday of the month.
REMOTE ACCESS ONLY. As part of the Town’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, this Town Council Meeting will be conducted online, rather than in person.
Town Council Meeting Access:
The public is invited to attend this online meeting:
Join the Zoom videoconference at https://zoom.us/j/297850640 (video/audio), OR dial in to 301-715-8592 (audio) and use Meeting ID: 297 850 640.
Actions at the March Town Council meeting included:
- Withdrawal of West Woods Watershed Study Request for Proposal (RFP)
- Award of road paving project at Ridge Rd. and Railroad St. to A.B. Veirs
- Set date for public hearing on Ordinance 2020-01 (See notice below)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Town Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 13, 2020, at 7:35 p.m. for the purpose of public testimony regarding Resolution No. 2020-03; amending the Washington Grove Town Charter to allow, in defined States of Emergency, conditional suspension of certain requirements for Town Elections and the Annual Town Meeting, and to authorize the Town Council to establish alternative rules for the conduct of Elections and Town Meetings.
Explanation: Presently our Town Charter does not provide for the conduct of essential Town business in states of emergency such as the current COVID-19 crisis. This charter amendment will provide for this continuity, and for changes to procedures for this year’s Town election and Annual Town Meeting wherein qualified voters may communicate with others, and also may vote by remote electronic means, and the Town Council and Mayor are authorized to establish special rules of order for such a Town Meeting.
A copy of Resolution No. 2020-03 will be available Monday April 6th by contacting the Town Office at 301 926 2256.
Authority to shorten the process for amending the Washington Grove Town Charter was granted in an Executive Order issued March 30 by Governor Larry Hogan under the current COVID-19 Health State of Emergency. The Order enables municipalities to amend the election provisions of their municipal charters by conditionally suspending public notification procedures and the effective dates for such amendments.
Public Hearing attendance and testimony will be by REMOTE ACCESS ONLY. The current situation with COVID-19 has caused all meetings to be conducted online, rather than in person.
Public Hearing access:
Join the Zoom videoconference at https://zoom.us/j/297850640 (video/audio),
OR dial in to 301-715-8592 (audio) and use Meeting ID: 297 850 640.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Washington Grove Town Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 13, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. for the purpose of public input on proposed Ordinance 2010-01; Ordinance to Amend Article XIII, “Application Of County Legislation”, Section 1, “Exemption From County Legislation” to Add Chapter 33b “Pesticides” As A County Law Applicable In The Town.
This previously scheduled Public Hearing is likely to be continued or rescheduled for June or later.
REMOTE ACCESS ONLY: The current situation with COVID-19 has caused all meetings to be conducted online, rather than in person. The public is invited to attend this online Public Hearing.
Public Hearing access:
Join the Zoom videoconference at https://zoom.us/j/297850640 (video/audio),
OR dial in to 301-715-8592 (audio) and use Meeting ID: 297 850 640.
Town Elections
As of today, we are still planning on holding Town elections on May 9, 2020. We have an absentee and emergency ballot provision that will allow us to vote remotely if necessary. If restrictions are relaxed to some extent, we might be able to vote in person with social distancing standards in place. Either way, the bigger problem being wrestled with is how to hold a Town Meeting and fulfill our Charter’s requirements without violating common sense and whatever restrictions are in place in early May with regard to crowds.
Nominations for Town offices close Monday, April 13. Nominees to date are as follows:
- Mayor: John Compton
- Council (2 seats available): Gray Yachup, Audrey Maskery & Dave Cosson
Please refer to the Town website for information regarding checking or changing your registration. Town elections are open to anyone registered in Montgomery County at a Town address.
Town Treasurer Position
The Town of Washington Grove seeks a qualified individual to fill the position of Town Treasurer beginning Spring-Summer 2021. The Treasurer has broad responsibilities, functioning as financial officer, bookkeeper, purchasing agent and in other capacities to insure smooth operation of Town government. The Treasurer provides essential continuity and guidance to help elected officials and other volunteers be effective in serving the Town. The position requires independence, organizational skills, and the capacity to effectively communicate and work with diverse individuals.
This part-time position (approx. 10 hours per week) does not include benefits. Work hours are flexible. Applicants must be able to provide their own workspace and computer/printer. Strong computer skills are essential. Please send expressions of interest in writing to Mayor John Compton at PO Box 1187 or [email protected].
