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November 2021 Issue of the Crier
The November 2021 issue of the Crier is now available online. Please click the below link to view it.
The November Crier
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UPDATE: Board of Education Schedules Hearing on the Interim Superintendent’s Recommendation to Reassign a Portion of the Village from Somerset to Westbrook Elementary SchoolHearing to be held on November 8Registration Deadline to Testify: November 1 at NoonUpdates Regarding Board of Education Meetings and November 8 Public Hearing On October 25, the Board of Education (BOE) received an initial presentation on the Interim Superintendent’s recommendation to reassign a portion of Chevy Chase Village (west of Cedar Parkway between Oliver Street (to the north) and Western Avenue (to the south)) from Somerset to Westbrook Elementary. The BOE had further discussion during its meeting on October 26 and held a work session on the recommendation on October 28. The BOE will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on the proposed recommendation on Monday, November 8, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The deadline to sign-up to testify is noon on Monday, November 1. The Village has submitted a letter urging the Board of Education to heed the community’s concerns and to delay any action pending appointment of a new District 3 representative. Written testimony/comments may be sent to the Board of Education at boe@mcpsmd.org or by emailing each member at the individual email addresses listed below: Brenda_Wolff@mcpsmd.orgKarla_Silvestre@mcpsmd.org Judy_Docca@mcpsmd.org Shebra_L_Evans@mcpsmd.orgLynne_Harris@mcpsmd.orgRebecca_K_Smondrowski@mcpsmd.orgHana_OLooney@mcpsmd.org BackgroundMontgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) had determined that Somerset Elementary School is over capacity and the school system is conducting a boundary study process in an effort to relieve the capacity pressure by reassigning students to Westbrook Elementary, located west of River Road and south of Little Falls Parkway. In November 2020, the Board of Education authorized expanding the study to include Bethesda Elementary School, which is also operating over capacity. Nine options were originally presented, including two that would have reassigned households within Chevy Chase Village. On October 15, 2021, the Interim Superintendent issued her report and is recommending that the Board of Education approve Option 1, which would r eassign a portion of Chevy Chase Village to Westbrook Elementary. This includes homes west of Cedar Parkway between Oliver Street (to the north) and Western Avenue (to the south). Only homes located west of Cedar Parkway along West Lenox, Grafton, and Hesketh Streets would remain assigned to Somerset Elementary School under Option 1. If approved, the reassignment will not be fully implemented until the 2023–2024 school year. In the 2022–2023 school year, only prekindergarten through Grade 4 students would be reassigned. Full implementation would occur in the 2023–2024 school year with prekindergarten through Grade 5 students. The Superintendent’s Recommendation can be viewed online at https://gis.mcpsmd.org/boundarystudypdfs/BSW_SupplementB.pdf. The Somerset Elementary School PTA is opposed to moving forward with any of the proposed options at this time, citing that the data is based on “flawed, pre-pandemic numbers”. Anyone interested in this matter is encouraged to visit the boundary study page for more information.
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Fall is upon us and that can only mean one thing – it’s campfire season! Montgomery Parks is excited to present Evening Embers at Western Grove Park on Tuesday, November 9 from 6-8 PM. Embrace the cold-weather season and cozy up in a comfy Adirondack chair around the warm embers of a campfire.
The $35 registration fee covers the cost of one campfire ring for up to 6 people, a free Montgomery Parks giveaway, and maintenance of the campfire by Parks employees and volunteers throughout the evening.
Guests for all nights of the series can enjoy their campfire ring rental that seats up to 6 people, fun Montgomery Parks giveaways, and hassle-free fire maintenance performed by on-site staff members. The event includes a complimentary s’mores kit for your campfire party. Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite campfire snacks and drinks to set up their very own evening picnic around the fire. Alcoholic beverages and glass containers are prohibited.
Registration is required for all parties and must include contact information (name, email, and phone number) for at least one person in the group. Click on the Activity Number below or register on ActiveMontgomery. To view information on the full series, visit: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/event-team/evening-embers/
Adult Night | November 9, 2021, 6 to 8 pm | Western Grove Urban Park | Activity # 141198 General Guidelines: - Registration is required in advance. No walk-ups will be allowed.
- Alcoholic beverages and glass containers are prohibited.
- Pets are not permitted at Campfire Nights.
- Guests are not permitted to tend to the fire. Alert Montgomery Parks staff or volunteers if your fire needs care.
- Guests under the age of 15 must always be accompanied, and supervised, by an adult.
