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Town Bulletin June 2013

Nov 3, 2015 | Town Bulletins

[ Bulletin Archive ]

Town Council News

Next meeting: Monday » 06.10.13 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.

Actions at the May Council meeting included:

  • election of Joli McCathran as Mayor pro tempore

Town Mtg. Adopts FY 2014 Budget & Tax Rate
The property tax rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1 will decrease to $0.300/$100 assessed valuation. The dwelling unit charge will remain at $97 per dwelling. Budget details are posted on the Town website with hard copies available at the Town Office. Please call Treasurer Mary Challstrom at 301-926-4498 or Mayor Georgette Cole at 301-330-6740 if you have questions.

Town Election Results:

  • Mayor:
    • Georgette Cole (69) votes
  • Council: 3-year terms
    • Carolyn Rapkievian (71) votes
    • Bill Robertson (67) votes

Write-ins (1 vote each):

  • Mayor:
    • Tom Land (1) vote
    • Vinny Negin (1) vote
  • Council:
    • Alice Negin (1) vote

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Town Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 10, 2013 at 7:30 PM in McCathran Hall. The purpose of this hearing is to take public comment on proposed Ordinance No. 2013-03; Ordinance Granting a Cable Communications Franchise to Comcast Cable of MD, Inc. This agreement is for a non-exclusive franchise for the operation of a cable communications system within the corporate limits of the Town of Washington Grove to be executed under the same terms and conditions as in unincorporated areas of Montgomery County.

New Council Areas of Responsibility and Contact Information

The Clay Court Committee

This committee will address the long-term future of the area that is now the Washington Grove "Clay Courts" in Woodward Park (please see the background on this in the May Bulletin). The Committee will be co-chaired by Joli McCathran and Greg Silber. Committee members are Linda Baim, Birgit Henninger, Meredith Horan, Kathy Lehman, Sita Strother, and Warren Winter. The first meeting will be in the Council Room at 7:30PM on Tuesday, June 25. The Committee will weigh the physical and financial options and come up with recommendations for the Town Council. Please come if you are interested in the future of the Clay Courts. Town resident input is critical to deciding what will be done.

Planning Commission News

Next meeting: Wednesday » 06.05.13 @ 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. All permit applications must be received in the Town Office fourteen (14) days prior to the Planning Commission meeting at which they will receive their initial review. The applicant must post a "Notice To Neighbors" sign within seven (7) days of receiving it from the Town Clerk. The Planning Commission will not act on an application unless the Notice To Neighbors sign was posted in a timely fashion as confirmed by the 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.

Permits up for review on June 5th:

  • 404 Grove Ave. » Addition
  • 202 Grove Ave. » Addition
  • 122 Chestnut Ave. » Addition

Permits up for approval on June 5th:

  • 201 W.G. Lane » Enclosure/Access. Building Porch

Historic Preservation News

Next meeting: Tuesday » 06.18.13 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
Meetings are open to the public.

This spring, Preservation Maryland designated the Town of Washington Grove as one of the State’s "2013 Ten Most Endangered Historic Sites." The announcement, made in the March/April issue of Maryland Life, was the result of an HPC nomination made in September 2012. In addition to submitting a written application (which can be found on the Town website), the HPC hosted Preservation Maryland staff on two guided tours of the Grove, highlighting such unique historic features as our radial-concentric street layout, our vernacular camp meeting ground architecture, and our forest preserves. As the HPC explained in the application, the major threats facing the Grove (thus warranting its inclusion on the Endangered Maryland list) include "increasingly incompatible high-density development along our borders as well as possible incursions into the historic district and damage to our open spaces." Those evaluating the nominations included representatives from Preservation Maryland, University of Maryland, Maryland Historical Trust, the Archaeological Society of Maryland, Maryland, Maryland State Arts Council, Maryland Life, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. One of the major benefits of this designation is the recognition by a group of leading historic preservation professionals of the Grove’s historic value and significance.

Woman’s Club News

Congratulations to this year’s Flower Show winners!!

  • Audrey Maskery for both Best in Show and Best Horticultural Speciman for her variaged weigela.
  • Georgette Cole for Best Arrangement.
  • Harry Young for Best Youth Arrangement

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Thanks to the many people who helped make this year’s Flower Show another successful community event! A lot of hard work by many willing hands is what keeps this fine tradition going.

