Weather Update on Haunted Happenings

Some of the events scheduled for the City of Rockville's Haunted Happenings tonight have been cancelled. The drive-in movie Bettlejuice and the Rockville Cemetery tour, which were listed in Weekend to Weekend yesterday, will not be held due to the rainy weather.

However, the activities scheduled from 6 PM - 8 PM at the Croydon “Creep” Nature Center, are still going to happen. They'll be lots of indoor games and hands-on activities for the kids. There will even be a reptile show featuring Reptiles Alive, which is ALWAYS great entertainment!

Everyone should also be advised that the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Montgomery County until Saturday Morning. The NWS states that "A stalled frontal boundary is expected to initiate heavy rainfall in MC. Heavy rains may have the potential to cause severe and unexpected flooding within the next 24 hours. 1-3 inches of rain is expected, and some of it may fall within a very short time frame leading to potential Flash Flooding."

You can sign-up for the free Montgomery County, MD service to receive weather advisories by going to Welcome to Alert Montgomery.

Be careful as you go out to enjoy your Friday night activities!

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Tips From Rockville Police: Working Parents

The Rockville Police have a number of helpful tips for ordinary citizens in various situations. It's the kind of thing you might not run across in your normal Web-surfing life. As a community service, Rockville Central will occasionally highlight Tips From Rockville Police.

School has been in session for some time, and routines have now become set. The after-school-until-after-work time period, for many parents, is a concern. And with good reason too: It's during this unsupervised time that certain types of crime spike on most days.

The Rockville Police Department has a few suggestions:

• If your children are to be in charge of themselves at home, talk about activities they can do and the routines they are to follow. Discuss family policies on entertaining and visiting friends and what to do when the phone or doorbell rings.
  
  
• Have children - teens too - check in with you at work or with a neighbor when they come home from school. Be sure they memorize your work phone number and give this number to a neighbor too. Post it next to the phone, along with numbers for a neighbor, police, and fire department. Let your kids know when you will be home.
  
  
• Check out baby-sitters and day care centers carefully. Ask for references and call them!
  
  
• Instruct children and baby-sitters not to give out any information about who is home, who is out, and for how long.
  
  
• Get together with your neighbors, PTA, Boys Club/Girls Club, and schools to provide after school activities as a alternative to leaving a child at home alone.
  
  
• Talk to your employer about employer-supported childcare options. These can range from an on-site day care center to summer day camps, information and referral services, and financial assistance.

(Image City of Rockville)

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POTD: We're Going To Be Friends

With apologies to The White Stripes.

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Gazette Issues Endorsements

The main print newspaper in our area, the Gazette, has issued its endorsements for Mayor and City Council. In a strongly-worded editorial, the weekly opens with:

It is clearly a time for change in Rockville. The current term of the City Council has been marked by drawn-out decisions, personality clashes and an uncivil tone that is grossly out of character for a city known for being well run and efficient. We feel the city accomplished far less than it should have given the combined years of service the members brought to the dais.

The Gazette endorses:

• Susan Hoffmann for mayor
• John Britton for City Council
• Piotr (Peter) Gajewski for City Council
• Carl Henn for City Council
• Theodric (Theo) Anderson for City Council

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Weekend to Weekend 10/25/07

Events in Rockville

Friday, October 26

Haunted Happenings, Rockville Civic Center Park, 6 PM – 8 PM. The drive-in movie this year is Beetlejuice (PG) and it costs $5 per vehicle to watch it at 7:30 PM on the giant 25’ screen. My family always likes this event. Load up the snacks and crawl around in your vehicle. The climbing gym will glow-in-the-dark and the Croydon “Creep” Nature Center will highlight the scary little creatures.

Spooky Tours of Rockville Cemetery, Peerless Rockville, 6 PM – 7 PM. Tours depart between 6 PM and 6:30 PM. Here’s a great description from Peerless Rockville: “Famous residents of the nearly 300-year-old graveyard come to life and tell their tales. Meet the "ghosts" of a soldier from the Revolutionary War, Civil War doctor, famous writer, baseball hero, and record-setting aviator who lost his head—literally—during a tragic mid-air mishap. Meet at the caretaker’s house near the cemetery entrance. Donations for cemetery preservation are optional but appreciated. Questions: 301-545-0432”

In Search of Ghosts, Montgomery County Historical Society, begins at 7:30 PM. $10/MCHS members, $15 non-members. Experience history in a more frightening way during these 1 ½ hour tours. Not recommended for children under 9. Meet at the Old Baptist Cemetery at Rt. 28 and West Montgomery Avenue. Reservations are required. Call 301-340-2825. Personally, I have never been on the tour. When I was a docent, I was afraid I would be too scared to stay in the historic houses alone if I heard these stories. Be braver than me!