- Dress warmly for the chilly Fall weather and bring any additional items (i.e. blankets, scarves, hats, etc.) if you need them.
- In the event of inclement weather, a rain date will be emailed to participants who can decide to attend the new date or receive a refund for their original ticket.
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Montgomery County Lifts Indoor Mask RequirementMask Requirement Also Lifted for Access to the Village HallThis week, Montgomery County lifted the indoor mask mandate because the county has achieved moderate transmission status. See the below press release for more information: PRESS RELEASE
With this action, visitors to the Village Hall are no longer required to wear a mask or face covering; however, unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to wear a mask/face covering while in the building.
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COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster Clinic at the Village HallPre-Registration RequiredWednesday, November 10, 4-6 PM The Village will host a COVID-19 vaccine clinic on November 10 in partnership with Chevy Chase@Home and Giant Pharmacy. Pre-registration and completion of a Consent Form will be required. Click on the below link for information and to register:
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Registration and Consent Form
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2021 Annual Leaf Collection InformationThe Public Works Department’s yearly leaf collection effort begins November 1 and will continue as often as needed through December.
Each week, the leaf truck on the west side of the Village will begin on West Melrose Street and work south ending on Western Avenue; and the leaf truck on the east side will begin on East Irving Street working north and ending on Quincy Street.
Residents on Bradley Lane are required to bag their leaves before placing them at the roadside, unless they have arranged for a loose leaf pick-up (email ccv@montgomerycountymd.gov for more information). Bradley Lane leaf bags will be collected throughout the week, as part of your normal yard waste collections. If you bag your leaves, they must be placed in paper bags.
Public Works will not pick up leaves that have been bagged in plastic.
Keep leaves OUT OF THE STREET! Rake leaves as close to the curb as possible without putting them in the roadway gutter. Please inform your landscape crews of this requirement. Should it rain, leaves piled in the gutter will dam the water causing it to pond. Avoid boxing in piles of leaves between cars both for easier accessibility for the collection crews and safety for your vehicles.
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Outdoor Food Drive
at the Village Hall
Sunday, November 7th
12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
If you would like an opportunity to provide aid to families in need, Village resident volunteers will be collecting non-perishable foodstuffs to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank. There will be bins placed outside along the benches near the sidewalk where you can kindly drop off donations.
Most needed items include beans, peanut butter, canned vegetables, pasta, cereal, protein bars, and canned chicken. During the pandemic, household donations are important as ever- no donation is too small!
If anyone is available to assist the volunteers in transporting the donations, please send an email to ccv@montgomerycountymd.gov.
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A Smarter Fall Cleanup
A Fall Cleanup that’s good for the environment with a lot less fuss and a greener garden next spring: a little mess can be a good thing! Leaf litter provides habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects. Chopped leaves from the lawnmower are a great nutrient for the lawn- just leave them where they fall from the mower.
-Brought to you by the Environment and Energy Committee.
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County Offers Guidance to Keep Halloween Safe
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021
As Halloween approaches, Montgomery County health officials are offering advice on how to decrease risks associated with celebrating the holiday while the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
“We want kids to enjoy Halloween, but we want to be sure they are celebrating safely,” said Dr. James Bridgers, acting health officer. “We have to remember that for many children trick-or-treating, vaccination is not yet an option and we want them to be protected as much as possible.”
Health officials recommend the following for a fun and safe Halloween: - Masks are recommended for unvaccinated children trick or treating outdoors whenever social distancing is not possible;
- Stay on the move while trick-or-treating—less congregating means more houses and more treats;
- Keep trick-or-treating groups small;
- Eat your treats at home, and/or after washing or sanitizing your hands;
- If you are handing out candy, please wear a mask while interacting with children and socially distance. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before handing out candy;
- Leave a light on or hang a Halloween sign in your window to let others know your house is participating in safe trick-or-treating;
- Outdoor activities are much safer than indoor activities;
- For indoor activities in public settings, masks are required for anyone age two and older; and
- Do not hand out candy or take part in Halloween events if you are having COVID-19 symptoms, even if you have been fully vaccinated.
For the latest COVID-19 updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website as well as the County’s Data Dashboard or follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCountyMD.
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Work with Your Landscaper to Operate Leaf Blowers Legally;Ban on Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers goes into effect January 1, 2022
A ban on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers will go into effect on January 1, 2022. The Village Board approved the ban in December 2019 citing the adverse environmental, human health (principally for the equipment operator) and quality of life impacts resulting from the use of gas-powered leaf blowers. These impacts were highlighted in a report from the Village Environment & Energy Committee, dated August 15, 2019, which can be viewed on the committee’s page on the Village website.
