fallsgrove July 07_NEW.indd
Transcription
fallsgrove July 07_NEW.indd
Vol 5 Issue 4 July 2007 I hope everyone is enjoying the summer. The pool is open, children are out of school, families are taking vacations, and Fallsgrove is coming to life. In the past few issues of the newsletter I’ve started by discussing the P OA board initiatives for the year; this time Steve Nesbit I’d like to start by congratulating everyone involved with the spectacular pool party thrown by the Fallsgrove Recreation Association and the Fallsgrove POA on June 10th. Three hundred people (give or take) came out to enjoy the festivities with great food, fun and the opportunity to mingle with other members. This is the first event of its kind in Fallsgrove and with the ringing endorsements by so many members will now become an annual event that the community can look forward to, for years to come Now back to some updates on POA board activities. The board has been meeting monthly since our seating with the hope of moving to bimonthly meetings as soon as some of our key, and extraordinarily time consuming efforts are completed. more pictures on pages 14–15 With the sun finally fighting off the threatening rain, families happily lined up for hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled chicken, Italian Ice, and soft drinks while jumping into the pool and moon bounce for fun and excitement. Continued on page 5 Continued on page 2 Return Address JSSA Update pg 3 Real Estate Listings pg 4 RideOn Extends Service pg 5 About Gude Interchange pg 6 Grove Gardener pg 8 Wildlife News pg 9 POA Minutes pgs 12–13, 16 courtesy of Arthur Goldberg President’s Corner HOA Minutes pgs 17–18 Classifieds pg 19 Board Organization pg 20 Manager’s Mentions pg 22 It’s for Your Health pg 24 2007 Board Meetings pg 25 Advertising Information pg 27 Visit Your Fallsgrove Community Web Site: www.atFallsgrove.com The Fallsgrove Property Owners Association 400 Casey Lane Rockville MD 20850 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Gaithersburg, MD Permit No. 2666 PAGE 2 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • July 2007 President’s Corner Continued from page 1 Since the beginning of the year, the POA has focused on the following initiatives: 1. Building a strong working relationship with the City of Rockville 2. Identification of parcel ownership where no deeds have been recorded 3. Replacement of approximately 100 dead bushes and trees along Darnestown Road 4. Establishing a watering contract for POA maintenance areas 5. Adding annual flowers at each entrance to the community 6. Coordinating with other Fallsgrove HOA’s to discuss rebidding landscaping contracts in the fall and coordinating specifications 7. Supporting the Fallsgrove Recreation Association by jointly sponsoring the first annual Fallsgrove wide party 8. Initiating the Community Garden committee to determine the feasibility of a garden within Fallsgrove and to develop a proposal to the board 9. Initiating a School District committee 10. Newsletter improvements The POA has established a good working relationship with the City of Rockville and both continue to spend an extraordinary amount of time resolving issues and working together for the benefit of Fallsgrove. I want to thank the city for their continued support, it is certainly well deserved. We have solved the mystery of Darnestown Road easements!! These properties currently are deeded to Pulte, one of the 3 primary partners in Fallsgrove Associates. (The development company responsible for Fallsgrove.) The POA is currently working to determine the specifics of who will pay for correcting landscaping on property the POA still does not own. The details are much more complicated than I make out here, and there has been significant progress, albeit not without hitting several speed bumps. I believe we will have some successful news to report in our next issue. While the POA has signed a contract to add annual flowers to each entrance of the neighborhood, we have been advised to hold off on allowing the contractor to start until the easement issues are resolved. All parties involved seem to agree that these issues will be resolved before the fall planting season!! I know I’ve said this in one form or another before, and I’ve been very frustrated by this slow process, but there does seem to be light at the end of this tunnel and with just a little more patience on everyone’s part we will succeed. I’ve spoken with several of the HOA presidents regarding synchronization of specifications for landscaping along with opening up our landscaping contracts for re-bid this fall, and there seems to be agreement that we will proceed with this effort. I’ve already expressed my sincere gratitude to the pool committee and the boards for their dedication to pulling off the first annual pool party. This event along with the annual Doggy Yappy Hour and Halloween Parade are beginning to help bring our community together. Stay tuned, because there are some additional ideas on the drawing board. (Hint: Summer movie night(s) at the amphitheatre is one of them) The garden committee has met with the POA board and is beginning to develop a proposal to be presented to the community sometime this fall. In addition, members interested in School District issues discussed in previous issues, have formed a committee to research relevant issues. As for the newsletter, we will continue to enhance it and tweak it. Already we have increased its size, added full color, and increased our advertising, all in short order. I’ve asked before, and I won’t stop… Please make the effort to attend some POA meetings throughout the year and/or support some of our activities… – Steve Nesbit, President Fallsgrove Property Owners Association July 2007 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • PAGE 3 JSSA Is Coming to Fallsgrove Construction is well underway for JSSA’s (Jewish Social Service Agency) new Fallsgrove headquarters, The Ina Kay Building, at 200 Woodhill Road scheduled to open in early 2008. JSSA is excited about its new Fallsgrove home and looks forward to being an active and participatory member of the community. For 114 years, JSSA has served the Washington community without regard to race, ethnic background, religion or ability to pay with the highest quality counseling, in-home care, vocational and social services to individuals of all ages. Courtesy of JSSA From a network of five offices JSSA’s Ina Kay Building, scheduled to open in early 2008. throughout the metropolitan area, including Fairfax, JSSA’s highly trained and experienced therapists, psychologists, For the best in child, family and aging services... psychiatrists, counselors, case managers, nurses and other professionals help clients—from the youngest to the oldest in Think our community—overcome life’s difficulties. For each individual, JSSA professionals develop personalized programs that coordinate a variety of assessment, treatment, intervention and support services. Educational testing, social skills therapy groups, workshops and parent programs help children and their families cope more effectively with learning, behavioral and emotional issues. Community members with special needs and their families benefit from our extensive specialized counseling and case management services. Adults can receive counseling, parent training and career and employment guidance. People who yearn to be parents come to JSSA for adoption assistance. JSSA’s highly respected aging services help seniors live independently for as long as possible and our in-home hospice program offers compassion, care and comfort to both the terminally ill and their families. We look forward to becoming an active part of the Fallsgrove community in early 2008 and hope you will “Think JSSA” should you or your family need our help. For more information about JSSA’s services and programs please call 301-816-2633 or visit www.jssa.org – Lise Krantz New Fallsgrove Office Opening Winter 2008! alu Are you concerned about: • your child's ability to make and keep friends? • your aging parents' safety and security? • your own feelings of anxiety or depression? • your teen's school performance? • your relationship with your spouse, boss or your parents? JSSA can help with these and many of life's challenges. JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency) has been helping people across the Washington metropolitan area meet emotional, social and physical challenges for over 100 years helping the youngest child to the most fragile senior, from individuals to entire families. Our wide range of high-quality counseling, vocational, educational, in-home support, special needs, hospice, nursing care and social services assist over 15,000 people a year. For the best in child, family and senior services..."Think JSSA." To learn more call: 301-816-2633 or visit us on the web: www.jssa.org PAGE 4 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • July 2007 Fallsgrove Real Estate Listings FOR SALE Address Housing Type 9403 Blackwell Drive #102 9403 Blackwell Drive #202 9405 Blackwell Drive #103 9405 Blackwell Drive #107 9405 Blackwell Drive #209 517 Casey Lane 523 Casey Lane 302 Fallsgrove Drive 343 Fallsgrove Drive #A 533 Jacala Terrace 102 Jay Drive 112 Long Trail Terrace Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Townhouse Townhouse Townhouse Condo-Town Townhouse Single Family Single Family 319 Oak Knoll Drive 328 Oak Knoll Drive 509 Oak Knoll Drive 313 Oak Knoll Terrace 413 Oak Knoll Terrace 1008 Oak Knoll Terrace 321 Prettyman Dr #73 331 Prettyman Drive #30 343 Prettyman Drive #21 Single Family Courtyard Townhouse Townhouse Townhouse Courtyard Condo-Town Condo-Town Condo-Town Model Builder List Price Days on Market $410,000 $425,000 $409,000 $419,900 $429,000 $614,900 $585,000 $599,900 $389,000 $599,500 $1,225,000 $1,095,000 198 88 7 82 107 38 87 84 97 68 40 61 52 82 195 23 197 58 155 83 30 Avanel Avanel Montgomery Bozzuto Bozzuto EYA Buckingham Pulte Potomac EYA Kenwood Tuckerman EYA EYA EYA Avalon III Pulte $960,000 $995,000 $594,900 $729,900 $714,900 $997,500 $399,900 $389,999 $425,000 Housing Type Model Builder List Price Days on Market Single Family Condo-Town Single Family Single Family Townhouse Townhouse Townhouse Courtyard Courtyard Briarwood II Pulte Briarwood Kendall Lakewood Kenwood Kenwood Bradley II Bradley II Pulte Pulte EYA EYA EYA EYA EYA $1,185,000 $379,900 $1,125,820 $1,265,000 $724,990 $695,000 $728,000 $819,000 $859,500 9 102 15 33 3 53 103 61 5 Housing Type Model Builder List Price Days on Market Pulte EYA EYA EYA EYA Pulte $420,000 $400,000 $565,000 $585,000 $688,000 $778,000 $999,900 36 194 33 2 12 205 