Glenview Mansion Halls Are Decked

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

As a National Historic Place, Rockville’s Glenview Mansion already receives much acclaim as a very picturesque property. When decorated for the holidays, its appeal flourishes even more.

The annual tradition of decorating the Mansion’s 15 rooms and numerous halls attracts nearly 3,000 people each year. As part of a wonderful community effort, fourteen community groups, from the Girl Scouts to local artists, have decorated trees and created holiday displays for your viewing pleasure.

During December the Glenview Mansion Art Gallery on the second floor features the Rockville Art League Winter Show in addition to the holiday decorations. The Art Gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Check before visiting to ensure there are no private events scheduled.

If you’re like me, the holiday spirit is nowhere near. Visiting the Mansion, especially during the special Sunday programs in December, might bring about a more festive attitude.

The Sunday Open Houses include entertainment and activities from 1 to 4 PM on December 5, 12 and 19, 2010. Visitors can enjoy live holiday music, featuring choral groups, jazz performances, and classical hand bells.

Free Holiday Open House Schedule:

Sunday, December 5

“Art, Music and Holiday Cheer” along with the Art Gallery Opening Reception from the Rockville Art League Winter Show. Awards for juried show presented at an awards ceremony beginning at 2 PM.
1:15 PM The Supertonics
2:15 PM The Rockville Singers
3:15 PM The Heavenly Handbells of Trinity Lutheran Church

Sunday, December 12

“Children’s Sunday” includes visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty and Rudolph. There will also be a variety of craft activities for children throughout the afternoon.
1:15 PM Richard Montgomery High School Madrigals
2:15 PM Watkins Mill Chamber Singers
3:15 PM Home School Talents and a sing-along

Sunday, December 19

“Music and Merriment”
1:15 PM Heart of Maryland Chorus - Sweet Adelines
2:15 PM The Encore Singers
3:15 PM Victorian Lyric Opera Company

Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast Is A Community Affair

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

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

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

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

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

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

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

Town Square Tree Lighting And Open House

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

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

Sue Richards Photo from her website.

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

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

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

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

Rock For Robert Tonight

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

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

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

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

Almost 200 have already confirmed their attendance on Facebook.

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

Contributor Review by Brittany Sullivan: The Happy Elf

Photo from Montgomery College

Harry Connick Jr. visited Rockville on Saturday and was interviewed by Montgomery College student Brittany Sullivan, one of the writers for My Life At MC, an uncensored and unedited blog by nine students who write about their experiences both inside and outside the classroom.

On Saturday, November 13, 2010, Harry Connick Jr. made a star-studded appearance to Montgomery College to help promote his new children’s musical, The Happy Elf. Montgomery College and Adventure Theatre teamed up together to present a new, live stage production that told the story of Eubie, a North Pole elf who must bring Christmas joy to the sad little town of Bluesville to ultimately win a coveted spot on Santa’s sleigh team. Other big names in the industry helped to make this production possible including Tony Award-winners John Rando and Michael Rupert.

Harry Connick Jr. explained “this is a really exciting project, and it is my first time writing children’s music; however, it is still a work in progress.” The Happy Elf originated as a song, and later adapted into an animated TV special. Connick adds: “The stage version gets more deep into the character than the TV special. The show has a deeper meaning, it’s thicker.”

This was Connick’s first time to Montgomery College but he was “thrilled about The Happy Elf coming here,” citing Dr. Pollard’s ambition and the healthy campus environment.

This will be The Happy Elf’s last workshop before it attempts Broadway in New York. Each workshop allows for the cast to make their own interpretation of the script. “This will be the second innovation of writing the script,” explained Connick, “but that’s the great thing about theater; that’s how it works.”

When asked which character most resembled him, he chose the main happy elf, Eubie. “I am very impulsive and enthusiastic,” stated Connick, “but sometimes I can have a short attention span. However, I think there is a little Eubie in all of us.”

