Rockville Library Remains Rockville Library

The Washington Post reports that the new Rockville public library will not be named for former Montgomery County executive Doug Duncan.

Rockville Central readers know that this question, long ago it now seems, was a bit of a controversy. While many praise Duncan's work as County Executive (I am one), they also point out that the standard rule is to wait until someone has been out of office for at least five years before naming a building after them.

And, one commenter pointed out that Duncan was not seen as particularly helpful in getting the Library the funds it needed for its recent move -- making such a dedication ironic.

Present County Executive Ike Leggett decided to let stand the five-year requirement, going against the recommendation of a panel he'd asked to look into the issue.

For his part, the Post reports, Duncan said, "It would have been a great honor . . . . I've always said it's [Leggett's] decision, and I respect that."

Leggett gave no substitute name, so the name of the Rockville Library is . . . wait for it . . . the Rockville Library.

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Lawyered Up

The ongoing public debate over the location of a possible new District Courthouse appears to be generating much heat, but less light.

This is understandable. The prospect of having such a large building, with no parking, filled with people interacting with the legal system (a time when people are typically not at their most restrained or reasonable), hard by an historic district, church, and school for children as young as three is enough to unnerve anyone. (Note, too, that the three-year-olds are often moved outside from school building to school building.)

I believe the old library site is a poor choice for a new courthouse building. It's just a silly spot for it, notwithstanding the convenience it would pose for lawyers and judges.

However, along with Mark Pierzchala, I get the sense that the debate so far has not given full due to the political facts of the issue. (He also makes a good point about whether we are giving a fair hearing to the other side too.)

A number of recent comments in this post appear to have embedded in them the notion that the City is facing a decision about where we want a new court house, or whether we should have one.

I may be very wrong, but my understanding is that it's not in the City's power to decide whether the state courts need a new building or not. Since the City unfortunately, and inadvertently, let pass (long ago) the deadline to officially object to the plans, there isn't an official planning process to influence. (The state could, I believe, overrule such a process anyway.) The Montgomery County Council would essentially have to approve any move of the court house to the Giant site by giving up its right to take the old library site back in the event a court house is not built there -- something they have all but promised they would do (notwithstanding Exec. Leggett's agreement to "look into" the matter).

It is not just the local, District 17 state delegation that must be convinced -- it is all state legislators from Montgomery County. Even if it were possible to convince all four District 17 legislators of the value of moving the court house site to the old Giant, there are 28 more legislators to go.

Finally, there are funding issues. In order for a move to the Giant site to happen, not only would the City of Rockville need to absorb a significant expenditure hit (possibly up to $5M but at least $1M or $2M to redesign the building) but, in addition, Governor O'Malley would have to expend a significant amount of political capital to ensure the funds for a moved court house remain available over multiple fiscal years (while, presumably, other jurisdictions throughout the state lobby to get a piece of that money for their own projects). That's a lot to ask of a Governor who has already spent out a lot of chits on a special session and is now trying to get a budget passed.

I'm just little old me, but my read on this is that a move to the Giant, while far preferable to placing the new court house on the old library site, remains a very difficult sell. So much has to fall into place, with so many forces arrayed in opposition, in order for it to happen. Jupiter will have to align with Mars, to quote my favorite Broadway musical.

Given all this, Mayor Susan Hoffmann and the Council are really rolling a rock up a hill and I am proud of their efforts. In the dim, dark, past, I was a lobbyist (only for the forces of good) and know a little about how hard it is to make things happen. I will be stunned -- in a good way -- if they can pull it off.

Meanwhile, the Montgomery County Bar Association and other attorneys and judges are addressing their arguments where they will do a lot of good: to the full Montgomery County state delegation and to the Montgomery County council -- both of which have the power to say "no" to the Giant site and "yes" to a court house. Rockville Central friend Brigitta Mullican has passed along some of their communications along to me (and to others, I am not airing any laundry here). Those interested in having a full understanding of what we are up against ought to read:

• A recent email from the Mary Ellen Flynn, Montgomery County Bar Association's president, to the Montgomery County Council; and
• Chief Judge Ben Clyburn's December letter to the Montgomery County delegation to Annapolis, along with a state report on the proposed Giant land swap.

