Update From The City On FiOS

As everybody know, I want my FiOS. Recently, there has been some comment activity on this post, which prompted me to ask City Manager Scott Ullery if he could provide an update. I knew things were progressing, but did not want to say something incorrectly.

Here's what Scott sent along:

We've been making good progress lately in our negotiations with Verizon. Once Verizon accepted the principles that (1) they, not City taxpayers, are responsible for bearing the costs of using the public right of way for this project, and (2) services should be offered city-wide, and without undue delay to selected segments of the community, discussions have moved forward very well. Among the three broad categories of costs involved --- plans review, field inspections, and permitting activities (which includes marking utility locations in the field) --- we have reached agreements in principle in most of these areas.

Both the City and Verizon are motivated to reach a final agreement that will allow the construction to begin and the services to be delivered. During the last few months, two department heads and I have taken lead roles in these negotiations, and Verizon officials have adopted a refreshing sense of urgency. I expect to provide the Mayor and Council with a full briefing on these negotiations within the next few weeks.

"Refreshing sense of urgency." Heh.

Thanks Scott!

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Time to Cut the Grass

Ah, Spring. The daffodils are smiling, the tulips are dancing ... and there is the roar of yard gadgets in the air. Nothing like going outside to enjoy the warm spring air and being assaulted by the start up noise of a lawn trimmer and being choked by gas fumes.

When my husband and I were first together we lived in a charming ground-level one bedroom apartment that just happened to be next to the caretaker's work room. It seemed to me that not a day would go by when my senses were not violated by the earsplitting whine of leaf blowers, lawn mowers, or edgers. You name it he had it-and seemingly really enjoyed using them. The gas fumes would invade our home through the open windows, so the pleasure of nice weather was often met with the need for great tolerance of things smelly and noisy.

After so much experience with the racket and reek of all those different machines I swore to myself that if we ever had a house I would only use lawn equipment that was hand powered.

After buying a house the first lawn mower we bought was the old-fashioned push reel mower. I never taught myself how to properly care for the mower and after a couple years the blades dulled and I took it to be serviced. The mower never seemed to work nearly as well after being serviced though and I've invested in at least 2 reel mowers since moving into my home 14 years ago.

A couple years ago we were given my grandfather's gas mower when he passed away. We were happy to get it because, as anyone with a reel mower knows, if you wait to long to mow your lawn, it can become quite a torturous chore. We told ourselves we would only use it on those occasions when the grass was too tall to mow using the reel mower without exposing the neighborhood children to language they shouldn't hear. We actually stuck to that plan and only used the gas mower once or twice.

Last year, however, when Spring rolled around and grass cutting season followed close behind, I tried to use the reel mower and the blades were so dull they would not cut the grass so I shamed myself by using the gas mower ALL THE TIME. Why I didn't get the old reel mower serviced, or buy a new one, I'm not quite sure. I think I just got lazy and enjoyed not having to mow the grass as often, or fight with objects that get stuck in the blades and prevent the mower from moving.

There are other advantages to the loud, stinky mowers, too. The grass is certainly easier to cut and I don't think I swore once while using it, except maybe when it ran out of gas. Also, with a bag to collect the grass, we don't track the newly cut grass into our house for the next several days after mowing.

Just when other people have become more environmentally conscious with their yard tools (I've seen at least 3 other families on my block with reel mowers) and with gas prices well above $3, I've sunk to an irresponsible low. I haven't cut my grass yet this Spring because I'm still trying to motivate myself to get out the reel mower and give it another try. I caught a glimpse of my back yard today, though, and I don't think the reel mower's going to cut it, literally.

I guess I'll do the first mow of the year with the loud, stinky, polluting one and go invest in my 3rd reel mower. I don't think I can live with the guilt for another grass-cutting season.

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Rockville Central Radio Recap

In case you did not get a chance to tune in today for today's edition of Rockville Central Radio, you should know it was a great success! You can still listen to it. The latest one will always be available here at Rockville Central in the little player on the right sidebar. Or, you can go to our page at Blog Talk Radio and access any past episode.

Thank you to all who called in to 646-200-3332 and took part in conversation! Special thanks to John Cooper-Martin and Frank Anstasi, who shared their thoughts on parking in Town Square, Richard Montgomery PTA President Kate Savage, who gave great insight into the school budget process with the County, Monique DeFrees who is drummer for The West End, and Elissa Totin of the Croydon Creek Nature Center.

Tune in next Friday at noon for the next episode of Rockville Central Radio. We'll announce special guests shortly!

