Next Rockville Roundtable Is Tuesday, December 16

The next >Rockville Roundtable is Tuesday, December 16, from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. We’ll meet at Giuseppe’s, in the Regal Theaters shopping center (just at the foot of the pedestrian bridge to the Rockville Metro).

What is this “Rockville Roundtable?” Why, it’s simple. Just an informal lunch. We get together, with no agenda, no speakers, no podium, nothing fancy (and no dress code — you should see how I show up). Just lunch together, Dutch. Everyone is welcome. It helps if you RSVP by sending me a note ahead of time, but that’s not necessary. If you wake up on Wednesday and have the urge to join us, don’t let not having RSVP’d stop you! Just come!

Hope to see you there.

Rockville Roundtable Is Wednesday, November 12th!

The next >Rockville Roundtable is this Wednesday, November 12, from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. We’ll meet at Lebanese Taverna in Town Square.

What is this “Rockville Roundtable?” Why, it’s simple. Just an informal lunch. We get together, with no agenda, no speakers, no podium, nothing fancy (and no dress code — you should see how I show up). Just lunch together, Dutch. There’s a photo from the last one.

Sometimes we talk about important things, other times it’s trivia. Like last time, we talked about trash containers.

Everyone is welcome. It helps if you RSVP by sending me a note ahead of time, but that’s not necessary. If you wake up on Wednesday and have the urge to join us, don’t let not having RSVP’d stop you! Just come!

Hope to see you there.

Next Rockville Roundtable Is Wednesday, November 12!

>Here’s a photo of the attendees from today’s Rockville Roundtable, which was a hoot. (That motorcycle helmet is supposed to represent me.) As always, our discussion ranged far and wide.

The next Rockville Roundtable has been set for Wednesday, November 12, from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. We’ll meet at Lebanese Taverna in Town Square.

What is this “Rockville Roundtable?” Why, it’s simple. Just an informal lunch. We get together, with no agenda, no speakers, no podium, nothing fancy (and no dress code — you should see how I show up). Just lunch together, Dutch. Sometimes we talk about important things, other times it’s trivia. Like today, we talked about trash containers.

Everyone is welcome. It helps if you RSVP by sending me a note ahead of time, but that’s not necessary. If you wake up on the 12th and have the urge to join us, don’t let not having RSVP’d stop you! Just come!

Hope to see you there.

See You At Rockville Roundtable Tomorrow, October 7!

Don’t forget! The >next Rockville Roundtable has been set for Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 7, from 12:00 to 1:30 pm. We’ll meet at Bamboo Buffet at 2010 Veirs Mill in Twinbrook. (Warning: the link goes to a page that has sound. You may want to mute your computer.) Here’s a map.

What is this “Rockville Roundtable?” I am so glad you asked. It’s simple. Just an informal lunch. We get together, with no agenda, no speakers, no podium, nothing fancy (and no dress code). Just lunch together, Dutch. Sometimes we talk about important things, other times it’s trivia. Everyone is welcome.

It helps if you RSVP by sending me a note ahead of time, but that’s not necessary. If you wake up on the 7th and have the urge to join us, don’t let not having RSVP’d stop you! Just come!

Hope to see you there.

The West End This Saturday

I’m talking about >The West End band, not the neighborhood in Rockville!

Although Mike Shawn, Monique DeFrees, Matthew Taylor, and Rockville Central Publisher, Brad Rourke, all came together in this certain neighborhood, their self-described Primitive Americana Rock reaches way beyond its boundaries. You can hear their solid, stripped-down show this Saturday, September 13, 2008, from 9:00 PM to midnight at Austin Grill Rockville.

This show promises to shine. The Big Back To School show benefits Manna Food Center. Manna has been experiencing a 25% increase in requests for food They’ll will be passing the hat to help those in need in our area.

At Rockville Central, we invite you to lunch and to run, and now you’re being invited to rock with us too. As some of my family members will be camping with the Boy Scouts, please join me at the show! Just show up or let me know you’ll be meeting me at Austin Grill. If you don’t know what I look like, I’ll probably have this t-shirt on so you can recognize me.

Never a cover charge at Austin Grill, just a great music scene and some delicious Tex Mex food and beverages. Bring the whole family cause it’s an all ages show.