My interpretation of things is that, given the state of play, one option the City faces is to try in various ways to stop any court house from being built by delaying (ironically, through the courts) for so long that the state money essentially disappears, claimed by other projects. Even this tactic is not guaranteed of success and I have doubts about its ethics. There is a lot of momentum behind a court house, and it is hard to argue with a straight face that a new court house is not needed.

I hope this is helpful. I don't mean to be a downer, but it seemed worthwhile to spell out just what obstacles are standing in the way. I would love to hear comment from people who see other ways through this.

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POTD: The Bleachers

That was quite a lot of snow at its height! This is the bleachers at Monument Park, while my son was sledding (toward the ballfield, Martha, toward the ballfield!).

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Favorite Sledding Hills in Rockville

I did not get many responses to my query in December for favorite sledding hills, but I got a few.

Thought you might want this information now, before the rains come tonight and wash the sledding joy away.

Here they are.

View Larger Map

Email me with more, and I will add them.

You're welcome!

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Weekend to Weekend 1/17/08

Events in Rockville

Friday, January 18

Community Coffee House, Christ Episcopal Church, 107 South Washington Street, 7 PM – 10 PM. Free but donations are being collected for a community in South Africa. It’s a special night of acoustic jazz, folk and rock music from members of the church and musician friends. The rector will even be playing some jazz on his sax. Childcare available for ages 5 & under in the new nursery. The parking lot behind the Church, driveways and walkways will be cleared of this snow by Friday evening!

Three church members (pictured here from l to r), Janet, Bobbie-not going this time, Melissa and Bridgett, are busy making plans to travel to Richmond, South Africa in February to access the ways to help this community. They are going to take the opportunity to transport the items collected at this event on the plane to insure delivery.

SPECIAL NOTE: I, Cindy CG, am organizing and MCing this event. Please consider this a personal invitation from me to all of our readers to come on out, meet everybody, and have some coffee & cake! Brad Rourke has agreed to perform solo. The Ritchie Park Elementary parent (& friends) band, Random Tides, will also be playing. You are not going to want to miss this!

Saturday, January 19

Karen Collins and the Backroads Band, Austin Grill – Rockville, 9:30 PM. It’s a great time of Country Honky Tonk! She’ll warn you to “Watch out for the potholes in the highway of love.”
Monday, January 21

36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration, Rockville High School, 12 Noon. Hosted by the Mayor, Council and Human Rights Commission. Jim Lucas is the featured guest. He’s a nationally recognized actor and civil rights activist who looks like MLK,Jr. and delivers inspirational performances of his speeches. He’ll be joined by choirs, puppets and Soul in Motion, an African dance and drumming group. Thanks to the HRC for all their hard work planning this event!

Thursday, January 24

Annual Rockville Express Benefit, Glenview Mansion, 6 PM – 10 PM. $100 per person. Buffet dinner from O’Briens Barbeque and an auction held by Rockville Community Baseball to raise funds for lights at the Montgomery College Rockville baseball field used by our local collegiate team, Rockville Express. Special guests are Jim Riggleman of the Seattle Mariners and Tim Kurkjian of ESPN.

Friday, January 25

“Arcadia”, Rockville Little Theatre, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 8 PM. $16/adults, $14 seniors and students. Interesting play which switches back and forth between the Coverly family mansion in 1809 and current day, when two decendents and scholars research a possible scandal in the family history. Explores the concepts of truth and time. 240-314-8690.

Saturday, January 26

(I mistakenly included this date in last week’s post. I have a very strong attachment to this date! I’ll let you guess why.)

