Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 01.12.15 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the December Council meeting included:
- approval of Resolution 2014-06; Granting a Permanent Easement for 203 2nd Avenue. This will allow the resident to rebuild the porch on Town property with restrictions as to its original size on said land.
- approval of a contract with Marida Hines for Town website development.
- approval of a Memo of Understanding between the Town and the Washington Grove United Methodist Church allowing the Town to plow the parking lot in exchange for prearranged use of the lot for overflow parking at McCathran Hall.
Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Update
The Town received a response from Montgomery County Department of Transportation pertaining to the Mayor’s letter regarding requests made by our Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. In summary, many of the requests made simply did not meet the thresholds specified in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and MCDOT could not comply with the requests. This letter was sent to members of the Committee for their review and comments.
Town Elections
Town Elections are coming up! Have you thought about becoming a member of the Town Council? We encourage anyone intrigued by this idea to talk to anyone in the Town Government about it. Ask around among your neighbors—many residents have already served and can give you an idea of what it’s like. Washington Grove can only thrive with the participation of motivated residents like YOU!
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 01.07.15 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend. 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 call the Town Office for details pertaining to deadlines and submission requirements.
Permits up for discussion on January 7th:
- 330 Ridge Road » Solar panels in yard
Permits up for approval on January 7th:
- 402 Grove Ave. » Addition to shed
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 01.07.15 @ 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.
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]
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 01.21.15 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
Winter Film Project with Zach Fletcher!!
A great way to explore acting and filmmaking in a playful and familiar setting!
Who: Grove Kids Ages 5-12
What: Zach’s Winter Film Project
Where: McCathran Hall
When: Saturday afternoons; 2/7/15 through 3/28/15 from 2:00-3:15 p.m.
Screening for Friends and Family on April 4, 2015 in McCathran Hall at 7:00 p.m.
Call Zach with any questions; 301-938-5459
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.
Woods Group News
The Town Woods Group will meet on Monday, February 2, 2015 at 7:30 PM in the Council Room.
Film Society News
Join us on Sunday evening, January 11, for the movie classic, The Heiress. Set in New York’s Greenwich Village in the 1850’s, this tale of love and betrayal boasts Oscar-winning performances and a score by American master Aaron Copland. Helmed by famed director William Wyler, the film, in glorious black and white, was adapted from the stage version of Henry James’s novel “Washington Square.” Directed by William Wyler, 1949, b&w, U.S., screened with English subtitles, 115 minutes. The movie will be shown in McCathran Hall at 7 PM with discussion to follow. Tickets at the door cost $7.
Woman’s Club News
Mark your calendars for the Annual White Elephant Sale on Saturday January 17, 2015; 7PM.
The holidays are over, 2015 is here and it’s time for that annual Town favorite…the Woman’s Club’s White Elephant Sale. What is a White Elephant Sale, you ask? Well, in Washington Grove, it’s a great excuse for a good time! Bring something you are willing to part with, be it useful, beautiful, or goofy, then join the fun as it’s auctioned off to the highest bidder. This year’s sale will be Saturday, January 17, 2015, 7:00 PM, at the home of Carol Samour and David Harmon, 333 McCauley Street. We are looking for two volunteers to act as hostesses for the evening. If you could help out, please contact Barbara Engle at [email protected] or 301.424.8847.
Don’t forget that January is 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.
YARD WASTE Collection Ends
Please note that December 31, 2014 was the last date for collection of recyclable yard waste by Potomac Disposal. This service will resume in early March 2015.
Christmas Tree Disposal
Beginning in late December, Christmas trees will be picked up roadside by Town Maintenance.
When you place your tree out for collection, please remove all tinsel, ornaments, the stand and any other metal.
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.
Fall/Winter Leaf Collection Over
As of January 2, 2015, our leaf collection contractor has completed the 2014 pick-up. They will return for a spring pick-up at the beginning of April. Check future Town Bulletins for details.
KUDOS!!
Grove Kids Take Over Holiday Show
The kids put on the show…and what a show it was! Just when we think it can’t get any better than last year’s, the talented team of Pat and Judy make it even more fun! Our incredibly smart, funny and talented kids were in charge this year, and everyone agreed it was the best show yet. Thanks so much to Pat, Judy and all the volunteers that put in so many hours to make our Grove holidays so festive. It is the best time of the year!!!