Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 03.09.15 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the February Council meeting included:
- approval of Resolution2015.02; Establishing Rules for Recreation Programs & Activities
Public Hearing Update
The Washington Grove Town Council held a public hearing on Monday, February 23, 2015, 7:30 p.m., in McCathran Hall. The purpose of this meeting was to take public comment regarding the proposed Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) No. 2015-01; Ordinance Adopting Amendments to the Washington Grove Zoning Ordinance Article VII, Sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, to Add a Vertical Component to the Definition of Degree of Non-Compliance, Make Other Updates to Increase Clarity and Consistency, and Delete Outdated Provisions. It was decided to leave the record open for 30 days and then allow final comments at the March 4th meeting of the Town Council. This ZTA will be brought forward for a vote at the April 13th meeting of the Town Council. A copy of the proposed amendment is available for inspection upon request to the Town of Washington Grove, P.O. Box 216, Washington Grove, Maryland 20880 (301-926-2256) and on the Town website (www.washingtongrovemd.org). If you wish to add comments to the public record, please submit to the Town Office.
Important Message for 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
Homestead Property Tax Credit
To assist homeowners who are affected by large assessment increases, the State of Maryland, Montgomery County, and municipalities limit the annual taxable assessment increase to 10% for principal residential properties. This limit, called the Homestead Credit, is not applicable the first year following the purchase of a home, and therefore the taxable assessment may be higher than it was for the previous owner. Property owners are required to file a one-time application with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation which administers this credit. Qualified homeowners have until May 1, 2015 to submit an application. To complete an application or find out if you have already submitted the one-time application, go to the Department’s website at www.dat.state.md.us to look up your property by County name and street address.
Income and Age Eligible Property Tax Credits
Grove residents may be eligible for tax credit programs for income-eligible homeowners and seniors. The Maryland homeowners’ property tax credit and Montgomery County’s supplemental tax credit may be available to homeowners who qualify based on their household income as compared to their tax bill. Homeowners who are at least 70 and are eligible for either of the tax credits are also eligible for the county’s senior property tax credit. It is necessary to reapply for the Maryland homeowners’ property tax credit program each year. The application form contains information for the state assessment agency to determine eligibility for the state and county credits, so homeowners need to submit only one application. Applications for this program must be filed by September 1. For information about the tax credit programs, call 800-944-7403 or visit www.dat.state.md.us/. Click on "Forms & Applications" and go all the way to the bottom to "Tax Credits".
Town Elections
Nominations for Mayor and Council should be sent to Chair Meredith Horan at P.O. 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 two (2) years for the position as Mayor and for at least one (1) year for Town Council. So far, the nominees are;
- Mayor (1-year term) » Joli McCathran
- Council (1-year term)
- Council (3-year term) » John McClelland
- Council (3-year term) » Greg Silber
Meet The Candidates, Be an Informed Voter!
Come to "Meets and Treats" on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. The event will feature the candidates for Mayor and Town Council in the May 9th elections. Our current Mayor and Councilors will be there also. This is an opportunity to meet those willing to take on official duties for the good of the Grove and those who currently hold these responsibilities. Come with your questions, get a feel for Town government, put a face to a name and enjoy light refreshments!!
Budget Work Session Scheduled
On Monday, March 23, the Mayor and Council will hold a budget work session at 7:30 PM in the Council Room. Observers welcome!
Town Website Changes Ahead!
The Town has entered into a contract with Town Resident Marida Hines to revamp the Town’s web site. The Town is seeking several volunteers, young and old alike, to serve as testers for the site. If you wish to participate, please contact Town Clerk Kathy Lehman at the Town office. We are seeking feedback on use of the site from residents.
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 03.04.15 @ 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 call the Town Office for details pertaining to deadlines and submission requirements.
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 03.17.15 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
Meetings are open to the public.
HPC Reminder!
Residents are reminded of the change in the Town building permit process. You must first obtain a formal advisory review of your project from the HPC before turning in your permit application. Please see the HPC requirements listed on the documents that accompany the building permit application. The HPC review (when applicable) must be attached to the building permit application.
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 04.15.15 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
Light Weight Workout
Where: McCathran Hall
When: Fridays, 6 – 6:45 p.m.
What: Full body workout – Using light weights we’ll do three 15 minute sets. Each set will work out your chest/arms/biceps/triceps/back. For each set we will also do the plank/pushups/sit-ups and a few minutes of cardio. All exercises can be modified.Bring yoga mat, water, 3 and/or 5lb weights to start. Suggested donation: $1.00 – $5.00 per class.
Who: For more information call Samantha Beres at 301-330-8509.
Sponsored by Washington Grove Recreation Committee
Holiday Show DVD’s For Sale
Thanks to the efforts of our fabulous film crew, the 2014 Holiday Show DVD is available for purchase again this year at the cost of $10.00 each. Please e-mail ([email protected]) or call Missy Yachup 301-947-4159 with the following details: name, phone number, e-mail address, and quantity. Please respond by March 30, 2015. Once there is a final count, the DVD’s will be ordered. Missy will e-mail all those who ordered to let you know when pick up is available.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s in the Grove!
Blackthorn St. Patrick’s Day Céilí
- Friday, March 13, McCathran Hall
- Dance Workshop – 6 to 7 p.m.
