January 2015
Transcription
January 2015
JANUARY 2015 n www.KentlandsUSA.com Kentlands Walk & Talk By Ty Hardaway, Vice-Chair, KCA Board of Trustees About once a week I go on what I’ve taken to calling a Walk & Talk with Kentlands Citizens Assembly President, Barney Gorin. Our walks typically last from one to two hours and these adventures allow us to get some exercise and fresh air. I’ve lived in Kentlands for over 13 years and I am surprised that each week I see and learn something new. Ty Hardaway and Barney Gorin Walk & Talk We select a route through different areas in and around Kentlands and discuss a variety of subjects. Most of the topics we cover are about how we sustain and improve our community, but some tangents veer into current events, sports, and even philosophy. We are also able to take a first-hand look at specific areas that are related to KCA business and talk directly with members of our community. Save Your Receipts for Possible Tax Benefits When You Sell Your Home Some of us have had to face a roof replacement in the past few years, some of us may be considering the possibility sooner than later, and for some of us, a roof replacement will be in the future. If it’s Kentlands, it should be a cedar shake roof, as a general rule. Kentlands Clubhouse 485 Tschiffely Square Rd. Gaithersburg, MD 20878 Over the last couple of months we have walked through each of the neighborhoods, in many of the mews, along the business district, and into wetlands. Even if Walk & Talks ease up over the deepest of winter months, the good news is spring is just around the corner. We still have plenty of areas to walk and re-walk. We’d love to have you join us or just say hi if you see us. “For the convenience of Kentlands residents, the KCA does not require a Visual Change Application when replacing a cedar shake roof with another of the same material and design,” advises Arthur Gailes, assistant community manager. “I would, however, recommend informing your neighbors so that they are aware.” Though outside appearance is a core value at Kentlands, Gailes added, “It’s only when changing the material of The fourth bucket and bag of litter from recent Walk & Talk Inside... CONTINUED ON PAGE 9… By Karen Norris Thinking About Replacing that Cedar Shake Roof? Permit #5139 Gaithersburg MD PRSRT-STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Roofs and Taxes We also pick up trash. Lots of trash. Rather than complain about litter, our walking litter collection, or as our neighbor and Green Gaithersburg founder Alex Stavitsky-Zeineddin educated us, GreenWalking, becomes a way for us to do something about what is too easily ignored. Aided by trash grabbers and carrying recycled bags, we’ve picked up everything from fast food packaging to wood screws and nails in the streets. You name it, big and small, we’ve probably picked it up. Gathering cigarette butts could be a full-time job. the roof—slate, copper, or a synthetic material, for example—which a resident has to submit an application to the Kentlands Historical Trust.” The harder news is that cedar shake roofs are more expensive than the more common asphalt or synthetic roofing material, and there is a lot to learn. What To Investigate One decision point is the thickness of the shake. The most commonly used sizes in this area are half-inch, three-quartersinch, and one-inch thicknesses. The thicker the shake, the longer the roof should last. A half-inch shake may provide a usable life up to 30 years, while just a quarter inch more for the three-quarters shake could extend useable life up to 50 years. The thicker the shake, however, the more expensive the material cost will be. The labor should be the same. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3… Kentlands and Volunteerism....................3 Kentlands Events. ...................................4 City News...............................................5 From The President..................................6 Manager’s Corner. .................................6 RSV Pools..............................................6 From The Treasurer.................................7 From The Chairman.................................7 Attention Condo Owners.......................8 Kentlands Historical Trust......................9 Skating on the Lakes is Prohibited!............9 Foundation Update...............................10 2014 Kentlands/Lakelands Tennis League Round-up.....................11 Paragon Entertainment Holdings Acquires Kentlands Stadium 10...........12 Standing Committees.............................12 Arts on the Green.................................13 School Scoop.......................................16 Kentlands Kitchen.................................17 BOCC Monthly....................................18 At Your Service.....................................21 Kentlands Classifieds.............................21 Kentlands Real Estate Listings................21 JANUARY 2015 n www.kentlandsusa.com 2 Kentlands Town Crier Kentlands and Volunteerism CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1… Roofs and Taxes What goes on underneath the cedar shake is also important. There are different kinds of synthetic felts that help prevent water and ice from penetrating to the plywood sub-roof materials. How far apart the layers of felt are laid can also make a difference. By Barney Gorin Another decision point is something called a breather system. The breather system is an additional under-layer that is installed over the felt and right under the cedar shakes. It can look like a loosely-woven synthetic, flattened egg crate, almost like porous bubble wrap. The breather system separates the cedar shakes from the sub-roof, allowing air to circulate. This promotes drying after a rain and keeps the damp shakes off the plywood sub-roof and felt. Some roof installers believe the breather system is an unnecessary upgrade adding cost to the roof job, while others would not install a cedar shake roof without it. If in doubt, check with the manufacturer of the cedar shakes. Skipping a breather system may void the roof warranty, depending upon the mill. Volunteers are the people who make Kentlands work. We have 8 volunteer boards and committees that work mostly behind the scenes to do the heavy lifting of making our community what it is. Those committees are: Committee/ Board Members Expiring Terms Activities Committee 4 0 Board of Code Compliance 6 4 Budget & Finance Advisory Committee 4 1 Election Committee (min 3 max 5) 4 3 Environmental Management/Arts & Ornamentation (Landscape/Hardscape) Committee 8 8 Kentlands Historical Trust Committee 6 4 Welcoming Committee 5 4 Turf Management Working Group 7 0 A ridge vent at the crown of the roof is another decision. The ridge vent is a more recent aspect of roofing, allowing hot air to escape without the need for an attic fan, while allowing moisture and dampness to dissipate out of attics. It may be beneficial to investigate if a ridge vent makes sense for your home. Treated or Raw Cedar Most cedar shakes are pre-treated with chemicals, particularly for use in the midAtlantic region because of the humidity. The treated cedar shakes will last longer and will require less maintenance, and certainly there would be no future need to treat the roof. The chemicals used, however, may cause some concern to individuals who wish to “go green” or who may have some chemical sensitivities or allergies. The chemicals, referred to as CCA, indicate the presence of chromated copper arsenic, all regulated and at approved levels for use by the Environmental Protection Agency in pressure treated wood often used for decks, roofing materials, fireproofing materials and some concrete products. Twenty-four volunteer terms came to an end on December 31, 2014 and another term expires at the end of January 2015. While many of the folks currently serving have asked to continue their service to the community, others prefer not to be reappointed and vacancies are the result. Our governing documents dictate that the Kentlands Citizen Assembly President appoint committee and board members with the advice and consent of the KCA Board of Trustees. That appointment process is a very important one because volunteers are the people who make Kentlands work. Even if every incumbent asked to be reappointed, it would still be proper to inform our friends and neighbors of the opportunity to give to the community and to fill the vacancies with the best person who asks to serve. For those who do not wish to use cedar shakes treated with CCA, it is possible to use raw cedar shakes; however, the raw shakes have about half the useful life of treated shakes, are not recommended for the mid-Atlantic region, and would need some spray treatment at future intervals to protect the investment, still requiring some need for chemicals. Untreated cedar shakes are also prone to invasive insects while treated cedar shakes are not likely to have this problem. Again, if in doubt, check with the mill or manufacturer of the shakes. Please give some thought to giving some of your time to your Kentlands neighbors. Installer and Manufacturer Warranties Two events are now planned to offer every Kentlands resident an opportunity to meet the folks who are already giving of themselves and to learn more about the opportunities on the various boards and committees. They will take place at the Clubhouse on: Most roof installers will warranty their labor for five to ten years, varying with different contractors. The mill or manufacturer should also offer a warranty, generally five years for the materials; however, it is important to investigate their requirements such as treated or raw cedar, breather system or no breather system. Some mills require that packing labels from their roofing materials be submitted along with the warranty card, so ask the roofers to save those labels for you, if they are required. Saturday, January 31 at 7pm Friday, February 13 at 5:30pm. There are more reasons to attend than just learning about volunteer opportunities! We’ll have: What About That Tax Break? It may be worthwhile to consult an accountant, even if you are used to doing your own tax returns, to maximize the deductions that you may be eligible to claim. While general maintenance is not usually of interest to the Internal Revenue Service, certain home improvements like a roof replacement may provide some tax-free benefit. When you sell your home, you can use certain home improvement costs to increase your home’s “basis,” a dollar figure equal to the amount you paid for your home. • Free food (think pizza, maybe even CHICKEN WINGS if you’re lucky); • Free drink (think soda, beer, and wine); •Prizes (think goods, services, and gift cards from local businesses); and As years pass, your home value should increase. For example, if you purchased your home for $300,000 (your basis) and were able to sell the home for $650,000, you would make $350,000 on the sale. In the past, you could have earned up to $250,000 tax free from the sale of your home if it was your primary residence and you had lived there for at least two of the last five years before you sold it. In this case, you would be responsible for taxes on the $100,000 gain over the $250,000 tax-free threshold. If you had qualifying home improvement repairs, like a roof replacement, and you saved your receipts, you may be able to add the cost of those repairs to your basis. If the roof cost $25,000 and you were able to add that to the $300,000 basis, the taxable cost differential is lowered from $100,000 to $75,000 in this example. That’s a considerable savings. • Friendly people who want to get to know you. Please join us at the Clubhouse. Lastly, take a glance at page 12 to see a brief overview of what each of our wonderful committees do, and see how you can get involved! n Have a special talent or profession? If you owned the home jointly with a spouse, by the way, you could each claim the $250,000 exemption. While the Kentlands Town Crier cannot offer tax or accounting advice, we hope this information provides some insights so you can follow up, as appropriate, with your financial or tax advisors. n Get the word out in the Kentlands Town Crier! Contact Dana Macena at 301.948.2071 • [email protected]. Kentlands Town Crier 3 www.kentlandsusa.com n JANUARY 2015 K E N T TownCrier LANDS Kentlands Events January–February 2015 Volume 49 n Issue 12 EDITOR AND ADVERTISING MANAGER Dana Macena 301.948.2071 [email protected] KENTLANDS CITIZENS ASSEMBLY President Barney Gorin [email protected] All meetings will take place in the Clubhouse unless otherwise noted. KCA Committee Meetings February 4 Kentlands Historical Trust, 6:30–9pm February 12 Board of Code Compliance, 6:30–9pm February 17 Budget & Finance Advisory Committee, 7:30–9pm February 25 KCA Board of Trustees Meeting, 7–10pm BOARD OF TRUSTEES [email protected] Chair Chris Campbell Vice Chair Ty Hardaway Volunteer Open House, 7–9pm Treasurer Robert Randolph February 13 Happy Hour, 5:30–7:30pm