Predrag Gosta’s New Trinity Baroque Debuts In Rockville

Photo from NTB by Richard Calmes

As some of you may know, Predrag Gosta, formerly with the National Philharmonic, often jets down to Atlanta, as well as many other places in the world. Well, he’s finally bringing Atlanta to Rockville!

Predrag founded and conducts New Trinity Baroque (NTB) which calls Atlanta its home while presenting over 25 concerts and educational events each season. His NTB is doing a special Gala Scholoarship Concert for Montgomery College’s School of Music at Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center on Thursday night, March 11, 2010 at 7:30 PM.

This concert is NTB’s debut in Washington DC area. The program for the evening is entitled “VIVALDI ON FIRE” and will feature as a soloist Magdalena Wor, who sang at the November’s Haydn/Mendelssohn concert as well – she is alumni of the Young Artists Program with P. Domingo. NTB uses “period instruments, stylistically appropriate voices, and historically informed techniques” to delight its audiences.

Tickets are $25 (students only $10). For more information and tickets visit newtrinitybaroque.org or call the Performing Arts Center’s Box Office at (240) 567-5301.

Don’t Fall For A Census Scam

Today the 2010 Census will mail letters alerting you to the fact that you will soon be receiving your 2010 Census questionnaire in the mail. Believe it or not, many more people return their Census questionnaire if they receive the advance letter.

Since activity around the 2010 Census is starting, I thought it would be helpful to review how the Census Bureau contacts people. There are always lots of criminals who will take advantage of any opportunity to rip you off. Here’s the lowdown on exactly how you will be contacted. Don’t fall for a scam!

The Census Bureau:
Does NOT conduct the 2010 Census via the Internet.
Does NOT send emails about participating in the Census.

The Census Bureau:
NEVER asks for your full social security number
NEVER Asks for money or donations
NEVER Sends requests on behalf of a political party
NEVER requests PIN codes, passwords or similar information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts.

If you think someone is scamming you the Census Bureau has advice and asks for your help.

In Person Scam
Check for a valid Census ID badge.
Ask for a second form of ID.
Census workers should NEVER ask to enter your home.
Call your regional office to verify you are in the survey.

Email Scams
If you think it is a bogus email, do not reply or click on links!
Do not open attachments.
Forward the email or web url to ITSO.Fraud.Reporting@census.gov
After forwarding, delete the message.

Mail scams
Contact the US Postal Inspection Service.

Every community has been challenged to improve their mail-in participation rates over those from 2000. If you don’t mail in the Census, a worker will come to your door. We here in Rockville all want to do our part to be counted, but we don’t want criminals to ruin the process.

This Month Rockville’s 150, So Celebrate! [UPDATED]

As you might have heard, the City of Rockville turns 150 years old this month. Since the City was incorporated on March 10, 1860, the occasion will be officially commemorated on Wednesday, March 10, 2010.

At 12 noon the Rockville Sister City corporation will join the Mayor of Pinnenberg, Germany, Kristin Alheit, for a very special Rose Presentation at the Glenview Mansion gardens. She will give the Mayor, Council and residents of Rockville a newly developed Rockville Rose. A reception will follow the presentation.

Then at 6:30 PM the Rockville Jazz Band will light up Rockville Town Square followed by a formal ceremony and then anniversary cake. With any luck, we won’t have any snow. If you see me, be sure to say “Hi!”.

Update: Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown will be issuing a proclamation to the City. Also, The Finest! Youth Performance Troupe will be joining the Rockville Jazz Band during the opening entertainment.

When you are in Town Square, think about going to Noodles and Company for dinner. The first 150 people to visit after 4:30 PM will get a coupon for a free dish on their next visit.

Other special events after March 10th:

If you have a bike, join the Millennium Trail Bike Ride on Saturday, March 13 at 10 AM at Glenview Mansion. The ride will go through 10.6 miles of Rockville and loop back to the Mansion. My family is planning on joining the fun. The ride is cancelled if there is rain or snow! The City encourages everyone to ride 150 miles in 2010 for good health.

