News Archive
February 2007 to November 2007
GOCA Meeting, Tuesday November 13, 2007
GOCA’s regular monthly meeting will begin at 7:45 pm in the Community Room of the Remax Building (between Bank of America and Ricciuti's – entrance to Community Room is on the Bank of America side next to Curves). We have several officials from the Maryland State Highway Administration coming to discuss intersections along Georgia Ave, Route 108, the first phase of the ICC ending at Georgia Ave, a proposed interim improvement to Route 28, and the 97/28 interchange. Maps will be posted at 7:30 pm to view prior the meeting. All are welcome to attend. There will be no Community Conversation this month.
Make a note on your calendar now: The December and January GOCA meetings (12/11 and 1/8) will discuss the changes to our Town Center. Olney Town Center Advisory Group will share their illustrative plan and various landowners will share their concept plans for their properties. You won’t want to miss these meetings.
Town Hall Meeting with Ike Leggett,
Wednesday November 28, 2007
On Wednesday, November 28, Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett will host his eighth Town Hall Meeting since being elected. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Argyle Middle School, 2400 Bel Pre Road, Silver Spring. Previous town meetings have drawn thousands of residents who have taken advantage of the opportunity to voice their concerns to the County Executive. The town meeting is free and open to all and will be videotaped by County Cable 6, the County government channel, for future airing.
Sign language interpreter services will be provided only upon request with notice as far in advance as possible, but no less than 72 hours prior to the event. If these or other services or aids are needed to participate in this activity, please call 240-777-6530 or TTY 240-777-6505 or email a request to karen.falcon@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Community Conversation and GOCA Meeting,
Tuesday October 9, 2007
The last Community Conversations for 2007 will be on Tuesday, October 9th at 7:00 pm in the Community Room of the Remax Building (between Bank of America and Ricciuti's – entrance to Community Room is on the Bank of America side next to Curves). The purpose of Community Conversations is to provide an informal setting for community members to discuss issues that affect each of us in our own neighborhood. Everyone is welcome. Many topics are discussed during these conversations and the lead topic for October will be trash pick-up in your community.
GOCA’s regular monthly meeting will follow at 7:45 pm in the same room. Two developers will present their concept plans for the 32 acre Bowie Mill Rd property. Both developers will present two different plans – one with housing and a gym on site and one with only housing on site. There will be survey forms available to provide your feedback to the county. Relay For Life will be discussing their plans and upcoming needs. In addition there will be discussion of State Highway’s plan to move east bound ICC traffic ending at Georgia Ave onto Norbeck Rd (Route 28). All are welcome to attend.
Montgomery County’s Transportation Priorities
Doug Duncan sent his evaluation of transportation priorities to the state in January 2007. If you wish to comment on the priorities, contact the County Council, County Executive, State Delegates, State Senators, and Governor O’Malley.
Farmer’s Market Coming to Olney, October 7, 2007
Mark your calendars! It all started with an idea two months ago and a group of residents has turned it into reality. Come to the October 7th debut of the Olney’s Farmers and Artists Market. There will be local artists displaying their work, live music, and of course fresh produce.
Follow up Information from September’s Meeting
Diane Cameron spoke about the management of stormwater during the September GOCA meeting. There have been several requests for more information regarding the material she covered. Most of the information can be found at www.stormwaterpartners.org.
For your information:
- the Maryland Bill that was recently passed
- information on the Conference on Stormwater Management that will be held on October 27th (no fee to attend but register by October 12th).
There are several resources to create a rain garden in your own yard. Internet searching for rain gardens produces many sites. Locally, Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection has excellent information on these topics.
Sherwood Elementary School desperately needs to be included in the County’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) this year. Please support their efforts by writing a letter to the Board of Education and/or attending the hearing in November.See their website for more information. http://www.sessharktank.bravehost.com/
Sandy Spring Civic Association Meeting to Discuss Installation of Traffic Light at Route 108 and Brooke Rd.
