Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 10.08.07 @ 7:30 p.m. & Monday » 10.29.07 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the Sept. 10th and Sept. 24th meetings included:
authorization of the submission of an application to the Maryland Historic Trust for grant money to help fund a commemorative plaque.
disposal of Ordinance No. 2007-08; Enforcement of Town Ordinances.
Introduction of Ordinance No. 2007-09; Enforcement of Town Ordinances (amended).
approval of a proposal to close the athletic field for extensive maintenance with expenses not to exceed $6K.
Casey 6 and 7 Preliminary Plan
This plan has been scheduled for public comment, discussion and a vote by the Montgomery County Planning Board at a public hearing on Thursday, October 11, 2007. To obtain information about proposed staff recommendations or to offer your comments on the plan, please contact Richard Weaver at 301-495-4544. To obtain an approximate time for this item on the Planning Board’s agenda, please refer to the website; www.MontgomeryPlanning.org or call the Community Relations Office, 301-495-4600, after Monday, October 8, 2007.
LOS Condemnation
The judge ruled in the Town’s favor on the condemnation suit.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Washington Grove Town Council will hold a public hearing preceding the Council meeting on Monday, October 29, 2007, 7:30 p.m., in McCathran Hall, 300 Grove Ave. Washington Grove, Maryland. The purpose of this hearing is to take public comment regarding the proposed Ordinance No. 2007-09; Enforcement of Town Ordinances. A copy of this ordinance will be available at the Town Office after October 15, 2007.
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 11.07.07 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited 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. The permit fee is $10.00, payable to the Town of Washington Grove. Interior renovations, which involve electrical, plumbing, or load-bearing changes, generally require a County permit. A shed requires a County permit as well. The Town must first sign off all applications for County-required building permits. The Historic Preservation Commission will review most permits as well.
Building permits were issued for the following:
119 W.G.Lane » Fence
203 W.G.Lane » Shed
352 Ridge Rd. » Shed
201 Cherry Ave. » Sunroom
119 Grove Ave. » Porch & addition
What Are Those Bright Pink Signs?
In order to better inform the public about proposed building/renovations etc…, residents who apply for a building permit will be given a “Notification To Neighbors” sign for posting in both their front and rear yards. The sign is bright pink.
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 10.16.07 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
Meetings are open to the public. The HPC encourages residents to come for an early consultation when planning a renovation.
Reviews were written for the following:
203 W.G. Lane » Shed
352 Ridge Rd. » Shed
201 Cherry Ave. » Sunroom
119 Grove Ave. » Porch & addition
Call For House Histories
The HPC has been working with webmaster, Bill Saar, to provide residents past and present with the opportunity to add “Updates & Anecdotes” to the existing house histories posted on the town website.
We’re soliciting input for ALL houses in town (not just those considered “Contributing Structures”). Do you have interesting comments to share about former owners, tenants or sojourners? Births, deaths, weddings? Renovations? Was your house featured in a film? Do you have a special interior or exterior photograph to share? Have you given a special name to your home? For more details on how to upload your contribution, please go to the Town website, www.washingtongrovemd.org/our_Town/hsehistory/index.shtml or contact Mimi Styles at 301-519-1957.
Historic Marker For Morgan Park
The HPC is proposing to place a historic marker plaque near the entrance to the Town near the intersection of Grove Road and Brown Street in Morgan Park. The memorial would consist of a plaque stating some important events in the history of Washington Grove. The plaque would be made of bronze and would be affixed to a 4 ft. tall by 5 ft. wide by 3 ft. deep granite stone. The stone would weigh approximately 1.5 – 2 tons and would be supported by a deep bed of gravel. The HPC would appreciate any comments or suggestions positive or negative on this project. Please send your written comments to the Town Clerk by email or letter. Current wording suggestions for the plaque are available at the Town Office for review.
Neighborhood Watch News
Report Crimes & Suspicious Activity!
Mont. Co. Police non-emergency: 301-279-8000
Town Office: 301-926-2256
David Stopak: 301-330-6446
Betsy Klinger: 301-977-3517
Keith Gillis/Leigh Partington: 301-208-1437
Incident Report:
September 1: Vehicle Breaking/Entering. 100 block Center St – Unlocked car parked close to the house was entered and ransacked sometime between 9:30pm and 7am Sept. 2. Nothing taken.
September 3: Vehicle Breaking/Entering 400 block Grove Ave – Car was entered while residents were away. Vehicle registration and insurance documents were stolen.
September 5: Vehicle Breaking/Entering 300 block 1st Ave – Car was entered and ransacked. Nothing taken. Car was unlocked.
September 5: Vehicle Breaking/Entering. 100 block Maple Rd – $30 in quarters taken from car. Owner claims car was locked. No police report filed.
September 9: Vehicle Breaking/Entering. 400 block 5th Ave – Car was entered and ransacked. Approximately $6 in change taken. Car was unlocked.
September 12: Vehicle Breaking/Entering 400 block 4th Ave – Unlocked car was entered and ransacked. Nothing more than loose change taken.