This hour and fifteen minute production had both its pros and cons. The vocals by Clint Johnson and Elliot Dash were spectacular, and had the smooth richness required to conquer the jazz melodies. Also, the set and lighting helped capture the audience and bring them into Santa’s workshop and the town of Bluesville. However, there were small glitches in the sound department, and the vocals by Valerie Issembert and Nova Y. Payton were pitchy at times. For a play that was filled with so much talent I felt that it compared to the typical Montgomery College production. The songs were not extremely catchy, and when asked to perform one of his songs he wrote for the play, Connick had trouble remembering the lyrics and required assistance from Clint Johnson.

The Happy Elf is a production that is sure to amuse children, but if it wishes to perform on Broadway there is much room for improvement. It will continue to play at Montgomery College at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center through November 28, 2010. For more information you can visit www.montgomerycollege.edu or www.adventuretheatre.org.

Brittany Sullivan

This is a contributor review. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us, [email protected], if you would like to submit something!

Weekend to Weekend Pick 11-11-10: The Happy Elf

Official Montgomery College photograph by Sanjay Suchak

Montgomery College and Adventure Theatre open The Happy Elf at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center on the Rockville Campus this weekend. The musical features music and lyrics by Harry Connick Jr., and is directed by Tony Award-winning director John Rando, and features Tony Award-winning actor Michael Rupert.

The Happy Elf
Dates and Times:
Previews – November 12 at 10:30 AM & 7 PM & November 13 at 11 AM
November 19 at 10:30 AM
November 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28 at 11 AM & 3 PM
November 13, 18, 19, 20, 26, & 27 at 7 PM
Tickets are $20 Regular, $15 Seniors and Students
Box office information at the Parilla Performing Arts Center of Montgomery College Rockville.

“The Happy Elf started as a song from Harry Connick Jr. on his 2003 holiday cd, and was later developed into a 2005 CGI-animated TV special. This new, live stage production tells the story of Eubie, a North Pole elf who always wears a smile. Eubie’s overly optimistic outlook is put to the test when he decides to bring Christmas joy to the sad little town of Bluesville, which has fallen into a state of permanent blues. If Eubie can fix Bluesville, he may win a coveted spot on Santa’s sleigh team.”

Veterans Day Ceremony And Closings

Steve Cromwell Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

Two years ago, I wrote a piece, Voices of Our Veterans, which included Steve Cromwell’s story from World War II. Now he’s the speaker at the Veterans Day Ceremony this Thursday, November 11, 2010 at 11 AM in Veterans Park which is located at the intersection of Rockville Pike and Veirs Mill Road . Parking is available at St. Mary’s Catholic Church or at the Sandy Spring Bank building located between Fleet Street and Route 355.

Although I shared narratives from four veterans about their service in the piece, Mr. Cromwell’s story also depicts a small piece of Rockville’s history:

Since he is the last living survivor of the first wave on Omaha Beach, Steve Cromwell received a gold medal of honor from the U.S. Congress. Even so, he admitted that his own kids never knew of his experiences in World War II because he would never speak about it. He still has the piece of shrapnel that ripped his pants but left him unharmed as he ran across the beach during the Normandy Landing that day. Although people expected the Allied Forces to attack, they didn’t know when D-Day would occur. News of the offensive reached our City at about 11 a.m. The minister at Christ Episcopal Church started to ring the church bell. The courts and businesses closed. People knew something was happening and by 11:30 a.m. they gathered at the church to pray. All of Rockville’s soldiers survived the Normandy Invasion on June 6, 1944.

Mr. Cromwell served in five campaigns including the first wave at Omaha Beach in Normandy, the China Seas, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. As I’m sure you can tell, you don’t want to miss his words on Veteran’s Day.

The ceremony is always filled with energy and respect. American Legion Post 86 will lead the wreath-laying ceremony and give a 21-gun salute.

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

Here’s all the schedule and closings for Veteran’s Day:
Recycling and refuse will be collected on regular schedules.
All city-owned parking meters and garages are free. Parking at Montgomery County public garages, lots, and curbside meters is free.