Band Picture by Ed Tenney.

Rockville Roundtable Set For Tuesday, October 7

Who are these smiling people in the photo? >Why, they are the attendees at the last Rockville Roundtable, where we got together and listened to Sandra Dean while we discussed the issues facing Our Fair City — oh, and as I recall we also talked about hamsters.

The next Rockville Roundtable has been set for Tuesday, October 7, from 12:00 to 1:30 pm. We’ll meet at Bamboo Buffet at 2010 Veirs Mill in Twinbrook. (Warning: the link goes to a page that has sound. You may want to mute your computer.) Here’s a map.

What is this “Rockville Roundtable?” I am so glad you asked. It’s simple. Just an informal lunch. We get together, with no agenda, no speakers, no podium, nothing fancy (and no dress code). Just lunch together, Dutch. Sometimes we talk about important things, other times it’s trivia. Everyone is welcome.

It helps if you RSVP by sending me a note ahead of time, but that’s not necessary. If you wake up on the 7th and have the urge to join us, don’t let not having RSVP’d stop you! Just come!

Hope to see you there.

Join Rockville Roundtable For Lunch Tomorrow!

>In July, the Rockville Roundtable met for its most recent fine lunch. The next Rockville Roundtable is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, September 3 from 12:00 until 1:30 pm. We’re going to try an experiment . . . it will be a brown-bag affair! We’ll stake out some tables near the Out To Lunch Wednesday stage (by the Regal Cinemas) and we will be able to listen to Sandra Dean while we ponder the issues of the day. (If it rains we will be in Giuseppe’s.)

So, grab your lunch and come on over!

What is this “Rockville Roundtable” thing, 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 dress code, no “presentation,” and it is super casual. Come as you are!

It helps if you let me know you are coming ahead of time, but if you wake up that day and just decide you want to attend, don’t let not having RSVP’d stop you! Just come!

Hope to see you tomorrow.

Events in Rockville 8/28/08 – 9/7/08

>This community event listing is a partnership between Rockville Central and Helen Triolo’s Rockville Living. The main source of the listings is Helen’s database of events.

Don’t see your event? Got an upcoming event you want considered? If you would like your community event to be listed, you must submit your request through Rockville Living using this form. It’s easy. That will get your event considered for publication in Rockville Central’s events listing and also included in Rockville Living’s Calendar. We need your help collecting and posting events — that is how this resource will get better and better. We publish event listings occurring in & around our coverage area (map) on Thursdays. The inclusion of events is at our discretion.

Pick of the Week

First Friday night at the Rockville Arts and Innovation Center! September 5th. It’s a triple play!! First, if you haven’t gone to the top for one of the City’s First Friday Deck Parties – this is your last chance this year! Be able to say you went during the first summer. 5 PM – 8 PM. Billy Coulter is traditional American Rock and Roll. He has a bunch of new songs out. Give a listen. Gordon Biersch is back with their brew, too. You must be 21 years old – and don’t try to bring the kids. I know this from experience! Second, VisArts is OPEN from 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM, so you can meet all the artists working in their studios and view the current exhibit, Inspired by Weather, as well as the art created by the kids during the summer camps. The exhibit just opened and it will quickly close on September 6th. Wine and Cheese if you arrive early. Third, it’s HearArts from 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. See the full description below and come prepared to share your writing or music during the Open Mic portion. One of these nights I’m going to, so watch out!! Honestly, where else can you triple your fun like this?!

Events in Rockville

Thursday, August 28

10:00 am Conversation Club at Twinbrook Library Join us for a weekly session of informal English conversation practice. New members are welcome, no need to register. more info

6:00 pm-8:00 pm Concert in the Square: Rick Whitehead Trio at Town Center Plaza Concert in the Square features the region’s best musical entertainment. This evening: Rick Whitehead Trio (jazz). Bring your lawn chair or blanket, grab at bite to eat and take in the sounds of the area’s best free concert series. For more information please call 240-314-8620. more info

7:00 pm Bike Commuting Talk at REI Remember the fun of riding your bike as a kid? Feeling the wind rushing by and enjoying the freedom and speed? Well, why not put that adventure back in your everyday life? Join us at REI Rockville and learn about techniques and gear to make todays commuting ride as sweet as your memories. more info

