Willow Ridge News

November 2011
Willow Ridge News
Hot Topics:
• Halloween Parade!
Ghosts, goblins, and
everyone else come out
Sunday, Oct 30, 4 PM on
Daven Pine
• Smokey Glen Christmas
Celebration: Dec 3-4, 10
AM-3:30 PM
• Pay $30 WRCA dues if you
haven’t already!
• Save money with
YourServiceList.org
• Happy Holidays!
• DRIVE CAREFULLY!
• Lock your car doors! Turn
on your front porch
lights!
LEAVES LEAVES LEAVES
We are up to our ears in
falling leaves! Just a
reminder to compost or
bag leaves for pick up by
the county recycling
truck. Willow Ridge does
not have leaf vacuuming.
DO NOT rake leaves into
piles in the street. See
below for more info from
the county:
montgomerycountymd.
gov/yardtrim
Newsletter Contributors
Needed!
Write an article. Write a
column. Contribute
anything, any time to this
newsletter. Contact Katie
at
javabean@comcast.net
Willow Ridge Civic Association (WRCA)
Willow Ridge Covenants
Hello neighbors, I have been president
of WRCA for nearly a decade now! You
may have noticed that newsletters and
messages from me have not been quite
as frequent. I recently returned to
graduate school, and my time is
limited.
If anyone would like to serve on the
WRCA, I’d be happy to show you the
ropes and turn it over to someone with
more time for it. If not, I will stick with
it, but please realize that I don’t have
much time. I apologize for not
returning phone calls. It helps me a lot
if people email me rather than call me
with questions. I can email you back at
midnight, but I wouldn’t call you then!
It helps me even more if you put your
questions out on the Willow Ridge
Yahoo group where other neighbors can
answer them. I really encourage
everyone to get on the Yahoo group
and use it. It’s a great way for
neighbors to communicate and once
you are signed up, you can forward
messages to your regular email address.
We also have cut back a bit on social
events in the community this past year,
partly due to lack of time to organize
and partly due to tighter finances.
WRCA pays for social events from
money generated through ads in this
newsletter. We are getting a lot fewer
ads than in past years, so less money
for parties. If anyone knows of
potential advertisers, please contact
me at javabean@comcast.net and let
me know. This could be plumbers,
landscapers, anyone who does work in
your home, small businesses, kids who
want to make money tutoring, etc.
The ads range from $5-$20 per issue,
so it’s a bargain, but the money goes
a long way for parties in the
community.
Thanks to all the great neighbors who
help out so much. Willow Ridge is a
fantastic neighborhood and I have
been very happy to help with the civic
association for so long. If anyone is
interested in serving on the WRCA,
please get in touch.
Smokey Glen Christmas Celebration!
Jim Sweet at Smokey Glen Farm
extends a warm welcome to everyone
in the Willow Ridge community. You
are invited to Smokey Glen for the
annual Christmas Tree Party on
Saturday and Sunday, December 3rd
and 4th from 10 AM until 3:30 PM.
Bring your family, a saw, enjoy a
hayride and select a fresh Christmas
tree.
All trees will be the same price:
$55.95 + state sales tax. The event
includes complimentary hayrides,
food and refreshments. Greens,
wreaths, crafts and accessories will
be available for purchase along with
charcoal baked breads, pies and a
selection of McCutcheon's delicious
jams, preserves dressings and salsas.
Go to www.smokeyglenfarm.com click
on “Smokey Glen Farm Annual
Christmas Tree Party,” fill out the
form (under group affiliation put
Willow Ridge), and print out the flier.
This event is not open to the public,
so you must bring the flier to get in!
Page 2
Willow Ridge News
Summer Fun in the Sun
Halloween Parade
Come out for a spooky time!
All the neighborhood ghosts
and goblins are invited to
show off their great costumes
at the annual Willow Ridge
Halloween Parade on
Sunday, October 30 at 4 PM
in Daven Pine Court. After
the parade, linger for a while
for tricks and treats!
Call Carol Scott at 301-9477538 if you can help.
We’ve enjoyed another great year
of fun with Willow Ridge social
events this summer! We’d love to
see you at the next event (the
Halloween Parade next Sunday)!
