The Week That Was (Oct. 25-31)

College Gardens Elementary School is the current location of the Chinese Immersion Program

Here are this week’s top stories from Rockville Central. This feature appears every Sunday.

News

Rockville Real Estate Listings and Foreclosures 10/30/10 We’ve added Neighborhood Facts to our weekly listing and start by comparing Rockville incomes to state and national incomes.

Tips For A Safe Halloween Make sure to go over street safety before heading out tonight!

Agents Raid Former National Archives Department Head Home Agents removed boxes from the King Farm home belonging to the Motion Picture, Sound, and Video unit.

MCPS To Study Adding A New Elementary School In Rockville A school is proposed at the old Hungerford School location.

Rockville Police Reports (10-25-2010) The complete listing mapped out across the City.

Police Investigating Human Remains Found On Railroad Tracks Marc Service Suspended [Updated] The body was identified as William Donahoe, age 26, who lived on Patapsco Drive, close to the tracks.

Mayor And Council Hears About Parking At Pumphrey’s; Reviews New City Logos And Taglines (Mayor and Council Meeting 10/25/10) The highlights from the meeting you need to know.

Choice Hotels Is Moving To Town Center The decision is announced, but the location is not revealed.

Scooter Passenger In Veirs Mill Hit and Run Dies 16-year-old Noel Hernandez Mendoza has died from the injuries he sustained in the crash.

Opinion

Comic Strip: ROCK’burb We’ve added a new Saturday feature and welcome submissions of comic strips and cartoons about Rockville.

Contributor Opinion by Theresa Defino: A Rotten Phone Call Theresa Defino researched the rotten apple ballot campaign after receiving an automated phone call.

Reader Note by Tom Moore: Vote No On Question A Tom Moore’s position is based on his experiences inside the ambulances.

About The Rockville Brand Brad Rourke is underwhelmed by the choices and provides his own.

Music Review: Billy Coulter’s Live Verve His career started right out of Wootton High and now his band has a brand-new, high-quality live CD.

Events

Weekend to Weekend Pick: Glenview Mansion Art Don’t miss the opening exhibit and musical performance on Sunday, November 7th.

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Comic Strip: ROCK’burb

A few months ago we were tossing around ideas for new features on Rockville Central. We thought Saturday morning comics would be fun. Since I’ve always wanted to draw a comic strip, I’ve been imagining them in my head each week. Sometimes an idea pops up in my head and sometimes my whole family thinks up a panel about our lives here in Rockville. This week I decided to sketch out a quick first frame about one of our headlines.

ROCK'burb by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

Do you like to draw? We’re hoping we have other cartoonists who would be interested in submitting comic strips. If you have one about life in Rockville, please send it along! We’d love to see it and may even publish it. Remember, be nice! Email us: [email protected].

Rockville Real Estate Listings and Foreclosures 10/30/10

Our helpful weekly update of the foreclosures and properties for sale in our neighborhood. Check the price of the house for sale down the street or find out if any nearby homes are going through foreclosure.

Neighborhood Facts from Lisa Abrams
RE/MAX Realty Services, (O)301-652-0400, (C)301-437-6742 [email protected]

Income Comparisons

Click for larger image.

Properties for Sale in the Rockville area:

View Larger Map

Foreclosures Around Rockville

View Larger Map

If you are a local real estate broker and you would like to send along the details and a picture of one of your new listings, please email [email protected] and we’ll feature it. Advertising in this post is also available each week.

Tips For A Safe Halloween

Alexander Vincent's Jack O' Lantern. Photo by Tom Moore.

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) warns “Children are four times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other night of the year.” If you are driving on Sunday, make sure to go slow and watch out for Trick or Treaters.

If you are welcoming Trick or Treaters to your home:

Keep your porch lights on and eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Remove outdoor safety hazards such as toys, bicycles and lawn ornaments. Make sure the driveway and steps are cleared of leaves, which can be a slipping and falling hazard. Make sure that the driveway and walks are well lit for incoming trick-or-treaters. Replace burned-out or broken light bulbs. Pets get frightened on Halloween. Confine your pets for their safety and for that of trick or treaters.

For Parents:

As a parent, what can you do to keep your kids safe? First of all, review street-crossing rules before venturing out on Halloween. Make sure they know to:

• stop at all street corners
• cross only at intersections and crosswalks
• look left, right, and left before crossing the street
• continue looking both ways when they cross
• stay on the sidewalk
• don’t run in the street.

Stay with your children while Trick or Treating or make sure they are with a responsible adult. Only go to houses with lights on and never go into a house. If they’re old enough to trick-or-treat without an adult, make sure they are with a group because there is safety in numbers. Know the route they will take and tell them to avoid short cuts through backyards and alleys. Have them check in regularly.

Use reflective tape or decals on costumes. Don’t leave home without flashlights or glow sticks. Besides being safe, lights are fun!

