TOWN MEETING NEWS
Mayor’s Volunteer of the Year
…to Dan Tutas for his years of dedication to picking up trash on Railroad St, Washington Grove Lane, and in our woods.
Preservation Award
…to Judy and Ed Mroczka and their renovation of 107 Grove Avenue.
FY 2020 Budget and Tax Rate Adopted
The property tax rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1 will decrease to the constant yield rate of $0.2603/$100 assessed valuation. The dwelling unit charge, tied to the cost of trash and recycling collection, will remain at $130 per dwelling per year. Copies of the adopted budget detail are available at the Town Office and are posted on the Town website at washingtongrovemd.org. If you have questions, please contact Treasurer Mary Challstrom at [email protected] (301-926-4498) or Mayor John Compton at [email protected] (240-432-5700).
Town Elections Results
Chairman of the Board of Elections Supervisors Nick Suzich reported the results of the Town election at the Annual Meeting on May 11, 2019.
Mayor: One-Year Term
John G. Compton 57 votes
Council: Three-Year Terms – Two Elected
Darrell Anderson 58 votes
Patrice Klein 44 votes
Tom Land 3 votes
Christine Dibble 1 vote
Shelley Winkler 1 vote
TOWN COUNCIL NEWS
Next meeting: Monday, June 10, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. The public is invited to attend. Actions at the May meeting include:
- Approval of Ordinance 2019-05; Adopting Town Budget and Tax Rate for FY 2020.
- Election of Darrell Anderson as Mayor Pro Tempore.
- Approval of Mayor’s appointments and re-appointments; Jon Cohen as full member of the Planning Commission; Wendy Harris and Mimi Styles as full members of the Historic Preservation Commission.
- Approval and adoption Resolution 2019-08; the Montgomery County Hazard Mitigation Plan
General Information
Does Getting Behind a Camera and Filming Town Events Interest You?
Could videography of Town events be your ‘Thing’? MMCTV, our County public television cable channel, is offering training and equipment for filming in Washington. This is a great opportunity to take up a hobby, or take your filming skills to a new level. You can record Grove life, make events available to residents who missed them, and add to the historical record of Washington Grove to entertain and edify future generations. For further information please contact Charlie Challstrom: [email protected] or (301) 926-4498.
Stormwater Management Committee Forming!
The Town needs your interest, energy and/or expertise! You’ve probably noticed some areas around the Grove where water runoff has (is!) causing damage to roads or property? And in our West Woods, stormwater runoff damage is acute, threatening forest health and our enjoyment of the woods. Ditto for areas of standing water in the East Woods.
The Town Council needs advice on what to do about stormwaters! An organizational meeting for a volunteer Stormwater Management Committee is planned for Tuesday June 25th at 7:30 in the Town Council Room in McCathran Hall. Robert Johnson has agreed to get the committee started. Please call Robert at 301-346-6267 or email [email protected] for information and to express interest in helping out.
Planning Notes of Interest
(from Mayor John Compton)
Guiding Montgomery County into the Future: the General Plan to be Updated.
Thrive Montgomery 2050 – the update to the County’s General Plan – has begun. This effort will lead to a new policy document that will guide the County’s future over the next 30 years. Together, we’ll determine how to manage the coming growth in population and address the challenges and opportunities presented by increasing technological, social, environmental and economic changes. This important planning effort will determine what we want our community to be in the decades ahead, so we can create the future we want.
There will be many opportunities for us to get involved with this process over the next two years, beginning June 26 with “Thrive Week”. For more information about the General Plan update, and “Thrive Week”, visit ThriveMontgomery.com .
Shady Grove Metro Sector Master Plan “Minor” Amendment?
There is a Minor Amendment review of the Shady Grove Sector Master Plan in progress. The allowed Stage 1 limit on units permitted for development has been reached. One major intent of this review is examine to what extent transportation improvements now required to begin Stage 2 build-out can be adjusted or bypassed! At a public meeting two weeks ago, a thorough analysis of the current transportation situation was reviewed (slide data available from me upon request). This compilation is ground work for projecting future transportation numbers to be presented at the next public meeting in June. Other changes to the Master Plan may be proposed. If this matters to you, consider attending and getting involved!
