What Is A Christmas Living Nativity? Come and find out!

Feeling Blue as the Holidays Approach? GPC's New Approach for the Longest Night

Crime Reporting Information

 

 

ACTION ALERT: Mail Theft

Hello everyone,

There has been several thefts from curbside mailboxes in our area. Please be alert if you see anyone in your area who is going through other people’s mailboxes. Call the police non-emergency right away.

Be safe. Take your payments to a secure mailbox. (BTW – it’s a Federal offense for anyone other than the US Postal Service to remove mail from your mailbox!).

This is what to do if something like this happens to you.  

File a police report first. You will need case number for the bank affidavit.

Go to your bank in person. You will need your account number, photo ID and all check numbers that may be effected.

If applicable, bring the original invoices that were to be paid - to match the Payee and check amount on the stolen check(s).

Make sure the bank will allow the police to receive copy of their video footage – without your approval the police having to file a warrant to get it.

File an online Mail Theft report with the US Postal Service (USPS) - Vandalism to your mail receptacle.

https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/investigations/MailFraud/fraudschemes/mailtheft/ReportMailTheft.aspx         

 

Holiday Help Needed Message City of Gaithersburg Government

The City of Gaithersburg has been assigned a record number of families to help during the annual Holiday Giving Program. 
More than 2,000 children and their families are on our list. 
You can help by making a cash donation, providing Target gift cards in $10 and $20 denominations, or helping to fill holiday gifts bags with books, toys and healthy snack foods. 
Donations are needed by December 13. 
To learn more visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov/communityservices.

Source:
City of Gaithersburg Facebook Page, 12/05/2013

Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival

The 18th Annual Winter Lights Festival

Nightly: November 29 - December 31, 2013
(Closed December 25th)

SPECIAL EVENTS: (Closed to drive-thru traffic on these nights)

Leashes ‘n’ Lights - November 17
• Run Under the Lights - November 23
S’more Lights - December 2
• Walk Under the Lights - December 2 & 9

Winter Lights features more than 365 illuminated vignettes and 65 animated displays in a 3.5 mile drive through beautiful Seneca Creek State Park.  

Visit Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Victorian Village, North Pole, Toyland, and Penguin Cove. 

Proceeds Benefit Local Charities.

Please note that the festival is closed to cars on:
           December 2 and 9 and closed to all on December 25.

For details and group admission rates, call 301-258-6350 or
visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov/winterlights.

GPC Employment Support Group - Guest Speaker 11/11/13

Meeting Location:

Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church

610 S. Frederick Ave.
Room 202, North Entrance
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-1200
Church Office Phone: (301) 948-9418
Church web site: http://www.gpchurch.org

Local Employment Support Group Guest Speaker 11/11/13

 

Not just for Train Travelers

While I like a lot of things about Maryland, how people behave in public is NOT one of them. We got this reminder for train riders but basic courtesy applies not only to all travel but also the way we behave everywhere in public. Read on...

Courtesy Toward Your MARC Train Neighbor

Courtesy is contagious, but as we get caught up in our daily commute we often forget to consider the comfort of our fellow commuters. This includes cell phone usage, placing items on the seat next to you, and the use of perfumes and colognes. To ensure that everyone has a safe and pleasant trip, please be aware of the following rules:

· Passengers must allow conductors, or any authorized representative, to inspect all tickets or cash fare receipts upon request. Tickets may be inspected more than once during a trip. Tickets must be removed from any carrying case if requested by the conductor.

· No seats are reserved on MARC Trains. Please do not inconvenience others by holding or blocking seats with parcels, clothing or other items.

· Most railcars contain designated seating for senior citizens and passengers with disabilities. These seats must be provided to these persons if requested.

· Smoking is prohibited (includes electronic cigarettes) onboard MARC Trains or inside MTA owned stations, waiting areas, or on MTA-owned or leased platforms. Amtrak policies apply at Amtrak owned stations (Washington, New Carrollton, BWI Marshall Airport and Baltimore Penn Station).

· Do not stand in aisles when seats are available. Standing is never allowed on stairs or in vestibules. Please allow the conductors to walk through the cars for ticket collection, or any emergencies that may arise.

· Improper conduct, intoxication, offensive actions or language that is objectionable to other passengers and/or the train crew, or is disruptive to the safe operation of the train is not permitted.

Thank you for helping to make the MARC Train Service a pleasant experience for everyone!

