Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 02.14.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the December Council meeting included:
- approval of Resolution No. 2010-13; Budget Transfer Resolution FY 2011(1)
- approval of Mayor’s appointment of Brenda Gumula as the Planning Commission Alternate.
Council Moves to One Meeting a Month
The Mayor and Town Council have decided to go back to one meeting a month, which will always be the SECOND Monday of the month. This will be a trial to see if we can get all Town business conducted on one night.
This also will mean that beginning in January, the Town Bulletin will be delivered a week or so after the meeting of the Town Council.
Town Elections
Nominations for Mayor and Town Council must be sent to Mary Kay DuBois by April 11, 2011. Residents are asked to put on their thinking caps and call Mary Kay at 301-926-8941.
McCathran Hall Rental Policy Up for Review
The Mayor and Council, with help from the Hall Committee, will be reviewing the current rental policy for the Town Hall. Residents are encouraged to go to the town website to look at the policy and provide feedback to the Mayor and Council by the February 14th meeting. Residents who do not have internet access can pick up a copy of the policy at the Town Office.
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 01.18.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. Meetings are open to the public. The HPC encourages residents to come for an early consultation when planning a renovation.
Some Historic Food for thought
QI understand that my home’s original windows can and should be restored, but how should I go about finding someone locally to do the work?
A It can be difficult to find quality craftspeople and contractors, but they are out there, and more and more are entering the field to meet this need. The answer may be as close as your phone book.
One of the best places to start is with the Montgomery County Historic Preservation Commission. This organization can suggest the names of reputable window repair contractors in your area. Preservation architects, consultants, and preservation trades people can also be good sources of information. Additional leads might be found on the following websites:
- Trades Network
- Old House Journal
- New England Window Restoration Alliance
Your nearest regional and/or field office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation may also be able to point you in the right direction.
And your Town’s Historic Preservation Commission is ready and willing to put together a Saturday workshop on old window restoration in Town if there’s interest from the community. Please let your commissioners know if this is something you think would be worthwhile.
QI want to get started now. Are there any easy, low-cost ways to make my home’s original windows more energy efficient?
AOf course there are! Making the windows of your older or historic home more energy efficient does not have to break the bank.
Here are four easy tips to get you started:
- Caulk around the window casing and mullions on the exterior.
- Caulk around the window casing and mullions on the inside.
- Add weather stripping to the window sash. There are many types of weather stripping to suit various window types, budgets, and needs.
- Use a storm window or thermal panel.
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 00.00.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
The following permits were approved at the January meeting:
- 201 Maple – shed
If you are going to erect a building or structure (including fences), make structural alterations to, or move any existing building or other structure, you must first obtain a building permit from the Washington Grove Planning Commission. Please contact the Town Office (301-926-2256) or [email protected], or see permits for more details. The Historic Preservation Commission will review most permit applications as well.
Bob Evans Resigns
Bob Evans has resigned from the Town’s Planning Commission stepping down from the Chairman’s position. Bob served on the Planning Commission from 1977-1981 and again from 1998-2010. In January 2010, his sixteenth year of outstanding service on the Planning Commission, he was elected Chairman. Bob’s breadth of knowledge and calm good sense has been an anchor for the Planning Commission that will be sorely missed. Our sincere thanks go to Bob as he retires from this post. Bravo, Mr. Evans!!
At their meeting on January 5, 2011, the Commission elected Eric Gleason as their new Chairman. The Commission also welcomed new alternate Brenda Gumula.
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 03.16.11@ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend. New members always welcome!
Grove Home Companion – A Reeelly Big Shew!
The Grove Home Companion Holiday Special brought the house down (or the Hall) this year! The wonderfully creative team of Judy Mroczka and Pat DiBella produced the show in a radio format that parodied the ever popular Prairie Home Companion. As usual, all attending were delighted and amazed at the range of talent (children and adults) in our fair Town. A big thank you to Judy and Pat and the skadillion other volunteers that made the show possible this year. Thanks also to the Recreation Committee volunteers that decorate every year and laid out the terrific spread of treats. And of course, thanks to Santa and Mrs. Claus…we couldn’t do it without you!
