Earn a Bike or Donate a Bike

Students who are in the 1st to 5th grades at a public or private elementary school located in Rockville can earn a free bike for being trustworthy, earnest, respectful, responsible, involved, fair, industrious, and caring. All of these characteristics are the basis of being a good citizen. As a Cub Scout leader, I appreciate this program because these ideals mirror the core values we teach our boys.

All the students have to do is six (or more) good deeds then return a fully-completed form to the City of Rockville by May 5, 2008. Since only the first 50 students to complete the forms correctly will receive bikes, don’t wait. The acts must be verified by a responsible adult such as a parent, grandparent, teacher, coach or guardian. Two deeds must be certified by a non-family member. Kids can do such things as pick up trash, get good grades, help an elderly person, or return a lost item. Winners will receive a bike, helmet, new lock, and safety instructions, as well as a certificate for participating which will be awarded at the Mayor and Council meeting televised on May 12th.

Since Rockville is a true biking community with trails throughout and around the City (one even goes right in front of my house on Monroe Street), this program helps kids take advantage of the bike ways and stay fit.

Do you have a bike that you don’t use? You can donate it to Bikes for the World. My husband and I once did. In addition to their work in the DC Metro area and in Rockville, this non-profit organization makes a tremendous difference in the lives of people all over the world by giving them bikes for transportation.

Bike Drop Off Date: Saturday, April 26, 2008
Where: Wooten High School
When: 9 AM – 12 Noon

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Rockville Central Radio Recap: Science, Business, Police Presence, Pets and Allergies, Youth Activities

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 the best one yet! The guest list included: Council Member Phyllis Marcuccio talking about Science Day, Council Member John Britton talking about his take on Red Gate and the budget, Ruth Hanessian from Animal Exchange, Police Chief Terry Treschuk who gave us some insight into police cruisers in Town Center, and the City's Nina Herndon who gave us a rundown on a number of youth involvement opportunities.

All that in one show.

One person in the chat room, by the way, after Chief Treschuk called in said "Police Chief calls in to respond. What a cool city." Yes, we DO have a cool city! (This is paraphrased, as I did not catch it exactly during the show.)

You can still listen to the show. 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!

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: A Little Help, Here!

These handsome devils were snapped by Rockville Central friend (and Rockville Roundtable member) Todd Harrison. See, he needs a little help. Here is how he puts it:

This is a picture I took today of some of my tomato plants (Cherokee Purple is the name of this heirloom variety). I planted two seeds per pot to make sure at least one sprouted, but soon I will need to thin them down to one plant per pot so they can keep growing. In this particular pot there's not a clear favorite, so I'm having trouble deciding which one to cut. Maybe Rockville Central readers could help me decide? Should I save the one on the left, the one on the right, or risk damaging their roots by repotting them and saving both? This decision could have major culinary consequences later in the summer!

Let's give Todd a little help and guidance by taking the poll (at the upper left) here at Rockville Central: Left, right, or a risky repot?

Todd will thank you.

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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.

This week we are again planning a great show. Sally Sternbach, executive director of Rockville Economic Development, will be a guest, talking about what she's seen and heard during Rockville Business Appreciation Week. On the show, we'll also be talking about the budget, animals, Science Day, and more.

You won't want to miss it.

Thanks for all your support.

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Another Fine Rockville Roundtable

A big thank you to everyone who attended today's Rockville Roundtable lunch at Ambrosia Grill. We had a great time and a great turnout -- lots of new faces! I forgot my camera so, sorry, no photos. But, as always, the centerpiece of the lunch was this sign, first created by Rockville Central friend Ruth Hanessian.

What is this "Rockville Roundtable," you ask? Simple! It's just an informal lunch. Every month or so I pick a spot and whoever wants to come join me for lunch (Dutch!) is more than welcome. There is no agenda, we just talk about whatever is on our minds, and it is super-casual.

The next Rockville Roundtable is Monday, May 12 at 12:15 at Gelico Cafe and Pizzeria! That's at 757 Hungerford, just north of Giant. Hope to see you there. Everyone is welcome.

If you think to let me know you're coming, that will help, but if you suddenly decide you want to come that day and haven't let me know already, don't let that stop you! Just show up!

I will post another reminder as the time nears.

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This Week In Sports 4/17/08

Today Rockville Central welcomes Tim Fauber as an Events Contributor. Thanks to him for pulling together this listing of all of the high school and pro/semi pro sporting events!

Rockville has two semi pro/pro leagues in our area:

The Maryland Nighthawks whose season ended in March with a record of 6-14, the bottom of their division.

