TOWN COUNCIL NEWS
Next meeting: Monday, September 9, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. The public is invited to attend. Actions at the August meeting include:
- Appointment of Nicho’s Trees Advisory Committee (3 members and a liaison)
- Approval of Ord.#2019-03; Sale of Land Occupied by a Main Building at 315 Grove Avenue Constructed in Part on Land Owned by the Town of Washington Grove
- Introduction of Ord.#2019-12; Sale of Land Occupied by a Main Building at 409 5th Avenue Constructed in Part on Land Owned by the Town of Washington Grove
- Introduction and Enactment of Resolution 2019-11; Authorizing Deer Management Bow Hunting Sessions
- Introduction of Resolution 2019-13 pdf / Providing for Proper Governance of Washington Grove Committees
ORDINANCE 2019-03 – Summary
At a Special Town Council meeting on August 28, 2019, the Town Council enacted Ordinance 2019-12; Authorizing the Sale of Land Occupied by a Main Building at 409 5th Avenue Constructed in Part on Land Owned by the Town of Washington Grove. The title of this ordinance serves as the summary.
The Town Charter requires within 10 days of the enactment of any ordinance by the Council, notice must be given to qualified voters of the Town and to the public by mailing a summary of such ordinance to each dwelling unit in Town.
Planning Commission News…
Next meeting: Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Building Permit Submission Deadline
The deadline to submit a building permit application for approval by the Planning Commission and review by the Historic Preservation Commission is the 2nd Wednesday of the month prior to the PC meeting at which the permit will be reviewed (this will be in the following month). This timing ensures the HPC will be able to complete a formal review before the PC meeting as this review is required for the PC to approve the permit in a timely fashion. If you are considering any renovation or building project at your house, be sure to get a copy of the procedures to apply for a Town Building Permit which will help you through the Town’s process.
Recent Permits Approved:
201 Brown Street Fence
Permits for Approval in September
112 Grove Avenue Fence
119 Grove Avenue Fence
203 Washington Grove Lane Fence
205 Washington Grove Lane Fence
215 Washington Grove Lane Fence
2019 Master Plan Work Session
2019 Master Plan Work Session will be held on September 18. We will be reviewing a new submission on the Bike Path (Section 3.4). We will review new material and also decisions made on Sections 5 and 6 on August 21, then continue on to Section 6.3 now re-titled “Other Sensitive Areas”. This will include Maple Lake. If time permits we will discuss the work needed on Section 7 (Water Resource Management) and Section 8 (Commercial Corner).
A copy of the latest 2019 Master Plan Working Draft and the draft minutes from each work session is available on the Town web site as a link on the 2019 Master Plan page.
Historic Preservation Commission News…
Next meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. All meetings are open to the public.
The HPC welcomes and encourages residents to come for an early consultation when considering an addition or renovation/changes to the exterior of their home. HPC can offer valuable advice early in the planning process and provide guidance with designs that are compatible with the character of the existing house and the Town. Please consider coming to the HPC as your first stop when contemplating options for your home improvement.
National Register Update…
The draft copy of the updated and expanded National Register of Historic Places Historic District Nomination is available as a pdf on the Town website.
This document, prepared by our consultants, Robinson & Associates, contains a wealth of information about the Town and its history. Would you like to learn more about the Town’s five periods of development, our “neighborhoods” (tent department, cottage department, etc.), our many parks and forest preserves, our unique circulation systems, architectural styles, or the influence of the B&O Railroad and the Chautauqua movement? It’s all in the document – plus photographs, historical maps, and a map of the proposed redefined historic district boundaries. It’s a comprehensive document – please take some time to explore it.
Recreation Committee News…
Next Meeting: Wed., October 16, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. Open to the public.
Anyone interested in joining should come to the next meeting!
FALL GAMES SCHEDULE
The Fall Games Schedule – 2019
Saturday, Sept. 7th
10 AM – 1 PM Field Events – Athletic Field, Grove Road
Registration begins promptly at 10 AM. Don’t be late! Awards for first, second and third places.
Six contests for kids and adults of all ages.
1. Soccer Kick 4. Obstacle Course
2. 60 Yard Dash 5. Softball Toss
3. Sack Race 6. Egg Toss
4 PM Bike Races (meet on Grove Road across from tennis courts)
Three races (helmets required)
1. Bike & Trike Sprints (5 yr. & under)*
2. One mile race (12 years & under)*
3. Two mile race (open, all ages)
*Bike helmets mandatory for all racers!
5 PM – Running Races (meet on Grove Road across from tennis court)
1. 1/2 Mile (12 years and under) Awards to boys and girls in three age groups
2. Open Grove Mile (all ages, 1st, 2nd & 3rd awarded for men and women)
Sunday, Sept. 8th
9:30 AM Tennis – Adult Doubles Mixer
Join us for a fun morning of tennis! We will send reminders out via e-mail and on the listserv.
