Council Notes
The next meeting will be Monday, July 12, 7:30 p.m., McCathran Hall. The public is invited to
attend. May Council actions included:
· enacted Ordinance No. 99-02 modifying Regulations for the Use of Woodward Park and
Sports Facilities
· introduced Res. No. 99-03 authorizing the annexation of approximately .42 acres located
at 3 Ridge Road
· introduced Ord. No. 99-04 establishing zoning of approximately .42 acres located at 3
Ridge Road in the Town’s RR-1 zone.
· recommended the attached FY2000 budget for adoption at Town Meeting
Special Council Meeting
Monday, June 7 7:45 p.m., McCathran Hall, for the purpose of meeting with Steve Beck. Mr.
Beck represents the owner of Washington Grove’s commercial corner and has requested a
meeting with the Mayor and Council to talk about business uses in the Town’s commercial
zone.
Special Council Meeting
Monday, June 21 7:30 p.m., McCathran Hall, to swear in new Councilors, authorize year-end
financial transfers, and finalize Council assignments.
Planning Commission
Next meeting will be Tuesday, June 1, 7:30 p.m., McCathran Hall.
Kudos to the Karens!
Karen Kelly and Karen Herold planted the post office barrels and they are blooming up a storm.
Thanks also to junior gardeners Caitlyn and Emily Kelly.
Town Elections
Town elections will be held on Saturday, June 12, from 4-7 p.m. at McCathran Hall. The
nominees are:
Mayor (1-year term)
· John G. Compton
Council (two 3-year terms)
· J. David Gumula
· Dorothy G. Tippens
Town Meeting
The annual Town Meeting will be held on Saturday, June 12, at 8:00 p.m. in McCathran Hall.
Party to follow.
Council Recommends FY2000 Budget
The Town’s anticipated income and recommended expenditures for the coming fiscal year (July
1, 1999-June 30, 2000) are included on the attached Town Budget summary. No increase in the
real property tax rate or the dwelling tax is recommended. Recommended total expenditures for
municipal building projects are considerably lower than those budgeted for the current year,
while anticipated increases in expenditures are recommended for activities related to our roads,
parks and trees, and recreation facilities and events. Also recommended is a special grant to
allow publication of the second volume of Phil Edward’s history of the Grove. The FY2000
budget is a major focus for the June 12 Town Meeting. Questions, explanations and discussion
of budget items by the Town is important to set the course for the coming year. If you have
questions about this budget before the Town Meeting or would like a copy of the budget detail,
call the Mayor, a Council member, or leave a message on the Town answering machine (301-
926-2256).
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Proposed Annexation
Date: Monday, July 12, 1999
Place: McCathran Hall Council Room
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Town Council will conduct a hearing to take public comment regarding Annexation
Resolution No. 99-03, proposing annexation of approximately 0.42 acres located at 3 Ridge
Road, the same property as described in Liber 6319 at Folio 683 among the Land Records for
Montgomery County, Maryland. Resolution No. 99-03 provides that the Town issue a property
tax credit to the owners of 3 Ridge Road each year for a period of five (5) years in an amount
equal to the total property taxes imposed for 3 Ridge Road by the Town. The proposed
annexation would include Ordinance No. 99-04 classifying the property in the Town’s RR-1
Zone (residential, one family, minimum lot size 11,250 square feet).
Board of Zoning Appeals
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL EXCEPTION
Date: May 26, 1999
Place: McCathran Hall
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Pursuant to Section 8.2B of the Washington Grove Code of Ordinances, a public hearing will be
held to determine if a beauty shop operating at 113 Hickory Road (back of Washington Grove
Center) could be granted a special exception for retail sale of incidental items. The Board can
grant such a special exception outright, or with “such conditions, restrictions, or limitations as
the Board may deem appropriate to . . . protect the general residential nature of the Town . . .”
The Board will take written and oral testimony from the applicant, residents or other interested
parties in advance of, or at the public hearing. The Board will render its decision as soon
thereafter as practical.
Special Trash Collection
Wednesday, June 30 Collection may include furniture, rugs, appliances (but not those with
Freon), large toys, small auto parts, etc. Materials may not include tires, construction byproducts,
or large auto parts. Items must be put curbside.
PARTY! PARTY!! PARTY!!
After Town Meeting on Saturday, June 12, join Town friends and neighbors in toasting outgoing
Town officials and meeting new ones. Stay on and party after the meeting!
Woodward Park Regulations Modified
On May 10, the Town Council enacted Ordinance 99-02 which modified the Woodward Park
regulations to retain three days per week for recreational activities that do not require group use
permits. However, the days of the week are not specifically named. This change will permit
greater flexibility in scheduling Town facilities while continuing to limit group permits.
