Council Notes
The next meeting will be Monday, April 10, 7:30 p.m., McCathran Hall. The public is invited to
attend. March Council actions included:
· approved Mayor’s appointment of Peggy Odick to the Planning Commission
· adopted ordinance permitting Town to place conditions on the zoning or rezoning of land
· introduced application for rezoning of WSSC property from RR-3 to RR-1 with
conditions (Public Hearing 4/10)
· enacted ordinance authorizing transfer of a non-exclusive cable television franchise
· deferred action on ordinance to add low-density RR-4 residential zone
· introduced ordinance to clarify and expand uses with Town commercial zone (Public
Hearing 4/4)
Planning Commission
The Next meeting will be Tuesday, April 4, 7:30 p.m., McCathran Hall.
Building Permits Issued
· Adams, 413 Washington Grove Lane, sheds
· Herold, 106 Pine Avenue, covered porch
Spring Leaf Collection
U.S. LAWNS will make a service visit during the last week of March, with pick up completed by
April 1, weather permitting.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Ordinance to
Clarify and Expand Uses
Within Town Commercial Zone
Date: Tuesday, April 4
Place: McCathran Hall Council Room
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Town Council will take public comment on a proposed zoning text
amendment initiated by the Town’s Planning Commission to clarify and
expand permitted uses, either by right or special exception, within the
commercial zone. This amendment would allow businesses of minimal
adverse impact to be conduc ted within the commercial zone. Copies of
the proposed amendment are available at the Town Office.
Think Spring! Two Special Collections Planned
· Wednesday, March 29
· Wednesday, April 26
Collection may include furniture, appliances (but not those with Freon), rugs, large toys, small
auto parts, etc. Materials may not include construction by-products, large automotive parts, or
tires. Items must be placed curbside.
Income Tax Reminder
Remember to fill in “Washington Grove #1612” under “City, Town or Taxing Area” on your
Maryland tax return. This does not increase your taxes, but does help ensure that the Town
receives its proper share of local income tax revenue.
Enroll Now for Summer-in-the-Parks!!
As summer approaches, Grove kids eagerly await this relaxed program of creative projects,
sports, nature activities, and fun at the lake. Meeting at McCathran Hall, the program runs from
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for four weeks beginning Monday, July 3. To ensure a
place for your child and to determine staffing needs, please fill out the enrollment form in this
Bulletin and send it, along with the registration fee, to
Nancy McCullough
P.O. Box 102
by April 29. Please make out checks to “Town of Washington Grove”. Resident fees are $80 for
the first child, $65 for a second, and $50 for a third child in the same family. Please enroll now!
The program is for children aged 4-11 (4 by 7/31/2000). Call Karen Kelly at 301-987-9529 for
more information. Extra enrollment forms are available at the Town Office, as well as program
guidelines.
Moms Club Musical Activity
Thurs., March 23 Come join the Moms for activities, refreshments and fun! Town Hall at
10 a.m. Call Martha Crews at 301-527-8273 to sign up.
Spring Luncheon, Craft and Bake Sale
Saturday, March 25 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Washington Grove United Methodist Church, Chestnut
Road. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.&nsp; Adults – $7.00, children – $3.00, carry out
.50 extra. Ham, chicken salad, and all the trimmings!
Town Information
Office/Clerk-Treasurer
Phone: 301-926-2256
Fax: 301-926-0111
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.washgrov.sailorsite.net
Mail: P.O. Box 216
Washington Grove, MD 20880-0216
Town Hall: Center Street & Chestnut Road
Washington Grove
Office Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Closed Wednesday mornings
Maintenance 301-963-5850
McCathran Hall Transformed into Ellis Island
On March 31st, the 5th grade classes of Washington Grove Elementary School will become
immigrants and report to a mock Ellis Island to go through the immigration process that was in
effect in 1924. They will have to pass through 6 different stations before being allowed to enter
the United States. Students as well as adults will role play the immigration process by answering
questions, having passports checked, undergo a health exam, exchanging the money they brought
for U.S. currency, passing a Literacy test, conduct a baggage check, and state their reason and
intent. This experience will be followed by an International Luncheon. Anyone who would like
to volunteer their time is asked to call Ellen McInnes Price at 301-527-9654 or Mrs. Walker at
301-840-7120 (Washington Grove Elementary School).
Grove to Celebrate Arbor Day on April 8
The orange spots you will see around town are not signs of some new disease attacking our area.
