1. Art and Diseño

CIVIC ASSOCIATION NEWS
www.mhckcivic.org
Volume 7, Issue 3
Winter 2014-2015
Wheaton Walking Tour Finds Unsafe
Conditions on Upper Georgia Avenue
Community in Full Force at
Fall Cleanup
A blustery cold wind didn’t stop a determined group
from investigating pedestrian dangers along Georgia
Avenue the morning of November 14. Maryland State
Delegate Al Carr, Maryland State Highway Association
Engineer Anyesha Mookherjee, Wheaton Triangle redeveloper Stonebridge Associates’ planner Mark Allard,
MCDOT Pedestrian Safety Coordinator Jeff Dunkel, and
several dedicated MHCK Civic Association
members proceeded south on foot examining the
pedestrian experience for parents pushing strollers,
anyone in a wheelchair, bicyclists; anyone not inside a
vehicle. The group examined both sides of Georgia
Avenue between Wheaton Metro and Plyers Mill Road.
On October 4th, a dedicated and hard working group of
neighbors and friends came together once again to
tackle some of the trash and invasive plants plaguing
McKenney HIlls Park. Twelve volunteers including
local weed warriors, families, and the regulars who
always come to show their support, put in 25 hours of
service. Piles of invasive shrubs and vines were
removed from areas near the playground. Multiple
bags of trash and several bags of recycling were
reclaimed from the woods and streams. Thanks to
all who showed up, it makes a big difference when we
work together.
MHCK Parks and Plants Committee
The group uncovered many issues along the route,
including narrow sidewalks not built-to-code situated
next to speeding traffic lanes, crosswalks missing across
from the metro station, stretches lacking sidewalks
entirely, “safety islands” that barely fit one person in the
center of eight lanes of traffic, sight lines blocked by bus
shelters and utility poles, and fire hydrants and utility
poles in the center of sidewalks blocking safe passage
for anyone not on foot.
The group observed further dangerous conditions
throughout Wheaton Mall’s parking lots. All agreed it
was an eye-opening adventure, and to stay connected in
order to continue meaningful discussions about
improving conditions. By remaining engaged with the
Maryland State Highway Administration, and working
hand in hand with MCDOT, the utility companies, the
Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee
(WUDAC), and the Mid-County Citizens Advisory
Board (MCCAB), our civic association aims to affect
positive change.
Karen Nozik
MH-CK Community Member
Save the Date!
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Winter Blues Festival
2:30pm-5:30pm
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Community Meeting / Elections
7:00pm - Flora Singer Elementary
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Community Meeting / Social
7:00pm - Flora Singer Elementary
President’s Corner
Neighborhood Watch
Holiday Greetings, all! Clocks changed, leaves dropped,
and Buffalo residents wondering who amongst them
antagonized Mother Nature so vehemently! In our neighborhood, it’s time for change of a different nature: this
is my last post as President of the Civic Association. It’s
been an incredibly swift passage of time, and I’m amazed
and proud of all the results our Association members
accomplished. Highlights include events ranging from
the Winter Blues Fest, to the summer Block Party, and of
course the excitement of the Halloween Party. As a small
band of engaged citizens, we have affected safety enhancements within and around our neighborhood, helped
open a new Park, and engaged local and State delegates
to increase their awareness of the everyday travel hazards
both in and out of our neighborhood.
We recently learned from the police that an arrest was
made following an armed robbery in the neighborhood.
But thanks to the neighbor who was a victim, we learned
about the initial incident the day it occurred. It’s not always easy to tell everyone in the neighborhood that you
were a crime victim. However, doing so not only alerts
neighbors but encourages others to self-report criminal or
even suspicious activity. I hope the self-reporting continues.
And now, we turn to you, dear reader, and ask for help:
Please talk with neighbors and find a peer to step up
with you to fill in positions that need filling. We need
nominees for officers, volunteers for committees, and
two candidates for chairing committees on presidential
appointment. Without active participation growth in association events, we run the risk of stagnating, losing the
momentum we have gained. In short - the Association
needs YOU. I promise you’ll come away from the experience far more engaged with your neighbors on many
levels, and you’ll feel better with each step made. You
are the key to continuing the positive progress. We’re
looking forward to working with you making MHCK a
phenomenal place to live.
Theft from vehicles continues to be the most frequent
crime in the neighborhood. Police consider this a fairly
low priority, and no longer even bother listing each incident separately. Therefore, it’s up to everyone to not only
lock the vehicle, but to take anything you want to keep
inside the house. That’s not a guarantee of anything, but
given the choice of seeing an empty car or a car with a
cellphone or iPOD, which one do you think a thief would
choose?