Make sure the kids know to wait until they come home before eating anything. The treats should be inspected by an adult. Never let a child eat an unwrapped or partially wrapped treat.

Here are some additional fire safety tips from MCFRS:

Illuminate your jack-o’-lanterns with flashlights or battery-operated candles instead of real ones. You won’t have the worries of an open flame coming in contact with anything . . .or anyone.

If you do use candles, keep them well away from where trick or treaters will be walking or standing.

Review with your children the principle of “stop, drop and roll” should their clothes catch fire.

When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant. Shorter IS safer. Ensure costumes are not so long that children could trip and shoes should fit - - - even if they don’t go with the costume.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Contributor Opinion By Theresa Defino: A Rotten Phone Call

This Contributor Opinion is by Theresa Defino:

Photo by Brad Rourke

I was on the phone when the call came in, and not recognizing the number, I let it go to voicemail. I was surprised that the unknown caller actually left a message. When I heard it, my surprise turned to anger.

“Hi, are you frustrated with your elected officials?” she asked. Well, sometimes I am, with some….but which ones was she talking about?

“Recently, [the caller went on] The Washington Post exposed how the powerful teachers union controls the Apple Ballot. Because the Apple Ballot wins big in Montgomery county, candidates at all levels depend on it to get elected. Candidates can pay up to $6000 to the union.

Voters trust the teachers handing out the big Red Apple ballots and vote for the union-suggested candidates. But are they voting for the teachers’ choice? No, it’s the union’s choice.

Officials who depend on the Apple Ballot to get elected feel compelled to listen to the teachers’ union instead of voters. The Washington Post has called the apple ballot a toxic influence in Montgomery County.

Don’t be fooled by glossy candidate mailings that appear to be from candidates but are really from the MCEA [Montgomery County Education Association] union.

Teachers are great, but union control of Montgomery County is not. Learn more at rottenappleballot.com. Rotten apple ballot.com.”

Then she mumbled something fast about “removal from calls, press eight.”

Well, thanks, I don’t want any more calls like this, I thought, but you can’t press eight on a voice mail message.

I was stunned. By now I am used to robo calls but I usually expect to be told who to vote for, not against.

And I usually can easily tell who the message is from. I know that the electoral system, in my view, has recently been polluted since the Supreme Court’s Citizen United decision allowing the funding of ads by shadowy groups, but so far they’ve been about a candidates by name. Not this one.

I immediately went to the rottenappleballot.com website and was confronted with a huge, ugly photograph of-you guessed it. The only name I could find on the site was Ruth Jacobs, who identified herself as an “M.D.” with Maryland Citizens for a Responsible Government. I had never heard of her, or them.

After hunting around on the site, I still knew nothing about the organization behind this effort. More importantly, the message I again got was this: Vote against anyone on the Apple Ballot.

How’s that for educating the voters?

Wanting to know more, I dialed 301-641-4678 the number captured by caller ID, and heard an annoyed-sounding message from a woman saying to contact the organization by email only, and thanking me for “not leaving a message.” That’s rich-she can call me, but I can’t call her.

The phone message and the website made me furious for a number of reasons. The statement that candidates pay to be endorsed is patently false. The statement that elected officials listen only to the union and not voters is not only false , it’s nonsensical. Do union members not count as voters?

Two years ago, I was one of a handful of people who helped Laura Berthiaume get elected to the Board of Education. Laura was endorsed by MCEA but did not give the union a dime. She never was and two years later still is not beholden to the union. While critical of the union, The Post, by the way, never used the word “toxic” and made it clear that a number of candidates had not given MCEA money. And a 400-word editorial is not an “expose.”

When The Washington Post editorial board printed its “expose” of MCEA, Laura responded, noting that it is outgoing Superintendent Jerry Weast, not the board, that has “the coziest” relationship with the union.

The admonition to voters to “not be fooled” into thinking candidate materials came from the candidates shows basic distain for voters’ intellect. What I get from MCEA says MCEA and it’s not glossy. And what I get from candidates is from the candidates; I’m pretty sure I can tell the difference.

I also don’t buy that Montgomery County is “controlled” by this union or any other union. Seriously, the whole county? Why not mention the firefighters’ union or any other group that makes endorsements?

And really, I can’t even vote for folks who are running unopposed? Apparently I only have the rotten apples’ permission to vote in the District 3 County Council election, because MCEA didn’t endorse anyone in that race.

This “Maryland Citizens’” negative and deeply cynical message, right before the election, gave me a stomach ache, just like from eating a rotten apple.

Sure, I’ve voted for candidates on the Apple Ballot in the past and I am sure I will again. I’ve also given my support to those, such as Cheryl Kagan, who did not win that endorsement.

But I decide who to vote for, after studying the issues and candidates as best I can. And I surely won’t vote against an entire slate just because one decidedly unpleasant, semi-anonymous phone caller told me I should.

Theresa Defino

This is a Contributor Opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such pieces for consideration — the more voices the better. Simply send them to [email protected]. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

Please also note that Rockville Central does not endorse candidates in election campaigns. Supporters of all candidates are encouraged to submit opinion pieces for consideration.

