INSIDE
ECA Website
Portion of Woodmont Avenue Closes
Parking at the New Post Office
ECA June Meeting Minutes
Future Development
Two Fire Notes from Fred
Job Search Training Program for Seniors
Housekeepers Seeking More Work
Recommendation for a Babysitter
Congratulations Peggy Engle
Condolences to the Hane Family
Seeking Room Rental in Edgemoor
Freshfarm Markets
Dear Edgemoor:
Now, where were we? Hope it was a great summer for all! Vacations are behind us, school’s on and lots of stuff happening in your favorite neighborhood! Here’s the highlights.
ECA Website
We’re delighted to announced that Barbra Stoddard of Wilson Lane has agreed to become our volunteer ECA Website Manager! Barb, a professional in this area, will work to keep www.edgemoorcitizens.org up to date and as useful to the neighborhood as possible. We’re very grateful to Barb for taking the time to help out. If you have questions about the website or information you would like to appear on it, please contact Barb: Thanks, Barb!
Portion of Woodmont Avenue Closes
Beginning on or about 9 pm on Friday, September 7, Woodmont Avenue between Bethesda and Miller avenues in Bethesda has closed for 20 monthsduring construction of a public-private partnership project on lots 31 and 31A. The adjacent Capital Crescent Trail will remain open during the entire construction project.More detailed information is available at the Bethesda Chevy Chase Regional Services Center blog. ECA Vice President has been monitoring this development closely – thanks, Ken.
Parking at the New Post Office
The U.S Postal Service has made arrangements for free customer parking for patrons of the new Bethesda post office at 6900 Wisconsin Avenue. Now customers can park in the Adagio condominium (6820 Wisconsin Avenue) underground parking garage and have their parking tickets validated at the post office after completing their transactions. (See the August 29 Gazette article for details.) Entry to Adagio's parking garage is around the corner on Bradley Boulevard. It is the same entry used by customers going to Staples, PetSmart and CVS in the building above.
ECA June Meeting Minutes
Thanks to ECA Secretary Susan Rubel, for these great meeting minutes from our June 26 meeting.
Minutes of the ECA meeting, June 26, 2012, Sidwell Friends Meeting Hall:
President Len Simon, Vice-President Ken Levinson, and Secretary Susan Rubel were in attendance; the other board members were unable to attend.The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.
Farmer's Market:Mitch and Debbie Berliner, from theBethesda Central Farmer's Market, gave an overview of the market which is held at Bethesda Elementary every Sunday from9 to 1. The market will held be year round.
Edgemoor Neighborhood Patrol:In mid-February, following a special fundraising initiative, the ECA hired Montgomery Security Services to patrol the neighborhood. Chris Taylor, Branch Manager of Montgomery Security Services and Officer Hasanne Bokoum, who patrols our neighborhood, spoke about the patrol. Officer Bokoum spends6 hours per night, 24 hours per week, in Edgemoor (Officer Bokoum was recently reassigned. Edgemoor is now patrolled by OfficerMartique Vanderpool). Thepatrol started in mid-February and runsThursday-Saturday night a random fourth day - which rotates. Initially the patrol was from 10pm to 4 am, now the hours have been adjusted so the patrol starts earlier and is more visible. Theofficer's main job is to observe and report; he is not a substitute for the police. He drives through the entire neighborhood but pays special attention to the park, library parking lot, and other areas where people congregate late at night. People should nothesitate to call Montgomery Services at301-384-7777if they see something suspicious - they will follow up within the hour even if you reach a recorded message when you call. The officer prepares a report every night summarizing what he observes, this is sent to the ECA. People who want to see crime statistics for the neighborhood should look at the MC police website or checkCrimereports.comby zipcode. The ECA will be soliciting additional funds in Novemberto cover the continuing cost of the patrol for the year ahead.Thanks tothe ECA Public Safety Committee, which includesElizabeth Brody, Greg Doll, Ken Levinson, Len Simon, Patty Craver, and Barry Gorman for their work getting the patrol started.The Committee is trying to get signs that say "This community protected by Montgomery County Services" which will be given to all ECA members who donated to the patrol and can be placed in your yard.Please contact Len if you have feedback regarding any aspect of the patrol.
