Hello Neighbors,
Just a quick note to let everyone know about the holiday trash schedule this week and next for the Washingtonian Woods singe family homes.
Please note that the trash pickups for both Friday services (Dec. 25th and Jan. 1st) will be postponed to the next regular trash day (Tuesday, December 29th and Tuesday, January 5th).
We hope everyone is staying safe and well, and wish everyone a happy holiday season.
Thank you,
Glenn Watts
Board of Directors, Washingtonian Woods HOA
Hello Neighbors,
Clubhouse Lower Level Remodel
The Board is excited to share that construction has begun on the remodel of the Clubhouse’s Lower Level. With this remodel, the kitchenette will be modernized with all new appliances, storage areas will be greatly increased, and newly installed flooring will be better able to withstand heavy all-purpose use.
The Board would like to thank fellow neighbors, Marc Feinstein and Nick Bobruska, for their continued efforts and time to help this project become a reality. We expect construction to be completed within the next month or so. In the meantime, you may see the original architectural renderings as well as a few construction photos below.
Neighborhood Beautification Efforts
The lower level remodel is the fifth major renovation project that the Board has undertaken over the last 15 years in an ongoing effort to continuously beautify and modernize our neighborhood. Previous modernization projects have included adding a second level to the Clubhouse (2008), modernizing the swimming pool in 2010 (installing new Pavilion, replacing pool deck, pumps, filters, and underwater lights), installing new entrance monuments (2014-2017), working with the City of Gaithersburg on additional neighborhood street lighting (2014), and a major tree re-vitalization project (2015-2019). The Board puts a lot of effort into being responsible fiscal stewards, maintaining its fiduciary obligations, while at the same time responsibly investing in our neighborhood’s beautification efforts. The Board has not raised HOA dues over this time, but rather has been able to keep them at a constant $74/mo, and our financial position continues to remain sound.
Washingtonian Woods Gives Back
A note from neighbors and event organizers Marcie Blackman and Rhonda Haley:
“Washingtonian Woods Neighbors, Families and Friends: Our Washingtonian Woods Gives Back event was a HUGE success. We cannot thank you all enough for your generosity. We are so very fortunate to have had the support of not only those that live in the neighborhood, but others outside of Washingtonian Woods who wanted to help with our efforts this year! With your help we supplied 15 families and a total of 48 children with an amazing holiday!
We want to give an extra special thanks to our elves, Kim Dalin and Marci Millen who helped us wrap, organize and pack up all the gifts on delivery day. Thank you also to our amazing driving elves, Jen Feinstein, Amy Fink, Sue Ann Martin and Angie Watts, who helped deliver more than 50 Santa sacks to their Christmas destinations.
We had so much fun putting this project together. It brought tears to our eyes to see so much generosity and support for this wonderful project. We cannot wait to continue this tradition next year. It takes a village and we are certainly lucky to have this one!
We wish you all a happy and HEALTHY holiday season!”
Washingtonian Woods Trivia Night, This Saturday Night, 8PM
Washingtonian Woods Trivia Night is back…and better than ever this Saturday, December 19 @ 8:00 PM!
One of the most popular and reputable trivia companies in the area, District Trivia (www.district-trivia.com), will be running the show this time around (thank you to Dan Goldsamt and all previous resident hosts!) The “friendly competition” will run for about an hour and be comprised of three rounds of (a wide-variety) questions.
In order to play, sign up here: https://forms.gle/g9KGJbMtCuyRjv2K9. 16 players/teams have already signed up.
At 7:00 PM on Saturday (12/19), neighbor Dan Goldsamt will send out further, more specific directions to those who’ve registered. Share this with your friends (if they live in the neighborhood), with your neighbors (who may also qualify as friends), and with your neighbors’ friends (if they live in Washingtonian Woods).
Looking forward to “seeing” you there!
Neighborhood Web Site
This email communication as well all previous HOA emails are always cross-posted in the “News” section of the Washingtonian Woods Web Site (www.washwoods.org). Neighbors are encouraged to reference our web site as it contains helpful links and neighborhood information.
Thank you,
Glenn Watts
Board of Directors, Washingtonian Woods HOA
Hello Neighbors,
Gaithersburg Invites Public to Help Name New City Park at Former CPSC Site
As previously mentioned, The City of Gaithersburg is building a new park bordering our neighborhood at the former Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) site, located at 10901 Darnestown Road (click here for aerial view).