Secretary Glen Palman February 21 Brunch & Crafts, 10:30am–12:30pm Staff Writers Karen Norris Staff Photographers Tom Marchessault Social/Interest Groups February 2 Spanish Group at the Carriage House, 2:30–4pm Community Chorus, 5–9pm February 3 Acoustic Jam, 6–9pm The Kentlands Town Crier is the primary regularlypublished means of communicating information of interest to Kentlands citizens. It is published by the Board of Trustees, which is responsible for the form, content, and policies of the newspaper. The newspaper addresses items of legitimate interest to the Kentlands Citizens Assembly. It does not espouse any political belief or endorse any product or service. February 4 Bridge Club at the Carriage House, 1–4pm February 5 Garden Club, 7:30–9pm February 6 Needle Arts, 9–12pm Girl Scouts 3051 at the Carriage House, 3:30–5pm Articles submitted for publication must be signed and may not be libelous. Letters may be published as space permits. Articles and letters may be edited for length and content. The deadline for submitting articles will be the last day of the month. Articles may be either dropped at the Clubhouse, faxed to 301.948.9730, or mailed to: February 8 EDITORIAL POLICY: February 9 485 Tschiffely Square Road Gaithersburg, MD 20878 REGARDING ADVERTISEMENTS IN THE NEWSPAPER: The Kentlands Board of Trustees of the Kentlands Citizens Assembly does not endorse the products or services advertised herein, ensure the correctness of advertisements contained herein, nor is it responsible for any claims made by the advertisers herein. The Kentlands Town Crier reserves the right to edit, reject, or cancel any advertisement at any time. The Kentlands Classifieds will not post any professional or commercial advertising. DESIGN AND LAYOUT © Copyright 2015, Kentlands Citizens Assembly. All Rights Reserved. JANUARY 2015 n www.kentlandsusa.com Needle Arts, 9–12pm Girls Scouts 3051 at the Carriage House, 3:30–5pm February 21 KidServe Event, 7–11pm February 22 Girl Scouts Troop 5908 at the Carriage House, 2:30–4pm Cub Scouts Pack 221 Bears at the Carriage House, 4–5pm February 23 Spanish Group at the Carriage House, 2:30–4pm Community Chorus, 5–9pm February 24 Boy Scouts Troop 1199 at the Carriage House, 3:30–4:30pm Acoustic Jam, 6–9pm February 25 Bridge Club at the Carriage House, 1–4pm Villages Meeting, 3–4:30pm February 27 Needle Arts, 9–12pm Important Dates Girl Scouts Troop 5908 at the Carriage House, 2:30–4pm Cub Scouts Pack 221 Bears at the Carriage House, 4–5pm February 5 City Bulk Trash Pick–up, 7am–2pm February 11 Town Architect’s Open Hours, 5–6pm *By Appointment Only.* February 16 Clubhouse Opens, 9am *Fitness center will open at 9am* February 19 Visual Change Applications Due, 9am–5pm Condo Meetings Community Chorus, 5–9pm February 10 Kingfish Meeting at the Carriage House, 7:30–9:30pm Copperfield Crossing I Condo Meeting at the Carriage House, 7–9pm February 17 Boy Scouts Troop 1199 at the Carriage House, 3:30–4:30pm Copperfield Crossing II Condo Meeting at the Carriage House, 7:30–9pm February 18 View Condo Meeting, 7–9pm February 19 Kentlands Ridge Meeting, 7:30–9pm February 26 Kentlands Condo Meeting, 7–9pm February 10 Kentlands Community Foundation Meeting, 7–9pm February 11 Bridge Club at the Carriage House, 1–4pm Villages Meeting, 3–4:30pm February 13 Needle Arts, 9–12pm February 16 Spanish Group at the Carriage House, 2:30–4pm Community Chorus, 5–9pm February 17 K25 Meeting, 7–9pm Anne-Marie Thomas AnyArt Studios LLC • AnyArtStudios.com February 20 Spanish Group at the Carriage House, 2:30–4pm Kentlands Town Crier c/o The Kentlands Clubhouse Bridge Club at the Carriage House, 1–4pm KCA Events January 31 Trustee Rob Garretson February 18 4 Kentlands Town Crier Gaithersburg Holiday Giving Program Serves Record Number of Families Gaithersburg’s Holiday Giving Program celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2014, and thanks to the generosity and strong partnership between the City of Gaithersburg and local businesses, congregations and community members, a record number of families—nearly 1,100 households and more than 2,000 children—were served. The Holiday Giving program relies solely on donations from the community and volunteers to help families in need who are referred by schools and social service organizations. In November, a partnership with Calvary Pentecostal and Victory Christian Churches, along with various other congregations, made a Thanksgiving Feast possible for more than 300 families. An additional 400 families were served during a distribution event at which groceries purchased through the S.H.A.R.E Food Network were handed out. Another 300 families were served through sponsorships. At the December distribution, families had the opportunity to choose toys and receive gift cards and “Family Fun” gift bags thanks to the generosity of Toys for Tots, Pinky and Pepe’s Grape Escape and the Kmart Kares program. A donation of 3,000 books from Discover Books allowed every family to take home two books per child. Donors to the Gaithersburg Holiday Giving program include: Grace United Methodist Church, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Journey’s Crossing Church, Pinky and Pepe’s Grape Escape, Discover Books, and Marriott. New sponsors joined the team and adopted families, and many other individuals and staff volunteered their time and resources to ensure there were enough toys for the children. Volunteers from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, CCF Vida Abundante, Capital One, and the City’s High School Student Union helped manage a distribution event that served more than 800 families. Gaithersburg’s Community Services Division extends its thanks to the Holiday Giving Coalition and to the more than 75 volunteers and 200 donors that made this program possible. They will be formally thanked at the Mayor and City Council Meeting on February 2. To learn more please contact the Gaithersburg Community Services Division at 301.258.6395. Kentlands Town Crier Public Input Sought at Budget Forum High School. Members of the community are invited to participate in this program, which will include a resource fair featuring local service providers. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and recommendations in small focus group sessions about critical issues such as child care, transportation, jobs, and housing. On Monday, February 9, 2015 the Mayor and City Council will host the annual Gaithersburg Budget Public Forum in the City Hall Council Chambers starting at 7:30pm. In an informal, town hall setting, staff will present the financial state of the City, then elected officials will entertain input from the community on funding priorities for the coming fiscal year, which begins on July 1, 2015. This event is free and open to the public. Free food and child care will be provided. Bilingual Spanish-speaking volunteers will be on site. Requests for interpretation in other languages, including sign language, are welcomed and need to be made 72 hours in advance of the event. The staff presentation will include a state of the City’s finances, including how the City ended the previous fiscal year and projections for FY16. Registration for the forum is available online at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/ community-action-forum-raise-yourvoice-tickets-14908226908?aff=es2 &rank=0. To register by phone and to request interpretation services, please call 240.777.1697; TTY 301.251.4850; Maryland Relay 711. The forum provides an opportunity for public input as the draft FY16 operating and capital improvement budgets are being developed. Gaithersburg elected officials are interested in hearing thoughts and concerns about funding priorities and strategic initiatives for the City. Advance registration is not needed to speak. Anyone wishing to comment need simply wait their turn for a 3-minute opportunity to express their thoughts. Comment can also be provided via e-mail to [email protected]. The Community Action Board is the County’s federally-mandated anti-poverty group. The Board serves in an advisory role to the Montgomery County Executive and Montgomery County Council, and as an advocate for low-income County residents. The Board provides governance to the Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services Community Action Agency programs, including Head Start. The meeting will be aired live on GTV, Gaithersburg’s municipal cable channel, viewable on Comcast and RCN channel 13 or FiOS channel 25 within City limits. The meeting can also be viewed live via streaming video at www.gaithersburgmd. gov, or can be viewed online once the meeting is archived. Essay Contest Announced for Junior Mayor Program Fourth graders in the City of Gaithersburg are encouraged to share what they would do if they were Mayor in a statewide essay contest sponsored by the Maryland Municipal League (MML) in partnership with the Maryland Mayors’ Association and the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Company. The FY16 budget is scheduled for public hearing in April, with adoption anticipated in early June. The FY15 City of Gaithersburg budget and strategic plan are available on the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd. gov. For more information please contact the Office of the City Manager at 301.258.6310. The theme for this year’s contest, to be explored in 275 words or less, is: “RESPECT. If you were Mayor…” Montgomery’s Community Action Board Hosts Public Poverty Forum in Gaithersburg • There is a vacant lot in “Happy Town.” Some want to build a playground, others want to build a skate park. In the end the Town Council decides on the playground. The Montgomery County Community Action Board, in partnership with the City of Gaithersburg, will host a free public forum and resource fair to explore issues impacting low-income County residents. • How would you get both sides to work together to build a playground? The forum, entitled Raise Your Voice! Poverty in Montgomery County, will take place on Wednesday, January 28 at 6pm at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Avenue, next to Gaithersburg • What would you do to help citizens and elected officials stay nice to each other even though some may not like the final decision? 5 • What would you do, after the decision is made, to make sure the whole town supports the playground? One winning essay will be selected from each of MML’s 11 regional districts. The City of Gaithersburg takes the program one step further by selecting a winner specifically from its own community. Essays submitted to the statewide contest from students who are residents of Gaithersburg will be reviewed by members of the City’s Educational Enrichment Committee. Finalists will be invited to participate in a videotaped panel interview, and one winner will be selected as Gaithersburg Junior Mayor, with the opportunity to participate in programs and special events throughout the year. The winning Gaithersburg essay will also be published on the City’s website. Entering this contest is a great way to learn about local government. This past year Gaithersburg had the pleasure of welcoming Emma Leath from St. Martin of Tours School as its Junior Mayor. She has served as a wonderful representative of the young people in this community. Deadline for entries is March 2, 2015. For submission instructions and information go to www.gaithersburgmd.gov or call 301.258.6395 x3. Society of Fire Protection Engineers Moves Global Headquarters to Gaithersburg The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), a professional association representing those practicing in the field of fire protection engineering, is relocating its global headquarters from Bethesda to Gaithersburg in early March, 2015. Representing 4,500 members worldwide and supporting more than 60 regional chapters, the SFPE’s activities include educational seminars and short courses, technical symposia and conferences, books and publications, designed to advance the state of the art of fire protection engineering and provide technical information to the fire protection community. The SFPE also supports the development of the annual Professional Engineer licensing exam in fire protection and the grading of those exams under the auspices of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. The relocation was made possible in part by a City of Gaithersburg Economic Development Toolbox grant in the amount of $8,528 to assist with the buildout CONTINUED ON PAGE 15… www.kentlandsusa.com n JANUARY 2015 Corner... Barney Gorin An Update On The Wall Early Morning Noise The urgent repairs to one section of the retaining wall complex along Quince Orchard Road are complete except for minor landscaping and applying the final stain to the decorative concrete enclosures that surround the structural C-channels. We ask that you be aware of early morning noise that may be a nuisance to your neighbors and which is beyond the restrictions set by the City of Gaithersburg. Please take note of the