Friday, August 29

10:00 am English Conversation Club at Rockville Public Library The English Conversation Club, for new speakers of English, meets in Room #2. No registration is required. more info

7:00 pm-11:00 pm Gilbert and Sullivan Sing-Out Concert Series Opens at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater Gilbert and Sullivan Sing-Out Concert Style Performance Series Opens. Trial by Jury, Patience, The Mikado more info

Saturday, August 30

8:00 am-3:00 pm WOM (Women on the Move) Hike and Tour Harper’s Ferry at Rockville City Hall Hike and tour Harper’s Ferry’s historic district. Cost includes transportation, lunch and leadership. more info

9:00 am-1:00 pm Farmers Market at Farmers Market/Jury Parking Lot Come and enjoy the last of summer produce! more info

9:00 am-11:00 pm Gilbert and Sullivan Sing-Out Concert Series 2, 3, 4 at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater Sat. 9 a.m.-12 noon: The Socerer, Princess Ida, HMS Pinafore Sat. 1-5 p.m.: Utopia, Ltd., Ruddigore Sat. 7-11 p.m.: The Grand Duke, The Pirates of Penzance more info

10:00 am-5:00 pm Rockville Town Square Jazz Festival at Town Center Plaza Jazz It Up at the Rockville Town Square Jazz Festival on Saturday, August 30, 2008 from 10am – 5pm. The Ja
zz Festival will feature live jazz music, food tastings for $5 from a variety of Rockville Town Square restaurants, store specials and more! For more information, visit http://www.rockvilletownsquare.com/ or call (703) 690-2329. more info

11:00 am Kids Storytime & Libros en Español at Barnes & Noble more info

Sunday, August 31

9:00 am-12:00 pm Gilbert and Sullivan Sing-Out Concert Series 5 at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater The Yeomen of the Guard, Iolanthe, The Gondoliers more info

Tuesday, September 2

10:00 am English Conversation Club at Rockville Public Library The English Conversation Club, for new speakers of English in meeting room #1. No registration is required. more info

7:30 pm Mystery Lovers Book Group at Barnes & Noble more info

Wednesday, September 3

10:00 am Kids’ Storytime at Barnes & Noble more info

11:00 am-2:00 pm Farmers Market and Music: Sandra Dean at OTL Wednesdays Out to Lunch Wednesdays: enjoy a free concert and Farmers Market every Wednesday during lunchtime in the Rockville Town Center. Today: Sandra Dean Concert is 12-1:30, market is 11-2. more info

12:00 pm-1:30 pmRockville Roundtable at OTL Wednesdays We’re going to try an experiment (at Cindy’s request so please join us!) . . . it will be a brown-bag affair! We’ll stake out some tables near the Out To Lunch Wednesday stage (by the Regal Cinemas) and we will be able to hear everyone’s favorite Sandra Dean while we ponder the issues of the day. Sandra’s been playing the Star Diner in the Kentlands all summer so you know she’s perfect for eating out! Grab your favorite lunch and find us! more info

6:00 pm Crochet Club at Twinbrook Library Join us every Wednesday as we meet to learn and/or practice our crocheting skills. more info

Thursday, September 4

10:00 am Conversation Club at Twinbrook Library Join us for a weekly session of informal English conversation practice. New members are welcome, no need to register. more info

6:00 pm-8:00 pm Concert in the Square: Lyuti Chushki at Town Center Plaza Concert in the Square features the region’s best musical entertainment. This evening: Lyuti Chushki (Bulgarian and Macedonian Folk). Bring your lawn chair or blanket, grab at bite to eat and take in the sounds of the area’s best free concert series. For more information please call 240-314-8620. more info

Friday, September 5

10:00 am English Conversation Club at Rockville Public Library The English Conversation Club, for new speakers of English, meets every Tuesday and Friday at 10 a.m.(in meeting room #1 on Tuesday and meeting room #2 on Friday) of the Rockville Library. No registration is required. more info

5:00 pm-8:00 pm First Fridays Deck Party at Rockville Innovation Center Happy hour with live band entertainment, for ages 21 and older with I.D. $ for food and beverage only. Award-winning singer/songwriter Billy Coulter hits the Rockville music scene with his sound of honest rock ‘n roll. Billy and his band have created a repertoire of instantly memorable songs earning them many accolades, including winner of the 2007 Wammie Award Roots Rock Vocalist of the Year! more info

6:30 pm-9:30 pm Art After Hours at VisArts at Rockville All Galleries and resident artist studios open. Complimentary food and beverages provided by Whole Foods Markets.

