Next Steps For Envisioning Rockville Pike

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

Back in 2007, the City of Rockville started a planning process with consultants to develop a vision for the future of Rockville Pike within the City boundaries which has been dubbed Rockville’s Pike: Envision a Great Place.

I wrote about all of the meetings which led up to a charrette. As we know, Rockville Pike is currently zoned for low-density retail and our complaints about the traffic are justified. Even with the slowdown, the Pike has economic possibilities. Throughout the process with the consultants, people talked about the good and the bad about the Pike.

What do you want to see happen on Rockville Pike in the future? Completely mixed-use like Rockville Town Center? Walkable self-contained communities? Big shopping locations with parking? A place to buy everything you need for your family? A boulevard with bike and bus lanes? Lanes for through traffic? Better intersections?

As properties are re-developed over time, the zoning will determine what is built. We can set the direction through the planning process. The goal of the reenvisiong process is “to create a great location for people to shop, work, live, gather and move.”

The City’s contract consulting team, headed by ACP Vision­ing and Planning, is finalizing the draft document developed from the envisioning process. They will be making their way around to our Boards and Commissions and holding many other public meetings to get our opinions. We all will have the opportunity to help define the future of the Pike.

After the consultants release the draft report, it will be presented to the Planning Commission and Mayor and Council, then a public hearing will be conducted with the Planning Commission. Through work sessions, the Planning Commission will refine the plan then forward it to the Mayor and Council for review, approval, and adoption.

Here’s how you can be involved:

In addition to participating in these work sessions, you will have the opportunity to attend an “open house” for discussion with the consultants and City staff.

You should sign up for the emails from the Rockville’s Pike Interest Group by going to www.rockvillemd.gov/rockvillespike.

After the draft plan is posted on the City’s website, you can send comments via e-mail to rockvillepikeplan@rockvil­lemd.gov  or via regular mail to: City of Rockville, Dept. of Community Planning and Development Services,111 Mary­land Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850-2364.

The Pike is too important to all of us to ignore its future or think it’s the State’s responsibility. We can work to create a great place.

Montgomery College Inaugurates A New President

Photo from Montgomery College

On Friday, October 29, 2010, Dr. DeRionne P. Pollard was inaugurated as the ninth chief executive officer in the College’s 64 year history with approximately 700 people in attendance including Mayor Phyllis Marcuccio, County Councilmember Phil Andrews, and Maryland Senator Jennie Forehand. The Rockville City Police Department’s honor guard showed our City’s support for the College by presiding over the presentation of the colors.

During her speech, Dr. Pollard emphasized her high aspirations for our local community college:

My vision is for Montgomery College to become the most relevant community college in the country by meeting the needs of our students and our community. The Board of Trustees and I want this institution to be as meaningful to the lives and goals of our students, employers, and community as we can possibly be.

Although an educated workforce is key to maintaining our standing in the world, Dr. Pollard explained that in just a decade, the U.S. has fallen from first place to ninth in the proportion of young people with a college degree, then she painted a picture of Montgomery County today:

• Nearly 30 percent of public school children rely on free and reduced meals at their schools each day;
• 13 percent of public school students are enrolled in ESOL courses;
• A family of four needs around $100,000 to live without government assistance (referenced from Wider Opportunities for Women report, 2010.), but many families don’t reach that threshold.

Photo from Montgomery College

Dr. Pollard underscored the importance of education to economic security and quality of life:

We feel—we see—increasing desperation for more and more Americans who are struggling to pay their bills, maintain a roof over their heads, and take their kids to the doctor when they are sick. People worry about getting—or keeping—the kinds of good jobs that support a middle class life.

And yet, there are good jobs out there, like registered nurses, computer support specialists, police officers, and auto mechanics. Area employers are still looking for skilled employees, but the reality is that while 48 percent of all jobs in Maryland are classified as middle-skill, only 37 percent of Maryland’s workers have the education and training required to fill these positions. And, they require a college education or certificate.

She explained that the College is not only in the business of meeting this requirement, but it also is in the business of changing lives:

We have seen, firsthand, how Montgomery College can change the trajectory of an individual; transform the quality of life for a family; and enhance the intellectual, economic, and cultural essence of a community.

She intends to throw open her arms to ensure that every person receives a college education by serving both the “haves” and the “have-nots”, in order to make the College fully relevant to the entire community. Education is the only truly liberating and equalizing force and a high school diploma isn’t enough anymore. Students who earn an associate’s degree from Montgomery College, when compared to those workers with only their high school diplomas, earn $593,000 more in salary over a lifetime. Dr. Pollard stressed that a college degree is the most reliable way to break a cycle of poverty for a family.

Since President Barack Obama has challenged community colleges to produce an additional 5 million graduates in the next ten years, the state of Maryland has embraced the completion agenda. The community colleges in Maryland have committed to increasing their graduation numbers by 20 percent in just two years. Dr. Pollard called on the College community to join her in supporting the national and state initiatives to increase college graduation.

Montgomery College is the second largest undergraduate institution in the state, behind the University of Maryland College Park. The College serves nearly 60,000 students a year, through both credit and noncredit programs, in more than 100 areas of study, including continuing education and training opportunities through noncredit courses and programs offered by the Workforce Development and Continuing Education division.

In the Campus Conversation interview below, Dr. Pollard highlights her “radically inclusive” philosophy where everyone is engaged and involved for the long haul. She believes by working together, Montgomery College can make a difference in our community.

Comic Strip: ROCK’burb

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

ROCK'burb by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

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

Music Review: Billy Coulter’s Live Verve

Photo from Billy Coulter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

City Issues Updated At The Town Hall Meeting

First Speaker At the Town Hall Meeting

Last night’s Town Hall Meeting was held in the Mayor and Council Chambers due to rain. The planned interaction at Rockville Town Square might have brought some new voices to the podium but the event attracted the usual speakers to City Hall. However, the low turnout and unlimited speaking time allowed for more direct interaction between residents and the Mayor and Council who were able to respond to each person individually while they were at the podium.