Residents are invited to suggest names for consideration. Online submissions can be made here through December 7, 2020.
A Park Naming Committee made up of City staff members will review all suggestions and select three to submit to the Mayor and City Council for their final determination. The committee reserves the right to select a name most appropriate for the park based on: geographical location (such as street names, subdivision name, or adjacent school name); historical significance; the passing of an active contributor(s) to the community; or other reasons.
This will be the City’s twenty-eighth park, and its 9.5 acres will feature community gardens, a bicycle skills course, pavilions, a playground, fitness and picnic pods, and a welcome plaza. Explore background material and site plan information for this new park project here. For more information, please call 301-258-6350.
Thank you,
Glenn Watts
Board of Directors, Washingtonian Woods HOA
Hello Neighbors,
The Washingtonian Woods Social Committee has put together several more events for this fall and winter.
Washingtonian Woods Thanksgiving Word Scramble Contest
Neighbors are invited to walk through the neighborhood on Thursday and Friday to spot the letter. Prizes will be awarded on the Facebook page on Saturday. More on this event can be found by downloading this flyer, here.
Movie Night at Clubhouse
Black Friday, as long as the weather holds out, we are planning to have another socially distanced movie at the clubhouse parking lot on Friday, November 27th. Neighbors are invited to register on this Sign-up Genius. There will be a kiddie movie, rated G/PG, at 5o’clock and a PG-13 movie at 7 PM. Choose drive in or chair seating. Bundle up and bring your blankets and hot chocolate.
Washingtonian Woods Gives Back
Washingtonian Woods Gives Back has returned this year. This season the organizers have arranged donations through KINDH. Please register on this Sign-up Genius to purchase a new gift, bring it wrapped and addressed. Drop it at the clubhouse on Saturday, December 12 between 10 AM and 1 PM. The social committee thinks you for your kindness. More on this event can be found by downloading this flyer, here.
Trivia Night is Back!
Our quizmaster, Dan Goldsamt, will be leading the event on Saturday, December 19th at 8PM. This will be a general knowledge quiz geared towards adults. Please register here and be prepared for 75 questions with your neighbors via Zoom.
Thank you,
Glenn Watts
Board of Directors, Washingtonian Woods HOA
Hello Neighbors,
Halloween House Decorating Contest Winners
Thank you to everyone who helped us continue the great Halloween spirit of Washingtonian Woods by decorating their houses this year! This year the following winners were selected:
2020 Contest Winners
1st Place — 7 Midsummer Court (Lua Party)
2nd Place — 432 Upshire Circle (Skeleton Circus)
3rd Place — 4 Driscoll Court (Demon Party)
If you haven’t yet already, feel free to check out all of the wonderfully decorated homes throughout the neighborhood. Thank you again and we hope everyone has a happy and safe Halloween!
Washingtonian Woods Spooky Trail and Jack-o’-Lantern Lawn
Don’t forget that the Jack-o’-Lantern Lawn and Spooky Trail are happening later on today. Please click here for event details. RSVPs and Waivers required.
If you’re coming to the Spooky Trail today or just want to help, please consider dropping non-perishable donations in the designated box. All food donations will be collected by Boy Scout troop 1760 and donated to Manna. Happy Halloween all!!! Have a safe day.
Fall Loose Leaf Collection
Also, The City of Gaithersburg’s Fall loose leaf collection is now underway for single family and townhouse owners. Place your leaves at the street curb by 7 a.m. on your regular recycling day. The weekly collection continues through the last week of December, weather permitting. Any time during the year you can bag your leaves in biodegradable brown bags and leave them curbside with your other recyclables.
Thank you,
Glenn Watts
Board of Directors, Washingtonian Woods HOA
Hello Neighbors,
As mentioned earlier, The Washingtonian Woods Social Committee has been working hard on keeping our neighborhood’s great Halloween spirit alive and well during this 2020 Halloween season. Please see below for the specifics and details on the events that make up this year’s neighborhood Fall Festival:
Halloween Drive-in Movie
What: The New Addams Family Movie
Where: Clubhouse Parking Lot, Space is limited
When: Friday evening, October 30th. 6pm lot opens, 6:30pm movie starts
RSVP: Space is limited, to RSVP: To Sign-up and reserve your spot, please click here
Waiver Required
The Washingtonian Woods Social Committee is hosting our first-ever drive-in movie at the Clubhouse on Friday, Oct 30th.
