Gaithersburg Flowers:  Photowalking in Kentlands   We have a beautiful sunny day in Kentlands and it is a good time for outdoor activities.  I enjoy walking through the community with a camera in hand as I observe the changing colors of the season.  Photowalking is best done in the early morning when the lighting is better for flower photography.  During the summer, it is also a little cooler to exercise early in the day.  This week there are many daylilies in the neighborhood and I will share a few of my photographs with you. Have an outstanding week with your camera in hand.   Daylily, Kentlands, Flowers IMG_2742 Daylily, Kentlands, Flowers IMG_2748 Daylily, Kentlands, Flowers IMG_2747 Daylily, Kentlands, Flowers IMG_2752 Daylily, Kentlands, Flowers IMG_2753 Photograph by Roy Kelley u... 07/15/2012

Planning Commission Vacancy in Gaithersburg   The Mayor and City Council are seeking a member to fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission.  The incumbent is seeking reappointment. The Commission consists of five (5) members and one (1) alternate.  The Planning Commission directs the growth and development of the City by reviewing all annexation requests, zoning applications, subdivision plats, site development applications and plans for municipal improvements.  This five-member commission, appointed by the Mayor and City Council, works in conjunction with the City’s Department of Planning and Code Administration.  The Planning Commission generally meets twice monthly, on the first and third Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.  Additionally, they attend occasional joint public hearings and work ses... 07/15/2012

Volunteer Opportunities in Gaithersburg  Updates listed in RED Gaithersburg Coalition of Providers and Area Nonprofits Gaithersburg HELPSpanish Translator: Needs a volunteer who is English/Spanish bilingual to return calls for requests for help, schedule appointments, and/or make referrals to other organization. Needed twice a month, preferably during the daytime.Contact Inge Harman at 301-216-2510 or e-mail at gaithersburghelp@yahoo.com.For more information please visit: http://www.gaithersburghelp.org HOC/Forest Oak TowersESL Instructor: Needed to teach English to native Spanish speaking senior citizens. One day a week for 2 hours a day.Contact Marsha Weber at 301-740-1414, or fax at  301-740-8771, or e-mail at marsha.weber@hocmc.org . Housing Initiative Partnership Inc.Office Assista... 07/13/2012

Dance As If No One Were Watching "Dance As If No One Were Watching" is the advice of Lela Ashkarian, author of “The Crossing”. “The Crossing captures the essence of a young woman on the brink of disaster yet imbued with determination to more than survive, to thrive. From the embattled shores of Lebanon to the palm-studded beaches of Key West, Lela Ashkarian weaves a fascinating and inspiring story of courage, ambition, and transformation. The title symbolizes many successful crossings in her life--spiritual, emotional, financial, and physical--affording the reader an opportunity for self-examination in the mirror of her amazing life.” Lela is a real estate professional in the Florida Keys and a Rainmaker member of ActiveRain.  Subscribe to her blog to learn more about the Florida Keys r... 07/12/2012

Sponsorship, Vendor Opportunities Available for 31st Annual Celebrate Festival in Gaithersburg The 31st Annual Celebrate Gaithersburg in Olde Towne Festival will draw an entire community to Gaithersburg’s historic City center for a day of food, fun, entertainment and family activities.  Be part of the celebration, exhibiting your wares, promoting your organization, and enhancing your market position with vendor and sponsorship opportunities. The one-day event is scheduled for Sunday, September 16, 2012, and will include several stages of live entertainment, with the Smithereens headlining the day, a variety of local food trucks, and special Zones geared for all ages and interests: The Green Zone, filled with environmental information and resources and a lively marketplace The Healthy Ch... 07/11/2012

Free Summer Lunch Program Available to Gaithersburg Children Gaithersburg Locations include Summit Hall and Gaithersburg Elementary Schools The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Division of Food and Nutrition Services is providing free meals to children and teens during the summer months. Children 18 years of age and younger may go to a designated MCPS school location, Monday through Friday, to receive a healthy and nutritious lunch. No appointment is necessary, but the meal must be eaten on location. In Gaithersburg, children may go to Summit Hall Elementary School on West Deer Park Road, where lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. through August 17.  Children may also go to Gaithersburg Elementary School on North Summit Avenue for a free lunch from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. throu... 07/10/2012

Kentlands Residents Love Flowers One of the benefits of living in the Kentlands community in Gaithersburg, Maryland is that home owners plant an abundant supply of flowers for all to enjoy. Kentlands is a walking community so it is very easy to develop a photowalking habit when flowers are blooming.  It is a good time to take a close look at the colors of the season. It is easy to understand why Kentlands is a preferred location for families that are relocated to the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Roses, Kentlands, Spring Flowers IMG_1507 Daylilies, Kentlands, Spring Flowers IMG_1511 Hydrangea, Kentlands, Spring Flowers IMG_1514 Kentlands, Spring Flowers IMG_1517 Kentlands, Spring Flowers IMG_1519 Kentlands, Spring Flowers IMG_1516 Photographs by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G1... 07/10/2012