Bulk Trash Pickup SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019
DON’T FORGET!!
Materials may include furniture, appliances (nothing with freon like air conditioning units), rugs, large toys, small auto parts, etc. Material may NOT include construction by-products from your renovation projects, large automotive parts or tires. Items should not contain gasoline or motor oil. Please keep your metal separate from the rest of your items.
ITEMS SHOULD BE PLACED “CURBSIDE” BY 7:00 A.M
Planning Commission News…
Next meeting: Wednesday, June 5, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Building Permit Submission Deadline
The deadline to submit a building permit application for approval by the Planning Commission and review by the Historic Preservation Commission is the 2nd Wednesday of the month prior to the PC meeting at which the permit will be reviewed (this will be in the following month). This timing ensures the HPC will be able to complete a formal review before the PC meeting as this review is required for the PC to approve the permit in a timely fashion. If you are considering any renovation or building project at your house, be sure to get a copy of the procedures to apply for a Town Building Permit which will help you through the Town’s process.
Recent Permits Approved:
- 3 Ridge Road Screening side porch
- 405 Brown St. Demo old/build new garage
- 107 Grove Ave. Fence
- 201 Brown St. Fence
A permit application for a fence at 7 Daylily Lane was denied because of height restrictions.
Looking For A Planning Commission Alternate
Interested in getting more involved in Town affairs? The Planning Commission needs a volunteer to serve as the Alternate. The Alternate participates in the PC meetings (1st Wednesday of the month) and votes when a full member is absent. To explore volunteering, please contact the Town Office or one of the current PC members.
2019 Master Plan Work Session
A Master Plan Work Session will not be held in June. We will resume our work on July 17. A copy of the latest 2019 Master Plan Working Draft and the draft minutes from each work session are available on the Town web site as a link on the Master Plan page.
Historic Preservation Commission News…
Next meeting: Tuesday, June 18, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. All meetings are open to the public.
The HPC welcomes and encourages residents to come for an early consultation when considering an addition or renovation/changes to the exterior of their home. HPC can offer valuable advice early in the planning process and provide guidance with designs that are compatible with the character of the existing house and the Town. Please consider coming to the HPC as your first stop when contemplating options for your home improvement.
Washington Grove’s PastPerfect Online…
We live in an historic community, and through the efforts of the Historic Preservation Commission, that history is becoming more readily available to both our residents and historians interested in researching our unique little town.
Washington Grove’s archivist, Patricia Patula, has spent several years entering our history into a museum quality database program called PastPerfect. Now we’ve added PastPerfect Online, which allows all of us to access that information from our own computers.
Considering that we have over 100 years of Minutes, Reports and Correspondence, this has indeed been a daunting task, and it is still a work in process, but we’re so excited about PastPerfect Online that we want to roll it out even as this work continues.
While the archived documents themselves are not accessible through the program, you can see a synopsis of each individual document and if it’s something of interest to you, a .pdf copy can be made available. Likewise, we have a surprisingly extensive library of books both about the Town and by authors who have been or are currently living here in Town. While these are not available for borrowing, you are welcomed to come sit in our office and read them.
We know that many of you have collected Town memorabilia, such as old Washington Grove post cards, pictures of your houses through the years, objects handed down through your families and so forth, and we’re hoping that you will allow us to photograph them and include them in our online collections, while you continue to maintain custody of them.
There will soon be a direct link to the program from within our Town’s website, or it can be accessed at any time through this link https://washingtongrovemd.pastperfectonline.com/. We hope you will take some time to explore this latest addition to our extensive resources.
Recreation Committee News…
Next Meeting: Wed., July 17, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. Open to the public.
Anyone interested in joining should come to the next meeting!
MUSIC WEEKEND IS COMING!!
(In case of rain, all events in McCathran Hall)
SCHEDULE
Piano Bar with Jerry Calderone
Come sing along — bring your requests and your phone to look up the words!
Friday, June 14, 7:30 to 10 p.m.