199 UNDER CONTRACT Address 201 Casey Lane 235 Jay Drive #A 300 Long Trail Terrace 400 Long Trail Terrace 102 Oak Knoll Terrace 305 Oak Knoll Terrace 405 Oak Knoll Terrace 908 Oak Knoll Terrace 517 Rosebush Lane SOLD Address 9407 Blackwell Drive #102 202 Fallsgrove Blvd #17 106 Garcia Lane 518 Jacala Terrace 115 Jay Drive 304 Lisa Oaks Way 110 Prettyman Drive Condominium Condo-Town Townhouse Townhouse Townhouse Townhouse Single Family Buckingham Montgomery Montgomery Lakewood Bradley III Briarwood II Housing Type Rental Rate Townhouse Condo-Townhouse $2,575 $1,750 FOR RENT Address 405 Oak Knoll Drive 311 Prettyman Drive #81 Listings as of 06/27/07 The information above was obtained from MRIS. Information is believed to be accurate, but should not be relied upon without verification. July 2007 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • PAGE 5 Ride On Extends Service to Complete Rockville Loop; SmarTrip Card Now Accepted on Ride On Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett today announced the extension of Ride On’s Route 45 bus service to the Rockville Regional Transportation Center in the Fallsgrove Shopping Center, offering service all day Monday through Saturday. This service extension loops through Rockville and will help connect the new Rockville Town Center with other parts of the City—and eventually form the route for new Rockville shuttle buses. Ride On also announced that it began accepting SmarTrip cards on all buses on April 29. Ride On is now the first transit agency in Maryland to accept SmarTrip Cards since Metro adopted the program. “I am committed to substantially increasing the use of mass transit in Montgomery County to help take more cars off our congested roadways,” said Leggett. “Ride On’s partnership with Rockville will boost the accessibility of the new Town Center and other commercial areas. And, with the introduction of the SmarTrip card on Ride On buses, we are making transit even easier and more convenient to use.” The new, extended Route 45 will provide service to the Rockville Regional Transportation Center via Hurley Avenue, Wootton Parkway, Glen Mill Road, Darnestown Road, Shady Grove Road, Blackwell Road and Fallsgrove Drive. Once the Rockville Town Center is completed, modifications to the route will be made to include the new commercial area. “We’re committed to doing whatever it takes to get drivers out of their cars,” said Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Floreen. “It’s important to encourage people to think ‘transit,’ so having buses that are convenient and accessible is key to accomplishing this goal.” The new service hours are weekdays from 5:27 a.m. to 8:12 p.m. and Saturdays from 6:56 a.m. to 7:39 p.m. Buses run every 20 minutes during rush hour and every 30 minutes during offpeak hours. Saturday service is provided every 30 minutes all day. Residents traveling to and from the Rockville Metro Station in the direction of Fallsgrove are urged to check the new bus schedules for updated route times. “The extension of Ride On route 45 to Fallsgrove and the planned shuttle for Town Center are key components of Rockville’s efforts to encourage use of mass transit and to make it convenient for our residents,” said City of Rockville Mayor Larry Giammo. “One of the central features of our mixed-use revitalization of Town Center is the Smart Growth concept of having new residential development close to mass transit. We especially appreciate the County’s partnership with us in moving ahead on the shuttle service.” With the introduction last week of the SmarTrip card on Ride On buses, passengers are able to use the same, rechargeable fare card, resembling a credit card that is used on Metrorail and Metrobus. Ride On installed new fare boxes on all its buses to accept the SmarTrip card and allow for recharging its value with cash, up to $20. Riders pre-load money onto the card, touch the card on top of the fare box to deduct the correct fare, and a special computer chip keeps track of the remaining value on the card. The introduction of the card on Ride On is part of an area-wide plan that will eventually allow SmarTrip cards to be used on all regional transit systems. A partnership between the City of Rockville and Montgomery County Ride On is expected to bring a circulator bus service to Rockville within the next two years that will run along the new Route 45 route. If federal grant monies are awarded, Ride On will purchase six new, small buses that will be specially painted and branded for Rockville, similar to Silver Spring’s Van Go buses. For more information on Ride On, go to www. montgomerycountymd.gov/RideOn or call the County’s Transit Information Center at 240-777-RIDE (7433). SmarTrip cards can be purchased online with a credit card at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rideon, online at www. metroopensdoors.com, by mail, at Metro sales offices, retail outlets and commuter stores, and through vending machines at most Metro stations in Montgomery County except Silver Spring, Takoma, Medical Center, Bethesda and Friendship Heights. For more information about SmarTrip, customers can call 1-888- SMARTRIP (762-7874) weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. or send an email to rcsc@smartrip.net. Pool Party Continued from page 1 Organizers Jody Gershoni, Meredith Berlin, Sandy Nesbit, Paige Rothfeld, and Megan Moncur delighted in seeing so many of their neighbors enjoying the afternoon. Determined to bring a sense of community and introduce residents to the pool and facilities, these ladies succeeded in bringing their dream of seven months to fruition. – Arthur Goldberg Kim Testa is organizing a Junior Swim Team, anyone interested in this endeavor—and has experience organizing this kind of activity or has experience coaching swim teams—please contact Armstrong Management at 240-453-0150 and leave your name and phone number. Let’s get into the swim of things! PAGE 6 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • July 2007 Gude Interchange – Citizens Speak Presently, a number of candidates (Mayor and City Council) and interested citizens have exchanged correspondence on the impact of the Gude/270 interchange on our City. As Fallsgrove residents, we have an interest in staying informed about the proposed traffic “solutions” under consideration. Here is an example of opinions: More on this issue from Carl Henn, Hungerford, candidate for Rockville City Council: The Gude/270 interchange is not worthy of our support. It can’t be built without harming the Senior Center and the Millennium Trail. The Senior Center is currently shielded from 270 by a small stand of woods. That would have to go. The Millennium Trail crosses over 270 along Gude Drive. If we put in an interchange, the trail would have to cross the on and off ramps, with drivers looking to make speed and merge rather than looking for pedestrians and bikers on our City’s biggest bike trail. The interchange wouldn’t be that effective in reducing traffic since West Montgomery Ave would still be the most convenient route from 270 to Town Center and points south along the Pike. The way to address this traffic problem is to get the traffic off the road in the first place by building the Corridor City Transitway, building light rail down 355 from Shady Grove through the southern end of the City, and encouraging their use through Traffic Demand Management. An interchange at Gude would probably cost over a $100 million. Thats a $100 million that can’t be devoted to transit improvements. It makes no sense in light of global warming and peak oil. Oil production stopped growing in 2005. Since then the price has doubled and traffic growth in America has come to a halt. Global oil discoveries peaked in the 1960s. America’s oil production peaked in 1970. We have been burning more oil than we discover since 1980. If we respond to declining oil production with more transit, biking, telecommuting, car pooling and more efficient cars, then global warming will recede as a concern. If we respond to declining oil production with oil shale, tar sands, coal liquification, ethanol and biodiesel then we will put the last six inches of good top soil into our gas tanks and suffer through climate chaos. We are making the decision about which course to take as we decide whether to build the Gude interchange or light rail on Rockville Pike. – Carl Henn RANDY ALTON <ralton1997@msn.com> wrote: I spent a lifetime addressing the Viers Mill/First Street Intersection Improvement Study. I also pressed the City of Rockville for not convening a meeting with local HOA/Civic folks regarding the change in the criteria as proposed by the SHA...these e-mails are on record which would have also highlighted the City’s options as well as discussing the Gude Drive Interchange. I am pleased to see that District 17 is being kept in the loop (e-mail from city staff)....I would urge they be invited to all meetings...the change in criteria and the refusal to remove the 3 recommendations in the study we addressed last June and July during the public hearings is a concern...please work with the District 17 Team... take care....Randy Christina Ginsberg <twinbrookpres@yahoo.com> wrote: Let me just add my two cents in here from our neighborhood’s perspective. Neighborhoods in my area fought the $85mil First Street “Flying Overpass” Interchange proposed last year by the SHA, including TCA, East Rockville, Burgundy, Lincoln Park and a few others whom I don’t recall now. One of the major reasons that the First Street proposal was so heinous (and yes, I use that word on purpose) was the callousness shown toward the existing neighborhoods, especially East Rockville. The proposal would have cut off the exit of Stone Street onto Veirs Mill at a time when serious increases in density/traffic are being proposed for the Stone Street, East Rockville, and Lincoln Park areas. “Oh, people can just cut across on Baltimore to First Street,” one of the SHA planners told me. NO—Baltimore Road is one of the oldest and most historic roads in Rockville and contains a good proportion of our historic houses on THIS side of the tracks. The SHA solution was not an acceptable one. There isn’t a day I drive on West Montgomery that I don’t think how terminally stupid it was to run a major arterial though the major concentration of historic houses on THAT side of the tracks, i.e. West End. We as neighborhoods did recommend pursuing the Gude project. I’m not sure now if we would have done that if we had had all the information as Drew lays it out. Do I think there will be an interchange at Gude? Yes, eventually, not because of what Rockville wants but