Maryland State Income Tax
Washington Grove Subdivision Code: 1612
Every year the Town of Washington Grove receives a portion of the Maryland State income tax paid by Town residents. Because most 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 “1612” and “Washington Grove” on the tax form. For those filing electronically or using software, there should be a drop-down menu to select 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 the Town receives its proper share of income tax revenue. Thanks for your help! Questions, call Treasurer Mary Challstrom at 301-926-4498.
2020 Census – It’s Time to Respond!
Being counted in the Census is IMPORTANT. Census data is the critical resource for the allocation of resources in the US. Census data guides how more than $675 billion in federal funding is distributed to states and communities each year. During the current pandemic, Census data is being used to distribute meals every day to children while the schools are closed. Census data is used now to distribute funds to hospitals, first responders, and non-profit organizations who are assisting our residents.
The goal of the Census is to count every person living in the United States once, and only once, and in the right place. By now, you should have received at least one invitation to respond to the 2020 Census (they were mailed out March 12, and then a follow-up a few days later). If you have not received a Census invitation, you can go to www.census.gov and click on “Respond” to take the Census using your physical address. If you have already responded (online, by phone, or by mail) you may still get reminders because of delays with delivering mail.
Update: As of Monday, 51.7% of Washington Grove households have already responded according to this Census response rates website:
https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html.
It’s time to respond! Thanks!
Planning Commission News…
Next meeting: Wednesday, April 1, 2020, 7:30 pm, The Planning Commission meets the 1st Wednesday of the month.
REMOTE ACCESS ONLY. As part of the Town’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, this Planning Commission Meeting will be conducted online, rather than in person.
PC Meeting 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
PC Meeting Agenda:
- Approval of Agenda;
- Building Permit Activity;
- Other Permit Activity
- Public Appearances;
- Approval of Minutes;
- Report from Town Council;
- Master Plan Work Session Report;
- Other Business;
- Adjourn
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.
Permits Up for Approval in April:
116 Ridge Road Fence
2020 Master Plan Work Session
Please note the 2020 Master Plan draft versions are available on the Master Plan page of the Town website.
Next meeting will be Wednesday, April 15, 2020, 7:30 pm. The public is welcome to attend.
REMOTE ACCESS ONLY. As part of the Town’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, this Master Plan Work Session will be conducted online, rather than in person.
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
Work Session Agenda:
- Approval of Agenda;
- Approval of Previous Work Session Minutes;
- Review 2020 Master Plan Working Draft;
- Adjourn
We will be reviewing changes to Master Plan Sections 8 and 9. Significant changes have been made. This Section has not yet been finalized by the Planning Commission. There are multiple issues to address and the section should be considered a work in progress. You can review the new material for the Commercial Corner (Sec 8) and for Preservation and Development (Sec 9) in the MP2020-031820-Working-Draft on the Town web site. After this the Planning Commission will be reviewing older material staring with Section 2.2.
Historic Preservation Commission News…
Next meeting: Tuesday, April 21, 2020; 7:30 p.m. All meetings are open to the public
REMOTE ACCESS ONLY. As part of the Town’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, this Historic Preservation Meeting will be conducted online, rather than in person.
HPC meeting access:
Residents and the public may access the meeting by dial in to 301-715-8592 and using Meeting ID: 781 347 688,
OR by joining the Zoom videoconference at: https://zoom.us/j/781347688
A Brief History of Tennis in Washington Grove
(as researched and compiled by Wendy E. Harris, Volunteer Associate Archivist and HPC Commissioner)
Tennis has been an important part of the life, culture, and landscape of Washington Grove since the camp meeting days. Philip Edwards (Washington Grove, 1873-1937) and others who have researched the history of tennis here estimate that the Town has been home to nearly twenty tennis courts over the years. Although many residents owned private courts, the recorded history of tennis playing in Washington Grove tends to focus upon the community-owned courts that have been located within the bounds of Woodward Park since the first decade of the 20th century. We have yet to come across any references to clay courts in our research although the term “lawn tennis” occurs well into the 1920s.
