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Holiday Closings:
Juneteenth National Independence Day
The Administrative office and Public Works Department will be closed on Monday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth National Independence Day. The Communications Center and Police Department remain staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
There will be no changes to the trash and recycling collection schedule.
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Chevy Chase Village Board of Managers
Sworn In and Officers Selected
At the start of the Village Board’s June 12 regular meeting, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Ms. Karen Bushell conducted the Oath of Office ceremony, swearing into office returning members Gary Crockett (Grafton Street), Lou Morsberger (Cedar Parkway), and David Winstead (Kirkside Drive). Members serve two-year, staggered terms.
Following the Oath of Office Ceremony, the Board elected from amongst its members individuals to serve in the officer positions established in the Village’s Charter. The following is a list of the current members of the Board, including their officer positions: Elissa A. Leonard, Chair
Robert C. Goodwin, Vice Chair
Gary Crockett, Treasurer
Nancy E. Watters, Assistant Treasurer
Lou Morsberger, Secretary
Linda J. Willard, Assistant Secretary
David L. Winstead, Board Member |
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Friendship Heights Urban Design Study
Sign-up to receive updates and participate
in the study process
During the Village Board of Managers meeting on June 12, Mr. Elza Hisel-McCoy, Downcounty Planning Chief for the Montgomery County Planning Department, presented the Scope of Work for the proposed Friendship Heights Urban Design Study. A copy of the presentation can be viewed on the Village website by clicking this link. Mr. Hisel-McCoy explained that the study is intended to analyze how people experience the existing open spaces and pedestrian and transit networks, activity centers and public life in Friendship Heights today. The study will include the entire Friendship Heights Sector Plan area as established in 1998, which includes the Saks Fifth Avenue property, which is located within Chevy Chase Village. Mr. Hisel-McCoy clarified that this plan will not recommend any zoning changes, and the study is not intended to circumvent the normal Sector Plan rewrite process, which is a multi-year engagement process that can dictate areas for rezoning. This study will, however, inform a future rewrite of the Friendship Heights Sector Plan area and will highlight the urban design strengths and needs of the cross-jurisdictional transit-oriented community. The Planning Staff will present the proposed design study’s scope of work to the county’s Planning Board in July 2023. Public engagement will begin in fall 2023 and will be facilitated by a professional engagement consultant that was also used by the District of Columbia for its study of the portion of Friendship Heights located south of Western Avenue. Between fall and winter 2023, the Planning Department will conduct an urban design analysis, followed by a presentation of the study’s findings first to the Planning Board, followed by the Montgomery County Council in winter 2023/early 2024. Subject to further modification by the Planning Board and County Council, the final report should be available in late winter/spring of 2024. To receive updates on the study, including opportunities to be involved and provide feedback, residents are highly encouraged to sign-up for the Planning Department’s Friendship Heights e-newsletter by clicking here. |
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WSSC Advises of Temporary Color/Odor Change in Area Tap Water
WSSC has issued an advisory regarding some area residents noticing a change in the taste and odor of their tap water because of increased algae in the Potomac River.
- This temporary change is not harmful and is due to an increase in a naturally occurring substance, Geosmin, caused by warmer weather and low water levels in the Potomac River.
- The naturally occurring compound, Geosmin, has no health effects at the current concentration.
- Despite the taste and odor issues, the water remains safe, meeting all EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
- WSSC Water has made changes to the water treatment process. While these changes won’t eliminate all taste and odor issues, they are expected to improve them.
- If the low water levels in the Potomac River persist and drought conditions do not improve, the taste and odor issues will not be resolved in the short-term despite WSSC’s treatment efforts.
- Boiling the water will not improve the odor.
- Flushing the water lines inside homes or flushing the WSSC water mains in the impacted areas will not improve the taste and odor issues.
- WSSC Water continues to monitor levels of Geosmin at WSSC’s plant and they will provide updates as needed.
For more information, customers can contact WSSC (24/7) by calling the Emergency Call Center at 301-206-4002 or by completing this form to report a water quality concern.
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Lights Out for
Lightning Bugs!
Do you remember those lazy, summer evenings when as a kid you sat outside and watched the light show going on in your garden—the twinkling messages of love in an ancient Morse code known only to the lightning bugs who sent and received them? Well, those days are fast disappearing. Like so much of wildlife, firefly populations are succumbing to human threats-- from pesticides, habitat loss, and crucially for this group of bioluminescent beetles—artificial light at night (ALAN). Light pollution from our homes and buildings has increased rapidly in intensity and reach, spreading beyond city centers into rural areas. This light pollution not only eclipses the majesty of the night sky on a star-studded night, it interferes with the navigation of birds during spring and fall migrations, and threatens the very existence of natural wonders like the emergence of fireflies on a summer evening that delighted us as children.