because of development pressure from the areas west of I-270 outside of City limits, such as the Gaithersburg Crown Farm project. I predict Rockville will be fighting hard to stop a Gude interchange because when the time comes the State will push this project forward with little regard for local concerns such as the Senior Center. The management of the existing traffic and the traffic to come that is being generated by development both approved and proposed, is one of the toughest issues facing this county, Continued on page 7 July 2007 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • PAGE 7 Gude Interchange Continued from page 6 let alone Rockville. The County’s Planning Department is desperately slicing and dicing the data in an effort to “prove” that we don’t have a traffic crisis. They can’t slice and dice fast enough to convince anyone. (Read the proposed County Growth Policy documents). Drew is right—when the situations start to pit neighborhood against neighborhood, it’s time to take a step back and ask what is the overall objective and WHOSE objective is it. We ALL do so much better as a community when the neighborhoods work together. Something to think about in ALL of our neighborhoods. Let’s get a dialogue going on the ARNA listserv! Information exchange is critical to our ablity to make the right decisions for our communities. Upcoming for ARNA a fall seminar on ALL traffic projects in Rockville. – Christina President, Twinbrook Citizens Association Chair, Alliance of Rockville Neighborhood Associations (original email edited) P.S. My continued thanks to our Mayor and Council who opposed last year’s First Street proposal. We look forward to your continued support should the SHA’s proposal ever go “live” again. Drew Powell <drewpowell@verizon.net> wrote: Dear Jacques, Transportation and lagging infrastructure is a big issue in Rockville. The success of Town Center is reliant on many factors including improved access that a Gude-270 interchange and Route 28 re-designation could provide. First of all, let me state that I am FOR this project. Being very familiar with the project’s history, there are several concerns that may need to be addressed in order to assure the project’s success: 1. Is the Gude-270 interchange feasible? a. In a July 2nd, 2002 Mayor and Council meeting (http://www. rockvillemd.gov/government/mc/archives/2002/minutes/0702. html) “Mr. Pedersen [Neil Pedersen, State Highway Administration] elaborated on the suggestion that Gude Drive be re-designated as MD Route 28 with a possible interchange at I-270 and Gude Drive. Mr. Pedersen said the right of way requirements in this area would be extremely expensive so that if the right of way were not donated, such a project would not be feasible.” b. I have had multiple conversations and exchanged many emails with Emad Elshafei, Chief, Traffic and Transportation Division, City of Rockville, regarding this project. Mr. Elshafei has stated that no right-of-way has been donated and it is extremely unclear that, if the City of Rockville donates a large portion of Rockville Senior Center property (for one of the interchanges four quadrants), that this would enable the project to move forward. Destroying a large portion of Rockville Senior Center property is no trivial matter and I would like Rockville’s seniors to weigh in on this. The other three quadrants (needed for ramps) currently are owned by private corporations, are not up for sale and in at least two cases have large multi-million dollars structures standing where ramps would go. 2. My other major concern is that I do not believe it is beneficial for Rockville’s diverse communities to have City government pitting one neighborhood against another, even when the outcome may be good for the City as a whole. The City did a poor job in notifying all stakeholders about this project (both positively and negatively affected). Speaking with the Woodley Gardens Neighborhood Resource Coordinator, Dwayne Jenkins, Dwayne told me recently that the reason he never mentioned this project to the Woodley Gardens Civic Association is that he was not aware of it. Not having Woodley Gardens and College Gardens involved, greatly reduces the possibility of a sound wall to protect those communities from increased noise and pollution. If there is a large project, which has the potential of affecting any community, either positively or negatively, the city has the responsibility to invite all stakeholders to the table. As far as prioritization, the Gude-270 interchange is currently Rockville’s “number one transportation priority.” As for moving it higher on Montgomery County’s Transportation Priorities list, the project is now number 12 of 13 items on a list of projects to be funded for study (not construction money). To move it up on this list will take a great deal of advocacy on the part of Rockville’s Mayor and Council, working closely with the county’s elected leaders as well as elected officials at the state level. Unlike my opponent, I have excellent relationships with a majority on the Montgomery County Council and especially with Montgomery County’s Executive, Ike Leggett, not to mention the Montgomery County Delegation. Working together, we can solve our transportation infrastructure needs. Thank you for your interest in making Rockville a better place. Sincerely, Drew Powell Candidate for Mayor of Rockville ===================== From: Jacques B Gelin Date: 2007/05/24 Thu a.m. 07:21:44 CDT Memo to Drew: Transportation is a big issue in Rockville. The success of Rockville town center will depend on getting through traffic away from that area. Where do you stand, then, on redesignating Route 28 to Gude Drive and on pushing to put the I-270/Gude Drive intersection higher on the Priority List of favored construction projects? PAGE 8 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • July 2007 courtesy photos The Grove Gardener Carefree Roses They are generally winter hardy and long lived. They are easy to grow, easy to bloom, and so easy to appreciate. A growing number of modern roses have been bred to emulate the nostalgic style of old garden roses: many-petalled blooms, lavish fragrances, healthy foliage, and tidy growth. As you plan your garden, consider planting some of these hardy shrubs, both old and new. They are so carefree, even first-time gardeners will reap bountiful bouquets. Old roses are rich in history. Three such roses—the gallica rose (Rosa gallica), alba rose (R. alba), and damask rose (R. damascena)-—are among the most ancient plants still cultivated. Grown in the Far and Near East during Biblical times, these roses probably were carried to Western Europe by crusaders. “They’re romantic,” says Judith Gries, a Connecticut gardener. “You can smell the exact same fragrance as the Empress Josephine.” All the photos shown were taken in Judith’s garden. Buying Roses First, be sure the roses you like will survive winter in your area. Roses will shrug off temperatures down to 20 degrees. If your winter gets colder than that, select the hardiest varieties or protect the rose plants with mulch in winter. In general, old garden roses and modern shrub roses are hardier than hybrid teas and floribundas. Judith Gries’ flower beds Roses sold in a container of soil can be planted whenever they are available. They are easier to plant than bare-root roses, but can be more expensive. Bare-root roses, planted during their dormant season, offer more selection, because you can buy by mail from specialty firms. Judith Gries loves to interplant different kinds of roses. In this flower bed (left photo), pink Mary Rose and Escapade rub shoulders with red Eye Paint. Constance Spry sports a double bloom so full it resembles a peony (right photo). This English shrub rose shows no die-back even down to 20 degrees below zero. Constance Spry has only one flush of bloom, but it is a stunner. Its growth is so vigorous that support is helpful. Submitted by Arthur Goldberg from Better Homes and Gardens July 2007 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • PAGE 9 Fallsgrove Wildlife News It’s summer! Residents are enjoying the outdoor activities of Fallsgrove—swimming at the pool, biking around the community, walking the dog, and hiking the trails. With more residents outside, there has been an increase in wildlife sighting. Residents have reported seeing rabbits, opossums, stray cats, raccoons, and coyotes. We, as a community, are very fortunate to have such a variety of wildlife in our neighborhood. However, it is extremely important that we understand how to safely coexist with Fallsgrove critters. Stray and Feral Cats Although cats may not seem like wildlife, they are a part of our Fallsgrove ecosystem. Many residents have reported seeing several stray or feral cats around the neighborhood and in the woods. Although stray and feral cats pose no risk to residents, it is important for us to know about them. The goal would be to humanely trap and neuter all the cats. Some cats may be adoptable; others that are feral may be re-released. Residents who own cats should keep them inside—there are too many dangers in our neighborhood for outdoor cats. Please contact Aubrey if you see any cats 301-424-4098 or abursch@verizon.net. Coyote Concerns Recently concerns have been raised about the coyotes in our neighborhood. Some residents fear the coyotes commuting through Fallsgrove pose a threat to our wellbeing. Often when people fear the unknown (in this case coyotes) they believe the solution lies in removing the object they fear. Past efforts to remove coyotes from Fallsgrove proved to be a temporary solution. As many other urban areas have learned, killing coyotes does not solve the problem. There are two reasons coyotes cannot be exterminated. First, removing predators from an ecosystem leaves room for other predators to move in—often more coyotes. Second, coyotes have great survival instincts. When their numbers decrease, they produce larger litters to compensate for their loss. Coyotes exist all over the United States in urban settings similar to Fallsgrove. Since wildlife experts agree trapping and killing coyotes does not work, they believe the answer lies in educating people on how to co-exist with coyotes. That is why the City of Rockville has implemented the Co-existing with Coyotes program. The program has proved successful in several other urban communities in the United States and Canada. Coyote/human conflicts are extremely rare in the United States and Canada. When an incident does happen, it is usually because of three reasons. First, the community where the incident occurred did not have an education program in