Council Notes
Next meeting: Monday, November 8, 7:30 p.m., McCathran Hall. Tentative agenda items
include a preliminary discussion of Washington Grove Hills annexation and contract award for
street repair. The public is invited to attend. October Council actions included:
· authorized formation of forest management committee
Planning Commission
Next meeting will be Tuesday, November 2, 7:30 p.m., McCathran Hall. Tentative agenda items
include:
· proposed uses in commercial zone
· proposed development plan for former WSSC property on Ridge Road
· proposed satellite dish for Post Office
Washington Grove
1937-1977
a history of the Town’s first forty years
by Philip K. Edwards
Meet the author
Wine and Cheese Reception
Sunday, October 24th
McCathran Hall
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Town Bulletin Deadline
Next: November 8th
Leaf Pickup to Begin
The Town’s fall leaf collection contract begins on November 1 and ends December 31. Rake
leaves to a roadway or walkway for pickup. Brush and debris should not be part of leaf
windrows. No pickup will occur on Railroad Street, 2nd Avenue, 3rd Avenue, 4th Avenue, and
5th Avenue. Town Maintenance staff does not pick up leaves. The following tips will help
ensure efficient collection:
· leaves must be piled within 6 feet of the edge of the road or walkway to be removed;
consolidate piles when possible; large piles are great!
· twigs larger than 1/4- inch diameter should not be in leaf piles; large branches may
damage equipment and repairs delay pickup
· don’t conceal fire hydrants or block walkway access with leaf piles
· if you hire someone to rake your leaves, be sure to tell them about these tips
Call Councilor Nick Suzich at 301-869-9638 if you have questions about leaf collection.
Grove Singers Begin Rehearsals on Oct 20
Rehearsals for the December 11 Holiday Concert will be on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in
McCathran Hall. Call Director Doris Gordon at 301-926-8603 if you have questions or would
like to sign up. All voices are needed and encouraged to join the fun!!
CELEBRATE! CELEBRATE! CELEBRATE!
December 31st, last day of the 20th Century!
CELEBRATE by staying in the comfort of your own town
with good company, good food, good music to dance to, for
only $35 per person.
See the flyer in the September bulletin for details, or call 301-
926-8941 for tickets.
They’re going fast!!
CELEBRATE! CELEBRATE! CELEBRATE!
Kids’ Halloween Parade/Party
Saturday, October 30. A Halloween parade and party is scheduled for Saturday, October 30, 2-4
p.m. Costumed children should meet at the playground in Woodward Park. A parade to the
Town Hall will be followed by treats and games. Those interested in helping should call JoAnn
Suzich at 301-869-9638 or Susan van Nostrand at 301-216-1385. Come watch the parade!
Halloween — Trick-or-Treating
Sunday, October 31, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
State Senator and Delegates to Address Council
Senator P. J. Hogan and Delegates Paul Carlson and Joan Stern will preview the coming
legislative session on Monday, November 8 prior to the regular Council meeting at 7 p.m. The
public is encouraged to attend.
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 McClelland 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.
Building Permits Issued
· (none)
Daylight Savings Time to End
Turn your clocks back one hour Saturday night, October 30.
WOMAN’S CLUB OF WASHINGTON GROVE
Chili Dinner Fundraiser — Friday, November 5
At the Clubhouse, 6-8 p.m.
Major Clubhouse improvements have taken a toll on the Woman’s Club treasury. Please support
this gracious facility and enjoy delicious chili with cornbread and coleslaw. Adults – $6.00,
children under 12 – $4.00, children under 2 – free!
Travels in Japan — Thursday, November 18
At the Clubhouse, 7:30 p.m.
Eve Zibart will talk about her travels in Japan.
Holiday Open House — Sunday, December 5
At the Clubhouse, 2-4 p.m. Holiday Tree Trimming Social. Requested admission: one
ornament! Refreshments!
Woman’s Clubhouse Available in All Seasons!!
Planning a surprise birthday bash, family reunion, holiday gathering, graduation party, wedding
reception, business meeting . . . consider the charming wooded setting, spacious main room,
screened porch, kitchen and restroom facilities of the Woman’s Club House. For information or
reservations call Kitty Vogan at 301-840-9416 or Brenda Gumula at 301-869-5118. Heat and air
conditioning!!