POTD: Foot In Mouth

I was walking along and thought to myself, “Oh, just another skeleton.” Then I saw what this one was doing!

Enjoy your trick-or-treating on Sunday!

Weekend to Weekend Pick 10/28/10: Glenview Mansion Art

Art exhibit openings provide an opportunity to speak with artists to learn about their methods and discuss the creative process. Since many work alone in their studios, they relish the chance to interact and explain the intricacies of their creations. The Glenview Mansion Art Gallery gives regional artists the chance to sell their work and meet the public. Usually on the first Sunday of the month, the City hosts an opening reception with musical entertainment. Free to the public, the event always lifts the spirits. This month should be no exception.

Meet the Artists & Opening Reception

Sunday, November 7, 2010
1:30 - 3:30 PM
Glenview Mansion Art Gallery
With a Sunday Afternoon Concert Featuring the U.S. Navy Band – Chamber Ensemble from 2 to 3 PM.

This month’s artists:
Michael Ian Goulding – gelatin silver photographs
Jackie Hoysted – acrylic on pastel paper
Mara Odette – sculpture
Hussein Saidi – mixed media collages

The Exhibit will be on display in the Mansion from November 7th to 30th.

Gallery Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 AM to 4:30 PM; Tuesday, Thursday, 9 AM to 9 PM.
Closed official holidays.

Reader Note by Tom Moore: Vote No On Question A

Medic 39 from the RVFD Website

This Reader Note from Tom Moore concerns the November 2, 2010 Ballot Question A on the Emergency Medical Services Transport Fee.

When I served as an ambulance driver for the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department, one of my specialties (other than splendid medical care) was convincing reluctant patients to go to the hospital in my ambulance when I judged it necessary for them do so. I enjoyed the challenge, and was called upon to practice it more often than you might guess.

It is a delicate discussion to conduct — you want to make the point to the patient that their injury or illness could become quite serious or fatal if ignored, yet you don’t want to go overboard and frighten them to death on the spot. It was a difficult enough task without the significant added complication of trying to explain to a seriously sick or injured patient the details of a county ambulance fee.

I am convinced that I saved a few lives over the years by persuading my patients to go to the hospital to get the care they needed. I am similarly convinced that an ambulance fee will cost lives over time by being just one more reason why ambulance patients refuse treatment.

I strongly urge a “No” vote on Question A.

Tom Moore

This is a Reader Note. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us us if you would like to submit something!

Agents Raid Former National Archives Department Head Home

Our good friends at TBD.com are reporting that National Archives agents have raided the Rockville home of a former Archives department head and have seized a large amount of material.

The former department head, Leslie Waffen, had worked at the Archives for 40 years and was most recently in charge of the agency’s Motion Picture, Sound, and Video unit. This department worked on preserving the only known audio recording of the John F. Kennedy assassination, as well as the Zapruder film. Waffen retired in June.

The Archives Inspector General confirmed to TBD.com that Archives agents had searched a home in Rockville, and a spokesperson for the U.S. Marshall’s Service confirmed that the Marshalls had helped Archives agents search Waffen’s home on Saddle Ridge Lane (in King Farm).

Waffen was not arrested and was not charged with a crime.

According to the TBD.com article:

A law enforcement official familiar with the details of the search said agents arrived with a moving truck and an extensive list of items they were seeking. Archives investigators located boxes of materials and “identified [the items] right away as theirs” in a basement room and, after securing the contents, removed the boxes from the house and loaded them onto the truck.

We know our readers must surely be curious as to what was in the boxes, but we don’t know. When and if we find out, we will pass it on.

About The Rockville ‘Brand’

I have been following the progress of Rockville’s “branding effort” since it began, for a number of reasons. First, I’m interested because I was asked to serve on the citizen’s committee that did an initial review of the consultant proposals for the work. This is something I was grateful and proud to be asked to do.

But, much more important to me are the other two reasons. In the first place, I love Rockville and it’s my home. In the second place, my career is focused on the intersection of public life and communications. I’ve been curious about how the branding initiative would play out.

Now that the consulting firm (a partnership, actually, of two firms: Return On Investment and Community Retail Catalysts) has made its report and delivered its suggestions for a brand and tagline, I feel it is appropriate to speak up. This is just one person’s opinion, so I hope you will take it with a grain of salt. It’s also important to know that I did vote for ROI/CRC as a finalist in the original committee I served on. I am not just airing longstanding gripes or sour grapes or anything like that.

But, having watched both the initial report on the research in August and the final presentation this week, I confess to being underwhelmed.

What’s A Place Brand?

First, it’s useful to understand what we mean when we say we are going to “brand” a place.

“Branding” doesn’t just mean slapping a logo on things and taking out a few ads and sending some press releases – though that is what many people imagine when they hear about it. Done well, a branding effort tries to find and articulate what makes a place unique in a way that is engaging to decision makers.