following excerpt from their City Code: Work is far from complete, however. The remainder of the wall, including that along the serpentine path from Quince Orchard Road to Ridgepoint Place, also shows a variety of signs that it needs work as well. The protective fence along the top of the walls is due for replacement. “Except in the case of emergency repairs and other unique circumstances specifically approved by the city manager. The operation of lawnmowers, power tools, bulldozers, construction or building equipment, or other power driven labor-saving devices between the hours of 9:00pm and 7:00am on weekdays, or between the hours of 9:00pm and 9:00am on weekends and federal holidays, which are audible beyond the nearest common property line.” The Kentlands Citizens Assembly (KCA) is moving forward with investigation so we can proceed to make repairs and improvements to the walls, as needed. Break-ins We are now in discussions with Gardner James Engineering (the firm that did the design for the repairs done last year), Avon Construction (the company that did that work) and the Louis Berger Group, Inc. (an international firm that specializes in geotechnical engineering) to define our next steps. While these experts’ opinions differ in some ways, they are unanimous in recommending that the investigation and work should be done as soon as is practical and so the KCA is working hard to expedite its start. The wall along the serpentine path. Residents in the 400 block of Kent Oaks Way and the 100 block of Little Quarry Road found that someone had entered their garages sometime prior to the morning of January 3. Two unlocked vehicles in the same area were also entered during the same time frame. While nothing was reported taken, it does serve as a reminder to always lock your doors, including your garages and your vehicles, to prevent unauthorized entry. Thank you to these residents for reporting this to the City police, and we ask that you do the same if you have to endure the same unfortunate incident in the future. Snow Removal The reinforcement work will not be cheap. While the full scope is not yet defined, no designs and no final decisions have been made, our current working estimate is an additional $1.5 to $2.0 million based on a proposal from Avon Construction. As of this writing, the community had its first measurable snowfall and it was our first experience with the new snow removal contractor. For the most part, the service was acceptable with the exception of portions of the Gate House and Old Farm areas. Since the plowing occurred late in the day, the surface froze and removal was difficult. Salt trucks were called back to salt those areas. Finally, there is a question of responsibility and payment for the expense. While the wall was covered by the KCA’s insurance, our initial claim from the wall’s collapse last March has been declined. We have asked our attorney to review the basis for the claim’s rejection. We are meeting with the contractor to review this first snow removal operation and discuss what areas need improvement. As always your patience is appreciated, and please call me at 301.948.2071 if you experience any issues in the future. n The walls were constructed in 1992 and 1993 by a Great Seneca Development Corporation subcontractor following designs prepared by licensed engineers who also monitored the work. We have also asked our engineers and attorney to examine whether or not any of those involved in the process bear some responsibility or whether some residual legal responsibility for its failure exists. n RSV Pools—Recently, Scott Vincent, the owner of RSV Pools was convicted in Federal Court for hiring unauthorized aliens from January 2009 to June 2013 to work for RSV Pools who is the pool management company currently under contract with the KCA. We Need Your Email Addresses! Once we were made aware of the court action, we had discussions with both Scott Vincent and the KCA attorney. Based upon assurances we received from Scott and advice from our attorney, we plan to move forward with RSV Pools for this upcoming pool season. Their current contract expires in March of 2016. If you are getting email updates, event reminders and the Kentlands Express but your friends and family are not, tell them about it! The email system we have in place is how we communicate important information that affects the whole community. This can be anything from an event reminder to any other imperative safety concern. In order for them to be as informed as you are in these matters, we need email addresses! So please make sure to tell your friends and neighbors to contact Sandy Al-Nazer at 301.948.2071 or [email protected] to get signed up. JANUARY 2015 n www.kentlandsusa.com You can read the article that appeared in the December 31, 2014 edition of the Gazette Newspaper. It can be found at: http://www.gazette.net/article/ 20141231/NEWS/150109860/1007/gaithersburg-man-sentenced-to-twodays-in-prison-for-hiring&template=gazette. n 6 Kentlands Town Crier Chris Campbell First of all, Happy New Year! It is an honor to be writing my first column as the KCA Chairman. The KCA Board positions are chosen by the current board members. To be nominated and chosen by the other board members to serve this year as chair is humbling. I look forward to doing everything I can to be a good steward of our wonderful community. As we look forward to the new year, and back on the year just ending, we have much reason to be optimistic. The Kentlands Citizens Assembly continues to be in good financial shape, despite the challenges we faced in 2014—an unexpected operating net loss and heavy expenditures for repair and replacement projects, especially with regard to the Quince Orchard retaining walls. We want to welcome Rob Garretson to the board to fill the seat held by Neil Harris, who has moved on to serve on the City of Gaithersburg Council. We look forward to working with Rob and how he will contribute to the board. As detailed elsewhere in this issue of the Crier, further expensive retaining wall work is in the offing, but KCA’s reserves still contain more than $2 million. Much of this will be spent on urgent repair projects, but our professional reserve studies are scheduled for a complete update with site visit this year, and the reserves are already planned to be rebuilt starting now and continuing over the next several years. As we head into 2015, the KCA Board and President (Barney Gorin) have worked hard to quickly develop a strong working relationship with effective communication with each other and transparency with the community as our main tenets. Already, our email inboxes swell with emails to each other regarding issues such as the retaining wall, recruiting volunteers for committee positions, seeking to work with the Kentlands Downtown Partnership (KDP) on the attempt to classify the Kentlands arts community as Arts and Entertainment District, and many others. With few exceptions (for which remedial work is planned), KCA common assets continue to look great. Our community governance works well and may even be improving, thanks both to our dedicated employees and homeowner volunteers. And our uniquely handsome community, our social and cultural activities, our charitable outreach, our openness and transparency, and our evolving plans for the future, are an ongoing source of pride. We will also continue the previous Board’s emphasis to enhance communication and promote transparency with the community. Currently, we use the Town Crier, email newsletter (Kentlands Express), the KCA website (www.kentlandsusa.com), Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/kentlandsusa), and now text messaging to reach our residents. Thank you to the E-Communications Working Group for working so tirelessly to help pull us into the electronic word of communication! Congratulations Kentlands! Not signed up for one of these means of communication? Contact Dana Macena ([email protected]) at the clubhouse and she would be happy to help you. Current Financial Highlights As of November 30, 2014 (the most recent data available), KCA’s year-to-date Total Income was $1,821,028, 2% below budget chiefly because of shortfalls in Kentlands Club Local Assessments, Interest Earned on Reserve Accounts, and Town Crier Advertising Income. I look forward to this upcoming year working with our Board and President. Please let us know how we can serve you. You can contact us as a group simply by emailing us at [email protected]! Come thank Judy, Neil, Jarrod, and Tim for their service… YTD Total Expenses were $1,896,396, 1% over budget, mainly because of higher than expected costs for Snow Removal Services, Legal Expenses, and Community Center Utilities. The next KCA Board meeting is Wednesday, January 21st. Please come join us as we thank former board members Jarrod Borkat, Judy Gross, and Neil Harris and our former KCA President, Tim Clarke, for their service over the past few years. These income and expense trends, and especially our unusually high reserve expenses, have resulted in a $546,151 (21%) decrease in our Total Cash and Investments, which started the year at $2,596,445 and are currently at $2,050,294. Total Assets at month end were $2,081,227 and Total Liabilities (mostly Prepaid Residential Assessments) were $112,680. Total Liabilities and Equity amounted to $2,350,701. Of this total, the Recreation Facilities Reserve contained $770,755, the Titleholders’ Initial Contribution fund $491,045, the General Reserves $303,129, and the Capital Improvement Projects Reserves $76,315. Unappropriated Owners’ Equity (our operational reserve) stands at $414,565, or 22% of budgeted assessments for the year. This is above the minimum percentage recommended by our auditors, so our Unappropriated Owners’ Equity can be tapped to make up for our anticipated full-year operating net loss (see next paragraph). Please shovel your sidewalks As I was driving around the community Tuesday afternoon, it was terrific to see how many people had cleared their sidewalks of that morning’s snow. However, it also contrasted with those homes whose sidewalks had not been cleared. The City of Gaithersburg requires residents to clear their walk within 12 hours of the end of the snowfall. However, if you are able to clear it even sooner, that is a terrific assistance for your community neighbors who use those sidewalks to push strollers, use scooters or wheelchairs, etc. If we can quickly clear the snow from our walkways, then we avoid the rockhard ice that forms and is difficult to remove in the cold temperatures. Please contact the clubhouse if you are unable to physically clear your sidewalk, as the office has a list of volunteers you can contact for assistance. Also, please let us know if you would want to volunteer to help a neighbor with their shoveling. Total Income is projected to end the year at $1,995,730 (2% below budget for the year) and Total Expenses $2,067,642 (1% over budget). Full-year net loss in 2014 is projected to be $71,912. But the 2015 budget is expected to be balanced, performance through the year will be carefully monitored, and corrective action will be contemplated in case anomalies arise. Volunteers Needed We have been celebrating the past 25 years of Kentlands history through the terrific events planned and executed by the K25 Committee. The one thing that stands out, the Kentlands would not be the gold standard of New Urbanism communities without the many volunteers that help make the community work. As the Kentlands looks forward to the next 25 years, we continue to have a great need for volunteers. Please consider serving your neighbors by volunteering. Whether you are passionate about snow shoveling, planning activities for the community, or helping to maintain the community’s architectural standards, we will help you find the right place to get plugged in. Sources of Information, and How to Get More All KCA financial data presented here are derived from reports provided by CMC. As always, further details about KCA finances are available in the monthly Financial Reports, which interested Titleholders are welcome to review by dropping in at the KCA offices. Kentlands Town Crier Thank you! 7 www.kentlandsusa.com n JANUARY 2015 By Christopher Campbell Over the next couple of months, my column is going to focus on information for condominium owners and renters. As a fellow condo owner, I want to make sure all of you have some pertinent information that you may not be aware of. Who is who? As a condo owner in the Kentlands, there are a number of “boards” and acronyms that you need to know... KCA—Kentlands Citizens Assembly is the homeowners association that governs the Kentlands. As a homeowner in the Kentlands, you are a part of the KCA and have voting rights with the association. KCA Board of Trustees—The KCA Board is made up of five homeowners that you, the KCA membership, elect to serve two year terms. The Board approves the annual budget, sets policy within the community and has final