Memorial Day Social
Willow Ridge kicked off the
summer right with a Memorial Day
Social. We had nice weather and
a great turn out! We enjoyed
catching up with retired mailman
Jay Windsor who stopped by to
visit. There are so many great
Willow Ridge neighbors, and we
love to see everyone come out to
events. Thanks very much to
Carol Scott for organizing and
everyone who helped out!
Community Yard Sale
Willow Ridge Dues
Our goal is 100 percent
participation!
As of Oct 15, over 73
percent of your Willow Ridge
neighbors have paid dues in
2011 to the WRCA. THANK
YOU! Reminders were
distributed recently to
residents who have not yet
paid. If you have not already,
please write a check payable
to WRCA for $30 and return it
to Amy D’Elia, 12625
Carrington Hill. Your dues
keep the community
entrance looking spiffy. We
need everyone to participate
to keep the dues so low.
Thank you!
The Willow Ridge Community
Yard Sale in June had good
weather and about a dozen
families participating. Traffic was
steady thanks to the signs
directing buyers to the sale.
Thanks to Amy D’Elia and Julie
Lauricella for organizing and
making directional signs.
July 4th Fun
The 9th Annual Willow Ridge 4th
of July Parade was once again a
great success. There was a good
turnout of residents, family and
friends. It was a great opportunity
to meet with our neighbors, old
and new. A special thanks to
everyone that helped make this a
very fun holiday event, especially
Pete and Scott Korenko for
distributing the flags throughout
the neighborhood and Christine
Sweeney and Debbie Peyser for
organizing the parade.
Willow Ridge neighborhood social
events are fun and for all
neighbors, of all ages! If you have
an idea for a new event, or would
like to help organize events,
please contact Katie at
javabean@comcast.net. We pay
for social events with ads in this
newsletter… if you know of a
potential advertiser, please let
me know!
Book Donations Needed
From Stephanie Kreps: Are you in
a book group, need more space,
downsizing? Got some children’s
books laying around that your kids
have outgrown? My church is
having a big book sale on Nov
12. If anyone has books to
donate, please contact Stephanie
Kreps, 301-977-8564 or
skreps1772@aol.com. Textbooks,
magazines, encyclopedias and
water-damaged books will not be
accepted. We take gently-used
bicycles, too.
Architectural Requests
No architectural requests were approved since the
last newsletter.
Before making changes to the exterior of your
home, please submit an architectural request form
for committee review.
Forms are available online at:
www.willowridge.org/architectural.pdf
Willow Ridge News
Page 3
Wonderful Willow Ridge Kids!
Carrington Hill resident Kathryn Brower reports that son Greg, a freshman
at University of Maryland-Towson, made Eagle Scout. Congratulations,Greg!
From Carrington Hill resident Melissa Kakalec: Meghan graduated Magna
Cum Laude from VA Tech (go Hokies!) this past May, getting her degree in
Sociology, specializing in Criminal Deviance. She starts graduate school,
studying Criminal Justice, at the end of this month at the Univ. of MD. Pam
is heading to Swansea, Wales to study nursing (she is a student at UMBC) for
a semester, leaving in late September. Catherine just entered her 2nd year
at the University of South Carolina and is a student at the Darla Moore
School of Business and a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Laura
recently accepted the position of Assistant Varsity swim coach at the Bullis
School, and will be the head coach of their Middle School swim team. Erin
is a junior at the Academy of the Holy Cross high school in Kensington and is
the varsity goal keeper on their soccer team, and also plays goal keeper for
the Div. 1 Bethesda Storm soccer team.
From Carrington Hill resident Mindy McCartin: Our big news is that Mandy
married Wes Fry on August 7th. They are living in Denver where Mandy is
pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy at Regis University and Wes is at the
University of Denver earning both a Law Degree and a Masters in
International Studies. They are also enjoying Colorado’s healthy lifestyle.
Miscellany
Dogs Barking
Dogs are great, but please think of
your neighbors who may be sleeping
at times when your dogs are
barking. Everyone understands that
dogs bark here and there, but please
don’t let your dog bark for an
extended time outside, especially
after dark or early in the morning.
Your neighbors thank you!
Willow Ridge – Get Connected!
There are so many ways to connect
with your Willow Ridge neighbors!
• Willow Ridge Yahoo Group –
Neighbor to Neighbor! Join at:
groups.yahoo.com/group/willow
_ridge_neighbors/join
• WRCA Email List – News and
community info. To join, email
javabean@comcast.net
• www.willowridge.org – Take a
look! One stop shopping for
community info and resources.