Source: October 2013 On Your MARC; Fri 10/04/13 12:12 PM

Local Employment Support Group

The Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church (GPC) Employment Support Group provides a supportive Christian environment for those who are unemployed, about to be unemployed, underemployed, or seeking a career change. The group meets twice a month, second Monday and fourth Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in Room 202, is free, confidential, and open to the public. Meetings last about an hour.

All are welcome!

Facilitated by lay members with support from other job seekers, the meetings begin and end with prayer and include roundtable discussions on each person’s situation, then group discussions on employment resources, job hunting techniques, networking, and interviewing. We bring Jesus into employment-related decisions to encourage each other and meet both practical and spiritual needs.

Employment Resources

• LinkedIn is the largest professional network in the world and a key networking and research tool for job seekers. Using LinkedIn as part of your networking toolkit can open doors to opportunities, by helping you leverage the professional relationships you already have - and new strategic contacts you develop! It’s not just who you know, but who those people know…and who those people know.

Sign up for the free LinkedIn 101 webinars (Wednesdays @1:00 p.m. CST).

Check out the LinkedIn’s Job Seekers Resources.

• Montgomery Works helps make connections between job seekers and employers in Montgomery County.

• Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC) is a service offered by the Maryland DLLR providing assistance to individuals who are in the professional, executive, technical, managerial, and/or scientific occupations.

• The Career Gateway offers intensive training, take-home materials, a long-term mentor and individual attention to computer-savvy jobseekers age 50+.

Meeting Location:

Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church

610 S. Frederick Ave.
Room 202, North Entrance
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-1200
Church Office Phone: (301) 948-9418
Church web site: http://www.gpchurch.org

Join MCPD Autism Night Out on July 25, 2013

Montgomery County Police Department

Save the Date: MCP and Autism Speaks are hosting "Autism Night Out" on July 25 ! We will be providing information to caregivers and will offer a little fun for the smaller folks! We hope you can make it!

More info: http://www.mymcpnews.com/2013/06/24/save-the-date-autism-night-out/

 

 

 

 

Source:

MCPD Official Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/mcpnews?ref=stream&hc_location=stream

Some Thoughts For After A Storm Passes

Got this from Montgomery County Alert system:

"As the severe storm has passed through, it's important to take several precautions: 

o Stay off roads to allow emergency crews to clear roads and provide emergency assistance. 

o Help injured or trapped persons. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury. 

o Use the telephone only for emergencies. 

o Use care around downed power lines. Assume a downed wire is a live wire.  

o Watch out for overhead hazards such as broken tree limbs, wires and other debris. 

o Avoid walking into flood waters. The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewerage, contain downed power lines or animals. 

o Look for hazards such as broken/leaking gas lines, damaged sewage systems, flooded electrical circuits, submerged appliances and structural damage. Leave the area if you smell gas or chemical fumes. 

o Clean everything that gets wet. For food, medicines and cosmetics; when in doubt, throw it out. 

o Make sure backup generators are well ventilated. Never use grills, generators or camping stoves indoors.

 

Sent to All users (E-mail accounts) through Alert Montgomery https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov"

Gaithersburg Police Department Community Day June 8 from 10 a.m. to noon

Just in from their Facebook page:

City of Gaithersburg Government

The Gaithersburg Police Department invites residents to a Community Day on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to noon in front of the police station. 

 

Officers will be on hand to answer questions and kids can explore police cars and meet McGruff the Crime Dog.

 

For more information, call 301-258-6168.

 

(c) Gaithersburg City Government

 

Invitation: Joseph M. Martin Free Concert Saturday, 5/18/13 @7:30 PM

 http://www.gpchurch.org/

City of Gaithersburg 2013 Baby Bazaar

(c) City of Gaithersburg

(c) City of Gaithersburg

What?
Baby Bazaar

When?
Saturday, May 11, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Where?
Montgomery County Fairgrounds
16 Chestnut Street
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Cost:
Free Admission

Parking Info:
On site, Free

Contact:
301-258-6350

www.gaithersburgmd.gov/markets

Source:
City of Gaithersburg Facebook page

Gaithersburg City - Neighborhood & HOA Improvement Matching Grants Available

Just in...
The Frederick J. Felton Neighborhood Matching Grant Program provides incentive for neighborhood organizations to improve their communities by awarding dollar-for-dollar matching grants of up to $5,000. 2014 Proposed funds are $60,000.

Examples of how previous funds were used are: "sidewalk enhancement, lighting upgrades, signage, fence replacement, parking lot enhancements, community block parties, and even neighborhood birdhouses."

Application Period: May 15, 2013 to July 15, 2013
Application Form: Frederick J. Felton Neighborhood Matching Grant Application

Gaithersburg City contact: Monica Sanchez, 301-258-6310.