CLOSED:

City Hall will be closed.
County Offices are closed.
Libraries are closed.
State offices & courts are closed.
Glenview Mansion will be closed and the Rockville Civic Center Park offices will be closed.
The Glenview Mansion Art Gallery will be closed.
Rockville Senior Center will be closed.

OPEN:

The Rockville Swim and Fitness Center will be open on its regular schedule.
RedGate Municipal Golf Course will be open. The course will operate under winter hours (first tee time at 9 AM).
Twinbrook Community Recreation Center will be open regular hours (6 AM- 9:30 PM).
Lincoln Park Community Center will be open regular hours (9 AM -9:30 PM).
Thomas Farm Community Center will be open regular hours (6 AM-9:30 PM).
The Croydon Creek Nature Center will be open regular hours (9 AM-5 PM).
The F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre Box Office will be open 2-7 PM.
After school and teen programs will operate on their regular schedule.
County liquor stores are open for regular hours.
Ride On has the special modified holiday schedule.
Metrobus has special service.
Metrorail is open 5 AM to midnight.
Transfer Station is open.
MCPS Administrative Offices are open.

The Laramie Project Promises To Be A Powerful Performance

Rehearsal Photo by Steve Bailey

Last spring the Black Maskers, Richard Montgomery High School’s drama club, decided to present The Laramie Project. They choose the play because its message about tolerance is something everyone should hear, especially high school students.

Rehearsal Photo by Steve Bailey

The Laramie Project concerns the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student, in Laramie, Wyoming. He was found tied to a fence after being brutally beaten and left to die, setting off a nationwide debate about hate crimes and homophobia.

Here’s a description from the play’s promotional material:

A month after the crime, Moises Kaufman, a writer and director with the New York City theater troupe the Tectonic Theater Project, traveled to Laramie with a handful of actors to interview people who lived in and around Laramie in preparation for an upcoming production; Kaufman’s goal was to create a play that focused not on the assault on Matthew Shepard, but on the community where such an attack could happen, and how many of the citizens reacted to the crime. The result was The Laramie Project, which was first performed in early 2000. In the play, the thoughts and opinions of Laramie residents from all points of the political spectrum are presented alongside re-enacted excerpts from the trials of the two men who attacked Matthew Shepard. Powerful and thought provoking, The Laramie Project is innovative, mournful, and politically charged, more of a sociological interrogation than a dramatic story. It is an evening of theatre that you will not soon forget.

Since the Black Maskers decided to perform the play, many stories have been in the news about young, gay adults committing suicide. These stories have spurred the club on even more. In light of everything that has happened, they want to voice a message of tolerance and respect to our community. The cast has been discussing how they love doing a play with a message which they “feel strongly about”. Emily Davis, the director, believes the performance will be both “powerful and timely”.

Performances are on Friday and Saturday evenings: November 5, 6, 12, and 13, 2010 at 7 PM in the Richard Montgomery Auditorium. Tickets are $13 for adults and $5 for students. Get tickets in advance here.

Warning: due to mature themes and language, parents are advised against bringing young children younger than 13 years to the show. The Laramie Project is comparable to a PG-13 movie.

Discounted Fiber Art Sale This Saturday

Artist Zita Simutis. Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

People are going to be lined up at the door before the Wearable Art/Fiber Art Show and Sale even opens. That’s how popular this one-day event has become.

Where else can you get one-of-a-kind handcrafted fiber art at a discount? Usually these pieces are for sale in studios and galleries. You can save on wearable art, jewelry, scarves, shawls, hats, wall hangings, hand-dyed yarn, and hand-dyed fabric.

You never know where this show will lead you. Four years ago Zita M Simutis visited the show and was inspired. She saw real felt for the first time and said, “I have to do that.” Now she’s a member of the Fiber Art Studio in VisArts at Rockville, producing wonderful felt pieces.

Wearable Art Fiber Art Show and Sale
Saturday, November 6, 2010
9:30 AM until 4 PM
Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, 10701 Old Georgetown Road, Rockville MD (directions)

The Back Room will have overstock supplies and equipment for weaving, knitting, spinning, dyeing, surface design, and quilting. They’ll be racks of thread and yarn along with buckets of beads for sale.

