About Montgomery County, MD

Gaithersburg Again Named Best Place in Maryland to Raise Your Kids

11-20-09

Roy Kelley: Real Estate Agent in Gaithersburg, MD

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Office: (301) 921-4569

Gaithersburg Again Named Best Place in Maryland to Raise Your Kids

For the second year in a row, BusinessWeek magazine has named Gaithersburg as Maryland's "Best Place to Raise Your Kids." To be in the running, towns in each state had to have at least 45,000 residents and a median family income between $40,000 and $125,000. Rankings considered such elements as school performance, affordability and safety. Weight was also given to cost of living, air quality, job growth, racial diversity, local parks, ball fields, zoos, recreation centers, museums, and theaters.

In the write up on the BusinessWeek website, Gaithersburg was described as "... a former farming town at the terminus of the D.C. Metro's Red Line ... a diverse, affordable place with a shopping district called ‘Old Towne' that dates back to the 19th century." The City has a population listed at just over 60,000 and a median household income of $88,603. Runners up in Maryland were Frederick and Ellicott City. The city ranked number one in the nation was Tinley Park, IL.

"It's nice to receive national recognition, validating the efforts we put forth to make this a very livable community," said Mayor Sidney Katz. "Our emphasis on youth programs, environmental stewardship, open space, and cultural enrichment certainly helps make this a desirable place to raise a family."

For more information on the BusinessWeek rankings please visit www.businessweek.com. For more information on the City of Gaithersburg please contact cityhall@gaithersburgmd.gov or 301-258-6310.

Posted on ActiveRain as a community service.

CHARACTER COUNTS IN GAITHERSBURG, MARYLAND.

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14th Annual Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival

11-20-09

Roy Kelley

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Office: (301) 921-4569

Winter Lights Festival

Phone	301-258-6350
Email	parksrec@gaithersburgmd.gov

14th Annual Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival
Sat. & Sun., Nov. 28 & 29,
then Nightly Dec. 4 - Jan. 2
(closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1)

For thirteen years the City of Gaithersburg's Winter Lights Festival has dazzled audiences throughout the Washington metropolitan area. It's back for its fourteenth season, ready to welcome thousands to enjoy the traditional 3.5 mile drive through a magically transformed Seneca Creek State Park.

But first, enjoy a sneak preview of the lights when you drive through the park on Saturday or Sunday, November 28 or 29. During the two-day premiere the festival will be open from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission is $14 per car.

Winter Lights Video
View this video on your desktop computer
using a web browser and Windows Media Player.
Click here for more information
about Gaithersburg Television

On Monday, November 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. we invite you to put on some comfortable shoes and join us for a one-mile stroll through Teddy Bear Land. Or bring a blanket and enjoy the view from our 45-minute open air trolley rides. This is a great way to see the dazzling displays from a whole new perspective. For City of Gaithersburg residents, admission is $3 per person for both the walk and the trolley. Nonresident admission is $4. Children two and under must ride in a collapsible stroller, and are admitted free for the walk. Online registration begins October 28, 2009. Visit the festival website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/winterlights.

The Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival will then be open nightly for drive-through traffic December 4 through January 2. It is closed on December 25 and January 1.

Driving through the enchanted forest setting of Seneca Creek State Park, visitors will enjoy more than 380 illuminated displays and 60 animated vignettes that light up the night. Themed areas along the 3.5 mile drive include Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Victorian Village, the North Pole and much more. The park is located at 11950 Clopper Road, a few miles west of the intersection with I-270.

In the spirit of the holidays, proceeds from the 2009 festival will benefit local charities, including the Dolores Swoyer Camp Scholarship Fund, Friends of Seneca Creek State Park, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, Gaithersburg Help, and the Gaithersburg Holiday Giving Program.

Winter Lights is open Sunday through Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. The Festival is closed on December 25 and January 1. Cash-only admission is $12 per car Monday through Thursday and $14 per car Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Two dollar discount coupons valid Monday through Thursday only are available at nearby Lakeforest Shopping Center.

For more information and group admission rates please call 301-258-6350 or visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov/winterlights.

Related News

Teddy Bears - Up Close and Personal at Winter Lights Walk

Posted on ActiveRain as a community service.