place. Residents did not know what to do when they saw coyotes and they did not know what precautions to take. Second, people in the community were feeding or leaving trash out for coyotes. Coyotes come to see the humans as a provider of food and thus lose their healthy fear of humans. The third reason is one that happens less often. The coyote involved in the incident was sick. Usually before an incident occurs, there are several warning signs such as attacks on small pets and a lack of fear of humans (not reacting to a shouting human running at them). About the Coyote Information Meeting In an effort to educate Fallsgrove residents, a Coyote Information Meeting was held on May 9th. Two wonderful speakers talked with residents about coyote behavior and history, coyotes in Maryland and Montgomery County, and coyote deterrents. Rob Gibbs, Wildlife Ecologist and Natural Resource Manager for the Montgomery County Department of Park and Planning, gave an informative presentation detailing coyote behavior. He showed residents a map of coyote sightings spanning the entire county. Some residents were surprised to learn that Fallsgrove is only one of numerous communities to see coyotes. Steve Mader, Superintendent of Parks and Facilities for the City of Rockville, spoke about the City of Rockville’s Co-existing with Coyotes program. He reiterated the reasons why the program was implemented and talked about what to do when residents see a coyote (be big, mean and tall, be loud, don’t run away). Steve and Rob answered all the residents’ questions and concerns. The meeting was a success. Residents who attended the meeting found the information very useful. In a continued effort to answer residents’ coyote questions, another Coyote Information Meeting will be held in the fall. Residents unable to attend the last meeting who would like information on coyote behavior and the City of Rockville’s program, please contact Aubrey Bursch at 301-424-4098 or abursch@verizon.net. Information about the City’s program is available at http://www.rockvillemd.gov/residents/coyote.html Fallsgrove Coyote FAQs What do I do if I see a coyote? • Appear to be as Big, Mean, and Loud as possible (put arms overhead) • Yell and throw sticks, rocks, near the coyote • If a coyote approaches you, DO NOT RUN AWAY or turn your back on the coyote. Continue to exaggerate above gestures while maintaining eye contact and moving toward human activity • Blow a whistle or use a coyote deterrent I’ve seen lots of coyotes recently. Are there more in our community? Continued on page 10 PAGE 10 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • July 2007 Community Forum Changing the School Districts As you all are no doubtedly aware, our neighborhood is zoned for Richie Park Elem, Julius West MS and Richard Montgomery HS. I know many of us would like to see our kids going to the closest schools for a variety of reasons—some of which are that the kids can sleep later in the morning, not have to go so far for their activities and make friends who live near them. The closest school cluster to us is Lakewood Elem, Frost MS, Wootton HS. I was wondering what is the interest for changing the current school zoning. As a parent of a child that graduated from Ritchie Park and attends Julius West, I have nothing but great things to say about our school district. I moved into this area for the schools and would be sad to see the districts change. Why send your children to over-crowded schools, when the schools we currently go to have additional capacity. Keep an open mind to the diversity and just as I am, you’ll be pleased with the school district our kids attend. Ask any parent of a child who attends our schools and I think you’ll be suprised of how happy they are with our cluster. – David and Karen Axelrod – Cheryl Hays Fallsgrove Wildlife News Continued from page 9 One reason you’ve seen more coyotes recently is the warmer weather. More people are out so there are more chances to run into a coyotes. This is also the time of year when coyotes have puppies. Coyotes need more food during the summer for their puppies, so they are out during the day and night hunting. How many coyotes are living in Fallsgrove? Although there may seem like many coyotes live in Fallsgrove, it is more likely they travel through Fallsgrove on their way to other areas. Coyotes have wide territories—often 20 miles wide. Some coyote territories will overlap slightly, but there will never be a huge group of coyotes together. Coyotes like their space and their own territories. Many coyote sightings could be of the same coyote. Residents that fear a lot of coyotes in one area, should not worry. When coyotes are old enough, they leave their dens and find their own territories away from their families. What can I do to keep my pet/child safe in this area? • Always walk your dogs on a leash • Watch small dogs while outside HOME & GARDEN SOLUTIONS LAWN & GARDEN MAINTENANCE FREE ESTIMATES RELIABLE - PROFESSIONAL AFFORDABLE CALL - NED 301-787-7544 OR OJ 240-731-3911 • Children under 5 years of age should be supervised at all times when they are outside • Keep cats indoors • Don’t tolerate coyotes around your yard – chase them off by yelling, throwing sticks and rocks • Teach older children what to do when they see a coyote (big, mean, tall, loud) • How can I deter coyotes from being in my back yard and in our neighborhood? • Keep garbage in sturdy containers with tight fitting lids • Don’t leave bowels of pet food or water outside • Close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds where coyotes could rest or make a den • Do not hang birdfeeders or sprinkle birdseed • Make sure your neighbors and others in your neighborhood do the same Information used in this article is from the City of Rockville’s “Co-Existing with Coyotes” brochure and the Montgomery County “Living with Coyotes in Montgomery County” brochure. For more information, please visit: http://www.rockvillemd.gov/residents/coyote.html http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/coyote.html http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/pubs/fsheet_faq_notice/fs_ wscoyote.pdf – Aubrey Bursch If you live or work in Fallsgrove and you did not receive Inside Fallsgrove in the mail, please let us know. Email Fallsgrove@comcast.net July 2007 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • PAGE 11 Get Wind of These Hurricane Facts Although the Atlantic hurricane season began June 1st, these storms occur most frequently during August, and particularly September. During this period, all weather eyes turn toward the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico hurricane “breeding grounds.” In terms of property damage, the worst hurricane on record, of course, was Katrina. Along with her nasty sisters, Wilma (the most intense ever recorded) and Rita, there was well over $100 billion in damages along the Gulf Coast in 2005. And despite great strides during recent years in reducing hurricane deaths, these storms claimed over 2300 U.S. lives, second only to the great Galveston Storm of 1900, which resulted in 6000–9000 deaths. In a sense, Hurricanes Katrina, Wilma, and Rita were anomalies, as they formed far to the west of what many meteorologists consider the mother of all breeding grounds for monster Atlantic hurricanes: a distant, overheated part of the Atlantic near the Cape Verde Islands near Africa. There, the trade winds can sometimes whisk an insignificant atmospheric “wave” into the open Atlantic on a westward journey that can last two weeks and thousands of miles. If conditions are favorable (usually in late summer, when the water is warmest and the needed atmospheric twisting effect is greatest), such a tropical wave can become a depression, then a tropical storm, and finally a full-fledged hurricane, as it carves out a path across the open ocean and into the Caribbean and beyond. To be sure, Montgomery County is affected by these tropical systems on a regular basis. But their impact is usually as decaying, moisture-laden tropical storms (wind speeds less than 74 miles per hour), rather than hurricanes. This is not to say that tropical storm rainfall can’t cause havoc. It often does. In 1972, for example, a dying Hurricane Agnes was still capable of causing hundreds of millions of dollars in flood damage throughout a wide swath of the Mid-Atlantic, and elsewhere. And who can forget Isabel, whose rampage resulted in a $3 billion path of destruction through the mid-Atlantic in 2003. Again, neither of these were even hurricanes when they swept through our area. To better understand why hurricanes, which are really heat engines, rarely visit us at full strength, we need to focus on where their energy comes from (warm water) and where their highest winds are concentrated (the right-hand, or eastern, semi-circle of the storm). (See note.) Even if a hurricane were to head straight for us from the South Carolina coastline, it must travel hundreds of miles over land. Since hurricanes aren’t usually fast movers, by the time we would come under its influence, winds would have greatly diminished due to the loss of its fuel source and the effect of land friction. Also, since most hurricanes begin to “recurve” toward the northeast upon reaching our latitude, such a storm would probably pass by to the east, placing us in its less intense western, or left-hand sector. Exceptions do occur, however, such as when Hurricane Hazel struck our area in October 1954 with 98 miles per hour sustained winds, the highest ever recorded here. Not only did that storm pass just west of Montgomery County, placing the metro area in the vicious eastern semi-circle, but also because the storm was racing forward at over 50 miles per hour, it reached here relatively soon after hitting the Carolina coastline. Obviously, Hazel’s winds didn’t yet have time to diminish. So much for our natural hurricane protection. As for the 21 names—Q,U,X,Y, and Z are not used—of the 2007 hurricane season, they are: Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dean, Erin, Felix, Gabrielle, Humberto, Ingrid, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Noel, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, and Wendy. By the way, since World War II, when hurricanes/tropical storms were first given names, we had never exceeded 21 until 2005, when 28 storms were recorded. Of these, seven became major hurricanes, a record-tying five reached Category 4 and a record four reached Category 5. However, it is reassuring (somewhat) that during the last 80 years, only four hurricanes have made U.S. landfall as a Category 5 storm. Note: A principle widely but not