TOWN COUNCIL NEWS
Next meeting: Monday, March 11, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. The public is invited to attend. Actions at the February meeting include:
- Approval of the Mayor’s appointments to the Board of Elections Supervisors; Margo Cavenagh, Joe Clark, and Nick Suzich.
- Awarding of fence contract for the Dog Park fencing to Tri County Fence & Decks.
- Approval of Request for Proposal for bulk leaf collection.
- Installation of a trial speed hump at Grove Road and Oak approved.
- Introduction of Ord. 2019-01; Adopting Amendments for the Washington Grove Zoning Ordinance to Delete Definitions for Repair and Ordinary Repairs and Add a Definition of Ordinary Maintenance and Repairs.
- Introduction of Ord. 2019-02; Adopting Amendments to the Washington Grove Code of Ordinances Article IV Building Permit Regulations to Modify Requirements for Building Permits.
- Withdrawal of Ord. 2018-11; Authorizing Sale of Land under 315 Grove Avenue.
- Introduction of Ord. 2019-03; Authorizing Sale of Land under 315 Grove Avenue (replacing previous Ord. 2018-11).
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
The Washington Grove Town Council will hold three (3) public hearings On Monday, March 11, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. in McCathran Hall, 300 Grove Ave, to hear public testimony on the following Ordinances.
- Ordinance 2019-01; Adopting Amendments to the Washington Grove Zoning Ordinance to Delete Definitions for Repair and Ordinary Repairs, and Add a Definition of Ordinary Maintenance and Repairs.
- Ordinance 2019-02; Adopting Amendments to the Washington Grove Code of Ordinances Article IV Building Permit Regulations to Modify Requirements for Building Permits.
- Ordinance 2019-03; Authorizing Sale of Land under 315 Grove Avenue (Replacing previous Ordinance 2018-11).
A copy of the Ordinances is available by contacting the Town Office at 301-926-2256 or P.O. Box 216, Washington Grove, MD 20880.
Starting on March 6th
TRASH DAY WILL BE ON WEDNESDAYS
General Information
Important Message for Washington Grove Taxpayers
Maryland State Income Tax
Washington Grove Subdivision Code: 1612
Every year the Town of Washington Grove receives a portion of the Maryland State income tax paid by Town residents. Because most 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 “1612” and “Washington Grove” on the tax form. For those filing electronically or using software, there should be a drop down menu to select 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 the Town receives its proper share of income tax revenue. Thanks for your help! Questions, call Treasurer Mary Challstrom at 301-926-4498.
Town Council Budget Work Session for FY 2020
Tuesday, March 26, 2019, McCathran Hall Council Room, 7:30 p.m.
The Mayor and Council will hold a work session to plan the budget for the coming year which begins on July 1.
At their April 8 meeting, the Council will adopt a recommended budget. A summary of the proposed budget will be published in the May Town Bulletin and copies of the budget detail will be available. The Town will adopt a tax rate and budget at the Annual Town Meeting on Saturday, May 11.
Comments from the public will not be taken at the work session. The public is invited to attend to listen to deliberations. Comments may be offered in writing or at the April Town Council meeting.
Town Elections in May
Town Election Day is Saturday, May 11, this year. Two Council seats, three-year terms, will be open. The Mayor’s office is open every year. Candidates for Council must have lived in Town for at least one year. Candidates for Mayor must have lived in Town for at least two years. Nominations require the signature of two registered Town voters and the agreement of the nominee! Nominations will close April 8.
PLEASE VOTE AND LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD! PLEASE CONSIDER SERVING THE TOWN IN THIS WAY! RECENT EVENTS SUGGEST THAT THE RULES ARE MADE BY THOSE WHO SHOW UP!
A qualified voter, both for the purpose of running for office and participating as a voter, is defined as a Town resident registered to vote in Montgomery County at a Town address. You can check your current voter registration at:
https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/VoterSearch
If you find your registration does not list your current residence in Town, you will find instructions for updating the registration at
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/elections/registration/faq.html#Where%20Do%20I%20Register
Planning Commission News…
Next meeting: Wednesday, March 6, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Building Permit Submission Deadline
The deadline to submit a building permit application for approval by the Planning Commission and review by the Historic Preservation Commission is the 2nd Wednesday of the month prior to the PC meeting at which the permit will be reviewed (this will be in the following month). This timing ensures the HPC will be able to complete a formal review before the PC meeting as this review is required for the PC to approve the permit in a timely fashion. If you are considering any renovation or building project at your house, be sure to get a copy of the procedures to apply for a Town Building Permit which will help you through the Town’s process.