Larry Margasak
Neighborhood Watch Chairman
Bruce Cotting
MH-CK Civic Association President
For more information or to contact Bruce Cotting, please
email [email protected]
Becker Day Care
We Keep the Fun in Learning
(301) 649-2911
10211 Duvawn Place Silver Spring, MD
[email protected]
Over 90% of our “graduates” have gone on to
Advanced Programs!
2
¡Bienvenido a Noticias de MH-CK en Español!
Informe del Comité de Vigilancia
Investigando Condiciones
Inseguras Entre Estación del
Metro Georgia Avenue y la Calle
Plyers Mill.
Recientemente nos enteramos de parte de la policía sobre
el arresto que se realizó tras un robo a mano armada en
el vecindario. Pero gracias a la vecina que fue la víctima,
aprendimos sobre el incidente inicial el día que ocurrió.
No siempre es fácil hacerle saber al vecindario que fuiste
víctima de un crimen. Sin embargo, haciéndolo así no
sólo alerta a los vecinos, sino alienta a otros a reportar
cualquier actividad criminal o incluso sospechosa.
Espero que el auto-reporte continúe.
Un fuerte y frío viento invernal no fue suficiente para
detener a un pequeño pero determinado grupo a investigar condiciones peligrosas para los peatones en
la parte alta de Avenida Georgia la mañana del 14 de
noviembre. Dirigido por el recién electo Delegado del
Estado de Maryland, Al Carr, la Ingeniera de Carreteras del Estado de Maryland, Anaesha Mookherjee, el
Planificador de Stonebridge Associates , Mark Allard,
(la empresa que está re-desarrollando el Tríangulo de
Wheaton), el Coordinador de Seguridad Peatonal de
MCDOT, Jeff Dunkel y varios miembros dedicados de
la Asociación Cívica de MH-CK. El grupo observó las
condiciones peligrosas para los peatones, padres empujando cochecitos, personas en silla de ruedas, ciclistas
y básicamente cualquier persona que no está dentro de
un vehículo; caminaron en ambos lados de la Avenida
Georgia desde la estación de Metro de Wheaton a Plyers
Mill Road.
El robo de vehículos sigue siendo el delito más frecuente
en el vecindario. La Policía considera esto una prioridad
relativamente baja y ya no se molesta en reportar cada incidente por separado. Por lo tanto, es de parte de nosotros
no sólo de cerrar el vehículo, pero tomar lo que desea
mantener dentro de la casa. Eso no es garantía de nada,
pero teniendo en cuenta la opción de ver un auto vacío
o uno con un teléfono móvil o un iPOD, ¿cuál crees que
elegiría un ladrón?
Larry Margasak
Director del Comité de Vigilancia del Vecindario
Entre los detalles que el grupo descubrió a lo largo de la
ruta: estrechas aceras no construidas a código situadas
al lado de los carriles de tráfico rápido; no hay pasos
peatonales justo enfrente de la estación de metro; no
hay aceras; “Islas de seguridad” que apenas cabe a una
persona en el centro de ocho carriles de tráfico; líneas
de visión bloqueadas por estaciones de espera y postes
de utilidades. Así que si estás en una silla de ruedas, en
bicicleta o empujando un cochecito, no hay espacio para
uso general alrededor en las aceras porque están bloqueadas por hidrantes de fuego y postes de alambrado no hay otra forma de pasar sino aventurarte a al tráfico.
Resultados de la Encuesta del
Tráfico a er Discutido en a
Reunión del 27 Enero 2015
¿Está reteniendo la respiración para enterarse de los
resultados de la encuesta de tráfico que circularon
temprano este otoño en la lista de MH-CK-serv? Si es
así, por favor marque en su calendario la reunión de la
Asociación MH-CK el martes 27 de enero 2015 en la
Escuela Primaria Flora Singer a las 7pm. Ahí podremos
ver de cerca lo que nuestros vecinos piensan son las
mayores preocupaciones de tráfico y sus enfoques para
resolverlos. Más de 100 personas participaron en esta
encuesta (no científica), y se están identificando las
“áreas calientes” de tráfico en nuestro vecindario.
El grupo observó además las condiciones peligrosas
que existen a lo largo del estacionamiento del Centro
Comercial de Wheaton. Todos acordaron que es una
situación difícil que requiere pronta y significante atención a fin de mejorar las condiciones existentes. Nuestra
Asociación Cívica se compromete a trabajar mano a
mano con todos a fin de conseguir una adecuada resolución.