Montgomery County History Conference, Montgomery College Germantown, 8:30 AM – 4 PM. Although designed for staff and volunteers of the Montgomery County Historical Society this is a super way to learn about our County History, so good in fact that I’m including it even though the event is not actually IN Rockville. A variety of topics are scheduled: how we got the agricultural reserve, the Civil War in MC, and the history of the banjo in Maryland. Registration is $30 residents ($35 non-residents). Fees include all materials and lunch. Continuing Education Credits will be available for an additional fee of $15 through Montgomery College.

Oldies But Goodies (OBG) Cocker Rescue Adoption Show, Rockville Petsmart, 5154 Nicholson Lane, 11 AM – 2 PM. All of the foster homes run by this DC area nonprofit are full. 17 of the cocker spaniels are being boarded in kennels. Stop by and meet some of the dogs looking for homes!

“Arcadia” , Rockville Little Theatre, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 8 PM. $16/adults, $14 seniors and students. Interesting play which switches back and forth between the Coverly family mansion in 1809 and current day, when two decendents and scholars research a possible scandal in the family history. Explores the concepts of truth and time. 240-314-8690.

Ty Braddock, Austin Grill – Rockville, 10 PM. Country country rock rock! Nominated for Country Vocalist of the Year by the Washington Area Music Association.

Sunday, January 27

Bridal Expo, Glenview Mansion, 12 PM – 4 PM. Tickets are $5 and available at the door. Excellent opportunity to meet vendors for all your wedding needs: catering, cakes, photography, music, flowers, and bridal gifts. Bridal Images will have models wearing all of the latest wedding gown fashions throughout the day. Leave those bridal magazines at home (I know you have more than one!) and head over to the Mansion. If you’re getting married, you won’t be able to resist!

“Arcadia” , Rockville Little Theatre, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 2 PM. $16/adults, $14 seniors and students. Interesting play which switches back and forth between the Coverly family mansion in 1809 and current day, when two decendents and scholars research a possible scandal in the family history. Explores the concepts of truth and time. 240-314-8690.

Out on the Town

Kids Eat Free on Tuesdays at Austin Grill : Every Tuesday, for each adult entree purchased up to two kids get a free item off the Kid’s Menu.

Email the information for any fun, educational or community events to be included in Weekend to Weekend. Also, send along any specials or discounts. Include links!

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

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Homeowners: Make Sure You File For Your Homestead Tax Credit!

Rockville Central is thankful to have such good friends in Christina Ginsberg, Rich Gottfried, and Eric Jensen, all of whom have urged me to pass along this important information.

Approximately one-third of Maryland homeowners have received a property tax reassessment in the mail by now (they were sent December 28). You should review that document carefully, as it is the basis for your property tax moving forward.

You should also know that the State has put in place a new system whereby, in order to get your Homestead Property Tax Credit (which limits the amount of such reassessments to 10%), you must file a form with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.

Here's how the state puts its rationale for the new requirement:

"Legislation enacted by the 2007 session of the General Assembly will require homeowners to submit a one-time application in order to continue their eligibility for the homestead tax credit. The homestead credit limits the amount of assessment increase on which a homeowner will pay property taxes in that tax year on the one property actually used as the owner’s principal residence. The reason why the application process was needed is because some property owners were improperly receiving the credit on vacation homes and rented properties. County and municipal governments were losing tax revenues needed to provide important services to their residents. The only way to verify residency of the homeowner is to require an application and have the filer provide his or her Social Security number."

It's an easy application, and you'll be glad you filled it out! You can find the online application here, or download (and mail) the pdf version here.

Thanks, friends, for bringing this to my attention.

(P.S. Want a coffee cup like the one in the picture? Of course you do. Get them here.)

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POTD: Trees

Part of a three-part series by Rockville Central friend Mark Pierzchala. He calls the series "Two Things Part of Another Thing."

Of this one he says: "Upside-down tree top and right-side-up tree trunk. (Both part (formerly) of the same tree. I'm assuming that it snapped during one of the recent wind storms. This is at the intersection of Gude Drive and State Highway 28, Falls Grove area, near the community center under construction."

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Summer Camp Catalog Released!