authority over the decisions made by different committees within the KCA. KCA Management—The KCA Board contracts with CMC (Community Management Corporation) for management of our community. The on site staff are led by Randy Fox (General Manager) and report to the KCA President, who, like the Board of Trustees, is a homeowner elected to a two-year term. JANUARY 2015 n www.kentlandsusa.com Attention Condo Owners ers follow necessary procedures in exterior changes to their homes as well as overseeing the community inspection that we have every two years. They hear appeals by homeowners regarding code violations. Condominium Board—made up of owners within your condominium complex, your condo board sets policy and determines the budget for the condominium (among other responsibilities). Your condo board also can represent the condominiums’ interests with the KCA. Your Dues… As a condo owner, you are responsible for dues to both your condo association and the KCA. You make only one payment to the condo association, and that management company makes a lump payment monthly to the KCA to cover the KCA dues for every resident in that association. Your condo dues cover maintenance and reserves for the physical structure of your building, trash pick up for your building, and snow removal for your building. Your KCA dues cover maintenance and reserves for the Kentlands as well as recreation use of facilities (except for the Colonnade). Condominium Management—each condo association board picks the management company that will oversee that collection of units. Several of the management companies are Avaris, Main Street, etc. KHT—The Kentlands Historical Trust is a committee of homeowners who are tasked with the great responsibility of maintaining the high architectural standards in the Kentlands (known as the Kentlands Code). The KHT approves all external alterations to any home within the Kentlands—from single family to townhouse to condo. VCA—The visual change application is the application a homeowner submits to the KHT to alter the exterior of their home (from painting to fence repair to a new roof or windows). Why does this matter to me as a condo owner? As a condo owner, you must get multiple approvals to work done to your unit. If you make any changes inside your unit, you can make those on your own except for the floors. The condo associations have standards for noise reduction padding below any new installed flooring, so run those repairs by your condo boards. BOCC—The Board of Code Compliance is a committee of homeowners who are tasked with upholding the standards of the Kentlands code. They work hand in hand with the KHT to make sure our homeown- 8 Any external repairs (from window replacement to painting the front door to altering your bushes / flowers) need condo approval AND KCA approval. For all exterior alterations to your unit, you must submit a VCA to the KHT. PLEASE NOTE that if you fail to submit a VCA, you can be cited and fined for installing improper materials. For instance, builders were allowed to install vinyl windows during unit construction, but vinyl windows are not permitted by the Kentlands Code and cannot be used during a renovation. This past year, the Board of Trustees and the KHT have worked to provide some new window options for condo owners with costs concerns in mind. If you install non-approved windows, the BOCC will ask you to install windows that meet our community code. You will end up buying another set of windows at your cost. This has happened more than once. Please do not incure extra costs and submit your alterations for KHT approval before making any payments to contractors, etc. Please contact Arthur Giles in the business office for help on this process. I hope that this column is helpful in learning more about Kentlands citizenship. Please always ask questions if there is ever any confusion. The Board of Trustees, KCA President, and Randy Fox and his team are always happy to assist anyone who has concerns or questions! Kentlands Town Crier Kentlands Historical Trust By Arthur Gailes Mary Frank, #14-002 Block II • Lot 27 • 481 Tschiffely Sq. Rd. Minutes of the Kentlands Historic Trust Meeting 12.03.15 Siding: approved to replace all siding with HardiePlank siding. Color: Naval by Sherwin Williams. Committee Members Present: Deck: approved to replace existing deck with a new deck of the same materials and specifications. Stephanie Vierra, KHT Chair Hamid Nazari, KHT Ruthzaly Weich, KHT Alternate Management/Residents/ Owners/Guests Present: Arthur Gailes, CMC Marina Khoury, DPZ Robert Tabit, Resident Geri Ozirsky, Resident Gloria Seelman, Resident The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at the Kentlands Clubhouse. Marc & Beth Malakoff, #14-001 Block W • Lot 19 • 313 Alfandre Street Deck: approved to replace current upper and lower-level decks with Trex flooring (color: “Treehouse”) and railing (color: white). Landscaping: approved to lay riverstone flooring around rear A/C unit. Skating on the Lakes is Prohibited! The frozen lakes look inviting, but please do not attempt to play or skate on any lakes within Kentlands or Lakelands. The ice could give way and you would fall through to freezing water! If this were to happen, it could prove to be fatal before rescuers could reach the scene. Talk to your children about the extreme danger of playing on the ice or on the rocks surrounding the lakes. Yes, the ice looks stable and inviting but please remember that our lake systems double as a storm drainage network. This means that the level of water under the ice may be lowering and it is never safe to walk out onto the lakes. The water is constantly moving under the ice, further contributing to a perilous environment and an adult can lose motor skills within a minute of being in freezing water. Windows: deferred to replace existing rear basement windows with Marvin Integrity. If you see anyone skating or playing on the lakes, please call the police non-emergency number at 301.279.8000 to report it. n Reason: The KHT requests a sample of the proposed product before issuing a decision. Robert Tabit, #14-003 Block PP • Lot 70 • 442 Little Quarry Rd. Windows: approved to replace three basement windows with Pella Impervia casement windows. Note: approval of case windows granted as a variance to the Kentlands Design Standards based on specific site conditions. Gerianne Ozirsky and Gloria Seelman attended the meeting to display the Barrington window by Window Nation. After review, the KHT declined to add the window to its Additional Suitable Materials list. Meeting adjourned at 7:30pm. n CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1… Kentlands Walk & Talk At the same time, we’d like to encourage everyone to take a bag along when you go out for a walk and pick up some of the trash around your neighborhood. Every bit picked up is an improvement. And a closing thought for our friends with dogs. Yeah, c’mon. Please bag your pet’s poop and then throw the bag in the trash rather than the bushes. It’s the right way to treat your friends, your neighbors, and our community as a whole. The City of Gaithersburg even has a Pooper Scooper law with tickets and fines and so forth. But mostly, you don’t want you or yours stepping in it, etc. It’s our community, it’s a special place to live, and simultaneously enjoying it by walking and maintaining it in small ways is very rewarding. We are Kentlands. n Kentlands Town Crier 9 www.kentlandsusa.com n JANUARY 2015 warrioroneyoga.net Kentlands Community Chorus New Session Begins January 12 Join the fun of the chorus! Open to singers of all abilities and all regardless of where you live! Youth Chorus—Enrolling Grades 1-6 for this exciting Youth Chorus which meets Mondays at the Kentlands Clubhouse, 5–6pm. Teen A Cappella Group—The classes will begin in January, and will meet Mondays 6:30–7:30pm. Adult Chorus—Registration fee: $140 per session, 14 classes. Discount for registering for the whole year. Age 18 and up. 7:30–9:00pm. This year the adult chorus will help lead the City of Gaithersburg’s Broadway Singalongs and Cabarets in the Kentlands Mansion and Arts Barn and participate in the City’s “Open Mic” evenings. Kentlands House & Garden Tour Kentlands Residents—Preparations for the 2015 Home & Garden Tour are under way! Do you have a fabulous home or garden you would like to showcase or would you like to nominate a friend or neighbor? Please contact Katy Thoms at [email protected] in order to be eligible to be considered by the committee. Support the Arts in our Community through the Young Artist Award Competition Nearly 100 talented area teens will compete in five categories February 7 for the 2015 Young Artist Award Competition, an annual event co-hosted by the City of Gaithersburg and the Kentlands Community Foundation. The teens will compete for the opportunity to be named a Young Artist Award winner in 2015 in categories including: Piano, Woodwinds, Brass, Strings and Vocals. In addition, the winners will have the exciting opportunity to perform at a winners’ concert March 28 at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn. If you’d like to support the program through a cash or prize sponsorship to JANUARY 2015 n www.kentlandsusa.com (240)-994-2409 Warrior reward these teens for their dedication, drive and talent please contact Carrie Dietz at kentlands@ kentlands.org. Thank you in advance for your consideration! YOGA AT THE CARRIAGE HOUSE Level it Up Used Sporting Goods Collection Drive Enjoy the many benefits of Yoga with ample one on one attention at Warrior One Yoga: Relieve Back and Neck Strain, Increase Flexibility, Strengthen Muscles, Improve Balance, Improve Immune Fuction, Strengthen Bones, Relax the Nervous System, Lower Blood Lakelands resident Ben Fleischer is collecting donations for Leveling the Playing Field (www.levelingtheplayingfield. org), which is working to give every kid living in and around our area the benefits of athletics. Clean out your home and garage of used sporting equipment so kids who are less fortunate are able to enjoy them! Leveling the Playing Field accepts everything— new or used (good condition)—except flatbottom shoes, clothing and roller blades. Sugar and Blood Pressure, Foster Healing Relationships, Cultivate Mind, Body, and Spirit Connection. Start taking classes today, and discover a new you! FIND CLASSES RIGHT FOR YOU Hatha Yoga - Sundays, 9:30am Hatha Yoga - Tuesdays, 7:30am Hatha Yoga - Wednesdays, 6:00pm [email protected] [email protected] Carriage House 321 Kent Square Road Gaithersburg, MD 20878 A collection bin is located in the lobby of the Kentlands Clubhouse through Jan. 25. next to the Arts Barn and facing the back of the Kentlands Mansion Kentlands Acoustic Jam ©2013 Warrior One Yoga Do you Do Music? The Foundation is jazzed to introduce an on-going program: Acoustic Jam Sessions. Held the first and fourth Tuesdays of each month, the sessions are open to all regardless of where you live or what your skill level is, so please join the fun! For more information or get in on the set list ahead of time please contact: [email protected]. Valley Mill Camp www.valleymill.com Spring & Summer Call 301-948-0220 Kayaking Swimming Rock Climbing Horseback Riding and more... KCF Holiday Giving Wrap-Up More than 40 gifts, 10 filled stocking stuffer bags and dozens of hats, scarves, mittens and coats made their way to Gaithersburg families in need in December. Once again Stiles Dentistry and the Kentlands Clubhouse served as drop-off locations. Thank you to all who contibuted! Transportation Provided Boys & Girls, Ages 4 - 14 Kentlands Film Society Open Houses: March 22, April 19, May 3 From 11am - 4pm The film society moves into 2015 with the following films: January 18 The Way (PG13), USA March 15 Barbara (PG13), Germany May 17 Butterfly (R), Spain n 15101 Seneca Rd Darnestown, MD 10 Kentlands Town Crier 2014 Kentlands/Lakelands Tennis League Round-up ® 9713 Key West Ave. Suite 401 Rockville, MD 20850 301-279-5500 Since 1967 www.TIE-inc.com Local insurance agency serving the greater Washington Metropolitan area since 1967. Our 2014 Flex League was comprised of the Kentlands and Lakelands communities. This year’s playing divisions were: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles (Beginner and Intermediate Levels), and Mixed Doubles. All players were provided a list of other league participants and coordinated times for their own matches. The league ran through a 6-month period, May–November. The flexible league offers players a great opportunity to play competitive matches while working around travel plans and busy schedules. All the players had a great time meeting new friends and finding new sparring partners to play with right in their backyards! Automobile Insurance Home, Renters & Condo Insurance Individual Health Insurance Life Insurance Valuable Items Watercraft/Boat Umbrella Motorcycle Identity Theft Contact Our Personal Lines Team Today! Congratulations to the following players for winning their divisions: Romy Valle Men’s Singles Champion Sam Warren Men’s Singles Runner-Up Mixed Doubles Champions Cindy Riso and Scott Lebhar INTEGRITY. EXPERTISE. PERSEVERANCE. www.tie-inc.com Meredith Williams and Cindy Riso Women’s Doubles Champions (Intermediate Level) Diane Faulkner and Kristen Johnston Women’s Doubles Champions (Beginner Level) Patricia Block Women’s Singles Champion TM website design graphic design desktop publishing Romy Valle (Men’s Singles Champion), and Kristen Johnston and Diane Faulkner (Women’s Doubles Champions—Beginner Level) branding and image consulting Our season culminated with a celebratory dinner at Buca di Beppo. Winners were awarded dinner gift cards. To register for the 2015 Tennis Flex League and for further information on the Kentlands Tennis Program for the Spring/Summer, contact Marna Katzel, Tennis Director at 301.540.8766 or email [email protected]. n software and design training custom illustrations voice-overs Have an announcement or an event? Get the word out in the Kentlands Town Crier! 