McCathran Hall
Youth Recital and Reception
Come enjoy Washington Grove’s rising stars!
Saturday, June 15, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
McCathran Hall
The Rock & Roll Relics Return
Doo-wop, Beatles, Beach Boys and more!
Saturday, June 15, 7 to 10 p.m.
At the Gazebo, Zoe Wadsworth Park
Jazz Brunch – ‘Round Maryland Quartet’
Sunday, June 16, 10:30 a.m. At the Gazebo
Bring a brunch dish large enough to share!
Coffee, paper products provided
The 4th is Coming, Yes, The 4th is Coming!!
Mark your calendars for the Town July 4th festivities on Thursday the 4th.
Costume judging at 11:00 AM in Woodward Park.
Flag raising at NOON followed by the parade to McCathran Hall where there will be prizes, popsicles, bell-ringing and singing.
There WILL NOT be a Maple Lake picnic this year.
BALL GAME – TBD
Wanna Be A Muskrat?
The Muskrat Band will ride again on the 4th of July. Dust off those instruments and join in the fun. All are welcome. Meet at 203 Grove at 11:00 AM. Please contact Kathy Lehman 301-926-1253 or [email protected] for more details.
Mindfulness & Meditation in The Grove
There will be one more Family friendly event on Saturday June 22, 2019. The event will go from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM. in McCathran Hall. All are welcome. Contact Eleni Khan for further details, [email protected].
Forestry & Beautification News…
Next Meeting: Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. We will be making plans for the fall tree planting. All are welcome!
Plants in Washington Grove, from F&B member and Master Gardener Jay Everhart:
Maples
The most common native maple found in Washington Grove is the red maple. Acer rubrum is the county tree of Montgomery County and is an important tree in Maryland hardwood forests. Leaves are opposite, as with all maples, and consist of 3 to 5 toothed lobes. Fruit is contained in showy red double winged samaras (“helicopters”) that begins to develop in late spring and attracts many birds and other wildlife. An October Glory red maple cultivar was planted on the Sacred Circle near 5th Avenue in spring of 2018. Known as a shade tree and for its radiant red fall leaves, this variety may grow 40′-50′ high with a 25′-35′ spread.
Of the four varieties of large maples commonly found in Washington Grove, red maples are probably the best choice for planting. Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) is a native tree that is easy to propagate and grows faster and larger than red maple. However, it has messy bark, friable wood, and a large root system that will buckle concrete and infiltrate water pipes. Silver Maple derives its name from the gray sheen on the underside of its leaves. Sugar maple (Acer saccarum) is a wonderful tree from which maple syrup and the leaf seen on the Canadian flag are derived. But the tree may struggle in our heat, which is likely to only worsen in coming decades. Norway maple (Acer platanoides) is a broad, densely shading tree that for many years was planted as a lawn, street, and park tree across much of the U.S. It is non-native and can be quite invasive. Most of the maple seedlings that pop up in our yards are Norway maples. A milky sap exuded from where the leaf meets the stem helps to identify this tree.
Woman’s Club News…
The Washington Grove Woman’s Club
We Began in 1926
Our history with Washington Grove goes back to the Camp Meeting days, before we even were a Town. In those early days, we provided the necessities and nicities that the Camp Meeting Association could not. We paid to bring electricity to McCathran Hall, to keep fresh gravel on the paths and to establish many of the traditions that continue today. We started the May Flower Show, and our September Pot Luck Dinner. We like to breakup the mid-winter doldrums with our January White Elephant fundraiser and our February Chili Supper. Sadly, due to scheduling conflicts, this year we won’t be able to have our annual Porch Party, but we hope to hold this popular event again next year.
After the Town incorporated in 1937, our role changed, and today we focus mainly on our Outreach programs. The Clubhouse porch serves as a drop-off point for our many projects or you can leave them in the painted can on Wendy Weisbard’s porch at 119 Grove Road. You bring them and we’ll sort where they go! Checks are always appreciated too, just put in the memo field if you want your donation to go to a specific project and mail to The Woman’s Club, PO Box 354, Washington Grove, MD 20880.