My wife does branding for a living and since she’s not in the room, I can brag on her. She’s one of the top consultants in branding schools and colleges in the nation. She makes a point to clients that is probably the most important thing to know about a brand. A brand is not just a collection of good things. It is a unique collection of good things that intersects with what the market is looking for. My wife calls this the “sweet spot.”

What is the “market” for a place brand? Who is the audience? Well, simply put, it’s everybody. It’s established businesses considering whether to move here, and businesses considering whether to leave here. It’s families moving to the area, trying to decide where to live (as my family did in 2002, when we moved here from Maine). It’s entrepreneurs trying to decide where to put their start-up. It’s government agencies trying to decide where to put that new lab. It’s the people who live and work in Rockville, seeking support for the strong allegiance they feel for hometown.

Because the audience is so broad, place branding brings with it special challenges. It is easy to try to please too many people and so please nobody. It also has added political challenges. Everyone deserves a say, and it is easy for people to wind up feeling excluded.

Place branding can be a real bear. I have great respect for the firms who tackle it.

What Goes Into A Brand

Typically, when developing a brand, there are three aspects to what is delivered.

First is the research. Whoever is doing the work should look deeply, and broadly, finding that collection of good things that at the same time distinguish the client from other good things. What’s uniquely good about the client (in this instance, Our Fair City)? In some cases, that thing that is unique is actually a collection of things, any one of which alone might actually not be unique. But, together, they add up to a distinguishing set of characteristics.

The capstone of the research – the main, most important, product – is the brand statement. This is the distillation of all the research and is the blueprint for everything that follows. It’s the most important product of a branding process.

With the brand statement in hand, the client has a map for what kinds of things to emphasize and play off of in its communications. That includes what is said as well as what is shown. For instance, think of a large university that nevertheless has been able to foster an intimate, individual feel for students. Its basic brand position might include that interesting juxtaposition. Many prospective students might be worried about getting lost at a large research institution, but here you’ll find a home. In its materials, the school is not going to show aerial photos of large campus events or huge auditoriums with massive lectures – it will instead show close ups of individuals in one-on-one meetings with professors. That’s just an example of how the brand statement or blueprint can inform how an institution talks about itself.

It’s not “marketing” or “pr.” It’s finding what matters and making it clear.

The second thing that is delivered is a tagline. A brief statement. Sometimes a fragment. A tagline typically is what people see right next to whatever logo there is. It conveys and reinforces an impression. Once an institution has figured out what its “sweet spot” is, it is worth repeating this. Why? Because that helps people to articulate what they know about a place. The tagline should reinforce the brand statement.

The third thing that the client gets is what’s called the “creative.” This is usually a range of ideas for what that brand blueprint might look like in reality.These visuals should also reinforce the brand statement and tagline. For instance, a long-established bank whose unique strength is its longevity and tradition does not want bright purple and whimsical colors.

So the keys are:

• Brand statement rooted in research
• Tagline connected to brand statement
• Visuals that reinforce the above

What Was Delivered

Brand Statement

The brand statement that ROI/CRC developed is:

“Rockville is justifiably regarded as one of America’s top, small cities for work, for play and for life. It is the upscale and highly educated, business-friendly home to some of the nation’s and the world’s most prominent biomed and technology companies and blessed by proximity to the resources of the world’s most powerful city, Washington, D.C. And Rockville is a city that remembers and reveres its roots, its commitment to citizen-centric public service, to the planet and to the connectivity of its neighborhoods and residents.”

Let me make sure it is clear, first of all, that I think ROI/CRC did an effective bit of research. They did an environmental scan, used the myriad and comprehensive databases available to them, and made attempts at gathering public input through a handful of small community meetings, and through a branding survey. With more resources at their disposal, they might well have mounted a more visible public campaign to gather broader-based input, but the contract to do the work was relatively modest ($75,000 — I am not saying that is a small sum, but it is in the midrange of what things like this cost).

With all that in mind, the branding statement is accurate enough. However, I agree with Councilmember John Britton who reacted at Monday night’s meeting that it felt “limiting.” Mayor Phyllis Marcuccio also felt that it was not quite there, a sentiment with which I agree.

To me, it felt like it only scratched the surface. And, more important, it missed key pieces that drive the very points it is trying to make. (For instance, one reason Rockville is such a biotech powerhouse is how close we are to the major federal labs. That is relevant to the brand statement as it is a distinguishing characteristic.)

In August, reacting to the initial research that was presented, Councilmember Bridget Donnell Newton said, “It took the communications task force six months to tell us for free what you just told us. I think there is a whole segment of the population that would take umbrage at what you just told us.” That’s a good point. I don’t know if folks would necessarily be angry, but I do know there are a lot of people who simply would not see themselves reflected in the brand position statement.

And, if the brand statement does not reflect reality — everyone’s reality — it can’t do its job.

