Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 03.11.13 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the February 11th Council meeting included:
- authorization to explore the placement of horseshoe pits in Woodward Park.
Town Elections
Nominations for Mayor and Council (2 positions open) should be sent to Chair Meredith Horan at PO Box 337 or 127 Maple Ave. There is still time for more nominations. The candidate must agree to being nominated and have been a Town resident for at least 2 years for the position as Mayor and for at least one year for Town Council. So far, the nominees are;
- Mayor (1-year term) » Georgette Cole
- Council (3-year term) » Carolyn Rapkievian
McCathran Hall News
The temporary fix to McCathran Hall has been completed thanks to the services of an excellent engineer, Mr. Wallace. Our Town Maintenance Supervisor, Steve Werts, has coordinated and overseen all the work. The process was efficient and effective. Letters requesting bids to perform the repair work have been sent out. Bids will be opened at the March 11th Council Meeting.
The Groves at Towne Crest
Many, many thanks to all the residents who wrote to the OZA Hearing Examiner’s Office. The Hearing Examiner said at one point on Feb 15th that the hearing was “not a plebiscite”. On February 15th, however, 44 residents of Wedgewood 1 and 2 wrote in support of the proposal. There were 32 letters in opposition, including 31 from Washington Grove residents. Although we don’t get to “vote” it’s still significant that so many letters representing both sides of the debate have been received.
On February 25th we had another long day of testimony. Towne Crest finished questioning their witnesses and David Brown started with ours. Our expert witness, Joe Davis, was very effective. The one other Town witness we had time for was our very own Bob Booher, who was absolutely amazing. The testimony was exacting and the cross examination by the opposing attorney was more so. Bob made his case for the impact of the proposed PD35 development on the historic resource that is Washington Grove and never backed down. We go back on March 4th with the possibility of one further date since we won’t start until 11 AM on March 4 and both attorneys will need time at the end for their summing up arguments. Then we will wait for the Hearing Examiner’s verdict and prepare to make our case to the County Council. That’s where our wonderful residents will come into play again so stay tuned!
**IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ**
Washington Grove Taxpayers
Every year the Town of Washington Grove receives a portion of the Maryland State income 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.
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 03.19.13 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
Meetings are open to the public.
Oral History Project
The HPC sincerely appreciates the excellent work of the Town’s Oral History Project teams. Archivist Pat Patula reported that 40 CD’s are currently inventoried in the archives representing oral histories from 1975 to 2009. Interested parties may listen to these by appointment at Town Hall.
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 04.17.13 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
Spring into spring with Zumba in the Grove!
Wed. nights 7:30-8:30 in McCathran Hall.
Join us for an energizing hour of exercise and Grove camaraderie. No experience needed and all fitness levels are welcome at this drop-in class – no registration is necessary. Cost is $5.00/class payable to Washington Grove. Our instructor, Ingeborg McCright teaches to a variety of fitness levels – classes are adapted to the participants to ensure that everyone is having fun while working out. Sponsored by the Recreation Committee. Contact Carolyn Rapkievian (301-519-2021) for more information. Class will not meet March 27.
Film Society News
The Film Society’s last film of the 2012/2013 season is Diva. An idealistic young mailman with a passion for opera, a singer who refuses to be recorded, a corrupt cop, and assorted gangsters are the ingredients of this snazzy thriller set in Paris. The motorcycle chase scene ranks with the all-time favorites. Come see Diva to enjoy its visual inventiveness and the glorious voice of Wilhelmenia Fernandez. Directed by Jean-Jacques Beineix, 1981, France, French with English subtitles, 117 minutes. The film will be shown on March 10, 2013, 7 PM in McCathran Hall; tickets are $7 at the door.
Summer in the Parks 2013!
Calling all SITP Campers: Kindergarten through 8th grade!
Enroll in camp this summer and make friends and life long memories! This year camp will be held from July 2nd through the 26th and we would love to have every child in the Grove with us! We have a fun filled month of July planned, including Lake Days, Field Trips, water games, the return of Jamboree and more! Enrollment forms are due by April 30, 2013! Those who wish to apply for paid or volunteer positions may retrieve an appl. from the Town Office or the Town website.
We welcome all parents that would like to help plan camp this year. We would love to have you as part of the team! This is your opportunity to help plan an amazing summer for your children and create life long memories! If you are interested in helping to plan this year’s SITP, please contact Emily Cavey at 240-838-1840 or via email at [email protected].
Let’s bring a Barnyard to the Playground!!
Neighbors, family, and friends– join us April 14th 12-2pm where Squeals on Wheels will be in Town with their farm animal petting zoo. Meet some new farm friends and take a ride on a pony! Please avoid bringing pets and plan on riding the pony only if you are less than 80lbs. (kids only, sorry).
Woman’s Club News
Next meeting: Thursday » 03.21.13 @ 7:30 p.m. in Clubhouse.