Source:
http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/poi/default.asp?POI_ID=309&TOC=307;309;&id=6203


(c) City of Gaithersburg Facebook image




 

Gaithersburg City - Citizen Canine of the Year Photo Contest

"Does your licensed pooch have what it takes to be the next “Citizen Canine of the Year?” "

"The City of Gaithersburg invites all canine residents and their owners to compete in the “Citizen Canine” Photo Contest." "All qualified photo entries will be posted on the City's Facebook page." Click here for  list of prizes: HERE.

Voting will take place on the City's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/gaithersburgmd.gov.

Submission deadline: June 14, 2013.
Vote by "Liking": June 18 to July 23, 2013.



(c) City of Gaithersburg, Facebook image

 

Gaithersburg’s Farmers Markets - May 4 through November 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Local Produce, Artisan Crafts Available at Gaithersburg’s Farmers Markets

(c) City of Gaithersburg

"The City of Gaithersburg presents two Farmers Markets, featuring locally grown produce throughout the growing season. The variety of fruits and vegetables changes weekly as different crops reach maturity. In addition to produce, both markets feature a variety of meats, baked goods, honey, cider, jams and jellies, eggs, granola, and fresh herbs.

The Main Street Farmers and Artists Market is open Saturdays, May 4 through November 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You’ll find it in the Main Street Pavilion at 301 Main Street, one block off of Kentlands Boulevard directly behind Whole Foods in the Kentlands. A variety of local artists, acoustic performers, and craftspeople with unique handcrafted items will join the farmers at this location each Saturday, and eggs, dog products, potted plants, and cut flowers will also be available.

The Fulks Corner Farmers Market is open Thursdays, May 2 through November 21, from 1 to 6 p.m. You’ll find it at the corner of Route 355 and Fulks Corner Avenue in Olde Towne. Crafters will not be present for this market.

Both locations are now an Eat Fresh Maryland partner, fully committed to increasing access to fresh, local food for Marylanders of all backgrounds and incomes through federal nutrition benefits. Both markets accept WIC, FVC and FMNP checks.

For more information please visit the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/markets, or contact Kristen Hux at 301-258-6350 or by e-mail at khux@gaithersburgmd.gov. "

Source: http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/poi/default.asp?POI_ID=309&TOC=307;309;&id=6205

City of Gaithersburg - Free Rabies Clinic for Cats and Dogs

"City of Gaithersburg will be participating in a Free Rabies Clinic for cats and dogs on Sunday, April 21, 2013, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter. There is no fee for the rabies vaccination; however, a City License must be purchased at the clinic.

(c) City of Gaithersburg

The Montgomery County Animal Services Division sponsors the clinics at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter in Rockville at 14645 Rothgeb Drive, which is just off East Gude Drive.

At these clinics, which are staffed by licensed veterinarians and experienced handlers, pets will receive a free rabies vaccination when you purchase a license (see license informaton). All pets must be leashed or in carriers; dogs not under their owner's control will not be vaccinated. Please advise the clinic manager if your dog requires special handling.

City residents are reminded that rabies vaccinations and City Licenses are required by law for each domestic pet.

Clinic Dates ( 10 a.m. to noon):

• April 21
• May 19
• June 16
• July 21
• August 18

The Montgomery County Animal Shelter is located at:

14645 Rothgeb Drive
Rockville, MD 20850
240-773-5946www.mchumane.org
"
Source: http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/poi/default.asp?POI_ID=309&TOC=307;309;&id=2139



Gaithersburg Police Foundation Fundraiser - May 14 @Dogfish Head Alehouse

More from the City of Gaithersburg:

(c) City of Gaithersburg Police

"The Gaithersburg Police Foundation will hold its 5th annual fundraising event at Dogfish Head Alehouse, located at 800 West Diamond Avenue in Gaithersburg, on Tuesday May 14, 2013 from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. 
 
Dogfish Head Alehouse will donate 15% of that day’s proceeds to the Gaithersburg Police Foundation. The public is encouraged to drop by for a fun time, good food and an opportunity to meet the members of the Gaithersburg Police Department and the Gaithersburg Police Foundation, who will be on hand throughout the day.

Formed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in January, 2008, the Gaithersburg Police Foundation seeks to support the Gaithersburg Police Department with its mission to provide quality services to the residents of Gaithersburg. The Foundation raises funds to offer educational opportunities for the police department staff, enhances recruitment and retention of officers, provides logistical support to officers, provides technology assistance, and helps to finance community outreach initiatives.