universally accepted: As viewed straight ahead from a hurricane’s eye, one would experience the highest winds on the right-hand side because there the storm’s forward movement is in the same direction as its winds. Therefore, a forward speed of 20 miles per hour is ADDED TO the storm’s winds. Winds of 120 miles per hour become 140. On the left-hand side of the storm, the opposite is true, so that 120 mile per hour winds become 100. – Don Lipman PAGE 12 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • July 2007 Fallsgrove Property Owners Association Board Meeting Minutes – March 15, 2007 Meeting called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Steve Nesbit, President Board Members in attendance: Larry Robinson, VP; Eric Remian, Treasurer; Arthur Goldberg, Secretary; Steve Nesbit, President. Others attending: Dwayne Jenkins, Rockville Neighborhood Resources Coordinator; Marsha Schwartz, resident; Aubrey Bursch, resident; Matthew Fleming and Mark Keenan of Armstrong Management. Reviewed the status of the Landscaping Plan for the Community Steve expressed the desire that Armstrong approach our landscaping contractor, Community Landscape of Maryland, to forward to the Board a proposal for the planting of Annuals, Perennials as well as a watering plan. Mark agreed to do so but mentioned the importance of formulating a “Reserve Study” as well. Reviewed the Contract for Landscape Management Services The Board reviewed the contract. Eric moved to accept the contract. Steve seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Reviewed the Minutes from Board Meetings held on January 18, 2007 and February 15, 2007 The minutes were reviewed and no corrections were found. Eric moved to accept the minutes and Larry seconded the motion. The Board unanimously approved the minutes. Discussion on Ride-On Service Dwayne reported City negotiating routes with the County and hours of operation. He expects the new service will go into effect sometime in May. Arthur asked for clarification on the hours of service. This is something the community feels is very important but according to his conversation with Deanna Archey, there are no funds available for this expansion. Dwayne asked to check and report back to the Board. Hotel Open Meeting on March 28 Dwayne reported the City Council and the Mayor will hold an “open meeting” for the community to voice their views on the proposed Hotel construction in Fallsgrove. The meeting will be televised. Community Center Construction Bids Dwayne reported that bids for the construction of the Community Center located on Fallsgrove Drive and West Montgomery Avenue will be going out. Steve requested that Dwayne provide the Board a schedule we can publish in the newsletter informing the community of the progress of this project. Communications Report Arthur reported the Board had approved the contract with Community Publications to act as the “Administrator” in the production of the newsletter. Andrea Escher, President of Community Publications, will be responsible for gathering materials such as advertisements and articles, submitting them to the Layout Artist, supervise the editing, and submittal of final art to the printing company and the mailing of the newsletter to residents, advertisers, office tenants, retail members of the shopping center and absentee home owners. The goal for the upcoming newsletter is to have it arrive in homes by April 15. Open Forum Aubrey Bursch asked for the support of the Board for a “Wildlife Forum” to be held in the Clubhouse. It was agreed to provide material support and Aubrey will report to the Board on her plans and needs. The Board and Aubrey discussed her writing a column for the newsletter, “Wildlife Update,” reporting on coyote sightings and behaviors. Aubrey agreed to provide the column. Review Architectural Modification – Fence The Board was shown plans of the design and placement of the fence being constructed by Lerner around the Condominium Residences of Fallsgrove off Blackwell Road. After said review Larry moved that the plans for the fence be accepted, Arthur seconded the motion and the plans for the construction of the fence were approved by the Board. Review of Architectural Authority Resolution The Board reviewed the resolution. Larry moved to accept it. Arthur seconded the motion and Board approved the resolution. In the course of the discussion, the Board clarified that in the event an HOA upholds a resident’s appeal and denying the HOA’s Architectural Review Board’s complaint of a violation, the member of members of the ARB have the right to come before the POA to present a Complaint to the Board of Directors to determine if probable cause exists that a provision of the Association’s Governing Documents has been violated. Review of Collections Policy Resolution The Board reviewed the Collections Policy Resolution. Larry Continued on page 16 July 2007 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • PAGE 13 Fallsgrove Property Owners Association Board Meeting Minutes – April 19, 2007 Board Members in attendance: Larry Robinson, VP; Eric Remian, Treasurer; Steve Nesbit, President. It was noted that the Board had a quorum. then moved that the Board allocate $200 for the purchase of a digital camera and Eric Remian seconded this Motion and the Motion was unanimously approved by the Board. Review January 15, 2007 Minutes POA Organization Chart The minutes from the March 15, 2007 meeting were not available yet and Eric Remian moved that they be reviewed at the next Board Meeting scheduled for May 17, 2007, Larry Robinson seconded the Motion and the Motion was unanimously approved by the Board. Steve Nesbit introduced to the Board an organizational chart showing how the different organizations in our neighborhood fit it. Included in the chart were the names and positions of the officers of these organizations. Review of Master Insurance It was noted that the cost of the master insurance had to be increased by $75 per year to cover employee dishonesty based upon a larger cash reserve that the Board was carrying. Discussion took place about the basis for this additional expense. Noting that this was a necessary expense Eric Remain moved that the Board approve the $75 increase in the master insurance expense, Larry Robinson seconded the Motion and the Motion was unanimously approved by the Board. Landscaping The Board reviewed the landscaping contract from Community Landscaping of Maryland dated April 3, 2007 which included $2,375 for flower bed creation and $5,720 for summer flower installation. Discussion took place about the details of this expense including any additional expenses for watering the flowers. Larry Robinson moved that the Board approve this contract, Eric Remian seconded this Motion and the Motion was unanimously approved by the Board. Newsletter Discussion took place about the first newsletter coordinated and administrated by Andrea Escher. Steve Nesbit explained in detail to the Board the procedure for getting the newsletter published and included an organizational chart in his explanation. A resolution was offered by Eric Remian to confirm Steve Nesbit’s explanation of the intent of the board regarding contracts, newsletter roles and responsibilities. Larry Robinson seconded this resolution and the Resolution was unanimously approved by the Board. It was noted that the newsletter had significantly more advertising, however it was also noted that the newsletter needed heavier paper. Andrea Escher said she would work to improve the quality of the paper for the next issue of our newsletter. Camera for Armstrong Management Discussion took place about the need for Armstrong Management to purchase a digital camera to be used in connection with their managing functions. The Board discussed that it was reasonable to purchase this camera and discussed how much to spend. The Board after discussion agreed to spend up to $200. Larry Robinson Review of Financial Statements – March 31, 2007 The Board decided to give the Board members more time to review the financial statements and agreed to review the statements at their next meeting. Open Forum – Homeowner/Resident Inquires No matters were brought to the Board’s attention by those in attendance at the Board Meeting. Report of Officers No separate reports were offered by the officers of the Board. Reports of Committees Traffic Committee – Amy Rosselle discussed her traffic report with the Board. Of significance was the discussion of building a safety crosswalk on Shady Grove Road near the entrance to the Shady Grove Hospital. Also mentioned was the addition of streetlights to Darnestown Road, along Fallsgrove. However, the City still had not made a decision about putting in a stop sign at the intersection of Jay and Prettyman. City of Rockville Steve Nesbit advised the Board that he and other members of the Board had met with Rockville Officials to discuss several matters of common interest including but not limited to ownership and maintenance of several parcels in our neighborhood. Dwayne Jenkins told the Board that the planning involved in the park and recreation center to be built on Fallsgrove Drive across from Camden Apartments had been delayed for about three months due to administrative problems. Steve Nesbit requested that Dwayne Jenkins provide the Board through e-mails on a periodic basis statistical information about crime in our neighborhood. Dwayne Jenkins said he would look into doing so. Meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Submitted by Larry Robinson, Vice President acting on behalf of the Board for the Secretary, Arthur Goldberg PAGE 14 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • July 2007 d o o F t a e r G Grea images courtesy Norm Zober, Arthur Goldberg & Steve Nesbit m a e T , s k n a h T t Fu n July 2007 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • PAGE 15 n u f f o s t o L n u s e in th PAGE 16 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • July 2007 Fallsgrove Property Owners Association Board Meeting Minutes – May 17, 2007 Meeting called to order by Steve Nesbit at 7:05 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Steve Nesbit, President; Larry Robinson,VP; Kacey Ma; Eric Remian, Treasurer; Arthur Goldberg, Secretary. Others in Attendance: Marsha Raff, Aubrey Bursch, Jody Gershoni, David Eisner; Matthew Fleming and Mark Keenan of Armstrong Management. Management Report: Armstrong Management raised the issue of Quarterly Report needing to be approved. Eric moved that it be approved, Larry seconded the motion and the Board approved the Report. The Board went into Executive Session and adjourned at 8:55 p.m. – Submitted