The earliest references to tennis found in the Town archives occur within the context of residents’ complaints that it was being played during the ten-day camp meeting season. In August of 1904, for example, the Board of Trustees expressly prohibited both baseball and tennis “for the balance of the season.” One basis for the ban would have been the community’s longstanding desire for “freedom from the disquieting effects of public sports on the Lord’s day.” However, the evangelical fervor of the camp meeting days gradually subsided as the community and the rest of the nation entered into what is known as the Progressive Era (1890-1920). One of the era’s hallmarks was the rise of sports as an American institution?along with an interest in improved public health, better education, conservation of natural resources, and civic improvement. Accordingly, on June 1905, Washington Grove’s Board of Trustees appointed its first Athletic Committee. It should be noted that during the same 1905 summer season, for the first time, the Washington Grove Chautauqua held its Assembly in the newly completed Grove Auditorium.
We have yet to locate archival records documenting the exact construction date of tennis courts in Woodward Park but references to the construction of the Girls Athletic Association’s club house indicate that courts already existed at this location by 1911. Because the courts also adjoined the new Auditorium, the physical linkage between tennis and the Chautauqua Assembly can be seen as indicative of a Progressive Era, post-camp meeting ground landscape that gradually evolved during this period.
An interesting footnote to the discussion is the fact that Washington Grove’s ban against “Sunday athletics” was finally lifted in 1934. The resolution, however, made an exception of baseball, which would not be permitted “unless otherwise authorized by the Association.” Thus, while many residents of this increasingly secular former camp meeting ground continued to view certain sports as disruptive to their “time honored observance of Sunday as a day of rest and worship,” they were reluctant to curtail their tennis playing?even by a single day.
Our history of tennis in Washington Grove has several gaps but we believe that these will be filled as we continue our work in the archives. Based on what we know so far, there has clearly been a century-long tradition of tennis playing in Washington Grove, much of it occurring in the Woodward Park courts. As elements within an historic landscape, these courts derive their significance from their association with the community’s ties to the Progressive Era, a phase of the community’s development that immediately follows the period during which the community was almost entirely defined by its camp meetings.
Lake Committee News…
Next Lake Committee Meeting: Thursday Apr 16, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.
REMOTE ACCESS ONLY. As part of the Town’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, this Lake Committee Meeting will be conducted online, rather than in person.
To join the Lake Committee meeting:
Residents and the public may access using Meeting ID: 493 370 552 by dialing in to 301-715-8592 and following the audio instructions, OR by joining the Zoom videoconference at: https://zoom.us/j/493370552
We need to plan for swim lessons, lifeguards, and making the lake even better for this summer. New members welcome and encouraged! Call John Hutchinson if you have any questions or suggestions.
Maple Lake Cleanup
The Lake started draining today (4/2), so we can start cleaning the beach this weekend. Let’s do this on an individual basis, or as families instead of all getting together as a group on April 25th. That way we can do it under the social-distancing guidelines (aka “House-Arrest”).
Here are some chores you could do on your own starting next week (April 5) when the weather is warmer, and the lake is lower:
- Pick up sticks & trash
- Rake leaves on the beach into small piles.
- After the piles have dried out, move them into the woods.
- Clean out toy bin and throw away broken or ratty toys.
- Scoop up goose poop on the berm, beach and island and toss it in the woods. Scooper is by the toy box.)
- Leave the geese and nest alone on the island.
Text me to get the gate combinations (which hasn’t changed recently) or if you have any questions.
Lifeguards Needed for Maple Lake this Summer
We have a couple of applicants but need one or two more lifeguards. Hours are from 12-6, seven days a week. Lifeguards must be certified in Lifesaving, CPR, and First Aid. Pay is $13.25 per hour. (We can help you pay for the training.) Call John Hutchinson for details.
Geese at the Lake
We are using the Humane Society’s protocol again to humanely prevent eggs from hatching this spring. In the past several years, a pair of geese has nested in an area easily accessible to our egg-oiling team. They drive away the other geese during nesting season and then leave when their eggs do not hatch. Please do not feed or harass the nesting pair or disturb the nest. If you see a nest built, please call Ann Philips or John Hutchinson. We encourage visitors to the lake to take along a plastic bag and scoop droppings. THANKS!
Forestry & Beautification News…
Next Meeting: Wed, April 8, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.
REMOTE ACCESS ONLY. As part of the Town’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, this Forestry and Beautification meeting will be conducted online, rather than in person.
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
We will be planning for the spring tree planting. We’d love to have you join us! If you can’t make the meeting but have a suggestion for where a new tree is needed, please contact F&B Chair Georgette Cole ( [email protected] ) or our Council Liaison Audrey Maskery ([email protected]).
Woods Committee News…
Next Meeting: Monday, April 6, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome!