Shady Grove Civic Alliance to Host Phil Andrews
The Greater Shady Grove Civic Alliance will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday,
October 27, 8:00 pm, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 17740 Muncaster Road, Derwood. This
month’s meeting will feature District 3 County Council member Phil Andrews (Rockville,
Gaithersburg, Derwood, Washington Grove). Council member Andrews will be speaking about
his first year on the Montgomery County Council and his plans for this year’s session. A
question and answer period will follow. Come and tell your Council member your concerns
about traffic, schools, and the other issues on your mind. Everyone is welcome to attend, learn,
and join the discussion. Refreshments provided!
Church Fall Luncheon, Craft & Bake Sale
Saturday, October 30, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Washington Grove United Methodist Church, 305
Chestnut Road.
Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Adults – $7.00, children – $3.00, carry out .50 extra.
Ham, chicken salad, and all the trimmings!
Recreation Committee!
Thursday, November 4, McCathran Hall Council Room, 7:30 p.m. Come help plan for winter
and spring events.
Forestry Meeting
Tuesday, November 9, McCathran Hall Council Room — 7:30 p.m.
The Forestry Committee is planning to begin a reforestation project next Spring. If you are
aware of major holes in the tree canopy on Town property, please notify Ted Yachup at
[email protected] or snail mail at General Delivery.
Moms Club
Wednesday, November 17 — Come join the Moms for activities, refreshments and fun!
McCathran Hall at 10 a.m. Call Martha Crews at 301-527-8273 to sign up.
Apples for the Students Plus
Just clip and save the bottom portion of your Giant Food receipt tapes. Receipts collected by
Washington Grove Elementary School will be exchanged for computers, books, microscopes and
other educational tools. Receipts may be brought to the Town Office or taken directly to the
school.
Hazardous Materials
Sunday, November 7
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shady Grove Transfer Station.
Washington Grove United Methodist Church
sponsors
Informational Meeting on Breast Cancer
Sunday, November 7, 3:30 p.m.
Fellowship Hall, Lower Level
Cynthia Taylor from Special Touch will talk about techniques for proper breast selfexamination.
Jean Beeman from Reach to Recovery will talk about the support available to women with
breast cancer especially after a mastectomy.
How to Dispose of TIRES
Vehicle tires (no more than four).
Where: Shady Grove Transfer Station Open
Cars and trucks use Route 355 Entrance Monday-Friday 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cars and trucks use Shady Grove Rd Entrance Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Forest Management Committee Forming
In order to focus on the dramatic loss of mature trees in the Town’s residential area and to
improve management of existing trees, the Council has authorized the formation of an ad hoc
committee to make recommendations and a plan for action. If you would like to serve on this
committee, please call Mayor John Compton at 301-330-8264. Suggestions include:
· inventory of mature trees on Town property
· set up resource library with materials on tree management, acquisition and planting
· Town supported arborist/forester to aid residents
· welcome package insert for new residents on forest and tree preservation philosophy,
resources
· Town organized information/education sessions on tree health and care.
· Incentives for tree retention and tree planting on private property.
Washington Grove 1937-1977
Former resident and town historian Phil Edwards has completed a new history covering the
period of the Town’s incorporation in 1937 through 1977, a span of forty years. Compiled from
the town’s archives, contemporary publications, and the collected papers and recollections of past
and present town residents, Edwards lived much of the history he has written about. The Town’s
Mayor from 1973 to 1977, Edwards closes this volume concurrent with his tenure as Mayor. The
author moved to the Grove in 1945 at the age of two; during his nearly 50 years he served in a
number of official capacities in the town. Edwards was also the author of the earlier volume,
subtitled A History of the Washington Grove Camp Meeting Association.
Washington Grove was originally the conception of the Methodist churches of
Washington, D.C., which wanted to establish a common, protected site for camp meetings. They
bought the grounds in 1873 and formed a limited stock company. Shares were sold and cottages
were built, and the Grove became a summer haven. At the turn of the last century the
Chautauqua movement brought a new liveliness to the Grove, but after the proliferation of the
automobile its popularity as a destination declined. The Great Depression bankrupted the
Association and the Grove nearly melted into the County, but long-term residents rallied and
won a municipal charter in 1937. The Town is unique in having survived this double
metamorphosis nearly intact.
The work was published by the author with a limited printing by the Town. Both volumes are
available through the Town Office, area bookstores, or by calling Gail Littlefield at 301-990-
6567. Priced at $20 ($18 through October 24), the soft-cover book contains 386 pages and
includes 55 illustrations. The earlier volume is available at $12 or a two-volume set may be
purchased for $27.