Street Lights, Curbs, Potholes, etc.
Anyone can make “housekeeping”
calls. The county has a one-stop call
center at 311 for issues with
potholes, sidewalks, road
resurfacing and paving, tree
maintenance, mowing, storm
drainage, snow removal, traffic
signals and signs, streetlights, street
name signs, traffic calming
measures, parking policies, etc. For
issues (such as dead deer) on Rte 28,
call SHA at 301-513-7300.
Free Stuff for Helpers
Your child can earn free stuff by
helping WRCA distribute
newsletters. We give Dunkin Donuts
coupons or cash! Contact Katie if
your child is interested.
Comments/Concerns/Suggestions
WRCA welcomes comments and
suggestions and invites all residents
to get involved. Email javabean@
comcast.net or leave comments in
the tube attached to Katie’s mailbox
at 12515 Carrington Hill.
Way to Go!
Know of any Willow Ridge
residents in the news or
deserving some
congratulations? Please be
sure to share your kids’
news with your neighbors.
Everyone loves to read the
updates.
Contact Katie at
javabean@comcast.net
Welcome New Residents
A warm welcome to the
newcomers! Welcome to
Willow Ridge. We hope you
enjoy living here.
Chris and Emily Bosco
and kids Collin (5),
Anna (3) & Brooke (3)
16004 Shady Stone
Steve Eau Claire and
Anna Mae Hu and kids
Jonathan (20) and
Julia (16)
12511 Carrington Hill
Welcome New Baby
Welcome to the little
one!
Wayne & Courtney
DeHaven 12519
Carrington Hill welcomed
baby Weston on July 6.
He weighed 8 lbs, 4 oz.
Congrats to the
DeHavens, including big
sibs Eve, Nolan &
Brenna.
Page 4
Willow Ridge News
Entrance News
WRCA
www.willowridge.org
President
Katie Rapp
12515 Carrington Hill Dr.
301-330-9370
Jose Lawn Service, Inc finished up the season by pulling enormous weeds
from the beds and pruning the shrubs at the front entrance. Many thanks to
Amy D'Elia for working closely with the landscaper. As always, your dues pay
for these landscape services. The great-looking entrance benefits the whole
community.
Thank You for Paying Your WRCA Dues!
Vice President
Christine Sweeney
16001 Daven Pine Ct.
301-216-0713
Treasurer
Amy D’Elia
12625 Carrington Hill Dr.
301-977-4309
Secretary
Haleh Sepasi
12501 Fostoria Way
240-631-2151
Happy Halloween and
Happy Fall!
Update on Jay
Windsor
Just an update from
former mailman Jay
Windsor. He is hanging
in there, trying a new
cancer treatment and
feeling a little better
recently. He enjoys
hearing from people.
jwindsor@verizon.net or
by mail:
Jay Windsor
8921 Gloria Ave.
Middletown, MD 21769
New Discount Service Just for Willow Ridge!
I was contacted by a Georgetown grad student/entrepreneur who started
up a website that offers Groupon-type discounts for home
repair/maintenance services (see here for info about the student project
team: https://yourservicelist.org/page/team
This is a free and voluntary service that you can sign up for if you are
interested. If enough Willow Ridge residents sign up, they contact
companies from our recommended services list and try to get them to
offer deals *just to Willow Ridge* residents. The idea is that if the
company is in the neighborhood, it saves them time and money to do a
bunch of jobs at the same time. The companies pass the saving on to us.
This is how to sign up:
“All of the service provider recommendations from the community website
can now be found at www.YourServiceList.org
www.YourServiceList.org allows you to review and recommend service
providers and it organizes group contracts with these service providers
recommended by your neighbors.
It's free, it's voluntary and it just sends you one email per week with
information about which companies will be in the neighborhood and what
discounts they are offering neighbors (you can unsubscribe from emails at
any time and still access the website).
To sign up go to www.YourServiceList.org and enter willow ridge into the
neighborhood form.
If you have any questions call 301-836-1306.”
Note that this website is quite new and there are probably some
bugs/glitches to work out, so contact them with any questions or if you
see links that don’t work correctly: Dominick Fuccillo at
daf54@mail.msb.edu. (Please do not contact Katie!)
