Quick Quiz: Have You Been Paying Attention In November?

Look back at the happenings in November and find out how closely you’ve been reading. Do you know what’s been going on in Rockville? Take the quiz!

1. Peerless Rockville’s 2010 Ornament is of which building?

a. Rockville Memorial Library
b. Wire Hardware Store
c. Burbank’s
d. Red Brick Courthouse

Answer

2. Montgomery County Liquor Stores will now be open:

a. until midnight
b. on Sundays
c. on holidays
d. earlier on Saturday morning

Answer

3. During major snow storms you must now park your vehicles:

a. only in garages
b. on the lawn
c. on the even side of the street
d. on the odd side of the street

Answer

4. Pumphrey Funeral Home was granted permission to add a:

a. cemetery
b. horse and carriage barn
c. parking lot
d. coffee house

Answer

5. In regards to wealth, Montgomery County is:

a. ranked in the top quarter of median incomes
b. ranked sixth in the country
c. ranked above all counties in the Washington DC area
d. too rich to count

Answer

Too easy? How’d you do?

Great Falls Road Closure This Saturday

Scheduled maintenance will create a detour on great Falls Road this Saturday (Dec. 4), according to the City of Rockville. This from the traffic department:

The Department of Public Works (DPW) will install a sanitary sewer house connection at 402 Great Falls Road on Saturday, Dec. 4. This work requires Great Falls Road to be closed to vehicular traffic in both directions in front of 402 Great Falls Road, between Monument Street/Rose Petal Way and Dale Drive. All through traffic will be detoured around this location from 9 a.m. to 5p.m. Construction work will not impact or restrict access into driveways. Work will take place weather permitting.

Contributor Review by Michele Nguyen: Rock for Robert Full of SPIRIT

Mercury in Summer Photo by Georgia Yang

Last week the Rock for Robert concert kicked off the fundraising for the SPIRIT Foundation in honor of Robert Yin and a $50,000 contribution was announced. Thanks to Michele Nguyen for sharing this special occasion with us and describing why everyone loved Robert so much.

On November 24, 2010, the “Rock for Robert” benefit concert was held at Thomas S. Wootton High School. The concert was held in honor of Robert Yin, a beloved Wootton Class of 2008 alumnus attending Grinnell College, who passed away on May 17, 2010 following a fatal pole vaulting accident at the NCAA 2010 Midwest Track and Field Championships held at Illinois College. The benefit concert was organized by Georgia Yang and Brad Harlan, friends and classmates of Robert to raise funds for the new annual SPIRIT Scholarship to be given in Robert’s memory.

Crowd Photo by Georgia Yang

The concert featured an eclectic mix of music from seven ensemble and solo artists who each held a personal connection to Robert, and performed as a tribute to him. “Robert was one of the first people there in my musical career when I first started, he was like my musical buddy,” says guitarist/songwriter CJ Uy, “ I thought that by playing music, I could really help remember him.”

Robert’s former a cappella group at Wootton, The Supertonics kicked off the concert with harmonized ballads. Former track teammate Henry Nam followed with an original composition titled Yin Elegy on acoustic guitar. Also featured in the concert were: Landon classmate CJ Uy (Sidwell ’08), Landon ’08 classmate Derek Defensor, Wootton ’08 classmate and drummer Brendan McCusker with his band Mercury in Summer, Wootton ’08 classmate Peter Tran, and Wootton ’03 alumnus Zia Hassan. Together, these up and coming musicians treated the audience to an unforgettable concert that celebrated Robert’s life.

Robert’s wide-ranging influence on the community was evident in the diversity of the attendees at the concert, where his former teammates from his cross country and track and field days were present alongside his fellow chambers chorus members.

Robert's Mom, Sandra Giger on left, Brother Alex Yin on Right. Photo by Georgia Yang

For many attendees, including myself, this was our first time returning to Wootton High School since our graduation in 2008. “I saw so many people who I haven’t seen since I graduated,” noted Robert’s younger brother Alex Yin, “it was such a good event for people to come together and hang out.” The concert’s venue not only represented where we went to high school, but it was the place where most of us came to know and love Robert. It was in these halls that we would hear Robert’s contagious maniacal laugh, or run into his comforting surprise bear hugs. Coming back to Wootton High School for the concert was symbolic of our days in high school with Robert.

