Special Town Meeting Passes Resolution
Opposing Pre-emptive Military Action
At a Special Town Meeting on March 12, 2003 by a vote of 57 to 12, the Town of Washington Grove passed a resolution supporting peaceful measures for resolving international disputes and opposing pre-emptive military action by the United States against sovereign nations, including Iraq. For the complete whereas’s, therefore’s and hereby’s, residents may visit the Town Office.
Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday, April 14, 7:00 p.m., in the Council Room.
Representatives from the Dept. of Public Works and Transportation will discuss the current study to decide the fate of the Deer Park Bridge.
The public is invited to attend.
This month’s Council actions included:
Approval of Resolution No. 2002-06 “Annexation of Railroad Park”.
The Council also discussed the following:
Sent to the Planning Commission for study and recommendation a petition received from residents seeking expanded street parking near Grove Rd. and Brown St.
In response to a resident petition, designated a group to look into options for new streetlights on upper Ridge Rd. Separately, authorized Jim Fletcher to propose specifics a new street light on Maple Ave between Brown and Railroad.
Opened bids for trash and recycling contracts, which will be awarded in April.
Humpback Bridge Replacement
John Compton and Darrell Anderson attended the first working session of the Deer Park Bridge Facilities Planning Study, which the County has funded to study options for replacing the current bridge. Minutes are available in the Town Office.
Casey Field
The proposed alignment of the Amity-Crabbs Branch Rd came under scrutiny of the Wetlands Committee on March 17th. Approval is needed before the 162 unit Preliminary Development Plan is considered by the Planning Board. Stay tuned!
The Mayor sent a letter to County officials (the Planning Board, School Board, County Council) urging that they act now to plan how to keep present schools from further over-crowding before current and proposed residential growth in the Shady Grove Master Plan area constricts the available options. The projected need has already led MCPS to seek reservation of an additional elementary school site.
Shady Grove Sector Master Plan Update
Next meeting: April 9th at 16641 Crabbs Branch Way from 7:30-10:00 p.m..
This meeting will present draft concepts form the Park and Planning staff for land use and transportation developed from the community Charrettes. More information can be found at: www.mcparkandplanning.org or by calling 301-495-4554.
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: April 1, 7:30 p.m. Council Room.
The public is invited to attend. At the meeting March 4th, considered whether a prospective tenant, Fiber Clean, met the use regulations of our Commercial Zone. Permits were approved for a deck at 511 W.G. Lane
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. The permit fee is $10.00, payable to the Town of Washington Grove. 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. The Historic Preservation Commission will review most permits as well.
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: April 15, 7:30 p.m. Council Room.
The HPC continues to work on a list of contributing structures. The public is invited to attend the meetings.
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: May 7, 2003, 7:30 p.m. Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
It’s a Reptile Rumble!
Come see Reptile World on April 6, 2003 in McCathran Hall at 3:00 p.m.
He’s never seen a reptile he didn’t love!
Grove Artists to teach Art Classes
The Recreation Committee will sponsor art classes for children ages K – 6th Grade. See the attached flyer and registration form for all the details!!
The Washington Grove Singers take a breather..
The bad news is that last season we never had 100% attendance at our choir rehearsals. The good news is that last season we never had 100% attendance at our choir rehearsals and we still did a great job! That speaks well about the solid core of the group. I hope you are all proud! However, I need a break and am going to skip this Spring/Summer season. The traditional Friday night concert of Music Weekend will be replaced by something completely different. Stay tuned for the details. So, enjoy the break, renew your singing spirits and I’ll see you in September. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication! Sincerely, Kathy
Music Weekend Programs are set!
As always, the 3rd weekend in June is Music Weekend. Mark your calendars and get ready for the fun!
Friday, June 20, 2003: Jazz Big Band Dance with Pizza & Beer provided.
Saturday, June 21, 2003: Cajun Music
Sunday, June 22, 2003: Baroque Breakfast
Wednesday Morning Playgroup Continues
Moms, dads and/or caregivers at home on Wednesday mornings are invited to come to another playgroup meeting on Wednesday, March 26th at 9:30 a.m..