Our newest team is Real Maryland Monarchs, who will play their first season at Germantown Soccerplex then move to Richard Montgomery HS next season on the new artificial turf field. They open their season this Sunday, April 20, 2008, 4PM at the Soccerplex against the West Mass Pioneers.

High School Sports

Boys Varsity Baseball

Friday 4/18/2008

Richard Montgomery at Quince Orchard 3 pm
Wootton at Blake 7 pm

Saturday 4/19/2008

Rockville at Watkins Mill 12:30 pm

Monday 4/21/2008

Churchill at Richard Montgomery 3:30 pm
Rockville at Wheaton 3:30 pm
Wootton at Sherwood 3:30 pm

Wednesday 4/23/2008

Richard Montgomery at Wootton 3:30 pm
Seneca Valley at Rockville 3:30 pm

Boys Lacrosse

Saturday 4/19/2008

Rockville at Walter Johnson V 12 pm/JV 10 am
Wootton at Magruder V 12 pm/JV 10 am

Tuesday 4/22/2008

Richard Montgomery at Wootton V 7 pm/ JV 5:15 pm

Wednesday 4/23/2008

Rockville at Blake V 7 pm/JV 5:15 pm

Thursday 4/24/2008

Whitman at Richard Montgomery V 5:30 pm/ JV 3:30pm

Girls Lacrosse

Saturday 4/19/2008

Magruder at Wootton V 12 pm/JV 10 am
Walter Johnson at Rockville V 12 pm/JV 10 am

Tuesday 4/22/2008

Wootton at Richard Montgomery V 5:30 pm/ JV 3:30 pm

Wednesday 4/23/2008

Blake at Rockville V 7 pm/JV 5:15 pm

Thursday 4/24/2008

Richard Montgomery at Whitman V 7 pm/ JV 5:15 pm

Girls Softball

Friday 4/18/2008

Richard Montgomery at Quince Orchard 3:30 pm
Wootton at Blake 7 pm

Saturday 4/19/2008

Rockville at Watkins Mill 10 am

Monday 4/21/2008

Churchill at Richard Montgomery 3:30 pm
Wootton at Sherwood 3:30 pm

Tuesday 4/22/2008

Rockville at Wheaton 3:30 pm

Wednesday 4/23/2008

Richard Montgomery at Wootton 3:30 pm

Thursday 4/24/2008

Seneca Valley at Rockville 3:30 pm

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Weekend to Weekend 4/17/08

Events in Rockville - Updated with new events!

Friday, April 18

HST Cultural Arts Presents Tom Sawyer, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 6:30 PM. Tickets through HST 301-294-0520.

HST Cultural Arts Presents Seussical the Musical, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 8 PM. Tickets through HST 301-294-0520.

Hand Painted Swingers, Austin Grill Rockville, 9:30 PM. Never a cover charge. Pop-Rock band that knows its stuff with melodies to boot. Their songs are being used on the CBS show We Need Girlfriends AND My Last Laugh is the theme song!

My Favorite Year, Wooten High School, 7:30 PM. $10 general admission. $15 for reserved seats, call 301-279-8581. I didn’t know about the performance last weekend but you can still see it! People are saying “It’s very good!”

Saturday, April 19

Underground Railroad Tour, Peerless Rockville, CANCELLED.

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.

HST Cultural Arts Presents Tom Sawyer, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 5 PM. Tickets through HST 301-294-0520.

HST Cultural Arts Presents Seussical the Musical, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 7:30 PM. Tickets through HST 301-294-0520.

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!

Tuesday, April 22

Sol Driven Train, Austin Grill Rockville, 8 PM. As best as I can count they released their 5th CD this month called Lighthouse. They are touring the East Coast and this is their only stop in our area. They all have a keen sense of humor and are having a good time with their upbeat songs, which I’m sure will spread throughout the crowd.

Thursday, April 24

Martinis & Matisse, VisArts at Rockville, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Music from On Thin Ice. Have a Saki-tini while enjoying the exhibit Kimonos & Woodcut Collaboration. Make a Japanese-influenced charm and take home the martini glass. Tickets are $10 at the door. Cash bar.

Meet the Author: Susan Coll, Rockville Library, 7 PM. Susan Coll was a guest on our first radio show! She even read from her second novel, Rockville Pike. She’s a local author and will discuss all her novels including Acceptance and Karlmarx.com. A book sale and signing will follow. Her novels speak to our life here in the suburbs and enthusiastic discussion always ensues!

Nelly’s Echo Acoustic, Austin Grill Rockville, 8:30 PM. Nelson Emokpae is invited to come on down from Baltimore to play solo every month because everybody’s enjoying the music! It’s not Just a Dream!