As concert-goers entered the event, there were only smiles and hugs as old friends reunited, and former classmates reacquainted. A sense of intimacy and nostalgia filled the air with the realization that the 200+ guests in attendance were connected to each other with the common link that is Robert. This is only a small measure of Robert’s greatness, that even after he is no longer with us, his ability to bring people together still remains. “That’s probably what he would have been doing anyway,” says Georgia Yang co-coordinator of the event, “just hanging out with all of us for Thanksgiving.”

The concert’s timing is significant in that it was held the night before Thanksgiving- a time when we celebrate the good in our lives and show appreciation for the things we are thankful for- something Robert never had any trouble demonstrating. Robert always openly cared for those he loved, and this was echoed by the number of people who attended the concert to support him

All smiles while volunteering. Photo by Georgia Yang.

The theme for giving was donations in the amount of $21 in honor of what would have been Robert’s 21st birthday on December 12, 2010. Bracelets etched with “Yeaaa Boi” a popular catch phrase that Robert informally coined and W.W.R.D (What Would Robert Do) were sold for $5 to serve as a reminder of Robert’s legacy. The concert raised $1,364.12, along with a pledge for $50,000 from an anonymous donor towards the SPIRIT Scholarship. “It was very touching to see such a tremendous outpour of affection for Robert,” says Ian Akisoglu, emcee for the event and classmate of Robert.

The SPIRIT Scholarship is a reflection of how Robert is remembered by those who love him and the traits that made Robert, Robert. Beginning with the graduating class of 2011, one Wootton High School senior will be chosen to receive $5,000, through the SPIRIT Scholarship. This student will demonstrate SPIRIT, an acronym for the ability to Show Potential, Integrity, Responsibility, and Inspire Thousands, as Robert did.

Robert’s family and friends formed the Robert Yin SPIRIT Foundation Inc. in order to support charitable projects that embody SPIRIT. In addition to the scholarship, the foundation will support education-oriented projects such as music and performing arts, track and field sports, and sports safety. To donate to any of these projects, please visit RememberRobert.org to donate securely online, or mail a check payable to the Robert Yin SPIRIT Foundation Inc c/o Suntrust Bank, 2433 Wootton Parkway, Rockville, MD 20850.

Michele Nguyen

This is a contributor review. 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, [email protected], if you would like to submit something!

POTD: Spooky Traffic

From the pedestrian bridge to the Rockville Metro station. Through the glass, which is why it is sort of blurry. That bridge always creeps me out a bit at night.

Yoga For A Cause [UPDATED]

Thrive Yoga, one of our advertisers, provides support to local charities through their Yoga For A Cause program. This month on Sunday, December 5, 2010, a Hatha Yoga class lead by Alicia Patterson will raise funds for The Dwelling Place to help them provide for the homeless during the holiday season. The timeframe for the donation class is 2–3:30 PM 2:30-4 PM which includes one-hour of yoga and time for socializing.

The class is open to all levels of practitioners and beginners are welcome. Alicia is a certified Hatha Yoga Instructor and began her yoga journey in the Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga. Alicia “teaches a fluid class and cues students to be curious and look inward.”

The Dwelling Place was founded in 1988 by a group of activists and volunteers concerned about the growing number of homeless families in our community. The organization provides transitional housing and supports families to get them back on their feet and achieve self-sufficiency.

You might notice no fee amount is set for this yoga class. Those attending are asked to make a donation and the entire amount will go to The Dwelling Place.

Thrive Yoga has been my studio for the last few years and I highly recommend the classes. As you can tell, they regularly reach out to help the community and are a true community partner.

Thrive Yoga is located at 1321 Rockville Pike in the Woodmont Shopping Center just south of the country club.

Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast Is A Community Affair

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

This Saturday, December 4, 2010, you know exactly where to have breakfast. The Kiwanis Club of Rockville will be dishing up their traditional pancakes from 7 until 11 AM at the Campus Center Cafeteria, Montgomery College Rockville.