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

Only two people signed up in advance to speak. Elvie Moore from the Musical Theater Center asked the Mayor and Council to support this “Treasure of the City” to make a permanent home in Rockville and to attend the upcoming performance of Guys and Dolls. One of the MTC’s performers, Max, then proficiently sung Out There from the Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Tom Doerr, from the Bicycle Advisory Committee asked for extra time and was jokingly told he could have it if he would sing. He responded that it would be off key since he’s tone deaf. But then it was explained that there were no time limits for speaking during the Town Hall meeting. Usually people are held to a maximum of 3 minutes (5 if for an entity) during Citizen’s Forums at Mayor and Council Meetings.

Being able to speak to the Mayor, Council, and City Staff without any time limits was a rare offer, but only seven people took advantage of the opportunity.

Biking

Mr. Doerr said “Ride With A Friend On the Carl Henn” had popped into his head. On behalf of the Rockville Bike Advisory Committee, he explained that the entire length of Rt. 355 is a barrier to biking and he hoped the City would incorporate the Bike Master Plan into the Master Plan for the City by adding the necessary transportation options. Nancy Breen also spoke about the upcoming city-wide bike safety program planned for next year.

College Garden Neighborhood Access To Montgomery College

Ms. Breen then asked if there had been any progress on opening the gate between the College Gardens neighborhood and Montgomery College. The situation was still described as a stalemate. However, Mark Pierzchala explained the Board of Trustees was meeting with homeowners and College Gardens Civic Association on Monday night. They were presenting a plan to open the fence so the College will have to react.

Town Center Grocery Store

An update on the grocery store situation was also requested by Ms. Breen. City Manager Scott Ullery periodically checks in with Federal Realty and they are still pursuing a grocery store and talking to a few.

The Municipal Growth Element and Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance

Susan Donohue explained she was nervous since she had never previously been to a meeting but she wanted an explanation about why the Municipal Growth Element (MGE) didn’t take the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) into account. The explanation included “It didn’t take it into account and it didn’t not take it into account.” The MGE exercise required by the State will give a synopsis of future trends, so the City can plan appropriately.

Theresa Defino requested that the Mayor and Council agree to put on their October 4th agenda a discussion of an amendment that would exempt affordable housing from the APFO. Brigitta Mullican said she always had a problem with the APFO and it needs to be more compatible with Montgomery County. As for traffic, it comes from outside Rockville and goes right through, so the City’s APFO will not correct the problem. The main solution will be to ask the County to work with the City.

Charter Commission

Joe Jordon asked the Mayor and Council for their opinions on forming a Charter Commission. Councilmember Britton thought it would be great to have a Commission discuss the issues of the number of council members and length of term as well as whether officials should be elected at-large or from specific areas of the City. Councilmember Pierzchala wondered what the timing should be since they are nine months into the term. Mayor Marcuccio ran on the platform that she would like to see a Charter Commission and mentioned an interest in expanding the council and terms. Councilmember Gajewski said that the Mayor was on the 2002 Charter Commission. Shouldn’t we give it more than 8 years? Now there is efficiency. Seven would be more time consuming. Ms. Mullican joined in the discussion summing up the issues from a financial viewpoint. Longer terms would “be better money-wise”. Financially she would say “no” to the expense of more council members but if people can give more input then she would say “yes”.

Citizen Participation

After everyone had spoke, Mayor Marcuccio wondered if participation was down in all the different neighborhood associations in the City. Was it a perception or a reality? A couple of citizens and council members spoke about their neighborhoods of Twinbrook, the West End, New Mark Commons, King Farm, and College Gardens, especially to compare this year’s National Night Out participation. Mr. Jordon suggested they call in all the leaders and find out if it’s true. Councilmember Gajewski didn’t know if the government should be reaching out when people would rather be riding their bicycles or playing with their kids. Perhaps they should handle the issues as elected officials and represent people. Mayor Marcuccio decided that if people see a value in pulling together then they should let the Mayor and Council know.

So, will the Mayor and Council get a response from leaders wanting to discuss involving more of their neighbors?

Would the Town Square location have attracted more participation at this Town Hall? Many ideas for the format were discussed, yet it resembled a typical Citizen’s Forum. Would a more innovative approach have brought people out for a Town Hall meeting? If people are content to have their elected officials make the decisions, is that enough? When people disagree we often see an outcry, so was the low turnout a sign of contentment with our local government or a lack of interest?

Gold Star Muffins Arrive In Rockville!

A couple of years ago, I would meet my friend, Laura Levengard, for a weekly fast-paced walk. We had met in a sports class for our sons when they were toddlers. Always full of energy and ideas, she had become a personal trainer. One day she told me she wanted to sell muffins. Not just any muffins but rather unique, healthy ones that would be high in protein and low in calories. The kind of muffins someone would want to buy at a gym for all the right reasons.

I’ve had the great pleasure of watching Laura make the muffins a reality and now they are finally available in Rockville at Rich’s Café, which turns out to be a very special place too. Rich’s Café has been at 1 Church Street #105 across from the Rockville metro for two years. Previously it was located on North Washington Street for ten years.

Michelle and Tom Joo named the Café after their son and they live in King Farm. As customers came in for lunch, I couldn’t help but notice how they knew most of their names and even noticed new hairstyles. This is a friendly establishment serving breakfast and lunch from 7 AM until 4 PM. Located in the corner of the office building facing out to Rt. 355, the Café is an easy hop across the metro parking lot to grab a quick brown bag meal. Outside seating makes a nice meeting place during good weather.

