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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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Longwood Gardens Photographs:  A Longwood Christmas Many of us travel to Longwood Gardens to see and enjoy the annual display A Longwood Christmas.  The holiday decorations are beautiful and colorful.  At any time of the year, you will find thousands of beautiful blooms in the Conservatory.  It is a good time to visit with your camera in hand.  Take your family for a wonderful experience. Please share photographs from your favorite places in the comments for this post. Happy Holidays!  Happy New Year! A Longwood Christmas Poinsettias IMG_2400 A Longwood Christmas Poinsettias IMG_2395 A Longwood Christmas Poinsettias IMG_2399 Longwood Gardens IMG_2390 Longwood Gardens IMG_2392 Longwood Gardens IMG_2389 A Longwood Christmas IMG_2393 Longwood Gardens IMG_2385 Longwood Gardens IMG_2386 Long...
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FHA Financing For Seniors  Purchase a New Home Without Mortgage Payments Real estate professionals that focus on the housing needs of seniors in their community are offering special financing to assist seniors that may not qualify for normal mortgage financing.  Many seniors have lots of home equity in their present homes and would be able to make a large down payment on a more suitable primary residence but fail to qualify because their income is too low. The solution for some is the use of FHA reverse mortgage financing which may be used to purchase a new home.  The actual name of this financing is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage.  The seniors that can no longer handle the stairs or do not want to be faced with the cost of maintenance of their present home often need to find a mor...
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Safety Reminders for Gaithersburg Businesses   In an effort to keep businesses, employees and customers safe, the police department would like to offer the following tips:  Ensure adequate exterior lighting  Installation of video surveillance cameras that cover both the entrance and exit doors  Always secure doors immediately after closing and keep them closed  Keep alert at all times, checking for loiterers or people watching your business  Greet each customer and make eye contact with them  Never restrict the view from either inside or outside your business with signs or window displays  Keep a minimal amount of cash on hand and never count money in public view  Mark doorways with proper height markings, minimum cash and safe policies  Always report suspicious activity to the police b...
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Kentlands Community Home Inspections     A uniform review of all of the homes in Kentlands, by an outside vendor, is tentatively scheduled for January and February,  2013.  The inspectors will be required to wear identification and they will not enter private property.  They will performing the review from public property. Management performs informal inspections of the community on a year-round basis, but the Board of Code Compliance (BOCC) hopes that bi-annual uniform reviews will offer the most equitable review of the community.  It is a good time  to make note of any maintenance items on your home, and remedy them if possible, prior to the start of the inspections in order to avoid the never-wanted violation notice.  Non-compliant notices to be sent out in March.   The Kentlands Cit...
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Gaithersburg City Curbside Tree Recycling Please recycle your holiday trees as part of the City of Gaithersburg's weekly recycling program. Simply put the tree out curbside on Thursday, our recycling day, and it will be collected by the City contractor. Please note these helpful reminders: Trees must be in their natural state. Remove all decorations, including tinsel and angel hair. Be sure there is no metal attached to the tree. Do not wrap trees in plastic. Place the tree curbside next to your green recycling bin. Artificial trees will not be recycled. Trees with root balls will not be recycled. Trees will only be picked up from your residence. Do not take the trees to other sites such as schools or public buildings. For more information on tree recycling or other services contact 301...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Saturday Flea Market in Gaithersburg   A new outdoor Flea Market will be open every Saturday at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut Street, Gaithersburg, Maryland. All vendors selling antiques, crafts, collectibles, books, household items, art, jewelry, tools, perfume, tools, clothing, electronics and other new/used items are welcome to set-up. The vendor fee is $25 for a 20' wide space. The space is deep enough to park car or van. Vendors bring own tables, chairs and tents. Vendor set-up starts at 7am. This market is located at the Perry Parkway end of the fairgrounds across from the Hilton Hotel. Shoppers are admitted free. For additional information call (301) 649-1915 or view www.johnsonshows.com Poinsettia, Longwood Gardens IMG_0125 Photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Kentlands Winter Weather Reminders    If you hear about a possible snow forecast, please do not park on streets marked with "Snow Emergency Routes". If you are parked on a Snow Emergency Route within the community, you are at risk of being towed by the City of Gaithersburg.   Parking in the alleys is not permitted.In order to keep access to snow plows unhindered, any cars parked in the alleys will be towed. City law requires that you shovel the sidewalks abutting your property within 12 hours of the last snowfall.   In the event of inclement weather and the Clubhouse is closed during business hours, please call 301-948-2071, ext. 106. Messages will be monitored. This message was provided by Kentlands Citizens Assembly and is posted on ActiveRain as a community service.  Character counts...