by Arthur Goldberg Board Approved the Minutes from March 15, 2007 and April 19, 2007. Open Forum: Homeowner/Resident Inquiries Marsha asked Steve what was happening with the Landscaping Issue. Steve replied we’ve been delayed by the unresolved status of the land ownership. Steve has been working with the City and the attorney for the Developers to come to some resolution and a meeting is planned for the first week in June to clarify and hopefully resolve the outstanding issues. Aubrey Bursch described the Coyote Information Meeting held May 9th as a very informative and successful event. With Steve Mader, the City of Rockville’s Superintendent of Parks and Facilities and Rob Gibbs, Natural Resources Manager for Montgomery County Parks, making detailed presentations, the event proved helpful to the 15 or so attendees. Aubrey hopes to have another meeting in September and thinks having them quarterly will be helpful to residents. Aubrey also announced she was planning the Doggie Happy Hour for the first or second week of October. Jody Gershoni spoke about the Pool Party on June 10 from 2–6 p.m. and urged everyone to come. It will be catered and we expect entertainment such as a “moon bounce” to be available for the kids. This is a joint venture supported by the Recreation Association and the POA with the hope it will be an annual event. The topic of our School District was raised by a number of attendees with David Eisner volunteering to learn what interest exists within the community to change the school districting. March POA Minutes Continued from page 12 moved to accept it. Arthur seconded the motion and the Board approved. Review Due Process Procedure Resolution Larry moved and Arthur seconded the motion to approve the Due Process Resolution. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Submitted by Arthur Goldberg, Secretary Note: copies of the above resolutions are available at the clubhouse through Armstrong Management. Area Newcomers Club Attention newcomers, we have a club for you! If you are new to the area, recently retired, or just interested in increasing your circle of friends, this group may be for you. We are a friendly group who enjoy Book Clubs, Mah Jongg, Bridge, social events, current affairs, eating out and day trips. Check out our site at www.geocities.com/gancmd or contact us at gancmd@yahoo.com. Traffic Committee had no new items to report. The Newsletter Committee: Arthur announced there would be a meeting of the Communications Committee Thursday, May 24 at his home. Larry reported the Condominium Residences I, II, III and IV were in the process of trying to get parking permits for their residents in an attempt to control the parking around the condos. Please patronize our advertisers and mention you saw their ads in the Inside Fallsgrove newsletter. We need their support. They help keep us together. July 2007 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • PAGE 17 The Homes at Fallsgrove Owners Association Annual Board Meeting Minutes – May 21, 2007 Date May 21, 2007 Location Fallsgrove Recreation Center 400 Casey Lane Rockville MD 20850 Meeting Commenced 7:00 p.m. EST 1. Call to Order/Welcome Present: Jeff Weber – President; Phil Sherman – Vice President; Pete Plotas – Secretary; Shelly Wujek – Treasurer and Jay Brandes. Armstrong Management: Mark Keenan and Matt Fleming. 2. Organizational Meeting Jeff Weber made motion to accept minutes from May 1, 2006 which was unanimously agreed. 4. Open Forum • Discussion of quality of the common property landscaping and dissatisfaction of current state. BOD suggested notification to homeowners by Armstrong of replacement of dead shrubbery. Property Owner’s Association board in discussions with developers and City of Rockville to replace dead trees along Darnestown Rd and other common areas. New landscaping contract will emphasize on fertilization, seeding and overall appearance. • Homeowner trash disposal – Armstrong to inquire with legal counsel if BOD can enforce use of trash cans. Meeting was held after two unsuccessful attempts to obtain a quorum. Notice of this meeting was sent to all homeowners and published in the Rockville Gazette. Votes were cast either in person or by proxy for Jeff Weber (42), Phillip Sherman (38), Margaret Miller (7) running for the Board. Jeff Weber and Phillip Sherman were re-elected to serve another 3-year term. • Community Garden – contingent approval gained from the City of Rockville. Location will be near open area on corner of Shady Grove Rd and Darnestown Rd. Approximate 20–25 plots to be issued when project begins mid-summer 2008. 3. Review of Prior Meeting Minutes Meeting Minutes Submitted by Pete Plotas, Secretary Meeting adjourned 7:40 p.m. PAGE 18 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • July 2007 The Homes at Fallsgrove Owners Association Board Meeting Minutes – May 21, 2007 Date May 21, 2007 Location Fallsgrove Recreation Center 400 Casey Lane Rockville MD 20850 Meeting Commenced 7:00 p.m. EST 1. Call to Order/Welcome Present: Jeff Weber – President; Phil Sherman – Vice President; Pete Plotas – Secretary; Shelly Wujek – Treasurer and Jay Brandes. Armstrong Management: Mark Keenan and Matt Fleming. 2. Organizational Meeting Phil Sherman made motion to maintain current officer positions, which was unanimously accepted. 3. Review of Prior Meeting Minutes Jeff Weber made motion to accept minutes from March 5, 2007, which was unanimously agreed. 4. Open Forum No issues raised 5. Report of Officers President’s Report In previous recent discussions homeowners have raised the following issues and suggestions: snow removal for driveway service, enhanced landscaping services, interest in driveway maintenance contract, community painting contract. BOD requested and welcome volunteers for follow-up to the ideas presented. Treasurer’s Report Financial analysis has been completed for Financial Statements dated March 31, 2007. Certificate of Deposit with Countrywide bank valued at $31,944 matures on June 8, 2007. 6. Committee Report No report 7. Old Business Landscaping contract draft RFP to be reviewed by BOD and planned for bidding in Q4 ’07. 8. New Business • 2006 Draft Audited Financial Statements – Motion made and unanimously approved to accept the draft audited statements. • 2006 Federal and State Income Tax Returns – Motion made and unanimously approved to accept the tax returns and for President to sign the tax returns. • 2006 Audit Representation Letter – Motion made and unanimously approved to accept and sign the letter by the President. • BOD approved for Armstrong to select and invest proceeds from Countrywide bank at highest yield available Certificate of Deposit for 24-month duration at a penalty free rate. • Legal Services Agreement – Hilemand & Associates, P.C. – Motion made and unanimously approved for President to sign the new services agreement. • Photocell Adaptor for Alley Garage Lights – Motion made and unanimously approved for Armstrong to order 350 lights along with delivery bags. Letters will be delivered to homeowners with requirement use of the photosensors per the governing documents. 9. Report of Management Agent • Site Manager’s Report • Open and Closed Architectural Modifications Log • As part of the review of A/R for association fees the BOD voted and unanimously decided to waive a late fee for a new homeowner based on the circumstances. 10. Executive Session Meeting adjourned 8:40 p.m. Next Regular Meeting September 10, 2007 Meeting Minutes Submitted by Pete Plotas, Secretary July 2007 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • PAGE 19 ‘Kids! Parks! Performing Arts!’ Returns For the 18th year in a row, Rockville families have the opportunity to enjoy their summer nights outdoors with the City’s “Kids! Parks! Performing Arts!” concert series beginning June 19. Rockville residents can visit a different community park each Tuesday, stretch out and relax on a blanket or lawn chair, and take in a unique performing arts experience that will delight all ages. These free, hour-long performances will run through July 31. In June, attendees can expect two highly entertaining shows from Mark Jaster and Paul Hadfield. In Piccolo’s Trunk, Jaster combines music and physical comedy in a playful mime show that engages audience members with its foolish antics and surprises. The second performance will feature funny guy Paul Hadfield, who produces laughs with his juggling, unicycling and ladderwalking tricks. Described by Discovery Theater, D.C. as “hilarious, artistic, charming, and wacky,” Hadfield is sure to turn a dull Tuesday night into a memorable laugh fest. The first park location for the Jaster show is set for Lincoln Park Community Center at 357 Frederick Avenue. “We are thrilled that the program is going to kick off at the Lincoln Park Birthday “Babies” June Rosezanne McFadden 6/30 Zachary Meringoff 6/02 Al Navidi 6/06 Susan Nikel 6/10 Julie Noskow 6/13 Jacqueline Page 6/07 Alexander Page 6/05 Anisha Pancholi 6/18 Eliana Rosenblatt 6/01 July Art Fuchs 7/30 Coby Shrensky 7/22 Jan Strompf 7/23 Mia Triandafilou 7/18 Marinos Triantafillou 7/23 Jenny Wu 7/17 Community Center—the kids are really excited,” said Yvette Yeboah, assistant supervisor at Lincoln Park. The rain site for all performances, except the June 19 show, will be Glenview Mansion at Rockville Civic Center Park, 603 Edmonston Drive. The June 19 performance rain site will be the Lincoln Park Community Center. For location verification and directions, call 240-314-8682 after 6:30 p.m. on the day of the show. For more information, call the Department of Recreation and Parks at 240-314-8600, or visit www.rockvillemd.gov/arts/ Concerts/kidsparks.htm. Kids! Parks! Performing Arts! Lineup June 26 Paul Hadfield – The Funny Guy; Village Green at Fallsgrove, Fallsgrove Dr. July 10 Patricia Shih; Glenview Mansion, 603 Edmonston Dr. July 17 Mariachi Los Amigos; King Farm Park, 401 Watkins Pond Blvd. July 24 Wild Zappers; Calvin Park, 1248 Gladstone Dr. July 31 Nada Brahma; Montrose Park, 451 Congressional Ln. CLASSIFIEDS Please Join Us Hadassah welcomes prospective members to our opening meeting in Fallsgrove, Sunday morning August 26. We support Hadassah Hospital, College, disadvantaged youth, and plant trees in Israel. Call Sharyn (301-2511761) or Lori (301-545-0545). Sell It, Find It, Share It in Fallsgrove Classifieds! Community classifieds are free to all Fallsgrove residents ($10 fee applied to non-residents). To place your classified, email us at deb.dulin@gmail.com. Deadline for the September issue is July 25, 2007. PAGE 20 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • July 2007 Confused About POA/HOA/REC