Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 12.08.14 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the November Council meeting included:
- acceptance of the Audit Report Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2014. Many thanks to Treasurer Mary Challstrom for her dedicated and detailed work! A hard copy of the audit is available for review at the Town Office.
From The Mayor
Mayor McCathran wishes everyone a happy, safe and warm holiday season!
Changes to Council Assignments
- Cindy Frei – Roads & Walkways, Woods Group
240-912-6462; [email protected] - Audrey Maskery – Maintenance Staff, Forestry & Beautification
301-977-0582; [email protected]
Snow Removal
This year again, the Town is having our Maintenance Staff perform the snow removal from the roads in Town. The Town does not use salt on our roads. If traction on slippery roads and/or intersections is needed, only sand is used.
Help Wanted
The Town is seeking a Recording Secretary for the Historic Preservation Commission. This paying job requires attending one meeting per month, on the third Tuesday of each month in McCathran Hall. In addition, hours are paid for writing up the minutes to present at the next meeting. The approximate required time commitment is 5-7 hours monthly. If you are interested in filling this position, please contact me at 301-869-5358 or via e-mail at [email protected]
Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
This Committee submitted their findings to the Town Council. As a result, letters were sent to the Director of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, and the Commander of the Sixth District, Montgomery County Police Department, outlining the safety measures the Committee recommended.
Ridge Road Refuse Meeting Update
A meeting was organized by Town Councilor Greg Silber to meet with residents residing on Ridge Road. Discussion items included damages and possible remedies from heavy vehicles that provide services to residents. The Town will continue to work along with the residents seeking relief and improvements.
The Clay Court Committee
The Committee met for its final meeting and unanimously agreed to retain the two dirt tennis courts and one all-weather court in Woodward Park. The Maintenance Staff plans to work this winter on improving drainage, and installing of a sprinkler system. Thank you to the many volunteers who worked on the committee.
Incident in East Woods
Several Town Residents brought to the attention of the Town a secluded area in the East Woods where a motor bike, bicycles, and other items appeared to be set out for recreation. The Montgomery County Police were called and the items were removed. Thanks to those who helped clean up this area. Please continue to be vigilant and report any unusual activities in the woods.
Leaves Are Falling
New and long-time residents alike are reminded of the Town contract for the removal of leaves in bulk each autumn. US Lawns will make regular but unscheduled pickups of leaves raked or blown into windrows within six feet of any walkway or roadway, excluding Railroad Street, 2nd Ave., 3rd Ave., 4th Ave., 5th Ave., and Boundary Street. This service begins October 31 and ends January 2, 2015, or as soon thereafter as we agree that the work is complete. This is your opportunity to have leaves removed without the additional work and expense of bagging.
Weather frequently affects this process, as rain can restrict movement of large trucks on the avenues. Also, one or two spectacular fall weekends in November or early December usually see most of us raking at the same time. The contractor will time pickups based on the availability of full truckloads for vacuuming. If you rake when most other people rake, the windrows will probably disappear relatively quickly. If you feel that a particular pile has been ignored for an inordinate amount of time, please call Greg Silber at 301-926-1854 or e-mail him at [email protected].
Please place your windrows along the side of the road or walkway (keeping in mind, traffic & pedestrian flow), and don’t include brush or limbs that foul the vacuum.
Happy raking! It’s the rite of autumn, particularly in a town graced by so many beautiful deciduous trees.
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 12.03.14 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
Permits up for discussion on December 3rd:
- 402 Grove Ave. Addition to shed
- 203 2nd Ave. New Home; PWPP; Permanent Easement Request review.
- 417 4th Ave. Public Ways & Property
Geothermal Digging Needs Town Permit!
The Town Public Ways & Property Permit requirement became effective on Feb. 14, 2013. If you are contemplating the installation of a geothermal heat/AC system, please check with the Town Planning Commission BEFORE you get started. It is important to be sure of your property lines before allowing someone to start digging. If digging will occur on Town land, you must obtain a Public Ways & Property Permit from the Town. Your contractor may be asked to get a bond as well. County permits are also required for this type of project. Thank you!
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 12.16.14 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
Meetings are open to the public.
HPC Reminder!
Residents are reminded of the change in the Town building permit process. You must first obtain a formal advisory review of your project from the HPC before turning in your permit application. Please see the HPC requirements listed on the documents that accompany the building permit application. The HPC review (when applicable) must be attached to the building permit application.
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 12.17.14 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
Holiday Show!!
Grovers, come one, come all, to this year’s fabulous and festive holiday show, The Grove Holly Follies! The event will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 7:30 pm in McCathran Hall. Come out and enjoy the talents of your neighbors, who offer their thespian, musical, and terpsichorean skills in holiday entertainments. Fun and satisfaction, guaranteed! As always, we invite the audience to join the cast and crew for refreshments following the show!
Let There Be Caroling!
Any voices want to sing-a-long? Join us on MONDAY, December 22, 2014, 7:30 p.m. in McCathran Hall. At this gathering of singers, we will go caroling around the Grove. All voices (SATB) welcome.