Energy Uses in the Grove
Information Meeting
Wednesday, June 16
McCathran Hall
7:30 p.m. Concerned about the “smell of gas” at the intersection of Brown Street and Chestnut
Avenue while walking to the Post Office? The smell of your neighbor’s woodstove? Interested
in knowing the differences in cost, efficiency, maintenance, and safety of gas and oil fuels for
heating and appliances? Curious about the costs of conversion to natural gas? All residents are
encouraged to attend an information meeting on energy uses in the Grove. Hear representatives
from Washington Gas Company, a heating and air conditioning contractor, the Fire Department,
the environment, the State and County. Pick up information handouts. Presentations will be
followed by a question and answer session. Be informed on energy use in the 1990’s.
Town Office Closed for Vacation
The Town Office will be closed from Thursday, May 27 through Friday, June 4. In case of
emergency, call Mayor Ann Briggs at 301-926-6347 or the appropriate Councilor. See the first
page of the Woman’s Club Town Directory for Council areas of responsibility.
Watch Found
Near nature trail in east woods. Call Town Office to describe – (301) 926-2256.
Memorial Gathering for Tom McCathran
There will be a memorial gathering in McCathran Hall on Saturday, May 29, 1999, at 2:00 p.m.
for family and friends to meet and share remembrances of Tom.
Moms Club
Tuesday, June 8 – 10:00 a.m. at McCathran Hall. A musical activity for children. Please call
Martha Crews at 301-527-8273 to sign up.
Voter Registration
To vote in Town elections, you must be currently registered to vote with Montgomery County at
an address in Washington Grove. To verify your registration with the County, please call
County Voter Registration Information at 217-8683. If you need to register, please call them
soon so you will be eligible to vote at Town elections and at Town Meeting on Saturday, June
12.
Swimming Lessons
Lessons will begin Monday, July 5 and end Friday, July 30. Please fill out the registration form
attached to this bulletin and return it to Sharon Hurst, P.O. Box 336. You may sign your children
up even if you will be away part of the month. Lessons are free to Grove residents.
Maple Lake News
Maple Lake will open for swimming on Saturday, May 29 and will be open weekends through
Sunday, June 13, with a lifeguard present from noon to 5:00 p.m. Beginning Thursday, June 17,
the lake will be open daily through Labor Day with a lifeguard present from noon to 5:00 p.m.
Many thanks to all the volunteers who turned out for the annual lake cleanup in April and did
such a great job.
The next Lake Committee meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26, in the Council
room at McCathran Hall Hall.
Photo Club
Wednesday, June 2 — 111 Chestnut Avenue at 7:30 p.m.. To discuss/critique close up
photography and brainstorm future topics of interest. Call 301-926-5283. New members
welcome. Go capture those wildflowers!
Hazardous Materials Disposal
Sunday, June 6. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shady Grove Transfer Station.
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. Please
allow at least 10 days for review by the Commission. Call John McCle lland at 301-963-3328 if
you have questions about zoning code requirements. Interior renovations which involve
electrical, plumbing, or load-bearing changes generally require a County permit. All
applications for County-required building permits must first be signed off by the Town.
2nd Annual Washington Grove Kid’s Yard Sale
Bring your old toys, books or anything else to the park on June 6th for the yard sale. The yard
sale will be by the picnic tables and you can sell your items to other Washington Grove kids.
You don’t even have to bring stuff to sell, you can just bring some money and buy anything that
interests you. All of the proceeds will be given to the children of Kosovo. Please bring your
own tables or you could bring blankets to set your stuff up at on the grass. You can price your
own items, or we can price them for you (if you want us to price the items, please come one hour
in advance). Then, when people buy the items, they can bring them up to the cash register and
pay for them there. Please don’t bring disheveled items (dolls or stuffed animals that are falling
apart, books with lots of tears or missing pages, etc.) Please come and support our cause.
Remember that the date is Sunday, June 6, 1999 from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The Kid’s Yard Sale
is being organized by Merida Anderson, so you can call 301-963-8555 for more information.
SUNDAY MORNING IS A TIME OF QUIET
….a time when many residents have a chance to sleep late, chill out, wander around their yards
contemplating whatever. Please observe our Town ordinance that prohibits the use of all outdoor
power tools before noon on Sundays. Mowers, whackers, trimmers, blowers, power saws, etc.
are fine as soon as noon strikes.