7:30 pm-9:30 pm HearArts: David Salner & Victoria Vox at VisArts at Rockville HearArts is a unique concept in cultural entertainment, fusing the literary and musical arts. Evenings typically combine a poet or fiction writer reading from his/her work, and a musician or musical group. The featured artists are followed by an open mic segment for writers or musicians in the audience who would like to share their work. Held in conjunction with VisArts’ Art after Hours, in which the buildings galleries and studios stay open late, HearArts offers the public an opportunity to widen its artistic perspective. This month: Writer: David Salner. David Salner’s poetry is deeply influenced by the people he knew during the 25 years he worked at manual trades. An iron ore miner, furnace tender, power plant laborer, machinist, and garment worker, he lived in Minnesota, Arizona, Utah, and for many years in West Virginia, Before becoming an industrial worker, Salner completed an MFA degree at the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop. The author of three previous books, he received a Puffin Foundation grant to study the real history behind the John Henry myth. His work has appeared in Threepenny Review, Prairie Schooner, The Literary Review, North American Review, Southern Humanities Review, Free Lunch, Poetry Daily, and many other journals. In recent years, Salner has taught English as a second language; he currently works as a librarian. He lives in Frederick, MD with his wife, Barbara Greenway, a high school English teacher. Musician: Victoria Vox – Ukelele Originally a guitarist, Victoria Vox, studied at Boston’s Berklee College of Music, earning a scholarship, award, and degree there in Songwriting. She subsequently moved to Nashville, then London, and ultimately back to the USA. In 2003, she founded her own label, Obus Music.
She took to the ukulele in 2004 and immediately began writing songs for it. In 2006 Vox released the well reviewed Victoria Vox and her Jumping Flea. Vox’s newest album is called Chameleon, on which she mixes ukelele and guitar songs for a unique sound. For the last several years she has been performing full-time across the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Western Europe. more info

Saturday, September 6

11:00 am Costume Character & Storytime at Barnes & Noble more info

12:00 pm-6:00 pm Raft Day at Rockville Municipal Swim Center Come float in the pool and support the Rockville Recreation Fund and Manna Food Center. $5 entry fee. There will be a silent auction of gift baskets donated by RMSC Swim Team Parent’s Club, and a raffle for an Annual Family Membership to benefit the Rockville Youth Recreation Fund. We will also host a food drive to benefit Manna, a Rockville based food center. See the Manna website for a list of items in great demand.Only CLEAR rafts will be permitted in the pool for Raft Day. All other pool rules will apply that day. The snack bar will be open. more info

6:30 pm Wine, Women and Song 2008 at Strathmore Imagine…the scent of orange blossoms in the air…strains from a sultry Spanish guitar…dinner after the sun goes down…. This year, Wine, Women and Song celebrates the music, culture, food and wine of Spain. Join us for a night of delicious fun, including drawings for unusual wine-related gifts and an exciting auction featuring private dinners, sophisticated vacations, and, of course, wine! Enjoy tapas, flamenco and musical selections from the Post-Classical Ensemble directed by Angel Gil-Ordóñez. Come support Strathmore’s education programs and meet old and new friends. more info

9:00 pm The Digits at Austin Grill Austin Grill in Rockville and The Digits! Band are once again teaming up to raise donations for two worthy RM groups: RM PTSA and the RM Booster Club. This new show will once again feature several Special Guest Performers! The identities of these Special Guest Performers (SGPs) will remain a closely guarded secret until show time, but here’s a clue: They are among your friends, co-workers, and neighbors; both adults and teenagers and have these initials: JC, AW, NM, AS, RT, MT, KW, and RS. Come out and support your favorite SGP and The Digits! more info

