December 2004 Lakelands Leader
Transcription
December 2004 Lakelands Leader
HAPPY HOLIDAYS, LAKELANDS! L L AKELANDS eader The December 2004 Volume 6 Issue 12 what’snews? Lakelands Hosts Community Election School Boundary Decided Turn to page 7 to learn which schools will be attending the middle school next fall. Five New Members Elected to Board Of Directors Save a Life! Learn CPR Certification course will be offered at the Clubhouse, see page 7 for details. Winter Lights Returns A fun festive event for the whole family returns, check out page 9 for dates and times. Proactive Off Patrol Security patrol's days are limited, see page 9 for the scoop. Published and Proud One Lakelands mom shares her "real" advice in a recent best seller, page 16. Happy Hour was a Hoot! See photos of the toga party/Halloween adult happy hour on page 14. Lakelands Living Photos of all the Halloween happenings in Lakelands, see page 24. By Andrea Escher T he votes were cast, the ballots were tallied and after a few hours the names of the five members of the Lakelands Community Association Board of Directors were announced. Congratulations to Lake Coulson, Mark Ezrin, Pat McCalley, Jed Tonelson and Jim Wakefield; the newly elected Lakelands Board of Directors. More then three hundred residents took the time to vote either by proxy Photo Courtesy: Andrea Escher ballot or in person at the community annual meeting on November 18, 2004. More then seventy residents gathered at the Lakelands Clubhouse to hear an update on the state of the community and meet the eleven candidates who were vying for one of the five coveted seats on the Board. It took almost two hours for the inspectors of elections to count all of the ballots and determine the winners, but that didn't stop anxious and interested neighbors Congratulations to the newly elected Lakelands Board of Directors! (l-r) Mark Ezrin, Pat McCalley, Lake Coulson, Jim Wakefield and Jed Tonelson. from gathering to wait for the results. In a surprising turn of events, an entirely new Board of Directors was elected, with not one of the three incumbents being voted back to the Board. During the course of the annual meeting, residents approved the staggering of Board members terms in office. The length of terms was determined based upon the total number of votes for each candidate. The candidate with the most number of votes will serve a three year term while the Santa To Arrive In Lakelands Return Address: The Lakelands Leader 960 Main Street Gaithersburg, MD 20878 Community Kicks Off Annual Toys for Tots Drive two candidates with the least number of votes will serve a one year term. The terms of the Lakelands Board of Directors has been set forth as follows: Jim Wakefield - 3 year term Mark Ezrin - 2 year term Lake Coulson - 2 year term Pat McCalley - 1 year term Jed Tonelson - 1 year term See ELECTTION continued on page 4 CPI Fitness To Bring New Exercise Programs To Lakelands By Andrea Escher T he holiday spirit is in the air and PRSRT-STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #163 Dulles, VA the Lakelands Social Committee is You better be nice! excited to announce that Santa Claus Santa Claus will be making himself will be taking time out of his busy a stop in Lakelands on schedule for a visit to the Lakelands December 11. Clubhouse and you won't want to miss out on the fun. So mark your calendars and join Santa on Saturday, December 11, 2004 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. as we celebrate the start of the holiday season and kick off the annual community Toys for Tots Drive. The Lakelands Community Association in conjunction with the United States Marine Corps is seeking your help and generosity by asking you to donate a new, unwrapped toy during the month of December to the Toys for Tots campaign. All toys collected will be distributed to children in need throughout the area. So while you out shopping and stocking up on those holiday gifts don't forget there are children in the area whose holiday will be a little brighter by your simple donation. The Toys for Tots donation box will be stationed in the lobby of the Lakelands Clubhouse and donations will be accepted until the middle of December. We encourage all residents to plan to bring their Toys for Tots donation on the morning of December 11th and enjoy a quick photo opportunity and visit with the big man in red, Santa Claus. We hope to see you there! L New fitness and exercise classes will soon be offered at the Lakelands Clubhouse. By Andrea Escher T he Lakelands Community Association is excited to welcome Complete Physique, Inc (CPI) to the Lakelands Clubhouse fitness center. Complete Physique has been offering quality fitness and exercise programs in local communities for the past several See FITTNESSS continued on page 5 Calling All Lakelands Residents! It’s Holiday House Decorating Time! Join Us for the 4th Annual Lakelands Holiday Decorating Contest Wednesday, December 15, 2004 At 5:00 p.m. The Lakelands community is once again sponsoring this fun event and each and every Lakelands resident is encouraged to participate. So let's get festive with those holiday decorations, lights and displays! The holiday's are almost here!! If you would like the judges to see your holiday creation, please turn your lights on by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 15, 2004. Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, so be sure to stay tuned to the January issue of the Lakelands Leader to see photos of the winning homes. Good luck and happy holidays to all! 2 The Lakelands Leader December 2004 lakelandsinbrief By Andrea Escher Purchasing A Live Christmas Tree or Wreath? As we approach the first week of the "December Holiday Season," you probably have not yet ventured out in the cool winter weather to pick out your live Christmas tree or wreath. If you do, the City of Gaithersburg would like to remind you of the annual holiday tree-recycling program. Beginning Thursday, January 6th Lakelands residents should place their trees out with their regular recyclables. Tree collection will take place every Thursday in Lakelands during the entire month of January. We ask that you remove all ornaments, lights and tree stands from your tree. Should you have any questions please contact the City of Gaithersburg's Public Works Department at 301-258-6370. Thank You Board of Directors As the Lakelands says hello to a brand new Board of Directors, we would like to take the opportunity to say THANK YOU to former Board members Joe Coratola, Burton Goldstein, Matt Moore, Leslie Weightman and Verna Van Wert, for all of their hard work and dedication over the past few years in helping to make the Lakelands such a great place to live. We appreciate all of the time and effort that you have volunteered and wish you all the best. We couldn't have done it without you! crime in the community and during this snowy season, it enables the snow crews to plow your alleyway during the evening hours. Thanks for your cooperation. Winter's Coming! And the Survey Says… Have you… • Turned off and drained your outside hose bibs? • Sealed your asphalt driveway? • Drained and stored your garden hoses until spring? • Sealed any pressure treated wood (decks, porches, etc.) exposed to the elements? • Checked the weather stripping around your outside doors for gaps? • Change your furnace filters? • Cleaned and turned on your humidifier? • Prepared your lawn mower and other power equipment for winter? • Stored or covered your patio furniture? • Checked your smoke and Carbon Dioxide alarms? • If you have a masonry fireplace have you checked and/or cleaned your chimney? The Communications Committee is in the process of developing a community survey to get your opinion on the many issues that involve life in Lakelands. We hope every It's Getting Awful Dark Out There resident will take the time to complete the survey so that your newly elected Board will know what is important to you. Look for the survey to be distributed soon! Thanks to the donation of a wireless router from Chestnut Hill Street resident Burton Goldstein, the Lakelands Clubhouse now offers a wireless internet connection for your convenience. So residents with laptops and wireless pda's will now be able to access the internet while visiting the Clubhouse. Are You New to Lakelands? Holiday Hiatus Welcome! Please take a moment to stop by the Lakelands Clubhouse on Main Street to pick up your copy of the Lakelands Leader, phone directory, Clubhouse access card and obtain any additional information you may need to help you easily transition to The Lakelands Community Association Board of Directors will not be conducting their regularly scheduled Board meeting during the month of December. The members have decided to take a hiatus to enjoy the holidays and will return in January. Since the weather has gotten colder, many residents have not ventured out to change their burned out light bulbs on garages in the alleys. We remind all neighbors to please take a moment and change these bulbs. Lighting in the alleys will help to deter any possible DECEMBER calendarofevents DECEMBER 1ST DECEMBER 2ND DECEMBER 6TH DECEMBER 13TH DECEMBER 13TH DECEMBER 15TH your new home in Lakelands. Just a quick FYI, trash is removed on Monday and Thursday and recycling is collected on Thursday. To obtain a recycling bin, please contact the City of Gaithersburg at 301-2586370. For more information about life in Lakelands, please contact the on-site management team at 240-631-8338. Restaurant Not Under Construction The community developer is in the process of finishing the footbridges around Lake Varuna and Three Sisters Lake. The construction equipment, which has been parked at the entrance of Lakelands Drive and the "Future Restaurant" Site, is being used to complete the project. Many residents wondered if construction was being to take place on a future restaurant, but an FYI to all, a restaurant is not on its way yet. Clubhouse Goes Wireless Community Relations Committee Meeting, 7:00 p.m. 2rd floor of the Clubhouse. Contact Jose Ponton at 240-631-8338 or via e-mail at [email protected] for more information. Lakelands Playgroup, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Green Room at the Lakelands Clubhouse. For more information, please contact Irene Sayegh at [email protected]. * Meets every Thursday. Design Review Committee Meeting, 7:15 p.m. 2nd floor of the Lakelands Clubhouse. Contact Eric Kessler at emkessler@ comcast.net for more information. Lakelands Networking Club, 8:30 a.m. 2nd floor of the Lakelands Clubhouse. Contact Wayne Zussman at [email protected] for more information. Communications Committee Meeting, 7:00 p.m. 2nd floor of the Clubhouse. Contact Kerri Donnelly for more information at [email protected]. Deadline for contributions & advertisements for the Lakelands Leader. DECEMBER 23RD Deadline for Design Review Applications. Please contact Jose Ponton at 240-631-8338 or [email protected] for more information. DECEMBER 28TH December 2004 Social Committee Meeting, 7:00 p.m. 