Summer Tennis Lessons
Tennis season is once again upon us and we welcome back Phil Adams and Lou Dobies as our
instructors. Adult lessons will be held 6-8 p.m., Monday through Thursday from July 5 through
July 15, plus Monday, July 19 and Tuesday, July 20. Children’s lessons will be held in the
mornings beginning July 5, and will be coordinated with swim lessons. You will receive a copy
of the final schedule. The cost will be $30 for adults and $25 for children. You may register for
classes during the Baroque Breakfast on June 20, or by calling Barb Leng at 301-670-9443.
Checks should be made payable to Town of Washington Grove.
Fourth of July Festivities
This year’s observance will feature an old-time baseball game! Watch the June Bulletin for
details.
MUSIC WEEKEND
Friday, June 18 — McCathran Hall, 8:00 p.m.
FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC
Sing-a- long! Soloists! Children’s Choir!
Saturday, June 19 — Gazebo, 7-10 p.m.
THE JAMES MABRY BAND
Blues, jazz
Bring a picnic to enjoy before the concert!
(If rain, held at McCathran Hall)
Sunday, June 20 — Gazebo, 10:30 a.m.
BAROQUE BREAKFAST
TRIO
Bring a breakfast goodie to share. Beverages and table service provided. Dedication ceremony
for Maintenance Shop Addition! (If rain, held at McCathran Hall)
Sunday, June 20 — McCathran Hall, 3:30-5 p.m.
FAMILY DANCE Contra dancing for the whole family. Sponsored by the Folklore Society of
Greater Washington.
Adults – $5, Children over 5 – $4, Under 5 – free
Maximum: $15 per family
Children Needed for Music Weekend Choir!
Please bring your children to the following three rehearsals for the Children’s Choir to be
directed by Rose McCathran for performance on Friday, June 18, at 8:00 p.m. Rehearsals, which
will be about 40 minutes long, will be held at McCathran Hall on:
· Saturday, June 12, 10:30 a.m.
· Tuesday, June 15, 7:00 p.m.
· Friday, June 18, 10:30 a.m.
Annual Woman’s Club Yard/Bake Sale
Saturday, June 12
7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Clubhouse, Chestnut Road and Miller Drive
Come and enjoy one of the Grove’s biggest social events! Delicious baked goods and
innumerable treasures! Donated items may be left on the Clubhouse porch or a volunteer will be
at the Clubhouse to accept items June 7 through 11 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. If you have time to
help with the sale which benefits Woman’s Club projects, please call Kitty Vogan at 301-840-
9416.
LAKE RULES ABBREVIATED
I. LAKE USE
a. The use of Maple Lake and the surrounding area shall be at the individual’s own
risk at all times.
b. Use is restricted to Washington Grove residents, property owners and their
guests.
c. Normal Hours are during daylight.
II. RESTRICTIONS
a. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18 years.
b. No ducking, running, pushing on the dock, dangerous water games, and other
such activities.
c. No glass containers or littering.
d. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited except with prior written
permission from the Mayor.
e. The lake and surrounding area must be evacuated when lightning or storms
threaten safety.
III. FISHING
Fishing must be in accordance with all State laws and regulations.
IV. PARTIES
A Lake Party Permit is required and may be obtained from the Lake Committee
chairperson or other designated member.
Eastern Tent Caterpillar
Webs of the eastern tent caterpillar are a common sight in spring wherever wild cherry trees are
abundant. The unsightly webs in the forks of trees are an early sign of this insects presence. The
caterpillars hide in the webs at night and feed among the leaves during the day. During the
dormant season twigs with egg masses can be pruned out and destroyed. If chemical control is
essential, use B.t. as soon as the silk tents are observed in early spring.
Planning Commission Recommends 4-Way Stop at Ridge Road and Brown Street
With increased cross traffic from the newly developed 500 block of Brown Street, the Planning
Commission has recommended the installation of stop signs to make this intersection a 4-way
stop. If you would like to comment on this proposed action, please send the Town a postcard at
P.O. Box 216. Thank you.
Washington Grove United Methodist Church Seeks Parttime Organist/Choir Director
To begin second week of August. Forty-seven Sundays a year with occasional mid-week
service. Will direct Adult Choir with rehearsals one night a week. Send resume to
P.O. Box 115
Washington Grove, MD 20880-0115.
Call Rev. Carolyn Swift at 301-948-5438 for more information.
STOP at Stop Signs
The Grove has a number of new drivers (and a few experienced ones) some of whom speed
through stop signs. This combined with an enormous crop of young children is an accident
waiting to happen. Parents, please caution your new drivers to stop at stop signs in Town and
out. The police will be called about repeat offenders. Thanks.
Crimes of Opportunity
With the advent of warm weather, the Town has experienced an upswing in crimes of opportunity.
Please do not leave valuables in your car or bicycles and tools in view of passersby.