civic association news - McKenney Hills
Transcripción
civic association news - McKenney Hills
CIVIC ASSOCIATION NEWS www.mhckcivic.org Reconsidering the Bylaws Inside: I n February, a committee was formed to review and propose changes to the Civic Association’s bylaws. Committee members are Civic Association President Vince Bradley, Elizabeth Managan, Kathryn Toffenetti, and Ed Wilhelm. The bylaws were last updated in 2011, but a few years of use has shown that some requirements were not practical (and not followed) and some were inefficient or unnecessarily complicated. One set of changes has already been put into place after a vote at the March meeting: The officer’s election date has been changed from January to September, with all officers’ terms starting in January. A fall election should avoid the weather problems that, in the last two years, have postponed elections from January to February. Bylaw committee members have raised three issues that could lead to major changes to the bylaws: how to define a “member” (by individual? by household? If the latter, how should “household” be defined?); whether board membership should be restricted to elected officers instead of a mix of elected officials and committee chairs (currently there are 4 officer positions and 4 committee chair positions, though in recent years not all the committee chair positions have been filled); and whether the term limits for officers should be extended beyond the current two years. Other potential changes, mostly to allow for more flexibility and efficiency, should be uncontroversial. All proposed changes, however, would be presented to the membership at upcoming meetings (and also distributed via the association’s website, listserv, or other means) before a vote on whether to adopt them. All dues-paying members will have the right to vote on the bylaws. Kathryn Toffenetti Volume 9, Issue 1 Summer 2016 Park Cleanup Photos Featured Neighbor Youth Engagement and more . . . Noticias en Español! Paginas 4, 9 Delegate Waldstreicher Gives Latest News at May Meeting D elegate Waldstreicher gave an update on the latest happenings in the Maryland legislature — principally about the recent budget passing with no tax increases and minimal spending cuts. A few highlights: record funds for education, especially new school construction, to deal with severe overcrowding in public schools in Montgomery County (and elsewhere); and criminal justice reform passed in a strongly bipartisan bill that decriminalizes small amounts of marijuana and reinvests the prison cost savings to treatment. Also, he said the long-awaited purple line, which will be run under Maryland Transportation Authority (MTA), starts construction later this year and the first segment is due to open in 2019. We then had a lively Q&A session and discussion, mostly on road and transportation issues such as: problems with WMATA and what to expect with the change in management; enhancement to the Connecticut/Plyers Mill/Howard/ Knowles mega-intersection; and bicycle/pedestrian/ disability issues. For more information, you can view or download the full minutes at http://www.mhckcivic.org/meetingminutes.html or email [email protected]. Mike Livermore MHCK Communications Committee Chair Spring Park Cleanup Was a Great Success The spring cleanup was well attended by over 25 hardworking volunteers, who spent a combined total of 80 hours picking up trash and clearing invasive plants. Thanks to all who participated to help make our park a more beautiful and ecologically beneficial place to visit. 2 3 -CK en¡Bienvenido Español! a Noticias de MH-CK en Español! President’s Time-Out (en la esquina, otra vez) Zonificación y actualización Traffice ívica Recuerdos de la Nevada de un Viejo Vecino ¡Hola a todos! El clima cálido ha llegado a nosotros. El Condado de Montgomery planea construir su El otro día, recibía señales para recordarles acerca olvidaremos “La Nevada del 2016”. ¡Qué mienzo deNunca la reunión de la comunidad de Mayo. Decidí ser toda histórica de nieve! Las escuelas cerraron 2016! inteligentetormenta llevar agua helada conmigo. Al ynoun viaje la semana,ycarriles de tráfico desaparecieron encontrar la cocina, me di¡Qué cuenta que nifiordinariomi de termo media en hora tomó horas. evento! pital: estaba en mi coche, así que puse mi agua helada en un ron En los 50’s