But you never know who may show up, so stay tuned.

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POTD: Sprung!

Spring at last, Spring at last, thank God Almighty, Spring at last.

No disrespect to any other actual historical figures' distinctive phrasing and allusion to historic music is intended. I am just enthused by the season finally changing!

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Beall Elementary PTA Needs Officers

As I understand it, Beall Elementary School's PTA is facing a bit of a crisis. Its officers are leaving because their children are graduating. New officers must step forward and be installed, otherwise there may in fact be no PTA at Beall next year. That would be a shame -- the PTA does so much to support the school.

If you are a Beall parent, please consider stepping forward. At a minimum, if you can, attend the PTA's next meeting where these decisions will be made: Monday, April 14 at 7pm in the media center at Beall Elementary.

(I am certain that other PTA's at other schools sometimes get in similar positions. Kids grow up, after all. This is an open invitation to all PTA's to submit upcoming meeting information to Rockville Central. Just email me. I can't guarantee everything will get posted but I will do my best. We are here to help people stay in touch!)

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Weekend to Weekend 4/10/08

Events in Rockville

Thursday, April 10

Irish Dancing, Twinbrook Library, 7 PM. The Culkin School will Irish dance the hour away! Don’t miss this lively demonstration.

Patty Reese, Austin Grill Rockville, 8:30 PM. What can I say that I haven’t said already? Grab some friends and go hear her. I’ve been loving my CDs!!

Shop, Socialize & Support the Mental Health Association, The Waygoose Fine Crafts, 7 – 9 PM. 15% of Proceeds to benefit the programs at MHA, such as the Hotline. Refreshments and door prizes. A donation of $20 is suggested.

Friday, April 11

Showing of the film Blue Angel by the Rockville Sister City Corporation, Rockville Senior Center, 7 PM. Free. The film will be in English and it tells the story of a university professor who is driven to madness after he gets caught up in the life of his mistress and is ridiculed by his students.

Once Upon a Mattress, Rockville High School, 7 PM. $7/adults, $5/kids, students & seniors. All ages will delight in this light-hearted and funny musical adaptation of the fable "The Princess and the Pea".

Fiddler on the Roof, Richard Montgomery High School, 7:30 PM. Tickets at the door. $10/adult, $5/students. This is the first performance in the NEW Richard Montgomery High School! Come on out and enjoy these talented performers in the brand new theater. (For a $2 surcharge per ticket, you can reserve tickets by calling 301-610-8452.)

Saturday, April 12

“By Popular Demand” A Benefit Performance for Musical Theater Center, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 1 PM. $45/Adults, $30/children, $60 Premium. The concert will feature 17 faculty members -- voice, dance and acting from MTC. For the first time these teachers will showcase their talents together on the same stage. If you purchase premium tickets, you will get the best seats in the house and automatically be entered into a drawing for a three-day hotel stay at Disney World! Call the Box Office for tickets 240-314-8690.

Once Upon a Mattress, Rockville High School, 7 PM. $7/adults, $5/kids, students & seniors. All ages will delight in this light-hearted and funny musical adaptation of the fable "The Princess and the Pea".

Fiddler on the Roof, Richard Montgomery High School, 7:30 PM. Tickets at the door. $10/adult, $5/students. This is the first performance in the NEW Richard Montgomery High School! Come on out and enjoy these talented performers in the brand new theater. (For a $2 surcharge per ticket, you can reserve tickets by calling 301-610-8452.)

Coppelia by the Rockville Civic Ballet, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 7:30 PM. $12/adults, $8 seniors/kids under 12. “Swalinda and Franz are to be married – but he falls for Coppelia, the girl sadly reading on her balcony.”

The West End, Austin Grill Rockville, 9:30 PM. They’re promising new material and will be rockin’ the old favorites! This performance features special guest, Matthew Taylor. We all know what I think. I wouldn’t miss it, so stop by and join me!

Sunday, April 13

Once Upon a Mattress, Rockville High School, 2 PM. $7/adults, $5/kids, students & seniors. All ages will delight in this light-hearted and funny musical adaptation of the fable "The Princess and the Pea". Sign interpretation available for the hearing impaired at this performance.

Coppelia by the Rockville Civic Ballet, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 3 PM. $12/adults, $8 seniors/kids under 12. “Swalinda and Franz are to be married – but he falls for Coppelia, the girl sadly reading on her balcony.”