301.602.4367 • [email protected] Contact Dana Macena at 301.948.2071 • [email protected]. Kentlands Town Crier 11 www.kentlandsusa.com n JANUARY 2015 Paragon Entertainment Holdings Acquires Kentlands Stadium 10 Extensive Renovations Planned—Theater Will Remain Open During Remodel Florida-based Paragon Entertainment Holdings assumed ownership of the Kentlands Stadium 10 theater in Gaithersburg, MD on Tuesday, January 13th, and will undertake extensive renovations of the theater to bring Paragon’s distinctive luxury movie-going experience to area residents. The renovations will begin immediately with a planned completion date of Summer 2015; the theater will remain open during the remodel. The newly remodeled Paragon Kentlands 10 movie theater will feature: • Electric Reclining Seats with Tray Tables • Online Reserved Seating • Completely Remodeled Interior • Expanded Concessions • Hi-Def Digital Projection in All Auditoriums. The theater will also offer a free Diamond Rewards guest loyalty program, affordable camp and school field trips and terrific fundraising opportunities. The company has a successful track record of turning older theaters into top of the line, upscale movie-going venues complete with expanded dining experiences, and will follow the blueprint used to renovate its existing theaters located in Florida, Minnesota and Virginia. “The Kentlands area seems like a fantastic community and the perfect fit for a Paragon complex,” stated Niki Wilson, VP of Marketing and Publicity for the chain. About Paragon Theatres—Founded by the former executive management team of Muvico, Paragon was established in 2009 to create a differentiated movie going experience that is superior to traditional movie theaters in comfort, technology, and amenities while still retaining a competitive price point. Paragon’s “Luxury Made Affordable” includes such amenities as expanded food offerings, reserved seating, VIP luxury seats, bar/ lounges, HD digital projection, and superior customer service. Paragon currently operates several theaters and restaurants with other new projects in its pipeline. Visit www.paragontheaters.com for more information. n Standing Committees Kentlands Historical Trust The Kentlands Historical Trust works with the Community Architect to maintain the visual integrity of the Community. The Kentlands Historical Trust makes recommendations and decisions on applications for design or visual changes to exteriors of buildings and lots. The Kentlands Historical Trust also provides interpretive advice to the Board of Trustees and to the Board of Code Compliance to aid in findings on alleged violations of design standards. The Kentlands Historical Trust is charged with pursuing its duties with the mission of preserving the visual character of Kentlands as it was originally conceived and initially executed. Members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Board of Trustees. Kentlands Board of Code Compliance The Board of Code Compliance is charged with investigating and rendering judgments on alleged violations of Community Codes. Judgments may include the determination of appropriate and reasonable punitive measures such as assessing financial damages or temporarily suspending rights to use of certain common property. The Board of JANUARY 2015 n www.kentlandsusa.com Code Compliance is required to make reasonable attempts to resolve cases of alleged violations through non-formal techniques and to informally resolve conflicts between Citizens in cases involving alleged violations of Community Codes. Kentlands Budget & Finance Advisory Committee The Kentlands Budget and Finance Committee is responsible for reviewing the community finances and advising the Board of Trustees regarding the financial affairs of the Assembly. Kentlands Election Committee The Kentlands Election Committee is responsible for overseeing the community elections. Kentlands Environmental Management/ Arts & Ornamentation Committee The Environmental Management/Arts & Ornamentation Committee was established in 1998 by the Board of Trustees of the Kentlands Citizens Assembly. Its purpose is to advise the Board with respect to matters involving the natural environment of Kentlands, emphasizing areas that serve the Kentlands community at large. The Committee also contributes to the enhancement of the community by recommending the installation of public art and street furniture. Kentlands Welcoming Committee On a regular basis, the Welcoming Committee hosts a Newcomers’ Coffee for all residents who have recently made the Kentlands their home. This event gives the opportunity for new residents to meet various committee members, board members as well as a chance to get to know other new neighbors like themselves. Activities Committee The Activities Committee identifies demographic groups that are underserved by social activities as well identify activities that are appropriate for the identified groups. The committee works with the business office to schedule, budget, and promote activities as well as locate and manage volunteers necessary for successful operation of activities. The Activities Committee measure outcomes and adjust future planning based on results. Ad Hoc Committees E-Communications Working Group The KCA Board of Trustees established the E-Communications Working Group to address the need for enhanced electronic communications with residents of the Kentlands. The E-Communications Working Group benchmarks how other successful communities leverage social media and e-communications while 12 assessing the needs of Kentlands citizens. The group develops and recommends plans of implementation to the KCA Board of Trustees, CMC and KCA President. The working group considers all liabilities, opt-in and opt-out language, and collection of information. Capital Projects Committee The Capital Projects Working Group was established to ensure the next 25 years of Kentlands infrastructure thrives as the last 25 years. This group assesses the infrastructure of the community and identifies projects that the KCA may want to address to maintain the Kentlands. Turf Management Committee The goal of the Turf Management Committee, as charged by the KCA, has been to understand current turf management practices and issues, to investigate best practices, and to propose a process that would address both the turf problems present, and the community goals of a safe and healthy environment. The committee has met regularly, interviewed experts, researched best practices and striven to put together a workable plan that would address both goals and practical implementation. Volunteer Open House on January 31st at 7pm Kentlands Town Crier Questions? Contact Laurie Levy-Page Performing Arts Coordinator City of Gaithersburg/Arts Barn/Arts on the Green ARTS on the February is the time for “artwarming” events at Arts on the Green February is the perfect month for indoor activities that warm the body and spirit. Arts on the Green will leave the traditional Valentine’s Day sweetness to others—February’s spicy performances include hilarious farce, historical drama, a concert and workshop from an edgy young singer/songwriter, and another opportunity to “Get in the Act”— all right in your backyard. For tickets and class and workshop registration, call the Arts Barn at 301.258.6394. PERFORMANCES [email protected] up rock, dark blues and sparsely arranged folk.” Her songs imbue commonplace moments with strange magic and convey a restless energy, a clarity of purpose and desire to live fully within elemental processes – moving light, running water, wildfire. Lead track “Get Up” sets the tone for Reckless Skyline with a call to action to push on through the sentimental. “I wrote this song on a mountain pass in Idaho ravaged by and recovering from wildfire,” says Canty. When Canty sings, “Sleeping on embers / Breathing in rivers / Waking up shivering on summer’s hottest night” she becomes a part of the natural world the song inhabits, carving a line between joy and pathos with uncanny precision and power. Raised in small-town Vermont, the daughter of a school teacher and a house painter, Caitlin Canty spent a decade in New York City cutting her teeth on both sides of the microphone—as a performer and as the first employee of the successful Artists Den series. A constant collaborator, Canty writes and performs with several bands and spends much of her year on the road, or dividing her time between Nashville, Idaho and New England. Theater Boeing Boeing by Marc Camoletti • Montgomery Playhouse at Arts Barn February 13–March 1 • Fridays & Saturdays 8pm, Sundays 2pm, Arts Barn • $20 (recommended for ages 15 & up) In Valentine’s Day month, here’s the bracing comedic antidote to roses and sweetness. Prepare for romantic misadventures and guffaws. Set in the swinging 60’s, this laugh-out-loud farce follows the adventures of happy-go-lucky bachelor Bernard. He’s got it all going on: a flat in Paris and three gorgeous stewardesses all engaged to him without knowing about each other. But Bernard’s perfect life gets bumpy when his friend Robert comes to stay and a new and speedier Boeing jet throws off all of his careful planning. Soon all three stewardesses are in town simultaneously, timid Robert is forgetting which lies to tell to whom, and catastrophe looms. Thank goodness for Bernard’s reliable maid, who never forgets to change the photographs. Honest Abe: The Wit & Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln • Sandy Spring Theatre Group Get in the Act! Broadway Sing-Along Sunday, March 1 • 3pm, Kentlands Mansion • $10 What a way to spend a chilly Sunday afternoon—belting out tunes with friends and neighbors at lovely Kentlands Mansion! Kentlands Community Chorus provides piano accompaniment, a song leader and lyric sheets; the audience provides vocal power and musical enthusiasm. Relax, enjoy refreshment and sing tunes from some of the best-loved Broadway shows, both old and new. In the spirit of Arts on the Green’s Open Mic nights and Children’s Movie Sing-Along, the Broadway Sing-Along is designed to make participation in the arts fun, rewarding and most definitely not intimidating. VISUAL ARTS WORKSHOPS Wednesday, February 18 • 1pm, Arts Barn • $20 / $12 (14 & under) The Arts Barn offers a matinee performance of a one-act play for anyone looking to enrich her/his day with historical drama! Honest Abe: The Wit and Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln is an original and engaging one-man play about the 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, starring American Association of Community Theatres award-winning actor, Bill Spitz. Honest Abe takes place in late 1863. The audience has arrived to spend an evening with President Lincoln. Lincoln talks about the important events of his life with insight, wit, and humor, providing a rare glimpse into the man whose mission was to reunite the nation and end slavery. A question-and-answer session follows the performance. Honest Abe is suitable for ages 10 and up. Presented by Sandy Spring Theatre Group. Seniors and Home School groups are welcome—groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount. Music Singer/Songwriter Series: Caitlin Canty in Concert Stained Glass Saturday February 14 • 10am–4pm, Arts Barn • $78 (resident), $90 (non-resident) Spend a Saturday learning the basics of stained glass art, including how to cut, foil and solder your own stained glass panel, choosing form three designs. Students will be standing and need to wear closed-toed shoes. For ages 16 and up. There is a supply fee due at the beginning of the workshop. Dreamtime Arts and Australian Wine Friday, February 20 • 7–9:30pm, Arts Barn • $40 (resident), $45 (non-resident) Explore ancient history, themes, patterns and symbols of Australia’s aboriginal art. Learn “Dot Technique” and create a Dreamtime story on a wooden box. Art-making is paired with a wonderful Australian wine. Must be 21 to attend (I.D. required). The price of the workshop includes