Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 08.10.15 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the July Council meeting included:
- approval of the Mayor’s appointment of Deborah Mehlferber as Alternate on the Planning Commission.
- amendment of Condition #5 in the Public Ways & Property Permit for 203 2nd Avenue. Condition #5 restricted all construction work on Sundays which is contrary to the Town Ordinances. Work on Sundays will be allowed from Noon – 6:00 PM.
Traffic Safety
Traffic safety concerns in regards to speeding were brought to the attention of the Town Council at the July 10, 2015 meeting. The majority of the excessive speed seems to occur in the “rush hour” times of day. This request also supports the report of the Traffic Safety Committee. For safety and other reasons, we should do all we can to respect the speed limit of 15 mph. Please be conscientious and considerate of your fellow Town residents by obeying this law.
Reminder to Residents
The same applies to the illegal right turn from McCauley Street onto Washington Grove Lane and the reverse. We as residents are not above the law and should adhere to the signage.
Custodian Needed
Haley McClelland has resigned from her custodial duties at McCathran Hall. The Town is seeking a replacement, which is a once a week, paid position. If you are interested in filling this position, please contact me. We thank Haley for her service, and wish her all the best in achieving her educational goals!
No Cash for Town Payments
Effective immediately, the Town of Washington Grove will accept only checks or money orders in payment of fees for McCathran Hall rentals, major building permits, recreation programs, and donations. This is being done for security reasons. I appreciate your cooperation in making this important policy change.
Task Force on Abandoned Properties
The Task force for abandoned properties is seeking a few more members. Currently this task force consists of a member of the Planning Commission, the Historic Preservation Commission, the Town Council, and a few Town citizens. Please contact me if you wish to serve.
Emergency Preparedness Committee Members Needed
The Emergency Preparedness Committee needs more members as well. Again, please contact me if you are willing to serve.
MML Employee of the Year
It was a proud moment for our Town and for me to see Steve Werts receive his “Maryland Municipal Employee of the Year” award at the Maryland Municipal League Convention in Ocean City, Maryland. Steve’s award will hang proudly in McCathran Hall. Congratulations Steve!
Joli A. McCathran
301-869-5358
[email protected]>
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 08.05.15 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
If the spring/summer renovation bug has reared its head at your house, be sure to get a copy of the revised procedures to apply for a Town Building Permit which will help you through the Town’s process. The procedures are available from the Town Clerk or from the Town’s website. In addition, the house files in the Town Hall, another resource when planning home modifications, may have some helpful information on your property. The Historic Preservation Commission and the Planning Commission are here to help you with your project.
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 08.18.15 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. All meetings are open to the public.
If you are considering changes to your home, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you, most preferably early in your planning process, at one of our monthly meetings, which are scheduled on the third Tuesday of each month, at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room.
HPC-Windows (cont’d)
Reason #3: Old Windows Can Be Repaired
Traditional windows are made from individual parts. Each piece – the rails, stiles, muntins, stops, sill, stool, jamb, etc. – can be individually repaired or replaced in kind. Vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, and composite windows are manufactured as a unit, and the components generally cannot be repaired. When a part fails, or the insulated glass seal breaks, or the vinyl warps, the entire unit must be replaced. In addition to being a “green” alternative, repairing and increasing the energy performance of existing wood windows is good for the local economy, as hiring a window repair specialist to refurbish windows creates skilled local jobs.
Reason #4: Old Windows Perform Well and are Energy Efficient
A growing body of studies is demonstrating that a historic wood window that is properly maintained, weather stripped, and has a storm window can be just as energy efficient as a new window. While additional testing will provide more evidence, many people find that using a window-storm combination is even more efficient than having a new double-pane window unit alone. This is because the air space between a historic window and the storm provides several inches of added insulation.
Maple Lake News
Next meeting: Thursday » 08.20.15 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
Substitutes Needed
The Town is having some difficulty filling some slots for lifeguarding in August. If you have any suggestions, please contact David Harmon at 301-972-1417 or [email protected].
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 08.19.05 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
“Washington Grove on the Fourth of July”
Many thanks to all those who helped fire up the Fourth of July festivities. Special thanks to Ann and Elly Briggs and Sita Strother for softball game duty, Peter Nagrod for organizing the picnic at Maple Lake, Missy Yachup for herding the parade fashionista and handing out awards, Commander Allan Janus and the Washington Grove Militia for a truly impressive volley, and as always, the one and only Muskrat Band. It does take a village, so a tip of the softball cap to all the others who helped out.
As always, the Recreation Committee is open to suggestions and eager for volunteers!
Playground Committee
The Playground Committee will meet again on Monday, August 24, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. Come one, come all!
WGUMC News
Back To School Blessing
The return to school, starting a new grade with new teachers and students is huge for children and for their families. Washington Grove UMC offers the Town a back to school blessing. Children of any age, including daycare or preschools, and their parents are welcome to join us for this ritual of blessing and new beginning for the school year on Sunday August 30, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.
Woman’s Club News
Next meeting: Thursday » 08.13.15 @ 7:30 p.m. in the Clubhouse Please join us for Eve Zibart’s Travel Talk.
Annual Pot Luck Dinner
Don’t forget the Annual Pot Luck Dinner on Friday, Sept. 18, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. in the Clubhouse.
We Weren’t ALL Wet…
In spite of Saturday’s rainy weather, this year’s Woman’s Club Yard Sale was both a success and lots of fun. Thanking everyone individually would fill half of this Town Bulletin, so here’s one big THANK YOU to all!
Community Outreach
Our outreach programs will continue collections through the summer and fall. On the porch of the Clubhouse, there will be a box for your donations of kid’s coats, hats, gloves and scarves for the needy children of Washington Grove Elementary School. Also, donations of toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss and white socks for the Gude Men’s Shelter can be dropped off in the decorated cans on Wendy Weisbard’s porch at 119 Grove Avenue.
Sunday Noise Reminder
Per Article 1, Section 7. Operation of Power Mowers, Etc.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a power mower, chain saw, or other power equipment on Sundays before the hour of 12:00 Noon, except that electrically powered tools may be operated within a building with doors and windows closed.
Peanut Allergies
In this time of potluck suppers and picnics, residents are reminded that some folks have an allergy to peanuts. If
you bring food to share with others that contains peanuts, please be kind and mark it as such.