Town Council News…
Next meeting: Monday, June 14, 2021; 7:30pm
The public is invited to attend this virtual meeting via ZOOM at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/297850640?pwd=czh3ODBEdEpTeXdkRTc5bDFmLzN2UT09
Or Dial-in to 301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 297 850 640
Password: 074385
Actions at the May 17th Meeting Included:
- Adoption of Ordinance 2021-05; Town Budget FY 2022
- Adoption of Ordinance 2021-07; Setting Fees and Expiration of Archeological Permits and Retitling of Article I
- Opened bids on the RFP for road work. Award of a contract deferred to the June meeting, pending additional information requested from the bidders.
- Elected Darrell Anderson as Mayor Pro Tempore.
Town Council Enacts Ordinance Adopting the Town Budget and Tax Rates for FY 2022
Maryland law requires municipal budgets to be adopted by ordinance. On May 17, the Town Council affirmed the action taken by the May 8 Town Meeting and enacted Ordinance 2021-05 adopting the identical budget and tax rates.
Council Responsibilities assigned for 2021-2022
Please see the last page of this Bulletin for a detailed [ List of Council Contacts and Responsibilities ].
Town Meeting News…
Mayor’s Volunteer of the Year: to Julia Cavicchi and Sita Strother for their efforts to enrich the Town with guidelines and recommendations to increase diversity by forming the Racial and Social Equity Committee.
Preservation Award: to Bryant Foreman for his thoughtful renovation and additions at 412 4th Avenue.
Town Election Results
2021 Washington Grove election results, announced at Town Meeting on May 8, were as follows:
Mayor: John Compton, 112 votes.
Write-ins: Joli McCathran 10, Marc Hansen 3, Dave Cosson, Dennis Kirschbaum, Audrey Maskery 2 each; Paul Campbell, Georgette Cole, Karen Kelly, Judy Mroczka, Gray Yachup 1 each.
Town Council: Christine Dibble 105, Barbara Raimondo 101, Audrey Maskery 76
Write-ins: Judy Mroczka 4, Charlie Challstrom, Andrew Hotaling, Eva Patrone, Paula Puglisi 1 each.
With gratitude to all candidates for their willingness to serve, and with hope that next year we will be back to voting in person!
Town Meeting Adopts FY 2022 Budget and Tax Rate
The property tax rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1 will decrease to the constant yield rate of $0.2479/$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 attached 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] (301-330-8264).
Planning Commission News…
Next meeting: Wed., June 2, 2021; 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend this virtual meeting via ZOOM. As part of the Town’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, this Planning Commission Meeting will be conducted online, rather than in person.
Residents and the public may access using Meeting ID: 781 347 688
By dialing in to 301-715-8592 and following the audio instructions.
OR by joining the Zoom videoconference at: https://zoom.us/j/781347688
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.
Permits Up for Approval in June:
- 202 Grove Ave. » Porch Roof
- 206 Chestnut Ave. » Demo Greenhouse, add exterior stairs, and new prefab shed
- 354 Ridge Road » Fence
2021 Comprehensive Plan Work Session
Please note that the 2020 Master Plan is now the 2021 Comprehensive Plan.
The 2021 Comprehensive Plan draft versions are available on the Comprehensive Plan page of the Town website. The Agenda will be posted on the Town web site home page.
Work Session Notice: Wednesday June 23 at 7:30 pm. REMOTE ACCESS ONLY
As part of the Town’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, this Comprehensive Plan Work Session will be conducted online, rather than in person. The agenda will be posted at the Town office and on the Town web site the week before the meeting.
Work Session Access:
Residents and the public may access using Meeting ID: 781 347 688
By dialing in to: 301-715-8592 and following the audio instructions.
OR by joining the Zoom videoconference at: https://zoom.us/j/781347688
Please make sure your name is associated with your zoom device in order to be admitted from the Waiting Room.
Historic Preservation Commission News…
Next meeting: Tuesday, June 15, 2021; 7:30 p.m.
The public is invited to attend this virtual meeting via ZOOM. For a copy of the Agenda, email Chairman Bob Booher ([email protected]).
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3440199688
Meeting ID: 344 019 9688
One tap mobile
+13017158592,3440199688# US (Germantown)
Racial Equity Committee…
Next meeting: Sunday, June 20, 2021; 2:00 p.m.
All are welcome! Folks who would like to attend should email [email protected] to get the Zoom link. And more information on how to join the committee, our goals, past meeting minutes, and historical resources can be found here: https://linktr.ee/RacialEquityGrover.