2nd floor of the Lakelands Clubhouse. Contact Jim Wakefield at [email protected] . The Lakelands Leader 3 The L L AKELANDS eader The Official Newspaper of Lakelands LCA Board of Directors Lake Coulson [email protected] Mark Ezrin [email protected] Pat McCalley [email protected] Jed Tonelson [email protected] Jim Wakefield [email protected] MANAGEMENT CMI Jose Ponton 240-631-8338 [email protected] EDITOR & ADVERTISING MANAGER Andrea Escher 301-519-1678 [email protected] CONTRIBUTORS/WRITERS Tim Clarke Gina Dropik Bev Frey Flora Kessler Ben Laimon Prigal Brothers Genie Tillisch Jim Wakefield managementmentions Welcome Board Members! Congratulations to the new Board of Directors, as these unpaid volunteers, elected by a majority vote of the association members, will donate their time for service to this community over the next few years! The Board is given the responsibility of setting the association's policies, standards, programs, and annual budget. At the Lakelands, the Board is specifically empowered and directed to: Prepare the annual budget for the association; Establish the rate of the assessments; Collect all assessments due the association; Provide for necessary operational personnel; Make and amend the community rules; Enforce all provisions of the governing documents; Provide for insurance for the common areas; Keep detailed association financial and accounting records; Provide for care and upkeep of the common areas; Perform all acts necessary for the association's administration; and Oversee the maintenance of all common areas and any amenities located within the community. While these duties provide the board significant authority, members have the opportunity of participating in the "decision-making" process through voting in board elections, serving on any of the established committees and/or by providing input at association meetings. After all, the best way to stay involved with your association is by taking a leadership role. Many associations have difficulty-finding owners willing to serve on their board, that is why the Lakelands is fortunate for these members who really care about their community; and I'm looking forward in working with the new Board - as together we'll strive for the continued success of our Association! Handling the Cold Weather! We must not forget what is lurking behind those crisp fall days - old man winter! It is hard to determine what type of winter will be in store for our region this year. The wooly worms may know more than the meteorologists, and I know that both know a lot more about predicting the By Jose Ponton, Jr. Manager, Lakelands Community Association type of winter we are to be blessed with then me; but regardless of what Mother Nature brings our way, it is best to prepare for the worst. As fall advances, you should inspect the exterior of your home for openings that could let in cold wind and repair, fill and/or caulk as needed (condo owners contact your association for them to make these repairs). Hoses should be removed from outside faucets and their shut off values should be closed before the temperatures drop below freezing. Checking and replacing seals around your windows, garage, and exterior doors will also help keep the cold out! Your fall pruning should be completed by winter if possible and sensitive perennials and roses should be cut back and covered. Fall is also a great time for you to fertilize your lawn and plantings because your plants are actively storing up nutrients through their roots in anticipation of the spring growth surge. Those homes with wood burning fireplaces need clean chimneys. An unclean flue is a dangerous situation; which if left alone could easily start a fire, burning your house down and/or may even take a life! Speaking of life, homes sealed up during the heating season are much more accessible to carbon monoxide build up which can be lethal. Installing a carbon monoxide detector may save your own and your loved ones life. During those really cold days and nights keep those interior faucets (especially exterior wall sinks) running at a pencil lead thin stream along with keeping the vanity doors open for heat access around the pipes. Insulating the incoming water lines before they get to the water heater, if they are in a cold area such as a crawl space, basement, unheated garage, or by an exterior wall, is a sound preventive measure. Keep emergency supplies (ready to eat foods, water, battery operated radio, candles, blankets, cards, etc.) as well as emergency phone numbers on hand for power loss and/or when weather conditions may find you trapped in your home for longer then you anticipated. I hope you have found the above suggestions helpful. There are many other steps that can be taken to conserve utility usage, make your home more comfortable, minimize freeze damages and make the winter season not just bearable but hopefully enjoyable as well! Your power company, local hardware stores and insurance agent are good sources for additional information regarding preparing for winter. When the snow flies and the winds howl, with just a little planning, you will be as snug as a wooly worm at the tropics in your winter ready haven you call home! L Lakelands Hosts Election ELECTIION Continued from page 1 The determination of officers will be decided at the next Board meeting. So stay tuned to the Lakelands Leader to learn who will serve what position on the Board. A special thank you to each and every resident who took the time to vote in the community election. Whether your vote was for continued continuity or a complete change, Lakelands residents have spoken and new leadership is on the horizon. We thank you for taking an interest and getting involved. Congratulations again to Lake, Mark, Pat, Jed and Jim! We wish them all the best in their new positions and welcome them to the Lakelands Board of Directors. Good luck! L The Lakelands Leader is the monthly, published means of communicating information of itnerest to Lakelands residents. It does not espouse any political belief or endorse any product or service. Articles and letters submitted for publication must be signed and may be edited for length and content. CMI and the LCA do not endorse the products or services advertised herein, nor are they responsible for any claims made by advertisers. The Leader is published by the Association, which is responsible for form, content and policies. LAYOUT & DESIGN Cristina Strigel 703-777-7676 PRINTING Silver Communications www.silver-com.com 4 The Lakelands Leader December 2004 2005 Community Phone Directory Deadline Is Nearing Submit Your Information Today By Andrea Escher T he Lakelands Communications Committee is in the process of developing the 3rd volume of the Lakelands Community Phone Directory. A special THANK YOU to the numerous homeowners who have submitted their information already! All residents who are interested in having their information printed in the 2005 issue of the directory should fill out the form below and submit it before the January 15, 2005 deadline. Residents who DO NOT wish to be included in the directory SHOULD NOT submit a form; this will ensure that you will not be included. You WILL ONLY be included if you submit your information to the commit- tee. Since it has been over a year since the prior directory was published, we realize that phone numbers, email addresses, etc., may have changed, therefore the committee will not be reprinting the previously submitted information by residents. It is anticipated that the 2005 directory will be delivered with the February 15, 2005 flyer distribution! This is a great opportunity for new residents to the community to get their information printed. The directory will be paid for by the sale of advertising space, so if you are a resident or business interested in placing an advertisement in the 2005 issue space is still available, please contact us today at 301-519-1678. For more information about the Lakelands 2005 Phone Directory, please contact Andrea Escher at 301-519-1678 or via email at [email protected]. L CPI Fitness To Bring New Exercise Programs To Lakelands FITNEESS Continued from page 1 years, including the neighboring Kentlands community for the past seven years. CPI President Jeff Parker says he and his team of fitness instructors and trainers are looking forward to providing fitness programs that are challenging, innovative and exciting for residents of all fitness levels. Parker says CPI will need the community's help in identifying programs of interest and together work to promote a health conscious neighborhood. CPI hosted a Fitness Open house on November 13; however, not enough residents attended to let CPI know what types of fitness and exercise programs Lakelands residents want to see offered at the Clubhouse. Please take a moment to stop by the Lakelands Clubhouse to fill out a questionnaire and submit your preferences and/or ideas for the various programs you would like to see. Stay tuned to next month's Lakelands Leader to learn more about what CPI plans to offer you and your fitness needs in the New Year! L December 2004 L A K E L A N D S C O M M U N I T Y 2005 P H O N E D I R E C T O R Y You must complete and return this form in order to be included in the 2005 Lakelands Community Phone Directory. All information is proprietary between the Lakelands Community and the Lakelands Community Association. The phone directory is intended for community use only and not to be used by anyone or distributed outside the community. Please complete this form and return it by January 15th. (Please Print) LAST NAME: __________________________FIRST : __________________________________ SPOUSE LAST NAME: ___________________FIRST: __________________________________ ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________ HOME PHONE: ______________________________ WORK PHONE: ______________________________ SPOUSE WORK PHONE: _______________________ CHILD NAME: ___________________________DOB: _________________________________ CHILD NAME: ___________________________DOB: _________________________________ CHILD NAME: ___________________________DOB: __________________________________ EMAIL: _______________________________________________________________________ EMAIL SPOUSE: ________________________________________________________________ PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM BY MAIL TO: The Lakelands Phone Directory P.O. Box 83130 Gaithersburg, Maryland 20883-3130 BY EMAIL: [email protected] BY FAX: 240-631-8331 DROP OFF: CMI On-Site Management Office 2nd Floor of the Lakelands Clubhouse Thanks for you cooperation! The Lakelands Leader 5 assignmenteducation Rachel Carson Update SECRET SANTAS, WE NEED YOU! PIANO 4 KIDS… Rachel Carson will once again be participating in the City of Gaithersburg's Secret Santa program. We will be making the holidays a little brighter for several children, at Rachel Carson, who are in need this holiday season. Members of the Rachel Carson community will have the opportunity to buy a holiday present for these children. If you would like to help, please look for the Secret Santa table. If you have any questions, please contact Gina Dropik. Piano lessons are being offered for students currently registered in Kindergarten and Grade 1 through a partnership between Montgomery College and MCPS Workforce Development & Continuing Education. Classes are scheduled to begin at the Rockville Campus of Montgomery College on January 22, 2005. For more information and/or registration forms, please visit their website, www.montgomerycollege.edu/wdce/youth.html. There are three convenient registration options, but whichever you choose, register early to avoid disappointment. Students will be enrolled in the order that registrations and payments are received. Payment is required at the time of registration. Mailed acknowledgement of registration will be sent if registration is sent one week prior to course date. All students must register prior to attending the first class. BOX TOPS CLASSROOM CONTEST WINNER Congratulations to Mrs. Burdette's kindergarten class for winning the Box Tops class contest with 634 coupons! The students have chosen to celebrate with a McDonald's party, to be arranged soon. Several other homerooms had impressive totals as well: Mrs. Monroe-Bishop's class turned in 388 Box Tops; Mrs. Lee's class submitted 355; and Mrs. Whitman's homeroom brought in 290. Students in Mrs. Himes', Mr. Ash's, Ms. Ruprecht's and Ms. Petropouleas' classes all submitted over 200 Box Tops. Thanks to parents, students and teachers for your participation. The next classroom contest will be in January -- so keep clipping and saving! 