We are very happy to announce the musical entertainment for the evening will be presented by Landon Chesney. A vote whether to adopt the revisions of the bylaws will be conducted. For those who would like to assist with the Annual Egg Hunt Event, eggs will be available for stuffing throughout the evening. Barbara Engle is going to be offering door prizes for the volunteers, as a great incentive. All are welcome.
For those who haven’t heard, Barbara Engle is our new Program Chair. We are very pleased to have her. She was raised in Washington Grove and will be a great asset to the club.
We still have a few Washington Grove directories and magnets for sale. Make sure you get some before they are all gone!
Outdoor Lighting Advisory Comm. News
Next meeting: Monday » 03.18.13 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
Join us as we continue to work on a long-term recommended light-scape for the Town. All are welcome! For more information, contact the new Committee Chair, Tom Land 301-869-4334 or [email protected]
Lake Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 03.20.13 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
Regular meetings will be on the 3rd Wednesday of the month through September.
Lake Clean-up Day Scheduled
The annual Maple Lake clean up will take place on Saturday, April 13 10:00 – 12:00 Bring your leaf rakes, shovels, clippers and wheelbarrows if you have one. Please come and help us “pretty up” the Lake for the new season!(Rain date, Sunday, April 14, 12:00 – 2:00 PM)
Maple Lake Opens
on week-ends starting Memorial Day, and full time when school lets out.
Life Guards Needed!
Applicants must be 17 years old, and have a Red Cross Life Guard Certification. If you are interested please submit an application to the Town. Applications are available at the Town Office. Contact John Hutchinson (301-926-8767) or David Harmon (301-972-1417) if you have any questions.
Swim Instructor Needed!
We are looking for a Swim Instructor for swimming lessons in July (dates same as S.I.T.P) Please contact Tom Land (301-869-4334) for details or to apply.
Gate combo
will be changed in mid-April. Contact the Town Office, John Hutchinson, or Bruce Rothrock (301-330-5165) for the new number.
WGUMC News
- Parents’ Connection: meetings Wednesdays thru March 20th, 6:30-8 pm-Meetings offer food and informational talks for families, followed by discussion. Homework club for kids offered at the same time…Come to hear and share about: Parenting Resources in the county library, Special needs families, Addressing childhood anxiety, Navigating MCPS schools, etc! Special thanks to those kindly lending their expertise this month and last: Joan Mahaffey, Kathi Carey-Fletcher, Barbara Leng, Paula Puglisi, and Mimi Bolotin.
- March 15th: Ceili Dance! Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as WGUMC hosts a traditional Irish Ceili Dance downstairs in the church Fellowship Hall–Irish Band and dancing, from 7 to 10 pm.
- March 17th: “Cries of Faith,” the Sunday school Easter drama, will showcase the experiences of those who knew Christ, at 11 am worship.
- March 28th: Lenten Soup and bread supper at 6:30, with Maundy Thursday service and communion following at 7:30 pm.
- March 31st: Easter! The sunrise service will be held at the field on Ridge Road in Washington Grove, starting at 6:45 am, and will be followed by breakfast at the church. Easter service will follow at 11 am, while children enjoy an indoor Easter egg hunt in Fellowship Hall.
Request from our Post Office
The Post Office has asked that residents be reminded to include your PO Box # on all items that are sent via U.S. Mail. If the box # is not included, employees have to stop what they are doing and look it up. This could slow down the delivery of your mail, especially during holiday seasons.
Final Bulk Leaf Pick Up
Per our contract with US Lawns, the spring 2013 leaf pick up must be completed by April 5th. Residents have one final opportunity to have their spring leaves picked up by the big vacuum truck. Please be mindful not to block traffic with leaves on our narrow streets.
Earth Day in Washington Grove
Save the date: Saturday, April 20, 1:00-4:00
Join the planning team to help us present an Expo of sustainable strategies. Displays and information from experts, conversation with residents, and activities for children are in the works. Do you have ideas, experience, and a willingness to help organize? Contact Carolyn Rapkievian, Charlie Challstrom, or Tom Land.
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Recyclable Yard Waste Starts
Wahoooo! Recyclable yard waste pickup by our contractor begins again on March 7, 2013. Our trash contractor will pick up recyclable yard waste from your properly marked containers and/or large brown bags. You may also bundle your brush and tie it with twine. Bundles should be no larger than 30" in diameter and 4 feet in length. No individual pieces larger than 4 inches in diameter, please
Mark Your Calendars!
Arbor Day & Woods Trail Work Day
– April 27, 2013, 9:00 a.m. – Noon
– Meet at the The Gazebo.
– Come and help celebrate our Town Within A Forest!
– Adults, kids, neighbors welcome! Community service credits available for students.
– Bring your muscles, wheelbarrows, rakes and energy, then enjoy the famous Negin Hot Dog Feast afterwards.