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

Local Residents Invited for Public Comment on Gaithersburg Police Accreditation

Letting locals know: the Gaithersburg Police are working through their accredidation process.

What?
"A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) will to examine all aspects of the Gaithersburg Police Department’s policies, procedures, management, operations and support services."

When?
April 14, 2013 from 1 PM - 3:00 PM

Where?
City Hall Council Chambers
31 South Summit Avenue

What if you can't make this?
Submit your feedback on their dedicated telephone line:
301-258-6407 ext. 3099,
from 1:00 PM and 3 PM on Sunday, April 14 and Monday, April 15  

Source:
The City of Gaithersburg - CALEA Public Comment

Gaithersburg Book Festival - Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 10am - 6pm

What?
"The Gaithersburg Book Festival is a celebration of the written word and its power to enrich the human experience."

"Funded almost entirely by generous sponsors and supported by the City of Gaithersburg, the Festival is free to attend, offers free parking and is open to everyone."

(c) Gaithersburg Book Festival

When?
Saturday, May 18, 2013, 10 AM - 6 PM

Where?
Gaithersburg City Hall Grounds
31 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Parking Info:
Limited Free Parking Near the Festival
Recommended: Free Parking and Shuttle Service at Lakeforest Shopping Center

Contact - Programming and Logistical Inquiries:

• Carolyn Crosby or Nansie Wilde
• Lead Coordinators
• City of Gaithersburg
• Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture
• Division of Arts & Events
• 506 S. Frederick Avenue
• Gaithersburg, MD 20877
• 301.258.6350

Contact - For Sponsorship and Strategic Inquiries:

• Jud Ashman
• Founder & Chair 

Contact - For Media Inquiries:

• Gail Norris
• Media Inquiries
• 240.477.4554

 

Source:
Gaithersburg Book Festival

Local Residents - Theft Prevention Tips from Police

Help prevent theft and abuse!

 

How?

Rid your home of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications by bringing them to the Gaithersburg Police Department.

 

  

 

 

Location: 

14 Fulks Corner Ave.

 

When:

"Take Back Day"

Saturday, April 27

From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

 

Questions?

For details and other locations, visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov/police.

 

Crime Tip Line	301-330-4471
Location:	Police Station 14 Fulks Corner Ave Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Phone:	301-258-6400
Fax:	301-258-6410
Email:	police@gaithersburgmd.gov

 

Notices:

This event is sponsored by local law enforcement agencies and the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

 

 

Time-sensitive Notice from Gaithersburg Government - School Supplies Needed by 4/15/13:

(c) Gaithersburg City Government

Hi folks,

Our fellow residents needs help making it to the end of the school year:


Items Needed:

Pencils,

stickers,

glue sticks

binders

and more....

 

Where to Drop Off Items:

Donations can be dropped off at the Gaithersburg Community Services office.

Location:	Wells/Robertson House 1 Wells Ave Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Phone:	301-258-6395
Fax:	301-258-6328
Email:	communityservices@gaithersburgmd.gov

 

 

When to Drop Off Items:

NOW through April 15.

13th Annual Montgomery County Housing Fair

(c) Montgomery County Government

 

The City of Gaithersburg is co-sponsoring the

13th Annual Montgomery County Housing Fair

and

Financial Fitness Day:

The fair provides a way for those providing help  (lenders, certified housing counselors, and attorneys) to meet with residents needing help for a variety of housing needs, such as  those seeking help deciding to rent or own, those interested in refinancing or those seeking mortgage relief options. "Many useful resources will be available, including free credit reports and information on managing money, credit and utilities."

Date: April 27

Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Activity Center at Bohrer Park. 
                 Summit Hall Farm
                 506 S. Frederick Avenue
                 Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877 

Questions: (240) 777-3602

Sponsors and vendors are being sought.  For information,contact Myriam Torrico, DHCA administrator of Community Programs, at 240-777-3627 or  e-mail myriam.torrico@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Source: Montgomery Count Housing Fair

Watch Your Words

Today's Facebook thought from Joyce Meyer is "Words have consequences. (Proverbs 18:21)"

Timing is everything. Yesterday, I had this unpleasant but all too common "Montgomery County" experience:

Yesterday, I stood on a crowded MARC train into work. I had three bags and no where to turn. Yet, some Montgomery County spoiled brat with an exaggerated sense of entitlement snarled to me and the person behind me saying "well, when are you two going to get your plan implemented."

Mama's Italian so I asked loudly "Where exactly do you want me to go? There is no place to go. [Paused, then I said even louder...] And, that's not the way to express yourself. If you want to get by say "excuse me."

The jerk wasn't expecting that so shut up. Then I said "Do you want to be excused?" He just stood there glumly, surpised I wasn't crushed by his sarcasm.

It's a good thing there was someone between us or I may have given into my temptation to slap some manners into him. But that wouldn't have been godly and I was so trying to be good. 

God works in mysterious ways is the other point to get out of this. As I rode up in the elevator to work, one of the three riders looked just like my train "buddy". I put on an extra cheerful smile and chatted happily to the other folks on the train. I am reasonably sure it was him because he did a double take and had a big gulp (not the 7/11 kind)!

Doreen One. Montgomery County Rude, Spoiled Brat Zero.
 

Urgent Action Needed on State Transportation Funding

Montgomery County Council member Marc Elrich is asking for constituent assistance in getting Annapolis to address our public transportation needs properly. This year's legislative session is almost over and commuters need to take action now.

See more at: http://marcriderbl.blogspot.com/2013/04/rgent-action-needed-on-state.html