Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 04.11.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the March Council meeting included:
- approval of repairs to the Grove Road side of the tennis court fencing.
Town to Support Spring Cleanup
Because of the increased number of storm-damaged trees and bushes this winter, the Town will make a one-pass opportunity for residents to place their broken limbs and bushes at the side of the road for pickup. Depending on the weather, the pick-up will occur on April 18 or the next day or two if that day is stormy. Please make neat piles of any size limbs and debris that can be picked up by one person. Larger pieces will need to be handled by residents by either taking them to the Shady Grove recycle center or by hiring a contractor to remove them.
Also, please remember that our recycle contractor has begun picking up yard waste if it is in the brown leaf bags or in containers marked as yard waste. These should be placed in your normal trash take-out location on Thursdays. Piles of limbs and debris will not be removed unless they are less than 4 feet long and bundled in small piles.
In addition, our leaf contractor will be making one last run through Town on Tuesday, April 5, 2011. Leaves that are raked into piles along the roads and walkways will be sucked up during this last leaf collection of the season. Leaf collection will not begin again until the fall.
The LOS Field is not for Animal Waste
For anyone who uses the field that we own along upper Ridge Road, it appears that some dog-walkers have decided to make this a primary staging area for dog waste. If you walk your cats, this also applies. It is becoming impossible to walk in the field without acquiring “unwanted visitors” on your shoes, which then get tracked all over Town. The same regulations regarding the removal of animal waste on our roads and walkways apply to the LOS field. Let’s pay a little attention to courtesy so the field can be used by those who don’t like hosing off their shoes after taking a leisurely walk through the field.
WE NEED A FEW MORE VOLUNTEERS!!
Our current opportunities are:
Field Legacy Committee
The Town still has a few openings for the Field Legacy Committee. This Committee will be Mayor-appointed and work with Montgomery County Parks to develop a plan for maintenance of the newly-acquired LOS Field. It is anticipated that there will be a few meetings with MC Parks staff to discuss options for keeping the meadow a meadow and then making recommendations to the Town Council for final plans. MC Parks will be making a public presentation to the Town in the next few months on potential recommendations. The Town then will take those recommendations under advisement, which will include public input, before the Field Legacy Committee makes their recommendations to the Council. It is anticipated that this Committee will be in place for at least 6 months, with potentially some involvement as plans are implemented. This is a good opportunity for new residents to become involved, whether you live adjacent to the field or not. Please submit your name to Kathy Lehman in the Town Office.
Planning Commission
There still is a need to have a volunteer for a voting position on the Planning Commission. Please contact Kathy Lehman in the Town Office if you have questions or want to be considered for the position. The Planning Commission meets the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room at McCathran Hall.
Deadline for Nominations Correction
Nominations for Mayor and Town Council must be sent to Mary Kay DuBois by April 11, 2011. The following nominations have been turned in to the Board of Supervisors of Elections:
- Georgette Cole » Mayor
- Joe Clark » Town Councilor
- Audrey Maskery » Town Councilor
- Joli McCathran » Town Councilor
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Washington Grove Town Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 24, 2011, 7:30 p.m., in McCathran Hall, 300 Grove Ave. Washington Grove, Maryland. The purpose of this hearing is to take public comment regarding proposed Zoning Text Amendment No. 2011-01 to amend Article VII, Sections 3 and 4. This ordinance proposes standards for maximum enclosed area for dwellings in all residential zones based on total lot area. A copy of the proposed amendment is available upon request to the Town of Washington Grove, P.O. Box 216, Washington Grove, Maryland 20880 (301-926-2256).
Summary of Ordinance 2011-01
This ordinance proposes standards for maximum enclosed area for dwellings in all residential zones based on total lot area. The proposed ordinance results from joint efforts of Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission representatives to explore alternatives to assure new homes and renovations are compatible with the historic character of the Town. Development of the standards for enclosed area relied on data for each dwelling in Town from property tax records of the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. A copy of the proposed ordinance is available on the Town’s website or upon request to the Town Office. A listing for each dwelling is also posted on the Town’s website with total lot area, current enclosed area, the proposed new maximum enclosed area standard, and a graphical summary.