They indicate planting sites for new oak trees to be planted on Arbor Day. If you have questions,
call Jim Fletcher (301-963-5850) or Carol Uhlendorf (301-926-1933). We have arranged for 25
white oak trees, which we will plant on Arbor Day. We ask for volunteers to help. We plan to
use 6 groups of 4 volunteers each. Each group will be given a map showing where to plant and
given planting instructions. At each site, we will place a tree, mulch, and holes will be
predrilled.
CALLING ALL KIDS! FUN ARBOR DAY ACTIVITIES ARE PLANNED FOR YOU!
Hazardous Materials Disposal
Sunday, April 2
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shady Grove Transfer Station
Voter Registration
To vote in Town elections, you must be currently registered to vote with Montgomery County at
an address in Washington Grove. To verify your registration with the County, please call
County Voter Registration Information at 240-777-8683. If you need to register, please call
them soon so you will be eligible to vote at Town elections and at Town Meeting on Saturday,
June 10.
Town Elections
Persons may be nominated for elective office in the Town by filing a certificate of nomination on
or before the second Monday in April with the:
chairman of the Supervisors of Elections
Mary Kay DuBois
119 Maple Avenue
301-926-8941.
The certificate of nomination must be in writing and signed by at least two qualified voters of the
Town. No person may file for nomination to more than one elective Town public office. All
nominees must be qualified voters of the Town. Councilors must have resided in the Town for at
least one year immediately preceding the election. The Mayor must have resided in the Town
for at least two years immediately preceding the election. The following terms expire in June:
· Mayor — 1-year term
· Town Councilor — 3-year term
· Town Councilor — 3-year term
Scheduler for McCathran Hall
The Town needs to hire a person to work about 4 hours a week (for $) as a Scheduler for the
rental of our McCathran Hall. Responsibilities include: handling all inquiries regarding the
availability of the hall; showing potential renters the hall; maintaining the calendar for hall rental
and handling rental agreements, deposits and rental payments. Initially, this position will also
involve working with volunteers who will assist in opening and closing the hall after each rental.
Please contact Kathie Evans at 301-869-7816.
Ordinance Passed Authorizing Transfer of Non-Exclusive Cable Television Franchise
At their March meeting, the Town Council voted to authorize the transfer of the current cable
franchise operated by Prime Communications-Potomac, LLC, to Comcast Cable of Maryland.
The Council authorized the Mayor to sign the agreement after all municipal and Montgomery
County concerns have been satisfied. Open access and customer service guarantees are the
major issues awaiting resolution.
Ordinance Passed Permitting Town to Place Conditions on Zoning or Rezoning of Property
At their March meeting, the Town Council voted to grant the Town Council authority to attach
conditions to a request for rezoning of property. For example, this ordinance would permit the
Town to require visual variety in a new housing development as a condition of zoning or
rezoning.
Photoclub
Grove photographers: bring your favorite color print photos and help the group select “Grove
images” for the town web site. George is looking for visual variety. (He thinks his cats are
getting overexposed.) This is an ongoing photo club opportunity. Bring your best to
111 Chestnut Road, Wednesday, March 29, 8 p.m. RSVP Diana 301-926-5283. Anyone
interested in photography, sharing with and learning from others is welcome. We can discuss
interests in photography, and, if there is common ground, plan some activities.
Grove Singers to Begin Rehearsals — Calling all singers!
Rehearsals will begin for the Music Weekend Concert on June 16. Come to McCathran Hall on
Wednesday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m. for the first rehearsal. If you have questions or would like to
sign up call Director Doris Gordon at 301-926-8603. All voices are needed and encouraged to
join the fun!
Maple Lake Cleanup
The annual lake cleanup will be on Saturday, April 29 at 10 a.m. Please join in and bring your
rake, a trash bag and a wheelbarrow if you have one. There will be drinks and snacks for all.
Rain date is Sunday, April 30. Call Dodie Tippens at 301-869-1682 if you have questions.
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. All
applications for County-required building permits must first be signed off by the Town.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Application for Rezoning of
WSSC Property on Ridge Road
From RR-3 to RR-1 with Conditions
Date: Monday, April 10, 2000
Place: McCathran Hall Council Room
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Town Council will take public comment on the application of
Bailey-Thompson, contract purchaser of the WSSC property, to rezone
the property from RR-3 to RR-1 with conditions.