Kentlands Community Photowalking, Gaithersburg Flowers On most sunny summer weekends we would want to be out and about.  This weekend, we stayed inside, in the comfort of air conditioning, because the temperature was over 100 degrees and we had a severe heat warnings in Montgomery County, Maryland. Some families have been without power for over a week since we learned about storms called derechos.   We welcome the rain and cooler weather after an eleven day heat wave that broke records for its intensity and duration. I hope you have a cool week.  Enjoy the flower photographs that are a product of my neighborhood photowalking in Kentlands, in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Life is better when there are flowers to photograph. Lily, Kentlands, Spring Flowers IMG_1536 Primrose, Kentlands, Spring F... 07/09/2012

Gaithersburg Pet Licensing All dogs and cats four months of age and older must be continuously vaccinated against rabies and licensed annually. The fine for unvaccinated pet is $250.The fine for unlicensed pet is $100. Pet License submission requirements: Completed registration form. Copy of a current rabies certificate. Spay/neuter certificate from a veterinarian or signed spay/neuter affidavit. Appropriate fee (see fee schedule below). Check or money order must be payable to the City of Gaithersburg. Cash may be used only when application is submitted in person. License Fees: Regular Reduced* Altered pet $10 $5 Unaltered pet $35 $35 Juvenile** N/C N/C * Reduced fees apply to pet owners receiving public assistance and senior citizens (age 55 and older) No discount for Seniors on unalte... 07/09/2012

Gaithersburg Fireworks Event to Take Place July 13 The storm has passed, and the City of Gaithersburg is ready to celebrate with a bang. Join friends and family for "Finally, Fireworks!" a midsummer celebration featuring live music, food, and spectacular fireworks on Friday, July 13, 2012, at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Gates open at 5 p.m. A lively two-hour concert featuring live music by Bobby and the Believers starts at 7:30 p.m., and the exciting fireworks display is set to launch at dusk (approximately 9:25 p.m.).  In the event of rain, the fireworks only will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2012.  The Montgomery County Fairgrounds is located at 16 Chestnut Street in Gaithersburg.  Walk in at Chestnut or Dalamar Streets; the Perry Parkway entrance to the Fairgrounds will be cl... 07/08/2012

Well-Known Authors, Local Playwrights Featured at 11th Annual One-Act Festival The Arts Barn in Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland   Enjoy an eclectic mix of short plays as the City of Gaithersburg joins with Montgomery Playhouse to present the 11th Annual One-Act Festival July 13 through 22 at the Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road.  Performances will be held Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with special Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $16, $14 for City of Gaithersburg residents.  The festival presents two separate evenings of one-acts in rotation.  If you would like to see all the plays offered in the festival, you will need to purchase two separate admissions. Some performances contain mature themes and adult language and are not recommended for audiences under the age of 16. Hidde... 07/07/2012

Gaithersburg Storm Aftermath - Debris Pickup With many residents experiencing downed tree limbs and branches as a result of the recent storm, the City of Gaithersburg has begun picking up large yard waste items.  Public Works crews will be patrolling the streets between now and July 13, 2012, collecting piles of waste that have been brought to the curb.  Large yard waste is characterized as tree limbs greater than six feet long, more than 4” in diameter, or more than 40 pounds.  Items should be cut into sections no longer than 15 feet and laid in straight piles. Smaller yard waste items may be put out curbside on your regular recycling day.  This includes brush, leaves and other yard trimmings placed in biodegradable brown paper bags as well as branches laid straight and bundled, or pla... 07/06/2012

Kentlands/Lakelands 5K Run, Walk & Kids Fun Runs Gaithersburg MD   Ready, Set, Register!   The race committee is gearing up for the 19th annual Kentlands/Lakelands 5K Run, Walk & Kids Fun Runs Saturday, September 1.  Registration is now open. Race sponsors are also urged to sign up now to ensure they are  included in all promotional materials.   As Montgomery County's largest 5K, the run will once again feature live music along the race course, two water stops and an awesome merchant expo at the finish line.  In addition, by popular demand another wave of kids fun runs will be incorporated into the event, offering the opportunity for even more young runners to participate.    If you'd like to be a part of the fun as a runner or walker, sponsor or volunteer please visit: www.kentlands.or... 07/06/2012