Despite the Wind and the Cold
…the caroling went on without a hitch. It wouldn’t have happened were it not for the help of Amy and John Porter. Thanks, you two, for keeping another Town tradition alive!
Film Society
On Sunday, February 13, 2011, the Washington Grove Film Society will air Tuya’s Marriage. Tuya, a strong, unsentimental woman, divorces her disabled husband so she can find a man who will support her and her family, including her former husband. Suitors line up, but it proves hard to find a man who fits the bill. You won’t soon forget the magnificent Mongolian landscape, the intricate deal-making and rituals of courtship, and Tuya’s efforts to maintain her family’s traditional ways. Directed by Quanan Wang, 2007, Inner Mongolia, Mandarin with English subtitles, 86 minutes. Join us for this moving film at 7:00 PM in McCathran Hall; tickets are $7 at the door.
WGUMC News
Winter Sermon Series on Essentials of Christian Faith-All are welcome to participate, to hear, and to ask questions: 11:00 a.m. Sundays, Jan. 30th thru Feb. 27th
Refreshments follow at 12 noon.
Woman’s Club News
The Woman’s Club Annual Auction will be on Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Appleby’s home at 112 Chestnut Avenue. Maria Montefusco will be our esteemed auctioneer. Ernie Kawasaki will be our beverage server. Please bring items to auction off and be prepared to bid. Also be prepared for a great evening. All are invited to attend. Please contact Joli McCathran, 301-869-5358 or via e-mail at [email protected] if you have any questions. The funds raised are earmarked for our community service projects which include supporting Summer in the Parks, Acorn Library, the McCathran Hall Player Holiday Show, Washington Grove United Methodist Church and other community activities. A great evening of laughter and happiness is promised!
Maintenance Committee News
Next meeting: Monday » 01.24.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
All are welcome to attend these meetings. Please bring your suggestions and ideas. Please direct any questions to Joe Clark at; [email protected] or 301-869-7944.
Lake Committee News
The Lake Committee will have their first meeting of 2011 on Feb. 9th at 7:30 PM in the Council Room. Mark your calendars as these meetings will continue on the 3rd Wednesday of each month through the fall. It’s time to start planning for clean-up day, geese, lifeguards, swim instructors and budget priorities. For more information, please contact John Hutchinson (Hutch); 301-926-8767.
Outdoor Lighting Advisory Committee
Next meeting: Thursday » 01.27.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
Light pollution is defined as: Glare, light trespass, and light which is reflected into the night sky, contributing to sky glow, through the use of unshielded, misplaced, excessive, or unnecessary outdoor night lighting.
By eliminating light pollution, we can conserve energy, reduce glare and light trespass while maintaining our desirable community character, safeguarding our wildlife in their natural environment, and restoring our view of the starry night sky.
Recyclable Yard Waste Reminder
Per our contract, November 26th was the last date for collection of your recyclable yard waste in paper bags and properly marked containers. This service will resume in early March. Town Maintenance WILL NOT collect your brush piles.
Leaves Have Fallen…Leaf Collection Ends
Per our contract with U.S. Lawns, bulk leaf pickup ended on January 3, 2011. Details about a spring pickup will be in the March Bulletin. Stay tuned…
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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.
Tired of Receiving The Washington Examiner?
If you would like to stop the delivery of this newspaper (particularly residents on Washington Grove Lane), it CAN be done. Please send an e-mail to: [email protected] and request that they stop delivery to your address. You may have to do it twice.
Verizon FIOS is Coming in the Spring!!
Yes, that would be THIS Spring (2011). There are no further details but as soon as there are, they will be passed along.
Call 311 To Get It Done!
311 is Montgomery County’s phone number for non-emergency government information and services. For emergency calls, residents should continue to call 911. A new website is available 24/7 at: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311
COMING SOON!!
Rhythm & Movement Classes for Kids
Instructor: Samantha Beres
McCathran Hall on Tuesdays; 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Fee: To Be Determined
For More Information contact Samantha at 301-330-8509
Clerk’s Corner
Drive 15, enjoy the scene!!