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Changing One's Domicile -- More Complicated Than You Think You might think that changing one's domicile would be a simple thing to do. However, if you think you are going to fool the IRS with living half the time in one state and half the time in another state, think again. The IRS has had plenty of experience with people who try to mix the advantages of living in two different states. So what must be done to change one's domicile? It can vary from state to state, so it probably would be helpful to start with a definition of domicile. Black's Law Dictionary defines domicile as: "The place at which a person has been physically present and that the person regards as home; a person's true, fixed, principal, and permanent home, to which that person intends to return and remain even though c...
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Gaithersburg and Audubon Receive Award for Stream Restoration   The State of Maryland recently announced that the City of Gaithersburg and the Audubon Naturalist Society (ANS) have been awarded a $71,628 grant from the Governor’s Stream Restoration Challenge.  The funds will be used to plant five acres of trees along Muddy Branch to improve water quality on this important stream, which flows through Gaithersburg into the Potomac River.  The City of Gaithersburg will provide the technical expertise and guide the planning, planting, monitoring, and maintenance of the trees, the in-kind value of which is estimated at $39,000.  ANS will use the project as a teaching tool to engage Gaithersburg High School students, including members of the school’s ESOL Environmental Service Club.  The Mud...
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Happy Holidays! - The Lawn at The University of Virginia    This image, which was provided by the Alumni Association at the University of Virginia,  brings back fond memories of my days as a student at The University.  I was there for six years for undergraduate and law school.  The scene is the Lawn, facing the Rotunda.  All of this was conceived and designed by Thomas Jefferson. One of my experiences as a student was a chance to live on the Lawn, at 21 West Lawn which is located on the left side of this photograph.  When you are in Virginia, include a tour of The University in your plans.  You will also want to visit Thomas Jefferson's home at Monticello. By the way, there are several excellent wineries in the area to add some moments of extra pleasure to your visit. Enjoy the holiday...
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Charlton's Coffee House, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia   Charlton's Coffee House was constructed as a store and residence in 1750.  The building was converted to a coffee house and operated by Richard Charlton in the mid 1760's.  In October, 1765, the coffee house was the scene of resistance to the British Parliament's Stamp Act. Reconstruction of the coffee house took place in 2008 and 2009 with the financial support of Forrest and Deborah Mars. Charlton's Coffee House is always fun to visit and Dolores and I have been there several times.  We like their hot chocolate. Enjoy the holidays.  It is a wonderful time to visit Colonial Williamsburg. Charlton's Coffee House, Colonial Williamsburg IMG_1746 Holiday Decorations, Colonial Williamsburg IMG_1747   Chartlton's Coffee House, Coloni...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Holiday Recycling in Gaithersburg   When the holidays are over, the City of Gaithersburg encourages curbside residential recyclers to get a green start on the New Year by recycling as much as possible.  Wrapping paper and all those extra glass and plastic containers are recyclable, and don’t even need to be separated – they can all go in bins or carts thanks to the City’s single stream recycling program.  Disposable batteries are no longer considered hazardous and may be placed in regular household trash.  Rechargeable batteries, computers and other electronic devices and equipment should be taken to the Solid Waste Transfer Station’s recycling drop-off area in Derwood.  Mobile phones are equipped with a special chip that allows calls to 911 or #77 (on state highways), allowing phones t...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Gaithersburg TV Receives Award   The City of Gaithersburg received a Government Programming Award for its production of “Building on Our Success” from the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA).  The piece received an Honorable Mention in the category of Community Awareness.  NATOA awards recognize excellence in broadcast, cable, multimedia and electronic programming produced by local government agencies.  This year the association received more than 650 entries submitted by local governments across the country and Canada.  Entries were judged in 66 different categories.  Making its debut at the annual State of the City dinner in April, 2011, Building on Our Success focused on economic development, highlighting the many housing and commercial projects c...
