Escape to Historic Glenview Mansion

Sometimes in the rigamarole of all the holiday festivities, it pays to take a few quiet minutes to glimpse the beauty and creativity of others. You can do just that by viewing artwork and decorations from local groups at Glenview Mansion, Rockville’s neo-classical, 19 th century home which was recently placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.

The Rockville Art League is having one of their twice yearly shows which led me to a few favorites. As you are going up the stairs, Jules D. Levine’s “Capital Galactica” with its undetermined windy swirls and watercolors reminds me of the glue and crayon drawings of childhood. (Maybe the name reminded me of Battlestar Galactica from my childhood too, either way, it made me happy.) At the top of the stairs is Desiree Sterbini’s “Recital”. The beautiful golden reds and browns and the look of concentration make for a perfectly tuned piece. Right next to the tree decorated by Cub Scout Pack 943 is “Canyon” by Patricia Zannie, a collage of cut pieces making the whole one cactus at a time. It reminds me of when you visit a national park and can’t really capture the view in your mind. All of these, plus many more, are on display until December 31st.

This year Glenview Mansion’s holiday display is called “Making Spirits Bright”. The trees are too numerous to detail, so go take a look for yourself. Make sure to stop in the Pinneberg Room to see the one decorated by the Rockville Sister City Corporation. Another highlight is an upstairs porch featuring a Kwanzaa display by The Finest! Youth Performance Troupe! Altogether 30 rooms and hallways are decked out, and almost 3,000 people will come through to view them.

Thanks to all the people who volunteer to spread some cheer by decorating the Mansion. Now if only everyone would come over and decorate my house!

The City of Rockville is holding open houses with entertainment at Glenview Mansion on Sunday December 9th and December 16th from 1 PM – 4 PM as detailed in Weekend to Weekend. The Mansion is also open 8:30 AM-4:30 PM Monday through Friday. Check to make sure it is available for public viewing before heading over: 240-314-8660. Admission is free.

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Montrose Road Closed For Six Months

Rockville Central friend Christina Ginsberg has let us know about a road closure announcement from the County that will affect many readers.

Montrose Road will be closed starting . . . yesterday! Here, let the County tell it:

Beginning Thursday, December 6 after the morning rush hour, eastbound Montrose Road, between Tildenwood and East Jefferson Street, will be closed for six months as the Montrose Parkway West project enters its final stage of construction. Eastbound traffic on Montrose Road will be diverted onto the new Montrose Parkway. Two weeks later, westbound traffic on Montrose Road will also be diverted and all traffic will use the Parkway while Montrose Road is reconstructed and a new bridge over Old Farm Creek is built to eliminate flooding problems and provide a safe crossing for wildlife. The project should be completed in summer 2008.

During the temporary closure of 650 feet of Montrose Road, local traffic will still have access to homes, churches, and synagogues from either side of the construction project. A newly installed temporary pedestrian bridge along the north (westbound) side of Montrose Road, across Old Farm Creek, will provide safe pedestrian access along Montrose Road during the road closure.

I sort of want to drive it just to see what the Parkway is like. But I grew up in Detroit, where we appreciate the joys of industrial metal and driving.

Here's a map of the affected region:

(Images from Montgomery County.)

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More Deer Hunting Allowed

In June, CindyCG wrote an article chronicling her brushes with the rising deer population in Our Fair City. It seemed like every time you turned around, a car was colliding with Bambi or a cousin. The problem is that deer don't have any natural predators around these parts . . . except humans (and, for fawns, coyotes).

As the article points out:

The only proven way to alleviate the problem is by lethal means, and there is a great deal of hunting on the public lands in the County. Archery and sharpshooting are being considered for use in smaller urban parks. You might be interested to know that contraceptives for wild deer are not approved by the FDA, though two studies of captive deer are underway.

Montgomery County Council to the rescue. On Tuesday, it unanimously approved a measure that would expand hunting throughout Montgomery County. According to AP (via WTOP):

Under the new rules, deer hunting will be allowed 50 yards away from a road, on smaller parcels than currently allowed if landowners together create a 50-acre parcel for hunting.

Deer hunting in Montgomery also would be permitted 150 yards away from a building that is occupied by animals but not people. That would allow hunting close to a barn that isn't next to a house. Signs would have to be posted to tell neighbors about the impending hunt.

The county currently allows managed deer hunts in county parks several times a year, and there is an official deer hunting season in designated areas of the county. A managed hunt is under way at Little Bennett Regional Park off Interstate 270 north of Germantown, according to a county parks official.

All this starts in three months. Get ready!

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POTD: Hat's Off

This stocking cap appears to be one of the early casualties of winter. If you are missing one, this is on the Beall Ave. sledding hill.

