Council Notes
Next meeting: Monday, August 13, 7:30 p.m., McCathran Hall.
The public is invited to attend. May Council actions included:
· approved appointments of Bill Miller and Bud O’Connor to he Planning
Commission
· scheduled Special Council Meeting for July 23 to take reports from Casey Field
committees
· voted to introduce Ordinance Establishing a Historic Preservation Commission
· postponed consideration of ordinance to change composition of Planning
Commission.
Town Office Closed
The office will be closed from Monday, July 30 through
Friday, August 3. For urgent matters, call Mayor Pro Tem Nick Suzich at 301-869-
9638 or the appropria te Councilor.
Special Town Council Meeting – Monday, July 23
FUTURE OF THE CASEY FIELD
McCathran Hall Council Room, 7:00 p.m.
Status reports will be presented from Special Committees on Finance,
Environmental/Open Space and Planner Liaison. Pursuant to the “Open Meetings
Law”, an Executive Session will be held at approximately 8:00 p.m. to consult with
counsel to obtain legal advice.
Town Council Introduces Ordinance Establishing a Historic Preservation Commission Public Hearing Scheduled for Thursday, September 6, 2001
One mechanism to promote preservation of both the Town’s historic character and
architecturally significant structures is the creation of a Historic Preservation
Commission. This ordinance, drafted with the help of Town attorney Bill Roberts,
would create a Commission with advisory responsibilities. The Commission would
help property owners, the Planning Commission and the Town Council address historic
preservation issues by reviewing from a preservation perspective plans submitted for
building renovations, demolitions, variances, subdivisions, zoning changes and
changes in neighboring jurisdictions. The proposed ordinance does not change the
criteria for approving any of these activities, but does require that the Historic
Preservation Commission have an opportunity to comment where appropriate. The
proposed ordinance amends the Town Code of Ordinances for the purpose of:
1. Establishing a Town Historic Preservation Commission to safeguard the
heritage of the Town by encouraging the preservation of the historic nature of
the Town and the elements of its cultural, social, economic and architectural
history; to stabilize and improve property values; to foster civic duty; to
strengthen the Town’s economy; and to promote the preservation and
appreciation of the historic nature of the Town as a whole and specific sites and
structures within the Town for the education and welfare of residents of the
Town, visitors thereto, and sojourners therein;
2. Adopting provisions for the appointment of members of the Historic
Preservation Commission, including staggered terms for initial appointments;
3. 3) Requiring prior review and comment by the Historic Preservation
Commission on applications for certain build ing permits, variances, special
exceptions, subdivision plans, zoning reclassification of property, and revisions
to the Town’s Master Plan;
4. Providing a source and repository of information, expertise and guidance
regarding issues of historic preservation within the Town; and
5. Clarifying the existing Code of Ordinances to expressly include the demolition
of any or all of a structure as requiring a building permit from the Town.
Copies of the entire ordinance including an explanation are available at the Town
Office.
Memorial Service for Emmette Keese
A memorial service for Emmette Keese will
be held on Saturday, July 21, at 3:00 p.m. in McCathran Hall. Emmette’s family
invites everyone to join them for a potluck supper following the service. Beverages
and table service will be provided.
Hazardous Materials Disposal
– Sunday, August 12 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shady
Grove Transfer Station
Woman’s Club Meeting
– Thursday, August 23
THIS OLD HOUSE TOUR
Join your friends for a tour of 102 Center Street, the home under renovation by owners
Chris Kirtz and Terry Shoemaker. Meet at the Clubhouse, 7:30 p.m.
Cell Phone Stolen from Vehicle
Report suspicious activity and crimes both to
police and Town Councilor for public safety Tricia Kno x at 301-527-0003.
Grove Reaps County Big Tree Awards
The Montgomery County Forestry Board
recognized three Town trees as being the largest of their species in the County. These
trees, which are on public land, were nominated by John Bradfield. Big Tooth Aspen,
new County champion Pitch Pine, replacement champion (near King’s) Short leaf Pine,
new County champion (near Hansen’s).
Lost and Found
Silver necklace found at Maple Lake; Adult sandals found Arbor
Day at McCathran Hall; Camouflage backpack; Red umbrella — contact Town Office.