CHARACTER COUNTS IN GAITHERSBURG, MARYLAND.

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Volunteer Opportunities in Gaithersburg, Maryland

11-20-09

Roy Kelley

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Office: (301) 921-4569

Volunteer Opportunities in Gaithersburg, Maryland

Updates listed in RED

For more information on volunteer opportunities in the County please visit the Montgomery County Volunteer Center website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteer.

City of Gaithersburg Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture

For Special Events: Balloon Handlers, Parade Lineup Help, Program Distributors: Guide large helium balloons down the parade route and assist the parade coordinators setup parade zones and distribute programs throughout the parade. Hours 10:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Contact Dorthy Winder at 301-258-6350 x 136.
Skate Park Competition Volunteer Staff: Volunteers may be responsible for a wide variety of tasks. Examples of duties include, making and serving snow cones/cotton candy, selling raffle tickets, crowd control/monitors, manning a dunk-tank station, trash pick-up and disposal, monitoring participant entrance. Volunteers are eligible for SSL hours from working the event. April 19, 2009/11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Contact Maura Dinwiddle at 301-258-6350 x 168.

Gaithersburg Coalition of Providers and area nonprofits

Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County:

Bilingual (any language) mediators. Requires 40 hours of training and an apprenticeship; application and interview required. Mediators provide "verbal" processes whereby participants are empowered to work collaboratively to make their own decisions about conflict between 2 people. Mediation sessions are held 7 days a week. A minimum of 4 hours per month is needed. Contact: Donald Meurer at 301-942-7700.
Gaithersburg Meals On Wheels

Drivers: Deliver meals (a hot lunch and a cold supper) Monday - Friday to the homebound in Gaithersburg. Volunteer drivers are asked to drive once a week and children are welcome to accompany their parents. Need to have reliable transportation. One day per week from 11-12:30 p.m. Training is provided. Contact Mary Casamento at 301-253-4626 or the Meals ON Wheels office at 301-216-4200.
Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County:

Various opportunities listed on our website www.habitat.mc.org. Contact Molly Martin at 301-990-0014.
Home Free USA:

Counselor and customer service assistant: assist counselor and customer service agents with contacting clients; arranging cases for order of service any 3 hour period. Contact Alicia Acosta Malone at 301-355-7642 or fax 301-355-7640.
Interfaith Works (formerly Community Ministry of Montgomery County)

Donor Greeter: The first center representative to interact with donors. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. -3 p.m. Contact Maribel Contreras (in Gaithersburg) at 301-977-1267 and Ameris Leon or Joan Byrnes at 301-424-3796 or 301-424-4916.

Merchandise Sorter: Sort donated clothing and housewares, stock shelves and racks and assist donors and clients, helping provide these basic necessities to our neighbors in need. Responsibilities vary depending on time commitment and length of service. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 3 - 5 p.m., Thursday, 3 - 7 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Contact Maribel Contreras (in Gaithersburg) at 301-977-1267 and Ameris Leon or Joan Byrnes at 301-424-3796 or 301-424-4916.

School Supplies Assistant: Works administratively with ICC's director and ICC's site managers on inventory, data entry, mailings, and donor follow-up with the School Supplies program. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., any time between these times. Contact Sabrina Wilson at 240-403-0278.
Literacy Council of Montgomery County

Literacy Tutors: Helping adults learn to read, write, or speak English. Once volunteers have completed the orientation, they can select a two-part training session that fits their schedules. No foreign language skills are necessary. Tutors work one-on-one or with small groups, and typically meet with students in libraries or community centers at mutually convenient times. For complete details, call 301-610-0030, email info@literacycouncilmcmd.org, or visit www.literacycouncilmcmd.org.
Mercy Health Clinic

Volunteer Translators - Spanish & French: Translate for Spanish and French speaking patients who are being treated. Tuesdays and Thursdays 1 - 8 p.m. Contact Ryanne Clarke at 240-773-0307.
Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless:

Meal Donors: Prepare and deliver meals to Home Builders Care and Assessment Shelter (formerly Men's Emergency Shelter) on Shady Grove Drive. Every day. Contact Teri Brenitz at 301-917-6660; fax 301-217-0824 or email at teri.@mcch.net
Rehabilitation Opportunities Inc.