As Rockville Central readers know, we can't get enough of Rockville's summer camp options. And word comes to us that the long-awaited summer camp catalog has just been mailed.

New to town? Here's what the City's Parks and Rec Department wants you to know:

The City of Rockville Department of Recreation and Parks offers a variety of camps for children of all ages and with transportation, swimming and extended care options for most camps, the choice couldn't be easier!

Something new this year is “Reach the Beach”, a fitness initiative to help promote active, healthy lifestyles for our campers. Just look for the camps with the "sneaker" symbol.

Read about all our exciting camps in the 2008 Summer Camp Guide or go directly to Rock Enroll and search for programs by selecting the Activities tab and following the instructions.

City residents should receive the 2008 Summer Camp Guide in the mail. Non-residents can pick up a copy at Rockville City Hall, at all City of Rockville recreation centers and at Rockville libraries.

Resident Registration via Internet, Fax, Mail and Drop-Off begins Wednesday, January 23, 8:30am

Home School Registration via Mail, Fax or Drop-Off begins Monday, February 4, 8:30am

Nonresident Registration via Internet, Fax, Mail or Drop-Off begins Wednesday, February 6, 8:30am

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Glenview's Watercolors Better Than Reality

Outside it is chilly and gray but inside the Glenview Mansion Art Gallery it is all color and light, because January’s exhibit is from the Baltimore Watercolor Society. There’s always something so vibrant yet transparent in watercolor paintings that you dissolve into the artwork.

As soon as you reach the top of the stairs, you’ll find yourself in a giant burst of warm pink flowers painted by Luana Thompson called “Nantucket Summer”. For me this was a welcome change from the winter wind in the parking lot.

With watercolors, shadows and reflections are not really as you find them in nature. The area under the front porch of Ardythe Jolliff’s “Independence Celebration” is purple. In real life it wouldn’t be, but this painting is of a more colorful world than we see.

Some of the paintings are abstract while others are realistic, almost like photos. You’ll want to touch the stone steps of the porch in David Churchill’s “Blue Coat” to find out how blue specks can look so real. The oak leaves in Al Bishop’s “Leaves” hang in midair, filled with the expectation of time passing, larger than life.

These paintings and the ceramic art of Yeonhee Ji will be on display and for sale until January 29, 2008. The Gallery hours are M, W, F 9 AM – 4:40 PM and Tues. & Thurs. 9 AM – 9 PM. Closed weekends and holidays. Admission is free. Call to confirm the Gallery is open 240-314-8682.

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POTD: Winter Wonderland

This photo is by Rockville Central reader Alain Menguy. This recent cold snap has got me thinking of snow, and this photo, taken during The Big Snowfall in December, seemed both beautiful and appropriate.

Want to have your photo included as a Photo Of The Day? Easy! Send it to me and I will consider it. Rules: Must be original (by you); must be taken in Rockville city limits; must not be published or offered for publication elsewhere; must be generally contemporary (no photos from six months ago . . . this one was OK!).

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News on Courthouse Issue

The Town Center Action team got bad news on the fight over where to build the new courthouse. Rockville Central readers know the city and a growing group of residents oppose the State's plans to build it on the former library site. Tonight City Manager Scott Ullery and Mayor Susan Hoffmann explained where the matter stands after a recent summit meeting with everyone from the Governor on down.

In spite of Governor O'Malley's strong support for building the courthouse at the Giant site and his pledge to go to great lengths to make that happen, State Senator Jennie Forehand remains the lone hold-out among our elected officials who is not willing to work to get the courthouse built at an appropriate location.

To make matters worse, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett said it seems certain that the County would exercise its right of first refusal and take back ownership of the former library site if a courthouse is not built there. That takes the wind out of the proposed Giant site land-swap in which the City would buy the library site back from the State.