2019 Master Plan Work Session March 20
On Wednesday March 20 there will be a Planning Commission work session at 7:30 pm in the Council Room. We will be reviewing/revising the 2019 Master Plan Working Draft.
On February 13 we worked on Section 3. On March 20 we will start with Section 2.3) Boundary Enhancements, and then continue on to finish Section 3) Transportation and begin Section 4) Community Facilities. Residents are welcome to attend, everyone’s input is valuable!
A copy of the latest 2019 Master Plan Working Draft and the draft minutes from each work session is available on the Town web site as a link on the 2019 Master Plan page.
Historic Preservation Commission News…
Next meeting: Tuesday, March 19, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. All meetings are open to the public.
The HPC welcomes and encourages residents to come for an early consultation when considering an addition or renovation/changes to the exterior of their home. HPC can offer valuable advice early in the planning process and provide guidance with designs that are compatible with the character of the existing house and the Town. Please consider coming to the HPC as your first stop when contemplating options for your home improvement.
Town Website
The town website has been substantially renovated and includes migration of all existing content into new page layouts, reorganized site architecture and changes to the site navigation. Our upgraded hosting plan now has a higher-bandwidth allowance, as we were consistently exceeding the previous plan limit of 5000 visits per month. It’s gratifying to see our website getting increased use.
Resident input on the ‘usability’ of the Town website is always welcomed!
Recreation Committee News…
Next Meeting: Wed., April 17, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. Open to the public.
The Recreation Committee would love to have more volunteers to help keep our traditions going and bring in new ones. Anyone interested in joining should come to the next meeting!
Invitation To A St. Patrick’s Day Ceili Friday, March 8
What is a Ceili? Come and find out at McCathran Hall from 7 – 10:30 on Friday, March 8.
Get an early start in celebrating with the Blackthorn Ceili Dancers. Try out those dance steps while listening to live music by Rambling House. Don’t want to dance? Just come and enjoy the music. A potluck supper is served about halfway through so don’t forget to bring a dish to share. Free to Grove residents though contributions to pay the musicians are always welcome.
Sponsored by the Blackthorn Ceili Dancers and the
Washington Grove Recreation Committee.
Square Dancing Resumes
Betsy and Al Taylor, Callers for Taylor Made Squares, will be calling, teaching and dancing on the first and third Monday evenings from 7:30 to 9 pm in McCathran Hall.
You can come and watch for free, or join in the fun for $5 a dancer. We plan to dance March 4, March 18, April 1, April 15, May 6, and May 20. If the schools are closed for snow or ice, or electricity is out in the Grove, we will cancel.
Film Society News
On March 10, join us for The Straight Story.
A creaky Midwesterner undertakes a road trip on his lawn tractor to visit his estranged and ill brother. Richard Farnsworth is indelible as 73-year old Alvin Straight, whose real-life journey inspired this warm and gentle movie. Directed by David Lynch, 1999, US, English, shown with English subtitles, 112 minutes. Movie shown at 7 PM, $7 at the door.
On Sunday, March 24, at 7:00 PM, we invite you to a special free viewing opportunity when we present the award-winning documentary, Where Slavery Died Hard: The Forgotten History of Ulster County and the Shawangunk Mountain Region, co-authored by WG resident and HPC member, Wendy Harris. Although most Americans remain unaware of enslavement’s prevalence in the north, this documentary was created by members of one upstate New York community in an effort to reconsider the area’s slaveholding past, a history beginning in the mid-1600s and extending over 160 years, until ended by an act of the state legislature in the 1820s.
Based on primary documents and physical evidence surviving in the local landscape, the resulting narrative explores the lives of the enslaved as well as their enslavers. The video’s creators hope that its distribution will open dialogue on the historical impact of slavery in New York State and other parts of the country, and that it will serve as a vehicle for understanding and reconciliation. Wendy will be on hand to describe the making of the video and to answer questions. The video is approximately 50 minutes long and is not subtitled; it is free to all.
Summer In The Parks
It’s that time of year when the Town of Washington Grove announces plans for yet another exciting July full of fun and adventure! For decades, Washington Grove’s SITP program has been a unique, unparalleled camp for children to spend their summer in a healthy, wholesome, outdoor environment. Come play games, make arts and crafts, spend time at Maple Lake, star in a Grove-worthy entertainment production, and best of all, make new friends. It all happens in the bucolic setting of Washington Grove, known best as the Town within a Forest.
