Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 04.08.13 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the March 11th and March 25th meetings included:
- introduction of Ordinance No. 2013-03; Granting a Cable Communications Franchise to Comcast Cable of MD, Inc. The public hearing will be in June.
- accepted a bid of $54,700.00 from Oak Grove Restoration for the repairs on McCathran Hall, including a new roof on the octagon.
- accepted a bid of $8,550.00 from Thomas Johnson, Inc. for a new roof on the non-octagon portion of McCathran Hall.
Town Elections
Nominations for Mayor and Council (2 positions open) should be sent to Chair Meredith Horan at PO Box 337 or 127 Maple Ave. There is still time for more nominations. The candidate must agree to being nominated and have been a Town resident for at least 2 years for the position as Mayor and for at least one year for Town Council. So far, the nominees are:
- Mayor (1-year term) » Georgette Cole
- Council (3-year term) » Carolyn Rapkievian
- Council (3-year term) » Bill Robertson
Town Elections and Annual Town Meeting
will be on May 11, 2013. Elections are held in the Council Chambers from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. The Annual Town Meeting begins at 8:00 PM in McCathran Hall.
State Income Tax Audit Recovers $38,322 for the Town of Washington Grove!
A State audit of tax years 2010 and 2011 recovered an additional $38,322 from tax returns for Washington Grove which had been incorrectly attributed. It is critical that all Washington Grove residents (including renters!) designate "Washington Grove". For Maryland iFile, under "Name of county and incorporated city, town, or special taxing area in which you were a resident on the last day of the taxable period", select "Montgomery, Washington Grove" from the drop down menu. This block is separate from the address blocks. Turbo Tax and H&R Block software also include drop down menus where you may select "Montgomery County" and then "Washington Grove". Please share this information with your renters and your tax preparer if appropriate. This DOES NOT increase your taxes, but DOES help ensure that the Town receives its proper share of local income tax revenue. Thanks for your help! Questions, call Treasurer Mary Challstrom at 301-926-4498.
Montgomery County Leash Law for All Domestic Animals
Montgomery County law (adopted by the Town of Washington Grove) prohibits all domestic animals from roaming at large outside the owner’s premises. A dog is at large if it is outside the owner’s premises and not leashed, unless it is a service dog or is in a designated dog exercise area. Cats are at large if they are outside the owner’s premises and not leashed or immediately responsive to verbal or non-verbal direction. Moreover, an owner must not allow an animal to enter the private property of another resident without the resident’s permission. Penalties for violating this law are $100 for the first offense, and $500 for each subsequent violation.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners, consisting of veterinarians specializing in the care of cats, has encouraged veterinarians to educate their clients and the public on the many dangers faced by outdoor cats, including exposure to injury, suffering and death from: vehicles, attacks from other animals, diseases, human cruelty, poisons and traps.
Studies have shown that free-roaming pets threaten the well-being of birds and small mammals, which are already under siege from burgeoning development and loss of habitat. These pets also interfere with residents’ efforts to establish wildlife-friendly yards with food, water and cover for birds and small mammals, and often create a public nuisance for residents who have experienced harassment of their leashed or indoor pets.
The Town urges residents to comply with the law for the safety of their pets, the consideration of their neighbors, and the protection of wildlife. Montgomery County handles the enforcement of this law. To report a violation of animal control laws, call the county Animal Services Division at 240-773-5960 or 240-773-5925.
The Groves at Towne Crest
Our thanks go out again to all the residents who wrote to the OZA Hearing Examiner. This was especially critical as this is the record the County Council will be considering as they make their decision. We had our final day of testimony on Monday March 4. The Planning Commission Chair, Charlie Challstrom, and I, as Mayor, testified and were cross-examined. Our attorney, Dave Brown did an excellent job of preparing us for our testimony and supporting us during the hearing. I felt it went well. The Hearing Examiner left the record open for three memos that the Towne Crest attorneys wanted to submit and for Dave Brown’s response to them. After this she will prepare and submit her verdict on the case to the County Council. The hearing at which the County Council will render their decision will follow fairly quickly after that. More information will be published in the Bulletin, on the web site and via Grove Alert as it becomes available.
McCathran Hall Repairs Update
Bids, including follow-on bids with additional quotes for the non-octagon roofing portion, were reviewed at the March 25th Council meeting.
Washington Grove Conservation Meadow Park
The Montgomery County Parks Department has installed 15 beautiful, BIG new trees along the hedgerow area next to Ridge Road—check it out!!
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 04.03.13 @ 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 approval on April 3:
- 315 Brown St. » Garage
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 04.16.13 @ 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.
Archivist Pat Patula and volunteer assistant Wendy Harris have begun examining documents relating to the early history of electrification and street lighting in Washington Grove. Among the documents was the original contract between the Washington Grove Association and the Potomac Electric Power Company, signed on October 28th, 1912. One of the more interesting items is the following, demonstrating the truth of the French adage "the more things change, the more they remain the same."
"It was necessary for the proper installation of the poles and wires for electric lighting, to have some of the trees cut and others trimmed, unfortunately the men who planted the poles proceeded with the work without consulting the Trustees, and the place of planting the poles has not met with the approval of all of your Trustees. However as the work is now completed, we must make the best of it. The Grove is to be congratulated in having this modern system of lighting available" (May 30, 1913 Annual Washington Grove Association President’s Report to the Stockholders).
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 04.17.13 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
Don’t Forget, the Barnyard is Coming!