Where are other good sledding hills in Rockville? Let me know and I will add them to the map, then publish a link. (It is easiest if you give me a nearby intersection or address to find it on the map.)

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Weekend to Weekend 12/6/07

Events in Rockville

Thursday, December 6

Billy Coulter Trio, Austin Grill – Rockville, 9:15 PM. He’s been around and back again with his rock mixed with pop sound.

Friday, December 7

Take a Stroll Down Memory Lane, Richard Montgomery High School, 6 PM - 10 PM. $ Take a tour of the old school, RMHS highlight media presentation, silent auction, sock hop, and alumni concert - all on one night!

Saturday, December 8

All-You-Can-Eat Pancake and Sausage Breakfast, Kiwanis Club of Rockville, Montgomery College Rockville Campus Cafeteria, North Campus Drive, 7 AM – 12 PM. Tickets $7 at the door. Children under 5 free. Not just breakfast, but also pictures with Santa, choral entertainment, contests, drawings, and a bake sale. Kiwanis International is a global organization dedicated to changing the world one child at a time. All proceeds will benefit projects supporting children.

The Nutcracker, Rockville Civic Ballet, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 2 PM & 7:30 PM. $12/adult, $8 children 12 & under and senior citizens (60+). Get tickets online through Theatre link -or- in person at the Theatre (Tuesday through Saturday 2 PM – 7 PM.) Be magically transported into a festive mood!

Sunday, December 9

“Making Spirits Bright” Open House, Glenview Mansion, 1 PM – 4 PM. Free. Nearly 30 rooms and hallways in the Mansion are decked out for the holidays. If you want to get in the spirit, join almost 3,000 other people who will visit the Mansion to see the trees decorated by about 14 community groups. The Art Gallery is featuring a juried exhibit by the Rockville Art League.
1:15 PM The Groove Merchants
3:15 PM David La Fleur

Minature Workshop: Holiday in a Box, Montgomery County Historical Society, 1 PM – 4 PM. $10/members, $13/nonmembers. Pre-paid reservations required. In keeping with their holiday decorating theme, everything you need will be provided in a box. 301-340-2825 info@montgomeryhistory.org

The Nutcracker, Rockville Civic Ballet, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 2 PM. $12/adult, $8 children 12 & under and senior citizens (60+). Get tickets online through Theatre link -or- in person at the Theatre (Tuesday through Saturday 2 PM – 7 PM.) Be magically transported into a festive mood!

Monday, December 10

Holiday Music from Around the World, Twinbrook Library, 1 PM. A special performance by the NIH Chamber Singers for all ages. This is part of their Holiday Sing Around the World program.

Thursday, December 13

Patty Ann Reese, Austin Grill – Rockville, 9:30 PM. She rocks the blues and has the country voice to go with it.

Friday, December 14

Project Change and The Performing Arts Ensemble, A Musical Interpretation of Scrooge, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 7:30 PM. $15 tax deductible donation for a general admission ticket will benefit The Children’s Inn at NIH, Community Ministries, and A Wider Circle. A pre-performance reception with door prizes will be held in the lobby at 6:30 PM.

Can’t Hang, Austin Grill – Rockville, 10 PM. They are back. Their bouncy kinda reggae sound with Luke’s smooth vocals will make for a good night out. (But I’ll admit I have a special fondness for the reggae because as a lowly college freshman d.j. my first regular show was the reggae, mon!)

Saturday, December 15

Classical Guitar Recital by Charles Mokotoff, Rockville Library, 3 PM – 4:30 PM. Solo guitar works by Bach, Scarlatti, Tansman, Granados, Albeniz and Barrios. The Library site states “The program will be held in a room that is accessible for audience members who may be hearing impaired. This represents a unique opportunity to hear classic works for the guitar in an environment that allows everyone, including people with a significant hearing loss, to enjoy this guitarist, who himself is hearing impaired. The program is co-sponsored by Montgomery County Chapter of Hearing Loss Association of America and Montgomery County Public Libraries-Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community.” Registration is encouraged. Register online.

Sunday, December 16

Children’s Open House, Glenview Mansion, 1 PM – 4 PM. Free. In addition to the art exhibit by the Rockville Art League and the holiday decorations, there will be very special visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
1:15 PM Home School Talents
2:15 PM Sandy Spring Friends School Hand Bell Choir
3:15 PM Richard Montgomery High School Madrigals

Rockville Concert Band, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 3 PM. Holiday concert featuring Vienna New Year’s Eve Dance Music with conductor Dr. Robert Tennyson, who is a former Rockville Concert Band director.

Out On The Town

The Rockville Town Square indoor parking garages owned by the City of Rockville are FREE during the holiday season. These include the garage on North Washington Street with 224 spaces, the Maryland Avenue garage with 120 spaces, and the Rt. 355 garage with more than 620 spaces.