Friday, April 25

Arbor Day Celebration, College Gardens Elementary School, 1:30 PM. Everyone is welcome to hear the Mayor and Council read a proclamation at this tree planting ceremony. For the 19th consecutive year, Rockville is named a Tree City USA.

Celtic Celebration, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 8 PM. Adults $15, Seniors/Students $13. What a wonderful chance to enjoy the Celtic spirit. Hammered dulcimer player Maggie Sansone, harpist Sue Richards, and the Teelin School of Irish Dance.

20 for 7, Austin Grill Rockville, 9:30 PM. They dare anyone to pigeonhole their sound and they look a little scary (only kiddin'), so I’m not gonna try. They hail from Baltimore, write their songs on the fly, and pound away at their sound.

Saturday, April 26

Earth Day Celebration, Parking Lot at 850 Hungerford Drive, 11 AM – 3 PM. The MoCo Division of Solid Waste Services invites everyone to celebrate. My family went last year and had the best time. We took the bus to the award-winning recycling center. I ALWAYS wanted to go into the recycling center! It’s loud. There are belts every which way. But atlas, our recycling from the City of Rockville does not go to the County’s facility on Rt. 355 in Gaithersburg. Our recycling is trucked further north up Interstate 95 in Maryland, so I didn’t get to actually see how our recycling is handled. You can make earth-friendly crafts, bring confidential paper for off-site shredding, and get rid of household electronics for recycling (cell phones, digital cameras, VCRs, stereos, & telephones). Discover environmentally friendly home materials and landscaping options. I know it’s in the parking lot but it’s fun!

Spring Festival, Croydon Creek Nature Center 1 PM – 4 PM. Celebrate the 6th Anniversary of the Nature Center. My family always enjoys the activities and I buy a few plants to attract butterflies. Native plant sale, nature games, crafts, raptors, and woodland hikes for the whole family.

Konark Dance School and MKK-USA, Inc., F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 3 PM. $20 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students, & children under 7 free. Professional dancers from India and Konark’s Panine-Ganguly present classical Indian dance.

Ty Braddock, Austin Grill Rockville, 9:00 PM. He’s DC’s Mr. Honky Tonk and he’s back to play for us here in Rockville.

Sunday, April 27

Rockville Science Day, Montgomery College – Rockville Campus, 12 noon – 5 PM. Our family has been going since the pre-school years. Something for adults and kids because there are rockets, reptiles, robots, gems, scientists, engineers, and hands-on experiments of all kinds. Every year something new. The Discover Genomics bus is very popular so line up early (last year I let the kids get on and didn’t get to see the DNA demonstration). The Rockville Kiwanis are selling hot dogs too!

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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POTD: Don't Stand So Close To Me

(With apologies to The Police.) This photo is by Rockville Central friend Eric Jensen. Of it, he says:

"Can someone from the City of Rockville answer this question: Why is there a police cruiser parked in front of the Austin Grill (and the Regal theaters) most evenings and especially on weekends? Do they think this makes people feel safer? Or is there an underlying problem that we all should be concerned about? Because if there's not an underlying problem, I would like to see less of a police presence in our downtown. I feel parking these police cars in the middle of Town Square is more intimidating than it is helpful. Their presence implies that we have crime problems in our Town Square. Do we? I would be curious to find out how others reading this blog feel, but friends and neighbors that I've spoken with about this feel the same way I do. I really wish the City of Rockville would get their Cruisers cruising again instead of having them parked in the middle of our beautiful Town Square."

Want to submit a photo for consideration to be the Picture Of The Day at Rockville Central? Wonderful! Just email it to me. Rules: a) Must be taken in Rockville; b) Must be your own work; c) Must not be published or offered for publication elsewhere; d) Should be generally contemporary (try to keep them less than a month or two old).

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Praisner, Fennel Win Council Primary

Don Praisner, widower of Marilyn J. Praisner whose vacant County Council seat is the subject of a special election set to be held May 13, won the Democratic primary in voting Tuesday night. His opponent will be Republican Mark D. Fennel.

According to the Gazette:

Praisner, 75, husband of former Councilwoman Marilyn J. Praisner, whose February death triggered the special election, had 44 percent with 3,288 votes with all precincts reporting. [Nancy] Navarro trailed with 39 percent and 2,940 votes.

Republican Mark D. Fennel, 42, a marketing analyst from Silver Spring, defeated candidate John McKinnis of Calverton in that party’s primary. Fennel had nearly 48 percent with 898 votes, while McKinnis had 41 percent and 771 votes.