one drink ticket. Creative Jewelry Making: Beginners Saturday, February 28 • 1–3pm, Arts Barn • $26 (resident), $30 (non-resident) Thursday, February 19 • 3pm Workshop, 7:30pm Concert, Arts Barn • $45 workshop AND concert, $25 concert ONLY Caitin Canty is having a moment, and we’re lucky enough to share it with her. The singer/songwriter’s new record, Reckless Skyline, was released on January 20, and in November she opened for Chris Smithers at the Ram’s Head in Annapolis. Her intimate solo concert at Arts Barn will feature many of the songs from Reckless Skylines, as well as some of her original songs from previous records and a cover or two. Canty delivers her fine-edged songs with a 1930’s Recording King guitar and a dusky alto, cut with wild, defiant sorrow. Her hauntingly beautiful voice and rich imagery draw you in while her razor-sharp lyrical insights carry you away. Canty also presents a 3pm workshop, which will be geared to the needs and interests of those attending. She will be ready to cover songwriting, performance, record production, and the business of being a full-time touring musician. Get the scuttlebutt from an insider! Indulge in a fun afternoon with friends or go solo and try your hand at jewelry making! This beginner’s workshop is for ages 14 and up. There is a supply fee due at beginning of the workshop. GALLERIES Howard Cohen, Anthony Glander and Arts Barn Faculty Through March 8, during business hours • Arts Barn • FREE Artist Reception will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 from 7–8:30pm Howard Cohen is an award-winning artist and long-time Gaithersburg resident. In celebration of his 90th birthday, the Arts Barn Gallery will be featuring a selection of his paintings from throughout his career. Cohen graduated from the New England School of Art in 1949 and was awarded a Certificate of Completion in Commercial Art. He continued his studies in art at the Maryland School of Art and Design and at Canty describes Reckless Skyline, which is produced by acclaimed songwriter Jeffrey Foucault, as “twelve songs that veer nimbly between country ballads and straight- Kentlands Town Crier 301.258.6394 13 CONTINUED ON PAGE 22… www.kentlandsusa.com n JANUARY 2015 JANUARY 2015 n www.kentlandsusa.com 14 Kentlands Town Crier CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5… (City News) Society of Fire Protection Engineers Moves Global Headquarters to Gaithersburg costs for 4,264 square feet of new office space located at 9711 Washingtonian Blvd. “SFPE is excited to move our global headquarters to Gaithersburg, Maryland,” said Executive Director Nicole Testa Boston. “With most of our staff residing in the area, we are looking forward to drastically reduced commuting times, which will provide better life balance for everyone. The area offers our staff, and our members who travel here, a wonderful experience with hotels, restaurants and shops—all within walking distance of our new offices. The new Downtown Crown area is an additional bonus and enhances the great amenities already available in the Washingtonian Rio Center. We couldn’t be happier with the move.” The Gaithersburg Economic Development Toolbox Program, launched in January of 2010, includes a diversified array of grants, incentives and credits to help existing businesses realize their potential and improve the long-term marketability of commercial space in Gaithersburg. It includes matching grants and permit waivers for space fit-ups, job training, commercial signage, demolition assistance, ADA compliance and utility upgrades, and job creation tax credit matches. “Gaithersburg is a highly desirable location for corporate headquarters,” said Economic Development Director Tom Lonergan. “We’ve got a very well educated employee base, a convenient location within the DC metropolitan area, and a host of amenities that add to the quality of life employers are looking for. We’re delighted that we can now add the SFPE to our growing list and we look forward to welcoming them to our community.” For more information on economic development programs and incentives visit www.growgaithersburg.com. Council Member Sesma Elected to NLC Board of Directors Gaithersburg City Council Member Michael A. Sesma was elected to the National League of Cities (NLC) Board of Directors and will play a key role in guiding the nation’s largest and most representative membership and advocacy organization for city officials. He was elected to a two-year term by NLC’s membership at the group’s annual business meeting at the Congress of Cities & Exposition in Austin, Texas in November. In his role on the Board, Council Member Sesma will meet throughout the year to Kentlands Town Crier guide NLC’s strategic direction and set the organization’s advocacy priorities and operational goals. Board members are selected by a 15-member nominating committee, and are confirmed by a vote of NLC’s membership. “I’m excited to be able to continue to be a voice for the interests and needs of Gaithersburg and other Maryland municipalities as a member of the NLC Board of Directors,” said Council Member Sesma. “The Board has provided important leadership in growing the influence of the League, making clear to the public, Congress and the White House that elected councils and mayors in cities like Gaithersburg demonstrate how government successfully serves the public on a daily basis.” In November, NLC’s membership voted to expand the Board of Directors to 60 members in order to be more inclusive and representative of the membership as a whole. NLC is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans. For more information visit www.nlc.org. For more information on the Gaithersburg City Council visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov. Vintage Wedding Gowns on Display at Kentlands Mansion Kentlands Mansion invites you to “Walk Down the Aisle” this February and celebrate romance with an exhibition of vintage bridal gowns courtesy of the Montgomery County Historical Society. Tracing fashions from the delicate silhouettes of WWII through the dramatic sweeping gowns of the 1950’s to the sleek shapes of the 1960’s, the gowns will be set against the elegant backdrop of the Helz Music Room at Kentlands Mansion. The exhibition, on display February 5 through 26, celebrates the 20th anniversary of Kentlands Mansion as a wedding venue, and can be viewed weekdays from 9am to 4pm and on weekends when the Mansion is open to the public for special events. There is no admission fee. Kentlands Mansion is an appropriate setting for this exhibition. The TschiffelyKent property has been a landmark along Darnestown Road since 1900. The stately mansion was built by Frederick Tschiffely, and later sold to Otis Beall Kent in 1942. The elegant property, located at 320 Kent Square Road, now belongs to the City of Gaithersburg, and is an ideal venue for weddings, receptions, social functions and business meetings. For more infor- mation please call 301.258.6425 or visit Kentlands Mansion online at www.gaithersburgmd.gov. Harold Belton in December of 2013. Comptroller Tina Smith has been serving as Acting Director. Discover “Fun & Games” at the Community Museum “Throughout the recruitment process, Ms. Walker really impressed us with the depth of her knowledge of local government finance, particularly her ability to articulate complex issues and suggest potential strategies to address them,” said Tomasello. “We’re confident she has the skills needed to move our organizational goals forward.” Starting in January, the Gaithersburg Community Museum is launching a series of Discovery Days. Focusing on a different theme each time, Discovery Days are designed to stir the imagination and foster family involvement in a fun and stimulating environment. The first Discovery Day of 2015, Fun & Games, takes place on Sunday, January 25, from 1–4pm. Families are invited to the Museum for an afternoon of old fashioned play with games that pre-date the digital age. Have fun with marbles, jacks and pick-up sticks, or bring other games that you might have found in grandma’s attic. This winter, Discovery Days will also include old-fashioned Valentine making on Saturday, February 7 from 11am– 2pm and an exploration of Montgomery County’s rocks and minerals on Sunday, March 8 starting at 4pm. Admission to Discovery Days is free; donations are very much appreciated. The Gaithersburg Community Museum is located at 9 South Summit Avenue. Regular museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 3pm, with additional hours by appointment. Museum admission is free. About the Gaithersburg Community Museum Located in the restored 1884 B&O Railroad complex in Olde Towne, the Museum bridges Gaithersburg’s past and present for visitors of all ages. Exhibits in the Freight House and rail cars explore our rich history while hands-on learning centers for children spark the imagination. The Station, an active commuter stop, houses dining and restroom facilities, and the outdoor interpretive spaces, with the ever-popular rolling stock, offer the possibility of experiencing the sights and sounds of the trains that frequently rumble past the Museum. Stephanie Walker Appointed City of Gaithersburg Finance Director Gaithersburg City Manager Tony Tomasello today announced the appointment of Stephanie Walker as Director of G a i t h e r s b u r g ’s Department of Finance and Administration. The position has been vacant since the retirement of 15 “I am honored to be the next Director of Finance and Administration for the City,” said Walker. “The City Council and City Manager have done a fantastic job of managing the City’s finances, and I am excited to be joining this team. I am also looking forward to working in local government again, as I believe it is a great way to contribute to a community.” Walker most recently served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), where she was responsible for investment management, financial reporting and budgeting. The WEDC is a publicprivate agency with an annual budget of $70 million plus tax credits and bonding authority, that executes the Governor’s vision of economic development in the state. While in that position she reduced the time to issue financial statements from 7.5 months to 3.5 months after year end, she aided in the establishment of an internal audit function and organization-wide risk assessment, and established an interim financial reporting process allowing for monitoring of financial results by all departments. She has extensive experience in local government finance, serving as Finance Director for the Village of Shorewood, Wisconsin, Comptroller/Treasurer for the Village of Brown Deer, Wisconsin, Finance Director for the City of Berwyn, Illinois, and in private industry as an Audit Manager for the firm of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP. Walker is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Government Finance Officers Association, where she is a member of the Committee on Accounting, Auditing, and Financial Reporting (CAAFR). Gaithersburg’s Director of Finance and Administration is appointed by the City Manager and oversees a department of CONTINUED ON PAGE 22… www.kentlandsusa.com n JANUARY 2015 Charles C. Harrington, DDS SPECIALIST IN ORTHODONTICS Lakelands Park Middle School As the winter months roll in, the first semester came to a close at Lakelands Park Middle School. Students and staff alike worked extremely hard the first four months and enjoyed a well-deserved winter break; we even enjoyed our first snow day of the year in early January. We continued to work hard in January and closed out the semester on a strong note. As we transition into February, Lakelands Park MS looks forward to our last interscholastic basketball game on February 4 (versus Redland MS), the monthly PTSA Meeting on Tuesday the 10, our annual Valentine’s Dance on Thursday, the 12, the spring Community Art Workshop with Artist Arturo Ho on Saturday the 14, and our annual PTSA “Variety Show” on Thursday the 26. Voted as one of Washington area’s “Best Orthodontists” by the Washingtonian Magazine since 2003 While we are very early in the second semester, we wanted to alert the community to some important items: Treating both children and adults! • This year’s Spring Break will be from Friday, April 3 to Sunday, April 12. The LPMS front office will have limited hours, so please call ahead should you need to visit the school. Conveniently located in the Quince Orchard Medical Park, across from the Kentlands •The PARCC Assessments will be administered throughout the month of May. 11904 Darnestown Road, Suite C Gaithersburg, MD 20878 301.977.1441 www.bracesbych.com •Our annual Spring Band Concert will be Wednesday, May 13, with the Orchestra Concert the following Wednesday, May 20. •The 8th Grade Panoramic Picture will be Monday, May 18. • Final Exams will be administered the second week of June. • The annual 8th Recognition Ceremony will be on Thursday, June 11 at Quince Orchard HS. • The