Living History Presentation about Julia Child: America's Favorite French Chef, Montgomery County Historical Society, Beall-Dawson House, 4:00 PM. Free but registration is required. Call 301-762-1492. Mary Ann Jung will portray Julia Child, who changed the way Americans cook. Before studying to be a chef in Paris, she had civilian and government jobs. Women who follow their dreams always impress me.

Monday, April 14

Eternal Flame Rededication, Rockville City Hall, 6 PM. The American Legion Post 86 Color Guard will join Mayor Susan Hoffmann to rededicate the flame which was moved in order to rebuild the City’s entrance ramp. Light refreshments will be served at 6 PM followed by the ceremony at 6:30 PM. In 1969, The American Legion first dedicated it “The Flame of Freedom” in honor of Veterans across the Nation. I admired the new flame when attending my Human Services Advisory Commission meeting on Tuesday night. It’s shaped like a golden urn, is much more prominent, and is built into the design of the new front steps. The ceremony will take place inside City Hall if there is inclement weather.

Thursday, April 17

20th Spring Lecture Series, Montgomery County Friends of the Library (FOLMC), Strathmore Hall Arts Center Mansion, 11:30 AM. Book signing and luncheon 12:30 PM. $$ Alicia C. Shepard will be the concluding lecturer of this series to benefit all of our libraries. She will discuss her book, “Woodward and Bernstein: Life in the Shadow of Watergate”. She teaches journalism at American University and writes for magazines and newspapers.

Friday, April 18

Hand Painted Swingers, Austin Grill Rockville, 9:30 PM. Never a cover charge. Pop-Rock band that knows its stuff with melodies to boot. You’ll find something to like!

Saturday, April 19

Underground Railroad Tour, Peerless Rockville, 9 AM – Noon. $25/person and registration required, call 301-762-0096 or email manager@peerlessrockville.org. Hear tales of Rockville’s slaves, see local 19th century homes and churches, and view ads for runaways and historic pictures. Many people are not aware of Rockville’s slaveholding past and the local efforts to free these slaves.

First Annniversary of the Rockville Dog Park, Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park, 10 AM – 1 PM. Your dog or cat can get a free rabies vaccination and you can renew/get a dog license. All dogs in Rockville need a license. The MoCo Humane Society Mobile Adoption Unit will be on site with dogs and cats to adopt.

Nelly’s Echo, Austin Grill Rockville, 9 PM. Never a cover charge. The full band is playing and the buzz is you’ll love it!


Email the information for any fun, educational or community events to be included in Weekend to Weekend. Businesses are invited to send along specials and 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.


If you attend an event, we invite you to write a contributor review. Just send it in and we will consider it. Rules: Event is in Rockville; fairly recent; article is your work; you are not offering it for publication elsewhere. Try to keep it under 500 words; we will edit for length. Include a photo if you have one!

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Rockville Central Radio Tomorrow At Noon

Tune into Rockville Central Radio tomorrow at noon!

It's a talk show: Call-in number is 646-200-3332. (You may have to wait to get on the air -- depending on what is going on and how many others are on.)

As you know, we have launched a weekly radio talk show called "Rockville Central Radio!" It airs every Friday at noon.

It's completely easy to listen to: Just go to this page at noon on Friday, to start listening in. You'll need a computer, an Internet connection, and speakers.

The first show aired last week and went way beyond our expectations.

This week we are again planning a great show. We'll be talking about parking, school budgets, and animals, as well as interviewing musical guests and more!

Thanks for all your support.

(That coffee cup is merchandise from a certain band playing on Saturday night. You can get one here.)

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POTD: Yellow Blast!

I love this time of year, with these yellow dealy-bops blasting out all over the place.

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"Once Upon a Mattress" at RHS this Weekend

Thanks to Rockville High School parent, Amy Alexander, for letting us know about this performance and giving us a glimpse of last night's dress rehearsal!

She writes:

"What do a "shy" princess, a "dauntless" prince, a bossy queen, a quiet king, knights and ladies in waiting, and lots and lots of mattresses have in common? They're all in Rockville High School's production of "Once Upon a Mattress" this weekend!

Performances will be on Friday April 11th and Saturday April 12th at 7pm, and Sunday April 13th at 2pm at the Zane Rush Auditorium of RHS. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $7 for adults, and $5 for students, senior citizens, and children. Sign interpretation for the hearing impaired will be available at the Sunday April 13th performance.

This light-hearted and funny musical adaptation of the fable "The Princess and the Pea" is wonderful for audiences of all ages. We hope to see you there!"

Program cover illustration by Christina Chang.