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

While you are enjoying the pancakes and sausage, a nonstop lineup of entertainment, singing, and music will fill the stage.

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

You can also win gifts and prizes donated by many in the community. The kids always enjoy the opportunity to speak with Santa in a low-key setting.

The Annual Pancake Breakfast never fails to be the community’s gathering place at the start of the holiday season and it’s all for a good cause, the kids.

Town Square Tree Lighting And Open House

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

The tree went up in Rockville Town Square before Thanksgiving but this Thursday, December 2, 2010 the lights will officially be illuminated during the annual Holiday Open House from 6:30 – 9 PM. Although it’s not Rockefeller Center or the White House, we have our own little tradition emerging here in Rockville.

Sue Richards Photo from her website.

In addition to a photo op with Santa from 7-9 PM and light refreshments, live entertainment will liven up the ceremony including a holiday dance performance by Dawn Crofton Dance Center. But if you venture over to The Waygoose (on Maryland Avenue) from 6 – 8 PM, you’ll find an extra special treat. Sue Richards, a Rockville resident and internationally known performer, teacher, composer and author, who has recorded dozens of CDs and toured throughout the U.S. and Europe, will be playing Celtic music in the Irish and Scottish tradition of her heritage on her harp. She’s a regular customer and has performed in the shop during the holidays for the past six years.

If you donate an unwrapped toy or gift to benefit the Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission residents, you can also enjoy a free Horse and Carriage Ride from 7-9 PM. From December 3rd -20th donations for the Toy And Gift Drive can also be brought to the Fenestra Apartments Leasing Office, located at the corner of Beall and Maryland Avenue next to Taste of Saigon during these hours: Monday-Friday 10 AM – 10 PM, Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM, Sunday Noon – 5 PM - OR - at The Waygoose during these hours: Monday-Thursday 10 AM -7 PM, Friday-Sat 10 AM - 8 PM, Sunday 12–5 PM.

If you spend $150 at a combination of two or more Town Center stores from December 1st -12th you will receive a free Artichoke Pesto Balsawood gift by Bella Cucina (a 6 oz. jar of artichoke lemon pesto nestled in an elegant balsawood baking dish with olivewood spreader and easy-to-make recipe for artichoke dip valued at $35.) Receipts dated December 1-12 and totaling $150 or more can be presented at The Cottage Monet (located on Maryland Ave) or Ten Thousand Villages (located on Gibbs Street) to receive the gift. The Merchants tell us: “Limit one per customer, per day, regardless of purchase amount. Quantities are limited, while supplies last. No rainchecks.”

We’re wondering if they’ll start construction on the temporary ice rink after the Open House.

POTD: Orb

I just think those gazing balls and such that people put in their yards are a hoot. I especially like the color of this one.

Did you have a nice Thanksgiving?

Reader Note From Eric Blank: Lost Cat, Please Help

The following is a request for help from Eric Blank as he searches for his lost cat.

I am hoping you can help me out. My cat Oaters disappeared! I haven’t seen him since Thursday evening, 11/11, which was Veteran’s Day. I’ve done everything, looking for him, putting up signs, calling his name, and I even hired a search and rescue sniffer dog. I’ve been to the shelter a bunch of times and check their website every day.

Here’s the flier I’ve been posting all over my East Rockville/Maryvale neighborhood.

I really appreciate any help you can provide!

Eric Blank

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!

Have A Wonderful Thanksgiving!

Gentle Readers,

Rockville Central will be taking a brief holiday so that we can enjoy Thanksgiving with our families.

It brings us great joy to serve the community by providing daily news and views to our neighbors and friends, but everyone needs a rest sometimes!

We will resume publication on Monday, November 29.

Thank you.

Your friends Cindy Cotte Griffiths and Brad Rourke.