Janet Stollnitz, one of the founders of the event, said the sale was originally held in Garrett Park but moved to Saint Mark’s last year to have more room. Having a suitable space for the Back Room is the most important part of choosing the location.

All of the artists are members of the Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery. This is the one time the artists from the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria venture across the river to sell their work. These are good pieces of quality work. Almost everything will be sold by the end of the day so arrive early, very early!

Weekend to Weekend Pick 10/28/10: Glenview Mansion Art

Art exhibit openings provide an opportunity to speak with artists to learn about their methods and discuss the creative process. Since many work alone in their studios, they relish the chance to interact and explain the intricacies of their creations. The Glenview Mansion Art Gallery gives regional artists the chance to sell their work and meet the public. Usually on the first Sunday of the month, the City hosts an opening reception with musical entertainment. Free to the public, the event always lifts the spirits. This month should be no exception.

Meet the Artists & Opening Reception

Sunday, November 7, 2010
1:30 - 3:30 PM
Glenview Mansion Art Gallery
With a Sunday Afternoon Concert Featuring the U.S. Navy Band – Chamber Ensemble from 2 to 3 PM.

This month’s artists:
Michael Ian Goulding – gelatin silver photographs
Jackie Hoysted – acrylic on pastel paper
Mara Odette – sculpture
Hussein Saidi – mixed media collages

The Exhibit will be on display in the Mansion from November 7th to 30th.

Gallery Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 AM to 4:30 PM; Tuesday, Thursday, 9 AM to 9 PM.
Closed official holidays.

Doggie Yappy Hour Today

It’s a Dog Party! The Fallsgrove Community invites you to a dog-extravaganza this afternoon to celebrate our four-legged friends!

Saturday, October 23, 2010
Noon to 3 PM
Fallsgrove Community Center Lawn, 400 Casey Lane

Yappy Hour includes dog vendors, contests, and a demonstration by Montgomery County K9 Officers.

Contests for prizes for Cutest Smile – Best Trick – Best Dressed. Each winner will receive a gift basket of goodies from our vendors!

For the two-legged friends:
Carmen’s Italian Ice & Café will be selling hotdogs and warm pretzels (cash only).

If you don’t have a four-legged friend but are thinking about adopting:
Several rescues will be in attendance with candidates to be your next best friend!

The Montgomery County Humane Society will also be collecting monetary donations and needed pet items. Bring unopened cans or bags of pet food, blankets, or toys to help needy pets.

Is Chinese Food More American Than Apple Pie?

The Friends of the Library, Montgomery County (FOLMC), have invited author Jennifer 8. Lee to VisArts at Rockville and she thinks so. Their third annual “Read, Eat & Give” fundraiser will be held on Wednesday, October 27, from 7 to 9:30 PM.

Ms. Lee is a former New York Times journalist and author of the Fortune Cookie Chronicles. In the book, she demonstrates Chinese food’s American heritage while addressing such questions as:

• Who writes the fortunes in fortune cookies?
• Why do we eat General Tso’s sweet and spicy chicken?
• What’s with Chop Suey?
• What is the “Great Kosher Duck Scandal”?
• How is Chinese food in Brazil different from in Italy or America?
• Is it true that Chinese restaurants outnumber McDonald’s, KFC, and Burger King restaurants combined?

After her lively discussion, she’ll sign copies of her book which will be available for sale at the event.

“Read, Eat & Give” takes reading to a new level by creating an enhanced experience through the exploration of food and drink. A slideshow presentation will combine with samples of Chinese food — both old favorites and new fare — donated by Meiwah, a Chinese restaurant in Friendship Heights.

Admission is $35 for individuals and $60 per couple. FOLMC members receive a 10% discount on the admission cost. This includes the price of non-alcoholic beverages and food. The event’s recommended for those who are 13 years of age or older. To purchase alcoholic beverages, attendees must be at least 21 years of age and show a valid photo ID. Actual tickets will not be issued, so names will be held at the door.

