Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 10.08.12 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the September 10th Council meeting included:
- approval of Resolution No. 2012-05; Resolution Regarding Proposed Redevelopment of the Towne Crest Apartments.
Labor Day Appreciation
A BIG Thank You to Craig English and all his super helpers for yet another wonderful set of Labor Day Events! And congratulations to all our Grove “winners” and our SuperGrove Medal winner, Maisie Scott! I think everyone who participated in the events knows they are one of the winners this year!
Towne Crest Update
The Planning Board decided to deny the Towne Crest Map Amendment Application because the density they were asking for was not in accordance with the Gaithersburg Airpark Master Plan (1985). It seemed clear that they were unhappy with the overall density and especially with the location and height of Building B right next to the single family home at #7 Daylily Lane. They did, however, approve the variances the applicant was asking for to remove the specimen trees on their own land and affecting/removing up to 14 trees on our land. The Zoning request and apartment proposal goes to the Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings on October 5.
On September 24 we heard from our attorney that Towne Crest Apartments LLC had decided to ask for postponement of its currently scheduled October 5 hearing date “to allow it more time to examine the comments received from the Planning Board.” The next available Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearing date is February 15, 2013. We will not object to this but will enter into the record that we expect to hear by January 15 of changes they are making to their application OR that they are not making any changes. We remain committed to cooperative dialogue regarding the Town’s concerns.
My thanks to the wonderful people who have been working so hard on this and to all of you who have supported this process!
Mayor Georgette Cole
Town Lighting Update
The Mayor and Town Council feel the new 23-watt induction bulbs are a good replacement for our old incandescent bulbs. Over the next two years we will “earn” back the cost of the bulbs in reduced cost for electricity. After that we will continue to save money until the Town is ready to go to a new lighting plan based on LED technology. The Outdoor Lighting Committee is working on what that plan might be while allowing for the changing technologies involved.
The new form to request a shield isn’t finalized yet so please hold onto new requests right now. We are also trying to work out better shield techniques as providing a reduction on light onto private property must not interfere with light needed on a street or walkway nor impact public safety. The Town lighting is obviously going to be a complex process on multiple levels.
The Outdoor Lighting Committee Meetings are now on the third Monday of the month in the Council Room. If you are interested in these issues please come and add your thoughts!
What Is Fracking and Why Should We Care?
Fracking is a method used for extracting natural gas from beneath the Earth’s surface. It has been used for a very long time and not been too much of a problem…until now. Why? Because it is now being done in areas that are more populated and are closer to our water supply. Want to know more? Come to the October 8th meeting of the Town Council and hear Del. Shane Robinson speak and answer questions about this subject. The meeting will start at 7:30p.m. in McCathran Hall.
New Replacement Sidewalk Coming to Washington Grove Lane
We have been notified by Montgomery County that a new 5-foot sidewalk (ADA-compliant) will be installed in the near future. The notification letters to residents along WGL said this would be in September-October, but the Town Planning Commission liaison who has been monitoring the process says the latest information is that November-December is more likely.
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 10.16.12 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. Meetings are open to the public.
Hurray the war is over –
Hurray the fight is won.
Back from the life of a Rover,
Back from the roar of the gun.
Back to the dear old Home land.
Home with the peaceful dove.
Don’t let us sing any more of the war,
Just let us sing of love. Anonymous
(Found in a box in the Town Archives.)
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 10.03.12 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
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. All permit applications must be received in the Town Office fourteen (14) days prior to the Planning Commission meeting at which they will receive their initial review. The applicant must post a "Notice To Neighbors" sign within seven (7) days of receiving it from the Town Clerk. The Planning Commission will not act on an application unless the Notice To Neighbors sign was posted in a timely fashion as confirmed by the Commission. Please contact the Town Office (301-926-2256) or [email protected], or see permits for more details. The Historic Preservation Commission will review most permit applications as well.
Permits up for discussion on October 3rd:
- 302 Ridge Rd. Garage & Fence
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 12.19.12@ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Labor (Day) of LOVE
The stars were all in alignment for the Labor Day festivities this year: the weather cooperated, despite dire predictions, and the crowd was lively and fun. We had lots of new families participating this year! Welcome to you all!! Congratulations to Maisie Scott for winning the SuperGrove award this year and reminding us that great athletic abilities and sportsmanship go hand in hand.
Labor Day is a labor of love for the many volunteers that create this special weekend. Of course, none of it would happen without Craig English and Joli McCathran leading the show. Their devotion to keeping the events interesting, fair and fun for all ages has kept this a favorite Grove family event for nigh on to 30 years! We can’t thank you both enough. Leigh Partington kept a Grove tradition alive this year by creating the coveted first place and SuperGrove awards! We understand that Julia Cavicchi designed the stamps for the medals. They were beautiful. Many thanks to you both! Leigh and Joe Clark helped the Town show our gratitude to Birgit Henninger who labored over the Grove awards every year for 30 years. Leigh created a special Super Grove Cup and Joe a lovely wooden bowl for Birgit in commemoration. Birgit showed her love for the Grove every year in her beautiful designs and artistry. We love you back Birgit!
And finally, thanks to all the volunteers that pitch in where needed to keep the weekend safe and running smoothly. Of course, it couldn’t be done without you ALL!