scheduled last day of school for students will be Friday, June 12. In closing, we want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our students and staff, as well as the contribution of community members, all of whom help to make our school the best we can be. We celebrate these efforts as we received notification that Lakelands Park MS was recently named the first “most hopeful” middle school in Montgomery County Public Schools, tied in first place with Robert Frost Middle School, by our students (as reflected in the 2014 Gallup Survey data). We are extremely excited by this honor and continue to strive to provide all of our students with an enriching educational experience. n JANUARY 2015 n www.kentlandsusa.com 16 Kentlands Town Crier By Gloria Seelman Vegetarian Pasta Sauce Mushroom Sauce The Italian Cultural Society of Washington, D.C. was my introduction to some of the intellectuals of Italian society. My mother and I attended musical events at the Johns Hopkins Homewood house in Baltimore. One night was a delightful evening of a lecture and piano demonstration of the music of Puccini, all discussed in Italian. My mother was able to help me understand what the presenter was saying by whispering the translation in my ear. It was there that I bought a cookbook called Italian Cooking Heritage and in that book I learned that pasta was first recorded in 1278 by a soldier from Genoa who mentioned “una bariscella una plena di macaronis” which means a basket full of Macaroni. This is the first evidence that pasta existed in Italy 13 years before Marco Polo’s travel to Asia. ½ pound sliced mushrooms The Introduction to the cookbook has a short history of Italy. Originally the country was divided into 17 regions; therefore most of the regions have their own history, culture, and traditions. Many of the dishes are based on foods locally available on farms, lakes, and nearby seas. The cookbook also explained simply how to eat spaghetti properly without cutting it or taking too much on a fork so that you did not need to open your mouth too widely. “Just twist a small amount of pasta against the side of a deep-sided bowl and move it to your mouth with ease.” 2 cloves of chopped garlic or more if you like the flavor to come through 1 tablespoon of parsley minced 1 stalk of celery, minced 2 carrots, minced 1 tbs. of butter with equal amounts of olive oil 28 ounces of canned plum tomato puree or crushed tomatoes Salt and pepper to taste 2 bay leaves—remove before serving 1 or two pinches of red pepper depending how spicy you like the sauce—add the red pepper directly to the mushrooms to give them more favor. 1 generous tbsp of Italian Spice Mix (ingredients include: imported grated cheese, basil leaves, salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder) Saute’ mushrooms in oil then add the carrots, celery and onions after they are well minced in the “Perfect Prep” or chopped finely by hand. Add tomatoes and simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes. To maintain their fresh flavor, add the chopped garlic and parsley after the tomato sauce is partly cooked. Cook pasta separately in boiling salt water until “al dente” which means “to the tooth”, the pasta should be soft but still give some resistance to the teeth. Next strain out water then add the pasta to the sauce and stir until all of the pasta is well coated with sauce. You may reserve some of the pasta water to add to the sauce if it seems too thick. I like the wide egg noodles or Tagliatelle because they are easy to coat with the sauce and it sticks to the noodles. The frozen egg noodles are the closest to homemade. Dry wholewheat noodles are now available but take more time to cook. Add grated cheese and serve. Now I take some of those wonderful old recipes and modify them to keep the flavor, but cut back on the ingredients that we now know should be taken in moderation. Cutting back on cost and time is currently the direction many cooks are taking. Mushrooms can substitute for meat. This also reduces the level of fat as well as the cost. I am always looking out for the newest gadget because my grandson loves to use gadgets. Black and Decker came out with a small “Perfect Prep” chopping system. It is only about six inches tall, is easy to clean and simple to use to mince up vegetables such as onions, carrots, celery, and garlic as the base for pasta sauce. It saves on time and does a better job cutting the vegetables to almost a paste. When my grandson is in charge of the chopping, Perfect Prep is on high and the vegetables come out like a puree, which is great for this recipe. Normally I add one pound of ground meat to make a Bolognese meat sauce. Another alternative it to use two sweet sausages sautéed with two hot sausages, which is used to flavor the pasta sauce. Italian spices can flavor the sauce as mushrooms can substitute for texture of the meat. Kentlands Town Crier ½ onion minced Friends in Common The year is 1984 and it is the time that the East meets the West to form a fruitful partnership between Ayako and Jan. Ayako is the boss when customers want Asian food and Jan takes the reins when Tex-Mex is requested. Ayako is from Japan and Jan from Texas with Swedish ancestry. What they had in common is a love of food and the skills to make an artistic display for their customers. They both had experience with the business end of catering. Their partnership grew out of friendship and common interests. They named their business, Kiku that translates as chrysanthemum in English. The flower may have been brought to Japan in the eighth century AD from China. The “Festival of Happiness” in Japan celebrates the flower. The chrysanthemum holds a special place in the heart of many Japanese people. Jan and Ayako inherited their skills of food preparation from family members. Jan’s grandfather owned a Swedish restaurant called “Ten Pin” in Chicago and Ayako’s father had a restaurant in Japan as well as a tofu factory. 17 CONTINUED ON PAGE 18… www.kentlandsusa.com n JANUARY 2015 BOCC Monthly CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17… Friends in Common January Focus: Roofing and Trim Boards Ayako recalls: “When we were children, we used to get into the room where the soybeans were kept and play with them. We’d throw them at each other; stick them in our nose and ears. She continued with a slight smile on her face “Oh, my grandfather would get so mad at us.“ The Kentlands Exterior Maintenance and Appearance Standards Resolution states: Roofs: Must not have loose or missing shingles. Steel roofs must be painted to retard rust, and the painted surface must not exhibit peeling, cracking or flaking paint. Copper roofs must be allowed to oxidize and do not require painting. Other conditions reflective of deterioration or inadequate maintenance must be corrected. Ayako learned to speak phonetically and she turns on the charm when it is needed. Her sense of humor was not lost over the years. Ayako was speeding to get to a catering event one night and a police officer stopped her. He knocked on the window and asked her to show her license and registration. She looked up at him but did not role down the window. While you are outside removing your holiday decorations or performing other outside activities, January is a good time to seriously consider the condition of your roofing and trim boards. Search for loose or missing shingles, or other indications that the roof may need closer inspection and servicing. Use binoculars if necessary to look at the trim boards and rake boards that run along the roof edge. Also inspect the gable vents for possible squirrel damage, as this is one of the areas where they may gain access to a comfy attic during the winter months. Ayako used her looks to pretend that she did not know what was happening. With her made-up broken English she said: “How I know you not a rapist?” “Lady, I am not a rapist, I am a police officer.” “You could be rapist in pol-lice cloths. ” Roof repair or roofing replacement is one of the few maintenance items that can be done after the outside painting season comes to a close, as some roofers work throughout the winter months, weather permitting. If the trim boards also need attention and the work needs to be deferred to warmer weather, this may be a good time to work with your contractor to schedule the work for spring or summer when paint can be applied. Another time she was stopped for the same offense, but this time she rolled down the window and told the officer that she was “in big hurry cause I got di re-e-a.” “Must get home cause big di re-e-a.” Whenever roof repair or replacement work is being done, it’s the best time to have the contractor scrape loose paint or replace a rotted trim board. If possible, even if the boards are in good condition, make sure a fresh coat of paint is applied. This is especially important if you own a townhouse, as the rake board may be very difficult to reach, and it will require the painter to walk on the roof, or your neighbor’s roof to perform the repair or replacement task. When considering repair or replacement, trim boards, if approved, can be replaced with composite boards if they are painted and are proportional to what is being replaced. Composite boards are far more weather resistant and require less maintenance than traditional wood trim boards. They used an old station wagon for deliveries. They had to make sure that there was sufficient space in front of the wagon when it was parked because it only moved forward—never in reverse. Some nights were longer than expected because the space in front had disappeared. They had great respect for each other. Their time together was recalled with a sense of fun—never remembering the hard work. Jan was very flattered when Ayako said, “you got good hands for white lady.” Those good hands could make delicious Swedish Rice Pudding: Also, if your gutters are unsightly or not fully functional due to storm damage such as falling tree limbs, consider repairing or replacing them when you have your roof replaced or trim painted.- 4 cups cooked and chilled long grain rice 1 pint whipped cream, whipped powdered sugar to taste Vanilla or almond extract, to taste As a general reminder, review the Visual Change Application guidelines to determine if approval is required before making exterior changes to material, design or color of your property. If you are not sure whether a Visual Change Application (VCA) is required, or if you have any questions about the VCA process, please contact Arthur Gailes, Assistant Manager, at agailes@ cmc-management.com or 301.948.2071. Visual Change Applications are available at the Clubhouse and at KentlandsUSA.com. n ½ cup almond slivers Add sugar and extract to whipped cream. Fold into rice and nuts. Top with fruit sauce. Strawberries with Raspberry Sauce Combine: 3 sheets of seaweed 2 cups raspberries 3 eggs cooked into an omelet ½ cup sugar 3 stems beni shoga (red ginger) 1 Tablespoon lemon juice ½ bag spinach ½ teaspoons almond extract. 2 cups Japanese cooked rice (cooked with hondashi, Japanese soup stock) Simmer until tender (about five minutes). Puree this sauce. Add 1 Tablespoon cornstarch mixed with cooled liquid. Cook, stirring until thickened. Cool. Add four cups hulled strawberries to the sauce. Chill before serving. The Japanese hands that move so quickly as they dice, twist, mix and cook could not be matched for skills and artistry. A dish that is popular was Sushi-Maki: (They are beautiful circles of colorful vegetables embedded in rice and surrounded by dark seaweed.) JANUARY 2015 n www.kentlandsusa.com ½ cups Japanese vinegar—added to the rice when hot 2 Tablespoons sugar Spread out the seaweed sheets on top of plastic wrap to help with the rolling. Cover seaweed sheets with a layer of the sticky rice. Fill with stuffing. Roll and cut into slices with a very sharp knife. Jan’s life moved on and away from her friend and co-worker but she never forgot the fun of working with a pure artist and a loyal, hard working partner. The long nights, the pressure and frustrations were forgotten but the exhilarating feeling of accomplishment and creativity of making works of art with food remained in her memory. n 18 Kentlands Town Crier Top-Rated on Angies List and the Better Business Bureau In our eyes, nothing is more valuable than feeling comfortable. It’s just another one of our ways of making sure your comfort always comes first. Whatever it takes.SM Service Managers Special Have you received an estimate for costly repairs or equipment replacement? Rod Miller Inc. would like to give you a free second opinion and/or estimate. There’s only one thing better than peace of mind, and that’s FREE peace of mind. (888)852-4969 www.rodmillerhvac.com Special Offer 15% off Our Residential Service Agreements AND 50% OFF Second System Discount applied to first year only Coupons cannot be combined $7995 HVAC INSPECTION 16 Point FALL/SPRING SAFETY and EFFICIENCY INSPECTION License# 01-3295 RC 702 FINANCING AVAILABLE Not good in combination with other offers. Please mention Coupon# KT-09 at time of booking. Some restrictions may apply. facebook.com/rodmillerhvac Dear Kentlands residents, Providing quality construction since 1963 We understand roofing is not just about the protection of your home, it’s also about the aesthetic appearance and beauty of the neighborhood. We provide solutions to your existing roofing needs in the form of 30 and 50 year warranted CCA approved shakes. Why choose PE Roofing? 