$10 raffle tickets will be sold throughout the evening for prizes such as weekend getaways, professional services and beauty baskets.

We couldn’t help by notice our TBD Network connection: community news reporter Kathy Park of ABC 7/WJLA and TBD/ NewsChannel 8 is the mistress of ceremonies. She is also the anchor for weekday morning newscasts on TBD TV. A Silver Spring native, one of her many interests is discovering new places to eat.

This year’s corporate and public sector sponsors are VisArts, Montgomery County Public Libraries, Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce and Law Offices of Shu-Ping Chan, Esq. Individual sponsors are Tina and Don Slater, Sandra Schwartz, and Celia and Leonard Schuchman.

Weekend to Weekend Pick 10/14/10: Nunsense

The Richard Montgomery High School Black Maskers present Nunsense, which has been making folks laugh for 25 years. This is our chance.

At Richard Montgomery High School auditorium
Friday, October 22, 2010 7-9 PM
Saturday, October 23, 2010 10/23/2010 2-4 PM AND 7-9 PM
Adults: $13, Students: $5
To reserve tickets, go to Richard Montgomery Drama at Ticketleap

The surviving Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook accidentally killed fifty-two residents of the convent with tainted soup. Upon discovering the disaster, Mother Superior had a vision in which she was told to start a greeting card company to raise funds for the burials. The greeting cards were an enormous success and, thinking there was plenty of money, she bought a home entertainment system for the convent, leaving her with no money to pay for the last four burials.

With remaining deceased nuns on ice in the deep freeze, the sisters decide to stage a variety show in the Mount Saint Helen’s School auditorium to raise the needed funds. Participating in the project are Mother Superior Mary Regina, a former circus performer who cannot resist the spotlight; her competitive but dignified rival, second-in-command Sister Mary Hubert; Sister Robert Anne, a streetwise nun from Brooklyn; Sister Mary Leo, a novice who is determined to be the world’s first ballerina-nun; and wacky, childlike Sister Mary Amnesia, who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head. The entertainment that they present includes solo star turns, madcap dance routines, and a wild surprise turn of events that will tickle your funny bone!!

The Black Maskers annually perform one play in the fall and a musical in the spring, much to the delight of our community. This one sounds like a heavenly endeavor for hearty laughs.

Weekend to Weekend Pick 10-7-10: Classic Cars

Photo from City of Rockville website

Rockville’s Antique & Classic Car Show

Saturday, October 16, 2010
11:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Glenview Mansion at Rockville Civic Center Park

Schedule of Events
11 AM Field opens to spectators–FREE ADMISSION
12:30 PM Rockville Swing Band Performance (Main Stage)
2 PM People’s Choice voting ends
2:45 PM Mayor and Council Trophy and People’s Choice Award

This is always a packed favorite for a large crowd. Unfortunately it was rained out last year. Let’s hope it’s back in full glory. From the City:

The grounds of Glenview Mansion are transformed when more than 400 antique and classic automobiles go on display. Twenty-four car clubs, from Packard to Ferrari, are represented during this grand event, while auto collectors and enthusiasts share the fond memories of the classic cars of yesteryear.

The goals of the Rockville Antique & Classic Car Show Committee are to exhibit motor vehicles of the highest standard of preservation and restoration and to continue to be recognized as the premier non-judged motor vehicle show in the region.

New at this year’s Car Show:
The Rockville Cemetery Association invites Car Show attendees to check out the antique hearses on display and to tour Rockville’s oldest cemetery to visit final resting places of American war veterans, Rockville movers and shakers, baseball’s best pitcher, and other notable Montgomery Countians. Stop by to meet 19th century physician Dr. Edward E. Stonestreet, who enjoys talking about his medical practice in Rockville, transportation in his day, and his family buried at Rockville Cemetery.”

Rain date: Saturday, October 23. Call 240-314-5022 for inclement weather updates.

Additional Parking will be available at Meadow Hall Elementary School.