City officials and residents alike were vindicated, though, in their stand that the delegation was made aware of their opposition to the court being built on the former library site long ago. Former delegate Cheryl Kagan provided notes from her Palm PDA of a June 11, 2001 meeting at City Hall in which then-Mayor Giammo and concerned residents -- several of them current TCAT members -- presented reasons why the library site was not the place for a courthouse.

Yep, you guessed it, lack of parking, "dark after five", need for transition between residential neighborhood and buildings in town center were cited. The "Giant site" was specifically mentioned as a preferable alternative. So that's six and a half years of consistent, logical opposition. So much for the "too late in the game" argument.

The meeting ended with plans for mounting an 11th hour, grassroots campaign to sway Senator Forehand, and seeking a meeting on Saturday afternoon with her and the rest of the delegation to explain just how frustrated Rockville is with the stalemate and what it might lead to.

Some tough talk indeed. I felt the presence of those former Rockville citizens who in 1774 gathered at the Hungerford Tavern, a block or so away, and drew up "the Hungerford Resolves", a statement of support for their fellow patriots in Boston and against British rule (don't know what I am talking about? read the plaques out front of BB&T on the corner of Washington and Jefferson).

Don't you just love Rockville? I know I do!

Stay tuned........

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Speeding Cameras In Rockville

Rockville Central Editor CindyCG reminded me that, while we have provided helpful maps of the traffic cameras and red light cameras in Rockville, we have yet to provide a snapshot of many drivers' nemesis: speeding cameras.

There's a van driven by Rockville City Police that goes from spot to spot with a camera, on the prowl for speeders. Arguably, this is a more important function than the red light cameras, as speeding is much more common. I can't tell you how often I have yelled at vehicles zipping around my residential traffic circle, filled with parents in a rush to pick their elementary school children from Beall, or with students late for a class at Montgomery College.

That said, Rockville Central wants to help you slow down. This is not a list to help you evade detection as you zip through Our Fair City, but a reminder that there are some spots where the temptation to speed is great -- and that therefore caution is warranted.

Click on each little purple camera for more information. Click "view larger map" to open up the map in a larger screen. (Remember, this embedded map does not come through in the announcement email or in feed readers; you will need to come to the blog to see it.)

View Larger Map

Here's the list:

• Mt. Vernon Place near Richard Montgomery High
• Nelson Street north of W. Montgomery Ave
• Nelson Street near Madison St
• W. Montgomery E. of I-270
  
• Rollins Ave near Montrose Woods Park
• Twinbrook Parkway near Meadow Hall Elem.
• Twinbrook Parkway near Carl Sandburg Learning Center
• Baltimore Road east of the Rockville Metro Station
• Baltimore Rd. at Rockville High School (FIXED)
  
• College Parkway near College Gardens Park
• College Parkway (800-900 blocks)
• First Street near Maryvale Elem
• Gaither Road north of King Farm Blvd
• Redland Bl. in King Farm
  
• Great Falls Road near Julius West Middle School
• Wootton Pkwy near Wootton High (FIXED)

Be careful out there!

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POTD: Boom!

It looks like a cannon to me from this angle, ready to fire . . . even though it I believe it is more like a flower pot affixed to a tree.

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Take Me Out to the Ballgame Benefit

In 2007 Rockville Express had an awesome year of baseball! In case you missed it, they had a record nine straight regular season victories. Then after winning 4 of the 5 championship series games, they earned the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate League title. No small feat since the League has been attracting first-rate players from around the Country since it started in 2005.

The team plays at Montgomery College’s Rockville campus and they need to install new ball field lights, so they will be dedicating the funds raised at their Annual Rockville Express Collegiate Baseball Benefit to this project. You can join Rockville Community Baseball to support our local team on Thursday, January 24, 2008 from 6 PM – 10 PM at Glenview Mansion.

Two very special guests are expected. Jim Riggleman is the Seattle Mariners Bench Coach and was formerly the manager of the San Diego Padres and the Chicago Cubs. But when he was younger, he started out right here as a RBBA player. He’s also a Richard Montgomery High Alum so some of you may know him. He will be joined by University of Maryland alum, Tim Kurk