Hello Neighbors,

Please join us for our annual neighborhood End of Summer Pool Party! This year’s party will be held on Saturday, August 27th just before MCPS students return to school.  We’ll have music, and we will be providing Famous Dave’s BBQ, soft drinks and other refreshments.

And this year we are also having a Dive-In movie!  At about 7:45pm or so, we’ll be showing “Zootopia” poolside on a big movie screen. Everyone can feel free to float in the pool on their rafts and enjoy the show.

WHAT:  Washingtonian Woods End of Summer Raft Party & Dive-In Movie
WHEN:  Saturday, August 27th, 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
WHERE: Pool
Bring your own rafts!
Music, Famous Dave’s BBQ, Sodas and Refreshments provided.
Glass containers are prohibited on the pool deck.
Dive-In Movie, “Zootopia” starts around 7:45pm.
The pool will remain open until 10:00 pm.
Rain Date:  Sunday, August 28th, 2-6pm (no movie)

Please help us spread the word, and we hope to see you all there!

Thank you,
Glenn Watts
Board of Directors, Washingtonian Woods HOA

Hello Neighbors,

Here is the latest with regards to the former CPSC site that borders our neighborhood at 10901 Darnestown Road (click here for aerial view), reposted from the City’s Project page:

June 8, 2016
The Committee held an open house and presented to the public the initial recommendations. A copy of the presentation can be found here. There were over 50 individuals in attendance and the Committee will summarize the comments made during the public open house and incorporate them into the formal presentation to be made before the Mayor and City Council.

August 1, 2016
The Mayor and City Council will hear a presentation from the Ad Hoc Committee on August 1, 2016 at City Hall, 31 S. Summit, at 7:30 p.m. The Ad Hoc Committee will be presenting their recommendations regarding the park design. Please note that this presentation was previously scheduled for Monday, July 25, 2016; but, has subsequently been rescheduled for Monday, August 1, 2016. You may provide comments during the Mayor and City Council Meeting under the public comment section. You can also provide comments in writing to Dennis J. Enslinger, Deputy City Manager, at [email protected]. A copy of the presentation can be found here.

Washingtonian Woods residents Liz Rubenstein, David Belgard, and Laurent Berman all serve on the Ad Hoc Committee.  This City Council meeting is a great opportunity for members of our community to engage with the City, the Committee and to learn more about the future use of this land that borders our neighborhood. The City’s web site for this project can be found here.

Thank you,
Glenn Watts
Board of Directors, Washingtonian Woods HOA

Hello Neighbors,

The Washingtonian Woods Waves swim season comes to an end this Saturday at the MCSL Division M Championship Meet — also known as ‘Divisionals’.  This meet features all 5 teams from M Division swimming at the same pool for the final meet of the season.

This year the Divisionals meet will be held at Washingtonian Woods.

The purpose of this email is to inform the neighborhood that due to this meet, numerous additional cars will be in the neighborhood between the hours of 7AM and 1PM, Saturday, July 23rd.  The swimmers and families of all 5 teams have already been informed avoid parking in any “Reserved” spaces in the Vistas parking lot, and to preferably park in any legal spots along Midsummer Drive or Upshire Circle.  The team plans to have parking lot attendants on hand to help control parking as best is as possible.

In addition to the pool opening late tomorrow to accommodate this meet, the pool will also be closing early for the annual Swim Team Banquet, which is also being held tomorrow evening. The pool will be open for several hours mid-afternoon tomorrow.

We apologize in advance for the reduced pool hours tomorrow, and we appreciate both your support and understanding.  And, feel free to come cheer on the Waves!

Thank you,
Glenn Watts
Board of Directors, Washingtonian Woods HOA

Hello Neighbors,

We are in the final stages of preparing the 2016-2017 edition of our Community Directory.  The directory will be printed and distributed in August 2016, and will once again be produced by AtoZ Directories.

RESIDENT INFORMATION UPDATES
We also ask that all residents log into their A2Z Online Directory accounts and update their contact information to their liking.  All account updates made prior to July 22nd will be incorporated into the printed version of the 2016-2017 Directory.

To login to your Online Directory account, please go to this link:
https://atozdirectories.com/home/login.php

If you don’t remember your login, you may click on the “Forgot Password” link on the login page above.  For those residents who have not yet received a login, you may request one by sending an email to [email protected].  Please include your name and home street address in your login request.

DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISERS, 7/22/16
The directory is produced at no-cost to the Association, but rather is completely funded by advertising.  That said, we have asked that AtoZ Directories give our own residents the first chance to advertise, before they begin selling ad placements to businesses outside the neighborhood.

If you are interested in promoting your business to your neighbors in this year’s directory, please feel free to download, complete and return the below form directly to AtoZ Directories by Friday 7/22/16 — following the directions provided. Any advertising questions can be directed to Michele Delgadillo at 301-972-1750 or [email protected].

2016 ADVERTISING AGREEMENT (download .pdf)

We will also be sending another reminder email to all user accounts within the A2Z system in the coming week or so.  Please keep an eye out for it.

Thank you,
Glenn Watts
Board of Directors, Washingtonian Woods HOA

Hello Neighbors,

The City of Gaithersburg has made the call to reschedule the Fireworks display to Friday, July 8th. In the meantime, free indoor activities (live music, games, bounce houses, and more) are still on 5-9pm today inside the Activity Center at Bohrer Park.  Enjoy live music, games and activities for all ages, inflatables, an interactive DJ, giveaways, prizes, food vendors, and more!

All the specifics of the event, including parking information, and event map can be found at the City’s event page: http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/leisure/independence-day

Should you have specific questions about the event, please feel free to contact staff in The City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture at [email protected], or call 301-258-6350.