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Cultural Arts For Children At The Gaithersburg Arts Barn in Kentlands   The Arts Barn will once again host an exciting and enriching cultural arts program for children.  Preschool Songs and Stories gives three to five year olds and their parents or guardians the opportunity to explore the arts through singing, dancing and active listening to story books.  Preschool Songs and Stories will take place the first and third Thursday of each month from 11 to 11:45 a.m. through June 6, 2013.  Admission is just $3 per child per session.  There is no fee for adults.  Payment may be made at the door.  The Arts Barn, Gaithersburg’s premiere cultural arts facility, is located at 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg.  For more information call 301-258-6394 or visit online at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/arts...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival   Create sparkling holiday memories and take a break from holiday shopping by spending quality time with your family when you visit the Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival.  This holiday must-do makes a great gift or stocking stuffer for family, friends or even for yourself.  Gift certificates are just $12, a $3 savings if you plan on visiting on the weekend.  The wondrous display of lights at Seneca Creek State Park is open nightly through December 31, Sunday through Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m.  The festival will be closed on December 25.  The 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting of Seneca Creek State Park takes you past more than 360 illuminated vignettes and 65 animated displays that light up the nig...
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City of Gaithersburg Holiday Schedule The following City Facilities will be operating on modified hours December 24, 2012: Activity Center at Bohrer Park will be open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Casey Community Center will be open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Administrative Office of the Gaithersburg Police Department is closed December 25, 2012 and January 1, 2013. Police patrol will not be affected during this time. Gaithersburg Youth Center in Olde Towne and Robertson Park Youth Center is closed December 24, 2012 through January 1, 2013. Winter Lights Festival is closed December 25, 2012. The following City Facilities will be operating on modified hours December 31, 2012: Activity Center at Bohrer Park will be open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Casey Community Center will be open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.   This notice was ...
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Gaithersburg Holiday Break Basketball Clinics   The City of Gaithersburg will be hosting Holiday Break Basketball Clinics on December 26, 27 and 28, 2012 at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park.  Conducted by Ty Sanders Basketball, a local youth oriented basketball organization, these instructional clinics are a great opportunity to develop skills and confidence before the start of the winter sports season in January.  Open to boys and girls in grades K through 5, the clinics will feature instruction in ball handling, shooting, passing, and defense.  Each three-day clinic consists of a one hour session divided into the following grade groups: Grade K and 1: 9 - 9:50 a.m. Grade 2: 10 - 10:50 a.m. Grade 3: 11 - 11:50 a.m. Grade 4 and 5: 12 - 12:50 p.m. Registration fee for each clinic is $2...
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Montgomery County, Maryland Police Headquarters Relocation   As of December 20, 2012 at 4:00 p.m., the Montgomery County Police Headquarters located at 2350 Research Boulevard in Rockville will close permanently.  All units formerly housed in the Headquarters building have moved or will be moving to the new Public Safety Headquarters located at 100 Edison Park Drive in Gaithersburg. Beginning on December 21, all residents needing to visit the Headquarters should report to the new location.  Please be advised that you will need photo identification to be admitted into the building. Also, please note that the MCP Records Division will be re-locating before  December 20.  Due to the move and the down time of equipment associated with the move, records requests may be delayed.  Please allow...
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Orchids for Henry Kelley, Longwood Gardens This is a sad time for the Kelley family.  Henry Kelley, the four year old son of my nephew Ian Kelley and his wife Jessica passed away Sunday night, December 16, 2012.  Henry was home in hospice care after an unsuccessful operation to remove a massive brain tumor.  Life is precious.  Take advantage of every moment with those that you love. Recently, Dolores and I visited Longwood Gardens, in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania for their annual exhibit, A Longwood Christmas.  Longwood Gardens is a very special travel destination and is one of our favorite places to visit.  The orchid exhibit in the Longwood Gardens Conservatory is the place to see beautiful orchids.  I am posting a few photographs for you to enjoy. Please tell me if you have a favorit...
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Same-Sex Marriage Licenses, Montgomery County, MD  The Montgomery County, Maryland Marriage License Office is now accepting applications for same-sex marriage.   Gov. Martin O'Malley signed a proclamation enabling Maryland courthouses to issue the licenses so that same-sex couples could be legally wed as of Jan. 1, 2013, when the law recognizing same-sex marriage takes effect. Those planning to be married at the courthouse must make an appointment. Maryland's attorney general issued a statement last month that courts could begin issuing licenses as soon as the governor signed same-sex marriage into law, reported The Washington Post, though the licenses won't take effect until Jan. 1, 2013.  For marriage license information, contact the Montgomery County Circuit Court,  50 Maryland Ave....
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