As she mentioned at the Inauguration, Eileen McGuckian, founder of Peerless Rockville, will be lecturing on Rockville’s history on Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 7 PM. Her The Sesquicentennial of Rockville, Local Government at 150 Years will be released on this fine occasion at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre. She’ll speak about important milestones in Rockville’s history, including Rockville at 50 years old, the Centennial in 1960, and Rockville today.

If you’re part of a community organization which would like to design and paint a fire hydrant around Rockville Town Center for the occasion, the Fire Hydrant Art Project application is due March 24, 2010 and the painting would need to occur in April. Organizations will need to supply the ideas, bright paint colors and volunteers. There will be 20 lucky winners.

Find something you’ll enjoy for our Sesquicentennial celebration.

Watch For A Possible Winter Storm This Thursday

Alert Montomery is notifying residents about yet another possible snow accumulation this Thursday, March February 25, 2010:

Another significant Nor’easter expected on Thursday. 5+ inches of snowfall possible with this approaching system. High winds may lead to widespread power outages. Residents are encouraged to begin Winter Storm preparations now.

The National Weather Service has issued a WINTER STORM WATCH for Montgomery County until Thursday night. A strong low pressure system is expected to develop off the Carolina coast and move East of the region Thursday. Current indications suggest this will be an all snow event for the County. Residents should begin Winter Storm preparations which should consider the potential of significant (5+in) snow accumulations within the next 48 hours.

If you haven’t already, you should sign up for Montgomery County’s Roam Secure Alert Network. The service can let you know immediately about a major crisis, emergency, or severe weather event. The alerts are issued only for important situations such as water main breaks, tornado warnings, etc. You can get them by e-mail, cell phone, or pager.

Also, Rockville has its own service, Alert Rockville, which you should also sign up for to stay safe.

Let’s hope we don’t get too much snow this time around. I don’t think we can take much more. My ice dam finally fell off the roof today and we don’t need another!

POTD: Splash

This one is by Rockville Central editor Cindy Cotte Griffiths. Of it, she says: “The fountain in the courtyard of Congressional Village has been frozen and spurting for weeks. I always take a look at this evolving ice sculpture, surprised that it’s still turned on. Sometimes it’s all about the ice not the snow.”

I think this is a cool shot!

Your 2010 Census Survey Will Arrive In One Month

If you are like me, the mail piles up and you try to take out the important pieces. Keep an eye out for the 2010 Census which will arrive mid-March. You have to fill it out and return it by April 1, 2010.

You will receive a short questionnaire that is simple to complete and return with questions such as:

• Name
• Sex
• Age
• Date of birth
• Origin
• Race
• Household relationship
• If you own or rent

The census DOES NOT ask about the legal status of respondents or Social Security numbers.

Once you get your form in the mail, fill it in and mail it back in the postage-paid envelope provided.
Any request for census information from the Census Bureau will be clearly identified as coming from the U.S. Census Bureau and as OFFICIAL BUSINESS of the United States. It is a federal offense for anyone to pretend they represent the Census Bureau.

College students living away from home should not be counted on their parents’ questionnaires. If someone lives away at school, their Census form will arrive in April or May. People should be counted where they live and sleep most of the year, so students living in on-campus housing need to answer their questionnaires themselves at school.

By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s answers with anyone, including federal, state, and local agencies. Your information will be kept completely confidential.

If for some reason you don’t return your questionnaire, a Census worker will come to your home. Before your household receives a visit from the Census Bureau, you will be given a few days notice with a letter from the Census Bureau Director.

10 Questions in 10 Minutes for 10 Years

How To Stay Safe After The Record Snowfall

Dangers still lurk because of all the snow and ice from the February storms. As everyone’s saying, it doesn’t appear to be going anywhere. We are getting another inch or two this evening. As we are all going about our business, keep these safety tips in mind.

Look Up!
We have our back stairs blocked so the ice dam and icicles won’t fall on anyone’s head. Visitors are coming through our garage. Some local businesses are also blocking areas of danger. However, not everyone is taking this precaution. Assess entryways and make sure to stay alert when entering or exiting buildings.

Roof Snow Procedures

If you haven’t already, make sure to clear away the snow by your downspouts and drains. Not doing so backs up the drainage and contributes to ice dams on the roof.