Thank you,
Glenn Watts
Board of Directors, Washingtonian Woods HOA

Hello Neighbors,

As you are hopefully aware, the City of Gaithersburg’s 4^th of July Celebration and Fireworks has a new home this year — having been moved to Bohrer Park. Originally, the City had planned a full day’s worth of activities at our Water Park (which is open for residents and aquatics members only that day), Mini Golf Park and Skate Park. “The Ultimate Lawn Party” was set to begin at 5 p.m. with lots of family activities, bands, food trucks and more, all leading up to the fireworks spectacular at about 9:30 p.m.

Weather Forecast & Fireworks
Due to the weather forecast, most of today’s activities today have been moved indoors.  However, at the current time, the Fireworks are still on for this evening. Please continue to check the City’s Event page, here, for further details and for possible cancellation or rescheduling of the Fireworks display.

All the specifics of the event, including parking information, and event map can also be found at the City’s event page: http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/leisure/independence-day

Should you have specific questions about the event, please feel free to contact staff in The City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture at [email protected], or call 301-258-6350.

Thank you, and Happy 4th of July!
Glenn Watts
Board of Directors, Washingtonian Woods HOA

Hello Neighbors,

Mark your calendars!  The Annual Washingtonian Woods “Summer Kick-Off” Pool & Raft Party will be held Friday, June 17th, from 6pm until 9pm!

WHAT:  Washingtonian Woods “Summer Kick-Off” Pool & Raft Party
WHEN:  Friday, June 17th, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
WHERE: Pool
Bring your own rafts!
Music, Pizza, Sodas and Carmen’s Italian Ice will be provided.
Glass containers are prohibited on the pool deck.
The pool will remain open until 9:00 pm.
Rain Date:  Saturday, June 18th

Please help us spread the word, and we hope to see you all there!

Thank you,
Glenn Watts
Board of Directors, Washingtonian Woods HOA

Hello Neighbors,

The Board is looking for volunteers to serve on a neighborhood Social Committee! Through the creation of a Social Committee the Board hopes to be able to increase the number of organized social events for the neighborhood throughout the year. The Board will work with the Committee to plan the annual social budget and Events Calendar.

In addition to our annual Halloween Event, End of School and End of Summer Pool Parties, the Board is potentially considering several other ideas, such as:

Adults Only Pool Party
Food Truck Fridays at the Pool
Movie Night at the Pool
4th of July Neighborhood Parade and BBQ
March Madness at the Clubhouse
Super Bowl Party at the Clubhouse

If you have any interest in joining our Social Committee, or have any other ideas to share, please feel free to take a quick moment to complete this Google Form.

We look forward to engaging with more members of the community as we work together to continue making Washingtonian Woods a great place to live.

Thank you,
Glenn Watts
Board of Directors, Washingtonian Woods HOA

Hello Neighbors,

Here is the latest with regards to the former CPSC site that borders our neighborhood at 10901 Darnestown Road (click here for aerial view):

Press release from the City of Gaithersburg:
An ad hoc committee comprised of eleven volunteers and City staff members has been working to develop proposals for the public use of the former Consumer Production Safety Commission property at 10901 Darnestown Road. The 9.5 acre site was acquired from the federal government in 2014.

The Ad Hoc Committee will host an on-site Open House on Wednesday, June 8 from 6:30 to 7 p.m. to allow the public to tour the site and see renderings of the proposed new park. This will be a followed by a formal a presentation at 7 p.m., where there will be opportunity for questions. The presentation takes place in the warehouse building on the property.

Formed in July of 2015, the Committee is charged with proposing possible name(s) for the park, reviewing information about existing site conditions, advising the City on ways to engage the community in the project, identifying stakeholder concerns, ensuring that design recommendations take into account both crime prevention and environmentally sensitive practices, making recommendations for the repurposing and/or redevelopment of the property, discussing trail connectivity, examining and incorporating the history of the site as appropriate, and working with staff and the architect/consultant on making recommendations to the Mayor and City Council.

A presentation to the Mayor and City Council is planned for the summer of 2016. For more information please visit the City Projects page here.

Washingtonian Woods residents Liz Rubenstein, David Belgard, and Laurent Berman all serve on the Ad Hoc Committee.  This open house is a great opportunity for members of our community to engage with the City, the Committee and to learn more about the future use of this land that borders our neighborhood. A downloadable flyer for the Open House can be found here.

Thank you,
Glenn Watts
Board of Directors, Washingtonian Woods HOA

Hello Neighbors,

As previously mentioned, on Monday, April 11, 2016, the Gaithersburg Mayor and City Council held a Work Session to discuss small cell facilities at City Hall. Washingtonian Woods resident and Board member, Kathleen McCann attended the session along with many other neighborhood residents. Her detailed meeting notes can be found here.

Additionally, per Deputy City Manager Dennis Enslinger, the City has recently updated the Small Cell Facilities project web page to include a Frequently Ask Questions document based on the comments that the City Council has received. The updated project web page also contains a link to the initial Mayor and City Council Work Session documents regarding this topic held on April 11, 2016 along with a project status update.

The City will continue to solicit public feedback on this topic as it moves forward. The Mayor and City Council have not yet set any future meeting dates on this topic. Future public meeting notices regarding this topic will be posted on the Small Cell Facilities project web page. We will also send out any applicable notices to the neighborhood as we are informed.

Also per Mr. Enslinger, the City has not received any applications for small cell facilities at this time and continues to work on how to deal with such requests should they be submitted.

Thank you,
Glenn Watts
Board of Directors, Washingtonian Woods HOA