Recreation Committee News…
Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 9, 2021; 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend this virtual meeting via ZOOM. To join the Zoom Videoconference:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83617973450?pwd=azU0a296dkloT2c2bU90TzB2Z2NRUT09
Meeting ID: 836 1797 3450
Passcode: 819137
YES! There Will Be Summer In The Parks
It has been such a long wait but FINALLY! SITP 2021!!! It’s that time of year when the Town of Washington Grove announces plans for yet another exciting July full of fun and adventure! For decades, Washington Grove’s SITP program has been a unique, unparalleled camp for children to spend their summer in a healthy, wholesome, outdoor environment. Come play games, make arts and crafts, spend time at Maple Lake, and best of all, make new friends. It all happens in the bucolic setting of Washington Grove, known best as the Town within a Forest.
Of course, this year will look different than past years, we will be following a Covid-19 plan for the camp this year, and MASKS will be required for all activities during camp. We have also changed the ages for those in camp this year to K-7. If you are a rising 8th grader, we encourage you to apply for a volunteer position. You will be able to earn SSL hours.
Summer In The Parks is a comprehensive program for children entering Kindergarten up to children entering 7th Grade by September 2021. Many of the camp participants are children that live within the Town limits, but each summer children from outside the Grove also attend and share the magic. When the Grove children become too old to attend the camp, they often continue as volunteers or counselors to help teach the younger generation what they’ve been lucky enough to experience in previous summers.
Summer In The Parks is staffed by paid directors and camp counselors, as well as volunteers. This year the camp will take place from June 28 to July 23 from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. IF we are able to hold a Campout, it will be held on July 23, but we do not anticipate that we will be able to this year . Campers begin each day at McCathran Hall. We ask that every camper bring a cleaning bucket with their name on the bucket. This bucket will hold their belongings and water. We will not have snack time or popsicles at camp this year. If you feel your child will need to eat a snack while they are at camp, please contact Em Cavey at 240-838-1840. Temperatures will be taken daily when the campers arrive at the Hall. All campers must have a completed registration form, waiver, and payment mailed to address on the registration form. Registration forms are on the Town website under Summer in the Parks. We have limited space this year and will only be accepting 25 campers. Please contact Emily Cavey with any questions, 240-838-1840. Or Jenn Hix at (301) 825-3790.
If you would like to apply for employment or to be a volunteer, please visit the Town website. The application is listed under the Summer in the Parks page.
Application: 2021 SITP Volunteer & Job Application
Emily Cavey
240-838-1840
Music Weekend (albeit modified) Is Back!!
Washington Grove’s Second Annual Virtual Youth Recital
Featuring – Classical guitar, cello, rock, and vocals!
June 19 – Saturday morning (time to be announced on listserv)
Airs on Montgomery Municipal Cable
Please mark your calendars to tune in!
For more info email [email protected]
FINALLY!!! Live Music Outdoors at The Gazebo
June 19 at 3pm – 7pm
Eddy Viscosity and the Turbulent Core
(a special set will be played by Dear Someone)
Woods Committee News…
Next meeting: Monday, June 7, 2021; 7:30 p.m. via Zoom Video Conference.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84222942851?pwd=QUlldWlvcmZlUGQwUFRPaW12aWd4Zz09
By Phone: 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 842 2294 2851
Passcode: 733964
Our meetings are regularly held on the first Monday of each month. The July meeting tentatively will be held on Tuesday, July 6 to accommodate Monday federal observance of the July 4th holiday. Details confirming the July meeting date will be forthcoming.
The WC continues to plan improvements for the walking trails and your experience in our forest preserves. We will be adding more “timber turnpikes” made of packed soil and wood chips secured with tree limb edging on the wettest parts of East Woods trails and installing trail name signs for better identification. We hope these future improvements will make your forest preserves experience safer and more enjoyable.
Please stay on the walking trails to avoid understory vegetation where tick populations are predicted to be abundant this season. Here is a timely news article on tick encounters and tick-borne diseases for your information:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/ticks-protect-lyme-deer-dog-lonestar/2021/05/22/6c41bb40-ba54-11eb-a6b1-81296da0339b_story.html
For your summer pleasure reading, we recommend Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest by Suzanne Simard. Here is a recent Washington Post article about the author/scientist and her notable influence: https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/a-scientists-career-in-communion-with-trees/2021/05/20/382b7838-ac1b-11eb-ab4c-986555a1c511_story.html
Stay healthy and safe and enjoy the beauty of nature in our East and West Woods.