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service warns

Please Do NOT attempt to access your roof to clear the snow. Any person on the roof or performing work on the roof from below is risking injury and damage to the roof and house. It is important to contact licensed, bonded, and insured professionals to carry out this job!

MCFRS also reported a house fire due to water leaking down into an electrical panel. If your breakers keep tripping, turn off your main circuit breaker and call a licensed, bonded, and insured electrician.

Driving

Large snow banks are blocking the view at most intersections. Drivers need to nose the car out in order to see if oncoming traffic is coming. Be very alert when driving and expect cars to pull out. Obey speed limits and drive carefully and slowly.

Walking in the Street
Wear bright colors and be aware of vehicles driving on the roads. Look left, right and all around before crossing. Cross in crosswalks where drivers are expecting you.

Snow Forts and Tunnels
My kids have built them, but they are dangerous. Children should never be left unattended and close supervision is necessary. The snow can collapse on the kids making breathing difficult very quickly.

Frozen Water
Don’t even think about going out on ponds or creeks, you can never tell how thick the ice is.

Fire Hydrants
As I’ve said, clear the fire hydrants if they are still buried in your neighborhood!

Stay safe everyone!

Primary Roads Are Plowed

Good news! The City of Rockville is reporting on Facebook:

Trucks have plowed and salted primary roads and are now focusing on secondary streets. We appreciate your patience as we work to clear a passable lane through neighborhoods.

This snow is lighter and easier to manage. The City has been working around the clock on 12-hour shifts to clear roads and hired additional equipment to speed the effort along. Front-end loaders worked to open lanes on primary roads and create snow storage space. They have also been deployed to clear courts and cul-de-sacs.

Here’s the complete up-to-the-minute information from the City:

Shoveling
Residents are reminded that per the City’s snow ordinance they have 48 hours to clear sidewalks.

Facilities
City of Rockville facilities, with the exception of City Hall, the Gude Maintenance Facility and the Water Treatment Plant are closed until further notice.

Recycling and Refuse Pickup
Recycling and refuse collection has been suspended indefinitely as those crews have been reassigned to clear streets. When service is restored, crews will pick up overflow bags of trash. Do not bag overflow recyclables. Place them in a box, paper bag or blue bin.

Parking
Residents are asked to keep vehicles off roads so that crews can continue to clear roads. Cars can be parked in community center parking lots or in the three Town Center parking garages. Parking in garages is free through Monday, Feb. 15.

The City community centers are Thomas Farm Community Center, 700 Fallsgrove Drive; Twinbrook Community Recreation Center, 12920 Twinbrook Parkway; Lincoln Park Community Center, 357 Frederick Ave.; Rockville Swim and Fitness Center, 355 Martins Lane; and Rockville Senior Center, 1150 Carnation Drive.

Residents are asked to not park along the streets in Town Center as those parking lanes are being used for temporary snow storage.

Report Felled Trees and Power Outages
City forestry crews are working to remove felled trees and branches. Felled trees should be reported to the City Tree Line at 240-314-5007. Residents without power should call Pepco at 1-877-737-2662. Residents who have been without power for several days are urged to re-report their outages.

Emergencies
Residents are reminded to call 911 in an emergency. If residents require emergency transport assistance, call the Fire and Rescue Service at 240-773-0027. To report non-emergency items to the Rockville Police Department, call 240-314-8900.

Assist Your Neighbors
Continue to check on neighbors, especially those who live alone, are elderly or disabled.

If residents are aware of someone with a disability or medical condition who needs assistance, they are asked to call the City Community Services Division at 240-314-8310.

If residents are aware of a shut-in senior citizen who needs assistance, they are asked to call the City’s emergency assistance phone line for seniors at 240-314-8810.

Montgomery County and the American Red Cross continue to operate a shelter at Richard Montgomery High School. For information about transportation to the shelter call 240-777-6000.

Roof Safety
Homeowners should not attempt to clear snow off their roof. Residents with flat roofs should watch for the warning signs of a potential roof collapse, such as a sagging or cracking ceiling; popping, cracking or creaking sounds; or doors and/or windows that can no longer be opened or closed. Residents should evacuate their home if they notice any of these warning signs, and call 911 if their roof collapses.