During the past three years, I’ve often highlighted events in and around Rockville. For a year and a half I researched and wrote the Weekend to Weekend listing of all the happenings in Rockville before we asked Helen Triolo at Rockville Living to automate the process and encouraged everyone to post event announcements on her wonderful calendar. For a while I picked the best of the week to highlight here on Rockville Central. Now I’m back at it again with the W2W Pick.

County Executive Visits Rockville Chamber of Commerce

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett joked that if he was taken aside and told that the County had just been invaded by locusts in biblical proportions, “I would not be surprised.” It’s been that kind of year after the weather challenges, budget gap, and even an earthquake.

Rockville Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Brian Barkley, introduced Mr. Leggett by recalling The Washington Post line “steady leader skillfully navigates lean times”. During his talk, Mr. Leggett described the tough decisions he has been forced to make.

People ask Ike Leggett why he would even want to be Montgomery County Executive during this difficult economic period. He believes this is the most important time to be helping the public.

Every decision is a crucial one. When there is plenty of money, you can make mistakes. But if I don’t get it right, it could have a profound impact on the future of this County.

This year alone, the County has had to cut $1 billion from the budget and Mr. Leggett emphasized we’re “talking serious business here”. The County’s budget is larger than many states including New Hampshire, Montana, North & South Dakota, and Alaska. He continually asserts that the top three issues in the County are the budget, the budget, and the budget. Back in 2007 when he first said “cut spending now” many thought he wasn’t painting a rosy enough picture but his predictions have come true.

Almost 85% of the budget gap was closed with sacrifices by employees so that the County’s AAA bond rating could be maintained. Montgomery County has had this top bond rating from all three of the big credit rating agencies for almost 40 years, which is the second longest continuous record. Although the County was forced to reduce the reserves from 6% to 5%, he is committed to raising it up to 10% by growing the reserve by a ½% each year. Wall Street was impressed and re-issued the top bond ratings.

Compared to other places, Montgomery County is much better off. People from outside the County incredulously ask “This is your problem?” when they hear about the Seneca Science City controversy. They can’t believe that having Johns Hopkins build in an area designated for development to provide up to 50,000 jobs would even be considered a problem.

Business-wise Mr. Leggett knew the County had to make smart growth decisions. When he first proposed moving County facilities such as the bus depot and fire/rescue training center away from the Shady Grove Metro, people told him it couldn’t be done. But the valuable land was swapped and this development will occur without expense to the County.

When speaking about income taxes, Mr. Leggett explained that 82% of the Maryland State “Millionaire Tax” would have come from Montgomery County. 3% of the wealthiest families contribute 45% of the County’s income taxes. Even though the law never went into effect, the number of taxpayers in the high tax bracket went from 10,000 to 7,300 so “either they died in a hurry or they moved.”

With yesterday’s news from the Maryland Court of Appeals, Mr. Leggett spoke about ambulance fees. The County budget was approved with $14-$15 million per year in ambulance fees. If voters force the County to remove them, the difference will have to be made up with reductions in programs or additional taxes totaling $170 million over ten years. The ambulance fee is used by surrounding jurisdictions so Montgomery County residents are already impacted. If health insurance companies were billed for ambulance services instead of using tax funds, 2/3rds of the amount would be paid by Medicaid or Medicare.

During his comments following the County Executive, Steve Silverman, the Director of the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development, described the County’s efforts to keep the U.S. Health and Human Services agency in Rockville as “very aggressive”. Also, the County is competing to attract the corporate headquarters for Choice Hotels. Although competitive, one “huge problem” is the distance to an airport.

Rockville Economic Development Director, Sally Sternbach, also spoke about air travel. Mid-tier companies need to land their corporate jets, so she advises the County to take a good look at infrastructure and talk about the issue.

As the Chamber works to promote businesses in Rockville, Executive Director, Andrea Jolly, concluded the event by inviting both Mr. Leggett and Mr. Silverman to take their wives out during the upcoming Rockville Restaurant Week.