Hay dos invitados confirmados hasta el momento, el
Ingeniero de Tráfico de DOT del Condado de
Montgomery, Seifu Kerse y el delegado del Estado de
Maryland, Jeff Waldstreicher, quienes estarán presentes
para escuchar y responder preguntas ahora que
comenzamos a lidiar con esta situación. Esto será una
gran oportunidad de expresar nuestras inquietudes
directamente a quienes toman las decisiones y que
pueden ayudarnos hacia una solución. ¡Damos la
bienvenida a su participación y esperamos verlos ahí!
Karen Nozik
3
A Spook-tacular Day: MHCK
Annual Halloween Party + Parade
September Block Party Fun in the Rain and Sun
On October 25, the children (and adults) of McKenny
Hills-Carroll Knolls neighborhood joined together to
celebrate Halloween! Thirty children ranging from
newborn to ten years old were in attendance dressed as
ghosts, goblins, pirates, bunnies, Princess Leia from Star
Wars and there was even Bob the Builder with his own
homemade bulldozer!
The rain couldn’t stop the community block party as
fearless members set up the stage, moon bounce, grill,
and tables as the rain had its last hurrah of the
afternoon. Early arrivers enjoyed soap bubbles that
bounced off of or sat unpopped on the wet streets.
As the community started to realize that the rain
stopped and the party had already started, we had an
almost typical turnout as 100+ neighbors joined in the
various art, music, activities, and great food. Kudos to
all of the musicians, cooks, volunteers, and participants
who made the block party another great community
event.
Adults and children enjoyed making Fall and Halloween
themed door decorations for the residence of our
neighboring Apex nursing home. The parade kicked off
with a bang of children running from McKenney Hills
Park eager to give the residents their homemade creations.
Little ones stayed behind and continued to play dressed in
their Halloween attire.
A special thanks to everyone who contributed Halloween
and spooky themed snacks, and to Stacy Miller for
coordinating the event.
4
Traffic Survey Results to Be
Discussed at January 27, 2015
Civic Association Meeting
A Webpage for Local
Environment Topics
Are you holding your breath to learn results from the
traffic survey that circulated earlier this fall on the
MH-CK list-serve? If so, mark your calendars for
Tuesday, January 27, and plan to join us at Flora Singer
Elementary School at 7 pm for a closer look at what you
and your neighbors think are the biggest traffic concerns
and your favored approaches to solving them. Over 100
of you took the (non-scientific) poll, and a consensus is
now emerging showing where the traffic hotspots are in
the neighborhood.
What would you like to see in an online community
resource dedicated to environmental issues of local
interest? The purpose of this article is to gauge interest
and solicit ideas. Our perception is that the page should
focus on environmental or ecological aspects of specific
interest to our community.
Possible topics could include identifying invasive plants
on your property that affect the health of surrounding
woodlands; promoting the use of host and nectar plants
to form corridors for pollinators; sharing seeds and
plants; managing stormwater with rain gardens and rain
barrels, assessing which trees and shrubs are most
beneficial to birds and other wildlife.
Two confirmed guests so far, Montgomery County DOT
Traffic engineer, Seifu Kerse, and Maryland State
Delegate, Jeff Waldstreicher, will be on hand to listen
and answer questions as we begin to grapple with the
traffic issues. This will be a terrific opportunity to voice
your concerns directly to decision-makers who can help
to guide us towards action. We welcome your
involvement and hope to see you there!
Should we catalog the health of the Chesapeake storm
drains? How about compiling a listing of large mature
trees that represent the local tree canopy? Are you
interested in creating content for these articles?
Please email [email protected].
SUPPORT THE MH-CK CIVIC ASSOCIATION
Paying dues allows you to become a voting member of the MH-CK Civic Association. All residents of the community
(both owners and renters) are eligible to become voting members.
These dues go towards fun, year-round neighborhood events and activities and the quarterly newsletter.
Membership dues are also payable through PayPal!
Visit www.mhckcivic.org/pay-your-dues.html for more details.
Thank you for your continued support!
Name: _____________________________________
Address: ____________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________
Email:______________________________________
Check for e-delivery of newsletter.
I would like to volunteer!
Please detach this portion of the form and return it along with a check for $12.
Please make checks payable to McKenney Hills-Carroll Knolls Civic Association.
McKenney Hills-Carroll Knolls Civic Association
P.O. Box 393, Kensington, MD 20895
5
Contribute to Your Community
Today!
Treasurer’s Report
Contributing your time, skills, and energy can help make
our neighborhood a vibrant and inviting place. Please
volunteer to help make this community even better!
It has been a busy autumn for the neighborhood. The sun
came out in time for a great Block Party in September,
with great music by our neighbors, Sachin Shah manning
the grill, and the annual bounce house arranged by Susan
Heavey. We also had a great turnout for the Halloween
Party and Parade, expertly arranged by Stacy Miller.