Lake Committee News…
Next Meeting: Thursday, June 17, 2021, 7:30 pm
Via ZOOM Video Conference
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85028224870?pwd=ZURLeDU1a0JYTkJXT2lZNU94ZEJyQT09
By phone: 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 850 2822 4870
Passcode: 506893
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kCErODdlH
Lake Committee Meetings:
Third Thursday of each month via Zoom until we can meet at the Town Hall. We need to plan for making the lake even better for this summer. New members welcome and encouraged!
Call or e-mail John Hutchinson if you have any questions or suggestions or want to be put on the notification list.
Cell 240-997-5820; [email protected]
Lake Opening:
Lake opens 12 Noon – 6 PM on Memorial Day Weekend, then weekends until full-time on June 15, and stays open through Labor Day weekend.
Swim Lessons:
Annika Land is teaching the youngest kids (ages 2 – 6) June 28 – July 23
Sign-up forms on Wash Grove Website at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScVVJcQnGna-9VjGyieOx3EuG0j7WZ4JCTWnHzNrE8F-gUIwg/viewform
Film Society News…
“The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” – Discussion on Sunday, June 27
Joel (Jim Carrey) discovers that his ex-girlfriend Clementine (Kate Winslet) has undergone a procedure to erase him from her mind; heartbroken, he decides to have the same procedure. What follows is a wholly original, alternative universe dealing with the malleability of memory and the persistence of love lost. Winner of an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, this sci-fi romance is both ambiguous and satisfying, and finally, hopeful. Quick viewing tip: Pay attention to Clementine’s hair color. Directed by Michel Gondry, 2004, U.S., 108 minutes, English.
Stream “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” for free from Peacock, or rent it for $3.99 on Amazon Prime, YouTube, ITunes, Google, and Vudu.
Then join the discussion on Zoom on Sunday, June 27, 7:30 pm. Here is the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82591321756?pwd=NTU0ZWhhc0VRYVVFWUh3Ynd6RE9Hdz09
WG United Methodist Church News…
Washington Grove United Methodist Church be back starting June 27th 9:30 am
We will continue to Zoom Home for the next few weeks, but we’re excited to announce that we will resume services at the Church on June 27th at 9:30 AM! If the weather’s nice and the cicadas aren’t too loud, we will meet outside, under the maple tree. Otherwise, we’ll socially distance in the sanctuary. Everyone should plan to wear a mask.
Until June 27th, if you would like to join us over Zoom, please contact Pastor Andrew Peck-McClain at [email protected] to be included.
WGKids! is a monthly gathering for children, a ministry of the Washington Grove UMC. We meet the fourth Sunday of the month on Zoom, from 4:00-4:30 p.m. We sing, learn about a Bible story, and make something kid crafty. Please email Pastor Andy with questions or to be a part at [email protected].
We continue to collect non-perishable food donations to support the St. Martin’s food bank. Your contributions can be dropped off on the screened-in porch at Peggy Hansen’s house, 201 Chestnut Avenue, in Washington Grove.
Washington Grove United Methodist Church is a Reconciling Congregation, which means we believe that each person is a precious creation of God and is of sacred worth. We welcome and celebrate persons of every gender identity, racial or ethnic background, sexual orientation, and physical or mental ability into full participation in the life of this faith community. We celebrate the gift of love and affirm all loving relations and marriages.
Washington Grove Cares News
As the coronavirus starts its retreat, Washington Grove Cares will resume more of our previous activities, helping to build community and support neighbors in our treasured Town within a Forest.
We can still arrange for help with grocery or pharmacy shopping, but we’ll also find rides and bring meals, when those are needed. Maybe you just need a hand with an inaccessible light bulb or an intractable computer. Someone in the neighborhood probably has just the right ladder or sledgehammer.
Often requests appear on the Google Group listserv, but many residents don’t subscribe to it. We want to be sure to leave no Grover behind!
If you have a request, please call Kathie Evans at 301-869-7816, or send an email to [email protected]. Another way to make a request is through forms on our website at washingtongrovecares.org . Our website also hosts Betsy Klinger’s ever-useful lists of professionals and restaurants recommended by town residents.
When McCathran Hall reopens, watch for new speakers sharing their expertise or passions in our irregular series “What’s My Line? Grovers Revealed!”