REMOTE ACCESS ONLY. As part of the Town’s response to protect ourselves and our community from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Woods Committee (WC) will be conducting monthly online meetings.
To join the WC meeting:
Please use Meeting ID: 394-032-557 by phone: 301-715-8592 and follow the audio instructions, OR join by Zoom videoconference at https://zoom.us/j/394032557
At our April meeting, the WC will be discussing whether to reschedule our annual Spring Workday in the West Woods on Saturday, April 25th. The WC also has been planning an educational “Walk in the Woods” for Town residents with a Maryland which may be postponed as necessary. Updates on both events will be posted on the Town website and the Yahoo listserv.
The WC will discuss plans to plant several native trees along Grove Road and in the East Woods to replace the non-native invasive white mulberry trees removed.
Although this is a very difficult time in society, Mother Nature presents us with new delights daily. Take a social distancing walk in our forest preserves. Our East and West Woods offer an ever-changing environment to replenish your spirit. Ground covers such as native grasses, trout lilies, and jack-in-the pulpits are starting to sprout. The spice bush in the West Woods is in full bloom. Native and hybrid cherry blossoms float in both woods. Our native oak and hickory, and other native trees are not far behind. The spring explosion changes from day to day. For help in identifying your discoveries, on-line sites such as www.nativeplantcenter.net provide descriptions and photographs of native grasses and ground covers, shrubs, and trees. You can define your search for the Piedmont Region. Stay healthy and stay happy!
Recreation Committee News…
Next Meeting: WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2020; 7:30 p.m. Open to the public. Anyone interested in joining should attend the next meeting!
The meeting will be easily accessible by REMOTE ACCESS. Access information will be provided in the May Bulletin.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Petting Zoo event planned for April will not take place.
Summer In The Parks
We are still looking for a Director, Staff and volunteers. If you are interested, please go to the Town website to find an application and further details.
Woman’s Club News…
Cancellations As we all grapple with COVID-19, the Club has made the difficult decision to cancel some of our upcoming events. This year there will be no April Egg Hunt and no May Flower Show.
Project Linus
This has proved to be a successful Work from Home project. We’ve had donations of crocheted, knitted and fleece throws and blankets! These will go to help give some security, warmth and comfort to children in foster care or who are seriously ill or traumatized.
We’re Working on the new Town Directory
As a reminder, we’re still collecting updated information for our 2020 to 2022 Town Directory. The forms are periodically emailed to the Listserv, you can pick up one up from the Town Office or contact Marilynn Frey at [email protected]. If you haven’t filled out yours yet, please fill one out as soon as possible and email it, mail it or drop it off at the Town Office, so that we can publish the new Directory this spring.
After the Quarantine Ends, You Can Rent Our Clubhouse!
Many thanks to Steve Werts and his helpers for spending part of their personal time this winter fixing and improving our clubhouse! They’ve repaired the damaged wood on the porch, replaced our aging toilet, replaced the lattice around the exterior, improved lighting in the kitchen and installed a new, more efficient Mitsubishi heating/cooling unit.
This historic clubhouse is available for rent to Town residents from mid-March to mid-December. It’s ideal for parties, showers, wedding receptions, meetings or other such events. Our rates are reasonable, and members of the Club receive a significant discount. For more information about this lovely facility, please contact Cynthia Werts (301-926-1668) or Joli McCathran (301-869-5358).
Joining the Woman’s Club is easy
The Woman’s Club dues are a modest $15 per year and can be paid at any event, or by sending a check to The Woman’s Club of Washington Grove, to PO Box 354, Washington Grove, MD 20880.
Your dues make it possible for us to support Town programs such as Summer In the Parks, the Acorn Library and the Holiday Show. They also let us host our annual Town events like the January White Elephant Sale, the February Chili Supper, Project Linus, the Spring Egg Hunt, the May Flower Show, the June Progressive Porch Party, the September Pot Luck Supper and guest speakers. Plus, all year-round we collect for our Community Outreach programs.
For the Washington Grove Elementary School
The Teachers Closet
We collect school supplies all year round for the Teachers Closet. Our aim is to keep it filled with things like glue sticks, pencils and sharpeners, paper, hand sanitizers and tissues, and other supplies. Without our help, teachers will all too often end up buying these things out of their own pockets.