The Sandy Spring Civic Association is sponsoring a community wide meeting on Monday, September 10th at 7:30 pm at the Ross Boddy Community Center to discuss the immediate installation of a fully functional traffic light at the intersection of Route 108, Brooke, and Meetinghouse Roads. We will also be discussing the relocation of the Sandy Spring Post Office to meet the criteria State Highway has set as a condition for installation. Our State and County Legislators will be in attendance. This issue affects all surrounding communities and residents who travel through the historic district of Sandy Spring.
Community Conversation and
GOCA Meeting, September 11, 2007
Community Conversation will be on Tuesday, September 11th at 7:00 pm in the Community Room of the Remax Building (between Bank of America and Ricciuti's – entrance to Community Room is on the Bank of America side). The purpose of Community Conversation is to provide an informal setting for community members to discuss issues that affect each of us in our own neighborhood. Everyone is welcome. Many topics are discussed during these conversations and the lead topic for September will be landscaping so review your landscaping contracts and come to share your experience and costs.
GOCA’s regular monthly meeting will follow at 7:45 pm in the same room. Diane Cameron, a Stormwater & Watershed Policy Consultant will explain the new storm water laws and how the local creeks and streams in our neighborhoods contribute to clean (or not so clean) water. All are welcome to attend.
Farmer’s Market Coming to Olney, October 7, 2007
Mark your calendars! It all started with an idea two months ago and a group of residents has turned it into reality. Come to the September 11th GOCA meeting to hear details about Olney’s Farmer’s Market that will debut next month.
Citizen’s Watershed Conference, October 27, 2007
The Montgomery County Stormwater Partners have organized a Citizen’s Watershed Conference entitled “Clean Water and Streams for Montgomery”. The conference will be held at the Council Office Building auditorium (2nd floor of 100 Maryland Ave in Rockville) from 8:30 am until 3:30 pm and will feature remarks and presentations from: County Executive Ike Leggett, State Senator Jamie Raskin, Delegate Jane Lawton, Councilmember Valerie Ervin, and stormwater and watershed expert Tom Schueler, founder of the Center for Watershed Protection and now the leader of the Chesapeake Stormwater Network. Hands-on workshops will provide a chance to hone our watershed organizing and protection skills (click here for details).
GOCA Meeting, July 10, 2007
GOCA’s regular monthly meeting will begin at 7:45 pm on July 10, 2007 in the Community Room of the Remax Building (between Bank of America and Ricciuti's)..
A panel will discuss recreational opportunities of interest to teens in Olney. There also will be discussion of the potential of a Farmer’s Market in Olney as well as changes to the Agriculture Policy.
All are welcome to attend. Make a note on your calendar: GOCA does not meet in August and Community Conversations will not meet for July or August. Enjoy the summer!
Rep. Wynn to hold Town Hall Meeting - POSTPONED
Albert Wynn, House of Representative for the 4th District, is having a Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, June 26th from 7:00 – 8:00 pm at Greenwood Elementary School (3336 Gold Mine Road) in Brookeville. All are welcome to meet Mr. Wynn and share concerns you have. This meeting has been postponed due to an anticipated late vote in the House of Representatives.
County Council Town Hall at Longwood
The Montgomery County Council is holding a Town Hall Meeting on June 20 at Longwood Recreation Center. There will be a reception at 7:30 pm with the meeting at 8:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to voice your concerns about the environment, taxes, traffic, school, growth, or whatever is on your mind.
Community Conversation and GOCA Meeting, June 12, 2007
Community Conversations will be on Tuesday, June 12 at 7:00 pm in the Community Room of the Remax Building (between Bank of America and Ricciuti's). The purpose of Community Conversations is to provide an informal setting for community members to discuss issues that affect each of us in our own neighborhood. Everyone is welcome. Many topics are discussed during these conversations and the lead topic for June will be traffic/speeding in our neighborhoods and what we can do about it.
