Council Notes
The next meeting will be Monday, February 8, 7:30 p.m., McCathran Hall.
The public is invited to attend. January Council actions included:
· authorized formation of a committee to survey the Town, studying the feasibility of extending gas service in the Grove
· approved creation of Washington Grove Nature Trail in east woods
· accepted Allan Janus’ offer to act as Town webmaster; web site will contain Town government information, photos, bulletin, calendar, history, local links
· authorized Lake Committee to hire second lifeguard for Maple Lake
Planning Commission
Next meeting will be Tuesday, February 2, 7:30 pm, Town Hall. 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. Please allow at least 10 days for review by the Commission. Call John McClelland at 301-963-3328 if you have questions about zoning code requirements. Interior renovations which involve electrical, plumbing, or load-bearing changes generally require a County permit. All applications for County-required building permits must first be signed off by the Town.
Memorial Gathering for Carl Franck
A gathering to remember and celebrate the life of Carl Franck will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 17 in McCathran Hall. Carl’s cheerful willingness to help those in need was legendary and his many friends are cordially invited to attend.
Income Tax Reminder
Remember to fill in “Washington Grove” under “City, Town or Taxing Area” on your Maryland tax return. This does not increase your taxes, but does help ensure that the Town receives its proper share of local income tax revenue.
Spring Leaf Collection
The fall leaf collection is completed. U.S. LAWNS will make two service visits during the last two weeks of March, with pick up completed by April 1, weather permitting.
Moms Club
Friday, January 22 — The moms are planning a musical activity for children at 10 a.m. at McCathran Hall. Please call Martha Crews at 301-527-8273 to sign up.
WHITE ELEPHANT AUCTION
Thursday, January 21, 7:30 p.m. Home of Sharon Hurst, 409 Chestnut Avenue Woman’s Club members should bring an unwrapped gift that they have received in duplicate or do not need. These items will be auctioned off with proceeds going to the Woman’s Club. Donations are also sought for the Stepping Stones family shelter.
Woman’s Club Meeting
Thursday, February 18
THE NUTRITIONAL NEEDS OF WOMEN
Speaker: Patricia Apergif, nutritionist
7:30 pm, Peggy Ebner Debelius’ home, 410 Brown St
Hazardous Materials Disposal
No collection in January or February.
Starpower Comes to Montgomery County
Pepco’s contractors have been working extensively in the Grove preparing Pepco poles to receive a fiber-optic cable. Starpower Communications, a joint venture between Pepco (the Town’s electric supplier) and RCN Telecom Services, has been given permission by the FCC to operate an open video system. Initially offering local and long distance telephone and Internet services, Starpower will also offer cable television service. Smaller County municipalities are negotiating jointly with Starpower and agreement should be reached soon.
Recycle Cardboard/White Office Paper
Looking for a place to recycle white office paper or cardboard? Office Paper Systems, 7650 Airpark Road, will meet your need. They have a bin available for drop-off recycling. The County will add these items to the collection in the near future but meanwhile …
Moms Club Valentines Party
Tues., February 9 10 a.m., McCathran Hall. Call Martha Crews to sign up at 301-527-8273.
In these spare shortened
Days of winter
Bare limbs against an
Anxious unpredictable sky
Jackets and coats pulled close
The Mayor
Gold shovel poised and waiting
We prepare to expand
Break new ground
Dig into this cold damp winter soil
To begin this magnificent edifice to be
Conceived out of need
Designed by Bob
Altered by committee
Oft thought ere to be
And
Come come says the Mayor
Will he never be done
The shovel twitches
In my mittened hand
And seeks its destiny
In frozen ground
Or poets heart
And
We gather to toast the addition
Turn the earth
Acknowledge the preparation
And signify our willingness
In this New Year
To prepare our town
In one more way
For years, and citizens, and workers
Of the future.
JRF 1999
Ground breaking Ceremony – January 3, 1999
Maintenance Shop Addition
Mayor and Council to Flip for Newcomers
Please save Saturday, March 20, to attend a pot luck breakfast welcoming the Grove’s new residents. The event will be held in McCathran Hall beginning at 8:30 a.m. More details next month.
AUCTION ACTION
Saturday, March 27, McCathran Hall at 7:30 p.m. Everybody loves an auction. This one will raise money for children’s charities including Washington Grove Elementary School. Mark your calendar and get ready for a good time. Sponsored by the Woman’s Club.
Apples for the Students Plus
Just clip and save the bottom portion of your Giant Food receipt tapes. Receipts collected by Washington Grove Elementary School will be exchanged for computers, books, microscopes and other educational tools. Receipts may be brought to the Town Office or taken directly to the school. Program ends March 1, 1999.
Vehicle Break-in
In spite of the recent bad weather, a car has been broken into. Just a reminder to leave valuables out of sight and your vehicle locked.
Old House Journal Available for Reference
The Town’s Heritage Committee subscribes to Old House Journal. Copies of this restoration magazine are available for loan.
Some Enchanted Evening
Saturday, February 13 McCathran Hall 8:00 p.m. An ensemble of professional singers will present a program of romantic music with selections from opera, operetta, musical theater, Italian and Spanish folk songs and American standards. The hour- long program features tenor Donato Soranno, soprano Ilona Dulaski and Michael Consoli, bass, accompanied by pianist Jeff Jefferson. Snacks and cups/glasses will be provided but please bring your own beverage. Donations to the Children’s National Medical Center at Shady Grove will be gratefully accepted. Sponsored by the Recreation Committee.
Bumpy Railroad Crossing
Several residents have inquired about the poor repair of the CSX railroad crossing near Washington Grove. If you would like to write CSX, please address your comments to:
K.L. Johnson
CSX Transportation
4724 Hollins Ferry Road
Baltimore, MD 21227
Crossing No: 1405055 Milepost No: BA2050>