A letter communicating the effective date of this ban and to explain the regulations was mailed last month to every Village household and a separate letter was sent to all landscapers on record with the Village. If you would like the handout emailed or mailed directly to your landscaper/yard maintenance contractor, please email your contractor’s information to: ccvpermitting@montgomerycountymd.gov. Links to both letters are below:
Click here to read the letter sent to Village households
Click here to read the letter sent to landscapers
In the interim, residents and landscapers are reminded that all blowers operated within the Village remain subject to Montgomery County’s Noise Ordinance. The county’s Noise Ordinance states that “a person must not...use a leaf blower at any time that has an average sound level exceeding 70 dBA at a distance of 50 feet.” Additionally, the simultaneous use of multiple leaf blowers that are compliant with the 70 bDA limit can create noise of a sufficient level to qualify as a violation and/or noise disturbance.
If a blower seems loud, it may be in violation. Residents are encouraged to report blowers that are suspected to be in violation to the Village Communications Center to allow staff to follow-up with the contractor and property owner. First time confirmed violators will receive a warning and guidance for operating legally.
Residents are responsible for discussing these restrictions with your yard maintenance crews before they begin working this fall.
To view the county’s leaf blower notice, visit: https://www.chevychasevillagemd.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=912
Click here to review the Montgomery County Noise Ordinance and the provisions pertaining to leaf blowers (Section 31B-9).
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Montgomery County's Permitting Services Requiring Applications to be Submitted Electronically Effective Monday, October 18
In order to expedite and simplify the permitting process, the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is requiring permit applications and construction plans for residential and commercial buildings to be submitted electronically effective Monday, Oct. 18. Click on the below link to view the full press release: https://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=38255
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October is Energy Action Month!Since September 1991, President George H.W. Bush declared October as National Energy Awareness Month, government and organizations have been working to raise awareness of the importance of sustainably managing the nation’s energy resources. This month long celebration has now become an opportunity to encourage residents to take proactive steps to lower their energy usage and their utility bills.
Montgomery County has declared a climate emergency and resolved to reduce communitywide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80% by 2027 and 100% by 2035 from a 2005 baseline. The residents and businesses of Montgomery County rely on energy in nearly every aspect of their daily lives and are encouraged to monitor their energy usage and habits and take steps to reduce their energy usage through energy efficiency; and energy efficiency is the cheapest, quickest, and cleanest way to meet Montgomery County’s energy needs, avoid dangerous pollution, reduce utility bills, and improve the overall quality of life for County residents and businesses.
Learn more about the County’s Energy Action Month Program here: https://mygreenmontgomery.org/2021/energy-action-month-2021/
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Montgomery County Public Libraries and County Department of Environmental Protection Celebrate Energy Action Month in October By Offering Bulb ExchangesThe Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection and Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will join together to celebrate October as Energy Action Month by offering the opportunity to exchange inefficient light bulbs for energy efficient ones. Bulb exchange events are scheduled at 19 County libraries.
Click on the below link to learn more:
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Support the Nearby Farmer's Market in Section 3Bring cash or a check for the “$5 for Food” Donation Drive Benefiting the
Capital Area Food Bank
NEW HOURS! The Farmers Market in Section 3 is open through the third week in March 2022 (and will resume at the beginning of May 2022). Located at Taylor St. and Brookville Rd. with ample parking at La Ferme restaurant, the market features organic products sold in a COVID-compliant manner. Patrons must wear a mask, bring their own bag and pay by credit/debit card. The market is open on Saturdays from 8-8:30 a.m. for seniors and other vulnerable individuals and opens for all patrons from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (rain or shine).
NOTE: If you are driving to the Farmers Market, please park in the La Ferme parking lot and NOT by the Brookville Market to leave sufficient parking for the retail shops along Brookville Rd.
Click on the below link for more details:
Section 3 Farmer's Market Information
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Catalytic converter theft is on the rise nationallyWhat is it and how can I prevent it?
Click on the below link to read an article from Police Chief John Fitzgerald regarding the increase in catalytic converter thefts and what you can do to protect your vehicle: Catalytic Converter Theft
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Latex Paint Disposal PolicyEffective ImmediatelyWet latex paint is not hazardous waste. Cans should be left open to dry and then disposed of in your regular household trash. We are receiving an increase in requests for hazardous waste pickups including latex paint, which is not permitted. We have established a clear procedure for residents to follow. Click here to read the policy.