But we can do something about it! - We can start by doing a self-audit of artificial light at night. Simple actions like closing blinds or curtains at night, switching to timed lights or motion detectors for outdoor security lights and installing Dark Sky approved lighting with shields on porch lights. https://www.darksky.org/our-work/lighting/lighting-for-industry/fsa/
- Use landscape lighting only sparingly and focus it downward rather than upward in a diffuse beam
- Turn off outdoor lights during the peak mating period of fireflies. In Maryland this is typically at the end of June into early July. World Firefly Day this year is July 2, 2023.
- Join communities around the world in Dark Sky initiatives to reduce ALAN https://www.darksky.org/ These actions not only help us reclaim our ability to marvel at the night sky, but they benefit resident wildlife, whose internal clocks, foraging and reproductive behavior are disrupted by ALAN.
- Eliminate pesticides from our gardens and leave leaf litter on garden beds for fireflies to hide
Let’s give lightning bugs a leg up this year by turning off or turning down our lights at night during peak mating season and creating the conditions over the long term that will help protect this natural wonder for our children and their children. On Saturday, June 17, Montgomery Parks is hosting a Firefly Campfire & Night Hike at Meadowside Nature Center. Registration is required. -Environment & Energy Committee
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Red Cross Blood Drive
Thursday, June 29
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Village Hall
(pre-registration required)
The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage. Many centers have only one day's worth or less of blood stocks to offer hospitals.
The American Red Cross will be at the Chevy Chase Village Hall to accept your life saving blood donation on Thursday, June 29 from 11:00 a.m.-4:00pm. Visit the Red Cross website to pre-register for this event with the Sponsor ID: CHEVYCHASEVILLAGE or call 1-800-733-2767 to schedule your appointment. The Red Cross is offering an additional incentive of a $10 e-gift card to donors during the month of June. The goal for this blood drive is 20 pints, which can potentially save 60 lives. Please click to view the flier for additional details.
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Click the linked image above for the registration form.
Forms and payments should be returned to the Village Hall by Tuesday, June 20. |
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Village Resident Offering
Battery-Power Mower Repair Assistance
Ollie Davidson (Oliver Street), a member of the Village’s Environment & Energy Committee, has offered to help neighbors who have a battery-powered mower that may not be in good working condition. As the Village moves toward becoming a quieter neighborhood with the now in effect ban on the use of gas-powered blowers, Ollie is offering to look at any non-working battery mower to identify if it can be (easily) rehabilitated. If so, he can return it to the resident or offer the rehabbed machine to a small lawn service operator.
If you would like some assistance with your old battery-powered mower, Ollie is happy to discuss your options (this offer does not include gas-powered mowers). If you are interested, please reach out to Ollie Davidson directly at PPPartners@comcast.net.
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STOP!
Do You Have a Permit??
Spring is a great time to refresh and enhance your yard, and the past two years have highlighted the importance of outdoor spaces as an extension of our homes for entertaining and enjoyment. But before you begin that spring project, ensure you have obtained the necessary permits from the Village (and, when applicable, Montgomery County and the Historic Preservation Commission).
When is a Building Permit required? For the installation, replacement or expansion of the following: - Air conditioners, generators and geothermal systems
- Garages, accessory buildings and sheds (of any size)
- Decks, patios and terraces
- Outdoor kitchens and fireplaces
- Fences, gates and walls
- Driveways and walkways
- Lampposts, handrails and freestanding electric vehicle charging stations
- Permanently anchored play equipment
- Swimming pools and outdoor therapeutic baths
- Landscape feature items such as fountains, trellises, and arbors
- Regrading and any work that alters the existing flow of water on a property
(See Sec. 8-5 of the Village Code to review the full list of projects that require a Village Building Permit.)
When in doubt, Village staff are here to help! Email ccvpermitting@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 301-654-7300 to confirm if your planned project requires a permit. Confirming permitting requirements in advance will save you time and money and ensure you can get to using your outdoor space that much sooner!
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Mosquito Management:
What People Can Do at Home
It’s nearing that time of the year again when mosquitos are forcing you inside and you can’t enjoy your porch or deck. CDC states the mosquito borne diseases are spreading quickly around the United States. Many homeowners resort to spraying because it is a quick and obvious response. EPA and CDC do not recommend spraying due to the possible exposure to potentially dangerous pesticides and killing other beneficial insects, including bees, butterflies, caterpillars, etc.
An important part of mosquito control around your home is making sure that mosquitos don’t have a place to lay their eggs. It is important to monitor standing water sources. - Get rid of standing water in rain gutters, buckets, plastic covers, or other containers where mosquitos can breed.
- Empty and change water in bird baths, fountains and wading pools.
- Drain temporary pools of water.