4th of July Parade: The fire engine is coming at 10:15 and the parade starts by 10:30. Meet at the corner of Fairfax and Edgemoor Lane. Volunteers are needed to buy and hand out popsicles and favors. Please contact Linda Simon if you can help. (The parade was very successful, particularly given the communications challenges the storm and power outages brought about. Thanks to Linda, Bethesda Fire Departmentand the volunteer/)
Fox in the Hood: There have been reports of mutilated squirrels, a mauled dog, and sightings of a red fox on Exfair, Fairfax, Clarendon and Glenbrook. Len spoke with the County Animal Control office. They advise: (1)Call them if you see a fox in any kind of threatening-type behavior. The number 240-773-5900. Also call them if the fox shows any signs of being rapid, which could be stumbling style of walking or other confused actions; (2) Foxes feed off of small animals – rabbits, squirrels, raccoons and yes, cats. Therefore, if your cat tends to go outside, please be aware there is a danger. According to the county folks, a fox will only attack to seek food, and will not instigate any activity with a larger animal. (3) They also indicates that foxes are common in the Montgomery although less so in our more urbanized area. But they tell me they field numerous calls on foxes every day. They also state flatly that they will not come out to our neighborhood and “look for foxes”. But by all means if you have seen one and it appears to have threatened youor your pet or small animals in your presence, give them a call and notify them.
WSSC Water and Sewer Project:
The ECA recently learned that Edgemoor is getting a brand new water and sewer infrastructure. Our water lines are 50 years old, the new ones will last 70 years. The work will begin in about 30 days and will proceed street by street lasting for about 3 years. The work --all designed to improve our water infrastructure– will be extensive, which means some water disruptions, include trenching, and in some cases involve our yards. Not all homes will have pipes replaced and even those homes that have work done will only have pipes replaced on the County land up to your property line. The WSSC project manager, Mark Brown, will let us know the schedule when it is set in a few weeks.There will be one central staging area in the neighborhood. In a few casesa tree may have to come down; WSSC will consult the homeowner before any removal of trees andwill replace the tree.WSSC promises complete restoration when the work is completed.Asmall amount of sewer work will also be done. ECA is starting a WSSCImpact Task Force, please contact Len if you can volunteer for this. There may be traffic problems however the crew is not supposed to block the road. You can report any problems to concerns to the WSSC. Thecontact person is Mark Brown: office, 301 206 7339; cell 202 304 8717;, or Robert Rodriguez, 240 508 3674. 24 hour emergency number: 301 206 4002.
ECA Land Use and Development Committee: Committee Chairman Jim Humphrey reports that there are15 construction projects slated for downtown Bethesda including 1500 new dwelling units to be built. There will be a new traffic light on Arlington Road across from entrance to Strosniders.ECA isworking with Congressman Van Hollen's office to address concerns because the new post office on Wisconsin Avenue has no parking (see related reports in this ECA Update) Ambulance fees: Fred Silverman, our representative to the Bethesda Fire Department is looking forguidance regarding the community's opinion about charging fees for ambulance usage. (A challenge the County Ambulance fee, which defeated it at the ballot box in 2010, have been subsequently dropped for 2012.)
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15.
Future Development
The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center has launched an interactive map detailing up-and-coming projects in Bethesda's urban district, whether they're under construction, under review or approved and pending.
Two Fire Notes from Fred
Edgemoor’s Fred Silverman is our official representative to the Board of the Bethesda Fire Department. Here are two news items he’s provided for our neighborhood: (1) The Bethesda Fire Department is having an Open House, Saturday, September 29 at BFD’s Station 6, its Wisconsin/Bradley facility starting at 11 am and running until 4 pm. In addition to current and antique fire-fighting equipment, Ronald McDonald will be on hand along with other kid-centered fun. Also, Edgemoorites should check out BFD’s revamped web site at www.BethesdaFire.org
(2) Also, Fred is looking for a photo of BFD’s antique fire truck, maybe when it was part of a neighborhood parade? It was BFD’s first fire truck (1926) and they have not t been able to find a picture of it, which they would like post on BFD’s web site, with credit as appropriate, of course.