4 Over 40 years in business 4 Certified Installer Call us to schedule an appointment for a free no obligation estimate. We look forward to meeting you! Robert Politz, Owner Present this ad and receive $1500 off a new 50 year cedar roof 4 BBB A+ rating 4 Member of Angie's List 4 Numerous References Available upon Request A+ Rating www.PolitzEnterprises.com • 301.620.2023 • 888.506.4088 People’s Choice for any and all of your roofing needs! National approved member of RoofingPeople.com Kentlands Town Crier Exceptional Military Discounts Financing Now Available 19 MHIC #101148 VA LIC #2705071209A DC LIC #420213000128 www.kentlandsusa.com n JANUARY 2015 JANUARY 2015 n www.kentlandsusa.com 20 Kentlands Town Crier FOR SALE Kentlands Real Estate Listings Address Housing Type List Price Days on Market 122 Kendrick Pl. #22................ Condo...............................$277,500....................... 65 413 Ridgepoint, #16................. Condo...............................$319,500......................... 6 140 Chevy Chase...................... Condo...............................$327,500....................... 20 152 Kendrick Pl. #34L.............. Condo...............................$329,000..................... 105 136 Kendrick Pl. ...................... Condo...............................$349,900..................... 204 135 Chevy Chase St.................. Condo...............................$365,000......................... 6 Get your company’s name out there and advertise in the Town Crier! Contact Dana Macena at 301.948.2071 or [email protected]. 110 Chevy Chase St. #305........ Condo...............................$399,900......................... 6 206 Ridgepoint Pl..................... Townhome.........................$424,900..................... 150 180 Chevy Chase St. #A............ Condo...............................$435,000......................... 5 592 Chestertown St. ................. Townhome.........................$509,800..................... 269 446 Tschiffely Sq. ..................... Townhome.........................$649,000....................... 48 103 Beckwith St. ...................... Single Family.....................$779,900..................... 284 407 Kent Oaks Way.................. Single Family.....................$859,900....................... 36 Romantic Waterfront Sunsets for Rent 153 Kent Oaks Way.................. Single Family.....................$874,900......................... 6 It’s time for family and friends to relax and enjoy breath taking, panoramic views of the romantic Roanoke Sound. This fully furnished and equipped, 3 level, 5 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath, single family home has gorgeous, unobstructed water views and is available weekly or for a long, luxurious weekend. Take in the beautiful sunsets while soaking in the oversized Hot Tub or lounging on the wrap around deck. Three Master bedroom suites with en-suite private bath. Great room with flat screen and surround sound. Hi speed wireless internet. Private ocean front pool club (olympic and kitty pool, restaurant and shower rooms) and tennis with daily shuttle service. Golfers will enjoy the home’s location on the 18th hole of the Nags Head Golf Links (http://www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/Nags-Head-Golf-Links/About-the-Club/ General-Information) and boaters have 2 sound side docks exclusive for community use. 130 Lake St. ............................. Single Family.....................$949,900..................... 105 127 Lake St. ............................. Single Family.....................$1,225,000.................... 28 UNDER CONTRACT Address Housing Type List Price Days on Market 162 Kendrick Pl. #14................ Condo...............................$266,000..................... 135 110 Chevy Chase St. #401........ Condo...............................$329,900..................... 184 408 Ridgepoint Pl. #36............. Condo...............................$339,900....................... 36 111 Selby St. ............................ Cottage..............................$639,000....................... 45 SOLD (12/1–present) Address Housing Type Orig/List Price Sold Price Days on Market 7 Booth St. #108...................Condo........................... $227,000.......... $216,000......... 6 Book your 2015 reservation (for rental home “Masters 20”), by January 31st and receive 10% off of weekly rate. Veteran, hero, and repeat renters discounts also available. Go to http://www.resortrealty.com/rentals/nags-head/masters-20/ 5599/ for photos, reservations, and additional contact/information. 31 Booth St. #258.................Condo........................... $229,900.......... $223,000....... 67 7 Booth St. #205...................Condo........................... $229,900.......... $230,500......... 6 16 Granite Pl. #279..............Condo........................... $239,900.......... $237,900......... 3 Lakelands Resident is Looking for Exceptional Kids 130 Chevy Chase St. #301....Condo........................... $349,900.......... $345,000....... 55 Lakelands resident Tiffany Hamilton is reaching out to families in the Lakelands, Kentlands and surrounding communities to establish a playgroup for high-functioning, highly verbal and socially motivated kids on the autism spectrum between the ages of 8 and 11. As the parent of an 8-year-old son with high-functioning autism she is looking for a way to connect with others in a similar situation. 176 Chevy Chase St. A..........Condo........................... $409,000.......... $407,000..... 169 “I would love to expand our circle of friends in the neighborhood for play dates and parent outings,” Hamilton said. She is calling the group “Exceptional Kids in the Kentlands and Lakelands” and is seeking bright, school-aged verbal and socially motivated children with high-functioning autism, Asperger’s and/or ADHD. Ideas she has for the group include both home-based play dates and play dates at local playgrounds and athletic courts/fields; family nights out at local restaurants; bowling; swimming, movies; bounce events; museums; programming clubs and classes; Parent Night Outs and much more. FOR RENT “Let’s support each other and help our kids grow and connect,” she said. Hamilton can be contacted at [email protected] or 302.220.0531. The information above was obtained from MRIS. Information is believed to be accurate, but should not be relied upon without verification. Information was retrieved on 12/09/2014 by Valerie Harnois, REALTOR–REMAX Metropolitan Realty 301.980.4883 Kentlands Town Crier 123 Chevy Chase St. #A........Condo........................... $415,000.......... $410,000....... 45 135 Chevy Chase St. #A........Condo........................... $439,000.......... $433,000....... 62 205 Firehouse Ln. ................Single Family................. $759,900.......... $780,000....... 11 Address Housing Type List Price Days on Market 114 Ridgepoint......................... Condo...............................$2,300........................... 16 495 Chestertown St. ................. Townhome.........................$2,995............................. 6 21 www.kentlandsusa.com n JANUARY 2015 Text-to-JOIN! Join our text alerts to receive up-to-date information! You can opt-in to one or all of the following categories: Text “KCA EVENTS” to 31996 Text “KCA NEWS” to 31996 Text “KCA MEETINGS” to 31996 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13… ARTS ON THE GREEN: GALLERIES Montgomery College from 1950–1980 with Robert Cohen (no relation) and Edwin Ahlstrom, among other well-known teachers. He has also studied landscape painting, intaglio, watercolor, and color theory and continues to develop as an artist through his attendance at workshops in the Washington area. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15… CITY NEWS: Stephanie Walker Appointed City of Gaithersburg Finance Director 11 full-time equivalent positions with an approved FY15 operating budget of $16.2 million. Divisions include Finance and Administration, Housing and Community Development and Procurement and Purchasing. Walker is expected to begin on January 26, 2015 and her starting salary will be $135,000. Linda Hanson to Receive “Person of Character” Award CHARACTER COUNTS!® in Gaithersburg is not just for young people. Character development is a lifelong pursuit, and role modeling by all members of the community is an important part of the process. The City of Gaithersburg presents Person/Business of Character awards to those who consistently strive to exemplify the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Nominees for this award must either live or work within the incorporated City limits and their actions should benefit the community. Anthony Glander of Fitzpatrick Glass Studios will be exhibiting both his threedimensional and hanging glassworks. Glander has been a resident artist at the Arts Barn since its inception, with a studio that serves as a wonderful enclave for lovers of the medium of glass. Glander started working in stained glass in 1989 and is nationally recognized for his work. It didn’t take long for him to become totally hooked on making beautiful art works in colored glass. In 1990, he purchased a stained glass studio, Glass Fantasies in Olde Towne Gaithersburg, which has become Fitzpatrick Glass Studios. In 2002, he moved into the Arts Barn to focus on custom work and classes. “I love every technique from cold glass to hot glass, from leading to slumping,” says Glander. Glander offers classes and workshops at the Arts Barn, and he also travels around the country teaching glass art workshops in places like Houston and Las Vegas. He regularly attends craft shows and conferences and enjoys the medium and all of its possibilities. YOUTH CHORUS (Grades 1–6): $125 per session, 14 classes. Discount for registering for the whole year. Mondays , 5–6pm. There will be auditions for a Teen A Cappella group in late fall, those classes will begin in January, will meet Mondays 6:30–7:30pm. Art League of Germantown February 6–March 27, call 301-258-6425 for schedule • Kentlands Mansion All classes—both youth and adult— held at the Kentlands Clubhouse. Since its inception in 1997, 35 people have been recognized. At their meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2015, the Gaithersburg Mayor and City Council will present a Person of Character award to Gaithersburg HELP Executive Director Linda Hanson. She was nominated by peers who have witnessed her long tradition of selflessness. For the all-volunteer Gaithersburg HELP she provides collaborative, inclusive leadership that makes emergency food, transportation and prescription assistance available to our community’s most vulnerable. Linda will become President of the Gaithersburg Rotary Club in July, she is involved with PTA and Interact Clubs, and has served in advisory capacities on several City committees. Person/Business of Character nomination forms are available on the CHARACTER COUNTS! page of the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov. They are accepted at any time. Award determinations are made by the CHARACTER COUNTS! Subcommittee of the City’s Educational Enrichment Committee. For more information contact the City’s Community Services Division at 301.258.6395 x1. n ADULT CHORUS (Age 18 and up): $140 per session, 14 classes. Discount for registering for the whole year. Mondays, 7:30–9pm. Performances at Oktoberfest and in December. This year the adult chorus will help lead the City of Gaithersburg’s Broadway Singalongs and Cabarets in the Kentlands Mansion and Arts Barn and participate in the City’s “Open Mic” evenings. Artist Reception will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 from 7-8:30pm The Art League of Germantown (ALOG) was founded 32 years ago to further the careers of artists of all experience levels and to bring an appreciation of fine art and fine crafts to the community. This exhibit features something to stimulate every palette; ALOG members present a representational selection of works created in oils, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, pencil/charcoal, mixed media, and photography. ARTS BARN 311 Kent Square Road • Gaithersburg, MD 20878 301.258.6394 • www.gaithersburgmd.gov • www.facebook.com/ArtsontheGreen MORE INFORMATION: kentlands.org • [email protected] JANUARY 2015 n www.kentlandsusa.com 22 Kentlands Town Crier Kentlands Town Crier 23 www.kentlandsusa.com n JANUARY 2015 JANUARY 2015 n www.kentlandsusa.com 24 Kentlands Town Crier