6 The Lakelands Leader WINTER CONCERT Mark your calendars for our Wonderful, Winter Concert scheduled for Monday, December 20 beginning at 7:30 p.m. Our chorus and advanced band will be performing for the entire community. Please make plans to join us. December 2004 Board of Education Approves Option #4 Boundary Decisions Finalized for QOMS #2 T he Board of Education unanimously approved Superintendent Dr. Jerry Weast recommendation for the implementation of Boundary Option #4 during a hearing on November 18, 2004. The Board complimented the enthusiasm and support demonstrated by both the communities and parents. After listening to further testimony from parents and neighbors in support of other boundary options, the Board reminded the audience that everyone is looking out for what is in the best interest of the children and noted that all the children will benefit from the soon to be reduced overcrowding at all local schools. Quince Orchard Cluster Coordinator Jim Keenan says the next step will be the selection process for the new principal at QOMS#2, which is already underway. "In a few weeks community meetings will take place at the schools feeding QOMS#2 to identify characteristics the communities would like to see in the new principal, says Keenan, this feedback will be consolidated to develop a profile used during the interview process." The selection process for the hiring of a new principal will be fairly swift, due to the need for attention to facility details and staffing issues throughout next year. Keenan says when parents and neighbors are notified of these upcoming meetings, they will be encouraged to take advantage of participating in the selection process. Finalizing the boundaries, interviewing potential principals, what could be left? How about an official name for the school? Keenan says the next point of community and parent involvement will be the naming of the new school. "While this will primarily involve the schools attending QOMS#2, the December 2004 Board will need all of our support to hopefully get what they would like," says Keenan. How Will the School Be Named? While it has been called the Quince Orchard Middle School since its inception, it is not the official name for the newly constructed middle school situated on Main Street in the community. What most residents don't know is that all Montgomery County Public owned schools are identified by names that represent a person or location within Montgomery County. The following MCPS regulation sets forth the guidelines for identifying and deciding the name for an MCPS school, including the middle school in Lakelands. A. New/Reopened Schools 1. Names of Distinguished Persons It is preferred that schools be named for distinguished persons, no longer active in their careers, who have made an outstanding contribution to the community, county, state, or nation. The Board of Education will give strong consideration to names of women and minorities so that these are equitably represented among county school names. 2. Geographic Names Geographic names may also be considered for new schools. These names should be clearly identifying, widely known, and recognized. 3. The Office of the Board of Education will maintain a list of distinguished persons, no longer active in their careers, who have made an outstanding contribution to the community, county, state, or nation. Staff of the Board of Education will research and develop background information on the distinguished person's accomplishments and contributions to the community, county, state, or nation. 4. As a new school nears completion, the superintendent will assign the new school's principal or another administrator to chair a name recommendation committee. The superintendent will notify Board of Education members that a school naming committee is being formed, and request that up to four names be identified for the committee to consider. a) The committee will be comprised of PTA representatives from the attendance area that the new school will serve. b) The committee will solicit input from neighborhood associations and relevant county agencies and organizations. c) After careful deliberation, the com- Boundary Options Finalized The following elementary schools will attend Ridgeview Middle School in 2005-2 2006 Thurgood Marshall Fields Road Jones Lane Diamond (South) Below are the elementary schools that will attend QOMS in 2005-2 2006 Rachel Carson Brown Station Diamond (North) Darnestown mittee will recommend, in priority order, its preference from among the listing of names provided by the Board of Education and up to two additional names recommended by the committee. d) The superintendent will forward the committee's recommendation to the Board of Education. 5. The Board will make the final decision on naming the new school. Stay tuned to future issues of the Lakelands Leader for more information and details as the middle school process nears completion. L Lakelands T o O ffer C PR & F irst A id C ourse By Andrea Escher T he Lakelands Social Committee will be offering life saving training for Lakelands residents this month. The American Heart Association in conjunction with the Social Committee has scheduled a CPR & First Aid certification course for Saturday, December 11, 2004 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Lakelands Clubhouse. Certified American Heart Association instructors will be providing CPR certification for infant, child and adult CPR as well as basic first aid training. The cost for the class is $50.00 per person and you will be required to pay the fee at the start of the class. If you are interested in signing up for these essential life saving skills, please contact Michele Lightburn at [email protected] or call 301-519-0035. L The Lakelands Leader 7 citynews&events Gaithersburg Area Newcomers Club WELCOME COFFEE - December 10, 2004 The Gaithersburg Area Newcomers Club will hold a Welcome Coffee for prospective new members on Friday, December 10, 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held in a private home in the Gaithersburg area. For information and directions; Call 301 528-5139 or 301 924-3737. The Gaithersburg Area Newcomers Club is a non profit social organization established to promote friendship and help new residents become familiar with the community. It offers a variety of interest groups and monthly socials. Bring in 2005 with the grandeur and style of the Kentlands Mansion! Imagine having an opportunity to ring in the New Year in the style of the Tschiffely family in their beautiful mansion in Gaithersburg. Well, you can! December 31, 2004 will be the New Years' Eve party at the Kentlands Mansion. The Mansion was the home of Frederick Tschiffely, a Washington pharmacist, who rebuilt the Mansion in 1900. It remained in the family as a working farm raising crops and serving as pasture land for farm animals and race horses. Otis Beall Kent purchased the property in the early 1940's and operated the property and expanded it to include all of the numerous buildings that surround the Mansion. The property became Kentlands in the late 1980's. The dining room of the Mansion will be the location of the New Years' Eve buffet catered by several local restaurants. The adjacent library will be converted to an open bar, where libations will be poured throughout the evening and champagne at midnight. The music room will be the center for the music and floor show. The entertainment for the evening will be provided by the famous Brian Clark, an entertainer from Delaware, currently performing at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City. Brian provides an evening of entertainment reliving the music of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Tony Bennett as well as the stirring Motown sounds of Stevie Wonder, Jr. and Otis Redding. The evening will be filled with entertainment and dancing. Tickets for this evening of entertainment, unlimited food and beverage, including a champagne toast and post-midnight breakfast, are $105.00 per person. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the producer of the event, Michelle Clarke, of Kentlands Public Relations, at (301) 926-5917. Winter Lights Festival Returns The event that's designed to put a twinkle in your eyes just in time for the holidays is back, the 9th Annual Winter Lights Festival, from Nov. 26, 2004, through Jan. 1, 2005 (excluding Dec. 25), at Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Road. Winter Lights is a unique spectacle of lights that's sure to capture the imagination and create lifelong memories. Winter Lights 2003 included more than 350 illuminated displays, and 60 animated displays along a 3.5-mile drive in an enchanted forest setting. A drive through the park is like a drive through a holiday fantasy as festivalgoers will experience an array of characters and displays that will truly light up the night. Special themed areas include Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Victorian Village, the North Pole and much more! This brilliant light display has become a tradition for thousands of people in the metropolitan area who visit each year. Those who have never been to the display will be in awe of the experience. Return visitors will be thrilled to find new displays and arrangements to keep you coming back for years to come. New to the Festival in 2004 is the addition of Open Air Trolley Rides. Trolley rides will be held on Mondays, Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and Dec. 13 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at a cost of $5 per person ages two and older. Bring a blanket and enjoy a fairytale carriage ride through Winter Lights! Reservations required by calling 301-258-6350. KENTLANDS / LAKELANDS • Total Transactions Since January 1, 1999 250 200 1 # Mary Charters & Associates More than DOUBLE our closest competitor! Talk to us before you buy or sell a home! 150 100 Mary Charters 215 105 (301) 590-5500 [email protected] www.ChartersHomeTeam.com 50 48 30 301 Inspiration Lane, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 21 15 15 12 #5 #6 #7 #8 Associated with 0 #2 #3 #4 Total transactions by Realtor for those with 10 or more transactions *Information from Metropolitan Regional Information Service, the Multiple Listing Service provided for the Greater Washington DC Area 8 The Lakelands Leader Each office independently owned and operated. (301) 978-9775 December 2004 Calling All Interior Designers Winter Lights Festival November 26 - January 1, 2005 at Seneca Creek State Park $10 per car Sun.