Taglines

ROI/CRC delivered three possible taglines:

• “The World Class City That Feels Like Home”
• “Find The Good Life In A Great City”
• “Get Into It”

To work the way they should, the taglines need to connect to the brand statement. The first one sort of does, though it is boringly phrased. (Sorry, I’m just sayin’.)

The second might work if the audience were only upscale residents looking to relocate but it holds out little for someone who is deciding where to put their new company.

I agree with Councilmember Mark Pierzchala’s observation on Monday that these taglines seem “too wordy.”

The third just feels like a generic phrase that could apply to any city any where. In fact, it could almost apply to any thing. Knowing how these things go, I assumed that it was just the third option the consultants presented because they had to present three. I can’t see any way that the “get into it” tagline connects to the brand statement. (If any decision makers are reading this, I beg of you, please do not go with tagline #3.)

Visuals

Finally, there were three visuals presented:

Click for full size

Click for full size

Click for full size

The first two are OK, in my book. But just OK. They look sort of like what you think of when you think “city logo.”

The first has a somewhat archaic typeface that gives a nice sense of history. The second is overly official. The third is the most appealing from the standpoint of accessibility and visual appeal. As Mayor Marcuccio pointed out on Monday, it nicely uses the little red cross from the Maryland flag (and Rockville flag) over the “i.”

However, I also agree with her that the three-color “R” leaves something to be desired. It looks too much like corporate logos you see every day. The problem with this is that it is supposed to become an identifiable element – so when you see the “R” you think “Rockville.” However, to develop that impression, we would have to put lots and lots of money behind using it in ads and other communications. (Think of the Facebook “f” logo. Would you know what it was if it was not ubiquitous? Me neither.) I think the “R” is too generic, though I may be wrong.

Worse in #3, and something I feel on more solid ground about, is that squiggly swoosh underneath. While it currently is in vogue and has been for a few years (Amazon, Nike, Northrop Grumman), the squiggle will eventually be as dated as avocado-colored appliances. As I make this critique, I am mindful of Councilmember Piotr Gajewski’s point Monday that “We’re not getting into this exercise every three years. I am looking to get 20 years of life out of this.”

But a bigger problem with the squiggle in #3 is that other places are using it. Look at Fort Collins, Colorado:

Look at the little hillside under the tree on McKinney, Texas’ logo:

How did I pick these places to show you? They have each gone through branding processes that resulted in their current logos.

My point here is that we should avoid dating ourselves and from looking like just any other town.

Some Possibly Constructive Ideas

I don’t just like to criticize things. I feel like if you are going to criticized, you can be most helpful if you have a better idea to offer. Or at least another idea. While I felt it important to present as clear a critique as I could, I did not want to just leave it at that. That would not be fair.

I am no visual artist, so I cannot present alternative logos. Besides, overall I like the visual for #3 only without the squiggle and probably without the “R.”

However, I can make suggestions for the brand statement and tagline.

So I went ahead and took my own crack at a “brand statement” for Rockville. I rooted it in ROI/CRC’s research, in REDI’s information, in what I have heard people say in public meetings and private gatherings – and my own sense of why I am proud to be here. I know it is too long, but what the hey.

Once I had the statement, I decided to go ahead and suggest a tagline too.

I am not putting this forward to start a competition or to create a controversy. If it gets used in any way, that’s great. If it spurs conversation – even better. If it gets rejected and ridiculed – that’s OK too.

But we are trying to develop a 20-year identity for the hometown we love. I think it’s important that as many voices as possible step forward.

And so, here is one possible tagline and brand statement:

Rockville. World Class Home Town.

Rockville can boast multiple national awards placing it among the top cities in which to work and live. With good reason.

Rockville, the third largest city in Maryland, is the county seat of Montgomery County and is just 20 minutes from the nation’s capital. It has a rich history spanning centuries.

While many new residents choose Rockville due to its convenience and excellent amenities, many other families have been here for generations. This mix creates a unique place where world-class lives right alongside neighborly and they thrive together. For both new and established residents, it is their hometown.

Rockville’s public schools are consistently among the top in the nation. Its city services, including public safety as well as parks and recreation, are the envy of the national capital region and beyond. Its city government is open and responsive, and known nationally as a leader in green building and policies.

The people and neighborhoods of Rockville are highly diverse, highly connected, and highly educated. Its adult population is among the most-educated in the region and the nation. Its Internet connection rate is among the highest in the nation. Its median income is over $86,000.

Four higher education institutions have significant campuses in Rockville including Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland, and Montgomery College.

Rockville’s business climate benefits from its proximity to the key federal research labs. With 10 of the top 25 biosciences companies headquartered in Rockville, it has one of the greatest concentrations of biomedical and technology firms in the world. Rockville is committed to policies that provide the infrastructure business needs, from business incubators, fiber optic connectivity, workforce education, housing, and resources.

What do you think? I hope you will reply in the comments!

POTD: Hang Time

The contrast between the lawn swing chain and the branch just fascinated me.