The small steering committee of Washington Grove Cares seeks new members. We’d love to hear your ideas about maintaining the neighborhood’s support network, strengthening connections, and including everyone. Call Kathie at 301-869-7816. We promise that meetings are few and camaraderie is ample.
Woman’s Club News…
Helping Kids and Helping Their Families…
It’s Graduation Time at the Local Shelters
On June 17th, the Club will be helping the Seneca Heights Shelter celebrate the accomplishments of all their kids and their families and friends by providing an assortment of ice cream for all.
This year of distance learning has been hard on all kids, but it’s been especially hard for those living in our local Shelters. Despite the odds, 11 of them are graduating and moving up a level. 5 are finishing kindergarten and we will give each a coloring book and a box of crayons. 3 are finishing elementary school and will get Mad Libs, mechanical pencils, and other small gifts. 2 are finishing middle school and will get gel pens, coloring books and other small gifts.
Most exciting of all is one girl who is graduating from high school, and who we will gift with a canvas tote bag and a wallet with a $25 gift certificate to Target, surely to come in handy for her full scholarship to UMBC! We’re so proud of all of them!
If you would like to contribute to this event, note that your check is for Ice Cream, or for Shelter Projects.
Little Things for the Archway Kids
We are also providing end-of-schoolyear and graduation presents for the kids in the Archway program. Unlike traditional shelters, these families live independently in their own apartments which are provided by the Archway program. Six (6) of the families have a total of 13 children, and as a new project this year, we are providing small gifts like toys, packages of crackers, fruit snacks, goldfish crackers and cookies for their social worker to take to the kids when she visits. We would love contributions from the Town, which you can drop off, or if you want to give a check, mark it for Archway or for Shelter Projects.
Tots to Teens…Kids in Need of Underwear
Thanks to the generosity of our Town, we’ve been able to donate many pair of underwear for tots to teens, boys and girls. Because of us, many of the least fortuante of the children have underwear. Over the years, we have developed resources to purchasing these and ensuring that we are providing for each group, so more than any other project, we ask primarily for monetary donations to help in providing these needed items. The need continues, so please, if this pulls at your heart strings, mark checks for this project for Kids Underwear.
We’re Helping Out Where SNAP Leaves Off
As the desperate needs of those around us continue, we are collecting some of the much-needed items that SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) doesn’t pay for. We recently provided some of these much-needed items to the apartment residents of the Archway program.
Donations are appreciated, or if you would rather give us a check for please note that it’s for SNAP Plus.
- Similac – especially the blue boxes of powder
- Pedialyte – any flavor
- Diapers – sizes 3 and up
- Diaper wipes
- Toilet paper
- Feminine hygiene products
Where to Drop Off Your Donations
Monetary donations should be made out to the Woman’s Club with a notation in the Memo line if you want it to go towards a specific project. All donations can be dropped off either in the boxes on the Clubhouse porch or in the painted can on Wendy Weisbard’s porch at 119 Grove Road.
An Encore Presentation…
For those of us who missed Tom Land’s recent Zoom presentation, he will give an encore at our June 17th Woman’s Club’s Zoom meeting. A link will be sent out before the 7:00 PM meeting.
Maryland Electricity Choice Program – Save Money and Protect Our Climate
Residents in Washington Grove can choose their electricity supplier to save money and to select electricity generated from renewable sources, such as wind and solar. Since 2004, households in Maryland have been able to choose a contract for their electricity supplier through the state-regulated competitive market. Tom Land will show how to navigate the selection of an electric supplier using on-line resources. It is easy to choose an electricity supplier!
Lighting Committee News…
Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 23 at 7:30pm, 2021 via ZOOM Video Conferencing. We will continue to meet on the 4th Wednesday of every month. All are welcome to attend!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89307292356?pwd=WVl4bEhQSHRuVFM0cWlsSG5LWGswdz09
Meeting ID: 893 0729 2356
Passcode: 270665
PEPCO has recently filed a major tariff that could greatly affect the lighting in TWG. We have been in discussion with both Maryland Public Service Commission (MDPSC) and Pepco concerning their new multi-year plan. The MDPSC response should be available by our June 2021 meeting.
Questions, ideas or concerns please contact Virginia Quesada at: 301-706-7933 (cell [email protected] or Robert N. Johnson [email protected]
Climate Action News…Sustainability Group
Next meeting: June 22, 2021, 7:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3440199688
Meeting ID: 344 019 9688
Switching to Energy Choice
These listed Washington Grove neighbors have switched their electricity supplier. Each household estimates savings between $45 and $235 per year, and their electricity is coming from State-verified renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. It’s easy to choose an electricity supplier and save money while helping to protect our climate. Will you join them?
