Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 03.08.10 @ 7:30 p.m. & Monday » 03.22.10 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the February Council meeting included:
- approval of Resolution No. 2010-02; to amend the Town Charter to authorize extending the nominations deadline until the second Monday in April and provide authorization for write-in voting.
- approval of Ordinance 2010-03; Ord. to amend Article X, Section 3.1 & 4.1 of the Town code to extend the nominations deadline until the second Monday in April and to add a provision for write-in votes on the ballots to reinforce tradition and provide for such voting in Washington Grove.
- approval to move forward with the paper work necessary to accept a $5,000 energy grant.
Historic Snow Cancels Two Meetings
The double whammy historic snows of February 5-6 and 9-10 caused the cancellation of two important meetings on Town issues. Both the presentation by CSX to the Town on their preferred “new” option for reconciling the height issue for the Humpback Bridge, and Montgomery County’s meeting with the Town to discuss new options for Casey 6 & 7, have been rescheduled for March. No dates have been set, but we will notify everyone when that happens. Sometimes it is nice to have a breather to give time for reflection and internal discussion of these issues.
Update on the LOS Special Town Meeting
In the February Bulletin, an article about the January 28, 2010, Special Town Meeting failed to record the second motion passed by the Town. In a 49-17 vote, the attendees passed a motion made by Kathie Evans asking the Mayor and Town Council to obtain from our lawyers estimates as to the legal costs which might be incurred in the event of termination of the condemnation trial and/or losing an appeal, and to report that at the May Town Meeting. This will be discussed in Executive Session by the Mayor, Town Council, and our lawyer, and a speculative range of amounts will be presented at the May Town Meeting.
There also was a motion by George Paine which thanked the Mayor, Town Council, and the many volunteers who continue to work so hard on this issue. The motion passed unanimously.
Town Elections
Nominations for Mayor and Town Council must be sent to Mary Kay DuBois by April 12, 2010. So put on your thinking caps and call Mary Kay at 301-926-8941.
A listing of Mayors and Town Council members over the last 40 years. With discussions starting regarding upcoming nominations, some folks might be interested in knowing names of those who have previously served.
Current Nominations
The following nominations have been turned in to the Board of Supervisors of Elections:
- Joli McCathran » Town Council
- Bill Robertson » Town Council
Upcoming Election (and how you can get involved)
In May, the Town will elect a Mayor and 2 Town Council members. To run for Town Council, a person must have lived in Town for one year and be a qualified, registered voter in Montgomery County; to run for Mayor, a person must have lived in Town for two years and be a qualified, registered voter in Montgomery County. The nomination process is very easy. The Town’s Charter has this to say:
"Persons may be nominated for elective office in the Town by filing a certificate of nomination with the Board of Supervisors of Elections on or before the second Monday in March next preceding the Town election. The certificate of nomination must be in writing and must be signed by at least two qualified voters of the Town."
Tax Reminder – Washington Grove -1612
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!
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 03.03.07 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
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 for a major building permit (addition/renovation) is $40.00. The fee for a minor building permit (fence/shed) is $10.00. Checks should be made payable to the Town of Washington Grove. Interior renovations, which involve electrical, plumbing, or load-bearing changes, generally require a County permit. A shed requires a County permit as well. The Town must first sign off all applications for County-required building permits. The Historic Preservation Commission will review most permit applications as well.
At its February meeting, the Planning Commission finalized amendments to its building permit review process to require a boundary survey in most cases. The Commission is also completing work on a spreadsheet it is developing to permit residents to follow the progress of each building permit application and subsequent construction on the Town’s website.
There were no building permit applications to review.
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 03.16.10 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. Meetings are open to the public. The HPC encourages residents to come for an early consultation when planning a renovation.
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 04.21.10 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend. New members always welcome!
Celebrate St. Patrick’s in the Grove!
Blackthorn St. Patrick’s Day Céilí
Friday, March 12, McCathran Hall
Dance Workshop – 6 to 7 p.m.
Céilí – 7 to 11 p.m.
Music by the Martin Family Band
Free to Town residents, but donations gladly accepted to help pay the band. Bring a dish or dessert to share. For more info call: 301-990-0184. Sponsored by the Washington Grove Recreation Committee.
Mousetrap Concert No. 3
- Gut, Wind & Wire
- Songs & Dances from the Appalachians to old Spain. In McCathran Hall.
- Sunday, March 14; 3:00 p.m.
- For tickets and info: call 301-926-2858
Film Society News
Divided We Fall, the Washington Grove Film Society’s last film of the season, will air on Sunday, March 21, at 7 p.m. in McCathran Hall. What do normal people do in horrifying times? In a Nazi-occupied Czech town, Josef and his wife Marie yearn for a baby. Circumstances bring them instead a refugee from the death camps, whom they hide in their storeroom. Complications ensue–some comical, some fearful. Divided We Fall has tension, humor, style, strong characterizations, and even hope. Directed by Jan Hrebejk, 2000, Czech Republic, subtitled, 117 minutes.
Save the Date!
Sunday, April 25, at 2 p.m., Washington Grove will host storyteller/comedian Bil Lepp, five time champion of the West Virginia Liars’ Contest. A very funny guy, Bil tells tales for kids and adults. So mark your calendars and be prepared to laugh! For more information go to www.buck-dog.com. Sponsored by the Recreation Committee.
Lake Committee News
Next meeting: Thursday » 03.11.10 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. Yes, that’s right, we said Lake Committee :o)
Please come and help get the lake ready for this year. Important items are: Geese control, Security, Life Guards, Swim Instructors. NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME!!