Assistant/Aide: folding, labeling, inserting, sealing, mailing materials, box assembly, notebook assembly, collating documents, able to organize and sort work materials, able to clean toys and shelves in daycares. Needed Tues., Wed., & Thurs., 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Contact Vicky Geiger at 240-686-0866 x 228.

Stepping Stones Shelter:

Assist with clerical, technology, general maintenance, child care (evenings), sorting donations, help with events, etc. Various days and hours. Contact Mary Miller at 301-251-0567 or fax 301-762-0400.
TAYA Health Connection:

Administrative assistant to Deputy Director: file, organize and assist director with various administrative tasks. 5 hours a week. Contact Paula Bucno at 301-221-2346 or fax 301-565-0916.
Upper Montgomery Assistance Network (UMAN)

Intake and Referral Specialist: speak directly with callers facing a housing or utility emergency, help provide financial assistance and budgeting advice, and other referrals as needed. All training will be provided. Bi-lingual English/Spanish a plus. One day/week (Mon. - Thurs.) from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Contact Gina Mastromarino at 301-926-4422.

Office assistant: data entry, project organization. Microsoft Excel experience needed. Contact Gina Mastromarino at 301-926-4422 or fax 301-926-4424.
Women Who Care Ministries, Inc.

Food drive volunteer: Assisting with collecting food donations for elementary and middle school children. SSL and community service hours available. Saturdays and /Sundays, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. (any four-hour slot). Contact Diana Marshall or Judith Clark at 301-740-2777.

Food sorter: People needed to sort and pack food filled backpacks for low income elementary and middle school children. Contact Diana Marshall at 301-740-2777.

Grant writer, grant researcher and/or grant reviewer: Assist with grant writing, research and/or grant review for various requests for proposals. Training provided. Hours flexible. Contact Diana Marshall at 301-740-2777.

Receptionist: Assist receptionist with answering overflow calls, typing, filing, and general office work. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Contact Diana Marshall at 301-740-2777.

Newsletter Aide: Assist with all phases of creating a newsletter, including but not limited to help with writing articles, creating artwork and/or pictures, gathering poetry and other data for newsletter, etc. Contact Susie Jamison at 301-740-2777.

Web Designer: Assist with web additions and enhancements, including working with web optimization. Contact Susie Jamison at 301-740-2777.

Marketing Assistant: Assist our marketing team with calls generated to expand our programs; will also help with PowerPoint presentations, design and distribute flyers, process mass mailings for special events, etc. Contact Judith Clark at 301-740-2777.

Wish list of items needed for area agencies and schools

City of Gaithersburg Parks, Recreation & Culture, Special Events: sponsorships
City of Gaithersburg Skate Park: ice, snow cone cups, snow cone syrup, raffle tickets, water coolers and cups.
Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County: Locations to hold meetings.
Faith Building Ministries: appliances, automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, bibles, bicycles, blankets, sheets, clothes, computers, printers, construction items, tools, diapers, eyeglasses, furniture, household items, medicines (non-prescriptive and sealed), medical equipment, musical instruments, school supplies, sewing machines, fabric, shoes and toiletries. Contact: The Potter House: 301-519-2222.
Family Services, Inc. - Family & Community Partnership Program: puzzles, paints, chunky crayons, blunt scissors, baby dolls, wooden building blocks, board games for ages 3 to 5, memory matching games, shape sorters and bath toys, stacking and nesting toys, sidewalk chalk and bubbles, tea sets, jump ropes, balls, hula hoops, cars, trucks, board books in English and Spanish, and play dough and accessories.
Gaithersburg Judy Center: CD's of preschool children's songs (NO religious or holiday ones), small plush toys, gift cards to toy or bookstores, Target or Visa cards, board books for preschoolers/toddlers, and blank recordable DVD's. All items must be NEW.
Home Free USA: computer, filing cabinets, etc.
Interfaith Works (formerly Community Ministry of Montgomery County): Located at 620 E. Diamond Avenue in Gaithersburg 301-977-1267 and 751 Twinbrook Parkway in Rockville 301-424-3796.
Layettes, plus sizes for both men and women, skirt/pant hangers.
Gently used or new clothing and shoe donations for: women, men, teens, infants & children. We're most in need of Spring & Summer clothing, though all seasons are welcome. New donation hours 9 a.m. - 4 pm. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
Mercy Health Clinic: copy paper, file folders, pens.
Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless: Nationals tickets and other sporting events; gift cards, holiday gifts, More listed on www.mcch.net
Rehabilitation Opportunities, Inc.: volunteers to be able to assist with social activities and to help organize and clean toys in daycares.
Stepping Stones Shelter: see website www.steppingstonesshelter.org click on "How to Help".
UMAN: office supplies, paper, laptop.
Wells/Robertson House:
1. Donation of healthy dinners
2. Large cans of ground coffee
3. Canned or bottled fruit juice
4. Canned vegetables and fruit
5. Blue Cast Iron Chili pot 5.5 Qt. (2)
6. Round Pot Blue 7 Qt. (2)
7. Oval Casserole Blue (1)
Women Who Care Ministries, Inc.: Laptops (2), copier machine, individual and corporate sponsorships, and in-kind and monetary donations.