Also, our delightful Clubhouse is available to rent from mid-March through late November. It’s perfect for smaller events of 30 to 40 people, where McCathran Hall might be too large. It’s ideal for bridal showers, wedding receptions, baby showers, meetings and other get togethers. There’s always a 50% discount for Club members!
If you’re intested in joining the Club or renting the Clubhouse, please contact Cynthia Werts at 301-926-1668 or [email protected]. Our dues are a modest $15 per year and can be paid at any event, or by sending a check to The Woman’s Club of Washington Grove, to PO Box 354, Washington Grove, MD 20880.
The Washington Grove Elementary School’s Teachers Closet
We collect school supplies to help keep the Teachers Closet filled with things like glue sticks, pencils and sharpeners, paper, hand sanitizers and tissues, and other supplies. Without our help, teachers will all too often buy these things out of their own pockets.
We also try keep the closet stocked with winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves for children who might otherwise be coming to school without warm outerwear.
White Socks for the Gude Men’s Shelter
Winter is hard enough for the homeless without going without socks! We are continuing to collect new white socks for the men at the Shelter. We also collect and distribute to the Shelter toiletries.
Working with Interfaith Works
While the less fortunate children of our County need essentials, they also need occasional treats in their lives, and we help provide these by collecting Birthday Presents and small Treasure Chest items to be distributed through Interfaith Works. There’s also an ongoing need for new underwear for boys and girls from toddlers to teens. Last year our Town provided over 250 pair. We have developed sources for purchasing the underwear, so the easiest way to help with this need is through money donations.
Project Linus
Througout the year, we make blankets for children in foster care or who are seriously ill or traumatized, to provide them with some warmth, security and comfort. If you’d like to help with this project, let us know and we’ll get you the instructions for making throws from fleece, knitting or crocheting. Contact Wendy Weisbard ([email protected] or 301-758-1097) and Marilynn Frey ([email protected] 301-357-4784). We also have patterns for knitted and crocheted throws, if that’s what you’d like to do.
Washington Grove UMC News…
Our joyful family worship services are Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m., at the Washington Grove United Methodist Church, 303 Chestnut Road, Washington Grove, MD 20880 (301-947-0532).
Woods Committee News…
Next Meeting: Monday, June 3, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. Meetings are on the 1st Monday of each month. Our July meeting will be Monday, July 1st. All are welcome to attend.
On Monday, June 24 at 7:00 PM the Woods Committee will have an Informational Meeting in McCathran Hall about Deer Management in the East and West Woods of Washington Grove. We have invited representatives from the Montgomery County Parks (MCP) Deer Management Program, a volunteer archery deer hunting team qualified by the MD-DNR and MCP Archery Program, and a local MC community resident to share their experiences with deer population management and participate in a Q&A session. Please plan to attend to hear the facts and recommendations to manage deer populations in Washington Grove. We look forward to your input!
The Woods Committee is trying to make the East Woods trails more accessible for walking, jogging, dog walking, birding, etc. This is proving very difficult with so much rain. If you are interested in serving on a volunteer group to target East Woods trail maintenance, please contact Joan Mahaffey.
Maple Lake News…
Next Meeting: Thursday, June 20, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Old Council Room. All are welcome to attend!
Lake Committee Meetings are on the THIRD Thursday of the month. Maple Lake opens week-ends on Memorial Day and full-time on June 14, 2019.
Swimming Lessons
Lessons will be offered from July 1st- July 26th from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. The instructor this year is Renee Suzich. No lessons on July 4th. Please sign up by June 24th at: https://tinyurl.com/wgswimlessons
Safety at the Lake
To minimize problems with vandalism, outside visitors and other problems, we will be monitoring the lake more frequently checking on the fence and surrounding area. Please do NOT tell young children or outsiders what the combination is, and always lock, and spin the tumblers on the lock after opening it. Call John Hutchinson or Bruce Rothrock if you notice any maintenance problems.
Please report every incident of suspicious behavior, vandalism or criminal activity to the police at the non-emergency number: 301-279-8000. The police use the log of these calls to determine how closely to patrol an area. They have asked us to report all incidents. Please also alert Neighborhood Watch to any such incidents.