- Céilí – 7 to 10:30 p.m.
- Music by the Martin Family Band
- Free to Town residents
Donations gladly accepted to help pay the band.
It’s a potluck – please bring a dish or dessert to share.
Sponsored by the Washington Grove Recreation Committee
Mark Your Calendars!
Music Weekend 2015 is June 19, 20, 21, 2015.
ADULT TALENT SHOWCASE
Friday, June 19, 2015. It’s time the adults took back the stage!
Music Weekend is approaching fast and this year we are happy to announce a new venue for our Town’s adult performers! Come share your talents with us during our ADULT RECITAL! Do you twirl a baton? Toot the oboe? Tap a tambourine? Start noodling on a routine and brush up your skills (if need be) and we will see you in June!
Summer in the Parks 2015!!!
Calling all SITP Campers — Kindergarten through 8th grade! SITP will be here before you know it. Camp will be held from July 7th through the 30th, and we would love to have you all there! It will be a fun filled month and include SITP favorites: Lake Days, Field Trips, Capture the Flag, the return of Jamboree and more! Enrollment forms are due by April 30, 2015. If you are interested in applying for a volunteer position or a Junior Counselor position there is one application form for both of these roles on the Washington Grove Website. For Campers, turn enrollment forms in to Jenn Hix; volunteers may turn their application forms in to Christine Dibble ([email protected]) and Junior Counselors may turn their applications forms in to Joey Fones ([email protected]). If you are new to SITP and would like more information, please contact: Emily Cavey ([email protected]), Samantha Beres ([email protected]) or Paige Clifford ([email protected]).
Film Society News
The Film Society’s last movie of the season, on Sunday, March 15, at 7 PM, is The Women on the 6th Floor. It is Paris, 1960. Jean-Louis is absorbed by his work and coexists peaceably with his socialite maid Maria, he discovers another reality a few floors above his apartment. As he befriends the women in wife. How bourgeois! But through the family’s new the servants’ quarters, who are refugees from Franco’s Spain, his life changes. Directed by Philippe Le Guay, 2010, France, French & Spanish with English subtitles, 102 minutes. Discussion to follow the film, $7.00 at the door.
Many thanks to our loyal audience for the 2014/2015 season. In the spring, the Film Society will begin to plan the 2015/2016 season. We welcome suggestions for movies, as well as volunteers to join our group: call Freda at 301-926-3066, or email at [email protected].
WGUMC News
Feeding the Homeless – March 26 (Thursday)
In response to the need for hot meal service from Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless, WGUMC will take that challenge to feed 200 people on March 26. The menu will be Chili soup, Corn bread, Salad and cookies. If you are willing to support providing food in this cold winter season, please contact the WGUMC at 301-869-3753/[email protected] or Jean Clark; 301-355-8292
Human Trafficking Awareness
WGUMC is collecting coins through March to support human trafficking awareness. If you would like to participate, please contact Emily Cavey([email protected]).
Living Da Vinci Last Supper – April 2. 7:30 p.m.
WGUMC congregation is acting the last supper scene following soup and bread dinner at 6:30 p.m. at the Church Fellowship Hall.
Easter Sunrise Service
– April 5th, 6:30 a.m. on Ridge Rd. Hot breakfast will be served afterwards.
Easter Service
– April 5th 11:00 a.m.
Forestry News
Mark Your Calendars, Arbor Day, April 25, 2015!!
Woods Group News
The Town Woods Group will meet on Monday, March 2, 2015 at 7:30 PM in the Council Room.
Maple Lake News
The Lake Committee will have its first meeting of the season on Thursday, March 17, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. The meeting will include plans for swim lessons, life guards and making Maple Lake even better for this summer. New members welcome and encouraged! Call John Hutchinson (301-926-8767) if you have questions or suggestions.
Annual Lake Clean-up Scheduled
The annual lake clean-up will be on Saturday, April 11th at 10:00 a.m. See future Town Bulletins for additional details.
Woman’s Club News
Dispite snow and ice, this year’s Annual Chili Supper was a success! Special thanks go to all who contributed to the delicious food choices, to Sylvia Appleby for coordinating the event and to her family for setting up everything.
We are delighted to welcome Wendy Weisbard as the Chair of our Community Outreach Committee. Wendy has worked much of her professional life with children and teenagers in serious need. With her guidance, we will be reaching out to help the community around us. Our first project will be making birthday bags for Interfaith Works to give out to the poorest children, ages 1 to 18, who without these would have no gifts on their birthdays.
We are asking for donations of gifts, in the $1 to $5 range, and individually packaged food items such as granola bars, fruit snacks, fruit roll ups and cookies. If you can attend, bring your donations to the Clubhouse on Saturday, March 21st at 2 PM, to help fill the bags. Wendy will be speaking about charity projects in our area during this event and will be available for questions. If you can’t join us, but would like to help, you can drop off your donations in the big, handpainted can on Wendy’s porch, at 119 Grove Ave.
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
– Thursday, April 2nd, 7:00 p.m. – Come to the Clubhouse to help
fill Easter Eggs for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt.
– Saturday, April 4th, 12:30 p.m. – The Annual Easter Egg Hunt for all the kids in Town.