The winners will square off in a District 4 special general election May 13.

The Gazette article is a good wrap so if you are interested I urge you to read it for the full scoop.

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Planning Commission Worksession On Twinbrook Next Week

While there are many issues that seem to be sucking up oxygen at the moment, others are perking along and should not be lost sight of. It's so easy to just look at what is in front of your nose and neglect other things.

One issue in particular that should not be neglected is the recommendations of the Planning Commission to the Mayor and Council on the Twinbrook Neighborhood Plan. This was a significant issue in many of the candidate interviews I performed during last year's City election.

The plan will be formally recommended by the Planning Commission to the Mayor and Council in May.

Next week, though, on April 23 at 7:00 pm, in City Hall, the Planning Commission will hold its final discussion on the draft plan, and give direction to staff on final changes that must be made before recommendation. (You can watch this meeting on The Rockville Channel).

The public record for comments on the draft plan has closed (it closed last Friday). You can go here to read a summary of the comments that had been received up to January of this year. Here is the actual Draft Plan. Many of the comments focus on retaining the unique neighborhood elements that make up Twinbrook in the face of pressure to redevelop to absorb projected population growth. There's concern that there are plans for a vast mixed-use development reminiscent of Town Square -- an approach which may stress this neighborhood more than it can easily accommodate. The Twinbrook Citizens Association has been following this issue closely and issued a set of recommendations for changes to the Plan, many of which make a lot of sense.

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The Allure of Artistic Collaboration

This month, both of our Rockville art galleries, VisArts and Glenview Mansion, feature collaborative exhibits. The creation of art is often viewed as a solo activity with an artist secluded in an isolated studio. My very limited artistic endeavors with painting and stained glass are often this way, as I become obsessed with each piece being exactly the way I want it to be. Don’t interrupt me, never mind try to work with me. With this in mind, I set out to experience collaboration.

VisArts - Metropolitan Center for the Visual Arts

At VisArts the four exhibit areas explore the concept of collaboration with tremendous results.

Kimonos and Woodcuts: Collaboration displays bright, exquisitely intricate kimonos made by weavers, embroiderers, painters, and designers. The design of each kimono has special meaning as to whether it is for formal or informal wear, or for a married or unmarried woman. How must it feel to wear the elaborate embroidery of birds or silken paintings of flowers?

Artists, carvers, printers, and publishers have worked together for centuries to produce woodcuts. The exhibit includes pieces from the most famous traditional Japanese woodcut artists. 100 Famous Views of Yedo Hiroshige from the later part of the 19th century, shows people in public places, on the street, at a window, or in the water. The blues with black outlines and grey shadows are expressive. The method, so simple and linear, creates a scene full of life with defined muscles and slight tilts of the head, so that closer inspection fascinates.

The Regional Gallery displays pieces done by artists working in different media. With my love of glass, the pieces combining fused glass with wood or wrought iron immediately beckoned. Both I can’t see the forest for the trees by Kathy Perry Lynch and Nick Vincent and Five Treasures by Eileen Martin and Janet Hines, produce a new edge for glass. (Both pictured here.)

The exhibit Quilting Bee to Fabric Art in the Gudelsky Portfolio Gallery does an excellent job of including pieces that allow us to see the separate part that each artist plays to complete the work. The inspiration for Georgetown on the Potomac was a photograph of the Key Bridge cut into nine strips. Each strip was given to a different artist and the nine different interpretations are mounted together. Amazingly, the result is consistent. What a wonderful way for all of us to learn to work together! I would especially love to try such a project with kids.

In the Minkoff Family Children’s Discovery Gallery, the artwork is still under construction. So if you bring children, they can collaborate by adding their own origami creatures to the tree.

In my heart, I know that VisArts will continue to inspire our community. Visit and experience the joy of these artists working together until May 26, 2008. Mon.- Sat. 10 AM-6 PM, Sun. Noon-5 PM. Find art to call your own in the gallery, the artist studios, or the new street-level gift shop.

Glenview Mansion Art Gallery at the Civic Center Park

Over at the Glenview Mansion Art Gallery, the exhibit, Interpretations: a collaborative exhibit, features the work of Robert Sibbison in collaboration with four different artists, Maria Barbaosa, Steven Dobbin, Doug Moulden, and Peter Whitting. He writes,

“Often when I view exhibits, I see work, or aspects of other artists’ work, which I find appealing, but what was appealing is not in my field of expertise. Almost two years ago, I encountered four other artists whose work I greatly admired…I decided to see if they would be interested in a collaborative project and all four agreed to try this experiment.”