Neighbors, family, and friends– join us April 14th 12-2pm where Squeals on Wheels will be in Town with their farm animal petting zoo. Meet some new farm friends and take a ride on a pony!
Please avoid bringing pets and plan on riding the pony only if you are less than 80lbs. (kids only, sorry).
Spring Zumba in the Grove!
Wednesday nights at 7:30-8:30 in the
Woman’s Clubhouse (note new location).
Join us for an energizing hour of exercise and Grove camaraderie. No 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. Sponsored by the Recreation Committee and the Woman’s Club.
Music Weekend…Save these Dates!
- Friday, June 14 — The Continentals (Dance!) — McCathran Hall
- Saturday, June 15 — Children’s Recital — McCathran Hall
- Saturday, June 15 — 40 Dollar Fine — Gazebo
- Sunday, June 16 — Baroque Breakfast with Homewood Brass — Gazebo
Lake Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 04.17.13 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
Regular meetings will be on the 3rd Wednesday of the month through September
Lake Clean-up Day Scheduled
The annual Maple Lake clean up will take place on Saturday, April 13 10:00 – 12:00. Bring your leaf rakes, shovels, clippers and wheelbarrows if you have one. One of the activities will be to transplant small shrubs around the accessible perimeter of the lad, so bring shovels and buckets.
(Rain date, Sunday, April 14, 12:00 – 2:00 PM)
Geese Arriving at the Lake
We are using the Humane Society’s protocol again to humanely prevent eggs from hatching this spring. In the past several years a pair of geese has nested in an area easily accessible to our egg-oiling team. They drive away the other geese during nesting season and then leave when their eggs do not hatch. Please do not feed or harass the nesting pair or disturb the nest. If you see a nest built, please call Ann Philips or John Hutchinson. We encourage visitors to the lake to take along a plastic bag and scoop droppings. THANKS!
Life Guards Needed!
Applicants must be 16 years old, and have a Red Cross Life Guard Certification. If you are interested please submit an application to the Town. Applications are available at the Town Office. Contact John Hutchinson (301-926-8767) or David Harmon (301-972-1417) if you have any questions.
Swim Instructor Needed!
We are looking for a Swim Instructor for swimming lessons in July (dates same as S.I.T.P). Please contact Tom Land (301-869-4334) for details or to apply.
Gate combo will be changed in mid-April. Contact the Town Office ([email protected]; 301-926-2256), John Hutchinson (see above), or Bruce Rothrock, 301-330-5165 for the new number.
Woman’s Club News
Next meeting: Thursday » 04.18.13 @ 7:30 p.m. in Clubhouse. A demonstration on preparing floral arrangements will be presented by Peggy Musser Welborn. Many of the older residents may remember her family’s business in Gaithersburg; Musser Brother’s Florist. With the Woman’s Club Annual Flower Show coming in May, this event may be very beneficial in preparation for your entries.
A recent revision of the by-laws has created a new Committee Chair Position for Publicity and we are very happy to announce that Marilynn Frey has accepted it. Marilynn was raised in the Grove and returned like many others. We are very excited to have a person with such Grove history in her background!
We are trying to plan a Talent Show in October as a small fund raiser. We would like to start asking for people to sign up as performers or helpers. Please notify Barbara Engle at 301-424-8847 or [email protected].
WCWG Annual Flower Show
Mark your calendars! The Woman’s Club Flower Show will be held on Sunday, May 19, in the Clubhouse. Our theme this year is “Enchanted Spring”.
Contact information: Joli McCathran: 301-869-5358 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Call or email if you’d like to help with this annual rite of spring!
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Monday » 04.15.13 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. Join us as we continue to work on a long-term recommended light-scape for the Town. All are welcome! The date of this meeting, usually scheduled on the 3rd Monday of the month is the 4th Monday in April due to the availability of committee members. For more information, contact
Chairman Tom Land, 301-869-4334.
WGUMC News
March 31st: Easter! The Sunrise Service will be held at the field on Ridge Road in Washington Grove, starting at 6:45 am, and will be followed by breakfast at the church. Easter Service will follow at 11 am, while children enjoy an indoor Easter egg hunt in Fellowship Hall.
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Final Bulk Leaf Pick Up
Per our contract with US Lawns, the spring 2013 leaf pick up will be completed by April 5th.
Earth Day in Washington Grove
Saturday, April 20, 1:00-4:00
Drop in (outside McCathran Hall if weather permits) at our Expo of sustainable strategies featuring displays and information from experts, conversations with residents, and activities for children.
Recyclable Yard Waste
Recyclable yard waste pickup by our contractor began on March 7, 2013. Our trash contractor will pick up recyclable yard waste from your properly marked containers and/or large brown bags. You may also bundle your brush and tie it with twine. Bundles should be no larger than 30" in diameter and 4 feet in length. No individual pieces larger than 4 inches in diameter, please.
Joint Woods Group/Forestry & Beautification Arbor Day!
Sat. April 27, All ages welcomed! Come and help celebrate our Town Within a Forest.
- 9AM – Noon: East Woods Trails Rejuvenation – The trails need our help. Meet at the Gazebo at 9AM. Bring pitch forks, wheelbarrows, gloves etc..
- 10AM – Noon: McCathran Hall Beautification. Come prepared to clean up beds and plant beautiful annuals at the Hall. Meet at the Hall at 10AM.
- Noon – Annual Hot Dog Feast
A tribute to our great volunteers who help to keep the Grove our Town Within a Forest!!