-Thurs. 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. $12 per car Fri.- Sat. 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. $2 off coupons available at Lakeforest Shopping Center. Coupons are valid Sun. - Thurs. only. Proceeds benefit local charities. While driving through, take note of a special code word and enter to win a $1,000 shopping spree as part of the Bright Lights, Big Money promotion sponsored by Lakeforest Shopping Center. Sponsors of the festival include: Comcast, The Gazette, Giant Food, Inc., Hughes Network Systems, Lakeforest, MedImmune, Mix 107.3, OBA Bank, Pepco, Sandy Spring Bank, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital and The Washington Post. Winter Lights will be open Sunday through Thursday, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, from 6 to 10 p.m. The Festival will be closed on Dec. 25. Admission is only $10 per car on Sunday through Thursday and $12 per car on Friday and Saturday. As always, proceeds from the Festival benefit local charities. For more information contact 301-2586350 or check back to this page for updates at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/winterlights. If you are an interior design specialist and offer services locally, the Kentlands Community Foundation would like to invite you to register your name and business information with the Foundation's Artists Database. Listing your design services in the KCF Database will bring attention from Kentlands and Lakelands residents who will be able to access the information on the Kentlands Community Foundation website at www.kentlands.org and in a printed registry. For more information call the KCF Office at 301-9266636 or visit the website and go to "Programs" and then "Calling all Artists". Young Musicians Sought for 2nd Young Artist Awards The City of Gaithersburg and Kentlands Community Foundation are pleased to announce the Second Annual Young Artist Award, a juried competition designed to provide young musicians (ages 12-18) with an enriching artistic and resume-building experience. This year's competition has been broadened to include vocal as well as instrumental performances. The first place and grand prize winners receive invitations to perform in the Young Artist Award Concert, a public concert to be held on March 18 and 19, 2005, at 7:30 p.m. at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road. Prizes for instrumental performances will be awarded in each of three categories: contemporary, traditional and classical music styles. Prizes for vocal performances will be awarded in two categories: contemporary and classical. Young musicians, both soloists and small ensembles, are welcome to audition for this exciting and prestigious opportunity. The student musician will submit an audition tape and, if selected, will perform in a live audition before a qualified panel of jurors. Audition tapes must be received no later than Dec. 1, 2004, at the Arts Barn. Applications and general guidelines for the Young Artist Award Vocal and Instrumental Competition and Concert are available online by logging on to www.gaithersburgmd.gov. For more information call Dorthy Winder at 301-258-6350 or email [email protected]. Help Us Decorate The "Tree of Warmth" November 16th - December 8th This year, the Kentlands Community Foundation is partnering with the City of Gaithersburg and the KCA to create the "Tree of Warmth". Please decorate the Tree with new hats, scarves, mittens, socks and even winter coats, or jackets, which will be distributed to hundreds of Gaithersburg residents in need this holiday season. The "Tree of Warmth" will also be decorated with (20) stocking ornaments, each one representing a localchild in need of new boots and\or shoes for the winter. If you would like to buy a pair of shoes or boots for a child, please sign up on the Secret Stockings Sign Up sheet at the reception desk at the Kentlands Clubhouse, and follow the directions as stated. When you return with a wrapped box of shoes or boots, you will be asked to put your name on a stocking ornament, and place the ornament on the Tree. Volunteers from the Kentlands Community Foundation will collect all the Warm clothing and shoes, and deliver them to the City of Gaithersburg for distribution to over (300) people in need in the Greater Gaithersburg area. For more ideas on how to help others during the holiday season, pleasecontact the Foundation at www.kentlands.org or (301) 926.6636. Proactive S ecurity T o P atrol T hrough 2 004 Security Contract Not Renewed for New Year By Andrea Escher P lease be advised that Proactive Security has switched to the Fall/Winter schedule, which means they will only be providing security patrolling services in the community on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. If you have any concerns or issues during these weekend hours, please contact Proactive dispatch at 301-674-1309. Security services have only been contracted through the end of December. The Leader has learned the Lakelands Community Association has not contracted for security services in 2005. According to Katherine Gilbert of the Lakelands Community Relations Committee, the $35,000 budgeted line item for security services was cut to $5,000 for 2005. Gilbert says the committee is not sure what type, if any, security services can be obtained for $5,000, but they will be looking into any ideas and alternatives. We'll be sure to keep you posted! L 301-963-5949 MHI#121820 December 2004 The Lakelands Leader 9 socialcommitteeupdate By Jim Wakefield W ow! It's been a very busy year! As we wrap-up 2004 I'd like to take a minute and thank everyone who helped out on the Social Committee. From coming up with great (and sometimes crazy ideas), making popcorn, serving burgers, running to pick-up food, laundering and ironing table clothes, dishing out ice cream, and the ever present cleaning-up after every event, these folks have done it all! I am extremely proud to have spent the past year working with this team! 2004 Social Committee Mike Ciatto Corynne Levy Kim McDanald Peggy Quinn Emily Steinberg Stephanie Stewart Lori Wakefield Meg Haynes Joe Levy Judy Mills Diane Sandy Steve Steinberg Karrie Strohman We also have two honorary members by virtue of the fact that they come with their spouse to most events and end-up staying to help clean-up; Joe Mills and Jon Sandy thanks guys!. I'd also like to recognize our sponsors for their support throughout the year. Without their generosity, we would not have been able to do all that we did and for that I am very grateful. In fact, I noticed early on that every sponsor we called upon said the exact same thing, "Let me know what I can do to help." -It doesn't get any better than that! 2004 Sponsors American TKD Academy Caruso Family Homes* Doughboys Pizza and Subs Floor Rio - Abbey Carpet Inner Reaches Yoga Mary Charters Pepernota Pasta Potomac Pizza Jayme Schneider/Premier Financial* Village Settlements Baja Fresh Cosi Restaurant Erie Financial Glory Days Restaurant Invitations Ink My Thyme Catering Potomac Garden Center Prigal Realty Quiznos Subs * Sponsored multiple events If you've been following this column or better yet, if you have been getting out to our events, you know that we tried a lot of new ideas in 2004. Although 2004 was a great year for us, we're busy getting ready for an even more exciting 2005! We hope you have a happy holiday season and we'll see you next year! L 10 The Lakelands Leader What: Mary Kay Holiday Virtual Open House When: Nov. 16 — Dec. 15, 2004 Where: http://www.marykay.com/kerridonnelly Sell It, Share It or Announce It In The Lakelands Leader Babies, Babies, birthdays, birthdays, classifieds, classifieds, community community news, news, photos, events and more! Share it photos, events and more! Share it with with your your friends friends and and neighbors neighbors in in The The Lakelands Lakelands Leader. Leader. For For information information regarding regarding advertising, advertising, placing placing aa classified, classified, contributing contributing aa story story or or announcement, announcement, contact contact Andrea Andrea Escher Escher at 301-519-1678 or via e-mail at [email protected] at 301-519-1678 or via e-mail at [email protected] December 2004 environmental &beautification committee update A By Bev Frey, Chairperson s the growing season winds down for the year, so does the EBC! Thank you to all the members and volunteers who worked so hard to make this year a success. All who enjoy the beauty of our community appreciates the commitment, dedication, and creativity of the committee members. A special thanks to Marcia Robins, co-chairperson, whose contribution to the EBC is immeasurable. Thank you for your time, efforts, and opinions. It has been a very busy year for the EBC. Committee members recently walked the nature trail with the developer to determine the placement of the path markers throughout the community. Also, work has begun on the footbridges around Lake Varuna, which will complete the trail through this wooded area. We hope that as work is completed, residents will take advantage of the beauty of the area by walking the path and spotting the deer and fox that have become residents of the woods. Also, a special thanks to Carrie Halpert, Kathleen Aller, and the City of Gaithersburg for all their hard work in landscaping the area at Nirvana woods. In October, the wooded area was cleared, and new trees and shrubs were added to the natural wood setting. The new plantings are a wonderful addition to the neighborhood. During the past months, Potomac Gardens has worked diligently on land- scaping Sheila Street Commons, Phelps Tot Lot, and Market Street Commons. Benches and pathways have recently been installed, completing these three areas for all to enjoy. In the spring, work will begin on Main Street Commons, Kersten Street Tot Lot, and some areas of Chestnut Hill Park. Plans are