Rich’s Café has all the typical sandwiches plus a vegetarian option, turkey brie, and triple subs. The grill cooks up eggs, omelets, pancakes, fried potatoes, and cheese steaks along with Korean Boolgoki which is marinated beef and vegetables. They also cater breakfasts with their selection of bagels and danishes and can be reached at 301-738-9650.

Of course, they carry Laura’s Gold Star Muffins front and center on the counter and they are selling well ($2.39 each).

Laura teamed up with partner, Beth Novick, to create Gold Star Bakers. The muffins are actually star-shaped and will “satisfy your urge to indulge” while being Tran’s fat free and made from natural ingredients.

They set out to create “a great muffin that wasn’t a health food (where’s the fun in that?) or a nutritional disaster (and feel guilty the rest of the day? No thanks).”

I’ve finally tried them all and I agree! They come in Cinnamon Coffecake, Strawberry Cinnamon, Cappuccino Chip, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Chocolate Chocolate Chip, and Lemon Blueberry. With the high protein count, each muffin is filling and I do not need to put in extra time at the gym. The flavors are refined and better than baked goods typically labeled as healthy.

Gold Star Muffins are perfect for events when you want a tasty but healthy treat. You can also freeze them.

Laura grew up here in Rockville and graduated from Rockville High School. Although her muffins are sold throughout Montgomery County, she’s thrilled to finally make them available in her hometown. I, for one, am glad to be able to walk over and enjoy one (or two!) with my coffee.

Hispanic Heritage Celebration Was A Gathering Place

Over 50 Bolivian dancers showed up at Rockville’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Saturday, September 20, 2010. Throughout the afternoon, groups in different costumes filled the square with many of the men’s outfits matching the women’s dresses, plus a bunch of little kids joined in the fun with their own colorful versions. Four hours of movement was presented by Caporales Universitarios San Simon, Café Caribe, Caminito Amigo, Fraternidad, Diablada Boliviana, Arte Flamenco, and Ballet Ritmos del Peru. After the show was over, the dancers stayed around and had something to eat together. The audience did the same.

A sense of pride could be felt among those in attendance. Even when a family was fluent in English, the parents encouraged conversations in Spanish. The whole square was packed with people in a celebratory mood of sharing who visited the tables set up with information about many programs with explanations in Spanish including City of Rockville, Priority Partners, Kaseman Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, Casa de Maryland, Community Ministries of Rockville, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Montgomery County, Montgomery County Federation of Families, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Montgomery County, and Revista Buena Gente.

Carlos Aparicio, the City’s new Community Services Manager who previously worked in the Linkages To Learning program, came to hand out information and became a tattoo artist. He had a nonstop parade of kids wanting “I Love Rockville” temporary tattoos while they waited for the moon bounce. When he explained they looked like “biker” tats, even I was tempted.

The musical entertainment and dancers all volunteered to perform at this new Hispanic Heritage event in Town Square. The final musical presentation was by Visions of Jazz. They were enjoying themselves so much they played until 7:15 PM even though the official ending time was 7 PM, which was a real testament to the good time being had by all.  Here’s a very brief clip of their performance.

School Overcrowding In The Richard Montgomery Cluster

One point became very clear at the Public Hearing for Rockville’s Municipal Growth Element (MGE) last Monday, all of the schools in the Richard Montgomery Cluster are overcapacity. With the recent court decision for Beall’s Grant II requiring the City to use data beyond MCPS figures to determine if the City’s Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) is met regarding student overcrowding, many are questioning what will be done. Also this week, the Planning Commission denied the addition of  two portable classrooms at College Gardens also due to the APFO. What is the real situation at these schools and what is Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) doing about it? Is all residential and school development in Rockville stopped?

At the Public Hearing, Christopher Kelly, the Richard Montgomery Cluster Coordinator, stated that the APFO would result in a moratorium for all schools in RM cluster. He commended the planning staff for significantly revising the school section of the MGE. MCPS must make the situation in Rockville a very high priority and financial support should more accurately reflect enrollment. Newly-modernized schools in the Cluster are over capacity. The Cluster is worried about the future of Julius West Middle School. A formal dialog on long-range growth and the over-crowding of schools must begin.

Here’s a snapshot of our RM Cluster schools and where they are in the modernization and expansion plans.

Projections indicate enrollment at Julius West Middle School will exceed capacity by six classrooms or more in the next five years. MCPS intends to monitor enrollment to determine the need for a future project. Relocat¬able classrooms will be utilized until additional capacity can be added. In the meantime, restroom renovations are approved and will be completed in the 2011–2012 school year.

RPES

Ritchie Park Elementary has five portables. Two added this summer were not ready for the beginning of school. The feasibility study for the school has been completed so Ritchie Park is ready to be renovated. The next step is to get into the Superintendent’s proposed CIP this fall to fund the needed addition. However, new projects are funded every other year and this is an amendment year. It’s not impossible to be funded but fewer new projects are typically added. If the funds are approved and the project starts, it will take about three years for the addition to be completed. In the meantime, restroom renovations are approved and will be completed the 2015–2016 school year.

The Beall and Twinbrook Elementary Schools are in the middle of feasibility studies which should be completed this year. If they qualify for an additions, both would most likely request funding in the next full CIP in the fall (October) 2011. Both have portables in use as classrooms.

BES

Beall Elementary has seven portable buildings visible at the back and at least one is used by more than one classroom. Again, while the school waits, restroom renovations are approved and will be completed in the 2013–2014 school year.

TES

Twinbrook Elementary has four portables visible on the side of the school. Rising enrollment projections for the next several years at Twinbrook indicate an increase of 175 students, for a total of 687 students by 2016. Twinbrook Elementary has been approved for restroom renovations to be completed in the 2014–2015 school year.

The feasibility study also looks at whether current buildings need to be updated or replaced. Buildings are studied against a checklist of criteria and given a score. Based on the score of each building, MCPS makes a decision about the future needs of the current school building but this is separate from the decision about the need for an addition.

