It’s Only Going To Take 10 Minutes (Or Less Really)

My 2010 Census arrived yesterday and I’m sure if you haven’t received your form, you will any minute now. The questionnaire went out to 120 million mailboxes this week.

When households don’t return the form, census takers must go to the homes to get the answers to the questionnaires, costing us all more money. If everyone mailed back their form, we would save about $1.5 billion. In 2010, the Census Bureau estimates that for every 1% increase in the mail back response, we will save approximately $85 million.

From the Census Bureau announcement:

“I’d like nothing more than to return money to the taxpayers following this census because they mailed back the census forms at a record rate,” said Census Bureau Director Robert Groves. “In the end, the American public’s willingness to participate in the 2010 Census will determine its success and how much money we’re able to return to Congress.”

Check here for an interactive map which shows the response rate. You can see which areas are doing the best. Type in your zip code to see if your neighbors have returned their forms. Let’s go Rockville!

Remember, all census responses are confidential. Answers are protected by law and cannot be shared with anyone. The Census Bureau takes extreme measures to protect the identity of individuals and businesses.

The 2010 Census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. The information will be used to decide congressional seats, distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds, and make decisions about what community services to provide.

The form is one of the shortest in history! 10 questions, taking about 10 minutes to complete. So just do it! You have until April 1st.

All Smiles and Roses At Rockville’s 150th Birthday Parties

James McConkey and Bernd Hinrichs

The festivities began at Glenview Mansion at noon with a greater than expected crowd. Rockville was throwing a party and the best part is always the friends who attend. A 12-member delegation from our Sister City of Pinneberg, Germany made the trip to help us celebrate, continuing one of the oldest enduring friendships in the Sister City program.

Pinneberg created a special Rockville Rose but we’ve had trouble bringing it into the country. The details of this long process are explained by Nate Carrick in his Gazette article. But the Pinneberg delegation didn’t let the lack of live roses stop them from commemorating our Sesquicentennial. They gave us a more lasting gift, a painting of Rockville Roses by Detlef Allenberg.

Burgermeister Kristin Alheit and her son

Pinneberg mayor, Kristen Alheit, emphasized how a rose shows pure lust for life, which she felt symbolized the relationship of our cities. The Rockville Rose is a very special breed with large, dark flowers which grow upright. Of the painting she said, “May this portrait express all that is important to us in the friendship between Rockville and Pinneberg.”

Mayors Phyllis Marcuccio and Kristen Alheit

When she accepted the painting, Mayor Phyllis Marcuccio explained that roses are especially important to her since her mother’s name was Rose and her middle name is Rose, “I am Phyllis Rose.”

Bernd Hinrichs, President of the German American Society of Pinneberg, explained how roses have played a significant role in society since ancient Greece. Symbolizing affection and friendship, roses stand for distinction. In ancient times everyone could be sure that what was said while standing under roses was covered by a veil of secrecy. He added, “I know why men like to give roses to women.”

Then to honor the 25th anniversary of the founding of our Sister City Corporation, our German friends gave us an actual Rockville Rose enclosed in silver, a remarkable gift which will remain mysterious and everlasting.

During the ceremonies, Rotraut Bockstahler, past President of the Rockville Sister City Corporation, explained that Sesquicentennial means six times a quarter of a century. She was glad when she found out and I’m glad to finally know!

Quite a crowd also turned out for the evening festivities in Rockville Town Center. The Rockville Jazz Band warmed up the crowd before the ceremony. People gathered throughout the Square to hear them.

Mary van Balgooy, Executive Director of Peerless Rockville, was an absolute delight as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening with her friendly and bright demeanor which brought the ceremony together.

Dick Stoner detailed the Rockville’s 150 year history but he started by referencing the names previously given to our City: Owens Crossing, Williamsburg, and Montgomery Courthouse. His list of historical facts described things, the roads and buildings. He built upon each 50 year period and created a dynamic picture of Rockville over the years.

Lt. Governor Anthony Brown noted that he saw people in the audience shaking their heads when Mr. Stoner described the three hour trip from Washington to Rockville back in the olden days of horses. But then he noted,”You don’t speak lightly of traffic in Montgomery County.” He declared Rockville a “vibrant, exciting and nationally-recognized place to live.”

Perhaps the most fun part of the ceremony was the winner of the “Rockville in 2060” Essay Contest, Anish Senapati. Mayor Marcuccio gave him the opportunity to read his essay. He pictured flying cars and lots of pollution with tall sky scrapers 200 floors high, then declared the mayor of Rockville “will be me”.

Nancy Floreen, President of the Montgomery County Council thought he would either be Chairman of the Planning Commission or President.We received proclamations from all levels of government and Mayor Marcuccio said it was overwhelming to receive “so many birthday cards”.

Phyllis Marcuccio, John Britton and Mark Pierzchala

IMPACT, a dance troupe from The Finest! moved in energetic unison then a giant birthday cake with our 150th logo was enjoyed by the crowd.

By the end of the night, it was getting a bit chilly. Throughout the day people seemed genuinely happy to see each other. Perhaps after such a long, cold winter we were especially glad to come together as a community for a good time.

The Reverend Jane Wood concluded the formal ceremony by praying, “Practice random acts of kindness, particularly to those less fortunate than yourselves.”

I only hope we will during our next 150 years as a City.

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.