Rock For Robert Tonight

Tonight, Thanksgiving Eve, Wootton High School hosts “Rock for Robert” from 7 – 9 PM. Friends and family will honor Robert Yin with a benefit concert. Nine artists/ensembles, with a connection to Robert will perform, including the Wootton Supertonics and an amazing rock band, Mercury in Summer, whose drummer, Brendan McCusker, is a Wootton grad (Give a listen! How did I not know about these guys?). Admission is free but contributions will be accepted for the Robert Yin SPIRIT Foundation.

Robert Yin was a graduate of Wootton High School who loved singing and viola. As a member of Christ Episcopal Church, he sung in the choir and played during church services. As we reported, he died in May during a pole vaulting accident while competing for Grinnell College in his Freshman year.

The Robert Yin SPIRIT Foundation was formed to support educational and charitable work. The objective of SPIRIT is to encourage civic and community goodwill. Through fellowship and friendship with fun-filled fund raising, the Robert Yin SPIRIT Foundation gives scholarships and gifts back to schools. ”SPIRIT” means to “Show Potential, Integrity, Responsibility, and Inspire Thousands!”

His mother, Sandy Giger, believes that on Thanksgiving Eve, “It is a nice way to consider how thankful we are - for everything we have.”

Almost 200 have already confirmed their attendance on Facebook.

If you would like to donate to the Foundation, write a check payable to the Robert Yin SPIRIT Foundation, Inc., and send it to SunTrust Bank, 2433 Wootton Parkway, Rockville MD 20850 or 1911 Dundee Road, Rockville MD 20850. Soon donations will be accepted online at RememberRobert.org. Currently 100% will go directly to the SPRIT Scholarship for a Wootton grad attending college. If you would like to support a specific charitable endeavor such as music, track, or sports safety, you can designate your wishes when you make the donation.

POTD: Awash

One of the things I am grateful for is all the parks and streams throughout Rockville. I especially love the stream behind Woodley Gardens, where this was taken.

Happy Thanksgiving! See you Monday!

Trucks, Traffic And China At The Mayor And Council Meeting 11-22-10

This week’s Mayor and Council meeting was so short, it might have been a record when it ended at 9:25 PM. We provide this brief summary of each meeting to keep you informed.

Present: Mayor Phyllis Marcuccio, Councilmembers John Britton, Bridget Newton, and Mark Pierzchala.

City Manager’s Report

Scott Ullery passed along timely and encouraging information from the Maryland Chief of Police Association. Through 2009 the number of people injured in automobile accidents has declined and fatalities are fewer than last year and the year before in Maryland.

The brand new Chamber of Commerce “Rockville Rewards” program launched and we are all encouraged to purchase a card to help 15 area nonprofits. Marketing consultant, Jane Meyer explained the membership cards will offer two types of deals for either everyday savings or more substantive weekly offers from local businesses. Each card is $25 and the details are now available at RockvilleRewards.com.

Appointments

The Mayor and Council appointed Don Hadley to the Planning Commission and John Beins and Marcia L. Rehm to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board.

Construction and Cars

The expansion of the fitness facilities at the Rockville Senior Center can begin since the Mayor and Council awarded a contract to CFI Construction Corporation of Rockville for $1,917,000.00 for the work. Also eight 2011 Crown Victorias will be purchased for use as police cars at an estimated cost of $24,960 each for a total acquisition of about $199,680.

Rockville Sister City Corporation’s Report from Trip to Jiaxing, China

Former Mayor Jim Coyle, Sister City delegate to Jiaxing, presented the report and recommendations. Jiaxing seems more interested in development and business rather than cultural exchanges. During the discussion, everyone hoped the cultural exchanges would eventually follow so the relationship was worth pursuing. The Sister City Board will draft a letter to be sent to Jiaxing officials asking them to evaluate the current relationship and the steps they would like to take to move the process forward.

Draft Municipal Growth Element (MGE) To Amend the City’s Comprehensive Master Plan

Staff presented the revised document and received final direction on the draft document which will be returned to the Mayor and Council for adoption at the December 6, 2010 meeting. Mayor Marcuccio asked for an explanation because she wanted to make sure that when the Comprehensive Master Plan is reviewed, that this document could be changed. It was explained that this document will become part of the City’s Comprehensive Master Plan. If the Mayor and Council want to amend the City’s Comprehensive Master Plan in the future, they can.