CGES

College Gardens Elementary was just reopened after being torn down and replaced. At the MGE Public Hearing, Andrea Hall, who lives in College Gardens said the school has over 700 students and it was built for 673. The school has two portables on site but this week the Planning Commission denied a waiver to allow their occupancy because only two fire stations are within a 10-minute response time to the school, instead of the required three. The Planning Commission did not have the super majority necessary to grant the waiver. The kids who would occupy the classrooms are already crowded into the school and they cannot use the new classrooms. Beyond this immediate issue, the school would like to get in the queue to build new classrooms that are already part of their master plan. Now in addition to needing funding for the feasibility study for this project, the school would need the County to build the new fire station planned for the Shady Grove area or the APFO would need to be changed. What does this mean for all the schools in the RM Cluster?

The Montgomery County Public Schools Division of Long Range Planning issued a planning document in October 2009 which stated the following:

To address the overutilization of schools in this cluster, the County Council approved the Richard Montgomery Cluster Elementary Schools Solution project, which includes funds to plan, design, and construct eight permanent elementary school classrooms in the cluster. These additional classrooms would meet capacity requirements under the Growth Policy, avoiding a residential moratorium in the cluster. The County Council anticipates that ultimately the Board of Education will request one or more specific projects that will add these classrooms by the start of the 2016-2017 school year and that these funds would be used for that purpose.

Of course, the MCPS budget will be tight for the foreseeable future and competition for modernization funds will be stiff. The process to build additions takes several years. First the feasibility study for a year, then the push for funding in a future budget, then the three-year timetable to actually build the addition. As is apparent with the descriptions above., MCPS has a tendency to project over enrollment then wait until it occurs before starting the process.

During the MGE Public Hearing, people testified on a variety of issues concerning the schools. Because of the economic downturn two families are sometimes living in homes meant for one and more families are renting, so many believe we must reexamine how to better determine number of students. Some testified about moving special programs, such as Chinese Immersion, out of the Cluster, or refusing hardship cases who want a transfer to RM Cluster schools.

Laura Berthiaume, who is on the Board of Education, also spoke at the Public Hearing. She is more than happy to facilitate any fact finding the City wants to start with the Board of Education. School overcrowding is a complex issue. The fact is that although this cluster is overcrowded, so is every other part of a county. An entire grade of an elementary school had to be moved to the bottom of a middle school. The situation is particularly bad in the Silver Spring area.

School overcrowding is a serious problem throughout the County. Now adequate fire protection has come into question when trying to alleviate the situation in Rockville.  The Mayor and Council Worksession on the Municipal Growth Element is scheduled for October 11, 2010. Testimony is still being accepted until October 8th by e-mail to mayorcouncil@rockvillemd.gov (provide your full name and address) or by mail to City Clerk, City of Rockville, 111 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD, 20850. What do you think?

Certify Your Property As a Wildlife Habitat [UPDATED]

Photo from Anne Goodman

Last Saturday Croydon Creek Nature Center and the Rockville Community Wildlife Habitat team co-sponsored a tour of some local backyards. Rockville is on a quest to certify as many yards as possible as wildlife habitat. The leaders of the tour wanted to show how easy it is to provide for neighborhood wildlife in your very own backyard. The tour was led by Julie Super, a naturalist with Croydon Creek Nature Center, and Anne Goodman and Jim Farrelly, co-leaders of the Habitat team.

Photo from Anne Goodman

Anne Goodman was happy with the participation.

It was a rousing success, in my view. The weather was perfect. We had 14 people who were interested and interactive. Several mentioned that they got some good ideas from what they saw, and they seemed to enjoy the experience. We visited 5 homes: Audra and Bryan Lew, Mark Pierczhala and his wife Lesley Cross, Joe Andrews, Ruth Hanessian, and us.

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

At each home, the participants observed food, water, cover, places to raise young as well as sustainable gardening practices. All yards contained beautiful native plants. The Lew yard had lots of compost, wood features that provided shelter and places to raise young for insects, and unusual and attractive rain barrels. The Pierczhala/Cross yard was beautifully designed for enjoyment and to slow heavy water running through the property. One item in the chain of water runoff retention was a rain garden. The Andrews home was a townhouse. The plantings were nicely structured, and there were some unusual and lovely water features for birds. The Hanessian home was relatively wooded, had a very interesting low technology bird bath (a pail of water with a large rock on which the birds could sit), and a brush pile owned by a catbird. Our Goodman/Farrelly yard featured sunflowers, a fish pond, a home-made rat-proof bird feeder, and a solar fountain.

Photo from Anne Goodman

In order for the City of Rockville to be recognized, 200 residential certifications will need to be issued by the National Wildlife Federation. Right now, 110 have completed the process which involves filling out a form and paying a $20 fee. In addition to the residential certifications the City needs a minimum of 5 schools (we have 4) and 3 public places (we have 4). The certification is done on a points system with an individual home worth a point, a school 5 points, and a public area 3 points for a grand total of 300 points.

I was surprised to discover our property already qualifies, perhaps yours does too. The National Wildlife Federation explains the requirements on their website. All you need is provide elements from each of the following areas:

Photo from Anne Goodman

• Food Sources – For example: Native plants, seeds, fruits, nuts, berries, nectar
• Water Sources – For example: Birdbath, pond, water garden, stream
• Places for Cover – For example: Thicket, rockpile, birdhouse
• Places to Raise Young – For example: Dense shrubs, vegetation, nesting box, pond
• Sustainable Gardening – For example: Mulch, compost, rain garden, chemical-free fertilizer

Rat-proof bird feeder photo from Anne Goodman

If you register your backyard with the National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat program, please let us know.

Mayor and Council Recap 9-13-2010

Here is a recap of portions of Monday night’s Mayor and Council meeting.