MCPS To Study Adding A New Elementary School In Rockville

College Gardens Elementary School is the current location of the Chinese Immersion Program

Today Montgomery County Public Schools announced a recommendation to construct a new elementary school on West Edmonston Drive, at the site of the former Hungerford Park Elementary School. The new school would provide relief to the four elementary schools in the Richard Montgomery cluster—Beall, College Gardens, Ritchie Park and Twinbrook—all of which are above capacity.

Superintendent of Schools, Jerry D. Weast, will recommend the study as part of the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for Fiscal Year 2012, which will be released on Thursday, October 28. If approved, the study will determine the scope and cost of building the new school.

Part of the recommendation involves moving the district-wide Chinese Immersion Program from College Gardens to the new elementary school when it is built. The program’s 150 students would remain at College Gardens until the new school is built without any significant changes to the program.

In the announcement, Dr. Weast explained:

Rockville is seen by many as a great place for families to live and send their child to school. However, this creates a need for more classroom space now and in the future. We must work to address these needs as soon as possible.

MCPS also acknowledges:

In addition to a new elementary school, the magnitude of space deficits in the Richard Montgomery Cluster may require one or more classroom additions at Beall, Ritchie Park, and/or Twinbrook elementary schools. With the completion of all of the capacity studies, a comprehensive plan to address the capacity needs of the Richard Montgomery cluster elementary schools will be developed as part of the FY 2013–2018 CIP, to be released in fall 2011.

The CIP also recommends studying the cost and scope of an addition at the cluster’s only middle school, Julius West, which is expected to be 300 students over capacity by 2016.

Every two years, the county approves a six-year Capital Improvements Program, which includes school facilities and infrastructure projects. In alternate years, such as FY 2012, only CIP amendments are considered. As we reported in our story on school overcrowding, funds to build an addition at Ritchie Park Elementary are being considered as an amendment to the FY2010 CIP. Beall and Twinbrook are both in the middle of feasibility studies to determine if additions will be added.

Dr. Weast’s full CIP amendment recommendations will be discussed by the Board of Education at a work session on November 4th. Public hearings on the CIP will be held on Wednesday, November 10th and Thursday, November 11th. The Richard Montgomery Cluster has been encouraging concerned parents to attend the public hearings. After the hearings, the Board of Education is expected to vote on the CIP recommendations on November 18th. Then the Board’s recommendations are forwarded to County Executive Isiah Leggett for consideration as part of the County’s Capital Budget which will be released in January 2011.

Music Review: Billy Coulter’s Live Verve

Photo from Billy Coulter

“I loved live albums growing up because of the excitement and exhilaration,” shared Billy Coulter during my interview. With the release of his new CD, Trace, he now has one of his own. His band recorded the entire album in one session last May with Goose Creek Entertainment where producer, Mike Pugh, and managing partner, Stuart Martin, specialize in live CD/DVD projects.

Fans have been calling out the names of the songs during his recent shows. Billy credits this enthusiasm to the album’s lighthearted and positive tone:

My first album was deep emotional thinking and feeling but these are a lot of fun and really positive songs. We’re getting great feedback.

Billy credits the quality of the album to the fine musicians playing with him rather than “studio magic”. The CD is a testament to his band and “what they sound like for real”. Although they were nervous to record and also videotape the session, they had a terrific time that night. Their spirit and enthusiasm shined through while playing their road-tested favorites along with five brand-new songs. Since the recording spans a range of influences that include rockabilly, Celtic, country and pop, the album is a slight departure from their usual classic roots rock.

“I’m very fortunate to have success at my age,” admits Billy. Of course, success is how you measure it. He has always had two simple goals: to play regularly and to earn the respect of his peers. With shows every month at locales such as Rams Head, Birchmere, Strathmore, Barns of Wolf Trap, and IOTA, he certainly plays regularly. Having been nominated for more than 30 WAMMIEs since 2004, his fellow musicians do affirm his talent.

Looking back, Billy’s career started with some success too. When he graduated from Wootton High School, he learned 40 songs in two weeks to play guitar with his older sister’s New Wave band, Insert. Then they won the Rising Stars of Washington contest on Channel 9. For 19-to-20 year olds, the experience was very exciting. He started to write songs and play in college, but then his adult life and career took over and he stopped for a long time.

In 2000 he started writing songs again and met Steve Thoma (Fleetwood Mac, Glenn Frey) when he was on vacation. Steve invited him to come to California and worked with him to produce a seven-song demo. The trip gave him confidence and courage to pursue his music. In 2003 the songs were remixed and produced in part by WAMMIE-winner Marco Delmar. In 2008, Billy also released a 10-song CD titled Dose which was produced by Delmar.

At the beginning of next year, he’ll have a formal CD Release Party. Right now he’s selling them at shows and, of course, you can buy the CDs online.

Since the band has played on the Rooftop and at Hometown Holidays, we’ll probably have to wait until warmer weather to hear him play in Rockville, which Billy describes as “a wonderful place to grow up and still a great city.”