12:30 PM – 32nd Annual Croquet Tournament and 1st Annual Badminton Tournament
White croquet apparel encouraged, and adult beverages provided. Everyone’s invited. If you’re not playing in either tournament, be sure to come by to cheer or jeer and share libations on the side lines.
3:00 PM – Capture the Flag or Soccer Game – TBD
6:00 Potluck Dinner & Awards – McCathran Hall (rain or shine).
Bring drinks for your family, a main dish and salad or dessert to share. Paper plates, cups, utensils provided. A Wonderful Potluck. Don’t miss it! Everyone’s invited! Can’t compete, but would like to volunteer to help? Need info? Text Sam Beres at 515-450-9167 or text/call Betsy Klinger at 301-325-1956.
THE HOLIDAY SHOW NEEDS YOU!!!
Have you ever thought it would be fun to write a musical? Or to sing or dance or act? Is your real interest working backstage, helping with lighting, assisting with costumes, working on sets? Well, our Annual Holiday Show is your opportunity! Our Holiday Show is always a group effort.
Come help us get started on Sunday, October 6, from 2 to 4 PM. We’re meeting at McCathran Hall to kick off our 2019 Holiday Show with an organizational meeting, where we’ll decide on the theme and start outlining our script.
Every year it takes many people to make this wonderful tradition come alive. There’s always something for everyone who wants to be involved. No one will be turned away, and we welcome adults and children — the more the merrier! If you’re new to Town, this is a great way to get to know people. Whether you are new to Town or not, if you want to take part, please contact either Judy Mroczka ([email protected] or 301-785-3491) or Marilynn Frey ([email protected] or 301-351-4784).
Check next month’s Bulletin for more information about this always popular show, and don’t forget to mark your calendars for this year’s show on Saturday, December 14 at 7:30 PM.
Film Society News….
“20th Anniversary Season”
In celebration of our 20th year showing movies in McCathran Hall, the Film Society is pleased to announce that ALL films in the 2019/2020 season will be FREE to all. Join us for an outstanding lineup beginning on October 13, with A Man Called Ove, a tender love story that mingles humor, grief, and joy. Read about all the upcoming movies in the flyer included in this Bulletin.
The Film Society thanks our subscribers who have been with us throughout the years, as well as the Recreation Committee, our committee members (current and past), and everyone who has provided technical and advisory support. Mark your calendars on Sunday evenings to join your neighbors in McCathran Hall for this special season—no subscriptions or tickets required. See you at the movies!!!
Forestry & Beautification News…
Next Meeting: Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. F & B is on summer break. Please join us at our next meeting where we will be making plans for the fall tree planting. All are welcome!
Our next meeting will be Wednesday September 11 at 7:30 pm in the Council room. We will be making plans for the fall tree planting. If you have a suggestion for where you’d like to see a new tree or what kind of trees you’d like to see in the Grove, we’d LOVE to hear from you. You don’t have to come to a meeting (although we’d be delighted to have you there), you can email or talk to either Georgette ([email protected] or 301-330-6740) or Audrey ([email protected] 240-205-4756) with your ideas. We’ll be talking trees on Sept 11 and All Are Welcome!
Woods Committee News…
Next Meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. Meetings are on the 1st Monday of each month. Our October meeting will be on Oct. 7, 2019. All are welcome to attend.
The Washington Grove Forest Stewardship Plan continues to guide us in our strategic progression to restore the health and biodiversity of the East and West Woods. In August, the Town Council approved a Resolution to begin a Town-authorized archery deer hunt session this Fall-Winter to address deer over browsing and resulting damage to our forest understory in the East and West Woods. The Town will use DNR permitted and Montgomery County Parks qualified volunteer bow hunters to manage our deer population. The 2019 Maryland DNR deer archery season extends from September 6, 2019 to January 31, 2020. Hunting will occur 1-2 times a week during early weekday mornings only. No hunting will take place on weekends or holidays. Please contact WC co-chairs, Pat Klein and Joan Mahaffey if you have any questions.
At our September WC meeting, we will discuss future trail maintenance and initial plans for native tree planting to commence next spring 2020. We need volunteers to help with future tree planting, watering, and maintaining deer damage barriers.
Washington Grove UMC News…
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
All are welcome for Washington Grove’s Blessing of the Animals Service on Sunday, September 29 at 11:00 a.m. Bring leashed animals and caged birds as we celebrate St. Francis of Assisi’s Feast Day. A special offering will be taken to benefit the Montgomery County Humane Society. Stay after worship for a potluck! Email [email protected] for more information.
The 3rd annual Washington Grove Fall Festival, featuring amazing arts & crafts, will be held on the Church grounds on Saturday September 28th from 10 AM to 5 PM. Again this year, there be beautiful creations by talented regional artisans: woodworkers, photographers, painters, printmakers, potters, jewelers, quilters and much, much more! There will be a pumpkin patch and pumpkin painting for kids, food trucks, ice cream and live music by local favorite Paradise Bill. There’s lots of free parking so invite your friends!
Maple Lake News…
Next Meeting: Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. All are welcome to attend!