Beres/Chang & Hodges/Williams & Blake & Klinger & Booher & Myers/Clark & Bolotin/Fassett & Mroczka & Cavenagh & Patrone & Cole/Kawasaki & Philips/Shapiro & Cosson & Seiferlein/Frederiksen & Dibble/Land & Sisson & French & Temple & Helme
Need advice or help in making the switch? Call any of these neighbors, or view our recent presentation on the Maryland Electric Choice Program. If you do switch electricity supplier, please let us know by sending a note to Bob Booher at [email protected] or Tom Land at [email protected]. Thanks!
TIP: There’s free food in your yard, high in micronutrients and with no packaging! Try cicadas fried, roasted, raw, on pizza, in tacos, or dipped in chocolate. Cicadas also help plants grow by aerating and enriching the soil, and their voices drown out traffic noise!
Emergency Preparedness Committee News…
Next Meeting: Thursday, June 24th at 7:30 p.m.
Join the Zoom meeting by videoconference:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89199207143?pwd=aUVsTUpCbTRMWjdMdnZ1aEhLdGwrZz09
By Phone: 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 891 9920 7143
Passcode: 359029
Summer is here! It’s time for fun outside but be mindful of seasonal risks associated with the heat, and activities like swimming, cycling, and grilling. See the National Safety Council’s summer safety tips here: https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/seasonal-safety/summer-safety/summer-safety-tips.
We are actively seeking new committee members! One committee goal is to promote a shared sense of preparedness, vigilance, and resilience to help strengthen our community. We welcome your input and ideas on how to achieve this and any other goals related to preparedness and safety. Please join us at our next meeting.
Border Committee News…
Next Meeting: Thursday, June 10, 2021; 7:30 p.m. Via ZOOM Videoconference. This Committee meets the second Thursday of each month. All are welcome. Contact Peter Nagrod ([email protected]) for information on how to join the meeting.
BULK TRASH PICKUP
DON’T FORGET!!
Bulk Trash Pickup SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 2021
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
Forestry & Beautification News…
Next Meeting: June 9, 2021, 7:30 p.m. via ZOOM Video Conference
We don’t usually meet in June but due to the cicadas we are still planning for some continued tree planting. We’d love to have you join us! If you can’t make the meeting but have a suggestion for where a new tree is needed, please contact F&B Chair Georgette Cole ( [email protected] ) or our Council Liaison Gray Yachup ([email protected]).
Recently installed F&B trees.
- American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) and Red Maple (Acer rubrum) var. Red Sunset planted 8 May 2021
- Red Maple (Acer rubrum) var. Red Armstrong planted 8 May 2021. And Willow Oak, (Quercus phellos) right rear, planted November 2020.
Think these are attractive and you’d like to have your own? Montgomery County has a free tree planting program. Tree Montgomery will plant and help maintain a shade tree in your yard! The new tree sill be a nice substantial one and they have tools to help you choose a great tree for your space. Grovers are already taking advantage of this great program and you can too!! (https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/green/trees/tree-montgomery.html)
Dog Park News…
A good time was had by all at the Dog Park on Monday. Check out the pictures below for a look at this beautiful spot in our West Woods.
Picture1
Picture2
June Coming Events Calendar
(All meetings via ZOOM Conference)
June 2 » Planning Commission 7:30 pm ZOOM
June 7 » Woods Committee 7:30 pm ZOOM
June 9 » BUILDING PERMIT SUBMISSION DEADLINE
June 9 » Recreation Committee 7:30 pm ZOOM
June 9 » Forestry & Beautification 7:30 pm ZOOM
June 10 » Border Committee 7:30 pm ZOOM
June 14 » Town Council 7:30 pm ZOOM
June 15 » Historic Preservation Commission 7:30 pm ZOOM
June 17 » Lake Committee 7:30 pm ZOOM
June 20 » Racial Equity Committee 2:00 pm ZOOM
June 23 » Comprehensive Plan Work Session 7:30 pm ZOOM
June 23 » Lighting Committee 7:30 pm ZOOM
June 24 » Emergency Preparedness & Safety 7:30 pm ZOOM
June 26 » Bulk Trash Collection 7:00 am Town Wide
June 27 » Film Society “The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” 7:30 pm ZOOM
July 6 » Woods Committee 7:30 pm ZOOM