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

City Manager’s Report

City Manager Scott Ullery asked Craig Simoneau, the Director of Public Works, to provide updates on City projects:

• ICC project construction traffic through King Farm. The general contractor was supposed to put up signs and speak with subcontractors but the fix lasted about a day. City staff have been promised a meeting on 9/14 and will be having a traffic meeting with the King Farm community. Montgomery County has been contacted about putting signs on I-270 warning trucks not to use the area. The City is exploring having the general contractor add language to each contract requiring the use of another route.
• Water main. Pure Technology has been inspecting the line since August 16th. Most of Phase I has been completed except for five areas they are coming back to inspect due to the difficulty in reaching them. When come back for Phase II access ports will have been added and they will complete the inspection. So far with 58% of the pipe inspected, only two sections have anomalies. Two contractors with good reputations had the lowest bids and they will replace the pipes and valves. Since the surge tank was already approved in CIP, it has been ordered. The lowest bidder for the installation is already working for the City and it will be replaced by October 16th. Therefore, with the release valves will be back in service, everything back in service at that time.
• Lakewood Bridge opened on August 22nd for the first day of school. Very tough deadline and they met it. It was more difficult than anticipated and work on the path for handicap accessibility will begin this week.
• Handicap accessibility for the Stonestreet Bridge replacement will be even more challenging.

The following people were appointed to Boards and Commissions:

Board of Supervisors of Elections

Beryl Feinberg (Reappointment as member until September 1, 2014) 

Cultural Arts Commission

George Northway (Reappointment as member until September 1, 2013) 

Environment Commission

David Zbarsky (Appointment as student representative until September 1, 2013) 

Citizen’s Forum

Anyone can address Citizen’s Forum. The best way is to call the City Clerk at 240-314-8280 by 4 PM, but typically anyone who shows up is allowed to speak. Here are brief recaps of their remarks:

Ben Murphyspoke about his upcoming Eagle Project event for Bikes for the World. The event is this Saturday at REI on RockvillePike. Everyone is encouraged to donate the used bikes cluttering up your garage along with a $10 shipping fee. Sewing machines will also be collected.

Ted Reuther spoke regarding Columbia Gas Pipeline issue. The interaction between residents and City staff has been superb. There have been meetings and discussions with the principal contact at Columbia about new technologies which would eliminate the need to remove overhanging tree branches. He’s pleased to continue working with the City to stop the removal of trees from outside the right of way.

Anne Goodmanspoke for herself andher husband in support keeping Redgate as a golf course. She is concerned about losing the wooded areas and storm water ponds which are wildlife habitat. She encourages the promotion of Redgate and ways to make more money to maximize the revenue. In the last Rockville Reports the “By the Numbers” Operating Budget only mentioned Redgate as a program costing money, which she felt was biased.

Dick Johns, PGA of America (a professional golfer association), talked about the benefits of Redgate. Golfers from outside the City are willing to spend money. City will want to havethis unique asset available to help when the economy begins to rebound. Right now the course provides full-time work for 13 employees, and financially supports fertilizer, chemicals, and food service companies. Events also benefit local charities. The course supports wounded soldiers at Walter Reed. Golfing has strong healthbenefits for those who play. All the factors need to be considered when determining the worth to citizens.

Susan Sweenspoke in support of Redgate Golf Course. She pays taxes and this is her money too. She has played all the courses in the area but she calls Redgate home. If you think it’s just a golf course, you are wrong. It’s a community where people gather and socialize. People don’t jump in car andgo home. They talk with each other about their scores. Redgate is one of the most challenging courses. No other course offers the same type of experience.

Alice Von Saundersexpressed disappointment with the Council. The figures from the city staff are not a true measure of Redgate. Fund are spent on the Senior Center which has been empty in the afternoons when she visits. A municipality pays for amenities for citizens. People think it costs more than other programs. When she wanted to go to Redgate, it was very difficult to findinformation, as if it the City wanted to keep it a secret. Shutting down the course would rob future generations. Perhaps the problem is withthe Council. Talked with people throughout the City and nearly all believeit should be kept as a golf course. Need to respect the demand of the people. Our high school golf teams practice there every week.

Carl Hargerspoke about his Twinbrook neighbors who are having trouble of keeping their homes. Redgate is part of this austerity. Now we can’t afford parks when the federal government could bail out banks which sold people homes they can’t afford. The result at our City level is that we say we can’t afford our parks but there’s always enough. We pay more taxes on houses then corporations pay, and that’s where we can get revenue.

Theresa Definoof the West End spoke on the court invalidation of the Beall’s Grant expansion. Luxury apartment buildings are in the cue before Beall’s Grant. Houses are being built and sold to new owners at high prices andthey can send their kids to Beall Elementary. The luxury projects already approved should be removed from the cue because the result has been economic segregation. Complete remarks are here.

John Keppelof Kensington has played golf at Redgate since 1980. Plays full-time are Redgatebecause it’s a challenging course withan excellent tournament program not available at other public courses. Being a member of associations allows players with handicaps to play at the tournament andhe supports the golf course.

Mary Caroline Collette would like the City to consider accessibility when planning and considering renovations including square footage and heavy doors. She also would like to see free access to recreation centers if residents are over 50 or perhaps even free because seniors deteriorate when kept in. The City needs to work on having trips for people who can’t do physical activities. The lottery for trips must be ended if the City wants to attract baby boomers.

Roger Horstspoke about the history of golf. It has always rebounded from every economic downturn. Decisions should not be made during times of duress. The comprehensive review that the state requires every six years has department-wide recommendations including the acquisition of additional park space, which is a difficult task. Redgate was included in the recommendations and the course is ranked at one of top 10 in the area. The golf played represents revenue. Putting 8% of the revenue of a company under “other” as was done for Redgate misleads everybody.