Saturday, October 27

Growers Only Farmers Market, Rockville Town Center, Monroe Street & Rt. 28, 9 AM -1 PM. Local farmers come together to sell fruit, bread, flowers and more. Read about the Farmer’s Market! This is your last chance of the season! I finally went and bought the pear cider!

Halloween Extravaganza, Bauer Drive Community Center, Grades K-5, 12-2 PM. Free. Moonbounce, pumpkin painting contest, face painting, crafts and treats.

Fall Spooktacular, Twinbrook Community Recreation Center, 1 PM – 3 PM. $1. Come in costume because the parade and judging will begin at 2 PM. Prizes for scariest, most original, funniest and best costumes. Crafts and games too!

Meet Amelia Earhart, Rockville Library Meeting Room #1, 2 PM. For children in grades 4,5, and 6. Learn about Amelia Earhard, aviation hero. Relive her life before she disappeared flying. Presented by Mary Ann Jung. Part of Children's Science Series on Air and Space.

Election Event: Candidate Forum, Alliance of Rockville Citizens, Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville at 100 Welsh Park Drive, 7 PM.

Heart of Maryland Chorus: Tribute to Great American Music, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 8 PM. $12 call 301-230-1444. Chorus music through the generations. Also featuring Unaccompanied Minors and the Treblemakers from Gaithersburg High School.

Sunday, October 28

Hermit Crab Costume Contest, Animal Exchange, 3 PM. Annual contest for crabs of all sizes and shapes competing for the funniest, most beautiful, and most creative crab prizes.

Tuesday, October 30

Read to a Dog, Twinbrook Library, 3:30 PM. Elementary-age children aged 6 and up. Read to Katie, a Dalmatian every Tuesday. Great way to get the kids to practice!

Thursday, November 1

Sneak Preview for Seniors Only: Rockville Musical Theater, Into the Woods, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 8 PM. Seniors/$4. This musical is based on a collection of fairy tales and what happens AFTER the “happily-ever after”.

Friday, November 2

Rockville Musical Theater, Into the Woods, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 8 PM. $20 Adults, $18 Seniors (62+), $16 Children (under 18) This musical is based on a collection of fairy tales and what happens AFTER the “happily-ever after”.

Saturday, November 3

Second Annual Fall Fest Community Health Fair, Twinbrook Community Center, 11 AM – 2 PM.

Rockville Musical Theater, Into the Woods, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 8 PM. $20 Adults, $18 Seniors (62+), $16 Children (under 18) This musical is based on a collection of fairy tales and what happens AFTER the “happily-ever after”.

Sunday, November 4

32nd Annual Rockville 10K/5K, King Farm Village Center, 8:30 AM.$27 by Nov. 3rd, $30 on Nov. 4th from 7:30-8:15 AM. SO, it’s not too late to race! Register online by Nov. 2nd at http://www.mcrrc.org/. For late registration call 301-881-0021. Lots of prize drawings and a post race brunch from King Farm restaurants.

Rockville Musical Theater, Into the Woods, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 2 PM. $20 Adults, $18 Seniors (62+), $16 Children (under 18) This musical is based on a collection of fairy tales and what happens AFTER the “happily-ever after”.

Email cindycgblog@gmail.com if you have a fun, educational or community event to be included in Weekend to Weekend. Include links!

We will publish event listings occurring in & around our coverage area (map) on Thursdays. The inclusion of events is at our discretion.

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Fee, FIOS, Foe, Fum

Thanks to Rockville Central reader JL, our attention was drawn to some useful background on an issue that has been simmering in Rockville for years now.

While the City (rightly) points to the free WiFi access in Town Square as a wonderful development, there are other things Rockville can and should be doing moving forward to make sure Our Fair City remains at the forefront and does not become a digital backwater.