Summer In The Parks is a comprehensive program for children entering Kindergarten up to children entering 8th Grade by September 2019. Many of the camp participants are children that live within the Town limits, but each summer children from outside the Grove also attend and share the magic. When the Grove children become too old to attend the camp, they often continue as volunteers or counselors to help teach the younger generation what they’ve been lucky enough to experience in previous summers.
Summer In The Parks is staffed by paid directors and camp counselors, as well as volunteers. This year the camp will take place from July 1 to July 25 from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. Campout on July 26. Campers begin each day at McCathran Hall. All campers must have a completed registration form, waiver and payment mailed to address on the registration form. Registration forms are on the town website under Summer In The Parks. Please contact Emily Cavey with any questions, 240-838-1840.
Youth Dance Class
Youth dance class starting for 12 years old and up.
Classes are Fridays at 5:30 PM. All levels of dance welcome. $7 a class. Call or text Samantha Beres for more info: 515-450-9167.
Squeals on Wheels!!
Mark your calendars.
This Traveling Petting Zoo will take place on Sunday, April 28th from 3:00 – 4:30PM. Place, TBD.
Recyclable Yard Waste Pick-Up Returns
Recyclable yard waste pick up by Potomac Disposal resumes on Wednesday March 6, 2019.
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 keep in mind your container is being picked up by a human being and should not be too heavy.
Recycle Flyer pdf
Final Bulk Leaf Collection
Per our contract with US Lawns, the spring 2018/19 leaf pick up must be completed by close of business on Friday, March 29, 2019.
Residents have one final opportunity to have their spring leaves picked up by the vacuum truck. Please be mindful not to block traffic with leaves on our narrow streets.
Washington Grove UMC News…
Washington Grove United Methodist Church…
Please join us on Tuesday night, March 5th starting at 6:00 PM, for our traditional Sausage and Pancake Dinner. The dinner is free, but donations are always appreciated.
Our joyful family worship services are Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM, at the Washington Grove United Methodist Church, 303 Chestnut Road, Washington Grove, MD 20880 (301-947-0532).
Woman’s Club News…
For those who like to knit, crochet or work with fabric, this year we’re supporting Project Linus.
We’ll be making fleece, knitted or crocheted throws and blankets to help give some security, warmth and comfort to children in foster care or who are seriously ill or traumatized.
On March 21st at 7:00 PM, we’re having a fun evening at the Clubhouse to work on non-sew fleece throws.
We’ll have some fabric available, or you bring your own. Each throw takes two 1.5-yard pieces of non-pill fleece to make a reversible throw.
If you’re interested in working on this project but can’t join us on the 21st, let us know and we’ll get you whatever you need. Contact Wendy Weisbard ([email protected] or 301-758-1097) and Marilynn Frey ([email protected] 301-357-4784).
Joining the Woman’s Club is Easy
The Woman’s Club dues are a modest $15 per year and can be paid at any event, or by sending a check to The Woman’s Club of Washington Grove, to PO Box 354, Washington Grove, MD 20880. These dues make it possible for us to support the Summer In the Parks program, the Acorn Library and the Holiday Show, and for us to host annual Town events like the January White Elephant Sale, the February Chili Supper, the Spring Egg Hunt, the May Flower Show, the June Progressive Porch Party, the September Pot Luck Supper, and other special events such as guest speakers and, of course, all year we collect for our Community Outreach programs.
The Washington Grove Elementary School’s Teachers Closet
We collect school supplies to help keep the Teachers Closet filled with things like glue sticks, pencils and sharpeners, paper, hand sanitizers and tissues, and other supplies. Without our help, teachers will all too often buy these things out of their own pockets.
Working with Interfaith Works
While the less fortunate children of our County need essentials, they also need occasional treats in their lives, and we help provide these by collecting Birthday Presents and small Treasure Chest items to be distributed through Interfaith Works. There’s also an ongoing need for new underwear for boys and girls from toddlers to teens. Last year our Town provided over 250 pair. We have developed sources for purchasing the underwear, so the easiest way to help with this need is through money donations.
White Socks for the Gude Men’s Shelter
Winter is hard enough for the homeless without going without socks! We are continuing to collect new white socks for the men at the Shelter.