Geese Are Expected in Late March
We are using the Humane Society’s protocol again to humanely prevent eggs from hatching this spring. In the past several years a pair of geese has nested in an area easily accessible to our egg-oiling team. They drive away the other geese during nesting season and then leave when their eggs do not hatch. Please do not feed or harass the nesting pair or disturb the nest. If you see a nest built, please call Ann Philips or John Hutchinson. THANKS!
Woman’s Club News
Next meeting: Thursday » 03.18.10 @ 7:30 p.m. in Clubhouse.
Mimi Bolotin will orient us to new features at the Montgomery County Public Library site. With present and pending budget cuts, Library users will have to be more independent. Knowing how to use new features on the Library site can save you time and effort. If you have a laptop, feel free to bring it so that you can surf the site along with Mimi and begin to download new features.
Egg Hunt
The Woman’s Club is seeking one or more individuals to chair and/or co-chair the annual Egg Hunt. The tentative date is either March 27 or April 3. The Club has most of the supplies and will invite volunteers to fill eggs for the children. You do not have to be a member of the Club to do this job. Please call Joli McCathran at 301-869-5358 or Joan Mahaffey at 240-631-8064 or contact Joli via email at [email protected] if you want to volunteer or need more information. This is a fun event the children always look forward to. Please consider helping this year!
WGUMC News
- March 6th Silent Auction — Our Annual Silent Auction Rebuilding Fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, March 6th from 7-9 pm at the Town Hall! Come and enjoy fiddle and guitar music, good food, conversation, and a chance to bid on some lovely items and services, including the work of Grove artists and photographers. Bake sale and refreshments. Funds raised support “Grove Relief” team participation in Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, and repairing homes for needy neighbors. Thank you for supporting a great cause!
- Sundays thru March 21st — Lenten Sermon Series on Prayer. On the Sundays of Lent during the 11 am service Judy addresses prayer, the healing conversation with God, “the wholly other.” March prayer topics are petitionary prayer, or “Help me, Lord”; intercessory prayer, or “Help them, Lord”; and contemplation, or listening prayer.
- March 14th, Rev. Tim Warner to Preach — As part of our involvement with the Gaithersburg “Neighbor Corps,” Rev. Tim Warner will speak at the 11 am service during our Lenten series. Tim serves as Montgomery County’s Liaison with African American and Faith Communities, and is an inspiring speaker.
- Holy Week, March 28-April 4th
- Palm/Passion Sunday, Mar. 28th- At the 11 am service enjoy a Lenten drama by the children of the church.
- Maundy Thursday, Apr. 1st – Come to a candlelight Tennebrae and communion service at 7:30 pm, as we reenact the most profound moment of the Lenten journey towards God.
- Easter Sunrise, Apr. 4th – Meet in the field on Ridge Road near Brown Street at 6:35 am for the 6:40 celebration service as the sun rises! Breakfast follows at the church.
- Easter 11 am, Apr. 4th – Celebrate the ever-fresh hope of God with song and worship at the 11 am service.
- Movement Class on March 10th — Kim Thompson’s Gentle Movement for chronic pain sufferers’ class meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, from 2 to 3 pm upstairs in the church. The class is free, sponsored by the County, and open to all.
- Soup kitchen on March 18th — On the third Thursday of every month we help at the St. Martin’s soup kitchen, at the intersection of Summit Ave. and Rte. 355, from about 12:30 until 4pm (or some segment of that time). This ministry is deeply appreciated, and sorely needed! For further info. call Jean Clark at 301 948 8758.
20
Neighborhood Watch News
Report Crimes & Suspicious Activity!
Mont. Co. Police non-emergency: 301-279-8000
Town Office: 301-926-2256
Joe Clark: 301-869-7944
Keith Gillis/Leigh Partington: 301-208-1437
Incident Report:
- February 9: Vandalism. 300 block of Chestnut Ave – Resident reported that their vehicle had been egged.
Reminder: This time of year we often experience a rise in incidents, especially break-ins and theft.
Please remember to lock your home doors and accessible windows when you are away even for a short time. Lock your car doors. Do not leave any valuables in your car. Small electronic devices are prime targets.
Streetlight Feedback Needed
There is a streetlight on Chestnut Road directly across from the Town Office. The regular 189 watt incandescent bulb has been replaced with a 35 watt induction light. According to PEPCO, this type of light lasts longer and is more efficient. Please take a moment to check this out and let Town government know what you think. Feedback is welcome by phone, 301-926-2256 or e-mail.
Census 2010 — Stand Up and Be Counted!
April 1, 2010 is Census day all across America. The Census is important. It is safe and confidential. And it is easy. Everyone counts in Washington Grove. We want to make sure every resident is counted. You will receive your Census form in mid March. Just 10 questions, just 10 minutes. If you don’t submit a form, a Census worker will knock at your door (and keep trying up to six times). Save time, save money – return your Census form. Thanks!
Brush Pick-up Reminder
As of March 1, 2010, our trash and recycling contractor will resume picking up your recyclable yard waste in properly marked containers and/or large brown bags. Our record-breaking snowfalls will also bring record-breaking amounts of yard waste. Town Maintenance will continue picking up properly prepared yard waste but residents are strongly urged to take full advantage of the service provided by our contractor as well.
Summer In The Parks 2010
- Dates: Weekdays, July 7th to July 30th.
- Time: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
- Age: Children entering grades K-8
- SITP Enrollment Form by 04.30.10