Fridays
Mama Wok in Rockville City Center. Ruth Hanessian let us know that you can get 2 lobsters for $20.95 on Fridays. She suggests that with any food special, you should call first because their delivery did not come in last week and she had to make due with the very best Moo-Shu pork that any Chinese place has. (301) 309-6642.

On Sunday, December 9
Animal Exchange has a special on the very best food for your animals! Think of it as a pet restaurant special! Any purchase made will have either a discount of 10% [or more] or a free gift. Store hours are 11 AM – 3 PM on Sundays. 301-424-PETS.

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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Don't you just love.....

A "trace" of snow?!?

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Rockville Lions Selling Citrus

Rockville Central friend Craig Cano, who is also King Lion of the Rockville Lions Club, writes:

The Rockville Lions are selling boxes of oranges (usually around 24) and grapefruit (usually 18) for $16 each. Also have freshly shelled and packaged pecans (1 lbs.) for $10.

The proceeds go to a great group that is active serving the needs of our community. Contact Craig if you are interested in these goodies.

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MCPS: Two Hour Delay (Thu 12/6/07)

Montgomery County Public Schools are on a two-hour delay today:

"Montgomery County Public Schools will open two hours late today, Thursday, December 6, due to emergency weather conditions. Bus service will be provided on a two-hour-delayed schedule. Morning prekindergarten, morning half-day Head Start, other half-day programs and field trips are canceled. Other activities and programs that begin at 10:30 a.m. or earlier are canceled. "

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POTD: Slip Slidin' Away

(With apologies to Paul Simon.) Wow, that was quite a start to the winter driving season, wasn't it? This is the scene yesterday morning at rush hour along MD-28.

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Saturday Night on the Town

After reading on Rockville Central about the 99cent drafts being offered at the Stonefish Grill last weekend, I was anxious to go and check the place out. My husband and I walked into town on Saturday night (I love being able to do that) and looked at the menu for the Stonefish Grill. Unfortunately their prices, like many of the establishments in Town Center, are far too steep for a casual dining affair for my husband and I. So we turned around and decided to try Bobby's Crabcakes instead.

When we first walked in we were met by the aroma of freshly made french fries and vinegar. It smelled delicious!

The menu at Bobby's Crabcakes was more reasonably priced. We ordered the Two Crabcake Platter, $22.90, to split between the two of us. I'm sure it is meant for one, but with portion sizes being so enormous these days, it was just right for the two of us. It came with two medium sized crabcakes, fires, coleslaw and a soda. And of course there was malt vinegar on every table right next to the ketchup bottle. (We chose the vinegar over the ketchup.)

The crabcakes were very good. There was a lot of crabmeat in them with just the right amount of filler. When the manager visited our table we both commented on how good the coleslaw tasted. He told us that he usually doesn't like coleslaw but he eats this stuff all day.

You can get a single crabcake for $9.95 or a platter for $12.95. I would definitely go for the platter. The coleslaw alone is worth the few extra bucks. There's also sandwiches, soups and salads on the menu. For my modest wallet the prices make for an expensive lunch but a very reasonable dinner.

We went to the Stonefish Grill after finishing our meal at Bobby's Crabcakes. We sat at the bar and told the bartender we came for the 99cent drafts. He informed us that the 99cent draft is only supposed to be offered when ordering an entree. He said a lot of people were confused by the advertising so he would sell us the beer at the advertised price. We thought that was very generous of him. We had 3 beers, at 99cents each, and listened to the band play.

It was a wonderful evening in our new Town Center. I'm looking forward to many more like it.

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RORZOR Forum Canceled Tonight!

This late-breaking notice from the City:

The City’s Zoning Ordinance public forum scheduled for tonight from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre (Social Hall) has been canceled due to inclement weather.

A rescheduled date for another public forum will be announced shortly.

To request a presentation on the Zoning Ordinance during a civic association or group meeting, e-mail Jenny Kimball, Assistant to the City Manager, at jkimball@rockvillemd.gov or contact a neighborhood resources coordinator at 240-314-8340.

For more information and to see the draft in its entirety, visit www.rockvillemd.gov/zoning or visit the Community Planning and Development Services counter at City Hall (111 Maryland Avenue, second floor).

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Kicking Off the Rockville Pike Planning Process

Last night at the Kick-off meeting for Rockville’s Pike:Envision a Great Place, my table bonded when we discussed our harrowing experiences while attempting to abandon our cars in one parking lot and walk across Rockville Pike to another shopping center. One table even admitted to changing parking spots within the Congressional Plaza malls rather than walking. During the course of the evening, we were taught that this is not entirely our fault. If it was pleasant and there were safe sidewalks, we would walk. The Pike just doesn’t invite pedestrians. Participants indicated that this was a very critical issue.