Susan Princespoke as a private West End citizen in support of Redgate. The City must provide recreational facilities to promote participation by all Rockville residents in safe, modern and well-maintained parks and facilities. Discussion has centered on a fiscal gain but rather we should look at how to make Redgatean even better asset to the community. Whether you play or not, it is set aside for recreational purposes for the citizens. Loves the idea of making the snack bar more attractive. No place to sit outside and enjoy. Also adding complimentary winter activities such as cross country rentals and an ice rink should be considered.

David Grossof King Farm supports the Redgate Golf course. On the website, he saw the City boast that we have a golf course and there are probably very few cities which can do this. Redgateis the only activity being required to generate revenue. The other golf courses in Montgomery County offer packages but they aren’t as challenging. Making it more attractive is the way to go.

Eric Hallfrom Chevy Chase makes a choice to play Redgate because of the community andhe’s played with all ages andpeople from aroundthe world. At the other courses, you really don’t find the diversity. It is unique. He single handily helping the economy because he passes the stores and shops on RockvillePike. There are intangibles beyond dollars andcents to the citizens beyond Rockville.

Judy Millerwanted to add her support to the Redgate Course. When sitting in traffic she thought what a good thing it was to have this green space. She wants to make sure we really, really look at it in regards to green space.

Art Stigileof Hungerfordthinks we should start a group to “save taxpayers”. Nowhere in the 19 page Redgatereport do you find the cost to taxpayers. He explained the point in his piece on Rockville Central.By the end of the year Redgate will owe Rockville $2.4 million dollars. Loans to Redgatewill make up 1/6 of the reserve. Instead of being a rainy day fund it’s already been spent on Redgate. He understands the passion for golf and needs a passion for taxpayers.

Joe Jordonchairman of Redgate Advisory Group was overwhelmed because he didn’t know most of the people who showed up and testified in support of Redgate and he wanted to thank them.

Response to Citizen’s Forum

Mr. Gajewski mentioned the possibility of a city-wide referendum for citizens to decide about Redgate.

Mayor Marcuccio wants to look for ways to make Redgate business better rather than sell off the land. She found the idea of the referendum interesting and it could include other programs.

Consent Agenda

The three items on the Consent Agenda were unanimously approved:

A. Contract Award for Temporary Personnel (A clarification was discussed that this is unskilled labor andnot administrative. The contract rate is $12.69 per hour.)

B. Adoption of resolution to petition the State of Maryland to reinstate state shared revenues diverted from municipal governments to fund operations of the state and to provide more diverse revenue raising authority to municipalities.

E. Letter to Columbia Gas Transmission Company (CGT) Regarding Maintenance Protocols for Gas Pipeline Right-of-Way Clearing in Rockville.

Items removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion and approval:

C. Request for Information (RFI) for Adaptive Reuse of King Farm Farmstead was unanimously approved after discussion:

Ms. Newton wanted to know that the community was informed about the decision being made. Burt Hall reported that staff presented to about six board and six residents at one of their association meetings andit was not in the King Farm Chronicle. The general reaction is that this is only an invitation for an expression of ideas to findout if there are any organizations out there wanting to work with the City but the City could do additional notifications. Mr. Pierzchala stated this has always been an RFI. We’ve had community charrettes and the buildings out there underutilized. Mayor Marcuccio wanted to know why the National Park Service information about advertising at least twice was included. Mr. Hall explained they looked to others who do RFIs and since NPS does many they looked at their processes. They use a long advertising period of 60 days. There really isn’t a set of organizations looking for something like this. It is a local historic district. Mr. Pierzchala wondered if there was support to sell it. Mayor Marcuccio would rather test the waters first. Mr. Gajewski is for exploring all options including selling. Mr. Britton would prefer not to include selling the property in the RFI.

D. Recognition for Mr. Carl Henn

Mayor Marcuccio explained that of the eleven options, the one which appealed most to Mrs.Carol Henn was renaming the of the Millenium Trail in his honor. A motion to rename the Millenium Trail the Carl HennTrail was approved unanimously. A proclamation with the design for the sign should be ready for the public meeting on the 27th.

A motion to rename the Outstanding Individual Environmental Achievement Award to be the Carl Henn Outstanding Individual Environmental Achievement Award and presenting Carl’s family with the award posthumously was also approved unanimously.

An Additional Motion on the Zoning Test Amendment was unanimously adopted.It was a clarification not a change to (1) clarify the definition of a buildable lot; (2) establish minimum lot frontage requirements in the larger lot Single Dwelling Unit Residential Zones andMixed-Use (MX) Zones in conjunction with modifying street frontage requirements in Planned Development (PD) Zones; and (3) allow fences up to six feet tall to be approved to replace an existing fence in select PD Zones under certain criteria.

Other Agenda Items

Public Hearings for the Municipal Growth Element (MGE), Draft Water Resources Element, and RedgateGolf Course were held along wi a presentation on the Montgomery College Facilities Master Plan. All of these deserve separate reports due to the complexity and details of the discussion.

Town Center Update by Jenny Kimball

• A hearing will be held on the installation of an ice rink on September 24th. The installation of temporary generators and a place to store a zamboni will be discussed.
• The data on Town Center parking garage use showed it was higher in 2010 than 2009. The last week in July usage went from 50% in 2009 to 72% in 2010. Beginning August 1st selling 100 monthly parking passes to Montgomery County for employees.
• Uncorked had the best year yet with 13 wineries and specialty stores. Over 3,000 people filled Town Square. Merchants noted heavy foot traffic and increased sales. The principal revenue was from sale of glasses resulting in $32,000. Vendors provided all the wine at their cost. No food vendors, so people ate in restaurants. Very close to a self-supporting event.
• September 25th is Jazz Festival and Taste of Town Square.
• The Rooftop nearly 15,000 visitors this season. Carefully monitoring sound with new speakers and no complaints were received in the past month.