podía montar mipodría trineo ser desde alto de la vaso plástico. Pensando que máslointeligente, l calle Darrow hacia la Avenida Gardiner hasta el arroyo ya en mi carro, decidí echar el agua al termo para sin parar. Además, docenas de niños del vecindario se mantenerla más fría y lo logré fueEscuela derramármela podían deslizar desde la que colina de la McKenney n encima. Y esto me hizo pensar: Hills hasta la quebrada. En una“¿cómo ocasiónterminé terminésiendo en esa Presidente?” soyque siempre que pantalcreo agua helada. Obviamente Recuerdo el no ruido hacíanlo mis ones congelados mientras caminaba a casa. que soy (¿inteligente?), pero yo soy el Presidente electo. Es un trabajo que se necesita hacer. Me acerqué gran tormenta de nieve los 50’s, D.C. aDurante ayudar yuna la gente votó por mí. Es unengran trabajo quedó cerrado totalmente. Mi padre quedó atrapado en donde conozco a un montón de vecinos me entero el edificio de oficinas de gobierno que sey encontraba más acerca de lo Estadio que estáRFK. sucediendo. cerca del actual Como las agujas del relog pasaban 5:00pm nuestra familia estaba preocupada por Poppa. teníamos celulares tiempos. Con este No boletín y la reunión deen la aquellos comunidad el día 28 Junio, se requiere que la Junta anuncie la formación aproximadamente las 10 de la noche cuando se deEran un Comité de nominaciones para las elecciones de oy abrió nuestra puerta. El sombrero de Poppa, sus homoficiales en Septiembre. bros y maletín estaban cubiertos de nieve. Puesto que él primera línea de tránsito rápido de autobuses, a lo largo de la Ruta 29 desde el Centro deTránsito de Silver Spring a Burtonsville. Este segmento de 14 millas es parte de un sistema más grande aprobado en 2013 que incluye los corredores Veirs Mill Road y MD 355 (Rockville Pike). El Ejecutivo del Condado Ike Leggett planea tener la línea de ruta 29 en 2019 por $ 67,2 millones. Los residentes de los alrededores de la estación de Metro de Glen Forest están trabajando para formar su propia asociación civil. Buscan una voz unida en el vecindario en proyectos como la reurbanización de la tierra alrededor de la estación y la propuesta de un túnel peatonal bajo la Avenida de Georgia en Forest Glen Road. Para obtener más información, visite www. forestglen.fyi. El recorrido a pie “Futuro de Envision Wheaton” tuvo lugar el 7 de Mayo en el centro de Wheaton. La no conducía un coche y se habían interrumpido los ser- caminata reunió a una serie de recursos y expertos Por favor realmente lo que quiere nuestro vicios deconsidere autobús, Poppa caminó quince millas hasta la en Condado y privados en temas como el nuevo ncalle Darrow. En aquel momento tenía más de cincuenta vecindario debe de ser, cómo conseguirlo o mantenerlo proyecto de desarrollo, vivienda, tráfico, peatonal y y años peropapel en buena física. su opinión así, y qué ustedcondición puede hacer paraEnayudar a la seguridad pública, nforesa “marcha” de larga distancia estilo militar era nada el nuevo programa ecial- realizarlo para usted y otros. Es un gran vecindario. comparado con lo que él había sobrevivido en Europa del Gracias por salir adelante por nuestra comunidad. Bikeshare, espacios Este durante dos guerras mundiales. verdes, el programa de n favorolvidaremos envía un correo electrónico a la Junta y/o asistencia de negocios midday walks pet sitting boarding amas Por Nunca “La Nevada de 2016”. Nunca olvidemos a nuestros valientes y decididos vecinos origiasista a la reunión de Junio para sugerir posibles y Wheaton como un Silver Spring • Chevy Chase Kensington • Garrett Park • Takoma Park nales. nominaciones, o ofrézcase ser voluntario de posiciones arte y entretenimiento. para ayudar a nuestra comunidad. Para obtener más e Paul A. Ross F O R E S T G L E N Vince Bradley información sobre Miembro de la Comunidad por Mucho Tiempo MH-CK Civic Association President el Comité Asesor el listWheaton districto mas pamela gallo ento urbano (WUDAC), 240.687.8444 visite www. [email protected] montgomerycountymd. erzo www.forestglenpets.com n gov/midcounty/boards. todos Alan Heymann, since 2003 • bonded & insured den excellent references MHCK Zoning and miemexperienced animal-loving staff Traffic Committee “we’ve got animal wagmatism” Chair Pet Solutions 3 4 President’s TimeOut (in the corner, again) H i everyone! Warm weather has2016 finally reached