People were assigned to one of twenty tables upon arrival and the room was full. After opening remarks by Scott Ullery our City Manager and Susan Hoffmann our Mayor, the consultants hired by the City of Rockville taught us about transportation, the retail economy, and urban design. All of these principles are used in “The Making of a Great Place”, which was the rallying cry for the evening by the firm, ACP – Visioning and Planning, who will lead us through this process.

After these very informative presentations, we were asked to discuss two questions on the Participant Worksheet:
(1.) What are the most critical issues that must be addressed in order to make Rockville Pike and the surrounding area a truly great place?
(2.) What are some ways to address these issues?

What did the participants say about the current Pike during the presentations by each table? It is ugly! Change Marlo Furniture to a hardware store! The addresses on the Pike are confusing! Jefferson Street needs to connect to Wooten Parkway!

When tables presented their discussions there was much head nodding from the rest of the room. Solving the traffic problem was critical. Many participants liked the idea of retail/residential clusters. Rockville Pike could be about three Town Centers of shopping options all linked together with fountains, parks, public performance spaces, an education center, Segway Personal Transporter stations, bike paths, environmentally-sensitive public transit, and multiple housing options. All of this would be connected to existing neighborhoods.

All of these initial ideas and discussions will lead to a plan 18 months from now. You can play a part. Attend the next Stakeholders Workshop in February and express your opinion. We’ll keep you posted on a final date and time.

As we were told last night, “We are what we are zoned to be.”

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Holiday Shipping Options

Lora Meisner sent a note to remind us that it is holiday gift-shipping time and that some readers may find it convenient to explore their options. Rockville Central contributor Jenny R. wrote a review of Rockville Art & Frame (which can handle shipping) back in September that could come in handy about now!

Lora writes: "I went there yesterday and there were no lines or no crowds."

Thanks for the reminder, Lora, and thanks for the review, Jenny!

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POTD: That's Really Super, Supergirl

(With apologies to XTC again). Actually, this is Wonder Woman, taken at the new VisArts center at an event.

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Congratulations John Tyner!

Rockville Central friend Rich Gottfried has passed along the news that former city council member, RORZOR member and active community member John Tyner was presented with the Rockville Chamber of Commerce's "Citizen of the Year" award on December 2nd at the Music Center at Strathmore, to the background of the Vienna Boys' Choir (as if they could be in the background).

[UPDATE: I am informed John was mayor too. True? I am showing my ignorance; I only came here five years ago!]

[DOUBLE UPDATE: No. Just City Council.]

Congratulations to John!

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A Reminder About Manners When Commenting

Dear Readers:

Over the last two days, there has been a spate of anonymous comments that include mean-spirited attacks pointed at local public officials. I have deleted the worst offenders.

I can't believe I have to remind folks -- who presumably should know this already -- that name-calling and vitriol have no place here. It is one thing to disagree with someone, and it's OK even not to like them very much. But it is NOT okay, at least not here, to be mean about it.

I allowed anonymous commenting because the registration process was making it difficult for some people, not because I think anonymity is OK in the public square (unless there are compelling reasons for it). I knew at the time that removing that hurdle might open the forum up to a different tone of discourse, so I have been watching for it. I am considering ways to address this, including moderating comments (so they must be approved before they appear), or turning back on the registration system.

In the meantime, please make every attempt to be decent and civil as you express your opinions. Remember that public officials are just as human as you are, and deserve just as much respect. Just being in the public eye does not give anyone license to turn them into punching bags.

This is the byproduct of a good thing, I suppose: readership has risen so more people are noticing Rockville Central. And they are responding viscerally to some of the issues raised here. But it is of the utmost importance to me that this remain a civil forum.

Thanks for listening.

[UPDATE: Sadly, I have had to re-enable registration for commenting. That means you'll need to register with Google (it's free) if you want to post a comment. Here is my explanation:

I just deleted (for the second time) an inappropriate comment that is mean-spirited.

The person appended the following to the comment: "Brad, the fact that you deleted this comment earlier today shows that you do NOT want citizens to have a voice, just your spin on the issues."

I feel the need to respond, on behalf of Rockville Central as an entity.

This person is choosing to remain anonymous, which is itself a red flag and indicates he or she does not wish to stand behind their words. If anyone were to spend even a half hour looking through the posts, comments, and contributor opinions on Rockville Central, they would see that it is precisely the opposite of my intention for this to be just my "spin on the issues." However, I insist that it remain civil.

This blog is created using free tools ("Blogger") that are available to anybody. It's just sweat equity we have here. Anyone who wishes to speak in ways that aren't tolerated here are more than welcome -- and encouraged -- to set up their own systems.

Don't freer