Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 10.13.08 @ 7:30 p.m. & Monday » 10.27.08 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Mayor’s Updates:
LOS Condemnation Lawsuit: The Court of Special Appeals will hold a day of oral arguments in early December on the appeal by M-NCPPC to challenge the Town’s right to condemn the LOS field, the ruling by the Circuit Court ruling against M-NCPPC being a third-party to the lawsuit, and other technical issues. As many know, the Maryland Municipal League (MML)?an organization representing all 157 municipalities in the State of Maryland?has submitted an amicus curiae in support of our position. This speaks to the validity of our claims in opposing the appeal by M-NCPPC, and many thanks to Charlie Challstrom and others for making this happen in the short time we had to gain this support.
After the December oral arguments, the Court of Special Appeals will rule on the appeal, which could take from 6-18 months; we hope for a timely judgment.
Piedmont Park: M-NCPPC has negotiated with Toll Brothers to purchase approximately 9 acres of the Casey (Toll) property below the tree line to the east of the LOS field (the second field if you take the path beginning on Ridge Road). They would like to make this a recreational park. The Town will monitor progress and update residents on whether the County Council will approve funds for the sale. Stay tuned-also this will be one of the volunteer opportunities for residents to become involved in through the Intergovernmental Committee (see article attached).
Deer Park Bridge: The County Department of Transportation will release results of their structural study to the Town at the end of October. We have received a pile of reports of studies conducted in the past 3 years and are in the process of reviewing them through the Deer Park Bridge Group. The Town will participate in meetings with the County, and they have expressed interest in presenting their findings to the Town in a public meeting, possibly in November. Another opportunity for volunteering for the Intergovernmental Committee.
Casey 6 and 7: We are waiting to hear from M-NCPPC on a plan for development of these parcels of land. Meanwhile, we are in contact with M-NCPPC staff on the direction they are likely to take. You may have seen the Gazette mention of the possibility of placing the Ride-On facility on Casey 7 (across from the Giant on Crabbs Branch Way). Not to beat a dead horse, but this is another opportunity for volunteering for the Intergovernmental Committee.
Inter-County Connector (ICC): Some very interesting news has been circulated concerning the possibility of changes to the plan for the ICC. The County and State now have very little money to continue on the current course, especially if they hope to fund other needed transportation projects. For those originally opposed to the ICC (including the Town Council in 2005-2006), this offers an opportunity to contact our State legislators and County Council members to support them in altering the course of these expenditures.
Woodward Park Update (Since July 4th)
As we approach the fall, our report on the use of Woodward Park is a positive one. We have issued permits to four youth groups meeting on weekday evenings and one adult group for Sunday afternoon usage. The permit holders have followed all of the designated rules regarding park usage and the public has not made any complaints. We will be closing the soccer field on November 3 for maintenance.
In anticipation of next year’s re-opening of the Woodward Park soccer field, any party who is interested in volunteering to be a sponsor of a permitted group should contact Kathie Evans (301-869-7816).
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 10.01.07 @ 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 for a major building permit (addition/renovation) is $40.00. The fee for a minor building permit (fence/shed) is $10.00. Checks should be made 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 permit applications as well.
Master Plan Update
The Town’s Planning Commission held a public hearing on September 3, 2008, regarding the recommended update to the Town’s Master Plan. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Planning Commission announced that the record is being held open through October 20, 2008, for submitting additional written comments. Such comments should be submitted to the Town Office by mail (P.O. Box 216) or through the mail slot in the Council Room door.
The latest version…
After the Planning Commission approves its final recommended changes (perhaps on November 5) and submits a report to the Town Council, the Town Council can introduce an ordinance for adoption of the updated Master Plan.
You Are Invited…
The M-NCPPC (Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission) will review and discuss the Town Master Plan at their regularly-scheduled meeting on October 20. Town officials will be there for questions. Anyone who wants to attend may, as it is open to the public. The hearing time has not been set, but the meeting could start as early as 6:00 p.m. Stay tuned for further updates…
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 10.21.07 @ 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.
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 10.15.07 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend. New members always welcome!
To Musicians living in the Town of Washington Grove
I’m inviting you to join me and other fiddlers from the Greater Capital Area for ANOTHER music event at McCathran Hall on October 4th; 2:30-4:30 p.m. This will be the second meeting for our new “Spelmanslag”. Come and experience Swedish traditional music played together with many friends, and bring your music instrument, a note stand, and your musicality! RSVP to me, Goran Olsson, ASAP at [email protected]
Film Society News
October 5: “The Man Who Would Be King” Directed by John Huston, 1975, USA, 129 Minutes. McCathran Hall 7:00 p.m.
Calling All Town Talent!
Plans are underway for this year’s “Holiday Revels” (December 13th). Our theme this year is “The Washington Grove Chautauqua” and is sure to be a rollicking good time! Adults and children – actors, musicians, dancers, and others who are interested in performing should contact Carolyn Rapkievian at [email protected] by October 15th. (Email is best but call if you cannot email.) Pre-existing ensembles of Grovers or friends of Grovers are welcome. Individuals may be organized into ensembles or group numbers. Rehearsals will begin in November. We welcome all to join us for this year’s show!
Get Caught in The Trap!
Concert One / Sunday, October 19, 2008 – 3:00 p.m.
