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Gaithersburg, MD Real Estate News

Gaithersburg Book Festival Volunteers Needed VOLUNTEER Sign up for a day full of books, authors, and fun! Saturday, May 18, 2024! The Gaithersburg Book Festival is an enormous undertaking that would not be possible without the generous assistance of numerous volunteers. We have many volunteer opportunities associated with putting on this world-class event. Please see the job descriptions below, and if you are interested is helping, fill out the Volunteer Sign-up Form by clicking the link below. SSL and PAU hours are available. Please note the following two requirements for volunteering at GBF: You must be age 16 or older  You must attend a volunteer training in early May (multiple session options will be offered) If you have questions about volunteering, please email Kathleen Benson at ...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Driveway-Paving Scams Warning As the warm weather approaches, the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is warning homeowners about driveway-paving scammers who typically look to exploit them in spring. These scammers are a common problem not only in Montgomery County, but also across Maryland. Homeowners should be aware and take appropriate measures to avoid falling victim to it.In the last year, OCP has been taking measures against individuals who performed unlicensed home improvement work, particularly those who conducted driveway paving. As a result, civil and criminal charges have been issued against them, and several have been issued arrest warrants. OCP also has managed to suspend all websites associated with these criminals, either permanently or temporarily, thr...
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Gaithersburg Arts Barn Call to Artists The Arts Barn is seeking artwork for the Fiscal Year 2025 season brochure and related marketing materials. Artwork should prominently feature the diverse arts that are shared and celebrated at the Arts Barn. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 3.Learn more and apply here.This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Orchids, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 4341Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Going Solar in Montgomery County Montgomery County is going solar! We're converting facilities to clean energy thanks to a $790K state grant. Imagine reducing emissions equivalent to taking 968 cars off the road for a year! We're shining a light on sustainability this Earth Month! https://ow.ly/64AJ50RfQGkThis is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement.  African Daisy, Arctotis, 'Kleat12610', Opera Rose, Longwood Gardens,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 6856Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Have you read books by Ted Bell? Recommended by Dave Yonkers    Those that follow my blogs know that I had a recent meet up with our friend from Erie, Mary Yonkers, in Frederick, Maryland.  Mary and her husband, Dave, were traveling south for a vacation.  The bonus in the meeting was getting to know Dave.  We are both readers and Dave suggested books by Ted Bell.  I like thrillers and try to read a least one novel a week.  My current book is "Spy" (2006) by Ted Bell. It is a good book and I now plan to read the rest of his Alexander Hawke Series.  You never know what you will learn at an ActiveRain meet up.  What are you reading for pleasure? Ted Bell Books Alexander Hawke Series Hawke (2003) Assassin (2004) Pirate (2005) Spy (2006)    Tsar (2008) Warlord (2010) Phantom (2012)   From th...
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Clematis blooms are favorites in Kentlands   The neo-traditional Kentlands community has hundreds of homes with white picket fences. So when gardens are planned, many home owners like to have a clematis vine or two to decorate the fences. There are 300 or so species of clematis. So, you should have a wide selection when picking plants for your home garden.  One of the displays at the recent Philadelphia Flower Show showed a number of new colors that are available.  The clematis flowers are pretty and fun to photograph.  And, after the blooms are gone, the seed heads can also be good subjects for photographs. Clematis, Kentlands, Flowers IMG_2986 Clematis, Kentlands, Flowers IMG_2987 Clematis, Kentlands, Flowers IMG_2988 Clematis, Kentlands, Flowers IMG_2989 Photograph by Roy Kelley usin...
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Beware Fake IRS Emails:  Alert from Kumar Barve   All of us need to be constantly alert for email and phone scams.  This is a very good topic for family discussions.  Also, please make sure that seniors in your circle of contacts are aware of daily scams that may tempt them to respond.  There seem to be scams for every situation. The following notice was distributed by Maryland Majority Leader Kumar P. Barve: "This is tax season and you need to beware Internet thieves and their attempts to trick you into divulging your personal information.  Specifically, some people have already received bogus messages from the IRS which ask for your response with personal information.  Don't be fooled. The IRS never contacts individuals by email.  Here is a warning from the IRS on these kinds of 'phis...
Comments 13
By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Make a Difference:  Plant a Tree   Residents of the City of Gaithersburg will be celebrating Make a Difference Day on Friday, April 5, 2013.  The challenge for all is to make commitments to change a few habits that will benefit our environment. Make a difference by planting a tree. Trees protect water quality, clean our air, reduce stress, and provide wildlife habitat. One large tree can eliminate 5,000 gallons of storm water runoff each year, and well placed trees can help reduce energy costs by 15 to 35 percent (State of Maryland: http://trees.maryland.gov/).  Planting a tree in your yard or community will allow yourself and others to enjoy these many benefits.  The State of Maryland's Marylanders Plant Trees  program offers a coupon  good for $25 off the purchase of one tree.  The Ga...