Speaking of traditions, this year the Woman’s Club is relinquishing one of ours. We will not be holding the annual yard sale. But do not gave away those still usable items yet. The Washington Grove United Methodist Church would be delighted to have them for their yard sale, to be held on Saturday, June 29, 2013. Instead of bringing them to the clubhouse, take them to 101 Center Street, any time after May 31st. There will be some other drop-off points, and even some limited pickup service, so stay tuned to the listserve, or check out the Church’s notices in the Town Bulletin.

Back by popular demand, on Saturday, June 22nd, the Woman’s Club will hold their second annual Progressive Porch Party, starting at 6:30 PM and going until everyone’s full of good food and good fun! All are invited to come meet the members of the Woman’s Club and spend a nice evening with your friends and neighbors.

  • Appetizers about 6:30 – on the porch of Liz Robertson – 315 Brown Street
  • Main meal about 7:00 – on the porch of Lynne Lucas-Dreiss – 105 Grove Avenue
  • Dessert about 8:00 – on the porch of Sylvia Appleby – 112 Chestnut Avenue

Don’t forget to be thinking about an act for our upcoming October talent show!

Outdoor Lighting Advisory Committee

Next meeting: Thursday » 06.06.13 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. Join us as we work to develop a long-term lighting plan for the Town. All are welcome. Any questions? Call Tom Land; 301-869-4334.

Calling all Young Musicians

and other Artistic Performers for Music Weekend!
Washington Grove’s Annual Children’s Recital and Reception will be on Saturday June 15, 10-11:30am at the McCathran Hall. All are encouraged to perform, by playing an instrument, singing, reciting poetry, dancing or any other musical or performance related activity. High school and college age participants are very welcome, as are intergenerational family acts!
If you would like to participate, please send Tad Stahnke ([email protected]) and Catherine Simmons ([email protected]) the following information:

  • Name of performer
  • Instrument(s) (if any)
  • Name of composer and piece (or, if not music, name of performance)
  • Approximate amount of time performance will take
  • Name of accompanist (if any)

We need to have this information no later than Wednesday June 12 to prepare the program. If you are in need of an accompanist, you must make your own arrangements.

Parents or participants are also asked to sign up to help with set-up, purchasing roses for performers, bringing baked goods, healthy snacks or beverages for the reception and clean up. Please let us know what you can do when you send the other information.

Music Weekend 2013 Schedule of Events!

FRIDAY, JUNE 14; Campfire Sing

  • Woodward Park, 7 – 8 p.m.
  • Join Gary Temple and Friends for singing around the campfire. S’More’s for all!

SAT. JUNE 15; Children’s Recital & Reception

  • McCathran Hall, 10-11:30 a.m.
  • Come hear our talented young musicians and artistic performers!

SAT. JUNE 15; 40 Dollar Fine

  • Gazebo, 7-10 p.m. – Rock, Country, Blues
  • Eclectic – big time fun! Bring your own picnic, chairs, and blankets and enjoy music under the stars!

SUN. JUNE 16; Baroque Breakfast with

  • Homewood Brass at the Gazebo, 10:30 a.m.
  • Bring a brunch dish large enough to feed your family/party to share. Don’t forget a blanket or a chair. Paper products and coffee provided.

In case of rain, all events in McCathran Hall.
Washington Grove Recreation Committee

Grove Tennis 2013

  • ADULT Beginner/Intermediate 5:00 – 6:00PM
  • Sundays; June 9, 16, 23, 30
  • Fee: $20.00

Contact Linda Baim; [email protected] or 301-926-8767.
***Adult and Junior lessons to be announced***

The 5th Annual Bluestober (Bluestember?) Fest

will take place on September 28, 2013.

Independence Day Schedule (Thursday July 4th)

  • 11AM – COSTUME JUDGING – Woodward Park
  • NOON – FLAG RAISING & PARADE – Woodward Park
  • 12:30pm AWARDS ETC… at McCathran Hall

Past, present and future Muskrat Band members, dust off you horns! July 4th is coming. Let’s make this the biggest bunch of Muskrats EVER!! Contact Eric Selby for more details; [email protected]; 301-963-7073.

Independence Day Ballgame and Picnic

  • THE GAME; SATURDAY, JULY 6TH 3:00PM; Woodward Park
  • THE PICNIC; 5:30PM; Fireplace in Woodward Park.