The Recreation Committee
Bluestobertember 2012
Thank you to everyone who came out for Washington Grove’s 4th Annual Bluestober Fest on Saturday the 22nd! It was a great way to welcome in the first day of fall! We would like to thank all the volunteers and participants who made it so special. In particular, we would like to thank our grill masters extraordinaire, Peter Nagrod and Cindy Frei, and Chris Kirtz for the generous use of his gas grill. Thanks also to Mary and Charlie Challstrom for your amazing help with set-up. We are exceptionally grateful to the many of you who rolled up your sleeves and helped with clean-up including Jan Davis, Peter Nagrod, Birgit and Don Henninger, and Emily Cavey and Rob Gilmore. Thanks so much, Birgit, for washing the tablecloths. A special thank you goes to Mary Warfield who helped with everything from shopping to set-up and clean-up — you’re amazing, Mary! Are we missing anyone? We apologize if you helped and your name is not included, but know that you contributed to a fantastic evening. Thank you all and we look forward to next year!
Happy Autumn!
Eric & Lawren Selby
Town Halloween Festivities!
October 20th 5-9pm
Come One; Come All to the Halloween Ball!
Please bring a sweet or savory to share. All ages welcome!
Costume Parade: 5pm, meet at Woodward Park
Not so scary Haunted Forest: 5:30 – 6pm Gazebo (weather permitting)
Halloween Ball: 5:30 – 8pm, Our guest DJ, Dwayne Henry, will provide music games and fun!! McCathran Hall
Super Scary Haunted Forest: 8:00 – 9pm, Gazebo (weather permitting)
If you are interested in volunteering to help with this event please contact Emily Cavey via email [email protected] or phone at 240-632-9587.
ATTENTION GROVE ACTORS, MUSICIANS, SINGERS AND DANCERS!!
Mark your calendars!
The Washington Grove Holiday Show 2012 is coming to McCathran Hall on Saturday, December 15th at 7:30 p.m. Your dedicated producers are looking for Grover’s of all ages who want to participate in the fun and festivities this year. Performers and Backstage staff are urged to get in touch with either Pat Di Bella-Kreger ([email protected]) or Judy Mroczka ([email protected]) to express interest in becoming involved by October 31st.
Any musical/performance ideas are welcome, particularly those that are holiday-themed. Participation for actors involves 6-7 rehearsals held at McCathran Hall in addition to show night. Musical acts will rehearse on their own before joining the larger production. New residents are especially urged to join us!! Happy Holidays to come!!!
Zumba in the Grove!
Wednesday nights at 7:30-8:30 – McCathran Hall.
Join us for an energizing hour of low-impact but aerobic exercise. Have fun while working out! No dance experience needed and all fitness levels are welcome at this drop-in class – no registration is necessary. Cost is $5.00/class payable to Washington Grove. Our instructor is the popular Ingeborg McCright! Contact Carolyn Rapkievian 301-519-2021 for more information.
Note: We will not meet on October 31. Sponsored by the Recreation Committee.
Film Society News
Film Society Opens 2012-2013 Season
As the first film of the new season, the Film Society presents The Americanization of Emily, on October 14, 2012, 7 p.m., at McCathran Hall. Quite unlike other WWII movies of its era, this film stars James Garner as a self-serving soldier and professed coward, who is faced with having to become an official “hero” when he is assigned a dangerous mission. A non-singing Julie Andrews co-stars as a stiff-upper-lip Brit who falls for him. This intelligently written comedy-drama has something to say and is beautifully played and directed. Directed by Arthur Hiller, 1964, USA, 115 minutes. Shown with English subtitles. Discussion to follow.
There is still time to purchase your annual subscription and support the film series. $20 buys you entry to 5 great movies ($7 at the door). Send your check, made out to Town of Washington Grove, to Birgit Henninger. See you at the movies!
Woman’s Club News
Next meeting: Thursday » 10.18.12 @ 7:30 p.m. 333 McCauley St.
Introduction To Basic Beading
A class for those looking for the basics in jewelry beading. You will leave this workshop knowing how to make your first necklace.
We will go over:
- stringing wire
- findings
- tools of the trade
- design concepts
- You can bring a project to work on (rework an old necklace) or bring your own beads along with a jewelry clasp. Carol has been a fine art photographer for over 30 years and in more recent years has become interested in beading. She is a member of the Greater Washington, D.C. Bead Society. Her work has been shown in various metropolitan Washington, D.C. venues.
Class to be held at the home of Carol Samour (“SWEET NOTHINGS”) at 333 McCauley Street. Class size LIMITED. Please RSVP to Carol Samour at 301-972-1417.
WGUMC News
CRAFTERS! We have openings for stalls at the October 20th WGUMC Fall Festival. For more info and to reserve a space, call or email Kathi Ives, 301-675-6688, [email protected]
- October 20th–Fall Festival/Pumpkin time–Get your pumpkins at the Pumpkin Patch, and browse the craft stalls and Bake Sale, while children enjoy face painting and activities!
- October 28th–Leave canned and dried food curbside by 9 am for pick-up by WGUMC Sunday school for our annual “trick or treat” for the Gaithersburg Help food pantry. If we don’t get to your street this year or you’d rather drop off a food
Trick or Treating in Washington Grove
will be on October 31st from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Please Pick Up After Your Dog
It’s on my shoes and I don’t like it.
It’s on the tires of my bike, it
seems to show up everywhere.
Is it true? They just don’t care?
(Found in the Town Archives, author unknown 🙂