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Make a Difference:  Get involved locally!   Gaithersburg residents are making their commitments to change some habits for the benefit of our environment as we approach Make a Difference Day on Friday, April 5, 2013.  Small actions can add up to significant savings in our consumption of water, energy, and other natural resources.   Get involved locally! Gaithersburg offers many opportunities for residents to get involved.  Organize a cleanup in your neighborhood or participate in our Rainscapes Rewards program.  Gaithersburg's Environmental Affairs Committee is a citizen-based committee that advises the Mayor and City Council on environmental issues, promotes environmental education and outreach activities, monitors county, state and federal statutes and regulations for impacts on City ...
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Brookside Gardens Conservatory Display:  Spring Forward   Want to enjoy spring flowers on a chilly winter day?  Now is the time to visit Brookside Gardens in Montgomery County, Maryland.  The current annual Conservatory Display is Spring Forward.   Take a friend and enjoy the experience.  Be sure to have your camera in hand to capture the special moments.    Spring Forward is the Conservatory Display until April 14, 2013 Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902 301-962-1400Hours: Gardens: sunrise - sunsetVisitors Center: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Conservatories: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.   "Brookside Gardens is Montgomery County's incomparable, award-winning 50-acre public display garden situated within Wheaton Regional Park. Included in the gardens are several distinct areas:...
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Gaithersburg St. Patrick's Day Parade, Saturday, March 16   The City of Gaithersburg, in partnership with the Harp and Shamrock Society of Gaithersburg, The Peterson Companies and Washingtonian Center, will host the 13th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 16, 2013, at Washingtonian Center (I-370 and Washingtonian Boulevard).  Dozens of units will march in the parade, including Celtic dancers, bagpipe bands, clowns, fire trucks, and more.  When the parade is over there will be live entertainment on the Lakefront Plaza until 1 p.m.  Community groups and other organizations are invited to march in the parade.  This is a great way to be involved in the community and to get your group noticed.  For more information on the St. Patrick’s Day Parade contact ...
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Make a Difference:  Prevent Energy Leaks at Home    Residents of the City of Gaithersburg are seeking ideas for Make a Difference day on Friday, April 5, 2013.  The challenge for all of us is to make commitments to change a few habits that will benefit our environment.   Prevent energy leaks at home: Heating and cooling can make up nearly half of your home's energy bills each month (Energy Star: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_hvac).  By sealing air leaks and insulating effectively, you can save money and reduce your impact on the environment.  Energy Star's Home Energy Yardstick can help you assess your home's energy performance, and their Home Advisor can recommend home improvement projects to increase energy efficiency where you live.    What will you be doing to m...
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FAQ:  Should I select a home inspector that uses an infrared thermal imager?   The answer is yes.  We always recommend a professional home inspection when advising home buyers.  You should definitely use a home inspector that uses an infrared thermal imager. This hand held imager allows you and the inspector to see evidence of water leaks, lack of insulation and air leaks.  The cost of energy is a major consideration in a home purchase and currently available technology will allow many of the potential problems to be resolved before moving into a new residence.  Some caulking or added insulation can make the home more economical as well as more comfortable. At an open house in Kentlands, Terrill Ewald of Advanced Pro Inspections www.advancedproinspections.com , based in Potomac, Marylan...
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Please welcome Terry Ewald to ActiveRain   I met Terrill "Terry" Ewald at an open house in Kentlands on Sunday afternoon. He demonstrated his thermal imaging inspection to identify air leaks in the home. He accepted my invitation to join the ActiveRain network and to share his home inspection technology.  Please visit his first blog and welcome Terry to ActiveRain.  www.advancedproinspections.com    Introducing our thermal imaging  We always recommend that home buyers have a professional home inspection.  The typical perspective is to look for needed repairs.  However, the most important part of the inspection may be how to save on energy costs. Longwood Gardens, Idea Garden IMG_2315 Photograph by Roy Kelley.  Canon PowerShot G11 camera. Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Kentlands Firehouse to Become a Private Residence City to sell local landmark   The City of Gaithersburg is moving ahead to sell the Kentlands Firehouse that was declared to be surplus property in early February.  The Firehouse, including 8,700 square feet of land, is located at 321 Firehouse Lane in Kentlands.    The Kentlands Firehouse was built between 1942 and 1961 to house the fire engine collection and fully equipped fire department of property owner Otil Beall Kent.  Remains of a circa 1900 carriage house on the site were incorporated into the new building. The basement, which also housed the farm's workers, was intended to serve as a fallout shelter in case of war.  The Firehouse received historic designation in February, 2012.   The City received three proposals for the redevel...