available for review on the 2nd floor of the clubhouse. Please contact the EBC if you have questions or concerns. In 2005, the committee will focus on Phase III of the Landscape Architect Plan, will design a landscape plan for Lane in the Woods, and arrange a community cleanup for the Stone Mason wooded area. The EBC, in conjunction with the Design Review Committee, is also developing guidelines to allow certain types of stonework to be used in the mews to alleviate muddy areas caused by car and truck traffic. Details will follow in the spring. As with any improvement to a residence, an approval must be received from the DRC before any work begins. The Environmental and Beautification Committee meets the third Wednesday of the month. As always, the committee is open to suggestions, new members, and volunteers. Please join us at the next meeting in January 2005. There will be no EBC meeting in December. Have a warm and wonderful holiday season! L ® , ® December 2004 Long & Foster Gaithersburg/North Potomac Office 189 Kentlands Blvd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878 301-548-4217 (O) The Lakelands Leader 11 By Andrea Escher Kentlands I ce R ink O pen For B usiness T he Kentlands Outdoor Ice Rink located next to the Star Diner is back in action!. The rink opened during Thanksgiving and will stay open until the beginning of March although Mother Nature will be the determining factor. The rink will continue to offer discounts for special events, school groups, community groups and birthday parties. Their hours of operation are as follows: Fridays 12 noon to 10:00 PM • Saturdays 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Sundays 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM If you would like to contact the Kentlands Ice Rink to find out more information call: 240-631-9100. If you would like to leave a message and make a reservation for an event please call: 240-631-6669. The staff at the Kentlands Ice Rink looks forward to seeing everyone on the ice this season. Office B uilding O pening S oon T he progress is nearing completion on the Lakelands office building on Main Stret and the Leader has learned several leases have been signed and the following tenants are expected to move in the before the holidays! Clover Clothing Boutique Coratola Architecture Firm Office of Natelli Communities Crepes A Go Go Gifford's Ice Cream & Candy In addition, no names have been given, but a high-end Washington D.C. Italian restaurant as well as a coffee shop is also rumored to set up shop soon. We'll keep you posted! Steak a nd S oul O pens o n M ain S treet A new restaurant has opened at 348 Main Street and promises to be a unique dining experience. Lakelands extends a warm welcome to Steak and Soul and its owner Olga Deneau upon their recent grand opening in early November. Steak and Soul offers a menu of high quality healthy food, including a variety of Angus steaks, chicken and seafood dishes as well as side dishes of fresh vegetables, salads and more. A children's menu is also available. Steak and Soul is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. We wish Olga and Steak and Soul all the best! Fine J ewelry a t Four S easons T he holidays are here and if you are still searching for that perfect gift for him or her, the gift of jewelry is always a winner. In fact, your jewelry shopping has gotten easier thanks to the grand opening of Four Seasons Jewelry and Gifts at 324 Main Street. Photo Courtesy:Tom Marchessault Four Seasons offers a variety of jewelry from rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets, to gifts and more. Take a moment to stop in and see what shiny new gifts are waiting for you! 12 The Lakelands Leader Bon A ppetite! F rench cuisine is on the way! Restaurant Le Palais will soon be opening at 304 Main Street in the coming weeks. The lunch menu will offer specialties from all around France including crepes and Chef Joe and his 18 years of chef talents in two restaurants in France will be dishing up a delicious dining experience. Wait till you taste the desserts! Stay tuned for more details! Lakelands R esident D ebuts Clin-SS pa By Gina Dropik C lin-Spa, the clinical aesthetic spa, has opened its doors on Main Street in the Kentlands, making it the only business of its kind in the D.C. metropolitan area. The spa is entirely devoted to skin care where owner and Lakelands resident Lori Kushner's motto is "Clinical treatment meets the spa". With that in mind she has created a space of quiet elegance where patrons can experience clinical treatments and products for the face and body close to home. Lori attended Yvonne de Vilar, a skin care school in Lori Kushner of Lakelands, Virginia, which is the first scienowner and operator of tific school of European aesthetClin-SSpa on Main Street. ics. There she became licensed in make-up artistry, facial treatments, body spa treatments, and Photo Courtesy: Gina Dropik waxing. She started her business in her home a year ago and through word of mouth and direct mailings she acquired a loyal following. Recently Lori decided to take her previous Bachelor of Business Administration, her training from Yvonne de Vilar, and her loyal following and open her business in one of the live-work units, which was a dream come true for her. "I actually get to do what I love," Lori said. The salon is decorated in beautiful earthy tones which provide a relaxing atmosphere. All first-time clients take a skin survey on their first visit. With that information Lori is able to educate them on the best treatment for their individual skin. She guides her clients through proper home care techniques and makes recommendations about which products would work best for their particular skin type. If necessary they will be referred to a medical doctor. Services at the spa are limited to facials, peels, waxing and make-up application. ClinSpa carries 22 different lines of skin care products. "Many of these are exclusive to ClinSpa in this area," Kushner said. "These are products that are usually only available through doctor's offices or destination spas." Products are available for all skin types and skin conditions such as teenage and adult acne, rosacea, photo damaged skin, ethnic skin, sensitive skin, age related skin changes, skin discolorations and more. Lori lives on Cross Green Street with her five-year-old son Ryan who attends the Butler School. The spa is located at 332 Main Street and currently has a staff of four. Hours of operation are: Mondays: 9:30a.m. - 4:30p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9:30a.m.-9:30p.m., Wednesdays: 8:00a.m.-4:30p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays: 9:30a.m.-7:30p.m. Appointments are recommended for services, but walk-ins are welcome and will be accommodated whenever possible. The phone number is 301-990-1991. December 2004 who’snews HAPPY BIRTHDAY! H appy 8th birthday to Jaymie Krems of Lakelands Drive. Jaymie, who will celebrate her birthday on December 17, is a third grader at Rachel Carson who loves art, swimming, tumbling, bike and scooter riding, macaroni and cheese, playdates with her friends, and especially reading. Jaymie is also proud that all her hard work paid off and she made the honor roll at school. Special birthday wishes are coming your way, Jaymie, from your parents, your big brother Bryan, and from all your friends! H appy belated birthday to Sarah Bess Friedlander of Rockborn Street. Sarah celebrated her 2nd birthday on November 6 with a party with her playgroup friends. She enjoyed being with her friends and family. We hope you had a great day! Kentlands & Lakelands Brownies Decorate “Tree of Warmth” (left to right) back to front are: 4th Row: Mary Stuart Elder, Hannah Messer, Hannah Dietz, Emily Baumgartner, Emily Benedict, Megan McDanald, Katie Coulson, Victoria Rodriguez Each child receives a very special keepsake Santa bag filled with goodies including a FREE Holiday theatre ticket compliments of Kentlands Stadium 10 & Drafthouse. Breakfast tickets must be purchased by December 8th to reserve your space. Limited number of tickets on sale now at Star Diner and Potomac Pizza. 3rd Row: Joey Kole, Whitney Souery, Katie Palmiere, Emma Topercer 2nd Row: Jenna Wilson, Emma Levrio, Dara Sypes, Katherine Ryder 1st Row: Ashley McDanald, Danielle Friedman-H Hill, Cassidy Solomon B rownie Troop 5511 of Gaithersburg Maryland standing in front of the "Tree of Warmth" at the Kentlands Clubhouse, learned about the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship. The troop created homemade gift tags and tree ornaments for twenty area children who will, in addition to receiving hats, mittens and scarves, be given shoes as part of the Secret Santa program going on through December 8th. A special thank you to Lowes in Kentlands for donating the tree! Carlee & Mackenzie’s Canned Food Drive Success Story R idgeview students Carlee Giddens and Mackenzie Papoi want to thank the Lakelands community for contributing to Ridgeview Middle Schools Annual Canned Food Drive for St. Martin's Soup Kitchen. Carlee and MacKenzie set out with a red wagon on a beautiful Sunday in November and collected 250 cans of food!!! Ridgeview collected 5000 cans last year and plan to beat their goal for this year! Go Bobcats!! Thanks again to our community for supporting others during the holiday season. Lakelands Youngster Attends Football Camp With Washington Redskins L akelands resident Mac Greaney attended the Art Monk football camp along with 15 of the Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens. The summer the camps were held at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia and McDaniel College in Westminser, Maryland. Mac's mother Jennifer said, "I'm thoroughly impressed with Art Monk's commitment to shaping the future of these boy's. It is a once in lifetime opportunity to met some great former and Photo (l-rr) Mac Greaney, Charles Mann and pro football players and learn first hand from their expeGreg Loeb had a blast this at the rience and Mac had a fantastic time." football camp. December 2004 The Lakelands Leader 13 Personalized, In-Home Computer Help • PC Hardware & Software Repair and Upgrades • Virus and Spyware Network • Wireless & Wired Network Expertise By Andrea Escher Forgive me father for we are about to sin! This priest and nun, Steve and Carol Ward, decided to step out and be naughty at the Lakelands happy hour. Photos Courtesy: Jim Wakefield Watza Network? Halloween Themed Happy Hour • Router/Firewall/Broadband Setup • Home of the WATZA Private Label Never-Fail Router • Even Laser & Ink Jet Printer Repairs! A Pumpkin with Style! Market Street East resident Bev Frey shows off her happy hour themed ensemble. Always the life of the party, toga man Jim Wakefield stops for a freaky photo with these unknown masked Lakelands residents. Bob Mann 10+ Years Experience Free Initial Consultation ~ Free Estimates Satisfaction Guaranteed! Serving the Kentlands and Lakelands Communities Call 301-495-3390 email: [email protected] web: www.watzanetwork.com