STRATHMORE OPEN SPACE ADVANCES
The Montgomery County Council voted unanimously March 22 to approve a measure designed to protect
approximately 10 acres of the 19-acre property formerly owned by the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association — located just north of the new Strathmore Hall Arts Center.
The resolution, introduced by councilmembers Howard Denis and Nancy Floreen, calls on the Park and Planning Commission to begin assessing the 10 acres for inclusion in the County's Legacy Open Space program.
Legacy Open Space is a ten-year, $100 million program to preserve from development significant environmental, historical, or open space properties in the County. To date more than 2,800 acres have been protected in 17 properties over the past four years.
MAN INDICTED ON SEX OFFENSES
The man accused of attacking and sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in the parking lot of the Wildwood Shopping Center on Old Georgetown Road Feb. 21 was indicted March 17 by a Montgomery County grand jury.
Pov N. Srun, 33, of Hagerstown, was indicted on one count of first degree sex offense, one count of second degree rape, one count of second degree sex offense, three counts of third degree sex offense and two counts of fourth degree sex offense. He faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment plus 52 years if convicted on all counts.
Srun allegedly got into the passenger seat of the girl's car, grabbed her by the throat, said he had a knife, and sexually assaulted her. He is also accused of the Jan. 25 rape of an 18-year old in the parking lot of a school on Muncaster Mill Road in Rockville.
COMMENT ON POLICY CHANGE
May 9 is the deadline for public comment on the Montgomery County Board of Education's proposed changes to Policy FAA, which deals with long range facilities planning — including school construction, school closures, and redistricting — and public comment in the planning process.
Copies of the draft policy and an operational framework containing proposed regulatory language are available from the MCPS Public Information Office by calling 301-279-3391 or on the MCPS web site at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org.
Written comments should be sent to the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, Md. 20850.
COMMUNITY CENTER SEEKS STUDENTS
The Potomac Community Center Advisory Board is recruiting two student board members. The board is looking for either a current freshman or sophomore willing to serve two years. Submit a letter of interest to Larry Chloupek, Chair, PCC Advisory Board, 11315 Falls Rd., Potomac, MD 20854 no later than March 31. Contact Chloupek at 301-469-6514.
A CAPPELLA GROUP WILL PERFORM
Out of the Blue, an all-male a cappella group from Oxford University will perform special concert at the Potomac Presbyterian Church on Friday, April 8 at 8 p.m.
Since its inception by Potomac's own Derek Smith in 2000, Out of the Blue has toured to eight countries and over thirty cities, recorded four albums, and has given command performances to Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela.
The group sings a diverse range of music from 1920s barbershop to rock and pop hits.
Potomac Presbyterian Church is located at 10301 River Road in Potomac. call 301-299-6007 for more information. Out of the Blue's website is www.ootb.org.uk.
CHURCHILL FOOTBALL REUNION
The 1977 and 1978 state champion Churchill football teams are holding a reunion April 8-10 at Pooks Hill Marriott. For more information, call Jay Dove at 240-643-0046 or Jim Hamm at 301-983-0446.
CIVIC CALENDAR:
Thursday, March 31
Deadline for application submissions for the Jonathan T. Deutsch Memorial Award for musical creativity. The award is open to all high school students who either live or attend school in Montgomery County. Entries for the $500 award must include a tape, a written statement and an application available from the Potomac Community Center, which includes entry details. Send submissions to: Potomac Community Center Advisory Board, Jonathan T. Deutsch Musical Arts Memorial Fund 2004-2005 Excellence in Jazz and Creative Music, 11315 Falls Road, Potomac, MD 20854. Questions: Call Penny Heltzer of the Potomac Community Center Advisory Board at 301-983-9624.
Tuesday, April 5, 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
At 1:30, County Council hearing on three special appropriations to Montgomery County Public Schools, including $1.6 million for lead abatement.
At 7, the first of four public hearings on County Executive Doug Duncan's proposed FY06 Operating Budget and amendments to the FY05-FY10 Capital Improvements Plan.
At the Council Office Building, 3rd floor hearing room,100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville.To testify call 240-777-7931.
Wednesday, April 6, 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Public hearings on County Executive Doug Duncan's proposed FY06 Operating Budget and amendments to the FY05-FY10 Capital Improvements Plan.
At the Council Office Building, 3rd floor hearing room,100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville.To testify call 240-777-7931.
Thursday, Aprli 7, 7 p.m.
Public hearing on County Executive Doug Duncan's proposed FY06 Operating Budget and amendments to the FY05-FY10 Capital Improvements Plan.
At the Council Office Building, 3rd floor hearing room,100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville.To testify call 240-777-7931.
Thursday, April 7, 7:30 p.m.
The Montgomery County Planning Board and the Montgomery County Recreation Advisory Boards invite the public to participate in a forum on park and recreation projects to be included in the proposed fiscal year 2007-2012 Capital Improvements Program (CIP), Thursday, April 7, 7:30 p.m., at 8787 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring. Those who wish to testify may sign up in advance to speak by calling 301-650-2890 prior to noon on April 7. If space is still available, speakers may sign up at the forum. Public testimony will be limited to 50 speakers. Written comments may be sent to Derick P. Berlage, Chairman, Montgomery County Planning Board, 8787 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. Fax comments to 301-495-1320 or e-mailmcp-chairman@mncppc-mc.org. For more information or for assistance for those with special needs, contact Marion Joyce, community relations manager: 301-495-4600, TTY 301-495-1331.
Monday, April 11, 7 p.m.
County Council hearing on Councy Executive Doug Duncan's proposed FY06 Operating Budget for Montgomery County Public Schools.
At the Council Office Building, 3rd floor hearing room,100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville.To testify call 240-777-7931.
Monday, April 18, 7 p.m.
April meeting of the Western Montgomery County Citizens Adivsory board at the Glen Echo Town Hall, 6106 Harvard Avenue, Glen Echo, 301-320-4041. The meeting agenda has not yet been announced.
Monday, May 9
Deadline for public comment on the Montgomery County Board of Education's proposed changes to Policy FAA, which deals with long range facilities planning — including school construction, school closures, and redistricting — and public comment in the planning process. The current version and proposed revision of Policy FAA, including draft regulatory language are available from the MCPS Public Information Office by calling 301-279-3391 or on the Mongomery County Public Schools Web site at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org. Click on "Board of Education" on the left side and then on "Board Policies." Written comments should be sent to the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850 or e-mail to boe@fc.k12.mcps.md.us.