JULIAN MILKIS, clarinet, and Friends
“Simply the best clarinetist in the world…” opens Mousetrap’s tenth season, accompanied by piano, in music of Mendelssohn, Poulenc, Hasse and Gabay. What tops off this initial celebration? The Brahms Trio for Clarinet, Piano and Cello, op. 114, composed after Brahms heard the wonderfully expressive voice of the clarinet and entwined it with those of the piano and cello, played by Tanya Anisimova for this performance.
Annual Halloween Parade & Party
Wear your costume and meet at McCathran Hall at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25th. Join us for some ghoulish games, freaky fun and frightening food. Volunteers for set-up, clean-up and anything in between are needed for this event. To volunteer please call Emily Cavey at 240-632-9587 or e-mail [email protected]
Trick or Treating
will take place on Friday, October 31, 2008 between 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.. Be safe and have a great time!
November Ceili Dance – Mark Your Calendar
Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008; McCathran Hall
Dance workshop – 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Ceili – 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Music by the Common Ground Ceili Band
For more information call 301-990-0184.
Yoga Classes Continue on Tuesday Nights…
De-stress with Yoga on Tuesday nights from 7-8:30p.m.. All levels welcome. $10.00 per session. For more information, call Terry Strother at 240-631-2759.
Neighborhood Watch News
Report Crimes & Suspicious Activity!
Mont. Co. Police non-emergency: 301-279-8000
Town Office: 301-926-2256
Joe Clark: 301-869-7944
Keith Gillis/Leigh Partington: 301-208-1437
Incident Report:
September 9: Dog report. Maple Rd – Resident, while running, was bitten in the chest by a German Shepherd-like dog that was being walked by its owner. The dog was on a long leash and was apparently startled by the runner. Reported to police.
September 24: Burglary. 100 block Maple Ave – Someone entered a home in broad daylight and stole a blank check from a checkbook, while owner was working in the yard. The burglar entered through an unlocked door. No cash or other items were taken. Incident was reported to police.
Please report criminal or suspicious activity to your Neighborhood Watch Block Captain or Coordinators. Filing a police report, too, helps the police department keep track of criminal incidents and is necessary for police to take action. Of course, for emergency situations call 911.
Woman’s Club News
Next meeting: Thursday » 10.16.07 @ 7:30 p.m. in Clubhouse.
Our speaker will be friend and neighbor Gary Gordon. He will address the question “What question did the United States not ask during their space exploration program?”. Gary has presented this topic at a national conference and has agreed to share it with us. All Town residents are cordially invited to attend. Thank you to all who made the September Pot Luck a success. Special thanks go to Mary Kay DuBois and Cynthia Werts, our two co-chairs.
Lake Committee News
Lake Lovers – We are scheduling a clean-up and planting of ‘thorny bushes’ around the perimeter of the lake for Saturday, October 18th at 10:00 a.m. (rain date Sunday 10/19 at 12 noon.) Bring work clothes, gloves, and one tool such as a shovel or a rake (with your name on it.) This should not take more than an hour or two depending on the turn out. Bring your friends!
WGUMC News
Spirituality/Meditation Class continues through Oct. 28th, Tuesdays, 7-8:30 pm. Ecumenical leaders from the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation are teaching classes in the church’s fellowship hall. One of our leaders, Ann Kulp, calls meditation “a deeper listening to ourselves, to one another, and to God.” A simple meal is provided at each class. Speech and song are part of our gatherings, along with meditation. Class topics include the spirituality of: music; prayer; discernment; service; and scripture. A suggested donation for the teachers of $10 per class is optional. Catch your breath in the busy middle of the work week. “Contemplation is part of our deep belonging to a sacred Earth…” -Conrow Coelho
Children’s Choir Under the talented direction of Doris Gordon, our new children’s choir is practicing pieces to sing monthly during worship. You don’t have to be a member of the church to participate. For children 8-12 yrs old, there or thereabouts. Questions? Call Doris or Judy.
Environmental Ethics October 10th– discussion at 7:30 pm in the church lounge–now on 2nd Fridays.
New Playground is Ready We now have the requisite extra layer of playground wood chips under the new play set beside the church! Parents are requested to supervise young children–the suggested ages for the equipment are between 2 & 8. Enjoy!
Heads’ up for November WGUMC’s Annual Anniversary Celebration-Sun., Nov. 9th, at 11 am worship. All are especially invited to this 98th anniversary service, as we also welcome evaluators assessing Pastor Judy, in preparation from her upcoming ordination in June.
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service-Wed., Nov. 26, 2008. All are welcome! The old Wesleyan expression “And are we yet alive?” comes to mind, as we’ll continue to give thanks, in times of need as well as times of plenty…
Bulk Trash Pick Up Scheduled
A bulk trash pick up is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2008. Collection may include furniture, appliances (nothing with freon like air conditioning units), rugs, large toys, small auto parts, etc… Materials may NOT include construction by-products, large automotive parts, or tires. Items should not contain gasoline or motor oil. Please place all items “curbside” by 7:00 a.m.
Town Garden Plot to Be Reclaimed
Because of many reasons–deer, groundhogs, drought, and too much shade–the Town garden plot will be dismantled sometime after the first freeze this year (late November or early December). In addition, the old tool shed will be removed. Anyone who has materials, tools, or other items in the garden plot area needs to have them removed by November 15. A group of residents will be meeting to determine what the Town should do with the former garden plot. More on that as information becomes available.
Clerk’s Corner
DRIVE 15 ENJOY THE SCENE!!