Lake Committee Meetings are on the THIRD Thursday of each month. Maple Lake is OPEN daily with lifeguards on duty from Noon – 6:00 p.m. through September 2, 2019 (Labor Day).
Emergency Preparedness & Safety News…
Next Meeting: Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019 at 7:30 pm in the Town Council Room at McCathran Hall. All Town residents are welcome to attend and discuss any issues or concerns regarding emergency preparedness or safety. We are always looking for interested people to join our committee.
Emergency Preparedness Seminar
September is National Preparedness Month, and we are holding an emergency preparedness and safety seminar on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 11:00 AM at McCathran Hall.
Representatives from the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, along with the Fire and Rescue Department, will give presentations and be available to answer questions.
Woman’s Club News…
Pull out your favorite recipes for September’s Annual Potluck Supper!!
In Washington Grove, fall means it’s time for the Woman’s Club’s Annual Potluck Supper! Come join us at the Clubhouse, Friday evening, September 20th, starting at 6:30 PM. Bring your appetite and a favorite dish.
Supporting the Washington Grove Elementary School
The kids are back in school, and the Teachers Closet supplies are already running low. Please help us keep the Closet stocked with much needed things such as note paper, glue sticks, pencils, backpacks and so forth. If you’d rather, we’ll do the shopping for you ??. Remember, too, that as the weather turns cooler and you start sorting through your coat closets, we collect coats, hats and scarves for children who have no warm winter wear.
White Socks for the Gude Men’s Shelter
We continue to collect new, white socks for the residents of the Gude Men’s Shelter. The coming bitter cold weather is especially hard for the homeless, who too often are going without socks. We also collect those small bottles of shampoo, soaps, mouthwash and other complimentary things you may have collected from various hotels when you travel. We will deliver them to the men at the shelter, where maintaining good hygiene can be a challenge.
Help us Support Interfaith Works
While the less fortunate children of our County need essentials, they also need some treats in their lives, and we try to help provide these by collecting birthday presents and small Treasure Chest items to be distributed through Interfaith Works.
There is an ongoing need for new underwear for boys and girls from toddlers to teens. We have developed sources for purchasing the underwear, so the easiest way to help with this need is through money donations.
Project Linus
One of our most successful outreach programs this year has been Project Linus, and we continue to contribute blankets and throws to provide comfort to children in foster care or who are seriously ill or traumatized. If you’d like to help with this, let us know and we’ll get you the instructions for making throws from fleece, knitting or crocheting. Contact Wendy Weisbard ([email protected] 301-758-1097) and Marilynn Frey ([email protected] 301-357-4784).
Joining the Woman’s Club is easy
Our dues are a modest $15 per year and can be paid at any event, or by sending a check to The Woman’s Club of Washington Grove, to PO Box 354, Washington Grove, MD 20880. These dues make it possible for us to host our many popular events and support Town projects.
Where to Bring Your Donations
Whatever pulls at your heart strings, we have a need you can fulfill. We have bins on the porch to collect for our Community Outreach Programs, or you can drop off your contributions in the painted can on Wendy Weisbard’s porch at 119 Grove Road. You bring them and we’ll sort where they go! Checks are always appreciated too. Just put it in the memo field if you want your donation to go to a specific project.
Washington Grove Cares News…
How can individuals and communities heal from traumatic events? Neighbor Mary Blake (Chestnut Avenue) will raise awareness of trauma (e.g., violence, abuse, adversity, bullying) and discuss new and innovative ways that people are mobilizing to respond and facilitate recovery.
Come to the fourth of the What’s My Line? Grovers Revealed series to learn more about how communities around the country are taking action and about Mary’s award-winning work. Enjoy a lively question and answer period and light refreshments.
Our Evolving Understanding of Trauma:
Sunday, September 15, at 3 PM in McCathran Hall
Stormwater Management Committee
Next meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019; 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. The Stormwater Management Committee will meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Please call Robert Johnson at 301-346-6267 or email [email protected] for information and to express interest in helping out.
COMING EVENTS CALENDAR
Sept. 3 » Woods Comm. 7:30 pm Council Room
Sept. 4 » Planning Comm. 7:30 pm Council Room
Sept. 7 & 8 » Fall Games See Insert
Sept. 9 » Town council 7:30 pm Council Room
Sept. 10 » Stormwater 7:30 pm Council Room
Sept. 11 » F & B Mtg. 7:30 pm Council Room
Sept. 11 » PC Permit Appl. Due for Oct. Review
Sept. 15 » WG Cares 3:00 pm Town Hall
Sept. 17 » Historic Pres.Comm. Council Room
Sept. 18 » Master Plan Work 7:30pm Council Room
Sept. 20 » Woman’s Club Potluck 6:30pm Town Hall
Sept. 21 » EPSC Seminar 11:00 am Town Hall
Sept. 25 » Lighting Comm. 7:30 pm Council Room
Sept. 25 » October Bulletin Submissions Due
Sept. 26 » Emergency Prep. 7:30 pm Council Room