One of those things is to finish up a deal with Verizon that allows their fiber-optic system (called FIOS) to be installed. That would provide needed competition for Comcast, which at present has a monopoly on non-broadcast TV and has taken actions that some might call abusive to its customers. It would also allow faster-than-broadband Internet connections to those households (like mine) and businesses that want or need it.

Verizon has struck deals throughout most of Montgomery County and FIOS is rolling out . . . except here in Rockville, where revenue and rollout disputes have stalled negotiations for far too long. Not only does this keep Rockville residents from getting fiber installed, but it stops surrounding areas too because Verizon can't lay any cable at all.

There is a great discussion of the background on this at Don Libes' blog. Don is an expert on telecommunications and a former Cable Commission member.

As for me, I am no shill for Verizon -- but I am in favor of competition and in favor of staying at the front edge of useful technology, instead of back in the pack.

In my interviews with the candidates for mayor and city council, one question I asked was: "What issue hasn't come up -- but should?" Almost every candidate said that there weren't any important issues that hadn't come up.

I, along with Don Libes, would like to add this one to the list:

Candidates, is this an important issue? How will you move forward with it, if elected?

Photo techfreep.com.

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POTD: Red Sky At Morning . . .

. . . Sailor take warning.

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POTD: For Grins

It may be raining outside, but just a couple of days ago, when this picture was taken, it was summery!

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The West End to Play at the Drum-Off

Here’s a special update to Events in Rockville.

The West End, has been invited to play a show to kick off the Guitar Center's Drum-Off contest this Wednesday, October 24th at 5:30 PM. Come see our local Rockville band start it off right! They’ll be prompt. It's a free show for all ages.

The Drum-Off is the largest drum contest in the world. Our local drummers will compete from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM to find out who will move onto the regionals, and there are big prizes for the winner at the national level. Austin Grill Rockville will be bringing the Tex Mex, while DC-101’s Whitney hosts.

The Guitar Center is located on Twinbrook Parkway right off of Rockville Pike. You can see the building from the Pike.

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Mail Call! Marcuccio Mailer Arrives

As we enter the home stretch of election season, more mailers are getting printed and prepped for mailing. Here, thanks to the candidate, is Phyllis Marcuccio's latest mailing.

(Click on each to make it bigger.)



Or, go here to see an album of all the flyers and mailers I've received.

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Contributor Opinion: Lora Meisner, Real Rockville

As chair of Real Rockville, an organization of concerned citizens, we would like to thank the present Mayor and Council for their service to our city.

We wish to thank Susan Hoffmann for her service. However, we are alarmed about the rate and density of development in Rockville. Because of the proposed changes to the city's zoning, via RORZOR, we are also very concerned about potential negative impact on the value of our homes. Therefore, we endorse Drew Powell for Mayor. By not taking any campaign funds from developers we feel Drew is moving in the right direction -- growth that citizens want, not what developers want. His concern about the city's fiscal liabilities with regard to Town Center as well as his call for more government accountability, can only help to restore power where it needs to be -- in the hands of the Rockville's residents.

Thank you, Anne Robbins for your years of service. We endorse her reelection to the council. Anne has always championed on behalf of the average citizen. Her attention and commitment to quality of life concerns such as tempering excessive development and safeguarding our shrinking green space, are important issues for Rockville residents.

Thank you, Phyllis Marcuccio for asking questions. We endorse her reelection to the council. Phyllis is another advocate for us, the taxpayers. Her commitment to safeguarding our rights with her resolution on the use of Eminent Domain, her concerns about RORZOR, as well as much needed tax relief, are issues that resonate with taxpayers.

Another endorsement goes to Rich Gottfried. Rich, a certified public accountant, is a much-needed addition to the council. His commitment to ensure that our tax dollars fund services and not subsidize development as well as his suggested initiatives for strong financial oversight -- keeping an eye on how our taxes are spent, are again issues that are of concern to most Rockville' residents.

We endorse Theo Anderson for the council. Mr. Anderson serves on the Human Rights Commissions and calls for more effectively managing growth and development as well as preserving our green spaces -- no more traffic and over development. These are in line with our view and that of most residents of Rockville.

This is a very important election. We ask that every resident vote on November 6.

For more information on Real Rockville: http://www.realrockville.org.