Boards? Many of you complain we have so many “Boards” it’s very confusing. Well, you’re right! Unfortunately, the Developers organized the community so that every residential component had its own representation all under the umbrella of the POA. Here are two charts prepared by Steve Nesbit we believe will help you understand the situation. July 2007 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • PAGE 21 Be Environmentally Friendly Turn off outside lights during the day. Coal is used to generate electricity which pollutes the air we breathe. Random Acts of Kindness A lovely little story was passed on to me by a neighbor about a simple act of kindness that has continued every day for many months. Her eighty-seven year-old mother lives by herself in a Silver Spring apartment complex. For a few days in a row, the elderly woman noticed that her morning newspaper was picked up off of the floor and hung on her front door knob. One morning, she looked through her keyhole and saw her neighbor across the hall, pick up her newspaper and hang it on her door as he left for work. She opened the door and thanked him for his kindness. He told her it was nothing. He only wanted to make sure she did not have to stoop to pick it up each day. From that encounter, the two neighbors have watched out for each other. A friendship began because of his random act of kindness! (Send your anecdote to Sue at sjlj@comcast.net) PAGE 22 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • July 2007 Down Under is Over the Top The first three weeks in April found Hani and me bopping around Australia dancing with Imu’s, disturbing Kangaroo’s in their restful habitats, trekking around the famous Uluru (Ayer’s Rock) in the middle of the bush country with our heads covered from the swarms of flies with protective netting, sliding through the rain forests of the Daintree River areas in the northeast, enjoying the scenic Glass House Mountains named by the intrepid explorer, Captain James Cook, and finally resting in Sydney. Well, not really resting. I worked on drawings of the famous Harbour Bridge and Hani attended workshops at the World Association for Sexual Health Conference. Our first full day in Melbourne found us guided through a “nature reserve” where are personable guide encouraged us to walk bent over and at an angle to the Imu birds creating a “strange” appearance to attract these curious 6’ tall creatures. They did seem to be interested in my “hunchback of Notre Dame” gait, approaching me with cautious attention only to lose interest when they realized I was just another tourist. Uluru proved a strange and ever-changing colorful image sitting in a landscape speckled with green and gold brush, “oak” trees unlike any I’ve ever seen and stray herds of runaway camels, descendents of original camels brought by an Afghan nearly a hundred years ago. Flying from the Bush Country to The Rain Forest found us among exotic creatures and plants with rain falling every few minutes as the humidity repeatedly reached 100%. We found crocodiles in Daintree River eyeing us with wary but hungry interest. Manager’s Mentions At the last Board meeting of the Homes at Fallsgrove Owners Association (EYA) on May 21, 2007, the Board decided to issue photocell light adaptors to all residents in their respective association. The adaptors will be free of charge. The benefits of these adaptors will be to turn on and off the back alley lights depending on daylight or lack thereof. The lights can be screwed into the light fixtures and will require little to no maintenance. The photocell adaptors should be available by the end of July at the absolute latest. It will be up to the individual homeowners to install the adaptors. Per Section 3 (a) of the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions of the Homes at Fallsgrove Owners Association, “If any lights are attached to the exterior of a Living Unit (or on or under a deck of a Living Unit) which the Declarant has designed to provide lighting for the Lots or courtesy of Arthur Goldberg From The Rain Country to Brisbane and the lovely Glass House Mountains then down the coast to Sydney and excitement of this beautiful city. The trip provided us a glimpse of a country with over 22,000 kilometers of coastline, majestic land and seascapes, excellent restaurants, friendly people who speak English, and the desire to return and explore more. – Arthur Goldberg the Common Areas (including the private streets, walkways or alleyways, or both), the Owners of the Living Units to which such lights are attached shall maintain such lights in operation order with photocell lights. No Owner shall disconnect or otherwise impair the use of such lights.” Every homeowner will have up to 15 days to have these lights active from the time of receipt. This will insure that we have much safer alleys and areas that back up to reforestation areas. Also, please be aware of parking rules in alleys. Signs are posted at entrances of all alleys stating what is acceptable and what is not. Cars in violation will be towed after warning. As always, please contact the Management office with any questions. – Matt Fleming Armstrong Management Services, Inc. July 2007 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • PAGE 23 Trip to Israel—May 2007 Sharyn and Art had a fascinating and stimulating trip to Israel. Highlights included a day in Petra, the ancient city in Jordan; a weekend visiting family and friends; the experiential Palmach Museum; and a week of lectures, discussions, and educational field trips on an Honest Reporting Mission [exposing bias, promoting balance, effecting change]. Our first stop was the resort city of Eilat where we spent the first day relaxing and taking a boat ride on the Red Sea. Next we crossed the border to Jordan for a full day tour of Petra - a 2600 year old city founded by the Nabateans and a candidate for the seven new wonders of the world. This spectacular city was built into red rock cliffs accessible only through narrow mountain passages. As we walked down the main path on ancient cobblestones, we saw the famous, magnificent threestory Treasury Building. We were also amazed at the size and extent of the rest of the city. There was a coliseum and many other interesting structures carved into the mountains. The Sabbath was spent with relatives in Jerusalem. On Saturday afternoon they invited some very interesting guests for lunch. Among them was the internationally acclaimed author and speaker Rabbi Berel Wein. The conversation was stimulating and included small world connections and talk about Art’s work on the NASA Hubble Space Telescope and the space program. Rabbi Wein included Hubble and the moon voyages in his afternoon lecture to a large crowd at the synagogue. On Sunday we traveled to Tel Aviv for a nice visit with Israeli friends and dinner at a restaurant on the Mediterranean Sea. Monday morning we toured the innovative Palmach Museum near Tel Aviv University. The museum is experiential conveying the Palmach (elite striking force) legacy from 1941 to 1949 through stories of individuals and groups. That afternoon we went to Petach Tikva to visit other relatives. Petach Tikva is an old city settled several hundred years ago with amazing new industrial and residential growth. We had dinner at a delightful restaurant in a new office complex with large buildings housing Intel, Oracle, Kodak and Glaxo. Our last week was spent in Jerusalem at the beautiful David Citadel Hotel on an outstanding Honest Reporting Mission. The speakers included Natan Sharansky (former Minister), Mark Regev (Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Danny Seaman (Director of Government Press Office), Khalen Abu Toameh (award winning Israeli/Palestinian Arab Journalist living in Jerusalem), a panel of journalists representing AP, CBS radio, Rheinish Post, and other speakers ranging from the far left to the far right all chosen for their eloquence and ability to communicate and inform. We took several field trips to strategic locations such as Maale Adumim and Gush Etzion on the green line near Jerusalem and a fascinating full day excursion to the Lebanese border with a military analyst. We bought cakes at a bakery and delivered them before the Sabbath to army soldiers at their bases. courtesy of Sharyn Fuchs Mission participants came from the USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, Norway, Ireland and England. Meals were in interesting places like the Carmel and Gush Etzion wineries, and Genesis Land—recreating dinner in Abraham’s tent in the Judean desert. Camel rides were available. This was our ninth trip to Israel together and each trip was a different experience. We returned home enlightened, exhilarated and looking forward to our next vacation. – Sharyn Fuchs Recipe of the Month Gaspacho 1 46 oz can tomato juice 5 bouillion cubes 3 tomatoes chopped 1 cucumber unpaired chopped 1 green pepper chopped 1 bunch scallions chopped 8 tbsp red wine vinegar 4 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce ½ tsp hot pepper sauce 1 large clove garlic crushed Heat tomato juice and bouillion cubes until dissolved. Stir in ingredients. Chill 12 hours. Serve with seasoned croutons. – Sharyn Fuchs PAGE 24 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • July 2007 It’s For Your Health It’s For Your Health provides valuable health information resources from U.S. federal agencies and other components to help you make informed healthcare decisions. Always seek medical advice from your doctor to be sure. This issue is devoted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is now in its 101st year. The FDA is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected consumer protection agencies. It regulates products totaling over $1 trillion dollars a year, accounting for about 25 cents of every consumer dollar spent. When you divide FDA’s budget by the number of people the agency protects, it costs just over a penny a day per person. FDA is responsible for everything from the most common food ingredients to complex medical and surgical devices, life-saving drugs, and radiation-emitting consumer and medical products (such as microwave ovens and x-ray machines). FDA Debuts New Consumer Health Webpage and E-Newsletter Keeping up with the latest consumer health information from the FDA just got easier. In early May, the FDA announced two new initiatives to enhance its online consumer health information. A webpage, “Consumer Health Information for You and Your Family,” (www.fda.gov/consumer) provides comprehensive and timely consumer information. A free monthly e-newsletter, “FDA Consumer Health