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Global Warming Meeting Tonight

Rockville Central friend Linda Ekizian passed along the following that she received from a friend:

Democracy For Montgomery County is sponsoring A Global Warming Special, screening the Documentary “Kilowatt Ours,” and offering guidance in mapping your own carbon footprint. It is today, Wednesday, April 9th, 7:00 pm at the Rockville Library in Town Square.

While I do not normally highlight partisan events, this one definitely seemed to fit with the whole Earth-Day-coming-soon theme.

Thanks, Linda!

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Interview With Council Member Piotr Gajewski

As a part of Rockville Central's ongoing effort to tape an interview the Mayor and each member of the City Council, I visited Rockville City Council Member Piotr Gajewski yesterday and we had a great conversation.

Here is the interview.

(If you can't see the video, click here. Sometimes YouTube has issues; please be patient.)

I've already posted an interview in this series with Council Member John Britton and Mayor Susan Hoffmann.

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POTD: Statement

Here's a striking lawn display near Welsh Park.

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Interview With Mayor Susan Hoffmann

As a part of Rockville Central's ongoing effort to tape an interview the Mayor and each member of the City Council, I sat down with Rockville Mayor Susan Hoffmann yesterday and we had a terrific discussion.

Here is the interview. Stay tuned for more!

(If you can't see the video, click here.) (UPDATE: YouTube is having issues today; please be patient.)

Note that late last year, I was on hand to capture the Mayor's thank you speech (along with Council Member Piotr Gajewski's) on election night. That video is here.

I've already posted an interview in this series with Council Member John Britton -- here it is.

Also, note that YouTube limits uploaded videos to ten minutes, so I edit these conversations down -- however, I always preserve the sense and intent of the subject's words. Mostly, I cut myself out so they can do the talking!

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POTD: Not Too Far Away

This lovely photograph is by Rockville Central reader Janet Brown. Of it, she says:

"It's a picture of one of my most favorite places in Rockville - the wrap-around porch of The Argyle House. . . . I come from a coastal town called Barry in Wales, UK. It has about the same population as Rockville, but is different in many ways. We don't have these pretty houses like The Argyle House and we don't have porches like this. Barry has fresh sea breezes all year that can blast you and this west coast area of the UK rarely has balmy summer evenings. So I really enjoy sitting out on this porch when the weather is warmer. This spring picture of bright morning sunshine tells me that summer is not too far way."

Do you have a favorite place in Rockville? Let us know where -- and why -- and we may feature it! (It helps if you have a photo, but not required.)

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More About The Interview

Dear Rockville Central readers:

You may already have watched the video interview I posted earlier with council member John Britton. I have gotten a few comments and direct emails from people who took exception to my attire.

I interviewed John while wearing jeans and a t-shirt, which might have been fine in itself, but the jeans had a rip in them. Some folks have said to me that this was inappropriate. A friend pointed out to me, the jeans were OK, but not the rip.

Let me just say here that I meant no disrespect to either our readers or, more importantly to my interview subject Mr. Britton. I want to be clear that I have worn suits for most of my career. I do know how to dress for work -- I thankfully do not now typically need to do so. In any event, what I wore was not a mistake of ignorance, but a conscious choice. It was a misjudgment for which I have rightly been criticized. I was trying to make a statement and went too far.

As you may have read, I have been interviewing other members of Our Fair City's governing body. Those interviews have been conducted without rips or tears. Since he was the "guinea pig" and bore the brunt of my poor wardrobe choice, I want to publicly apologize and offer Mr. Britton another interview, this time with me more suitably clothed. My chief concern here is that my choice not reflect on my interview subject's judgment -- the interview is about him, it should not be about me.

Thanks for reading and, for those who did, for speaking up.

--Brad Rourke
Publisher

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Interview With Council Member John Britton

It's a few days more than 100 since the current Mayor and Council were sworn in last year, and here at Rockville Central we thought it would be interesting to check in with each of them on how things are going, what they see the key issues are, and how they plan to move forward. I have invited each member of the Council and the Mayor to sit down with me on-camera for an informal interview.

Here is the first such interview, between me and Council Member John Britton:

(Can't see the video? Click here!) (UPDATE Note: YouTube appears to be having difficulties, 4/8/2008 in the morning. Please keep trying.)

(UPDATE: I have gotten some emails on this so . . . if anyone is offended by my slovenly dress or ripped jeans . . . I am sorry. I mean no disrespect to anyone. If you know me, you know there are few who have a greater respect for those in government than I do. I am just a pretty casual fellow.)

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