GOCA’s regular monthly meeting will follow at 7:45 pm in the same room. Montgomery General Hospital will present their expansion plans and Sunrise Senior Living will share their thoughts about building a facility on Route 108 between Prince Phillip Dr and Old Baltimore Dr. All are welcome to attend.
Dream Dinners Fundraiser
GOCA is launching a fundraiser…. that we are sure will be a win-win situation for you and for GOCA; and may introduce you to a great dinner preparation concept right around the corner in Cloverly.
GOCA is partnering with Dream Dinners, a unique company founded on a mission of bringing families together around the dinner table from May 21 –June 15, 2007 at their store in Cloverly Towne Centre, 720 Cloverly Street (Silver Spring, MD 20905) – on the second floor of the new building adjacent to the Safeway near the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and Briggs Chaney Road.
Olney Days!
The results are in! See event results on our Olney Days page!
Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board
The Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board is looking for volunteers to serve as representatives from the greater Olney community. Joy Turner is currently serving on the Board as a representative for the Sandy Spring area. But, the representative from Olney recently moved out of the Mid-County service area. The Board serves, among other things as a liaison from the Mid-County area to the County Executive. And, the County Executive's appointees are confirmed by the County Council. The deadline for applying is Friday, May 11th.
More information about the Citizens Advisory Board (PowerPoint).
Vacany Announcement (PDF)
Community Conversation and GOCA Meeting, May 8, 2007
Community Conversation will be on Tuesday, May 8th at 7:00 pm in the Community Room of the Remax Building (between Bank of America and Ricciuti's). The purpose of Community Conversations is to provide an informal setting for community members to discuss issues that affect each of us in our own neighborhood. Everyone is welcome. Many topics are discussed during these conversations and the lead topic for May will be pool issues – costs, furniture, lifeguards, equipment, late night pool vandals. Upcoming topics will include trash services, lawn maintenance of common areas, inter-community communications, and traffic/speeding problems.
GOCA’s regular monthly meeting will follow at 7:45 pm in the same room. The state legislature has finished its session in Annapolis. Representatives from District 14 and 19 will provide a wrap up. It is a great forum to hear about what is happening and to share your thoughts and concerns with our state delegates and senators. There also will be an update on the status of the ICC. All are welcome to attend.
Agenda for May 8, 2007 Meeting
Growth Policy Information
Area master plans determine what and how much can be built on a property. The Growth Policy determines when something can be built. This policy exists to be sure there is adequate infrastructure (roads and schools) to support the new development. The County Council will be voting on a new Growth Policy this spring. To learn more about growth policy, GOCA has had Karl Moritz from Park and Planning attend the March and April meetings to discuss road and school capacity measurements. In addition, a diverse slate of nationally renowned planning experts have presented to the Planning Board each week this spring. Those presentations are recorded and can be listened to on the M-NCPPC Growth Management Speaker Series website.
There will be a Community Growth Policy Forum on Saturday, May 5th from 9:30 – 12:30 at Park & Planning Headquarters located at 8787 Georgia Ave in Silver Spring. All are welcome to learn more about the Growth Policy and to share your thoughts on changes. More info can be found at in this M-NCPPC press release about the forum.
Community Conversation and
GOCA Meeting, April 10, 2007
GOCA will be holding the first Community Conversation on Tuesday, April 10th at 7:00 pm in the Community Room of the Remax Building (between Bank of America and Ricciuti's). The purpose of these Community Conversations is to provide an informal setting for community members to discuss issues that affect each of us in our own neighborhood. Everyone is welcome. This first meeting will focus on how neighborhoods communicate with their members and how we can establish more communication between neighborhoods. Upcoming topics will include trash services, lawn maintenance of common areas, pool issues, and traffic/speeding problems.
GOCA’s regular monthly meeting will follow at 7:45 pm in the same room. The County Council will be re-evaluating the growth policy in May/June and it is the growth policy that determines whether or not there is room in our schools and on our roads for new developments. Overcrowded schools are routinely a concern when a new development is built. Karl Moritz from Park and Planning will present how school capacity is measured in the growth policy so we can be ready to participate in the discussions with the County Council. Old business includes the water and sewer category change for the Doherty Property (located on Emory Church Rd) and Olney Days events. All are welcome to attend.