We would like to allow social distancing family groups to bring chairs and sit in the area directly in front of the clubhouse (Marked in Sign Up as BYO Chairs). For those of you concerned about the cold, the wings of the parking lot and spaces just beyond the island will be marked to allow the distancing of cars.
We can accommodate up to 8 cars and 14 groups of families. If you will have more than 6 in your party, or if individuals from multiple households will be in your party, please contact Kelley Bennett (Kelley’s contact info in listed in the Sign-up Genius above) for assistance so we can collect waivers from each member of your party. Every moviegoer must agree to the assumption of risk and liability waiver for the event posted here in order to participate.
We will be showing The New Addams Family. The movie lot will open at 6pm, and the movie will begin at 6:30pm. You are welcome to bring chairs to watch from outside your car, but the chairs must stay within your assigned parking space or in front of your car and masks must be worn when outside your car.
If you have any questions about the event, please contact Kelley Bennett (Kelly’s contact info is listed in the Sign-up Genius above.)
Washingtonian Woods Spooky Trail and Jack-o’-Lantern Lawn
When: Halloween Afternoon, October 31st. (Specific event times follow below)
Where: Washingtonian Woods Park
RSVP: Space is limited, to RSVP: To Sign-up and reserve your spot, please click here
Waiver Required
The Washingtonian Woods Social Committee is planning a Jack-o’-Lantern Lawn and Spooky Trail where residents can enjoy some Halloween-themed fun in a safe and socially-distanced manner.
Jack-o’-Lantern Lawn (Pumpkin Drop-off between 12pm and 2pm)
The Jack-o’-Lantern Lawn will be set up in the grassy area near the Washingtonian Woods Park Playground on Upshire Circle. All residents are invited to provide a carved Jack-o’-Lantern or decorated pumpkin for the display (multiple contributions from households welcome!), and to encourage contributions, prizes (amazon gift cards!) will be awarded in three categories: Overall Favorite, Scariest, and Funniest or Silliest. Submissions can be dropped off near the playground between 12pm and 2pm on Oct 31, and we ask that you return to pick up your submissions between 6:40 and 7pm that evening. All are welcome to enjoy the display and cast their votes for prizes from 4pm to 6:30pm on the 31st, regardless of whether you plan to walk through the Spooky Trail. Please wear a mask and maintain a 6-foot distance from other families enjoying the display.
If you plan to submit an entry and/or enjoy the display, please sign up below and indicate in the comments if you are doing the former, the latter, or both. Signing up ahead of time will greatly help the social committee with planning and reduce the need to collect waivers in hard copy.
Spooky Trail (4pm – 6pm)
The Spooky Trail will start near the bridge at the far end of the grassy area where the pond empties into the creek, and proceed up the trail to the Clubhouse, ending in the parking lot where we will hand out treats to all young Spooky Trail survivors. The trail will include a few different themed areas – cemetery, ghosts, and spiders, along with areas where actors cast from the vast WW talent pool will play witches, vampires, werwolves, zombies, and other creepy creatures. CLICK HERE to see the Spooky Trail Map.
To maintain social distancing, we are allowing no more than 30 individuals to sign up during each 30-minute time slot, and will control entry to the trail to ensure that family groups are spaced out. Please note that masks are required for all those who will brave the Spooky Trail. We will keep the scares mild for the 4:00pm and 4:30pm time slots, and then up the scare factor for those signing up for later time slots.
For questions about the Spooky Trail, please contact Antonio Salinas (Antonios’s contact info in the Sign-up Genius above). Jack-o’-Lantern Lawn questions should go to Tina Winters (Tina’s contact info also in the Sign-up Genius above.)
Halloween House Decorating Contest
Thursday evening, October 29th through Friday evening, October 30th
Show your Halloween spirit and decorate your house for the annual Washingtonian Woods Halloween House Decorating Contest! Please have your house ready for judging by Thursday (10/29) at 6pm. Prizes will be awarded.
Volunteers Needed!
To make all of this possible we need your help! Please consider signing up to volunteer. For those who sign up, additional details will be provided to you directly by a member of the Social Committee. Please take a moment to look at our Sign-up Genius and sign up for slot.
Thank you to the Social Committee for all of its efforts and hours of volunteer time to help keep the great Halloween spirit of Washingtonian Woods alive and well this year. We hope you and your families are all staying safe and well, and have a Happy Halloween!
Thank you,
Glenn Watts
Board of Directors, Washingtonian Woods HOA
Hello Neighbors,
Save the Dates!