The next Mayor and Council meeting is scheduled for September 20th.

Note: Mayor and Council meetings are long and can last into the wee hours of the morning. We can’t cover every decision and discussion but we’d like to provide enough information so readers know what’s happening in our City. After each meeting we will report on appointments and the City Manager’s report. When we can, we describe topics from Citizen’s Forum and report on any votes taken. We invite the community to let us know when we leavesomething out. We also invite anyone speaking during Citizens Forum to send their remarks to us for consideration as Contributor Opinions. Email to: hello@rockvillecentral.com. If we miss a vote or leave out a bit of information you think is important, we’d like to know in comments!

New Hispanic Heritage Celebration Is Just The Beginning

Hjarman Cordero excitedly told me “The Hispanic Heritage Celebration is going to be spectacular!” As the Senior Neighborhood Resources Coordinator for the City, he would know. Rockville is the perfect place to discover Latino culture.

During the Memorial Day Parade, the crowd always enjoys the Latin dancers and now several dance troops will fill Rockville Town Square with their energy this Saturday, September 18, 2010. Look for Caporales Universitarios San Simon, Café Caribe, Caminito Amigo, Fraternidad, Diablada Boliviana, Arte Flamenco, and Ballet Ritmos del Peru from 4 PM to 7 PM. Café Y Caribe and The Calpro Group will perform the music for this free community celebration.

The event is co-sponsored by the newly-formed Rockville Latino Alliance. Mr. Cordero explained about the group’s formation.

About six months ago I decided that it was the right time for our division to implement a strategic outreach to minorities. For a while I have been in contact with one of our Rockville University graduates who was from Uruguay. She was very interested in doing something for the Hispanic community in Rockville, so we got together with another Rockville University graduate to work out a plan of action for the creation of the Rockville Latino Alliance. This is the first event the group is helping to organize. The event is for the whole family and it will be filled with lots of beautiful and colorful costumes, incredible music, and the benefit of learning more about Countries from Central and South America……More than just an event this is gateway to culture and to the magic of exotic lands right here at our door step.

The Rockville Latino Alliance will meet regularly to connect the City with the Latino community and the Latino community with the City. Many groups are already working with the community and understand the issues. The Alliance will help everyone share resources. They are reaching out to establish strong relationships to help the Latino community be successful and become better citizens.

In addition to the music and dance, booths will provide information about services available for families from the City of Rockville, Priority Partners, Kaseman Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, Casa de Maryland, Community Ministries of Rockville, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Montgomery County, Montgomery County Federation of Families, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Montgomery County, and Revista Buena Gente.

The event is co-sponsored by Capital One Bank. This week all the Chevy Chase Banks officially changed their signage over to Capital One. The Bank has publically announced its interest in continuing the financial support of these types of Latino initiatives.

Hispanice Heritage week was authorized by Congress in 1968 and President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed the first one. In 1988 by Congress changed it to a month-long celebration (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) which started in 1989. During this month, America celebrates the cultures of Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

Other Hispanic Heritage Events Planned for the Rockville area include:

September 16, Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-off Panel Discussion on Latinos in Montgomery County: Understanding our Past, Present and Future; Executive Office Building Auditorium, 101 Monroe St., Rockville, 4 PM to 6 PM. County Executive Isiah Leggett and County officials will present a proclamation commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month in Montgomery County and honoring Montgomery County’s Latino Parents and Students in Action (Padres y Alumnos Latinos en Acción- Grupo PALA). A panel titled Latinos in Montgomery County: Past, Present, and Future will feature Dr. Jorge Hernandez-Fujigaki with Montgomery College; Dr. Mark Hugo Lopez with the Pew Hispanic Center; and Kate Garvey, co-chair of the Latino Youth Collaborative and Chief of Children, Youth, and Families, Department of Health and Human Services. Delegate Ana Sol Gutierrez will make closing remarks. The event will conclude with a musical performance by Tambores de San Juan, a Venezuelan drum ensemble. The free event is co-hosted by the County Executive’s Office of Community Partnerships and the Montgomery County Government Hispanic Employees Association and is open to the public.

September 23, Bilingual Lecture and Book Discussion of “Malinche” (written by Laura Esquivel) Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Ave., 6:30 PM. A bilingual lecture and discussion of the book, a retelling of the legendary love affair between the conquistador Hernan Cortes and his interpreter, Malinalli. Hosted by Montgomery County Public Libraries, in partnership with the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships and Montgomery College, the program is part of a month-long celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month at the library. Registration is not required.

October 2, Cantaré, Songs and Rhythms of Latin America, Aspen Hill Library, 4407 Aspen Hill Rd., Rockville, 10:30 AM.

October 7, From Storyteller to Advocate: Transforming Experience into Political Change. Student Activity Center, Montgomery College Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee St., Advocacy session,11 a.m.; storytelling session 1:30 PM.

October 7, Origem- Concert of Brazilian Jazz, Montgomery College Music Recital Hall, 51 Mannakee St., Rockville, 7:30 PM.

October 9, Family Day / Día de la Familia, Theatre Arts Arena, Montgomery College Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee St., 1 PM.

October 9, Community and Job Fair, Legacy Hotel, 1775 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 10 AM.

POTD: Special Guest

Rockville Central friend Ruth Hanessian’s backyard was on Croydon Creek’s Wildlife Habitat Tour. She has a very special guest visiting right now and it’s pulled up a seat.

That’s a big gourd!

This photo is by Rockville Central editor Cindy Cotte Griffiths.

Farmers Market Offers A Full Plate And Much More

Did you know you can create complete gourmet meals from our Farmers Market? You can, and chefs from Clyde’s Tower Oaks Lodge showed everyone how by preparing signature dishes from the restaurant using fresh vegetables, meats, fish, and wine from the Farmers Market. They even crumbled the available baked goods on top.