- Keep swimming pool water treated and circulating.
Since mosquitos bite indoors, CDC recommends the use of structural barriers such as window and door screens. Cover all gaps in walls, doors, and cover all baby carriers with netting. Wear protective clothing when going outside in the early morning and evening.
Read more from the National Wildlife Federation before you spray. Submitted by the Environment and Energy Committee
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Help Village Staff Keep the Community
Safe & Beautiful:
Report Areas for Repair and Maintenance
Village staff prides itself on being responsive and working hard to ensure that the Village remains a safe, beautiful and welcoming community—but we cannot do it alone. While we are constantly on the lookout for areas that need to be addressed, we need the support of residents serving as our eyes and ears throughout the community:
Sidewalk Repairs
The Village maintains brick paver sidewalks throughout the community. The brick pavers are not mortared and are set on a bluestone base to allow the sidewalks to gradually move as adjacent tree roots grow. Compared to the former concrete sidewalks, the dry-laid brick pavers are much easier for Public Works staff to repair by removing and resetting sections that have shifted. This is ongoing maintenance that our crews perform throughout the year as trip hazards are identified by staff or are brought to our attention by residents.
Tree Maintenance
There are well over 2,500 “public” trees located within Village parks, greenspaces and public right-of-way. The Village’s consulting Arborist and our Director of Public Works perform routine assessments for tree maintenance needs including areas for pruning, removals or treatments to improve a tree’s health. These assessments supplement our ongoing response to observations made by staff and residents.
How to Report an Issue or Concern
Residents can use the Village’s online form system to report any number of issues or concerns, by visiting the Village website and selecting How Do I...Report A Concern. From this page, residents can report sidewalk trip hazards and streetlight outages, and request public tree maintenance and recycling toters.
As always, residents may also call the Village’s 24-hour Communications Center or email requests/concerns to the Village’s main email address at ccv@montgomerycountymd.gov (emails are then routed to the appropriate department).
Thank you for helping us to continue addressing the needs of the community!
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Join The Compost Crew!
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 100 Village households are recycling their food-waste with Compost Crew. Composting helps to keep tons of waste out of local landfills.
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 the Compost Crew website. NOTE: Those who participate are reminded that compost (as well as trash and recycling) bins are prohibited from being placed at the curbside for collection per the Village Code. Pursuant to Section 10-6 of the Chevy Chase Village Code, all receptacles for the disposal of household garbage, trash and recyclable materials must be left for collection at the rear of the dwelling unit (no curbside collection). Thank you for your cooperation.
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Chevy Chase At Home
An Aging-in-Place VillageDo 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 the Chevy Chase at Home website for more information and applications.
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Section 3 Farmers Market
Bring cash or a check for the
"$5 for Food" Donation Drive Benefiting the Capital Area Food Bank
Located at Taylor Street and Brookville Road with ample parking at La Ferme restaurant, the market features locally sourced organic products. The market is open on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (rain or shine). Click on the flier link for additional information.
NOTE: If you are driving to the Farmers Market, please park in the rear of the La Ferme parking lot and NOT by the Brookville Market to leave sufficient parking for the retail shops along Brookville Rd.
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Friendship Heights
Farmers Market
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.
Access to COVID-19 Test Kits and N-95 Masks;
Vaccine Access & Information
In partnership with Montgomery County, the Village continues to provide COVID-19 rapid (antigen) test kits and N-95 masks at no charge. Test kits are available at the Village Hall with a limit of two (2) boxes per person, per visit while supplies last.
Residents can also obtain free rapid test kits at county libraries during regular operating hours, while supplies last. The nearest is the Chevy Chase Library, located at 8005 Connecticut Avenue, or go online to view the complete list of county library locations. For those who may prefer to receive them by mail, test kits are available to be delivered to your home by USPS through the federal distribution program by visiting https://www.covid.gov/tests or calling 1-800-232-0233 (limit one shipment per household). Before you throw out "expired" test kits, please check the FDA website for your brand/lot number, as many test kits' expiration dates have been extended by the FDA. The CDC recommends everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and bivalent boosters for their age group: - Children and teens aged 6 months–17 years
- Adults aged 18 years and older
- People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised have different recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines.
To find COVID-19 vaccine locations, visit health.maryland.gov/covid, or call 1-855-MDGOVAX (1-855-634-6829). Click on the link to view available testing sites in the county (government operated and private).
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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 to access a list of organizations accepting used items along with an organization that provides free paper shredding, year-round. Please refer to the listed organizations' websites for changes in collection days/times and operations.
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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. Click for more information and to join the listserv.
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Are You
Emergency 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 to view emergency preparedness information.
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You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to receive general news updates from Chevy Chase Village. Did you know the Village sends out urgent news updates as well, click here to sign-up. |
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