Forestry News
If you see small red flags, blue streamers attached to trees in either our West or East Woods…these are good signs! The Forest Consultant hired by the Mayor and Council has begun marking out both woods to survey what is there, what isn’t there, and what should be there. This is important data collection to help build a long-term Forest Management Plan for both our woods to protect their ecosystems, to sustain those ecosystems and these unique Town assets for the foreseeable future. (Town woods make up almost half of the total Town acreage!) Please do not disturb these markers. If you see any that are cast aside, give a call to the Town Office, 301-926-2256.
Woman’s Club News
Once again we’ve proved to be The Town That Cares! Thanks to everyone’s generous contributions, the Woman’s Club collected and delivered 22 coats and lots of assorted hats, scarves and gloves to the Washington Grove Elementary School. These winter garments will be shared among the needy children who otherwise would be coming to school without warm winter outerwear.
Ah yes, about those White Elephants…What, you might ask, are they and why should you be collecting them? Well, a White Elephant is something that’s no longer of value to you but might be to someone else, and on January 17, 2015, the Woman’s Club will be holding our annual White Elephant Sale! This is an always fun event where we auction off everyone’s White Elephants to raise funds to support the many community projects we host throughout the year.
January is also our Membership Drive, when the Club’s annual dues of a modest $15 are due. In addition to donating funds to help support the Summer In the Parks program, the Acorn Library and the Holiday Show, we also host Town events like the January White Elephant Sale, the February Chili Dinner, the Spring Easter Egg Hunt, the May Flower Show, the June Progressive Porch Party, the July Yard Sale, the September Pot Luck Dinner and an October get together at the Club House. Since the Club was formed in 1926, we have been an integral part of the fabric of our unique Town. So, if you’re a member, remember to pay your dues, and if you aren’t, please consider joining the Woman’s Club.
WGUMC News
- Fair Trade Craft Show with Bake Table – Dec. 5(Fri) 6-8 p.m. Church Fellowship Hall. Come and shop for Christmas gifts that make a difference in the world. Live music by David Rapkievian and Paul Ludwig. Sing-along led by Dick Cavicchi. Simply enjoy holiday atmosphere by hanging around with baked item samplers and hot drinks. Free gift wrapping will also be offered. Live music begins at 7 p.m.
- Children’s Pageant – Dec. 14(Sun) at 11 a.m. Let your children enjoy a traditional Pageant while making future memories for their parents. Smiles all around!
- Christmas Candlelight Service – Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. Looking for a place to quiet your heart and think of the season’s meaning? Come join us!
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Washington Grove Meadow Park News
Park Manager, Mike Jones, tells us the Montgomery County Parks Department is installing at least 30 new trees in the forested east edge of the Meadow Park! This will really help thicken the tree line. Twelve large trees will be installed by a contract tree mover and the Parks staff will install 18 smaller trees. They have already mowed/bush hogged along the trail in that area to reduce non-native invasive plants and facilitate the new plantings. Mike tells us they flagged a larger number of tree planting sites and hope to install even more than 30 trees now with the potential for more later. Mayor McCathran (who has worked for years with the Maryland Big Trees Program) expressed interest in the Pope Farm nursery site from which many of the trees will come. She has been invited to come and participate in the tree selection process. Work started in November and will continue through December; very exciting news for our beloved meadow!
Refuse/Recycling Schedule Change for Holidays
With the upcoming holidays falling on Thursdays, Potomac Disposal has made the following changes to our pickup schedule:
- Christmas Week-Pickup on Wednesday 12/24/14
- New Year’s Week-Pickup on Wednesday 12/31/14
YARD WASTE Collection Ends 12.31.14
Please note that December 31, 2014 will be the last date for collection of recyclable yard waste by Potomac Disposal. This service will resume in early March.
Bulk Trash Pickup Scheduled 12.20.14
The Town has scheduled a bulk trash pickup for Saturday, December 20, 2014. Please have your items "curbside" by 7:00 AM.
Potomac Disposal will NOT pick up the following:
- Liquids or chemicals in any form, including paint, gasoline, oil etc. NO FREON!
- Tires
- Rugs and/or padding which is not cut into three (3) foot rolls
- Large wall units (shelving) not broken down
- Fencing
- Mirrors or glass larger than 3′ x 3′. Please tape to prevent injury.
- Large amounts of construction debris, specifically material left by a contractor. If homeowner is doing their own repair work they can call PDI to set up the bulk pick-up.
Deer Fences Down
Residents are reminded that deer fencing must be down by November 30th per Town Ordinance 3.328(g). Thanks!
Christmas Tree Disposal
Beginning in late December, Christmas trees will be picked up roadside by Town Maintenance staff. When you place your tree out for collection, please remove all tinsel, ornaments, the stand and any other metal.
Holiday Office Hours
The Town Office will be open a day or two between Christmas and New Year’s. Those dates are not yet certain. Residents are encouraged to call before coming to the office during this time; 301-926-2256.
Nicho’s Trees
Thank you to the many who purchased Washington Grove T-shirts this summer. Profits from the sales of T-shirts and donations associated with the sale have totaled $1,795 to date. The profits and donations have been directed to Nicho’s Trees, a fund established in memory of Nicholas Lembesis, who loved and had unusual knowledge of the Town’s forests and natural areas. The Nicho’s Trees fund will support the planting and maintenance of significant trees on Town land and is managed by the Town Forestry Committee.
Betsy Klinger