Washington Grove Taxpayers
**IMPORTANT**
Every year the Town of Washington Grove receives a portion of the Maryland State tax paid by Town residents. Because our residents do not have mail delivered to street addresses, this presents a challenge for the State Comptroller’s office when attributing the taxes collected to Washington Grove. It is critical that all Washington Grove residents (including renters!) designate "Washington Grove." For Maryland IFile, under "Name of county and incorporated city, town, or special taxing area in which you were a resident on the last day of the taxable period", select "Montgomery, Washington Grove" from the drop down menu. This block is separate from the address blocks. Turbo Tax and H&R Block software also include drop down menus where you may select "Montgomery County" and then "Washington Grove." Please share this information with your renters and your tax preparer if appropriate. 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! Questions, call Treasurer Mary Challstrom at 301-926-4498.
Budget Worksession Scheduled
On Monday, March 28th the Mayor and Town Council will hold a budget worksession at 7:30PM in the Council Room.
Mark Your Calendars
This year’s Annual Town Meeting will take place on May 14, 2011.
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 04.19.11 @ 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.
HPC’s Window Restoration Workshop
Saturday, May 7th, 9am-1pm @ McCathran Hall
Learn how to:
- Replace glazing compound
- Replace broken panes
- Add weather-stripping and caulk
- Remove, clean, and reinstall window sashes
- Install new ropes and pulleys
- Repair minor damage, AND more…
David Gibney, our workshop instructor, will discuss & demonstrate various methods for effective maintenance, repair and weatherization of wood windows. The use of proper tools & restoration products will be covered along with the history and evolution of windows and window components. David is the owner of Historic Restoration Specialists, Inc in Smithsburg, MD and has been a practicing restoration craftsman for the past 30 years. He’s led workshops for the Smithsonian Institute and the National Park Service and is an instructor in the Building and Preservation programs at Harford and Allegany College, as well as a guest lecturer for the UPenn Historic Preservation Masters Program.
To enable attendees to come up to the demo tables to see some of the close work and handle the materials, attendance will be limited to 35 people. All who would like to attend must register by April 25th. The fee to register is $20/person. Please make your check out to The Town of Washington Grove and mail it to:
HPC Window Workshop, P.O. Box 301, Washington Grove, MD 20880.
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 04.06.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
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. Please contact the Town Office (301-926-2256) or [email protected], or see the Town website: www.washingtongrovemd.org for more details. The Historic Preservation Commission will review most permit applications as well.
Permits were issued for the following;
- 127 Maple Ave. » Mower Hutch
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 06.15.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
SUMMER IN THE PARKS 2011!!!
It’s that time again!!! Summer is right around the corner! We are excited to announce that Coach Raymond will be joining us again this year and we have a month’s worth of fun activities for all children between kindergarten and 8th grade!
The SITP enrollment form for campers is included in this newsletter. Enrollment forms for campers are due back by April 30th, 2011 to Emily Cavey (240-632-9587 or via email at [email protected]). If you are interested in applying for an employment or volunteer position, contact Samantha Beres at [email protected]. Applications for volunteer and counselor positions will be due by April 30.
There’s a Mouse in the house!! Concert No. 3
Washington Adventist University Pro Musica – music for everyone’s taste; from Bach & Schubert to Foster & Copeland. Wine & meatball reception to follow.
March 20, 2011; McCathran Hall 3:00pm
Tickets still available:
Call Alice Negin, 301-926-2858 or Ann Briggs, 301-926-6347.
Rhythm & Movement Classes Continue
The classes are in 6-week sessions and run in conjunction with the school year.
- Who: children ages 5-8 years
- When: Tuesdays; 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
- Where: McCathran Hall
- Fee: $5.00 per class
For more information please contact Samantha Beres at 301-330-8509.