The Washingtonian Woods Social Committee has been working hard on keeping our neighborhood’s great Halloween spirit alive and well during this 2020 Halloween season. The Committee is still planning on hosting several activities this year for our annual Fall Fest. Obviously, COVID-19 has greatly impacted this year’s events; and sadly, Candy Hill and the Costume Parade will not take place in 2020. However, the Committee has planned several other events for the community to enjoy this year, for those wishing to do so.
This year, the Committee will be sponsoring the following Fall Fest events. More specific details on each will follow in the coming days, but the schedule of events is as follows:
Halloween Drive-in Movie
Friday evening, October 30th
Clubhouse Parking Lot
Space will be limited, RSVP Sign-up link to follow
Spooky Trail
Halloween Afternoon, October 31st
Washingtonian Woods Park
Space will be limited, RSVP Sign-up link to follow
Pumpking Carving Contest
Halloween Afternoon, October 31st
Washingtonian Woods Park
Jack-O-Lantern contest! This year we encourage you to decorate your pumpkins, deliver to a designed spot and vote on your favorites. More details to come.
Halloween House Decorating Contest
Thursday evening, October 29th through Friday evening, October 30th
Show your Halloween spirit and decorate your house for the annual Washingtonian Woods Halloween House Decorating Contest! Please have your house ready for judging by Thursday (10/29) at 6pm. Prizes will be awarded.
Waivers, masking requirements and responsible social distancing will be required for all who choose to participate in the in-person events. Space will be limited; waiver forms and RSVP sign-ups will be provided in the coming days.
Volunteers Needed!
To make all of this possible we need your help! Please consider signing up to volunteer. For those who sign up, additional details will be provided to you directly by a member of the Social Committee. Please take a moment to look at our Sign-up Genius and sign up for slot.
Thank you to the Social Committee for all of its efforts and hours of volunteer time to help keep the great Halloween spirit of Washingtonian Woods alive and well this year. We hope you and your families are all staying safe and well, and have a Happy Halloween!
Thank you,
Glenn Watts
Board of Directors, Washingtonian Woods HOA
Hello Neighbors,
Please see the following announcement from the City of Gaithersburg regarding bulk pickups:
Bulk Pick Up is now On-demand
While your regular trash and garbage collection is handled by private contractors, the City of Gaithersburg provides on-demand bulk refuse collection to single family homes and townhouses for large items, including heavy electrical appliances, furniture and other large household objects that private trash collectors will not accept.
Starting in September, 2020, the City of Gaithersburg is changing its bulk refuse collection program to make it more convenient for you, more efficient for City staff, and more thoughtful of the environment. You must now schedule an appointment to arrange for bulk pick up collection. There’s a limit of one per month, but it can be scheduled on any of your regular recycling days.
The City is happy to provide this service to you, and our goal is to recycle as much of what we collect as possible. However, reuse and repair are always preferred options. Before scheduling a bulk pick up, please consider alternatives to disposal.
Complete details about this new program, including scheduling instructions and a list of what can and cannot be put out can be found on the City’s Bulk Pick Up webpage here. Questions? Contact the Department of Public Works at 301-258-6370.
Thank you,
Glenn Watts
Board of Directors, Washingtonian Woods HOA
Hello Neighbors,
As mentioned previously, the Washingtonian Woods HOA Board of Directors has recently made the decision to open the neighborhood pool for the 2020 Summer Season. The decision was not taken lightly and was reached after much thought and careful consideration with our lawyers, the pool company, and our management company. We have been watching and will continue to watch and follow all CDC, State and County guidelines around COVID-19 re-openings and best practices throughout the pool season.
At the moment, pending final inspection, we hope to open the pool on Monday, July 6th.
The following procedures have been put in place this season to help facilitate a safer environment for those choosing to use the pool this season:
1. Liability Waivers. All patrons wishing to use the pool this season will be required to sign a waiver of liability before entering the pool for the first time. Waivers will be available at the entrance desk, or you may download it here to review it ahead of time and bring with you. Please note, it must not be signed ahead time. It must be signed in the presence of a lifeguard or pool company staff member.
2. Minimum Age Requirement. The minimum age requirement for unattended children at the pool this season has been changed from 10yrs to 13yrs. All children under the age of 13yrs must be accompanied by a parent, and liability waivers must be signed. Children aged 13yrs – 17 yrs may use the pool unaccompanied by a parent. In either case, liability waivers must be signed by a parent.