Watzanetwork? is a service of WATZA, LLC. 14 The Lakelands Leader T hey said toga optional and costumes required, so you had to know that the October happy hour themed Halloween/toga party bash was going to get wild! The Lakelands Social Committee threw a Halloween happy hour gathering on October 29 and the residents came dressed in their wildest and wackiest costumes. A special thanks to everyone who attended and came in costume, it just goes to show you that Lakelands adults know how to party, especially on Halloween. L December 2004 December 2004 Coming Attractions! Upcoming Events Produced by the Lakelands Social Committee December 2004 " BUS TRIP TO NEW YORK CITY: Saturday, December 4th We'll depart Lakelands at 6:00 AM on December 4th in two motor coaches and arrive mid-town at Rockefeller Center around 10:30 - 11:00 AM. Once in New York, the day is yours to do as you wish (check out www.nyctourist.com for ideas). We'll return from the same location at 6:00 PM that evening and arrive back at Lakelands by 11:00PM. Both buses are sold-out. " TOYS FOR TOTS: Saturday, December 11th at 10:00 AM Santa appears at the Clubhouse during the US Marine Corps annual Toys for Tots Campaign. Your child can sit on Santa's lap. We ask that you please bring a new unwrapped gift for a needy child. " FAMILY NIGHT: With December being such a busy month with various holidays and corporate and private holiday parties, we've decided to postpone Family Night until January when things return to normal. " HAPPY HOUR: With December being such a busy month with various holidays and corporate and private holiday parties, we've decided to postpone Happy Hour until January when things return to normal. " BRIDGE LESSONS: Tuesdays December 14th, 21st and 28th 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM in the Clubhouse Red Room. The Lakelands Leader 15 neighbortoneighbor Still Creek Lane resident Stephanie Gallagher gives you real mom advice in her guide to surviving the baby years. By Andrea Escher Lakelands Resident's Best Seller Hits the Shelves L akelands residents who reside in Lane in the Woods know Still Creek Lane neighbor Stephanie Gallagher as wife, mother of two daughters and a great neighbor. What most residents don't know is that Gallagher is all that and more. An award-winning journalist, Gallagher's articles have appeared in such well known magazines as Redbook, McCall's, Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine and Woman's World. She is the publisher of Sound Bite Press and author of Money Secrets the Pros Don't Want You to Know, Fabulous Bargains, and The Everything Baby Resource Guide. As if that isn't enough, Gallagher's latest literary masterpiece has hit book stores nationwide, as she celebrates the debut of her new best selling book, The Gallagher Guide to the Baby Years: The Real Moms' Survey of Top-Rated Products and Advice. Long & Foster Potomac Village The #1 Sales Office in Potomac 301-983-0060 PROUDLY ANNOUNCES JENNY SLATER, Lakelands Resident ONCE AGAIN...A TOP PRODUCING AGENT FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER CALL JENNY AT 240-505-3565. 16 The Lakelands Leader Just what exactly is the Gallagher Guide? Gallagher says her book will give you the straight skinny on everything from coping with morning sickness to making potty training a breeze. "It's a handy reference of indispensable product ratings, brand recommendations, and advice that's been tested in the trenches, from real moms," says Gallagher. The only book to offer practical solutions, The Gallagher Guide is ranked and rated by the true experts: other moms who've been where you are now. "You can count on finding answers that will work for you, says Gallagher, because every solution, every recommendation, and every suggestion has been tried, tested and proven to work in the most rigorous testing labs around: the homes, cars, parks and playgrounds of moms all over the world." Publishing the Gallagher Guide was not an easy task, as Gallagher says she spent a busy six months surveying 194 moms, including 25 doctor moms from all over the world. "I surveyed moms from Hawaii to England and 10 of our very own Lakelands moms, said Gallagher. I survey them on everything from coping with colic to losing the pregnancy weight. I asked them how to prepare for labor and where to get baby announcements. What they do when their babies won't nap and where they shop for cool maternity clothes." After surveying mom after mom, Gallagher says she and her staff put everything they learned into a large database, ranked, rated the answers and organized it all. Within a few months, presto… The Gallagher Guide to the Baby Years: The Real Moms' Survey of Top-Rated Products and Advice. Gallagher says they tested strollers for durability and sound-tested children's music for listenability. With no stone unturned and no topic left untouched, Gallagher laughs as she admits they even taste-tested baby food and shrink-tested maternity clothes. With more then 467 tips and tricks to get through the baby years, Gallagher Photo Courtesy: Sound Bite Pres A Real Mom's Advice in “The Gallagher Guide to the Baby Years” says her book is for every mom who wishes she had a trusted and experienced friend to lean on, to give her a helping hand. " It's for every mom who wants to do the right thing for her baby, but doesn't want to have to get a Ph.D in child development in order to do so, says Gallagher. It's for every mom who could use a little extra time to herself, a little extra money in her wallet, and a huge helping of secrets and shortcuts to make life easier. In short, it's for YOU!" Gallagher says moms who purchase The Gallagher Guide to the Baby Years, will never feel lost and alone again. "You won't have to wonder whether what you're going through is normal says Gallagher, or whether you're prepared to deal with what comes next. You'll have your own personal cheerleading squad of experienced mommies in your corner." Since the book hit stores last month, readers are raving about Gallagher and her real mom advice. Alice Whitman of Baltimore says she purchased the book at a local book store and states it is THE top notch reference book for moms! "This book has loads of helpful advice from real moms. It is so easy to access just what you need in minutes, says Whitman. This isn't just for moms of babiesit's for moms (and even dads) of older kids too. I gave a copy to a friend who said-"The author's a genius!" When not busy publishing best sellers or contributing articles to popular magazines, Gallagher enjoys spending time with her husband Mark and their two daughters, seven year old Sloane and three year old Clare. She is an active participant in her children's schools and recently co-organized the end of the school year ice cream social for all Lakelands children. The Gallagher Guide to the Baby Years is available for purchase on amazon.com or in local book stores. We congratulate Gallagher on most recent publication and wish her all the best. We hope to see you on the New York Times Best Seller list! L December 2004 lakelandslistings Complied by Prigal Brothers, Re/Max Realty FOR SALE Address 626 Gatestone Street 204B Heathwalk Street 522 Helene Street 1370 Main Mews 631A Main Street 406 Phelps Street 441 Phelps Street Housing Type Townhouse Condo-Townhouse Townhouse Townhouse Condo-Townhouse Townhouse Townhouse Model Georgetown Mt. Vernon Turnbury Georgetown Georgetown Fairgate Turnbury Builder Miller & Smith Ryland Classic Miller & Smith Ryland Ryan Homes Classic List Price $594,000 $415,000 $539,000 $526,000 $370,000 $534,888 $529,900 UNDER CONTRACT Address 417 Clayhall Street 310A Cross Green Street 744 Gatestone Street 517 Helen Street 529 Kersten Street 712 Lake Varuna Mews 625A Main Street 657B Main Street 803 Main Street 805 Main Street 252B Market Street East 825 Market Street East 730 Still Creek Lane Housing Type Townhouse Condo-Townhouse Single Family Townhouse Townhouse Cottage Condo-Townhouse Condo-Townhouse Townhouse Townhouse Condo-Townhouse Townhouse Single Family Model Turnbury Georgetown Builder Classic Ryland Ryan Homes Miller & Smith NV Homes Main Street Ryland Ryland Miller & Smith Miller & Smith Ryland Michael Harris NV Homes List Price $539,000 $375,000 $766,000 $549,000 $589,000 $479,900 $370,000 $415,000 $539,900 $538,500 $415,000 $575,000 $899,000 Builder Main Street Classic Miller & Smith Ryland Ryland NV Homes NV Homes Michael Harris Michael Harris Parkwood NV Homes Classic Main Street Sold Price $480,450 $645,000 $514,300 $371,000 $375,000 $759,000 $700,000 $585,000 $838,000 $612,000 $840,000 $499,900 $448,250 SOLD Address 628 Bright Meadow Drive 713 Bright Meadow Drive 457 Clayhall Street 308A Cross Green Street 31A Golden Ash Way 535 Helene Street 543 Helene Street 441 Lakelands Drive 640 Lake Varuna Drive 705 Linslade Street 1373 Main Street 718 Market Street East 535 Sheila Mews Housing Type Cottage Single Family Townhouse Condo-Townhouse Condo-Townhouse Single Family Single Family Townhouse Single Family Single Family Townhouse Cottage Vanderbilt Georgetown Mt. Vernon Georgetown Georgetown Mt. Vernon Dartmouth Model Medinah Georgetown Georgetown Bartholomew Bartholomew Savannah 2 Chesterfield Turnbury Alcott Listings as of 11/16/04 The information above was obtained from MRIS. Information is believed to be accurate, but should not be relied upon without verification. These were not listing/sold exclusively by Prigal Brothers, Re/Max Realty. December 2004 The Lakelands Leader 17 Playgroup O ff t o a S uccessful S tart T he Lakelands Playgroup has returned to the Clubhouse and coordinator Irene Sayegh says the turn-out so far has been great. "We have children ranging in ages from four months to four years, we are hopeful more Lakelands toddlers will join us for the fun," says Sayegh. In case you haven't heard the playgroup meets every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Green Room, 2nd floor of the Lakelands Clubhouse. The playgroup is open to all Lakelands residents with small children (there is no set age limit but Sayegh says they are mostly pre-schoolers). Non-residents are welcome as long as he/she is a guest of a Lakelands resident. Parents are encouraged to bring toys, blankets, snacks, lunch, etc… whatever they and their children may need. This is a great experience for the kids Photo Credit: Irene Sayegh By Andrea Escher atthemovies Lakelands playgroup tots enjoy playing with their friends and even reading the recent issue of the Lakelands Leader. and it will give parents an opportunity to get to know each other - not to mention, help each other out with stories, advice, tears, etc. Sayegh tells the Leader that the playgroup will be hosting upcoming events for the children and recently hosted a Halloween party for the kids. For more information or questions, please contact Irene Sayegh at [email protected]. L By Ben Laimon I SAW f you are interested in a scary movie, SAW should definitely make your list. This movie exudes the dirty, gritty feel of a dark and dangerous world akin to the movie SEVEN. As