Sunday, September 7

12:00 pm-4:00 pm Doggie Dip Day at Rockville Municipal Swim Center A dog-gone fun afternoon of wet and wild swimming for Rockville’s pooches. All dogs must have a current rabies certificate or letter from their vet stating that they’ve received the shots in order to gain entry to the event. The outdoor entrance will be used for this event.There will be vendors of dog-related products selling merchandise and providing information for dog owners. Sponsors include Your Dog’s Friend, Annapolis for Animals, Doctor of Optometry, Best Friend’s Veterinary Hospital, Dog Day Care and Pet Treats. Owners and human guests enter free, unless they will be swimming in the indoor pool or using other Swim Center facilities. People will not be allowed to enter the pool with their dogs due to health and safety concerns. All dogs must be under the control of their owners at all times. We will also host a food drive to benefit Manna. more info

2:00 pm-5:00 pmHappy Birthday Montgomery County! at Beall-Dawson House Explore Montgomery County’s history and heritage with talks, crafts, local historical groups, living history and more. All this and birthday cake too!
SCHEDULED EVENTS:
2:15 Walking tour of Rockville’s historic West End
3:30 U.S. Army Fife & Drum Corps and Birthday Cake with guest cake cutter Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett
4:30 TALK: Montgomery County’s Farm Women with Peg Coleman
ALL DAY ACTIVITIES:* Use your “Passport to the Past” while discovering county history at the displays by community historical groups* Make historic crafts like a painted floor cloth and a thaumatrope* Dig into the past at the model archeological excavation* Meet Dr. Stonestreet, Mrs. Beall and other period reenactors* Explore genealogy and make a family tree* Try on historical costumes* Tour the museums. In addition to the period rooms, the current exhibits are: “Good Advice” on two centuries of American advice books and “Breakfast,” a vignette exhibit.more info

2:00 pm Sunday Afternoon Concert Series: U.S. Navy Band – Chamber Ensemble at Glenview Mansion more info

9:30 pm Civil War Book Group at Barnes & Noble more info

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!

Rockville Roundtable, Radio Schedules

Don’t forget, the next meeting of the >Rockville Roundtable — previously scheduled for today — is set for next week on Wednesday, September 3 from 12:00 until 1:30 pm.

It will be brown-bag: We’ll stake out some tables near the Out To Lunch Wednesday stage (by the Regal Cinemas) and listen to Sandra Dean while we ponder the issues of the day. So, grab your lunch and come on over. It helps if you let me know you are coming ahead of time, but if you wake up that day and just decide you want to attend, don’t let not having RSVP’d stop you! Just come!

Also, we’re also happy to announce the return, after a summer break, of the popular Rockville Central Radio! Our next scheduled show is Friday, September 5, at noon.

To listen, simply come to Rockville Central and click on the link at the right (the one that says “radio,” natch). Better still — call in! The show is best when there is a vibrant give and take, and there are lots of issues that have been bubbling that we can talk about. The call-in number is 646-200-3332.

Rockville Roundtable Set For August 27

>Today, the Rockville Roundtable met for another fine lunch, this time at Jonathan’s Publick House in Burgundy Park. It was great! Lots of good conversation, new faces, the whole nine yards. You could see a photo of who-all was there but I forgot until the end so you just get a shot of the outside of the restaurant. With a few folks reflected in the background and a good friend’s arm.

So there.

The next Rockville Roundtable is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27 from 12:00 until 1:30 pm. We’re going to try an experiment . . . it will be a brown-bag affair! We’ll stake out some tables near the Out To Lunch Wednesday stage (by the Regal Cinemas) and we will be able to listen to the dulcet tones of Swing Speak while we ponder the issues of the day. So, grab your lunch and come on over!

What is this “Rockville Roundtable” thing, 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 dress code, no “presentation,” and it is super casual. Come as you are!

It helps if you let me know you are coming ahead of time, but if you wake up that day and just decide you want to attend, don’t let not having RSVP’d stop you! Just come!

I’ll post another reminder as the time approaches.

Join Us For Lunch on Wednesday, July 16!

>Last month, the Rockville Roundtable met for another fine lunch, this time at at India Grill in Ritchie Center. As always, it was a wonderful time, with great conversation and even better guests. New faces and familiar came.

Conversation was terrific and ranged from politics to libraries and everywhere in between. It was hard to drag ourselves away when it ended!