Montgomery County, Maryland Hot Weather Tips During hot weather and extreme heat this summer, keep informed by listening to local weather and news channels, use common sense and take a minute to review the tips below. 1. Pre-hydrate, hydrate and re-hydrate.During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Drink plenty of fluids in advance, during and after activities and don’t wait until you're thirsty to hydrate.  Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluids you drink or has prescribed water pills, ask how much you should drink when the weather is hot. 2.  Dress for the heat.Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect some of the sun’s energy. Limit your direct exposure to the sun and wear a hat f... 07/06/2012

Homes And Condos For Sale in Gaithersburg MD Homes And Condos For Sale in Gaithersburg MD Gaithersburg is a family-friendly community, offering close access to public transportation, schools, freeways, shopping, and state parks. Olde Town is perhaps one of my favorite areas in Gaithersburg Maryland. It has fantastic amenities, unique locally-owned shops and restaurants. The east side also includes Lakeforest Mall, City Hall, and the Montgomery County Fair grounds, a dynamic and thriving city to call home. Our dedication to the buyers is unsurpassed in customer satisfaction. You Bring The Dream - We Bring You The House~ A Sample Of Homes For Sale Available now. . . PERFECT HOUSE Buyer financing fell through - come and get it!! Bank approved & ready for quicker than normal short sale clo... 07/06/2012

Kentlands Community Photowalking, Gaithersburg, Maryland   We always advise prospective home buyers to take walks through the communities that interest them.  You can see so much more by walking than by just a quick drive.  And, you might even have a chance to talk with some of the people in the neighborhood.   When you live in a community, photowalking is a form of relaxation and exercise that benefits most of us that develop a photowalking habit.  I like to walk through our home community of Kentlands and the next community, Lakelands.  It is easy to put aside the problems of the day when you focus your attention and your camera on a blooming flower or a neighborhood squirrel.   Have a very special week with your camera in hand.   Hosta, Kentlands, Flowers IMG_2884     Lilies, Kentlan... 07/05/2012

Gaithersburg Maryland boasts plenty of fantastic neighborhoods that blend a superb location in the Washington DC area. The Real Estate market is one of the most outstanding in the area because of the quality of life it offers all it's residents.   Kentlands Gaithersburg Maryland  The Real Estate market in Gaithersburg has elevated all the numbers in Montgomery County because of neighborhoods such as the Kentlands in the  heart of Montgomery County Gaithersburg Latest Listings in Kentlands Gaithersburg MD "The kentlands in Gaithersburg  offers single family homes, town homes, condominiums and rental apartments along with work/home units and small buisness shops" White picket fences all around, a stroll around the tree lined streets, KENTLANDS serves as a model for style living inside a p... 07/05/2012

 Gaithersburg Summer Street Resurfacing Schedule   The City of Gaithersburg Department of Public Works will be conducting street resurfacing activities from approximately July 1 to August 30. The work will include resurfacing of the existing pavement and the removal and replacement of the existing curb, gutter and sidewalk, as needed. Work will take place weekdays between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.  The duration of the construction will depend on weather conditions. Resurfacing is scheduled for the following streets: Cedar Avenue - From MD 355 to James Street Water Street - From Mills Road to Harmony Hall Road George Street - From the cul-de-sac to DeSellum Avenue James Street  - From Cedar Avenue southeast to dead end Walker Avenue - From MD 355 to Russell Avenue Gold Kettle Drive ... 07/04/2012

Kentlands July 4th Parade and CarnivalIt's time to show your patriotic pride as the annual July 4th parade in Kentlands is set to take place on Wednesday, July 4. Decorate your strollers, bicycles, and floats and meet at Rachel Carson Elementary School at 9:30.  The parade will start at 9:45 a.m. where neighbors, led by this year's Grand Marshals, Kentlands residents, Bob and Nancy Turner, will parade up Tschiffely Square Road to the Kentlands Clubhouse. The Parade will proceed up the northbound lane of Tschiffely Square Road. Cross streets on that side of the road will be closed to traffic while the parade is in progress.  Please do not park your cars on the northbound lane Saturday morning from 9:00 am until the end of the parade (approximately 10:15 am).Our annual Carnival will begin... 07/03/2012

Kentlands Community Photowalking Gaithersburg Home Search   Prospective home buyers should take a close look at the communities they are considering.  When you are going to live in the same location for several years, you want to be confident that you made the best decision.  Park you car, get out and take a walk through the community.  Look at the condition of the homes and evaluate the pride of ownership in the community.  Have your camera in hand and take a photographs of the images you want to remember. I enjoy flower photography so I tend to think that the home gardens not only show pride of ownership but also add to the quality of life in the community.  Photowalking through Kentlands is always interesting because it is a very pretty community with sidewalks on both sides of the s... 07/03/2012