comparisons go, SAW does not approach the caliber of SEVEN, but it will make its mark in the world of the macabre. The movie begins with two captive men waking in a run-down abandoned industrial bathroom. They quickly realize they are each chained to a separate corner and the panic sets in. In order to escape, they must figure out what is going on through hidden clues surrounding them. This scenario is an example of what the story's evil mastermind does to his victims. The villain, referred to as Jigsaw, forces his victims into terrible lifethreatening situations in order to teach them a life lesson. Each of scenarios is set up to be an elaborate and torturous ordeal for each victim. In each scenario, the victim is given a set of nearly impossible clues that, if followed, would supposedly lead to freedom. Like many similar movies of this genre, the villain is being pursued by two doggedly determined workaholic detectives. SAW is unique as it focuses heavily on the relationship between the two main characters that are trapped in the abandoned bathroom. We get a glimpse into a multifaceted dynamic of panic, fear, trust, mistrust, and frantic desperation that such victims may go through. This essential part of the story could be very extraordinary in the hands of capable actors. Unfortunately, the relatively unknown main characters feel very "wooden" in their performances and even drew inappropriate laughter from the audience. I bet you will quickly see what I mean as the movie begins. If you can get past that hiccup, the story is pretty creative. I liked the twists that SAW incorporated. It really bucked many of the traditional story formulas of its genre with just enough quirks to doubt the motivations of otherwise obvious characters. That, combined with an ending that is truly a zinger, really helped the movie redeem itself. Don't get me wrong, the clever twists and the unique story approach worked together to barely trump the bad acting. If you are looking for a thriller and have the stomach for gruesome situations, you'll get your money's worth from SAW. Overall Rating: 2.5/5 stars ÌÌÌ Become an Egg Donor Give Anonymously Egg donors hold the key to completing a couples long journey to have a child of their own. For a variety of medical reasons some women are unable to conceive using their own eggs. Their only option for conception is egg donation. These women are everyday women like your sister or your friend, whose only goal is to have a baby of their own to love for a lifetime. As an a egg donor, you’ll gain reward and personal satisfaction knowing your generous contribution will have a profound effect in the life of another woman and her partner. Excellent Financial Compensation Ask About Our Referral Reward Program If you are between the ages of 21-33 with a healthy lifestyle and would like to know more about egg donation please call: 1.888.529.6382 SHADY GROVE FERTILITY Apply Online: www.shadygrovefertility.com 18 The Lakelands Leader R E P R O D U C T I V E S C I E N C E C E N T E R December 2004 Holiday Jokes FREE PIZZA…..! The Lakelands Leader and Potomac Pizza in Market Square are teaming up to offer a free pizza deal for another lucky Lakelands kid. All you have to do is provide a joke, Doodle Bug drawing, short story, poem or any creative writing piece, for next month's Leader and not only will we feature your child's submission, but Potomac Pizza will post the your child's creative piece in their store. The winner will be awarded with a special "pizza pass" and will be able to enjoy a free piece of pizza every day during the month of January at Potomac Pizza. What a deal! Here’s some holiday pictures that could use some color! Q: What do elves learn in school? A: The elf-abet! Q: What do snowmen eat for breakfast? A: Frosted flakes! Q: Who delivers Christmas presents to pets? A: Santa Paws! Send the Kids Zone your jokes, puzzles, Doodle Bug drawings, poems or short stories and we'll feature them in the next issue. Submissions are welcome from any Lakelands child of any age. To submit, please contact Andrea at [email protected] or call 301-519-1678. We can't wait to see you in the Kids Zone! December 2004 The Lakelands Leader 19 gardengate By Genie Tillisch T he holidays are a busy time for everyone, and my family is no exception. We start off in early November with my husband's birthday, a week later it's our anniversary, and then Thanksgiving is hot on our heels. Two weeks later we rev the party engine even higher to celebrate my daughter's birthday, followed by Christmas and New Year's. By the time my birthday rolls around in mid-January, we're just about plum tuckered out and can barely manage dinner and a movie. But, early in December we're peaking and never fail to make the annual pilgrimage to one of Maryland's Christmas tree farms. It's become a tradition and infinitely more satisfying than buying a tree that was cut in October and shipped from Canada. After all, we sometimes ride out to the trees in some far meadow, bumping along on a hay wagon behind a tractor. And, my daughter and I get to watch my husband lie on the frozen ground and work up a sweat sawing through 6-8 inches of green wood with a borrowed saw, complaining all the while that his arm is about to fall off. We always get a really great tree, one that we tromped about after, discussed and disputed, selected through heated debate, dragged through the mire, and tied to the top of our car for a slow and cozy ride home. (Men somehow manage to keep the speedometer under 65 when something is messing with their aerodynamics.) The only slightly sad part is the moment the tree is actually cut and you get that weird feeling that you, personally, just killed a living thing. It is a little sad for me, but only just a little, and I'll tell you why. I buy into that whole Christmas tree industry environmental spin thing, lock, stock, and barrel. They'll tell you that the trees are a crop just like corn, wheat, or hay. None of us cry when we see the farmer cutting the corn at summer's end, and so should fall the Christmas tree, without remorse. As most Christmas tree fields were once used for annual crops, soil erosion has lessened with Finding the perfect the trees' long 8-15 year Christmas tree is a maturation rate. In family affair. addition, habitat for wildlife has been created, and one acre of trees produces enough oxygen every year for 16 people to breathe. (This is really great stuff!) Finally, natural trees require no factories (that consume fossil fuels) to produce a plastic (fossil fuel byproduct) tree that needs to be packaged (raw materials), transported (more fossil fuel), displayed in the store (you got it, fossil fuel), sold to the consumer, and finally discarded (land fill or incinerator). Natural trees are created with solar energy and are 100% biodegradable. So, if it's a Christmas tree you must have, I highly recommend the "choose and cut" method. Below are a few notable central Maryland farms, but you will undoubtedly stumble across a number of smaller operations as you drive along any country road between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Happy Hunting! Sewell's Farm in Taneytown, Md. offers Concolor Fir, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, White Pine, and Blue Spruce. All choose and cut trees are $38.00. Sewell's offers 90 acres of trees, some up to 12' tall, free hot Photo Courtesy: Genie Tillisch Hunting the Perfect Tree cider on weekends, and a country gift shop. Fresh cut trees, balled and burlapped live trees, wreaths, and roping also available. Open starting November 28th, 9-5 daily. Directions: 410-756-4397 or www.sewellsfarm.com/. Good Spirits Christmas Tree Forest in Hagerstown grows Concolor Fir, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Scotch Pine, White Pine, Blue Spruce, and Norway Spruce. Thousands of trees are available up to 12' in size. Hay rides, hiking trails, hot chocolate and cider featured. Freshly dug live trees, wreaths, etc. available. Open Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, 1-5 Mon.-Fri. and 9-5 on weekends. Directions: (301) 797-5695 or www.goodspiritstree.com/. Pine Valley Farms in Sykesville produces Canaan Fir, Concolor Fir, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, White Pine, and Blue Spruce. More than 15,000 trees are waiting for you to choose. Prices begin at $29.00 for white pine; firs are $41 and up. Fresh-cut trees, wreaths, greens, roping, tree stands, and decorations available every day; hot dogs, barbeque, hot chocolate, cider, and crafts on 23(1+286(6 7KXUV1RYDPSP 6DW'HFDP 7RXUVDQGLQIRVHVVLRQV 6HHFODVVHVLQVHVVLRQ1RYRQO\ 0RUHLQIRZZZVDHVRUJ 3RVWRDN5RDG 3RWRPDF0' 20 The Lakelands Leader ´:H·OOLQVLVWRQ\RXUEHVW³EHFDXVHWKH HGXFDWLRQ6W$QGUHZ·VRIIHUVLVDERXW PRUHWKDQDFDGHPLFULJRUµ 6W$QGUHZ·VGRHVQRWGLVFULPLQDWHRQWKHEDVLVRIUDFH FRORUFUHHGRUQDWLRQDORULJLQ weekends. Open beginning November 26th, 9-5 every day. Directions: 410-795-8314 or www.pinevalleyfarms.com. For more Maryland Christmas tree farms visit the 2004 Maryland Choose and Cut Directory at www.marylandchristmas trees.org/. L Poinsettia Pointers from Potomac Garden Center P oinsettias are a popular holiday decoration! Here are a few pointers from Potomac Garden Center to help you keep your poinsettia looking perfect. Light: Poinsettias prefers 6 or more hours of direct sun per day. Poinsettias will do well in consistently very bright light as indirect light may not allow them to bloom well. Watering: Keep your poinsettia on the dry side. Water it when the topsoil has dried about ½ the depth of the pot. Poinsettias like moderate to high humidity. Feeding: Feed your poinsettia with complete fertilizer every two weeks during the spring and summer but not the rest of the year. To hold plants over for the following year, in spring, after flowers and bracts have died, cut back and repot in fresh soil. Set your poinsettia on a warm, sunny window or outdoors during the warm season and keep in shape with periodic pruning. When the weather becomes cool in the fall, bring in and set in a warm sunny spot. Beginning in late September, plants must have a long night - 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night. Place in a closet or cover with a heavy paper bag or opaque cloth so that no light reaches the plant during the night, until the buds have set, usually around the end of October. By following these pointers, your poinsettia is sure to be perfect! L December 2004 cook’scorner By Flora Kessler, M.S., R.D., L.D. Fighting t he H oliday W eight W oes N early everyone has a food that they associate with a holiday; turkey at Thanksgiving, latkes at Chanukah, pumpkin pie at Christmas. For those on a weight reduction plan, watching their fat, sugar or salt intake, it can be a difficult task to find items to meet their needs but enjoy the spirit of the season. Here are some tips to help avoid putting on the pounds during this holiday season when attending parties: • Offer to bring a food item that is low in fat, sugar or salt. • Head for the vegetables