Village Board Sends Letter Opposing the Interim Superintendent’s Recommendation to Reassign a Portion of the Village from Somerset to
Westbrook Elementary School

Final Board of Education Decision Expected November 18

During its regular meeting on November 8, the Chevy Chase Village Board of Managers voted to send a letter to the MCPS Board of Education opposing the Interim Superintendent’s recommendation to reassign a portion of the Village from Somerset to Westbrook Elementary School. The letter can be viewed:here.

The Board of Education (BOE) held its Public Hearing on the CIP on November 8, which included the recommendation for the Somerset ES reassignment, and the BOE and MCPS staff further discussed the proposal during a work session on November 9. The BOE did not make any additional recommendations during its November 9 work session. The BOE is scheduled to vote on the Interim Superintendent’s recommendation during the BOE’s meeting on November 18.

Residents are encouraged to continue submitting comments to the full Board of Education at boe@mcpsmd.org or by emailing each member at the individual email addresses listed below:

Brenda_Wolff@mcpsmd.org
Karla_Silvestre@mcpsmd.org
Judy_Docca@mcpsmd.org
Shebra_L_Evans@mcpsmd.org
Lynne_Harris@mcpsmd.org
Rebecca_K_Smondrowski@mcpsmd.org
Hana_OLooney@mcpsmd.org

Background
Montgomery 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 reassign 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

Montgomery County Council Announces Public Hearings on the Redistricting Commission’s Recommended Map

November 16, 2021; 1:30 P.M.
Deadline to sign up to speak is November 15 at 5 p.m.
AND

November 18, 2021; 7:00 P.M.

Deadline to sign up to speak is November 17 at 5 p.m.

Expedited Bill 41-21, Elections Council Districts – Boundaries would revise the boundaries of Council districts, and generally amend the law related to elections and redistricting.
Lead Sponsor: Council President at the Request of the Redistricting Commission
Residents can sign up for the public hearings on redistricting here. The Council is expecting a large volume of speakers for each public hearing about redistricting and wants to hear from residents across our community. The wait lists for these public hearings is just an initial registration step. Council staff will send confirmations to each resident, once it’s determined how many people can be accommodated for each public hearing.

Thrive Montgomery 2050

Council Committee Draft Released

Thrive Montgomery 2050 (or “Thrive” for short) is Montgomery County’s general plan update. It is the blueprint for how and where the county will grow over the next 30+ years. On its own, Thrive does not modify any laws, but it sets the policy agendas for the County Council and County Planning Department, and will impact all future Master & Sector Plans.

The Montgomery County Council’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee held a series of work sessions to further amend the draft plan starting in July through October. The committee’s final draft can be viewed at PHED Draft Plan for County Council Consideration.

The County Council has scheduled a listening session for Tuesday, November 30 at 7:00 p.m. during which the council will take comments on the proposed plan. The sign-ups for the listening session filled within hours of being posted to the council's website. We will inform residents if more slots during the November 30 session become available or a second session is scheduled.

Click on the below link for additional information, including a sample letter that residents can use to write the County Council:

Thrive 2050 Draft County General Plan Calls for Increased Density

2021 Annual Leaf Collection Information

The Public Works Department’s yearly leaf collection effort has begun 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.

Click below for reminders for residents and their contractors to assist Village crews to assure a safe and efficient leaf collection operation:
https://www.chevychasevillagemd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4155/Annual-Leaf-Collection-notice_2021

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.

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).

Updated: 11/5/2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

County and State Clinics Remain Available for Unvaccinated Individuals, Children Ages 5-11, and Third/Booster Doses for Eligible Individuals

COVID-19 vaccinations remain available across the state and county. Clinics are also providing third/booster doses for eligible individuals, as well as vaccinations for children ages 5-11. Click on the below links for current information:

Montgomery County: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/vaccine/

The county is now also Providing Free Taxi Service to COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Sites for Seniors 65-and-Over and Residents with Disabilities.

State of Maryland: Visit covidvax.maryland.gov or call the state’s COVID-19 Vaccination Support Center at 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829).

Retail pharmacies are also providing vaccinations at locations across the state. To access scheduling information through the state’s website (search by zip code), visit:
https://maryland.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/nearby/index.html?appid=0dbfb100676346ed9758be319ab3f40c

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

Support the Nearby Farmer's Market in Section 3

Bring 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

Catalytic converter theft is on the rise nationally

What 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

Latex Paint Disposal Policy

Effective Immediately

Wet 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.

Farmers Market in Friendship Heights

Open 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/

Local Goods Donation Organizations

Looking 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.

Chevy Chase At Home

An 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.

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

Join the Village Listserv on Groups.io

CCVillage (CCVillage@Groups.io), is the neighborhood mailing list (listserv) for residents of Chevy Chase Village. CCVillage is a resource to allow neighbors to stay connected with one another other. For more information and to join, visit:

https://www.chevychasevillagemd.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=806

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

Emergency Contact Sheet

EMERGENCY - 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

or visit the website at Pepco.com/Outages/ReportanOutage
to report their outage and receive restoration information.

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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Village Board Sends Letter Opposing the Interim Superintendent’s Recommendation to Reassign a Portion of the Village from Somerset toWestbrook Elementary School