Other area organizations in need of volunteers

Upper Montgomery Assistance Network (UMAN)
www.uman-mc.org
UMAN provides emergency financial assistance, education, and referral services to families in our community who are at risk of homelessness. From our offices in Gaithersburg, over the telephone, our team of volunteers provides families in crisis with one point of entry for emergency housing assistance.E-mail: volunteer@uman-mc.org

http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/poi/default.asp?POIID=118&TOC=107;1715;101;118;

Posted on ActiveRain as a community service.

CHARACTER COUNTS IN GAITHERSBURG, MARYLAND.

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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE ASSISTED LIVING HOME GOES TO FORECLOSURE?

11-20-09

Roy Kelley

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Office: (301) 921-4569

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE ASSISTED LIVING HOME GOES TO FORECLOSURE?

We were contacted by a concerned daughter this week. Her mother has lived in an assisted living home for many years. The property is a single family home. The daughter noticed that the home address was included on a list of trustee sale in Montgomery County, Maryland.

She was seeking our advice on what to do. It turned out the the operator of the home was not the owner, contrary to what the family understood. The owner may lose the property to foreclosure and the tenants, including the elderly care patients will be innocent victims.

WHEN YOU HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER IN AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY, YOU MAY WISH TO CONFIRM THAT THE OWNER IS MAKING THEIR MORTGAGE PAYMENTS. IN MARYLAND, 13.9% OF HOME MORTGAGES WERE DELINQUENT OR IN FORECLOSURE I THE THIRD QUARTER.

CHARACTER COUNTS IN GAITHERSBURG, MARYLAND

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Problem mortgages hit new high at 14 percent

11-20-09

Roy Kelley

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Office: (301) 921-4569

Problem mortgages hit new high at 14 percent

Data mean foreclosures may not peak until next year

Today's issue of The Washington Post

By Renae Merle Washington Post Staff Writer

"More than 14 percent of borrowers were in trouble on their mortgage during the third quarter, a new record, according to an industry survey released Thursday, which also suggests that the foreclosure rate is likely not to peak until next year as unemployment rates continue to rise.

Unemployment remains a big driver of the problem, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, which conducts the survey. Those with delinquent loans now include a growing portion of people traditionally considered creditworthy and people whose mortgages are insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

"The outlook is that delinquency rates and foreclosure rates will continue to worsen before they improve," said Jay Brinkmann, the group's chief economist."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/19/AR2009111903885.html

"The number of borrowers delinquent or in foreclosure in the District, for example, rose to 10.3 percent during the third quarter, compared with 7.4 percent during the same period last year. In Virginia, 9.9 percent of borrowers were in trouble with their mortgage compared with 7 percent last year.

Maryland has the highest proportion of borrowers in delinquency or foreclosure in the area, 13.9 percent during the third quarter. That is up from 9.2 percent last year."

PLEASE CONTACT US FOR INFORMATION ON AVAILABLE LENDER OWNED FORECLOSURES IN THE MARYLAND SUBURBS OF WASHINGTON, DC.

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