The next Rockville Roundtable is scheduled for THIS Wednesday, July 16 from 12:00 until 1:30 pm. It’ll be at Jonathan’s Publick House, 820 Baltimore Rd. (at MD-28).

What is this thing, 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 dress code, no “presentation,” and it is super casual. Come as you are!

It helps if you let me know you are coming ahead of time, but if you wake up that day and just decide you want to attend, don’t let not having RSVP’d stop you! Just come!

Rockville Roundtable Set For July 16

>Earlier this month, the Rockville Roundtable met for another fine lunch, this time at at India Grill in Ritchie Center. As always, it was a wonderful time, with great conversation and even better guests. New faces and familiar came.

Conversation was terrific and ranged from politics to libraries and everywhere in between. It was hard to drag ourselves away when it ended!

The next Rockville Roundtable is scheduled for Wednesday, July 16 from 12:00 until 1:30 pm. It’ll be at Jonathan’s Publick House, 820 Baltimore Rd. (at MD-28).

What is this thing, 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 dress code, no “presentation,” and it is super casual. Come as you are!

It helps if you let me know you are coming ahead of time, but if you wake up that day and just decide you want to attend, don’t let not having RSVP’d stop you! Just come!

I’ll post another reminder as the time approaches.

Bonus POTD: High Flag Ratio

>

Rockville Central friend (and Rockville Roundtable participant) Paula Watson suggested I take a peek at this for a possible POTD, and I was not disappointed! Here is what Paula said: “I like the ratio of flag to cottage.” Me too.

Happy Flag Day!

Give Me My Rockville Channel!

As readers of >Rockville Central know, I am a big fan of The Rockville Channel, which is the City’s award-winning cable station. Among other things, it shows meetings of the Mayor and Council live in their entirety and then repeats them various times throughout the week.

It’s Channel 11 on Comcast. And there’s the problem. The thing is, I am not a Comcast customer nor am I about to become one. I can point my browser to The Rockville Channel’s live video stream, but half the time when I do that the connection gets dropped and I miss important bits.

During the most recent (non-televised) meeting of the Mayor and Council, they discussed community engagement. During this part if the discussion, Council Member Phyllis Marcuccio described me when she pointed out, in part, that “As you drive around Rockville, you see dishes up on the roofs of a lot of houses. These ‘dish people’ don’t get The Rockville Channel. We need to make sure we keep them in mind too.”

Right on, Phyllis! Sometimes I am up a creek if I want to see what is going in the Mayor and Council meetings.

Here is my modest request of the City’s technical folks:

There must be a way to make the Mayor and Council meetings available in a non real-time way, so that citizens could view various meetings on demand (almost like YouTube). That way, you can serve more people at once (there would be no bottleneck with multiple connections at once) and if something failed a user could just try again.

At yesterday’s Rockville Roundtable lunch, Mark Pierzchala mentioned that he thought something like that was in the offing . . . so I say: Yes, please.

FiOS Is Coming! FiOS Is Coming!

In case you missed the piece hidden in a recent >article in the Gazzette, I have the pleasure of informing you that a deal between the City and Verizon to begin the work required to get FiOS (fiber optic-based Internet, which will allow Verizon to compete with Comcast) is apparently set to appear on the agenda for the Mayor and Council’s upcoming June 9 meeting.

At yesterday’s Rockville Roundtable, Council Member Piotr Gajewski explained that one of the key issues in the negotiations with Verizon had been who pays for inspection of Vz’s work. In order to lay the fiber optic cable, Verizon needs to work in the City’s rights-of-way (that’s fancy municipal talk for “they need to dig up our streets”). Once they have laid the cable, they will put things back as they found them — the City needs to inspect the work, which costs money. One key question was who pays for that? In this deal, evidently Verizon will be paying.

While some have criticized the City for allowing the Verizon deal to drag on for so long, so that surrounding Montgomery County has FiOS while the City does not, this deal is a good result. Not only that, but Rockville is not at all the last town to the FiOS party: I am told Gaithersburg has no deal either. Piotr pointed out that this means his neighborhood, King Farm, will actually not be getting FiOS as a part of the Rockville agreement, because the wiring is a part of the Gaithersburg system.