Conditions to be considered if rezoning was granted include:
· compliance with all existing state, county and municipal laws
and regulations;
· correction and improvement of storm water management serving
the property;
· a minimum of 15% of the property dedicated to public use as
part of a Town-approved forest conservation plan;
· the posting of a performance bond for post-construction repair to
Ridge Road;
· the installation of all utilities underground;
· the installation of street lighting if required;
· prior approval of the design, size, configuration and placement
of all improvements to be erected on the property, including the
approval of elevation drawings, and the requirement for the
construction of detached garages on certain of the residential
lots; and
· the requirement for the recordation of a Declaration of
Covenants in favor of the Town encumbering the subject
property which shall be binding upon the property owner and all
successors in title.
Mousetrap Concert to Feature Cellist
The final concert in the Mousetrap Concert Series will be held on Sunday, April 2, at 3:00 p.m.
in McCathran Hall. The featured artist is cellist Igor Gavrysh who has come from Moscow to
perform. Jessica Krash will accompany him on the piano in a program featuring Bach,
Beethoven and Schumann. Call Alice Negin (301-926-2858) or Ann Briggs (301-926-6347) for
ticket availability.
Forestry Committee
Tuesday, April 4, 7:30 p.m. McCathran Hall (Octagon). New members welcome!!
Lake Committee Meeting
Tuesday, April 25 McCathran Hall Council Room, 7:30 p.m. New members welcome!!
Come Sign!
Beginner American Sign Language classes will be offered by Barbara Raimondo at her home on
Center Street. Classes will be held April 9, 16, and 30, May 21 and 28, and June 4, 11, and 18
from 3:00 to 5:00. Children in the fourth grade and up are welcome on their own. Children in
kindergarten through third grade are welcome to join the first 10-15 minutes of the class, which
will be less structured and more appropriate to their attention span. Both children and adults are
welcome. We will be using the book, “A Basic Course in American Sign Language” by
Humphries, Padden, and O’Rourke. Barbara will be assisted by her children Meira and Asher
Kirschbaum. For more information or to register, please call Barbara at 301-990-2847 v/tty or email
her at [email protected].
“Spring Cleaning?” – Woman’s Club Yard Sale
Remember the annual yard sale to benefit the Woman’s Club when you do your “spring
cleaning”. The sale will be held on Saturday, June 3. If you have items to part with now (no
clothing please), call Mary Kay DuBois at 301-926-8941 or Kitty Vogan at 301-840-9416.
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 15, 10:30 a.m. (Raindate: Saturday, April 22, 10:30 a.m.)
All Grove Kids: Bring your Easter baskets and join the Easter bunny at the Gazebo for the
annual Easter Egg Hunt. Fun and refreshments to follow at McCathran Hall (or, if postponed to
April 22 due to rain, meet at the Gazebo and then party to follow at the Woman’s Club). All
Parents: Please help us by filling one dozen Easter eggs with age appropriate toys for each child
you plan to bring. Pick up empty plastic eggs on the porch of Sharon Hurst, 409 Chestnut
Avenue; return filled eggs to the same location by April 6. The empty eggs are already in bags
by the dozen; when you return your filled eggs, please label the bag with the child’s age.
Sponsored by The Woman’s Club. If any questions, call Kathleen McCann at 301-926-9020.
Rent the Woman’s Clubhouse!
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!!
Hawk Talk
Sunday, April 16
Woodward Park
11 a.m.
Steve Agricola and his goshawk
Ed Gravlin and his Harris Hawk
Rain location: McCathran Hall
Whole Family Entertainment
One hawk will fly free
Adopt-a-Barrel!
If you know about a Town barrel that has gone unplanted
and would be willing to plant and care for it, please contact
the Town Office at 301-926-2256. Beautification funds are
available for plants! Thanks!
Woman’s Club Meeting
Thursday, April 20 At the Woman’s Clubhouse, 7:30 p.m.
Chestnut Road and Miller Drive
PLANT AUCTION
Joan O’Rourke, Master Gardener, will act as auctioneer.
Please bring rooted cuttings in pots, plant divisions, bulbs,
garden accessories, or any other garden-related material
that can be auctioned. Guests are welcome!
You are invited
to your Montgomery County Council’s
Town Hall Meeting
Wednesday, April 12
Reception: 7:30 p.m.
Meeting: 8:00 p.m.
Gaithersburg Middle School
Have your say and get your questions answered on the budget and taxes, class size and school
renovations, road improvements and mass transit, Olde Towne Gaithersburg redevelopment, a
new Rockville library, the Strathmore Hall performing arts center and much more . . .
Deadline for Next Town Bulletin
April 10