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Recycling of BoxesCartons must be empty and flattened
With the increase in home deliveries, we are seeing a corresponding increase in the volume of cardboard boxes set out for recycling. These boxes must be emptied of Styrofoam, packing peanuts and plastic wrap, otherwise they are considered contaminated and must be processed as trash. Boxes must also be flattened- left intact they quickly overwhelm the capacity of the trucks.
Do your part to keep cardboard in the recycling stream- flatten and empty all boxes and cartons before placing them out for recycling.
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Marylanders Can Receive a Digital Version of their COVID-19 and Other Vaccination Records
Marylanders who were vaccinated in the state can now receive a digital copy of their vaccination record on the website ImmuNet. This website makes it easier for those who have misplaced their COVID-19 vaccine records.
The website is free and secure to use and is used by healthcare providers in the state to maintain the vaccination records of Marylanders of all ages. Records for people who received their vaccination outside of the state are not included on the website.
To receive your vaccination records on the website, you’ll have to register and follow the directions to confirm your identity and then link your official vaccine records with your account. If your vaccination records appear incorrect, you should contact your healthcare provider.
The CDC does not currently have a database with COVID-19 vaccination records.
-Article courtesy of Montgomery Community Media
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Farmers Market in Friendship HeightsOpen Year-Round;
Within Walking Distance to the Village
Twin Springs Fruit Farm holds a fruit market in Friendship Heights year-round on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 4433 South Park Avenue (adjacent to the Friendship Heights Village Center). The market offers a variety of fruits, berries and vegetables based on their seasonal peak availability.
For more information regarding Twin Springs Farm and the market, visit: https://www.twinspringsfruitfarm.com/
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Local Goods Donation OrganizationsLooking to donate used items for general reuse or for use by those in need?
Looking to safely discard old papers?
Click on the below link to access a list of organizations accepting used items along with an organization that provides free paper shredding, year-round.
https://www.chevychasevillagemd.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=921
Please refer to the listed organizations’ websites for changes in collection days/times and operations.
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Chevy Chase At HomeAn Aging-in-Place Village
Do you know that there’s an organization in your neighborhood that helps seniors remain in their own homes safely when they need help doing so? Chevy Chase At Home is a group of neighbors helping neighbors. Volunteers bring needed support to members with a smile.
CC@H offers a rich program of affinity groups, continuing education, socialization, and exercise – many via Zoom, which actually makes it easier for many to participate.
Please consider whether you, a family member, a friend or neighbor might benefit from the help and sense of community that Chevy Chase At Home can provide. We welcome members and volunteers. Visit https://www.chevychaseathome.org/ for more information and applications.
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Join The Compost Crew Today!
The food-waste collection program in Chevy Chase Village continues to grow as the community looks for more ways to be conscientious consumers. Currently, over 80 Village households are recycling their food-waste with Compost Crew. As a result of increased participation, the price per household for Compost Crew’s convenient food-waste collection is $16 per month for the standard size bin--a 20% savings from the previous cost. The monthly cost for the larger 12-gallon bins is $20/month.
To sign up for collection services, or if you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact info@compostcrew.com or visit their website via the link below.
The Compost Crew Website
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Are You Prepared?
It is important to be prepared for local weather emergencies. In order the assist residents in their preparedness, the Village in partnership with the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) offer a number of helpful tools, plans and free alerts to assist and keep you informed. Click on the below link to view this information:
https://www.chevychasevillagemd.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=813
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Emergency Contact SheetEMERGENCY - 911
Chevy Chase Village Police
Non Emergency/24hrs - 301-654-7300
Montgomery County Police
Non Emergency/24hrs - 301-279-8000
Bethesda - Chevy Chase Rescue Squad - 301-652-0077
Chevy Chase Fire Dept
(Opposite Columbia Country Club) - 240-773-4707
Bethesda Fire Dept
(Wisconsin Ave and Bradley Blvd) - 240-773-4706
National Capital Poison Center
(George Washington University Hospital) - 800-222-1222
Utilities
Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO)
Emergency-Live wires down, power failure - 877-737-2662 Customer Service - 202-833-7500
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Emergency - 301-206-4002
Complaints, Leaks, Information - 301-206-4001
Washington Gas Emergency - 703-750-1400
Information & Customer Service - 703-750-1000
Comcast - 800-934-6489
Verizon - 800-837-4966
**A cut out sheet is also located on page two of the January 2019 Crier.
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