us. formation of a nominations committee for the officer CA Calendar of Events The other day, I was getting signs ready to remind elections in September. Event everyone about the May Date community meeting. I decided Tuesday, March 22, 2016 – 7:00 PM Community Meeting/Social, ES to be smart and take ice water with me. Not finding my Please really consider what youFlora wantSinger your neighborthermos in the kitchen, I realized it was in my car, so I hood to be like, how–toVolunteer get it or keep that way, and Saturday, April 16, 2016 – 1:00 PM Community Event at A itWider Circle put my ice cold 30, water in a–gargantuan what roles you canPark do toclean-up help realize it for yourself Saturday, April 2016 10:00 AMplastic – 1:00souvenir PM McKenney Hills “cup.” In the car, I thought I would be smart to pour and others. It’s a great neighborhood. Thank you for Wednesday, Aprilso27, 2016 –stay 7:00 PM Community Meeting/Social, Flora Singer ES it in the thermos it would icy, and managed to stepping up for your community. Tuesday, 24, 2016 – 7:00 PM And this had me Community Meeting/Social, Flora Singer ES pour iceMay cold water all over myself. thinking:August “How did I end–up6:00 president?” I’m obviPlease email the Out board Tuesday, 2, 2016 – 9:00 PM National Night – and/or Kohlerattend Courtthe June meeting ously not always what I think I am (smart?), but I am to suggest possible nominations, or otherwise volunthe elected president. It’s a job that needs to be done. I teer for positions to help out your community. stepped up to help out and people even voted for me. Fecha Evento It’s a great jobmarzo, where I2016, meet 19:00 a lot of neighbors, and Vince Bradley Martes, 22 de Reunión Asociación Cívica, Escuela Flora Singer know more about what is going on. MH-CK Civic Association President Sabado, 16 de abril, 2016, 13:00 Voluntario en “A Wider Circle” Sabado, 30newsletter de abril, 2016 – 10:00 – 13:00 meetLimpieza del information Parque McKenney Hills Vince Bradley, With this and the June community For more or to contact ing on the27 28th, the board is required pleaseCívica, email [email protected] Miércoles, de abril, 2016, 19:00 to announce the Reunión Asociación Escuela Flora Singer Martes, 24 de mayo, 2016, 19:00 Reunión Asociación Cívica, Escuela Flora Singer Martes, 2 de agosto, 2016 –2016 18:00Civic – 21:00AssociationNoche Afueraof National – Kohler Court Calendar Events Date Event Tuesday, August 2, 2016 – 6:00 – 9:00 PM National Night Out – Kohler Court Saturday, September 10, 2016 – 1:00 – 5:00 PM (Tentative) Community Block Party – End of Brunswick Ave. Tuesday, September 27, 2016 – 7:00 PM (Tentative) Community Meeting/Elections, Flora Singer ES Saturday, October 29, 2016 – 3:00 – 5:00 PM (Tentative) Halloween Parade/Party, McKenney Hills Park Fecha Evento Martes, 2 de agosto, 2016 – 18:00 – 21:00 Noche Afuera National – Kohler Court Sabado, 10 de septiembre, 2016, 13:00 – 17:00 (tentativo) Fiesta de Barrio – fin de Brunswick Avenue Martes, 27 de septiembre, 2016, 19:00 (tentativo) Reunión Asociación Cívica, Escuela Flora Singer Sabado, 29 de octubre, 2016, 15:00 – 17:00 (tentativo) Fiesta de Halloween, McKenney Hills Park 5 Zoning and Traffic Update M ontgomery County plans to build its first bus rapid transit line, along Route 29 from the Silver Spring Transit Center to Burtonsville. This 14-mile segment is part of a larger system approved in 2013 that includes the MD 355 (Rockville Pike) and Veirs Mill Road corridors. County Executive Ike Leggett plans to have the Route 29 line running by 2019 for $67.2 million. Residents of the area surrounding the Forest Glen Metro station are working to form their own civic association. They seek a cohesive neighborhood voice on projects such as the redevelopment of the land around the station and the proposal for a pedestrian tunnel under Georgia Avenue at Forest Glen Road. For more information, visit www.forestglen.fyi. The “Envision Wheaton’s Future” walking tour took place May 7 in downtown Wheaton. The walking tour brought together a host of County and private experts and resources on topics such as the new development project, affordable housing, traffic, pedestrian and public safety, the new Bikeshare program, green spaces, the business assistance program, and Wheaton as an arts and entertainment district. For more information