Party Permits
Summer is just around the corner! Maple Lake is a great venue for your party, wedding, or other assemblage. Just follow the link https://goo.gl/forms/g10fJ2Qo0oTJJFcN2 to make it official.
New this year: permits will be issued via email and party hosts will have to print and produce them at the time of the party.
Contact Emily Brown [email protected] if you have questions.
Emergency Preparedness & Safety News…
Next Meeting: Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 7:30 pm in the Town Council Room at McCathran Hall. All Town residents are welcome to attend and discuss any issues or concerns regarding emergency preparedness or safety. Anyone interested in joining the Committee is also welcome.
Washington Grove Cares News…
WGC invites everyone to another stimulating and timely talk in our series, What’s My Line? Grovers Revealed, highlighting our neighbors’ areas of expertise and passions. On Sunday, June 2, at 3 PM in McCathran Hall, Dr. Ryan Young (Ph.D. in Biochemistry) will present “The Origins of Lymphoma.” Ryan will give us a primer on cancer biology, and discuss the merits of studies linking the herbicide glyphosate to lymphoma. He studies human lymphomas and multiple myeloma at the National Cancer Institute. His research has contributed to the successful development of new therapies to treat these cancers.
Grand Opening of The Dog Spot!
Join us on Saturday, June 15 at 3 p.m. for a Grand Opening Dogstravaganza celebration. We’ll be pawtying at the pawk.Due to The Dog Spot’s small size and limit of six dogs in the pawk at any time, please either bring your dog on leash, or come alone.
Learn how to register your dog(s) to use The Dog Spot at https://bit.ly/30PdELb.
Speaking of Pets …
Dawgs and Kats!!
Years ago, the Town of Washington Grove adopted the section of Montgomery County Code that applies to animal control. This now includes both a Pooper Scooper Law and a Leash Law (excepting neutered cats), and an owner must not allow a cat or dog to enter private property without the property owner’s permission (a $100 fine!). You are within your rights to call Montgomery County Animal Control (301-279-1823) when you encounter a dog at-large, a dog soiling your property, or a cat on your property.
However, working out your differences in a “good neighbor” fashion is encouraged. A “good neighbor” wouldn’t call Animal Control without speaking to the dog or cat owner first and a “good neighbor” wouldn’t allow his/her dog to defecate on someone else’s property (including walkways).
COMING EVENTS CALENDAR
June 2 » “What’s My Line” Ryan Young, 3:00 p.m. Town Hall
June 3, 17 » Square Dancing 7:30 p.m. Town Hall
June 3 » Woods Committee 7:30 p.m. Council Room
June 5 » Planning Commission 7:30 p.m. Council Room
June 7 » Youth Dance Class 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Town Hall
June 4, 11, 18, 25 » Yoga 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Town Hall
June 10 » Town Council Meeting 7:30 p.m. Council Room
June 14 » Maple Lake Opens All Day Maple Lake
June 14, 15, 16 » MUSIC WEEKEND (See Bulletin items) Various Locations
June 15 » Bulk Trash Collection Town-wide
June 15 » Grand Opening of THE DOG SPOT – 3 :00 p.m. Dog Park
June 18 » Historic Preservation Commission 7:30 p.m. Council Room
June 20 » Lake Committee 7:30 p.m. Council Room
June 22 » Mindfulness & Meditation 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Town Hall
June 24 » Deer Management Informational Mtg. 7:00 p.m.(see Bulletin) Town Hall
June 25 » Stormwater Management Committee 7:30 p.m. Council Room
June 26 » Lighting Committee 7:30 p.m. Council Room
June 27 » Emergency Prep. & Safety Committee 7:30 p.m. Council Room
July 1 » Woods Committee 7:30 p.m. Council Room
NOTABLE DEADLINES !
June 1 » Summer In The Parks Registration FORMS DUE NOW!
June 12 » Permit Application due to PC for July review
June 24 » Swimming Lesson sign-ups due.
June 25 » July Bulletin submissions due.