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Fleet Feet Sports - The Choice by Kentlands Runners   Runners and serious walkers go to Fleet Feet Sports in Kentlands to purchase their shoes and running gear.  However, you do not need to be a runner to appreciate all of the Kentlands community activities that are sponsored by Fleet Feet Sports. The St. Paddy's Day Pub Run is scheduled for March 14 at 6:30 p.m. and begins at the store.  This event supports the Avon 2-Day for Breast Cancer. Give them a call at the store if you have questions.  301-926-6442 or stop by the store at 255 Kentlands Boulevard, Gaithersburg.  Fleet Feet, Kentlands, Running Gear IMG_2272 Fleet Feet, Kentlands, Running Gear IMG_2275 Fleet Feet, Kentlands, Running Gear IMG_2274   Photographs by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 Camera. Roy and Dolores Kelle...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Panera Bread - A Kentlands Favorite   Dolores and I always enjoy the meals we have at Panera Bread.  The Kentlands location is only a few blocks from our home.  I especially like the soup and sandwich combinations.  Panera Bread is also a great place to meet friends for lunch.  What are your favorite menu items at Panera Bread? Panera Bread, Kentlands, Restaurant IMG_2270 Photographs by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 Camera. Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs    Our friend in Austin, Dorie Dillard posted a blog on secret restaurant menus.  "Panera Bread offers “off-the-menu” dishes that are nourishing options to their regular menu.  They are all an excellent source of protein and contain limited processed carbs.  All you do is tell the associate taking your order that you’re ord...
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Make a Difference:  Leave your car at home Gaithersburg residents are making their commitments to change some habits for the benefit of our environment as we approach Make a Difference Day on Friday, April 5, 2013.  Small actions can add up to significant savings in our consumption of water, energy, and other natural resources.   Leave your car at home   Did you know?  The transportation sector is the second largest source of CO2 emissions in the United States! (EPA: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/co2_human.html)  Maybe a new hybrid or electric car is out of reach, but that doesn't mean your transportation choices need to have such an impact.  Try riding your bike to work on nice days, carpooling, or consider public transportation.  WMATA's Trip Planner tool can help you pl...
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Kentlands neighbor visits every day for a meal   We have a furry neighbor that visits every day for a meal.  This Kentlands squirrel likes to take advantage of the convenience of our bird feeder.  It is fun to watch the squirrel from our breakfast room window but we will soon need to purchase a new food supply for our feathered friends. If you still have snow on the ground in your neighborhood, decorate a wildlife tree with treats for the birds and animals in your community. Squirrel, Kentlands, Bird Feeder IMG_2279 Photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 Camera Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Philadelphia Flower Show - Final Weekend   The Philadelphia Flower Show is now open and thousands of flower lovers will be attending the event between now and March 10.  The show, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, is the largest fundraiser for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and raises $8 million in tax revenues for the city, state and federal governments according to the press releases. Dolores and I made a day trip to tour and photograph the show.  Charter bus service makes the trip easier from the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC.    HOURS AND PRICES (From their website)  http://theflowershow.com/All proceeds from the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, including tickets and sponsorship contributions, support The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and its acclaimed urban gree...
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Spring Forward in Kentlands this Sunday   Residents of Kentlands are currently focused on the incoming snow storm and the cancellations that are taking place in anticipation of heavy snow. Do not forget that Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 10, 2013.  Move your clocks ahead an hour before going to bed on Saturday night. The first day of spring is March 20.  Let's turn our thoughts to the flowers that be blooming in the Kentlands gardens.     Longwood Gardens IMG_2370 Photograph by Roy Kelley.  Canon PowerShot G11 camera. Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Maryland Considers Statewide Bag Tax   Many areas are trying to find ways to to reduce the use of non-biodegradable shopping bags that harm wildlife and litter streets, drains and bodies of water.  The Washington Post reports that Maryland would be the first state to enact a statewide bag tax.  As might be expected, bag manufacturers and their lobbyists offer creative arguments against any plastic bag restrictions. Would a statewide bag tax provide an effective reduction of the use of plastic shopping bags?  The District of Columbia and Montgomery County, Maryland have a 5 cent bag tax. Since 2010, studies show that plastic shopping bag use in the District has dropped by half and by about a third in Montgomery County. Last year, Montgomery County collected more than two million dollars ...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Crocuses Blooming in Kentlands For better health, I try to take daily walks through the communities of Kentlands and Lakelands in Gaithersburg, Maryland.   I usually have my camera with me and like to capture the colors of the season.  In early March, there are not many flowers in the area.  After taking hundreds of photowalks, a little color will quickly catch my attention.  The colors that nature has provided this week are the blooms of the tiny crocuses that are now blooming.  They are easy to miss.  Watch closely for the small treasures as you walk through your neighborhood. Crocuses, Kentlands IMG_2417 Crocuses, Kentlands IMG_2418 Crocus, Kentlands IMG_2425 Crocuses, Kentlands IMG_2421 Crocuses, Kentlands IMG_2424 Photographs by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera. Roy an...
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City of Gaithersburg Committee Vacancies The Mayor and City Council are seeking members to serve on a number of City committees. Joining a City committee is a way to get involved and help the Mayor and City Council in their strategic planning process. All committees act in an advisory role. City staff help facilitate meetings and report recommendations to the Mayor and City Council. Preference will be given to Gaithersburg residents and those who have businesses within the City. The following committees have vacancies: Community Advisory Committee Cultural Arts Advisory Committee (and Subcommittees) Art in Public Places Committee Olde Towne Advisory Committee Environmental Affairs Committee Educational Enrichment Committee Multicultural Affairs Committee Some vacancies have occurred bec...
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