on the Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee (WUDAC), visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/midcounty/boards. Second Community Service Day: A Wider Circle O n April 16th, neighborhood volunteers participated in our second community service day at A Wider Circle. We sorted donations, moved furniture, and helped load items onto the trucks of needy families. Students earned community service credits. The organization greatly appreciated our efforts and I hope to schedule additional days in the future. Larry Margasak CALLING YOUTH INTERESTED IN CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: Alan Heymann, MHCK Zoning and Traffic Committee Chair We on the MH-CK Civic Association board would like to gauge the interest of youth in our community to be part of a Youth Council. The Council would ensure that youth have a say in how our community grows – to provide insights to the board and to propose ideas for community projects and events. At this point, we’d just like to know whether there are high school and middle school-age youth who would like to participate. If you or someone you know is interested, please send an email to [email protected]. 6 Aging in Place Initiative WE’RE STILL LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR AN AGING IN PLACE PLANNING COMMITTEE: REMINDER for those who are 65+ or are low-income homeowners: For anyone who is interested in being part of a planning committee for the Aging in Place Initiative, please send an email to [email protected] (Attn: Joe Shaffner, Aging in Place Initiative). The Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service offers a smoke alarm program. Please call 311 for more information or to schedule a free home safety evaluation. OPEN TO ALL VOLUNTEERS! Here’s some fire safety information for seniors: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcfrs-info/ tips/seniors/whatyoushouldknow.html Neighborhood Watch Update Treasurer’s Report N I eighbors on the email list are well aware by now of the recent epidemic of vehicle break-ins, and know that I have sent the list of break-ins to Joy Patil, Community Services Officer for the 3rd District. If there are any new incidents, please post them on the email list or email me at [email protected]. I know that most of us are not up in the middle of the night, but if you should happen to be awake and see someone checking cars, call the police immediately. I would recommend informing them that we’ve had a rash of recent break-ins in the neighborhood. Police patrols are increased when necessary. Prior to these recent outbreaks, the neighborhood was mostly quiet. Joy has informed the night patrol officers of the recent incidents, so that should bring increased patrols. t is an honor for me to assume the duties of treasurer for our Association. I hope that I can continue the excellent work of the treasurers who preceded me. Currently, we have approximately $1,100 in the bank. After the printing of this newsletter, our bank account will be down to about half that amount. I’ve been going through the membership list and sending reminders to neighbors about updating their dues. So when you see the emails from me, please take a moment and submit your payment via PayPal (http://www.mhckcivic.org/ pay-yourdues.html) or regular mail (made out to the McKenney Hills-Carroll Knolls Civic Association) sent to: McKenney Hills-Carroll Knolls Civic Association, P.O. Box 393, Kensington, MD 20895. Thank you. I know that the Association can count on your support. Larry Margasak Chairman, Neighborhood Watch Peggy Kavanagh MHCK Treasurer Subscribe for E-Delivery! Each edition of the MH-CK quarterly newsletter is available electronically! Residents may sign up to receive e-delivery of future issues to help save a few trees and trim publishing costs. To receive e-delivery only, please send the following information to [email protected]: Name | Address, with closest cross-street | E-mail address | Telephone number Thank you for your support of the MH-CK newsletter! 7 Featured Neighbor: Liz Brigham, Quilter E xcept for a short stretch of six years, Liz Brigham has lived in the same house on Gates Avenue since 1951, when she was eight years old. She and her husband Bob now live there with her son, daughter-inlaw, and grandson. Displayed on her living room walls and furniture are quilts of various sizes and styles, all beautiful. Liz has been sewing most of her life. She took up quilting in 1995, shortly after retiring from the U.S. Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home. When asked how many quilts she has made over the years, she could not come up with a original quilt designs, “Falling Leaves,” published. number, there have been so many. And, she invented a quilt cover to protect automobile steering wheels from the hot sun – it looks like a giant She has made everything from placemats to king-size tea cozy! bedspreads. Her first quilt, a Christmas wall hanging, was made from a pattern. Now, she often makes quilts Much of Liz’s work is done for charity. Each year, she of her own design, using patchwork, appliqué, and other donates at least eight quilts for hospitalized babies and techniques. She has won ribbons at the Montgomery children, and ten placemats for Meals on Wheels recipiCounty Fair, and has taught quilting classes at Capital ents. Flora Singer Elementary School’s PTA and other Quilts in Gaithersburg. She has also had one of her good causes have benefited from her donations of quilts to be auctioned or raffled. FOR ALL YOUR QUALITY PRINTING NEEDS ❖ ❖ ❖ 10528 Detrick Avenue Kensington, Maryland 20895 TEL: (301) 933-2990 • FAX: (301) 933-2867 Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Friday www.knowlesprinting.com Letterhead • Envelopes • Brochures • Business Cards • Desktop Publishing Invitations • NCR Carbonless Forms • Rolodex Cards • Catalogues • Letterpress Offset Printing • Short Run 4 Color • Graphic Design • Reports Newsletters • Flyers • Computer Forms • Pocket Folders • Labels Much of Liz’s quilting for charity has been done as a member of mini quilting groups. Minigroup members, Liz explains, not only do work for others but also forge deep and abiding friendships. Liz also belongs to three quilting guilds: the Bethesda Quilters, NeedleChasers of Chevy Chase, and the Nimble Fingers Quilters. Once a year, Liz goes on a quilt retreat at Hallowood Retreat Center, at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain, in Dickerson. For four blissful days, she does nothing but quilt and confer with fellow quilters on quilting projects. This year, Liz will show quilts at the NeedleChasers’ annual show, on October 7-8 (at the Kensington Armory) and at the Nimble Fingers Quilters’ show on October 21 and 22, at The Universities at Shady Grove (in Rockville). Liz would love to meet other quilters in the neighborhood, and asks that they contact her at lizbrigham894@ yahoo.com. Kathryn Toffenetti 8 Vecino destacado: Liz Brigham, quilter S alvo por un corto tramo de seis años, Liz Brigham ha vivido en la misma casa en la Avenida Gates desde 1951, cuando tenía ocho años de edad. Ella y su esposo Bob ahora viven allí con su hijo, nuera y nieto. En las paredes de su sala y muebles exhibe sobrecamas (quilts) de varios tamaños y estilos, todos hermosos. Cada año, ella dona al menos ocho mantas para bebés y niños hospitalizados y 10 manteles para Meals on Wheels. El PTA de Escuela Elemental Flora Singer y otras buenas causas se han beneficiado de sus donaciones para ser subastados o sorteados. Mucho del trabajo de Liz para la caridad lo ha hecho como miembro de pequeños grupos. Los miembros del mini-grupo, Liz explica, no sólo trabajan para otros sino también a hacer amistades profundas y perdurables. Liz también pertenece a tres grupos de costura: los Quilters de Bethesda, los NeedleChasers de Chevy Chase y los Nimble Quilters. Liz ha estado cosiendo la mayor parte de su vida. Ella comenzó a hacer sobrecamas en 1995, poco después de retirarse del U.S. Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home. Cuando se le preguntó cuántos sobrecamas ha hecho durante los años, ella no pudo dar con un número, han sido tantos. Una vez al año, Liz va en un retiro de tejido en el centro de retiro de Hallowood, al pie de la Montaña Sugarloaf, en Dickerson. Durante estos cuatro días felices ella no hace nada pero quilt y conferenciar con compañeros acerca de futuros proyectos. Ella ha hecho de todo, desde servilletas hasta colchas tamaño extra-grande. Su primer sobrecama, un colgante de pared Navideño, lo hizo de un patrón. Ahora, ella a menudo hace tejidos de su propio diseño, utilizando parchos, apliques y otras