September 14: Theft. 100 block Grove Ave – A camera, cash, and 3 bottles of energy drink were stolen from unlocked truck. Other valuable items were left untouched. Incident was reported to police.
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 11.28.07 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend. New members always welcome!
Holiday Revels – Sign Up Now!
This year’s December Holiday Program will be a unique production of music, dance, and drama directed by Carolyn Rapkievian with assistance from the creative team of residents. Adults and children interested in acting should call Heather Hoerle at 301-990-0568. Those interested in participating as a musician should call Terry Strother 240-631-2759. If you would like to dance or help in another way call Carolyn Rapkievian at 301-519-2021. THE DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 12TH. Parts will be assigned and rehearsals will begin in October. Don’t delay!
Mousetrap Concert No. 1
October 14, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. Tigran Alikhoanov – Piano Beethoven, Schumann, & Mussorgsky Piano lovers take note!
All Grove Artists
Last call for artists to be a part of the town art show (evening of Oct. 19th. /afternoon of Oct. 20th). Entry forms for young people K/12 may be picked up from Missy Yachup. Adults can get the forms from Jim Fletcher or Jerry Ruley, or…the Town Office. We must have an accurate idea of the number of participants in order to prepare for needed wall space, so these forms are an important part of the process. Forms must be accepted by Oct. 17th.
Film Society
On October 21, the Washington Grove Film Society will screen the first film of the 2007/2008 season: “Tous les Matins du Monde.” Gerard Depardieu stars in this internationally acclaimed film about the lives of seventeenth-century French composer Sainte Colombe and his protege Marin Marais. Glorious music weaves a spell throughout this tale of devotion and desire. The film which runs 115 minutes and is subtitled, was directed by Alain Corneau. Join us for a discussion after the film. It’s not too late to purchase your 5-film subscription to the series by sending a check for $20, payable to the Town of Washington Grove, to Birgit Henninger, Box 355. Tickets at the door will cost $7.
Halloween Parade & Party A Little Early
Wear your costume and meet at McCathran Hall at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 21st. Join us for some ghoulish games, freaky fun and frightening food. To volunteer to help with this event or for further information please call Sara Lucas-Dreiss 443-415-5036 (cell).
Trick or Treating
will take place on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 between 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.. Be safe and have a great time!
Woman’s Club News
Join us for pumpkin carving on Thursday, October 18, at 7:30 in the Woman’s Club House. Try out some carving patterns. Use the most up-to date carving tools. Children are welcome to enjoy this fall activity.
Work on the Washington Grove Directory continues with publication anticipated before the winter holidays.
WGUMC News
October is Environmental Ethics Month at WGUMC:
“A Disposable Culture?” Oct. 12th 7:30 pm
Join a discussion in the church on how to carry out our personal responsibility to combat global warming. Also, share ideas on interfaith ethical topics for future discussions.
“Evolution, Environmentalism and Science Literacy” Oct. 22nd 7:30pm
Come to a presentation on Faith and Science working together in the current environmental crisis. The presenter is Dr. Michael Zimmerman, PhD, Dean of Liberal Arts & Sciences at Butler University, and Founder of the Clergy Letter Project, asserting the compatibility of faith and science. Pastor Judy is among 10,993 clergy signers. See the post office flyer for more info.
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, Nov. 21st 7:30pm.
Amid the music, Abraham Lincoln is expected to appear in person to read his declaration establishing the national holiday.
The church is at 301 869-3753, email Judy at [email protected].
Where Is The September Bulletin?
There isn’t one… With the recent change in the number of meetings per month, reporting Council actions in a timely, organized fashion was becoming clumsy. It was decided that the timing of the Town Bulletin would have to change. Now, residents will receive their Town Bulletins at the beginning of each month for the current month.
Like to Knit?
Knitting Circle, Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. at the home of the Horan’s 127 Maple Rd. Open to novices and experts alike!
Dorsey Street Stops
Tell us what you think. The Mayor & Council are interested in feedback about the new stop signs that are now installed at Dorsey St. and Grove Rd. Send you comments to PO Box 216, [email protected] or call 301-926-2256.
Bulk Trash Pick Up Scheduled
A bulk trash pick up is scheduled for Saturday, November 10, 2007. Collection may include furniture, appliances (not those with Freon), rugs, large toys, small auto parts, etc…Materials may NOT include construction by-products, large automotive parts, or tires. Please place all items “curbside” by 7:00 a.m..
GO GREEN!
Think Global, Buy Local. The choices you make in the food you purchase can have a big impact on your personal contribution to the carbon load. Fortunately for us, there are a wide variety of foods that are grown and produced in this area. By taking advantage of this, you can do yourself and the planet a favor. Food production generates carbon in two ways: 1) the carbon produced in GROWING the food, generally in the form of fertilizers and fuel for equipment, and 2) the carbon produced in TRANSPORTING the food to market.