Community Block Grant Application

The Mayor and Council approved allocating grants from the City of Rockville’s Federal CDBG funds through Montgomery County in the anticipated amount of $304,000, including the allowable 15% of the fund amount for public service agencies which is $45,600. Nine different programs at seven agencies applied with grant requests totaled $160,000 but only three could be chosen for the $45,600 possible:

• Rockville Community Ministries, Elderly and Disabilities Ministries $15,600
• Rockville Presbyterian Church, Rainbow Place $15,000
• Stepping Stones Shelter, Evening Case Management Services $15,000

The rest of the funds would be designated as follows:

• Rockville Housing Enterprises (RHE) for public housing improvements at David Scull Court $111,202
• Rockville’s Single-Family Rehabilitation Program and administration $97,198
• Rehabilitation program staffing $50,000

Truck And Neighborhood Traffic Management

The Mayor and Council discussed the Neighborhood Traffic Management and Truck Traffic on Residential Streets. Excessive traffic volumes on residential streets are undesirable and contribute to increased noise, vibration, and air pollution, in addition to possible deterioration of the streets themselves.

Since the Traffic and Transportation Commission has not reviewed the existing Guidelines for Neighborhood Traffic Management since 2005 when they unanimously agreed that they are adequate and follow national standards, the Mayor and Council decided to have the Traffic and Transportation Commission take another look at the policy.
Councilmember Pierzchala asked for an explanation on the authority of the Mayor and Council with regards to traffic restrictions. They can put truck restrictions on any road.

Councilmember Newton believes there is a right to review the truck use on Great Falls Road regardless of any decisions made when the road went from State to City control. She also believes truck restrictions should be placed on West Montgomery and Redland. Truck traffic on Maryland Avenue makes more sense since far fewer houses face the street, although she is not suggesting Maryland Avenue get truck traffic. She wants all the street traffic in the City reviewed.

Surprisingly, on the map used for the meeting, a section of Great Falls Road was shown to restrict trucks already, so this map designation will be investigated.

Mayor Marcuccio expressed concerns about traffic on Park Road.

City Staff Emad Elshafei pointed out that if truck restrictions were placed on Redland, Great Falls, Maryland, and West Montgomery, we would not be allowing trucks in the City. Councilmember Newton said trucks could use Gude Drive or Key West and go around to Rt. 355.

Councilmember Pierzchala pointed out Gude Drive is abutted by three neighborhoods even though you can’t see them from the street. Residents experience the noise. With the Great Seneca development, Gude will be receiving more traffic in the future. Councilmember Newton said homes don’t front Gude as they do on other streets where they need to enter the street. Councilmember Pierzchala reemphasized that even so, Gude has its own considerations.

City Manager Ullery reviewed the four decisions made during the discussion:

(1.) The Traffic and Transportation Commission will take a look at the Guidelines since it has been five years. (2.) Since traffic issues involve enforcement, the Chief of Police will be contacted to determine areas to target for enforcement. (3.) Additional streets will be tested to determine their current thresholds for traffic. (4.) The agreement and requirements on Great Falls Road will be investigated.

The November 29th meeting has been cancelled so the next Mayor and Council Meeting is Monday, December 6, 2010 at 7 PM with a Public Hearing on the FY 12 Budget.

Montgomery County Police Nab Car Theft Suspects; Third At Large

Raymond (top) and Motto

Many neighbors have been complaining of vehicle thefts lately; we were delighted to hear about a break in the case from the Montgomery County Police Department. From their release:

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police 1st District Investigative Section have been investigating a series of thefts from vehicles throughout Rockville. Detectives are seeking to identify additional victims.

Yesterday morning, at approximately 12:08 a.m., Rockville City officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of Pender Place in Rockville for the report of a stolen vehicle that had just occurred. The preliminary investigation revealed that on November 18, the victim had a key to the car and a GPS device stolen from it. Early yesterday morning, the suspects returned and stole the vehicle by using the key. A Rockville City K9 officer observed the vehicle at the Shell gas station, located at 1250 West Montgomery Avenue, and placed two suspects under arrest.