-- Lora Meisner, Chair, Real Rockville


Note: Rockville Central runs occasional, edited opinion pieces by contributors. Their views are not necessarily those of Rockville Central, which takes no position on candidates. To submit your opinion for consideration, contact us.

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A Fine Display At A Fine Meeting

Last night was the final meeting of the Mayor and Council prior to the election, which is November 6. This was also Mayor Giammo's final such meeting before leaving office.

While a number of kind and appreciative words were directed his way, and the Mayor took the opportunity to give a special thank you to his family, what is far more notable is what occurred during the Citizens' Forum period. For Rockville Central readers who are not wise to the ways of such meetings, Citizens' Forum is the time when any citizen can say anything she or he wants -- within three minutes -- to the Mayor and Council as well as the throngs gathered at home to watch the proceedings on The Rockville Channel.

By my count, all candidates for Rockville city offices save one were in attendance and, offered three full minutes of air time, none could resist the siren song of publicity to get their message out. Candidate after candidate rose to speak.

I held my breath. Sniping had been on the agenda at recent candidate forums, and I know for a fact that there were some irritated office-seekers in the room. But, funny thing. Every candidate (including those still in office who chose to speak up about the election) had good words to say. Opponents traded praise, and the candidates unanimously said that, while they may disagree on policy and substance, they would never question one another's commitment to this city and its residents.

It was a wonder to behold and renewed my own personal faith in local politics.

In fact, for all the citizen complaining about "negative" campaigning, it was the citizens rising to speak who threw the sharpest barbs, criticizing various candidates by name and with their emotions running high.

This is all as it should be. Those seeking to lead setting an example, for supporters to follow. Supporters and detractors, meanwhile, holding and airing strong views about the direction this city should go.

Candidates, citizens, the City surely thanks you.

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POTD: Choose Wisely

There was something about the contrast of the homey "Welcome" sign and geese, and the reality of the doors, that struck me about this scene. I liked it so much, I uploaded the high-res version of the shot.

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Rockville Central Team Member Joins Commission

At tonight's meeting of the Mayor and Council, Rockville Central team member Cynthia Cotte Griffiths was named a member of the Human Services Advisory Commission.

The Commission, according to the City, "provides advice and guidance to the Mayor and Council on human service needs in Rockville and how best to address them." Cindy's term ends in 2010.

This is a well-deserved appointment. Anyone who knows Cindy knows how tirelessly she has worked for people from all walks of life.

Congratulations Cindy!

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Cal-Tort In The News

With all the focus lately on Rockville's excellent Town Square -- with its shops, public buildings and restaurants -- you might think the good ol' handful of shops next to the Regal Cinemas might be feeling left out. Well, maybe so, but I still get my haircuts from Queen and Linh, and still love my California Tortilla.

While it isn't the first one, our own Cal-Tort is the World Headquarters of this excellent fast Mexican chain, which is on a strong growth curve.

There's a great profile of the company in the Business section today's Washington Post. In the article, Bob Phillips, Cal-Tort's president, explains the location strategy: "We look to be near a Starbucks and a national ice cream franchise because we look for a place where families can have an entire experience."

Fair enough, but I like them for the burritos.

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POTD: Do I Have A Bug On Me?

This house is definitely in the running for best decorated this year.

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Update On Disappearing Yard Signs

Just passing on more information on the Case of The Disappearing Yard Signs. This is included in the comments section of that article, but this should also be known by more than the few who read the comment trails.

For those not following the story, almost every campaign yard sign was removed a few days ago from a stretch of West Montgomery (and, I have heard reports, from a stretch of Lewis too). It's not clear who did it and there is no obvious motive. Some wondered whether the City had removed the signs because of a perceived sign ordinance violation.

I checked with City Manager Scott Ullery, just to make double-sure it wasn't the City that took down the signs. Here is what he let me know:

"The City did not remove the signs on West Montgomery. I read your note [asking whether it was the City] earlier today, but didn't respond immediately because I was only 99% certain we'd not done the deed. So, I've made a few calls and am now 99.9% certain. It wasn't the City."

And, he added:

"Anyone with information relevant to getting to bottom of this
should contact me by phone (240-314-8102) or email (sullery@rockvillemd.gov)."

Stay tuned.

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