The foyer to the left at the top of the stairs is a good starting point. Each artist has made a panel to display, providing an introduction to their work. The only thing the same is the dimensions. This understanding of their mediums and techniques allows the viewer to recognize their pieces and appreciate the combination of their talents in the rest of the show.

Doug Moulden creates thick layers of paint. Thin lines of color caress each other over a base, sometimes abstract and sometimes creating trees or fossils, encouraging the viewer to seek out his work and explore. Maria Barbosa’s use of cloth is illusive, almost invisible, with words not heard but there. Peter Whitting’s work is graphic with wood grain and the dark jolting out of color. Steven Dobbin is industrial and mechanical, metal looking without eyes.

Often when you visit a gallery with many different artists, the work feels disconnected. When viewing Interpretations, you encounter pieces created separately and together, so that the overall feeling is unity, a belonging. The friendships, exchanges, and familiarity create a cohesive energy that would be very special to possess and most are available for purchase. The exhibit is on display until April 29, 2008. Mon., Wed., Fri. 9 AM-4:30 PM; Tues. & Thurs. 9 AM-9 PM.

Perhaps someday, I’ll be lucky enough to know the pleasure of working with other artists, as collaborative efforts intertwine to create a special closeness.

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Contributor Opinion by Joseph Jordan: RedGate A Green Space

The following contributor opinion is by Rockville Central friend Joseph Jordan:

Redgate Golf Course is the single largest piece of open, green space left in the city. It has been a jewel in the city crown for 35 years. For 29 of those years the golf course enjoyed strong financial success, finishing in the black every year - until 2003. Yet, during every budget cycle, questions are raised about its fiscal performance. This is to expected, especially when it operates as an enterprise fund. It is the only Recreation and Parks entity left as such. The recent subsidies to the fund pale in comparison to those given to other city programs. Two years ago, light was shed on several things that had negative impact on the course's ability to sustain its' outstanding performance as a revenue generator. These factors included a 58% increase in administrative charges; a year when it rained more than it didn't; the summer of the sniper, when no one went outside; the summer when dozens of courses were hit with drought, then heavy rains and turf disease; outside, annual income promised to the golf course was taken away and redirected to another fund. These were all factors that led to significant decline in play and subsequent loss of revenue. It is this recent loss that now gets carried forward every year. It gives the appearance RedGate is doing worse than it is.

In an effort to remedy the situation and give the course a fighting chance, in 2006 a five year plan was drafted by staff and approved by the previous Mayor and Council. FY 08 marks the end of the second year of that five year plan, and it is my understanding that on a cash basis, Redgate did in fact finish in the black the first year and is on track to do so again in FY08.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I have been a strong advocate and supporter of the golf course. I have worked closely with Burt Hall (director of Recreation and Parks) and the golf course staff in helping come up with ways to improve service as well as revenues. I chair an advisory group that consists of players representing the diverse population using the golf course -- Asians, seniors, residents, non-residents, women, Hispanics. We established a volunteer program where players "adopt" holes and, on their own time, repair ball marks, seed tee boxes, etc. At my own expense, I have designed and conducted web based surveys that provided valuable information to Mr. Hall, as well as golf staff, on topics including course conditions, comparisons to other courses, fees, staff, pro shop, snack bar, tournament programs, etc. I mention all this because it is important to know what the players are willing to do to help the golf course succeed, as we ask for continued support.

We expect our elected officials to weigh and scrutinize discretionary expenses. I am not sure why Redgate is frequently singled out as the one city amenity to make a case for shutting down. Several years ago there was speculation selling the land could fund future Town Center development. There is a view by some that golf is an elitist sport and taxpayers are subsidizing such a sport. If you spent any time at Redgate you would quickly see nothing could be further from the truth. It is a melting pot of people from all walks of life looking to enjoy a few hours of outdoor recreation.There can be such things as amenities that bring value and prestige to the city that outweigh the bottom-line. I hasten to add some can also drive revenue in other areas. For example, many people playing golf at Redgate make a day of it...doing some shopping as well as staying in town for dinner and maybe a movie.

It is my understanding the RORZOR folks expressed concern about the possibility of the city selling the golf course . . . even parts of Glenview Mansion. The general consensus in RORZOR was that a developer-oriented Mayor and Council could, with three votes, sell off Redgate at will. I was told the city agreed to designate RedGate as "park zone" as opposed to residential. I don't think this has been done yet. There was a great deal of talk about a "Green Rockville" during last years election. There is nothing greener in the city than the acres of green grass, green trees and storm water management ponds that make RedGate the special place it is.

My passion for p