Jeremie N. Raymond, age 19, of the unit block of Marwood Court in Rockville was arrested and charged with unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, unauthorized removal of property, theft between $1,000 and $10,000, and theft under $1,000. He is being held on a $5,000 bond at the Montgomery County Detention Center.

Joshua Motto, age 19, of the 200 block of North Horner’s Lane in Rockville, was arrested and charged with unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, unauthorized removal of property, and theft between $1,000 and $10,000. He is being held on a $7,500 bond at the Montgomery County Detention Center.

An arrest warrant is on file for the third suspect, Nicholas Ray Hernandez, age 21, of the unit block of Marwood Court in Rockville, charging him with unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, unauthorized removal of property, theft between $1,000 and $10,000, rogue and vagabond, and four traffic charges.

The subsequent investigation revealed that the suspects are responsible for as many as 100 thefts from vehicles in the following neighborhoods: Rockshire, West End Park, Fallsmeade, Rose Hill, Roxboro, Woodley Gardens, Rockville Estates, and College Gardens.

The Montgomery County Police Department would like to hear from anyone, who lives in or near the aforementioned neighborhoods, and had their vehicles broken into over the course of the last two months. Callers should contact Detective Cohen at the 1st District Investigative Section at 240-773-6084.

Contributor Opinion By Laura Berthiaume: Oppose Peary Site Sale

Tonight at 7:30 p.m. the County Council will hold its hearing on the sale of the Peary High School site, which is approximately 20 acres of county owned land proposed to be sold for less than $2 million. The sale would represent the effective loss of a future middle school site in the Rockville area, at a time when Montgomery County Public Schools is projecting 10,000 more students arriving in the next six years. The middle school wave will be hitting us all very soon. The Board of Education has already sent two letters firmly opposing the sale of this site.

The Montgomery County Council of Parent Teacher Associations has also voted to oppose the sale. This is the MCCPTA email that went out yesterday:

“As noted in an earlier email, the MCCPTA Board of Directors voted in November to oppose the sale of the Peary High School site. County Executive Ike Leggett is seeking approval from the County Council to sell the former Peary High School site to its current tenant, the Milton J. Berman Hebrew Academy. The County Council rejected a similar proposal to sell the property in 2006, and we believe that the changes made in the proposal do not overcome the Council’s previous concerns.

A MCCPTA representative will testify before the County Council on Tuesday to oppose the rush to sell the property this month. We will be proposing instead that before the Council considers the proposal to dispose of a “rare asset” - the largest former school site in its current inventory - it should require the Board of Education to produce an analysis of feasible future locations for middle and high schools in the mid-county area. With severe overcrowding already in the Richard Montgomery cluster, a predicted increase of 10,000 students across the county in the next six years, and planned development at the Science City, White Flint and Shady Grove Metro sites, it is imperative that the county ensure adequate sites are available before taking any action on the Peary School proposal. We’ve seen enough overcrowding in our schools and don’t want the county to make the situation worse by disposing of this property.

Let’s show the county council that we’re engaged in the issues and active in our advocacy for all children. “

Anyone in the Rockville area who is concerned about school overcrowding should be paying attention tonight. It is particularly concerning that a lame duck County Council is rushing this process through. In fact, it appears there might have been a vote on this sale without even a hearing had County Council Member Valerie Ervin not required that tonight’s hearing be set. The vote will be taken by a lame duck Council, including two outgoing members, one of whom (Duchy Trachtenberg) has been the Council Member pushing to have this sale take place. The voters have spoken. A new Council will be sworn in come December. A step of this magnitude should not be taken by a lame duck Council, led by a lame duck Council Member who will not have to accept responsibility for the portables, the 1:30 lunch times, the classes taking place in hallways, or the lack of recess play areas because all the blacktop is unavailable — all because we already do not have enough classroom space.

So please come to the hearing and make sure our Council members understand that they should set their priorities correctly - solidly with the future education of our children. Public assets for public school children.

Laura Berthiaume
Montgomery County School Board

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!