Grove Concert CDs Available
CDs of last month’s Concert in the Grove, as well as
the Holiday Concert 2000 are available. Contact David Haavik at 301-963-6485,
[email protected], or P.O. Box 1416, Washington Grove, MD 20880.
Maple Lake News
The next Lake Committee meeting will be held on Thursday,
August 23, at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. The Lake Committee reminds lake users
that well water coming from the pipe has not been certified safe for drinking by WSSC.
Grove Residents Receive Preservation Awards — On June 1, Montgomery
Preservation presented 2001 Preservation Awards to two Grove homeowners in
recognition of their valuable contribution to historic preservation in Montgomery
County. Ned and Nancy Helme, 108 Grove Avenue, received an award for an addition
to a historic resource – residential. Gail Littlefield, 111 Grove Avenue, received an
award for restoration of an original feature of a historic resource (her porch!) The
awards are presented annually by MPI with support from the Montgomery County
Historic Preservation Commission. Congratulations to all!
WASHINGTON GROVE FILM SOCIETY ANNOUNCES NEW FILM SERIES
5-Film Subscription Series, $20
Sunday Evenings at 7:00 p.m. in McCathran Hall
These movies are 16mm film, not videotape.
Audience members are invited to stay after each showing
to join us in a discussion of the film.
Purchase subscriptions by sending a check for $20,
payable to the Town of Washington Grove, to Birgit
Henninger, P.O. Box 355. The price of tickets sold at
the door will be $7.
Reminder: If you bought tickets on July 4 and have not
yet paid, please send your check to Birgit.
October 7 NOT ONE LESS
1999, China, color, sub titled, 106 minutes
November 4 DAUGHTERS OF THE DUST
1992, USA, color, 113 minutes
January 6 AFTER LIFE
1998,Japan, color, subtitled, 118 minutes
February 3 THE MOUSE THAT ROARED
1959, Britain, color, 83 minutes
March 3 THE WORLD OF APU
1959, India, b/w, 106 minutes
Plus a free film for the whole family . . .
December 2 Charlie Chaplin’sCITY LIGHTS
1931, USA, b/w, silent with music, 87 minutes
KUDOS
Mary Kay DuBois’ contributions to Grove life would take an entire Bulletin to enumerate.
Quietly and expertly Mary Kay gets it done! She assists with planting projects, arranged for the
speaker on Deer Damage Control, and supports the Recreation Committee, buying food for many
events . . . always willing to volunteer her time. Have you noticed the begonias at the Town
Hall and the vinca at the commercial corner? Carol Uhlendorf has been busy planting!
Fourth of July thanks go to Nick and JoAnn Suzich for the marvelous hotdog picnic, to
Missy Yachup for organizing the costume judges and prizes, to Eric Selby for orchestrating the
infamous Muskrat Band, to Charlie Hawk for raising the flag with aplomb, to Allan Janus for
demonstrating the therapeutic value of Grove musketry, and to Christine Dibble and Tom
Land for their expert handling of the awards ceremony.
Thanks for the Roses –Postmaster Victor Apostolico and employees of the Washington Grove
Post Office would like to thank the anonymous donor of the beautiful bouquet of roses delivered
to the Post Office in early June. Enjoyed by customers and employees alike!
Mugshot Available at Town Office
Montgomery County police have provided a mugshot of the man sentenced for indecent exposure in an incident directed at a child at the Washington
Grove MARC rail shelter. One condition of his probation is that he not enter Washington Grove.
The mugshot is available at the Town Office for those who would like to see it. James Truman
Birch is described as a 37-year-old white male, 5’10”, 180 lbs., with gray hair.
FORUM ON POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT OF CASEY FIELD
Thanks in large measure to organizer/moderator Della Curenton and the participation of about 50 Grove residents, the
Town Forum/Charette held on June 27 and 30 was very successful. The Forum gave residents an
opportunity to consider what they would prefer to see in the Casey Field were it to be developed.
The structure of the two meetings was designed to take the assembled group from an
understanding of broad concepts, through a structured “brainstorming”, and build to a degree of
consensus on issues and alternatives facing the Town. Wednesday’s evening session included an
overview of relevant Master and Sector Plans presented by Planner Liaison Committee member
Bob Booher. A photo/PowerPoint presentation on new urbanism and neo-traditional
neighborhood development followed, along with a series of “what if” pictures superimposing
forms of new urbanism-style development on photos of the existing field. This presentation was
prepared by planner and Town resident Della Curenton. The Saturday morning session began
with the individuals answering the question, “What do you treasure about Washington Grove?”