técnicas. Ella ha ganado cintas en la Feria del Condado de Montgomery y ha enseñado clases de “quilting” en Capital Quilting en Gaithersburg. Ella también ha tenido uno de sus diseños originales, “Hojas Cayendo,” publicado. Y ella inventó una cubierta tejida para proteger del sol los volantes de autos – se ve muy hermoso. Este año, Liz mostrará tejidos en feria anual de la NeedleChasers, 7-8 de octubre (en la Armería de Kensington), mostrará los Nimble Quilters 21 de octubre y 22, en las Universidades de Shady Grove (en Rockville). A Liz le encantaría conocer a otras quilters en el vecindario y pide que pongan en contacto con ella en [email protected]. Mucho del trabajo de Liz lo hace para la caridad. LLAMADO A JÓVENES INTERESADOS EN PARTICIPAR EN LA COMUNIDAD: La Junta Directiva de la Asociación Cívica MH CK queremos medir el interés de los jóvenes en nuestra comunidad a ser parte de un Consejo de la Juventud. El Consejo garantizaría la opinión que los jóvenes tienen en cómo crece nuestra comunidad—ofrecen información a la Junta y proponer ideas para eventos y proyectos comunitarios. En este punto, nos gustaría saber si hay jóvenes de edad preparatoria y secundaria que quieran participar. Si usted o alguien que usted conoce está interesado, envíe un correo electrónico a [email protected] 9 McKenney Hills *Carroll Knolls Market Statistics Update Would you believe a $200,000+ price difference in the price of two similar homes sold this Spring in our neighborhood?! That’s a significant amount of money, and I thought I’d share an analysis of how a variation like that can exist. In this case, both of these ramblers hit the market in early Spring, and were sold & settled by mid-May. Both homes were of the same brick construction built in the early 1950’s. The smaller of the two sat on a 6,500 square foot lot, had a taxable living area of 968 square feet, 3 bedrooms, and 1 ½ baths, along with a full finished basement. The larger rambler sat on a lot twice the size, a taxable living area of 1,260 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths on the main level, along with an additional bedroom and bath in the basement. The smaller rambler of the two closed for $277,500, for a per-square-foot price of $286.67, while the larger rambler closed for $489,000, for a per-square-foot price of $388.09. Real estate is never just a simple math equation though, it’s about the details of the properties. So how does one explain the large price difference? The larger rambler had a driveway, a front porch, a lot twice the size that was beautifully landscaped, had an extra bed and bath, and 300 more square feet. While that helped, that wasn’t everything. The smaller rambler had a hot water heater and central air less than seven years old, but the rest of the property showed it’s age to the degree that no photos of the interior were made available. In contrast, the larger rambler was updated throughout the property; refinished hardwood floors, new paint throughout, updated appliances, and an inviting backyard patio complete with water feature. While a dollar figure can’t be placed line-item by line-item, it was evident to the buyer of the larger property and to the bank’s appraiser that the home was worth every penny of the asking price. If you’re contemplating selling your home, which end of the spectrum would you like to be? If you’d like to ensure that you’re on the right track to maximizing the value of your home, I’m here to help. Contact me to schedule a confidential, no-obligation consultation. [email protected] (202) 491-2494 Bruce Cotting Real Living At Home 4600 N Park Avenue #100 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 My Broker's # is (301) 652-0643 10 11 The Key Difference Who we are We are a full service public accounting firm located in the heart of Silver Spring. We provide tax and accounting services to individuals and businesses. We are dedicated to meeting your expectations and earning your confidence for all your tax and accounting needs. We are “hands-on” and involved in every aspect of our responsibilities to our clients. From the President to every staff, we all play a role in making each engagement a success. Please contact Donna Hunter or Beatrice Key, CPA at 301-608-3033 Key & Associates, PC 8720 Georgia Avenue, Suite 800 Silver Spring, MD 20910 www.bkeycpa.com 12