Meeting Agenda for April 10, 2007
Draft minutes from March meeting for your review
Olney Days Parade - Sunday, May 20
Now available ... parade application for the 2007 Olney Days Parade. Stay tuned for more Olney Days information...
Olney Theater Night - April 14 - To Benefit Camp Fantastic and Joe's Ride
The Olney Rotary is sponsoring Olney Theater Night at the Olney Theater on April 14 to benefit Camp Fantastic and Joe's Ride.
Joe's Ride 2007
The 5th Annual Joe's Ride 45K Bike Ride, 10K Bike Ride, 5K Stride and Kids Bike Rodeo, sponsored by GOCA in support of The Joseph Patrick Sanford Memorial Foundation, will be on Saturday, May 19, 2007.
Download the brochure and application
GOCA Awards
The 2006 GOCA Awards were presented at the 29th Annual Awards Ceremony on March 11, 2007. More details on the Awards Page...
GOCA Meeting - March 13, 2007
The agenda for the March 13 meeting features an introduction of Marc Lilley, the new Recreation Department Mid-County Manager and a discussion of the transportation element of the annual growth policy with Karl Moritz from M-NCPPC.
Draft minutes from the February 20 meeting are available for your review.
The meeting is at 7:45 pm in the Community Room of the Buffington RE/MAX Building, 3300 Olney-Sandy Spring Road.
Leggett Meeting Postponed
County Executive Isiah Leggett's Town Hall Meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Ritchie Park Elementary School in Rockville has been postponed due to school closures as a result of inclement weather conditions. The Town Meeting will be re-scheduled in coming weeks.
For more information, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/townhall.
Logo Contest for Olney Town Center Advisory Committee
There is still time to enter the 2006/2007 Olney Town Center Advisory Committee Logo Contest. The entries must be received by February 28, 2007.
The Olney Town Center Advisory Committee (OTCAC) is inviting students from the public and private high schools in the greater Olney community to help them design a logo for use on their website, on their letterhead stationary, and on other documents or media they may create.
Visit the Olney Town Center Advisory Committee website for details.
GOCA Meeting for February 13 Rescheduled
Based on the forecast for freezing rain and sleet we are going to take the prudent approach and cancel the GOCA meeting. The meeting has been rescheduled for next Tuesday, 2/20 in the Olney Community Room of the Buffington RE/MAX Building at the usual time, 7:45 pm. Also, any delegates or officers who are not able to attend the meeting on the 20th should be sure to either mail their 2006 GOCA Awards ballots to GOCA, PO Box 212, Olney, MD 20830 or get it to a GOCA officer or Committee chair by February 20th.
GOCA Meeting - February 13, 2007
The agenda for the February 13 meeting features an introduction of Joseph Egan, the new Olney Library Manager and Marc Lilley, the new Recreation Department Mid-County Manager. Barbara Falcigno will present a brief history of the Olney Coalition.
Draft minutes from the January 9 meeting are available for your review.
The meeting is at 7:45 pm in the Community Room of the Buffington RE/MAX Building, 3300 Olney-Sandy Spring Road.
GOCA Awards - Sunday, March 11, 2007
You are cordially invited to the
Greater Olney Civic Association’s
29th Annual Awards Ceremony
at which local residents will be
recognized
for their contributions to the Greater Olney Community
When: Sunday, March 11, 2007
2:00 pm: Reception
3:00 pm: Awards Presentations
Where: Longwood Recreation Center
19300 Georgia Avenue Brookeville, Maryland
Women's Health Expo at Mongtomery General
Montgomery General Hospital will hold a Women's Health Expo on Saturday, March 10, 2007, from 10 to 3. Details are in this flyer.
2007 Membership Forms
The 2007 membership letter and form are now online in PDF format. (Alternate format available on the How to Join page.) Please download and take to your homeowners' association meeting for consideration.