and fruit. Try to avoid the heavy dip and cocktail franks! • Opt for ½ a glass of wine mixed with sparkling water, or sparkling water with lemon or lime. Alcohol is high in calories, but low in nutrition. • Make sure you eat a meal before attending a party. It is easier to resist the temptation when you are full. Menu plans for your family holiday meals can help to control calories, sugar, fat and salt for healthy meals for the entire family. Many of your favorite recipes can be modified easily to meet dietary needs. There are many new products on the market to use in cooking that lowers fat and sugar. Herbs and spices are a wonderful way to avoid the use of salt. For some people, just decreasing the portion size can satisfy that need to try some of your favorite food items while avoiding the full impact of the calories, salt and sugar. Lots of great recipes are in cookbooks and the Web that will help you in planning your holiday meal to meet your healthy lifestyle. Just in case you do feel that you have overindulged in too much holiday cheer, go out and take a long walk with a loved one to enjoy the crisp air and the company. Here is wishing you a healthy and happy holiday season! L Flora Kessler is a Lakelands resident and a Registered Dietitian. Looking for Family Footcare? We’re now in your neighborhood! Montgomery Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC Adam K. Spector, DPM Herman R. Zarate, DPM Sharon T. Siebold, DPM Specialists in the Medical and Surgical Treatment of the Foot and Ankle SILVER SPRING NORTH POTOMAC WHEATON 1111 Spring Street Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301-589-8886 11906-G Darnestown Road N. Potomac, MD 20878 Phone: 301-987-7450 3909 Ferrara Drive Wheaton, MD 20906 Phone: 301-949-8833 10% off next visit. Limit one per family. Expires March 30, 2005. N. Potomac / Quince Orchard December 2004 The Lakelands Leader 21 SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY BUSINESS legallyspeaking A R efresher Course i n t he L aw T here are two themes for this article. One is that as we head into the Christmas-New Year season, it is a good time to take a refresher course in traffic law. The other is that sometimes small things can lead to much larger problems. There is a seat belt law. All drivers must be restrained by a seat belt. All occupants under 16 years of age must be restrained by a seat belt unless they are in an approved child safety seat. An occupant of the front passenger seat must be restrained by a seat belt. The fine for a set belt violation is only $25.00 for a violation, but the police may stop a car for this apparent violation. There is a law prohibiting the consumption of alcohol beverages in a motor vehicle. Obviously, it applies to the driver; however, it also applies to the other occupants of the vehicle. The police may stop a vehicle for this violation, and the occupant with the beverage, and possibly the driver as well, may be charged. This also carries a $25.00 fine. The only exception to this provision of possession of an open alcoholic beverage container applies to passengers in a taxi, limousine, or similar vehicle. There is even a law prohibiting littering on a highway, parking lot, playground, or similar public or private property. Litter is broadly defined as trash, debris, rubbish, and other discarded materials of every kind. The operator of a motor vehicle can be stopped if litter is disposed of in an improper manner, such as throwing a cigarette out the window of a car. This crime 22 The Lakelands Leader By Tim Clarke Kentlands Law Center 219 Firehouse Lane Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878 301-217-9379 [email protected] carries a maximum penalty of 30 days and a $1,000.00 fine as well as a requirement that the Court can order for the offender to clean up the mess. A police officer may properly stop a vehicle if he sees a violation regarding the seat belt open container, or littering law. Then the officer may make any other observations which are permissible, such as determining if the driver is operating under the influence of alcohol. As the party season approaches, it is a good idea to remember that a 140-pound person would be considered at the legal limit for driving under the influence after three regular drinks. The standard for a 180pound person may be four drinks to reach that level. A drink in this example is a 12ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 11/2 ounce glass of spirits because all contain the same amount of alcohol. Many area places serve much larger beverages which would cause someone to reach a limit far sooner than this standard. The alcohol level in Maryland is established at this level to try to bring about highway safety. The police are rightfully vigilant in going after those who violate these laws. These are but a few of the laws that are designed to encourage proper care and attention as well as courtesy on the road. If you wish to discuss any of these or other matters of interest, please feel free to contact me. L communityclassifieds FOR SALE: Motorcycle for Sale: 1999 Honda VT750 Shadow ACE Deluxe 750cc. Only 1,835 gentle miles. Original adult owner. Absolutely perfect condition. Garage kept. Never saw rain. Two-tone (Black and maroon) with full windshield. First $3,500 gets it (Paid $6,700). You finish "breaking it in". Call John at (240) 632-2589; leave message. Free Piano: Antique Weber, You Pick Up, Email me at [email protected]. Dutailier Glider Rocker: Dark cherry Dutailier glider rocker, sleigh model, with light beige chenille fabric. Excellent condition. $150. Call 301-208-9032. Pilates Reformer Machine: bought from QVC, hardly used, why go out in the cold when you can do a workout at home, $110, call 301-908-4571 Serta: King size double pillow-top mattress and box spring, very comfortable, only $150. Call 301-908-4571. Pottery Barn: King Size Mesa Everyday Suede Duvet Cover and 2 Shams in Camel color and also 2 Plush Fur Shams in two-tone brown. Hardly used. Paid $500, Asking $200. Call 301-908-4571. Entertainment Center: Oak veneer, honey stain, dimensions 49"x44"x17", fits 27-in TV, shelving in cabinet with glass door, one drawer and space for VCR/DVD below TV slot. $100 obo. Call 301-330-8089. Baby Stuff For Sale: Pali sleigh crib (drawer underneath) in natural wood, white changing table, Evenflo exersaucer and Peg Perego high chair (teddy bear pattern). Please call Stephanie Gallagher at 301-926-9469 or email at [email protected]. Services Needed/Available: Hit & Run by Direct TV Van: Car parked on Lakelands Drive on Thursday, November 18, 2004 at 3:30 p.m. was struck by a dark green, older model caravan with Direct TV signs, New York license plates. Driver was a Hispanic male in his early/mid twenties. If you had a Direct TV contractor driving a vehicle of this description at your home on this date, please contact Ming at 301-537-6809. Thanks in advance for your assistance. Help Wanted: The Yellow Balloon Children's Hair Salon is looking for a part time receptionist to work 3 days a week from 9:30-3:00 starting in either December or January. Perfect job for a mom who lives in the neighborhood and wants to be home with their kids after school. Please call Sara at 240-243-0573 or stop by the salon if you are interested. Help Wanted in Kentlands: Full-time, Customer Representative: Neighborhood State Farm agent seeks a highly motivated team member. Job entails servicing customers and marketing our full range of products and services. No experience necessary. Banking, retail, insurance exp. is a plus. Call 301 330-6612 or fax resume to 301 330-5968. Personal Assistant Needed: Disabled individual needs assistance with activities of daily living (i.e., dressing, showering, cooking, cleaning, etc.) in early mornings, evenings and weekends. Close to Montgomery College. No experience needed; 1-2/hr. shifts. Looking for 2-3 people. $10.50/hr. Contact Nadia at (301) 977-8530 or [email protected]. Lakelands Roommate Wanted ASAP: To share large three bedroom townhouse/condo ('B' unit) with one female. Can't pass up the features and location; must see for yourself!! Male preferred, Smoking and pets not allowed, Unfurnished bedroom with private bath, Rent: $750/month, Deposit: negotiable, Lease: Six months, Kitchen: full privileges, Laundry: washer and dryer on bedroom (3rd) level, Utilities (gas/electric) / cable: shared, Telephone: can establish separate line. Contact Karrie at 301208-9521 or [email protected]. Sell It, Find It, Rent It in the Lakelands Classifieds. To submit your FREE Lakelands classified, email [email protected] or call Andrea at 301-5 519-1 1678. December 2004 professionaldirectory To advertise in The Lakelands Leader, please call 301-519-1678 or email [email protected] Elizabeth Ayala, D.M.A. Teacher of Piano The Kentlands 301-977-5424 • Yard Clean-ups • Mulching and Wood Chips • Landscape Design/Installation • Shrub/Tree Installation Avi Chertock • Lawn Renovation — Seeding/Fertilizing • Landscape Consultations • Shrub Pruning and Removal • Flower — Perennial-Annual Installation (301) 593-0577 Only 42% of all adults have a will. Don't make your plans at the last minute. Wills • Durable Powers of Attorney Advance Medical Directives Revocable Living Trusts • Estate Administration Tax, Estate, Financial Planning • Tax Preparation Tax Controversies THE LAW OFFICE OF KENNETH S. SAVELL Call 301-675-9626 or e-mail [email protected] to ask questions or to schedule an appointment Personal training, the perfect holiday gift! December 2004 The Lakelands Leader 23 The Halloween Spirit Hits High in Lakelands Parents and children lined the streets near the Clubhouse in celebration of the community costume parade. By Andrea Escher More then two hundred neighbors gathered on the afternoon of Halloween at the Lakelands basketball court to kick off the annual community costume parade. As far as the eye could see children dressed in their Halloween costumes arrived for an afternoon of spooks, spirit and fun! The event kicked off with a costume parade around the perimeter of the Clubhouse and finished at the basketball court, where members of the Lakelands Social Committee were gathered to get the party started. The ever popular "Pumpkin Pass" (played like hot potato) and the "Mummy-Wrap" contest had the children shouting and laughing throughout the afternoon. At the end of the party the children headed home for an evening of trick or treating in the neighborhood. A special THANK YOU to the Social Committee and everyone who attended the bash. We can't wait to do it again next year. Photos Courtesy: Andrea Escher Snow White and two pretty in pink princesses arrived for the parade. With a little help from dad, even the smallest Lakelands tot took a shot of winning the mummy-w wrap contest. Linslade Street's Campbell girls posed for a quick pumpkin picture for mom. The Ezrin and Coulson kids had a blast at the Halloween bash. Hey, JoJo what do you say? 24 The Lakelands Leader And the winner is… Snow White, the winner of the Pumpkin Pass contest. December 2004