New Political Organization
A new political organization, WE LEAD, is branching out into Maryland, said Potomac resident Mary Lou Fox. The group, who’s name stands for Women Engaged in Leadership Education Action and Democracy, promotes and offers support to women who want to become engaged in the political process. “We’re bringing that organization to Maryland,” Fox said.
The group identifies itself with the Democratic Party and has engaged in a novel fundraising effort. “We’re raising money for the eventual [Democratic] nominee [for President],” Fox said.
The Federal Elections Commission has granted approval for this plan. Typically, organizations who engage in political fundraising must turn them over to the candidate soon after the money is raised.
The group held its first meeting in Maryland in Potomac on Sunday. For more information visit www.weleadusa.org or call 301-424-6557
Grading Forum
There will be a Grading and Reporting Forum on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at the Gaithersburg High School auditorium from 7-8:30 p.m. The meeting features a presentation by and Q & A with the author of a book MCPS is using in developing its new grading policy.
All Finished
The State Highway Administration completed work on the intersection of Falls Road and Tuckerman Lane on Aug. 22, said spokesman Charlie Gischlar.
The project added a left turn lane from Falls Bridge Lane onto Falls Road, and replaced the equipment, called a loop detector. which detects cars and allows the signal to know when to use the turn lane.
The project cost just over $20,000, Gischlar said.
Running for School Board
Bob Astrove, Rockville resident and Churchill graduate announced he is running for Montgomery County Board of Education in the second district.
The seat is currently held by Walter Lange of North Potomac. Lange did not return call by the Almanac’s press deadline.
The election is set for Nov. 2, 2004.
Greenbriar Park Meeting
Park and Planning is holding a public meeting to discuss Greenbriar Park.
The new park is located on Glen Road, near Travilah Road.
Planning staff is developing the facility plan for this park and is holding the meeting to hear comments from the community about the preliminary park design. Comments given at the meeting will be used to refine the park design, then staff will develop a cost estimate before presenting the plan to the Planning Board.
The meeting is set for Dec. 11, 7-9:30 p.m. in the Travilah Elementary School Gymnasium, 13801 Dufief Mill Road, Gaithersburg.
Written comments may be sent to Heidi Sussmann, M-NCPPC, Parkside Headquarters, 9500 Brunett Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20901, call 301-495-2547 or e-mail heidi.sussman@mncppc-mc.org.
Blockhouse Point Hearing
The public hearing about the Blockhouse Point Master plan is set for Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. Blockhouse Point is a 600-acre park that straddles River Road.
The park is the location of several points of archaeological significance, including the remains of the Civil War-era blockhouses which give the park its name.
It is considered by Park and Planning staff to be among the top five natural areas in Montgomery County. It is home to a variety of natural features which are rare in the county, including at least nine rare, threatened or endangered plant species.
The public hearing is to discuss the staff draft of the Master Plan for the park. Several trails will be placed in the park. Most will be for hikers only. However, some will allow equestrian access and one will allow bicycle access.
A copy of the master plan is available at the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, or at the Park and Planning office, 8787 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring.
Those who wish to comment can register in advance by calling Park and Planning at 301-495-4600. The hearing will be held at Park and , 8787 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring.
The Planning Board will hold a worksession on the plan sometime in January or February and will approve a final version of the plan.
Residential Burglaries
* Between 1 p.m. on Nov. 24 and 7 a.m. on Nov. 27, a house on the 11400 block of Swains Creek Court was broken into. The window was pried open, and a vehicle was taken.
* Between 3 and 5 p.m. on Nov. 21, a house on the 10700 block of River Road was broken into. The method of entry is unknown. Vehicles, TVs, silverware, china, a computer, jewelry, camera, camcorder, DVD TV, ski equipment and computer games were taken.
Teacher of the Year
One outstanding Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) teacher will be selected to represent the county in the competition for the 2003-2004 Maryland Teacher of the Year. Nominations for the county Teacher of the Year will be accepted until February 17, 2004.
Candidates must be classroom, resource, or media teachers who spend the majority of their time teaching and must have completed a minimum of five years of teaching.
Teachers may self-nominate or be nominated by someone else — students, colleagues, principals, supervisors, or parents.
The winner will be announced at the "Champions for Children" Awards Gala on Wednesday, May 5, at the Bethesda Marriott.
The county Teacher of the Year will be automatically entered into the
Maryland Teacher of the Year competition. The Maryland Teacher of the Year represents teachers on committees and advisory boards and is invited to speak throughout the year at a variety of conferences and conventions.
For nomination brochures and applications, available after December 15, contact Alan Rosenthal or Ginger Corpuz at 301-279-3270.
Completed nominations must be submitted no later than February 17, 2004, either by internal mail to the Office of Human Resources, Suite 401, or by U.S. mail to 7631 Calhoun Place, #401, Rockville MD 20855.