For more information contact Gil Price, Foundation Chairperson, at gaithersburgpf@gmail.com."

Source: http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/poi/default.asp?POI_ID=309&TOC=307;309;&id=6202

Tips on What is Suspicious Behavior

From City of Gaithersburg website;
 
The Department of Homeland Security has developed seven signs of suspicious behavior associated with terrorism (listed below). It is important to call 911 if any of the following behavior is observed:

1. Surveillance: Recording or monitoring activities. May include drawing diagrams, note taking, use of cameras, binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices or possessing floor plans or blueprints of key facilities.
   Elicitation: Attempts to obtain operation, security and/or personnel-related information about a facility. Attempts may be made by mail, fax, e-mail, telephone or in person.
2. Tests of Security: Attempts to measure reaction times to security breaches or to penetrate physical security barriers or procedures in order to assess strengths and weaknesses.
3. Acquiring Supplies: Attempts to improperly acquire items that could be used in a terrorist act. May include the acquisition of explosives, weapons, harmful chemicals, flight manuals, law enforcement or military equipment, uniforms, identification badges or the equipment to manufacture false identification.
4. Suspicious Persons: Someone who does not appear to belong in a workplace, neighborhood or business establishment due to their behavior. May ask unusual questions.
5. Dry Runs/Trial Runs: Behavior that appears to be preparation for a terrorist act without actually committing the act. Activity could include mapping out routes and determining the timing of traffic lights and flow.
   
6. Deploying Assets: Placing people, equipment and supplies into position to commit the act. This is the last opportunity to alert authorities before the terrorist act occurs.

Police Officers will respond to all calls of suspicious activity. Remember: If you see something, say something.
 

(c) http://www.dhs.gov/if-you-see-something-say-something

Source: http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/poi/default.asp?POI_ID=309&TOC=307;309;&id=6210

Bicycle Safety Tips

As the weather gets warmer and more people are being enviromentally conscious, bicyclists will be sharing the road. Below is information from Gaithersburg City Police:
 

(c) Gaithersburg City Police

The Gaithersburg Police Department offers the following important safety tips (bold is mine):

• All bicyclists should wear properly fitted bicycle helmets every time they ride.
  A helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injury resulting from a bicycle crash.
• Bicyclists are considered vehicle operators;
  they are required to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicle operators, including obeying traffic signs, signals, and lane markings. When cycling in the street, cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Drivers of motor vehicles need to share the road with bicyclists.
  Be courteous—allow at least three feet clearance when passing a bicyclist on the road, look for cyclists before opening a car door or pulling out from a parking space, and yield to cyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals.
  Be especially watchful for cyclists when making turns, either left or right.
• Bicyclists should increase their visibility to drivers by wearing fluorescent or brightly colored clothing during the day, dawn and dusk.
  To be noticed when riding at night, use a front light and a red reflector or flashing rear light, and use retro-reflective tape or markings on equipment or clothing.

 Source: http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/poi/default.asp?POI_ID=309&TOC=307;309;&id=6204

Action Alert - Gaithersburg - Attempted Kidnapping

Just in:
Detectives from the Gaithersburg Police Investigations Section are investigating an attempted kidnapping incident that occurred in the 500 block of Midsummer Drive.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact the Gaithersburg Police Investigations Section at 301-258-6400. 

Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the Gaithersburg Police Tip Line at 301-330-4471.

For information, visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov/police.


City of Gaithersburg Facebook Banner (c)

 

City of Gaithersburg Government FY2014 Proposed Budget Presentations

The City Manager,Tony Tomasello, has proposed an FY2014 budget of $56.6 million (9.9% higher than the FY1203 budget.)
 
The public may comment for up to 3 minutes in person at the Public Hearing on April 15 and at the Work Session on April 29. The public may comment in writing or by E-mail until May 15.

FY2014 Budget Approval Timeline:

Monday, April 15, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. – Public Hearing for Budget and Constant Yield Tax

Monday, April 29, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. – Budget Work Session

Tuesday, April 30, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. – Budget Work Session (only if necessary)
Wednesday, May 15, 2013 – Record Closes
Monday, June 3, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. – Budget Scheduled for Adoption

Meeting Location:
Gaithersburg City Hall Council Chambers

31 South Summit Avenue

Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Mailing Address:
City Hall
31 S. Summit Avenue
Gaithersburg, MD 20877. 

E-mail: cityhall@gaithersburgmd.gov
 
Note: Remember all  Mayor and Council Meetings and Work Sessions are aired live on GTV, Gaithersburg’s municipal cable channel!

Source:
City of Gaithersburg