Where to Bring Your Donations
Whatever pulls at your heart strings, we have a need you can fulfill. Even though our Clubhouse is currently closed for the winter, we have bins on the porch to collect for our Community Outreach Programs, or you can drop off your contributions in the painted can on Wendy Weisbard’s porch at 119 Grove Road. You bring them and we’ll sort where they go! Checks are always appreciated too, just put in the memo field if you want your donation to go to a specific project and mail to The Woman’s Club, PO Box 354, Washington Grove, MD 20880.
Forestry & Beautification News…
Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 13, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room.
We will begin planning for spring tree planting. We’d love to have you join us! If you can’t make the meeting but have a suggestion for where a new tree is needed, please contact F&B Chair Georgette Cole ([email protected]) or Council Liaison Audrey Maskery ([email protected]).
Woods Committee News…
Next Meeting: Monday, March 4, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. Meetings are on the 1st Monday of each month. The April meeting will be on the 1st. All are welcome to attend.
Based on the overwhelming Town support in the recent survey results, the Woods Committee continues our efforts on the three-pronged, integrated approach to forest health to include deer population management, non-native invasive plant control, and reforestation. We welcome your continued feedback.
We also would like to remind everyone to directly report to the MC Police Non-Emergency phone number (301-279-8000) if you see any tree hazards (leaning, falling) along the West Woods boundary of Washington Grove Lane. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Pat Klein or Joan Mahaffey, Woods Committee Co-chairs.
Emergency Preparedness & Safety News…
The Emergency Preparedness and Safety Committee’s March meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 28th, 2019 at 7:30 pm in the Town Council Room at McCathran Hall.
All are welcome to attend!
Maple Lake News…
Next Meeting: Thursday, March 21, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. This is the first meeting of the new season. All are welcome to attend!
Drive 15, Enjoy the Scene!
I-495 & I-270 Managed Lanes Study
MD DOT continues its I-495 & I-270 Managed Lanes Study to evaluate congestion relief options. They released their February Newsletter, in which 7 alternative solutions have now been selected for further study (from an original 15). This Spring 2019 the public will have further opportunity to comment on the Study and these alternatives in public workshops.
You may visit the Study website (http://495-270-p3.com/) to view the February Newsletter pdf, to learn more details, and to sign up for email updates.
COMING EVENTS CALENDAR
March 4, 2019 » Woods Committee 7:30 p.m. McCathran Hall
March 4, 2019 » Square Dancing 7:30 p.m. McCathran Hall
March 5, 2019 » UMC Pancake and Sausage dinner 6:00 Methodist Church
March 6, 2019 » Planning Commission 7:30 p.m. McCathran Hall
March 6, 2019 » NEW DAY: Trash, Recycling and Yard Waste Collection now Wednesdays!
March 8, 2019 » Irish Ceili Dance 7:00 p.m. McCathran Hall
March 10, 2019 » Film Society 7:00 p.m. McCathran Hall
March 11, 2019 » Public Hearings on Ordinance 2019-01, 2019-02, 2019-03 // 7:00 p.m. McCathran Hall
March 11, 2019 » Town Council 7:30 p.m. McCathran Hall
March 13, 2019 » Forestry and Beautification Committee 7:30 p.m. McCathran Hall
March 18, 2019 » Square Dancing 7:30 p.m. McCathran Hall
March 19, 2019 » Historic Preservation Commission 7:30 p.m. McCathran Hall
March 20, 2019 » 2019 Master Plan draft work session 7:30 p.m. McCathran Hall
March 21, 2019 » Lake Committee 7:30 p.m. McCathran Hall
March 21, 2019 » Women’s Club 7:00 p.m. Women’s Clubhouse
March 24, 2019 » Film Society FREE movie 7:00 p.m. McCathran Hall
March 26, 2019 » Budget Work Session 7:30 p.m. McCathran Hall
March 28, 2019 » Emergency Preparedness & Safety Committee 7:30 p.m. McCathran Hall
Notable Deadlines !!
March 25, 2019 » Bulletin submissions due.
April 8, 2019 » FY 2020 Proposed Annual Budget and Tax Rate to be approved by Town Council for action at the May 11th Town Meeting.
April 8, 2019 » Nominations for Mayor and Town Council close.
April 15, 2019 » Income tax form to Maryland due. Designate “1612” and “Washington Grove” on your form.