Winter Coats, Hats, Scarves and Gloves
We try to keep the Teachers Closet filled with winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves so that no child goes without through the bitter winter months.
Bringing Music to the Students
This Fall, the school asked us to help ensure that all children can participate in the Music Programs. We are hoping to donate resin, reeds, instruction books and other necessities for a successful instrumental music program. Checks should be made out to the Woman’s Club and marked for donation to the WGES Music Program.
Working with Interfaith Works for the Children
Small Gifts
While the less fortunate children of our County need essentials, they also need occasional treats in their lives, and we help provide these by collecting Birthday Presents and small Treasure Chest items to be distributed through Interfaith works.
Much Needed New Underwear
There is always a need for new underwear for boys and girls from toddlers to teens. We have developed sources for purchasing the underwear, so the easiest way to help with this need is through money donations.
White Socks and Toiletries for Area Shelter
The small, travel sized toiletries from hotels are always needed by shelter residents, and we collect and distribute them. Also, winter is hard enough for the homeless without them going without socks! We continue to collect new white socks.
Where to Bring Your Donations
Whatever pulls at your heart strings, we have a need you can fulfill. Even though our Clubhouse is currently closed for the winter, we have bins on the porch to collect for our Community Outreach Programs, or you can drop off your contributions in the painted can on Wendy Weisbard’s porch at 119 Grove Road. You bring them and we’ll sort where they go! Checks are always appreciated too, just put in the memo field if you want your donation to go to a specific project and mail to The Woman’s Club, PO Box 354, Washington Grove, MD 20880.
Stormwater Management Committee
Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 14, 2020; 7:30 p.m. via Zoom conference. We meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
REMOTE ACCESS ONLY. As part of the Town’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, this Stormwater Management Committee meeting will be conducted online, rather than in person.
Stormwater Management Committee access:
Residents and the public may access the meeting
By phone use Meeting ID: 254 075 839 and dialing-in to 301-715-8592, OR join by Zoom videoconference at https://zoom.us/j/254075839
We will be finalizing our presentation on the critical Stormwater Management issues in our West Woods in preparation for a Zoom meeting with Watershed Planners from Montgomery County and the City of Gaithersburg Stormwater Management team.
The Stormwater Management Committee meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month. If anyone would like to more information, please contact Chairman Robert Johnson ([email protected] or 301 346-6267).
Emergency Preparedness Committee News…
Next Meeting: Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
REMOTE ACCESS ONLY. As part of the Town’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, this EPSC meeting will be conducted online, rather than in person.
EPSC meeting access:
Residents and the public may access the meeting by dial-in to 301-715-8592 using Meeting ID: 913 357 212, OR join by Zoom videoconference at https://zoom.us/j/913357212
COVID-19 crisis: Check the County website at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19 for the latest information. Stay safe by social distancing (minimum 6 feet), washing your hands, not touching your face, and avoiding groups. If you are out and about and cannot wash your hands with soap and water, you can use a hand sanitizer; Twin Valley Distillers (https://twinvalleyd.com) on East Gude Drive is now making hand sanitizers. Check their website for the next scheduled sale.
Lighting Committee News…
Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. We meet the fourth Wednesday of every month.
REMOTE ACCESS ONLY. As part of the Town’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, this Lighting Committee meeting will be conducted online, rather than in person.
Lighting Committee access:
Residents and the public may access the meeting
By phone use Meeting ID: 743 509 694 and dial-in 301-715-8592, OR join by Zoom videoconference at https://zoom.us/j/743509694
There is a bollard light that has been installed near the intersection of Maple Avenue and Center Street for folks to evaluate. This is one of many options for walkway lights. Please take a moment to check it out one evening. It is set up to turn on from dusk to dawn. At the next meeting, we will be continuing our exploration of our lighting needs and options, which are complex.
We had our first meeting via Zoom on March 25th. It was well attended and productive! If anyone would like more information, please contact Chairperson Virginia Quesada ([email protected] or 301-706-7933). Thank you and hope that everyone stays safe and healthy!
Washington Grove UMC News…
Washington Grove United Methodist Church
Sundays and Easter Season Changes
Along with all local churches, we have had to make the sad decision to cancel our planned Easter Season events, as well as our Sunday services until further notice.
After the COVID-19 crises has passed, please join us on Sunday mornings at 11:00 am at the Washington Grove United Methodist Church, 303 Chestnut Road, Washington Grove, MD 20880 (301-869-3753).