Many people have tried to address the former issue by buying organic produce which eschews petroleum based fertilizers. However, buying organic produce that was grown in New Zealand, or California, or some other distant place results in a huge carbon burden from transportation. The solution is to buy locally whenever possible. During the summer and fall, it is possible to purchase nearly 100% of your fruits and vegetables from Maryland farmers. This may mean that you forgo pineapples and bananas, but you can feast on apples, plums, peaches and a wide variety of vegetables. If you are a bit more ambitious, you can preserve tomatoes and other locally grown produce for consumption in the winter and spring. In addition, milk, butter, cheese, eggs and meat are available all year round from local farmers that maintain many organic practices. Save your purchase of tropical and other non-local produce for times of the year when there are no local options.
Another advantage of buying locally is the preservation of our region’s rich agricultural heritage. If you want to keep local farms alive, buy from them. Also, if you have questions or concerns about farming practices, you can speak directly with the people who grow your food. Finally, the food is fresh and tastes great!
Check out this site: https://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/03/the_produce_rid.php
Open House at Station 8
The Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department will hold an open house on October 14th from Noon – 4:00 p.m.. The station is located at Russell & Montgomery Village Avenues.
Clerk’s Corner
NEW Bulletin Deadline is the 24th of the month!
Time Change
Don’t forget to change your clocks. Fall back on November 4, 2007.
WOODWARD PARK
ATHLETIC FIELD IS CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
ADDITIONS TO THE OCTOBER BULLETIN
Summary – Ordinance No. 2007-09
The Establishment of a Municipal Infractions Ordinance for the Town, and generally revising Article IX of the Code of Ordinances The proposed ordinance will;
Establish a system and schedule for fines to be imposed for municipal infractions in connection with violations of the Town’s Code of Ordinances.
Identify those persons charged with prosecuting such enforcement actions.
Revise out-dated language regarding penalties for misdemeanor violations.
Codify the inherent power of the Town to seek injunctive relief to abate any violations, and recover costs and attorneys’ fees for any such action.
Revise the ‘Severability’ language contained within the Code.
Clarify that all previous versions of Article IX are superseded by this Ordinance.
This Ordinance (No. 2007-09) will be the subject of a public hearing on Oct. 29, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room in McCathran Hall. Here’s your chance to be heard!
Athletic Field Study Group
A study group is forming that will look at the use and maintenance of the Town athletic field along with the permitting process. For more information please contact Kathie Evans at 301-869-7816 or [email protected]. Here’s another chance to be heard!
Public Comment Session about Restricted Turns at McCauley Street
The Mayor and Council are considering altering the current restrictions on turns at McCauley St. and Washington Grove Lane. The proposal is to prohibit right turns from McCauley St. onto W.G. Lane from 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Monday – Friday only, with the same prohibition for left turns from W.G. Lane onto McCauley Street. These turns would be permitted all other times of the day. You are invited to a public comment session on November 12, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room at McCathran Hall. And another chance to be heard!
Film Making in Washington Grove
Greetings to all residents of Washington Grove. My name is Richard Salamanca, and I am a past resident of The Grove. Going back to the 1960’s, some of you older residents may remember my parents, Jack and Mimi Salamanca; and back before that, you may remember my great-aunt, Maude S. Nuttall. Well, today I am past fifty, and I am a photographer and film-maker. You may have seen me around The Grove recently, taking pictures, wandering around, talking to myself, actually a small digital tape recorder, or sitting over by Clapperton Courts, working on a lap-top, on the picnic tables. The reason for all of my activity in The Grove lately is that I am about to make a documentary film about Washington Grove, and there are lots of ways in which your family can participate, if you wish to. Here are some:
Tell a story! I would love to have as many residents of The Grove tell us stories on camera as possible. The story must be about some aspect of being a resident of The Grove and how this unique distinction has changed your life. Any interesting story about living in Washington Grove is welcome!
Say “HI!” on camera as a family! There will be a whole section of my film which will be set to music in which we will feature quick cuts of funny shots of whole families posing together in front of their houses as we have singers singing; “Here in The Grove we’ve got the … “Williams’s”, the “McCathran’s”, the “Sharpton’s” the “Joneses” and so on.
Tell us your history, especially if your family or you yourself, go back a long ways in The Grove. If you have interesting photographs, home movies, memorabilia, or objects that you would like to share; we can come to your house and interview you there.
If you are a young person, organize your friends into a small group that would be willing to tell us on-camera what it is like for you as a young person to live here in Washington Grove. What are the advantages and disadvantages to you as a young person?
If you are a new resident of The Grove we would love to have you tell us on camera why you chose to move to The Grove. What is it about this place that attracted you and your spouse and kids to move here?
Say “Good Bye!” The last shot in the film will be a great big crane shot on the athletic field, on a date to be announced later here in this newsletter, in which we will have as many families as possible gathered together waving and saying “Good Bye” to the camera as we can get! So, when that day rolls around, come on out to the athletic field and wave Good Bye to our camera!
All of these opportunities are available for you to be a part of a unique film record of this time in The Grove. Simply e-mail me, Rick Salamanca at [email protected] and in the subject line of your e-mail put the category you, and/or your family are interested in. For instance, “Story To Tell” or, “Say Hello” and so on. If you do not have a computer, and would still like to participate, you can write to; Grove Film, 10843 Deborah Drive, Potomac, Maryland 20854. Please be sure to include your phone number in your letter so that we can get back to you quickly! More to follow at a later date…