Lake Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 04.20.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Mark your calendars as the Lake Committee will continue to meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month through the fall. It’s time to start planning for clean-up day, geese, lifeguards, swim instructors and budget priorities. For more information, please contact John Hutchinson (Hutch); 301-926-8767.
Forestry News
ARBOR DAY – APRIL 9TH – MEET AT 9AM AT THE TOWN GARAGE.
The goal is to maintain & improve the walking trails in the East Woods.
Wear gloves and boots. Bring rakes, pitchforks, wheelbarrows etc… At 10AM those who wish to help with improvements around McCathran Hall are encouraged to join in. Please bring gloves and light gardening tools. But wait, there’s more…
GREAT HOT DOG FEAST AFTERWARDS!!
Forestry and Beautification is also starting plans for new plantings to enhance the Town entrances. If you are interested in working on this project please join us at 7:30 p.m. on Monday March 21 in the Council room at McCathran Hall. We’d like to make a real difference to how the town will look. New members are always very welcome!
Town Directory
As you know, work is underway on the new Town directory. Please fill out and return your forms. Even if your information has not changed since last time, please verify so we can ensure your entry will be accurate and current. Direct any questions to [email protected] or to Mimi Bolotin at 301-977-7331.
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Egg Hunt
Welcome Spring! It is time for our annual Egg Hunt. Well, ours is really an Egg Hunt Plus. After everyone gathers at the gazebo, then breaks into age groups to find the hidden eggs, more fun awaits at Town Hall. You can crack open those eggs to get what’s inside, do lots of nifty crafts, play games, and get a little something to re-energize yourself. Ask anyone who was there last year. It’s really fun. This year it will take place on April 23 from 1-3 p.m. Right now we’re hunting for volunteers to assist both ahead of time and on the day. If you’d like to hop in and help, please call Barbara Engle at 301-424-8847 or contact Margo Cavenagh at [email protected].
Thank You for WGES Mural Donations
to Town residents for contributing so generously to fund the cost of the supplies for the Washington Grove Elementary School mural project! Just as Craig English so readily and generously took on the challenge of creating an amazing mural at the school’s entrance, you helped make it happen by responding to the donation request so graciously and so quickly.
For photos of the mural, see Craig’s blog at https://www.josephcraigenglishstudio.blogspot.com.
WGUMC News
- March 27th, 11 am: We welcome special guest preacher Rev. Tim Warner, of the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships.
Upcoming in April
- April 9th, Saturday 6 pm–Get your tickets for our Spring Gathering Dinner with Music, Silent Auction, Bake Sale, and Comic Relief! This is a fundraiser for the church, and includes a catered dinner, fiddle music from many lands by David Rapkievian, guitar music by singer/songwriter Tom Clifford, and a Comic Relief Fashion Show featuring friends and neighbors. Tickets are $14 for Adults, $8 for children between ages 4 and 10, and no charge for children 3 and under. The deadline for purchasing tickets is March 30th-Contact Emily Cavey at [email protected] or mail check made out to WGUMC to the church, Box 115, or to Emily’s box, 1445. Questions? Call Pastor Judy Young at 240 912 9895, or Emily at 240 838 1840.
- April 21st-7:30 p.m., Maundy Thursday Communion service
- April 24th-Easter Sunrise Service, followed by breakfast at church, and the 11 am Easter service!
Brush Pick-up Reminder
As of March 3, 2011, our trash and recycling contractor resumed picking up your recyclable yard waste in properly marked containers and/or large brown bags. You may also bundle your brush and tie it with twine. If you bundle your brush, the bundles should be no larger than 30" in diameter, and 4 feet in length. No individual piece can be larger than 4 inches in diameter. Residents are strongly urged to take full advantage of this service.
Back Porch Band Open Jam
The Washington Grove Back Porch Band will hold its regular monthly open jam on Friday, April 1 at 7:30 in McCathran Hall. The session is open to all musical skill levels and interests. Bring a tune to share or just join in.