“Thank You!” to our volunteers who make those events
happen, and an additional thanks to all for the donations
and annual dues payments that provide funding for moon
bounces, piñatas, and the facility rental for the upcoming
Blues Fest in January.
LEADERSHIP!
Elections held every January fill the roles of President,
Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Interested
community members are invited to shadow the current
2014 officers as understudies for future officer positions. Board committees also need fresh ideas from new
contributors.
EVENTS!
The programs that bring neighbors together need volunteers to organize them. Assisting with just one
event a year will help us continue our community traditions:
• Winter Blues Fest • Spring / Fall Park Cleanup •
Community-Wide Yard Sale • Block Parties
INITIATIVES!
Ongoing programs to improve our community—from
web/newsletter communications, to traffic measures, to
welcome signs—require just a couple of hours a month
from volunteers.
By contributing a small amount of time, you can help
make a big impact!
We currently have about $1200 in the bank to support
this newsletter and other activities in the
neighborhood. The Association is run completely by
neighborhood volunteers, writing and distributing the
newsletter, advocating for you on pedestrian safety and
local parks, and planning fun events. We hope these
activities make our neighborhood feel closer. We also
hope you can help, either by volunteering your time (as
much or as little as you like), and/or paying your dues.
To begin or renew membership that supports Civic
Association activities, please pay your $12 dues online at
http://www.mhckcivic.org/pay-yourdues.html. Checks
post-mailed to us are also still accepted (payment to
“McKenney Hills-Carroll Knolls Civic Association”):
McKenney Hills-Carroll Knolls Civic Association
P.O. Box 393
Kensington, MD 20895
CONTACT US!
Email [email protected] or call 202-MHCK-1-CA.
Subscribe for E-Delivery!
To receive e-delivery only, please send the
following information to
[email protected]:
Name | Address, with closest cross-street
E-mail address | Telephone number
Please e-mail any questions or requests for current
membership status to [email protected].
Elizabeth Managan
MH-CK Civic Association Treasurer
For more information, please contact
[email protected]
Thank you for your support of the MH-CK
newsletter!
6
Winter 2014-2015 CA Calendar of Events
Date
Sunday, January 25, 2015 – 2:30 – 5:30 PM
Event
Winter Blues Festival
Capital View/Homewood Recreation Center
Community Meeting and Elections, Flora Singer ES
Community Meeting and Social, Flora Singer ES
McKenney Hills Park Clean-Up
Tuesday, January 27, 2015 – 7:00 PM
Tuesday, March 24, 2015 – 7:00 PM
Saturday, April 18, 2015 – 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
2014-2015 Calendario de Actividades
Date
Domingo, Enero 25, 2015, 2:30-5:30pm
Event
Festival Invernal de Blues
Capital View/Homewood Rec. Center
Reunión Asociación Cívica y Elecciones
Escuela Elemental Flora Singer
Reunión Asociación Cívica, Escuela Elemental
Flora Singer
Limpieza del Parque McKenney Hills
Martes, Enero 27, 2015 – 7:00 PM
Martes, Marzo 24, 2015 – 7:00 PM
Sábado, Abril 18, 2015 – 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Michele Bruggeman
REALTOR | LEED AP Homes
Licensed in Maryland and DC
Real Living At Home
4600 N. Park Avenue # 100
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Office:
(301) 652-0643
Cell & Text: (202) 491-2494
Broker:
202-518-8781
Email: [email protected]
Website:
http://realliving.com/Bruce.Cotting
Long & Foster
20 Chevy Chase Circle, NW | Washington, DC 20015
C: 202-427-3993 | O: 202-363-9700
[email protected]
Bruce Cotting
Realtor,
Partner Associate
Your Neighborhood Realtor 7
Contribute to Your Community Today!
Contributing your time, skills, and energy can help make our neighborhood a vibrant and inviting place.
Please volunteer to help make this community even better!
LEADERSHIP!
Elections held every January fill the roles of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Interested community members are invited to shadow the current and upcoming 2015 officers as
understudies for future officer positions.Board committees also need fresh ideas from new contributors.
EVENTS!
The programs that bring neighbors together need volunteers to organize them. Assisting with just one
event a year will help us continue our community traditions:
• Winter Blues Fest
• Community-Wide Yard Sale
• Spring / Fall Park Cleanup
• Block Parties
INITIATIVES!
Ongoing programs to improve our community—from web/newsletter communications, to traffic
measures, to welcome signs—require just a couple of hours a month from volunteers. By contributing
a small amount of time, you can help make a big impact!
CONTACT US!
Email [email protected] or call 202-MHCK-1-CA.
T 301.565.0300 F 301.585.6794
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