Summer Opportunities:
Enjoy working with kids? Looking for a responsible position that will look great on your resume? A limited number of paid camp counselor positions will be available with Summer in the Parks this year. Interested candidates need to be 14 years of age or older (in order to obtain a work permit) and available to work M-F from 1:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. for the entire month of July. There will also be a number of volunteer positions available eligible for earning credit for service learning hours. Interviews will be conducted for both positions in April and May. For more information or to be considered for a position please call Karen Kelly at 301-987-9529.
How about a summer in the sun at the Lake? Life guard positions available. Contact Dodie Tippens at301-869-1682.
Woman’s Club News
Next meeting: April 17th, 7:30 p.m., Clubhouse.
Plant Auction with Joan O’Rourke Bring plants and/or plant related items for auction or purchase. Come join the fun!!
Flower Show Set for June 1, 2003. More details next month.
Annual Grove Egg Hunt Scheduled
Attention Grove children & families! The Annual Grove Egg Hunt is upon us. The Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, April 12th at 10:30 a.m. at The Gazebo. A party will follow in McCathran Hall. Last year more than 60 children participated and 100 dozen eggs were donated by helpful volunteers. Parents are being asked to fill at least one dozen eggs for each participating child. Eggs can be picked up at 400 Chestnut Ave. (Eric & Lawren Selby) after Friday, March 28th. Volunteers are asked to return filled eggs by Sunday, April 6, 2003. Volunteers are needed to hide eggs, help with set up & clean up and to help with craft activities. Please contact Lawren Selby at 301-963-7073 if you can help. To donate refreshments please contact Tami Williams at 301-869-8541.
Talkin’ Trash Just for You!
Our first bulk trash pickup for the Spring will take place on March 29, 2003. ALL ITEMS MUST BE “CURBSIDE” BY 7:00 a.m.. Collection may include furniture, appliances (not those with freon), rugs, large toys, small auto parts, etc. Materials may NOT include construction by-products, large automotive parts, or tires.
Because of the excessive snow that kept people out of their yards last month, our leaf contractor has agreed to move the spring bulk leaf pickup back two weeks. Our spring collection will take place between April 1 and the 15th, weather permitting. Please remember that brush and limbs will foul the vacuum. Rake or blow leaves into windrows within six feet of any walkway or roadway, excluding Railroad St., 2nd Ave. and Boundary Street. Large piles appreciated!
The Mayor & Council will award the next three-year contract for refuse and recycling pickup at its April 14th meeting. Residents wishing to communicate an opinion on this subject before the meeting can contact Nick Suzich at [email protected] or (301)869-9638 or simply come to the meeting and make your voice heard.
Recyclable yard waste pickup resumed on March 5th. Please remember that brush trimmings are not to exceed 4 inches in diameter by 4 feet in length and should be tied securely in bundles less that 30 inches in diameter. Other yard waste should be placed in the big brown bags or properly marked trash cans. Town maintenance will pick up piles as needed.
Planning a Career in Government or Public Service?
Two $1,500 scholarships are available through the Maryland Municipal League. Deadline for application is April 10, 2003. For information or application call the Town Office at 301-926-2256.
Fire Safety Meeting in the Works
David Stopak, Councilor in charge of Safety, is trying to set up a meeting with local fire officials to discuss fire safety and prevention. We need to know if you would prefer an evening meeting or a Saturday morning meeting. Call the Town Office with your preference 301-926-2256.
IMPORTANT TOWN REVENUE NOTE:
A reminder to Washington Grove residents. Please fill in Washington Grove – 1612 in the appropriate box on your State income tax form. If someone else prepares your tax forms, include this notice with your tax information and if you file electronically, be sure to select Washington Grove under City, Town or Taxing Area. This does not increase your taxes, but does help ensure that the Town receives its proper share of local income tax revenue. Thanks for your help!
An Invitation To All!
Come help five (5) “Old Townies” celebrate 35 decades. Sunday, May 18th, 2:00 p.m. at the Woman’s Club. Food, drink & music provided. More details in April. Mark your calendars!