Safety Tips for Runners and Walkers
For info about the WRCA contact:
Katie Rapp
12515 Carrington Hill Dr
Please call before stopping by,
or drop paperwork off in the
tube marked “WRCA” attached
to my mailbox. Thanks!
Help Make Willow
Ridge a Great Place
to Live
Happy
Holidays!
Newsletter Editor:
Katie Rapp
The WRCA thanks
Germantown Copy
Center for discounted
photocopying services.
Before you leave:
• Plan your outing. Always tell someone where you are going and when you will
return. Tell friends and family of your favorite exercise routes.
• Carry a driver's license and if you don't have a place to carry your ID then write
your name, phone number and blood type on the inside of your athletic shoe.
Include any medical information.
• Don't wear jewelry or carry cash.
• Wear reflective clothing.
On the Road:
• Tell a family member or friend where you are going and the time you expect to
be back.
• Run or walk with a partner and/or a dog.
• Consider carrying a cell phone.
• Exercise in familiar areas.
• Avoid unpopulated areas, deserted streets, and overgrown trails.
• Ignore verbal harassment. Use discretion acknowledging strangers. Look directly
at others and be observant, but keep your distance and keep moving.
• Trust your intuition about a person or area and react based on that intuition and
avoid areas you feel unsure about.
• Be careful if anyone in a car asks you for directions. If you choose to answer,
keep at least a full's arms length away from the car.
• If you think you are being followed, change direction and head for an open store
or a group of people.
• Call the police immediately is something happens.
Running and Walking in the Evening or Early Morning:
• Make sure people can see you. Think about where you are going and how well
lighted it may or may not be. Going out at dusk or at night is dangerous without
some type of reflective device on your clothing. Many athletic shoes have
reflective qualities built in but also consider a vest with reflective tape.
• Watch the road. Wet or even icy spots can be hard to spot until it's too late.
• Keep ALERT!! Dusk and dawn offer convenient shadows for muggers and crooks.
The Marching Cougars
From Carrington Hill resident Deb Sze: The Marching Cougars of
Quince Orchard High School, led by drum major Rachel Sze,
competed in the Maryland High School Band Competition at Towson
State University on Saturday, October 15, 2011. Under the stadium
lights in front of a large, enthusiastic crowd that included Quince
Orchard High School Principal, Mrs. Carol Working, the band
performed their show “Heroes Fallen, Not Forgotten,” a salute to
those in the military who have given their lives in service to their
country, and to those who got caught up in the midst of tragedy due
to the actions of others, such as assassinated presidents and civil
rights legends.
The Cougars placed second overall in the Group IV Open category,
with the award for Best Music. The band was also awarded the
Espirit de Corps Award, presented by The United States Marine
Corps, for the band that best represented the spirit that embodies
the Marine Corps.
Marching Cougar drum major Rachel Sze
Advertisements
Acceptance of an ad in no way constitutes an endorsement by the Willow Ridge Civic Association.
Gaithersburg’s Largest Gift Store!
artisans
UNIQUE GIFTS
Shop any hour of the day online at
shopartisans.com
12147 Darnestown Rd.
301-990-3219
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Open 7 days a week
Your Ad Here!
Advertising Rates:
Business card: $5/issue
Half-page:
$10/issue
Full-page:
$20/issue
Website ads on
www.willowridge.org
$5/quarterly (3 months)
Contact: Katie Rapp
Phone: 301-330-9370
Email: javabean@comcast.net
Buffy Foster
Your Neighborhood Realtor
Long & Foster Realtors, 189 Kentlands Blvd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878 ♦ 301-975-9500
The Real Estate Market
Is Heating Up!
Don’t miss your opportunity!
Prices are still low
Mortgage rates are at all time
lows
• Plenty of inventory still available
•
•
.
Spring Cleaning Tips to get your home ready!
Donate your Unwanted Items: We all have too much stuff and
now is the time to donate your excess to the less fortunate.
Organize: Keep items you use daily in places that are easy to access.
Items used weekly belong in a closet, garage or other out of the way
places.
Donate/Recycle Pile: Items you have not used for at least six
months or a year. If you haven’t used them in a year, chances are
you may never miss them. Make the decision to give unused and
unwanted items to charity, so that someone else can use them.
Buffy Foster
Associate Broker, CRS
Direct: 301-461-0535
Buffy@LNF.com
Serving Maryland & Virginia