If you are interested in hearing the band locally, their annual Christmas Show will be at the Café in Damascus on December 11, 2010 from 7 – 10 PM.

We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in or about Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us, [email protected], if you would like to submit something!

Rockville Police Reports (10-25-2010)

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Here is the latest Rockville police report, in list form and also all mapped out for you.

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Please note that just being arrested does not mean someone is guilty. We’re all innocent until proven otherwise.

A R R E S T S

ILLEGAL DRUG ARRESTS

• 10/16/10-(3:50 a.m. – 4:00 a.m.) Luis Mario Pilligua, M, age 29, of Rockville, was arrested for possession of CDS-marijuana, possession of CDS-paraphernalia and for urinating in public following a complaint in the 1900 block of Veirs Mill Road. Mr. Pilligua was transported to the Central Processing Unit for processing.
• 10/19/10-(2:55 p.m.) Keith Robert Cook, M, age 45, and Christopher Eric Winger, M, age 42, both of Gaithersburg, were arrested for: Mr. Cook for possession of CDS-paraphernalia; Mr. Winger for driving on a suspended license, driving on a revoked license and privilege, and fail to attach license plates front and rear, following a traffic stop in the 400 block of Crabb Avenue. Mr. Cook was issued a criminal citation and released. Mr. Winger was transported to the Central Processing Unit for processing.
• 10/20/10-(11:05 p.m.) John Milford Kemper V, M, age 18, of Rockville, was arrested for CDS-paraphernalia following a complaint in the 600 block of Edmonston Drive. Mr. Kemper was issued a criminal citation and released.
• 10/21/10-(12:30 p.m. – 12:41 p.m.) Mr. Richard Bui, M, age 19, of Takoma Park, was arrested for possession of CDS-paraphernalia following a complaint in the 300 block of Martins Lane. Mr. Bui was issued a criminal citation and released.
• 10/21/10-(4:00 p.m.) Male juvenile, age 17, of Montgomery Village, was arrested for possession of CDS-marijuana following a complaint in the 800 block of First Street. The male juvenile was transported to the Rockville City Police Department for processing and released into the custody of his mother.
• 10/22/10-(12:12 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.) Oliver Tony Alba, M, age 21, of North Horners Lane, was arrested for possession of CDS-marijuana and possession of CDS-paraphernalia following a traffic stop at the intersection of Lincoln Street and North Horners Lane. Mr. Alba was transported to the Central Processing Unit for processing.
• 10/22/10-(12:32 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.) Male juvenile, age 15, of Rockville, was arrested for possession of CDS-marijuana and possession of CDS-paraphernalia following a complaint at the intersection of Mount Vernon Place and Blandford Street. The male juvenile was transported to the Rockville City Police Department for processing and released into the custody of his mother.

ASSAULT ARRESTS

• 10/19/10-(10:00 a.m. – 10:46 a.m.) Male juvenile, age 13, of Silver Spring, was arrested for 2nd degree assault following a complaint in the 14500 block of Avery Road. The male juvenile was transported to the Noyes Center for processing.
• 10/19/10-(8:25 p.m. – 8:32 p.m.) Benjamin Orellana Lainez, M, age 28, of no fixed address, was arrested for 1st and 2nd degree assault, reckless endangerment and possession of a dangerous weapon (knife) following a complaint in the 2000 block of Veirs Mill Road. Mr. Orellana Lainez was transported to the Central Processing Unit for processing.
• 10/20/10-(7:20 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.) Robert Andrew Warmack, M, age 21, of Silver Spring, was arrested for 2nd degree assault, malicious destruction of property and disorderly conduct following a complaint in the 14700 block of Avery Road. Mr. Warmack was transported to the Central Processing Unit for processing.

THEFT ARRESTS

• 10/22/10-(1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.) Aaron Jason Fortney, M, age 33, of Gaithersburg, was arrested for shoplifting, possession of CDS-marijuana and possession of CDS-paraphernalia following a complaint in the 1500 block of Rockville Pike. Mr. Fortney was transported to the Central Processing Unit for processing.

OTHER ARRESTS

10/19/10-(6:03 p.m.) Nicholas George Miranda, Jr., M, age 53, of Rockville, was arrested for drinking in public parking lot/shopping center following a complaint in the 2200 block of Veirs Mill Road. Mr. Miranda was issued a citation and released.