Information” (www.fda.gov/consumernews. html), will alert consumers to new content contained on the Webpage. The new consumer Webpage will present important public health developments clearly and accurately in easy to read language. A current article describes FDA’s ongoing investigation of the recent recall of more than 100 brands of pet food due to potential contamination. Also, for example, you will find information about the benefits and risks of pain relievers, facts about generic drugs, and what FDA is doing to keep produce safe. The Webpage also provides consumers with health information you can use everyday such as how to lose and manage your weight. Lastly, the Webpage also provides links to useful information about the various products that it regulates. The Webpage also links to health information available from other U.S. government sources and provides essential health information in Spanish. The e-newsletter replaces the agency’s 40 year old FDA Consumer magazine and is expected to reach far more people via the Internet. Subscribers will receive notice of product approvals, safety warnings, and other health news. FDA invites feedback on their new webpage and the enewsletter. Comments and questions may be sent via email to fdaconsumerlist@oc.fda.gov or mailed to FDA Consumer Health Information, Food and Drug Administration, HFI-40, Room 15-A29, Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857. Women’s Health FDA’s Office of Women’s Health has a wide-array of health information for women of all ages. Its Webpage includes important topics such as birth control, pregnancy, mammography, heart health, diabetes, menopause and osteoporosis. http://www.fda. gov/womens/default.htm Outdoor Eating Food Safety Tips What better way to enjoy the summer than cooking and eating outdoors! The FDA has updated its food safety tips to protect one from foodborne illnesses. Always practice safe food handling techniques when eating outdoors. Keep the listed tips in mind when preparing, storing, and cooking food for picnics and barbecues. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fssumme2.html FDA’s New Breast Pumps’ Website For soon-to-be moms and mothers currently breast-feeding their babies, FDA’s new website provides general information about breast pumps you will want to learn more about. The information contained in this Website includes choosing, using and cleaning breast pumps, storing and thawing breast milk, and infection and injury. Also included are selected resources about breast pumps and breastfeeding. http://www.fda.gov/ cdrh/breastpumps FDA & YOU – A Health E-newsletter for Teens, Their Parents and Health Educators The spring 2007 issue of FDA & YOU was published on the Web in late May and is available at www.fda.gov/cdrh/fdaandyou. A pdf is also available on the website for anyone who wishes to print copies. A few of the topics in this issue include: • Summer Safety • Artificial Sweeteners • Purchasing Pet Drugs Online • Viruses and Bacteria • Abuse of Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medicines Hurricane Season Begins Because we live in the Mid-Atlantic States, we will rarely be affected by a hurricane. But some of us may have family members and/or friends who either live in Florida, the states south of us or in the Gulf region. The FDA has a special website with resources for your loved ones on how to keep food, medical products and pets safe during an emergency. http://www.fda. gov/consumer/updates/hurricane052307.html DISCLAIMER The author is not representing the Food and Drug Administration or any other U.S. federal agency. The items selected are her own personal choices. – Harriet Albersheim, M.L.S. July 2007 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • PAGE 25 Rockville in History—July 4th Remembrance In 1864, Rockville—the County Seat for Montgomery County— was strategically located in the slaveholding, border state of Maryland between Washington, DC and the West. In July of that year, Jubal Early and his army of Confederate States cavalry boldly passed through Rockville on a mission to attack the perimeter defenses of the Nation’s Capital. On July 10th, the lead element of Early’s army pushed through Rockville, forcing the Union cavalry to withdraw. After taking the town, the force camped for the night and awaited the next day’s arrival of the main body of the army and General Early. Once united, the rebel army moved to the outskirts of Washington City. The intention of striking fear into the population of their enemy’s capital was not lost on the Union’s defenders. The reinforced defenses of the City held Early’s troops at bay and forced them to retreat to Rockville on July 13th. Here, as the Confederate force withdrew from Rockville, two regiments of Union cavalry charged down Commerce Lane (now Montgomery Avenue) and struck the retreating cavalry along the western edge of the town. The engagement found men in blue and grey fighting and dying in the middle of what is now our home. As our nation salutes the anniversary of its birth this month while engaging in another war (this one on the other side of the world), let us remember that less than 150 years ago, we fought among ourselves in the deadliest war in the history of our country. Yes, we can lament the polarization of our body politic with Red and Blue states and disparage each other with labels of Conservative and Liberal, but let us recognize how fortunate we are. There was a time when our disagreements led to horrendous bloodshed on a scale never duplicated since. Rockville, Maryland was a sleepy, little town that hot, July day when a rebel army rode through, camped on the grounds of the Courthouse and prepared to attack our Nation’s Capital. The carnage visited upon our forefathers, the sacrifice made by so many people in the hope of creating a better country must never be forgotten. – Arthur Goldberg Is Your Street Light Out? If you’ve been living in the dark, notify the City by calling 240-314-8500. Keep Fallsgrove bright at night. Get Published! Please send us your articles, essays and/or pictures you would like to share with your neighbors. You can write about anything you find interesting: a trip you took, a hobby you have, an interesting story you heard. Contact Sid Verner today at sidvern@verizon.net for more information. The deadline for the next issue is July 25. Board Meetings for 2007 Fallsgrove Property Owners Assoc. (3rd Thursday of the month) July 19 • August 23 • September 20 Oct. 18 • November 15 • December 20 Homes at Fallsgrove (mostly the first Monday every other month) September 10 • November 5 Fallsgrove Recreation Assoc. (quarterly) September 6 (Annual + BOD) • December 3 Fallsgrove Condominium Assoc. Fallsgrove Homeowners Assoc. (quarterly) August 15 • November 14 (Annual + BOD) Condominium Residences I (4th Thursday of alternate months, 7:30 p.m.) July 26 • September 27 November 29 (Annual Meeting, 7:00pm) Condominium Residences II (3rd Wednesday of alternate months, 7:00 p.m.) July 18 • September 19 • November 21 (4th Tuesday every month, except December) Condominium Residences III & IV July 24 • August 28 • September 25 • October 23 November 27 • December 18 (Annual + BOD) Meeting time & dates available to unit owners only PAGE 26 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • July 2007 Word Find July 2007 INSIDE FALLSGROVE 400 Casey Lane • Rockville MD 20850 (240) 453-0150 Copy Editor Sharyn Fuchs Arthur Goldberg Steve Nesbit Editor Sid Verner Designer/Production Deb Dulin Staff Writers Harriet Albersheim Aubrey Bursch Sharyn Fuchs Arthur Goldberg Steven Nesbit Don Lipman Staff Artist Arthur Goldberg Inside Fallsgrove is an independent bimonthly newspaper providing news and information for the community of Fallsgrove in Rockville, Maryland. Inside Fallsgrove is published by the Proper ty Owners Association. It is not to be mistaken for materials published by individual constituent Home Owner’s Assocatiations. The POA is responsible for the form, content and policies of the newspaper. Inside Fallsgrove does not espouse any political belief or endorse any product or service. Articles submitted for publication may be edited for length or content. Inside Fallsgrove is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers. • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • PAGE 27 Advertisement Information Inside Fallsgrove is published every other month. The next issue of Inside Fallsgrove is the September issue. It will come out in mid-August, and the deadline for advertisement submission is July 25, 2007. We reserve the right to refuse ads and to change our minimum ad allowance. Payment must accompany ads. We do not bill for advertisements, and our advertising is non-commissionable. Payable to: Fallsgrove Property Owners Association, Inc. Send to: Fallsgrove Property Owners Association, Inc Attention: Matt Fleming 400 Casey Lane Rockville, Maryland 20850 (Payment must accompany ads at time of submission) Ads must be sent as digital files in one of the following formats: TIFF – 300 dpi JPEG – 300 dpi EPS files Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop Adobe PDF Digital files should be sent to Deb Dulin via email at deb.dulin@gmail. com (but won’t be processed until we receive your check). Payment shall be mailed to Matt Fleming’s attention at the above mailing address. Prices for advertising space in the Fallsgrove newsletter are: Business cards size Quarter page size Half page size Full page size Full page, back cover Classified Announcements (3 ½” x 2”) (3 ¾” x 5”) (8 ½” x 5”) (8 ½” x 11”) (8 ½” x 11”) $30.00 $100.00 $200.00 $400.00 $1500.00 FREE FREE Purchasing ad space for a full year (6 issues) – 10% discount. For more information, call Deb Dulin at 410-530-2722 or deb.dulin@gmail.com IMPORTANT LOCAL NUMBERS City of Rockville . . . . . . . 240-314-5000 Public Works (water, sewer, st.) . . . . . . 240-314-8567 Waste Transfer. Station. . 301-840-2370 Rockville Police • Emergency . . . . . . . . . . 301-340-7300 • Non-Emergency . . . . . . 240-314-8900 Rockville Recreation • Information . . . . . . . . . . 240-314-5023 • Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240-314-5055 • Special Events . . . . . . . 240-314-5022 PEPCO Outages . . . . . . . 877-737-2662 COMCAST . . . . . . . . . . . . 301-424-4400 Mont. Co. Public Schools . 301-279-3673 Verizon Repair . . . . . . . . . 800-275-2355 Fallsgrove Club House . . . 240-453-0150 Recycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240-777-6410 Fixing Street Lights . . . . . 240-314-8500 Motor Vehicle Admin. . . . 800-950-1682 MD Poison Center . . . . . . 800-222-1222 PAGE 28 • INSIDE FALLSGROVE • July 2007