To demonstrate how impressive our Saturday Farmers Market has become, the City invited chefs from Clyde’s to give a cooking demonstration last Saturday, September 11, 2010. Clyde’s buys their local ingredients from the Farmers Market twice each week on Wednesday and Saturday. Getting into the spirit of the invitation, head chef Jeff Eng suggested a cook off between his chefs. The result was a fast-paced and creative competition which had the audience watching three teams quickly prepare three-course feasts using the ingredients they had just purchased.

These were the menus:

Clark and Maura’s Menu
Clyde’s Crab cake with tomato, cucumber, radish salad with Old Bay Vinagrette
Roasted Duck Heart (not from the market)
Carmelized Apple Crepe with cinnamon cream

Daniel’s Menu
Pear Salad with green onion, Sheperds Delight Cheese
Seared Cod topped with Arugozo Apple Salad
Plum Parfait with maple yogurt, Rosemary short bread and local honey

Jeff’s Menu
Chilled Cantelope
Crispy Pork Belly
Farmers Market Mason Jar Pear, maple yogurt, whipped cream, and shortbread

The demonstration attracted quite a crowd, even more than the seating available. The challenge was picking only one chef to watch in the half-hour time period. If you were watching how Clyde’s makes their crab cakes, you might not be able to pay full attention to the cod searing method on the opposite end of the table.

Four people in the audience volunteered to be judges and pick the winner. Mike Coppersmith, the City’s Special Operations Supervisor, said the judges struggled a bit as they continued eating. In the end, it was a three way tie. As for the duck heart, he heard one of the judges say she would never order it if she saw it on the menu, but it was delicious.

Manna Food Center regularly has volunteers collect food at the Farmers Market. Donations to the Manna Food Center insure everyone in Montgomery County has food to eat. Ritchie Park Elementary School’s Brownie Troop 3459 volunteered to collect on Saturday. How could you turn them down? They collected a grand total of ‎686 pounds of food!

They all send a special thank you to everyone who came out out to support the Troop, the local farmers, and Manna.

This past Saturday, Elk Run Vineyards from Mount Airy offered tastes and had full bottles for sale. This was the first summer a wineries participated in the Farmers Market. Elk Run had non-stop customers on Saturday and they’ll be celebrating their 30th anniversary next month.

If you haven’t been to the Farmers Market lately, you haven’t been to the Farmers Market.

The Saturday Farmers Market will be open until November 20, 2010, 9 AM – 1 PM at the corner of Route 28 and Monroe Street.

Snapshot Of The Memorial Park On 9/11

On Saturday morning a handful of people visited the 9/11 Memorial Park for the Montgomery County victims at the exact time of the attacks. The white roses were already in place. Someday I would like to know who leaves them.

The band of light did gradually make its way down the list of names. Although the last few years have been cloudy, Saturday’s weather was bright and sunny much like in 2001. The beam of light burns strong as it pays tribute to each life lost. The slow passing of time reminds one of that dreadful day when every moment brought lives lost and all you could do was stand in sorrow.

Nine people paid their respects after 9:00 AM. We talked about how people gathered in the park a couple of days after September 11th in 2001. Nothing was planned. No call was given. People needed to be together and the park filled with people seeking solace. Since the park served as that ad hoc meeting place, the location is appropriate for this permanent memorial. Perhaps next year more people would come together for the tenth anniversary.

Registration Opens For Rockville University

Two years ago I enrolled in Rockville University and I can’t recommend it enough. As I explained,

You may not need to know how many street lights stand in Rockville or how many arrests were made for burglary, but the whole Rockville University experience will make you feel more connected. Places, names, and faces will be familiar. When you turn on the tap, you’ll picture exactly where that water has traveled since it left the Potomac River. You’ll know why the police reach out to our community and how inspection services protects you (even when they constantly tell you “no”). When you study the population trends and learn about zoning with the planning department, you’ll picture the Rockville of the future. If you have ever wondered about something in Rockville, you can find out more by enrolling in Rockville University.

One of my fellow classmates, Mary Hillstrom summed it up best:

Sitting in on this Commission meeting, as well as attending Rockville University, transformed my impression of the city government from a huge anonymous entity to a collection of caring individuals, similar to me. My image of the commission members went from “Commissioners,” with a capital C, to citizens and neighbors – regular everyday people. The city became human-size in my mind. Now I can see myself volunteering for a Rockville commission or joining my neighborhood association or getting involved in some other aspect of Rockville city life. I’m excited. Watch out Rockville, here I come!

The new Rockville Latino Alliance was spearheaded with the help of two Rockville University graduates. This is a true example of residents finding out how to get involved and meeting a need in our community.

If you want to learn and be inspired, register for Rockville University. It’s a free citizen-awareness program run by the City of Rockville. Anyone can join as long as you are older than 16 years.

Registration is available online or via phone at 240-314-8344.

Rockville University allows residents to:

• Hear about the history and demographics of Rockville.
• Learn about the Council/Manager form of government.
• Visit City facilities such as the Water Treatment Plant, Gude Drive Maintenance Facility, Rockville Senior Center, Rockville Swim and Fitness Center, community recreation centers, and City parks.
• Discover ways to get involved in the community and City Hall.
• Find out what each City departments does and how it impacts residents.

Because of safety concerns, you really can’t visit the Water Treatment Plant any other way. The tour really gives you a complete understanding of the challenges involved with bringing water to our residents. As I read the Municipal Growth Element report, I knew exactly what our City is facing.

The next session of Rockville University begins Wednesday, October 13, 2010. Classes will be held on October 13, 23, 26, and November 6, 10, and 17. Wednesday classes will be held in the evening and most classes last two hours. The time flies!

Rockville University is only offered once per year with a class limit of 25 people.

For more information about Rockville University visit the website or contact Hjarman Cordero, neighborhood resources coordinator, at