• 10/20/10-(10:00 p.m. – 10:03 p.m.) Carletter Freeman Picot, M, age 42, of Suitland, was arrested for malicious destruction of property following a complaint in the 400 block of College Parkway. Ms. Picot was transported to the Central Processing Unit for processing.
• 10/23/10-10/24/10-(11:50 p.m. – 12:05 a.m.) Alexander Rene Orellana Diaz, M, age 29, of no fixed address; Alejador R. Cruz, M, age 43; Israel Maurcio, M, age 29, both of Rockville; and Julio Cesar Gonzales, M, age 36, of Silver Spring, were arrested for drinking alcoholic beverages in public following a complaint at the intersection of Veirs Mill Road and Atlantic Avenue. Mr. Orellana Diaz, Mr. Cruz, Mr. Maurcio and Mr. Gonzales were issued citations and released.
• 10/24/10-(3:12 a.m.) Kevin Lamont Moore, M, age 20, of Germantown, was arrested for possession of alcohol by a person under the age of 21, following a complaint at the intersection of Maryland Avenue and Monument Street. Mr. Moore was issued a citation and released.
• 10/24/10-(2:35 a.m. – 2:38 a.m.) Daniel Jose Trujillo Esmeral, M, age 19, of Germantown, was arrested for possession of alcohol by a person under the age of 21 following a complaint in the 300 block of Hungerford Drive. Mr. Trujillo Esmeral was issued a citation and released.

DUI ARRESTS

• 10/16/10-(12:30 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.) Brian Thomas Mocca, M, age 30, of Silver Spring, was arrested for driving under the influence following a traffic stop in the 1200 block of Clagett Drive. Mr. Mocca was transported to the Rockville City Police Department for processing and released.
• 10/24/10-(2:36 a.m.) Emily Lucy Abril, F, age 27, of North Potomac, was arrested for driving under the influence following a traffic stop at the intersection of West Montgomery Avenue and Research Boulevard. Ms. Abril was transported to the Rockville City Police Department for processing and released.
• 10/24/10-(7:50 a.m. – 7:57 a.m.) Jose Anibal Meja-Diaz, M, age 23, of Rockville, was arrested for driving under the influence following a traffic accident at the intersection of Henry Road and Halsey Road. Mr. Meja-Diaz was transported to the Rockville City Police Department for processing. During the course of the investigation, it was learn that Mr. Meja-Diaz had an outstanding warrant. Mr. Meja-Diaz was then transported to the Central Processing Unit for service of the warrant.

I N C I D E N T S

THEFTS

• 08/19/10-10/18/10-(4:09 p.m. – 4:10 p.m.) 12400 block of Twinbrook Parkway, unknown suspect(s) removed a microphone from a music store.
• 10/12/10-10/13/10 –(10:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.) 1500 block of Kimblewick Road, unknown suspect(s) removed an Ipod, a GPS and U.S. currency from an unlocked vehicle.
• 10/13/10-10/14/10-(7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.) 1600 block of Gruenther Avenue, unknown suspect(s) removed a GPS from an unlocked vehicle.
• 10/18/10-(6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) 1300 block of East Gude Drive, unknown suspect(s) removed U.S. currency, 2 credit cards, from two purses that were in an unlocked vehicle.
• 10/19/10-10/20/10-(6:00 p.m. – 8:15 a.m.) 1000 block of Kennon Court, unknown suspect(s) removed U.S. currency, a gift card and a credit card from an unlocked vehicle.
• 10/20/10-(3:30 p.m. – 3:35 p.m.) 600 block of Azalea Drive, unknown suspect(s) removed a cell phone, a wallet containing credit cards and U.S. currency and a watch from a maintenance office at an apartment complex.
• 10/20/10-10/21/10-(10:00 p.m. – 5:14 a.m.) 1900 block of Lancashire Drive, unknown suspect(s) removed a laptop, a pair of shoes, a suit, a cell phone and books from a vehicle.
• 10/21/10-10/22/10-(9:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.) Unit block of Ingleside Court, unknown suspect(s) removed a GPS from an unlocked vehicle.
• 10/23/10-10/24/10-(12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.) 300 block of Croydon Avenue, unknown suspect(s) removed a cell phone from an unlocked vehicle.
• 10/23/10-(9:00 p.m. – 11:20 a.m.) 500 block of Pinewood Road, unknown suspect(s) removed a GPS from a locked vehicle.

BURGLARIES

• 10/14/10-10/17/10-(11:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.) 1500 block of Crawford Drive, unknown suspect(s) gained access through an unlocked shed door. Once inside the unknown suspect(s) removed a dremel kit, 2 drill bits, 2 pairs of pliers, a wheeled glass rippers, and a Tyro pistol grip supercutter.
• 10/18/10-(7:33 p.m. – 8:25 a.m.) 800 block of King Farm Boulevard, Commercial, unknown suspect(s) gained access into an office suite by unknown means. Once inside the unknown suspect(s) removed 3 laptop computers.
• 10/20/10-(12:01 a.m. – 5:40 p.m.) 700 block of Douglas Avenue, Residential, unknown suspect(s) gained access by forcing open a rear basement door of a residence. Nothing taken.
• 10/23/10-(11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) 1100 block of Havencrest Street, Residential, unknown suspect(s) gained access by unknown means through a rear basement door. Nothing taken.

POTD: Slam

This neighborhood backboard has been this way for a while . . . I like to imagine what kind of dunk it took to produce this effect.