Volunteers Needed

Washington Grove’s traditional July 4th will be here before you know it and that means costumes and prizes!!! Missy Yachup is in need of a few volunteers willing to "judge" (OK, it isn’t judging at all, but just "naming") the creatively costumed kids and eccentrics of Washington Grove. Please contact Missy Yachup at 301-947-4159 or [email protected]

Recreation Committee News

Next meeting: Wednesday » 07.17.13 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.

Maple Lake News

Next meeting: Wednesday » 06.19.13 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.

Maple Lake Is Open for Business!

Maple Lake is now open for weekend use and will be open for daily use from June 14 – Sept. 2, 2013. Lifeguards will be on duty from Noon – 6:00 PM. Our full-time lifeguards this year are Caitlin Kelly, Mark Montgomery and Kelly Schreiber. Our substitute guards are Maddie Brasunas and Emily Menge. Regulations for Maple Lake can be found on the website and in this Bulletin.

Swimming Lessons

Swimming lessons will begin on July 2nd (no lessons on July 4th) and run through July 26th. Our instructor this year is Victor Sellemi. Sign-up sheets were in your May Bulletin (yellow one). You may direct your questions to Tom Land (301-869-4334) or Emily Brown (720-323-4227).

Friends of Maple Lake

Although the Lake Committee has many members, additional help with our Lake is needed. A sign-up sheet was presented to residents at the recent Town Elections with the idea that this group could provide additional help and be an informal communication mechanism for everyone. Please contact John Hutchinson for more information; 301-926-8767.

Confused About Brush?

In 2010, the Mayor and Town Council made the decision to cease brush pickup from private property by Town Maintenance. It was determined that since the refuse/recycling contract included the pickup of recyclable yard waste, the time and money involved in this service would be better spent elsewhere. This is still our policy. Town Maintenance does not pickup brush piles from private property. Those residents who trim back overgrowth from Town property must make arrangements ahead of this action in order to have Town Maintenance take the trimmings away. Please contact Bill Robertson 240-912-6080 or [email protected] to make arrangements for the pickup of Town brush. Brush from private property will be picked up by our refuse/recycling contractor (Potomac Disposal) when properly prepared in marked containers, large brown bags and bundles no larger than 30″ in diameter and 4 feet in length. No individual pieces larger than 4″ in diameter please and thank you!

New Procedure for Missed Refuse/Recycling Pickup

How do I report a missed pickup?
If our refuse/recycling contractor misses your home on pickup day (Thursdays), please contact the Town Office to report the miss. You may do this via e-mail [email protected] or by phone 301-926-2256. Please remember that all materials for pickup must be “curbside” by 7AM. Other inquiries regarding Town contracts should be directed to Greg Silber 301-926-1854.

WGUMC News

Special Thanks to Ed Mroczka, John Hutchinson, Mary Perry, and Ridge Kelly for their expert help and leadership during our Grove Relief Hurricane Sandy rebuilding project, on May 26th thru 29th, in Crisfield, MD! Our team of nine from church and town continued the rebuilding tradition begun when Grove Relief sent 11 folks to carry out Katrina relief work in the Gulf Coast in 2008.

YARD SALE INFO!

  • Saturday, June 29th is the yard sale to benefit the church, from 8 am to 1 pm at 101 Center St!
  • Want to drop off items in advance? Great-call David or Judy Young at 301- 602-1810 about drop off at 101 Center St., or call Emily Cavey at 240-838-1840 about drop off at 121 Chestnut Ave., or call Sylvie Favret at 240-899-3723 about drop off at 12 Center St.

David and Judy will be out of town for two of the upcoming pre-yard sale weeks, so if it takes us some time to get back to you, call Sylvie or Emily. Looking forward to seeing everyone June 29th!

June 4th, 11th, and 18th, 7:30 – 9:00 pm

101 Center St.; Interested in how scholars and historians look at Greek and Hebrew Scriptures? Add yours to a Wealth of Wednesday Perspectives on the Bible, over coffee, at the parsonage, on three Wednesdays in June. What types of documents are in the Bible; who wrote, edited, and interpreted them, and when? Bring your own questions to an open discussion with all perspectives welcome. Check with Judy Young for more info, at 240-912-9895.

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