Then the large group divided into four groups of equal size to answer questions about the kind of
relationship we as a Town want to have with a potential development in the Casey Field and
what can we recommend to make that relationship a reality? For the afternoon session,
participants were asked to join one of five issue-specific groups for discussion. The topics were
access, annexation, buffers, character, and recreation and open space. All groups were given a
list of thought-provoking questions as well as topics from the morning session. Each group was
to prepare five statements that would be brought back to the reassembled group for final voting.
It is hoped that the responses from this group will aid planners and Town decision- makers in the
event that alternatives don’t work and a development is approved for the Casey field. Copies of
the final report are available on loan from the Town Office.
Clean Up After Your Pooches Please
Just a reminder to pick up after your dog if it soils a
public way or somebody else’s yard. OK? Thanks.
Have You Got Her Number?
Recently elected Town Councilor Tricia Knox has a new phone
number. It is 301-527-0003. Tricia has accepted Council assignments in the areas of public
safety and maintenance.
Planning Commission News
Next meeting will be Tuesday, August 7, 7:30 p.m., Town
Hall. The public is welcome to attend. At their July meeting, John McClelland was elected
chairman.
Town Information
Office/Clerk -Treasurer
Phone: 301-926-2256
Fax: 301-926-0111
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.washgrov.sailorsite.net
Website Coordinator: [email protected]
Mail: P.O. Box 216, Washington Grove, MD 20880
Town Hall: Center Street & Chestnut Road, Washington Grove
Office Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Closed Wednesday mornings
Hall Scheduler Jenny Long 301-869-3824
Maintenance: Jim Fletcher 301-963-5850
Street Light Out: Vicki Erhart 301-208-9442
Building Permits: John McClelland 301-963-3328
County Animal Control: 301-279-1066
County Police Non-Emergency: 301-279-8000
Building Permits
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. The Town zoning ordinance
governs setbacks, lot coverage, and height. Applications are available at the Town Office at 301-
926-2256. Please allow at least 10 days for review by the Commission. Call John McClelland at
301-963-3328 if you have questions about zoning code requirements. Interior renovations, which
involve electrical, plumbing, or load-bearing changes, generally require a County permit. The
Town must first sign off all applications for County-required building permits.
Building Permit Issued
Littlefield, 111 Grove Avenue, kitchen renovation
Rent the Woman’s Club House!
Planning a surprise birthday bash, family reunion,
graduation gala, wedding reception, planning session or business meeting . . . consider the
charming wooded setting, spacious main room, screened porch, kitchen and restroom facilities of
the Woman’s Club House. For information or reservations call Kitty Vogan at 301-840-9416.
Heat and air conditioning!!
A History of the Woman’s Club of Washington Grove by Sylvia Tate Horan
The Woman’s Club, which held its first meeting on July 29, 1926, is celebrating its 75th
anniversary by publishing “A History of the Woman’s Club of Washington Grove.” The book
reveals not only the interests and activities of the women from the Club’s early years to the
present but also the influence of the group on the Town. The author, Sylvia Tate Horan, has
studied Club minutes and the Town archives and has gathered photos and personal information
from members and neighbors to authenticate this valuable addition to our history. The book will
be available soon for $20. To reserve your copy, call Kitty Vogan at 301-840-9416 or email
[email protected].
Solutions Sought for Washington Grove Lane Trash Problem
Accumulating trash appears
to be a growing problem along roads everywhere but especially along Washington Grove Lane
as it passes through the Grove. For a time, the First AME Church had adopted this stretch of
road. Although it is discouraging to see an area trashed right after you pick it up, we are trying to
find a solution. The heavy traffic makes safe trash pick up an issue. If anyone knows of a group
who would like to adopt this section of road, or a group of teens wanting to perform community
service, or perhaps has a creative collaborative idea, please send a message to the Town or
contact Town Councilor Tricia Knox at 301-527-0003 or email [email protected].
Missing
Fourth of July in- ground costume judge’s signs and “old rose” colored tableclothes for
Town Hall tables. Please return to Town Office. Thanks!
“During Drop-In”
Terry Shoemaker and Chris Kirtz invite you to please stop by to view the
progress at 102 Center Street on Saturday, July 28 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.