Job Search Training Program for Seniors
A Special note from the Jewish Council for the Aging.
Your Future Begins October 15! That’s when The Career Gateway, JCA’s innovative and highly successful job search training program, kicks off its next session. Featuring small classes, individualized attention, 30 hours of instruction over five class days, and long-term mentors, The Career Gateway is open to job seekers age 50 and over who want to turbo-charge their resumes, hone their interviewing skills, network more effectively, discover the hidden job market, and develop personal job search plans. Classes are held at the Ann L. Bronfman Center, 12320 Parklawn Drive, Rockville MD. November classes also are open for registration. For more information, call 301-255-4200 or visit our web site, www.AccessJCA.org.
Housekeepers Seeking More work
From Meg Stevens:
As our nest becomes emptier, we are reducing our housekeeper's hours and we're trying to help her find more. She has been with us for many years, and has always been loyal, reliable, trustworthy, flexible, and cheerful. She doesn't drive, but uses Metro comfortably all the time. We recommend her highly. Please call Meg Stevens at 301-652-4199 (home) or 301-213-0706 (cell) if interested or email at
From Gail Poe
My excellent house cleaner has an opening due to one of her family's moving out of area. You can contact her directly (Barbara Mijas - 301-379-5558) or me (Gail Poe 301-221-8240)
Recommendation for a Baby Sitter
Also from Gail Poe
I would give the highest recommendation possible to Rosa Ortiz, former babysitter for my daughter's daughters. I have spent a great deal of time with Rosa and know her very well. She is wonderful with children, drives, speaks English, and her current employer just moved out of area. Her number is 202 210 5064 Gail Poe 301 221 8240 or
Congratulations Peggy Engle for “Red Hot Patriot”
Congratulation to Edgemoor’s Peggy Engle co-author with her sister Alison for “Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins”, now playing at Arena Stagethrough October 28 and starring the great Kathleen Turner. For the Washington Post write-up on the show, click on “Red Hot Patriot”.
Condolences to the Hane Family
We send Edgemoor’s condolences to the family of Lisa Perea Hane who passed away in August. Lisa was a wonderful friend and neighbor and an active participant in her kids schools along with many other important activities including the Friends of Edgemoor. Contributions in her memory are being accepted at the Tree Planting Fund of the Friends of Edgemoor, a 501©(3) nonprofit, c/o Judy Gilbert Levey, 7408 Fairfax Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Seeking Room Rental in Edgemoor
A note from Ginger McLaughlin about friend seeking a room rental in Edgemoor:
I have known Aia and Yanal for about 3 years and highly recommend them. They are moving to Princeton at the end of the month so Aia can begin work on a PhD. Yanal is a lawyer at the Dept. of Justice. He will work from Princeton and Bethesda, but he needs a place to stay close to a Metro."We are moving to Princeton, NJ next month so that my wife can begin a doctoral program. While our place in Princeton will be our primary residence, I will continue to work in downtown DC, commuting to the area Monday morning and leaving Wednesday after work. Sadly and quite unexpectedly, Yanal's original plan concerning his part-time living situation in DC has fallen through and we are scrambling to find another option.Yanal is looking for a room to rent Monday and Tuesday nights starting in mid-September. This would be a weekly thing. Home from work around 7pm, and out early in the morning. If you have a spare room you would be willing to rent or if you know (and trust) someone who fits that bill, please let us know. At the very minimum, it just needs to be a quiet space that can fit a bed and is within walking distance to a Metro station. Ideally, it would be a quiet space in a friendly home with a dog or cat or both. :)Please contact Yanal directly at