Help Clear Fire Hydrants
Residents can assist fire and rescue efforts by clearing fire hydrants of snow so they are visible, or marking them with broomsticks or flags.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Residents without power should be aware that using gas or charcoal grills, propane heaters and stoves, kerosene space heaters or generators indoors can be fatal. They are a source of carbon monoxide, which can build up indoors and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Avoid using outdoor grills indoors, to prevent the risk of a fire.

Inspiration From New Mark Commons And Beyond

As we share our double blizzard stories, I’m hearing more and more about how people have come together to help each other during the storm.

Photo by Angelin Donohue

Roald Schrack sent along this picture. The residents of 13 to 21 Farsta Court took matters into their own hands last Monday when their secondary street had not been plowed.

With some help from an underpowered snowblower, the eight of us cleared the street. The City came through on Tuesday morning and made it wider. We are all set to tackle it again tomorrow if needed. It was really inspiring to see everybody pitch in.

Across Rockville, people are talking about how neighbors have pulled together:

• In Horizon Hill, residents shoveled the street up to their neighbor’s door because he was a doctor and needed to go on duty.
• Here in the comments of Brad Rouke’s encouraging post, Pitch In And Be Prepared, Tim Wood said “Thanks to James Bisnett and Emmett Bisnett Maple Ave between 28/First Street and Reading Ave has been cleared since Saturday. Along with the sidewalk, multiple driveways, etc. Emmett deserves some neighbor award for all the work he’s done with his snowblower.”
• On my street, a car was stuck last weekend. A group of neighbors came out of their apartments to dig it out. The driver, Chris, shared his apartment address and repeatedly told the everyone if they ever needed any help, they should not hesitate to knock on his door.

Neighbors have been pulling together to get the job done. Sometimes while doing so, they are meeting each other for the first time.

Obviously this storm is beyond the scope of our regular preparation. All levels of government from state to city are having a tough time keeping the roads clear. Snow plow drivers have been working long shifts. With this current snowstorm laying approximately 15 inches on Rockville, we will all need to do more than usual.

Thanks to everyone for the inspiration. We’re going to need to dig down deep to make it through this one.

All About The Emergency Shelter at RMHS

Our local Richard Montgomery High School has been set up as a Montgomery County emergency shelter for those experiencing power outages. Curious, I walked over to learn what it would be like to stay at the high school.

With electricity still out for approximately 50,000 Montgomery County residents and temperatures expected in the teens tonight, the shelter will provide warmth and food for those suffering without electricity. All the volunteers and staff created a very welcoming atmosphere. This makeshift facility is providing top notch services. Nurses were available along with an officer from the Sheriff’s department who’ll make sure everyone stays safe.

Anthony Holmes, an American Red Cross volunteer, was on hand to answer questions. He’s a volunteer with our local Red Cross Disaster Team. When he heard they needed volunteers in the DC area this weekend, he signed up to help. Last night at 11 PM as he huddled under a blanket without electricity in his own home, he received the call to volunteer. He immediately told them to send a vehicle over to pick him up.

Cots are set up in the gym and the 21 people who stayed there last night had plenty of room. Families are allowed to stay together. The Red Cross supplies their signature red blankets to everyone. Heater Meals, which require wrapping an individual heater pack around liquid and food packets, are available for on the spot meals. Steam rises from the packs during the fast 10 minute cooking process. M&M’s and peanut butter are included in the Meals. Hot tea and coffee are brewed throughout the day.

This morning the IHOP in Ritchie Center sent over 30 meals which included eggs, pancakes, sausage and bacon for everybody, along with a big bottle of syrup. Remember to thank IHOP for this community service the next time you stop by for a meal.

Some people with medical needs have been transported to the shelter by ambulance and the National Guard. If you don’t have heat, go to the shelter. If you are wondering about whether you should go before the roads freeze up tonight, don’t worry. They pulled out a T.V. and everyone will be able to watch the Superbowl.

In addition to the shelter at RMHS, at 4 PM today Montgomery County opened two more: (1.) at Schweinhaut Ctr, 1000 Forest Glen in Silver Spring and (2.) Longwood Ctr, 19300 Georgia Ave, in Brookville/Olney.