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
General Information
Recyclable Yard Waste Pick-Up Returned
Recyclable yard waste pick-up by Potomac Disposal resumed on Thursday, March 5, 2020. Our trash contractor will pick up recyclable yard waste from your properly marked containers and/or large brown bags. You may also bundle your brush and tie it with twine. Bundles should be no larger than 30” in diameter and 4 feet in length. No individual pieces larger than 4 inches in diameter. Please keep in mind your container is being picked up by a human being and should not be too heavy.
Bulk Trash Pickup SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2020
Materials may include furniture, appliances (nothing with freon like air conditioning units), rugs, large toys, small auto parts, etc. Material may NOT include construction by-products from your renovation projects, large automotive parts or tires. Items should not contain gasoline or motor oil. Please keep your metal separate from the rest of your items.
ITEMS SHOULD BE PLACED “CURBSIDE” BY 7:00 A.M
FINAL BULK LEAF COLLECTION
Per contract and arrangement with US Lawns, they expect to complete the spring 2019/20 leaf pick on Friday, April 3, 2020. Residents have one final opportunity to have their spring leaves picked up by the vacuum truck. Please be mindful not to block traffic with leaves on our narrow streets.
Dog Park News….
Looking to get out of the house and exercise your stir-crazy dog?
Complete a membership application, available at https://bit.ly/39oEDjE, and email or deliver to Mary Warfield (500 McCauley St., PO Box 1488 or [email protected]). Verification of rabies vaccination required; dog must be older than 4 months; no females in heat will be permitted in the park. We are currently waiving the usual requirement for a Montgomery County license, but that requirement will resume once the CV crisis abates. Once we receive your application, we will send you a pet tag, park rules and the combination for park lock.
There is plenty of room in the park to maintain safe 6-foot distances!
Help with Grocery / Pharmacy Pick-ups Washington Grove Cares
The worsening situation with COVID-19 has led to advice that everyone should stay home as much as possible. To encourage consolidation of shopping trips and to decrease everyone’s exposure, Washington Grove Cares now offers three options.
1. For all neighbors: regularly scheduled grocery trips
Low-risk WGC volunteers will shop for others at the following regular times during the week. Contact them directly.
Mondays at 8 am (contact by Sun. 5 pm) Whole Foods, MOM’s, or Aldi’s
Call or text Caitlin Bethepu at 414-208-8661
Wednesday evenings (contact by Wed. noon) Giant
Call or text Paul Boynton at 301-357-7830
or email [email protected].
Saturday, early-morning (contact by Fri. 5 pm) Giant
Call or text Paul Boynton at 301-357-7830
or email [email protected].
2. For neighbors who use the Yahoo listserv: impromptu grocery/pharmacy trips
Are you planning to go to a grocery or pharmacy and willing to pick up items for neighborsPlease post your intended trip to the listserv by emailing the listserv at washingtongrove.yahoogroups.com a couple of hours before (or even the night before) you head out. Include your phone number. Neighbors can then contact you directly to request items.
3. For all neighbors: matching requests for groceries or pharmacy pick-ups to volunteers
Washington Grove Cares will continue to match requests for groceries or pharmacy pick-ups to low-risk volunteers as soon as a volunteer is available (often the same day).
Call: 240-813-3316
OR email: [email protected]
OR visit: washingtongrovecares.org
Thanks to all the volunteers and to our neighbors who are staying home to prevent infection or its spread.
April 2020 – Coming Events Calendar
April 1 » Planning Commission 7:30 pm Remote Access. See above
April 6 » Woods Committee 7:30 pm Remote Access. See above
April 8 » Forestry & Beautification 7:30 pm Remote Access. See above
April 13 » Town Council Meeting 7:30 pm Remote Access. See above
April 13 » Public Hearings 7:30 pm Remote Access. See above
April 14 » Stormwater Committee 7:30 pm Remote Access. See above
April 15 » Master Plan Work Session 7:30 pm Remote Access. See above
April 16 » Lake Committee 7:30 pm Remote Access. See above
April 21 » Historic Preservation Comm. 7:30 pm Remote Access. See above
April 22 » Lighting Committee 7:30 pm Remote Access. See above
April 23 » Emergency Prep. Committee 7:30 pm Remote Access. See above
May 4 » Woods Committee 7:30 pm Remote Access. See above
May 20 » Recreation Committee 7:30 pm Place TBD