3. Schedule. The pool will be open in 2-hour blocks throughout each day, with a mandatory 30-minute closure between blocks to allow for cleaning. All patrons will be required to leave the pool grounds during the 30-minute closures. Daily schedule is as follows:
Session 1: 11 am – 1pm
Session 2: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Session 3: 4pm – 6pm
Session 4: 6:30pm – close
4. Capacity. Each 2-hour block will be limited to 100 patrons. First-come, first-served. Pool staff will be counting people as they arrive and depart, and once maximum capacity is reached, additional arriving patrons will be asked to wait until a later session.
5. Guests and Outside Memberships. There will be no guests allowed this season. Outside pool memberships have been suspended for this pool season.
6. Furniture. With the exception of umbrellas placed around the pool deck, there will be no other pool furniture placed around the deck this season. Patrons should plan to bring their own chairs this season. Blue markings have been placed around the pool deck to assist with physical distancing and proper location of chairs this season.
7. Social Distancing. Patrons will be responsible for maintaining social distancing to ensure the health and safety of their family as well as the health and safety of their fellow patrons. In addition, patrons will be responsible for supervising their children at all times while in the pool and on the pool grounds. Please be aware that the pool may be forced to close if social distancing is not followed. Alternatively, patrons may be suspended for repeated violations.
8. Masking. Masks are required when moving about the pool areas for all patrons, with the exception of those under the age of 2yrs. Masks are not required while swimming.
9. Rest Periods. There will be no 15-minute rest periods this season.
10. Lap Swimming. Until further notice, lap swimming will be limited to one person per lane.
11. Baby Pool. The wading pool remains closed indefinitely until further notice from County.
12. Vending and water fountains. There will be no vending services provided this season. Water fountains will not be available this season.
13. Kickboards and Pool Noodles. Kickboards and pool noodles will not be provided this season. Patrons may bring their own.
14. Games. Basketball, ping-pong, corn hole and ring-toss will not be provided this season.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as the Board, Management Company, and Pool Company worked hard to put in place procedures that will allow for an opportunity to open the pool this season.
We expect those using the pool to respect and follow the above Guidelines & Procedures as well as respect their fellow neighbors also using the pool. Additionally, we remind everyone of the important of respecting the guidance of the lifeguards as they take on added responsibilities to help keep everyone safe. Should we find at any point that the Guidelines are not being adequately and consistently followed, and/or that State or County re-opening recommendations change, the Board reserves the right to close the pool for the season at any time.
We hope that you and your families are keeping safe and well, and we appreciate your patience and understanding during these challenging times.
Thank you,
Glenn Watts
Board of Directors, Washingtonian Woods HOA
Hello Neighbors,
The Washingtonian Woods HOA Board of Directors has recently made the decision to open the neighborhood pool for the 2020 Summer Season. The decision was not taken lightly and was reached after much thought and careful consideration with our lawyers, the pool company, and our management company. We have been watching and will continue to watch and follow all State and County guidelines around COVID-19 re-openings and best practices.
At the moment, we still do not yet know the official opening date, but we are hopeful to open within the next week or so. The final Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines for this pool season are still being finalized, and the final opening inspections still need to be completed by the County. We will message more on timing to the community as we know more.
In the meantime, please know that this season will be unlike any other before it. Please expect drastically reduced capacity limits, masking requirements, social distancing regulations, and regularly scheduled closures throughout each day to accommodate for increased cleaning and sterilization procedures. Additionally, all those wishing to enter the pool this season will be required to sign liability waivers. More on the specifics of our 2020 Pool Season Standard Operating Procedures will be provided to the community once they are finalized.
Also, we ask that all neighbors respect each other’s varying levels of personal comfort with COVID re-openings and participation. For those not comfortable enjoying the pool this season, we respect those personal decisions, and understand that you are under no obligation to use the pool. For those that wish to use the pool this season, it will be open for use, following strict COVID guidelines from the State, County, Pool Company, and Management Company.
We also expect those using the pool to respect and follow the Guidelines as well as respect their fellow neighbors also using the pool. Should we find at any point that the Guidelines are not being adequately and consistently followed, and/or that State or County re-opening recommendations change, the Board reserves the right to close the pool for the season at any time.
We hope that you and your families are keeping safe and well, and we appreciate your patience and understanding during these challenging times. We will update the community with more information in the coming days.
Thank you,
Glenn Watts
Board of Directors, Washingtonian Woods HOA