Book Recommendation: Murder One by Robert Dugoni   Murder One (2011) is an outstanding legal suspense novel by New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni. This is book #4 in the series featuring attorney David Sloane. Click on the links to learn more about the author and his books. Books by Robert Dugoni   NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY CHOOSES MURDER ONE AS ONE OF TOP THRILLERS  About Murder One   A year after tragedy, attorney David Sloane has returned to work full time. At a black-tie dinner he reconnects with Barclay Reid, opposing counsel in Sloane's most prominent case. Barclay is suffering from her own personal tragedy after the death of her teenage daughter from a drug overdose. In the aftermath, Barclay has begun an intense crusade against the Russian drug traffickers she holds r... 03/11/2015

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Gaithersburg   The City of Gaithersburg, in partnership with the Harp and Shamrock Society of Gaithersburg and The Peterson Companies and Rio Washingtonian Center, will host the 15thAnnual St. Patrick’s Day Parade from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Rio Washingtonian Center (I-370 and Washingtonian Boulevard).   Kentlands Photowalk IMG 0564 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 03/11/2015

Local Youth Win CHARACTER COUNTS! Awards   Posters and essays created by local elementary and middle school students celebrating CHARACTER COUNTS!™ will be on display April 1 - 17 near Center Court at Lakeforest Mall. Winners and honorable mentions will be recognized at the Mayor and City Council meeting on March 16, when the essay contest winners, accompanied by the personal heroes who inspired them, will read their works. More than 780 students participated in the two contests. View the winning essays and posters and learn more about CHARACTER COUNTS! here.   This announcement is being circulated by the City of Gaithersburg.   Winter Garden, Kentlands IMG 0544Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 03/11/2015

Walk with Caution, Drive with Care   To help pedestrians and drivers safely share the road, the Montgomery County Police Department is initiating a zero tolerance enforcement campaign. The focus in Gaithersburg is on the transit station at Lakeforest Mall. Tickets and warnings might be issued by Gaithersburg and Montgomery County Police Officers to drivers who are found talking or texting on mobile devices, stopping in crosswalks or not stopping for pedestrians. Pedestrians could be cited for failing to yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles, crossing against traffic signals, and failing to cross in crosswalks. For safe driving and pedestrian tips, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This notice was provided by the City of Gaithersburg. For out of the area rea... 03/10/2015

Gaithersburg Indoor Flea Market, Saturday, March 14th   The City of Gaithersburg sponsors Indoor Flea Markets during the winter season.  The final market date of this season is March 14, 2015 at the Montgomery County Agricultural Center, 16 Chestnut Street in Building 6. For easiest access, use the Chestnut and Dalamar Street entrances. The Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission to the Flea Market is free. Vendors are sought to sell gently used and new items. Spaces are 15’ x 8’ and registration cost is $25 per space, $20 for City residents. Vendors must provide their own tables and chairs. Electricity is available upon request.    Kentlands Photowalk IMG 0512 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 03/10/2015

Kentlands Film Society   The following notice is being distributed by the Kentlands Community Foundation: The Film Society is pleased to announce the showing of "Pictures from a Hiroshima Schoolyard", the work of a local film-maker. Here are the details: Ticket cost: $10.00 Date:  Sunday April 12 Time:  Doors open 6:15 pm, film starts 7 pm Location:  Gaithersburg Arts Barn in Kentlands, 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg MD  20878 Tickets are available at: kentlands.org    Kentlands Photowalk + Imagination IMG Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 03/09/2015

Extraordinary Gaithersburg: Coach Dwayne Henry   Dwayne Henry began his tenure with the City of Gaithersburg in 2003 and has coached multiple seasons of soccer and basketball for his children's teams ever since. In 2013 he expanded his involvement by offering to be the coach for other teams that didn't have one.  He exemplifies the principles of good character, sportsmanship and all the positive attributes associated with youth sports, making a lasting impression on those he coaches. The City recognized Coach Henry at the annual Mid-Atlantic Recreation and Parks' Sports Alliance Good Sports Awards Ceremony on February 2.    We know there are many people doing extraordinary things in our community each and every day. Let us know about them by e-mailing cityhall@gaithersburgmd.gov. Use "E... 03/09/2015

Early Morning Noise In Kentlands   This following notice is being circulated by the Kentlands Citizens Assembly. We ask that you beware of early morning noise that may be a nuisance to your neighbors and which is beyond the restrictions set by the City of Gaithersburg.  Please take note of the following excerpt from their City Code: "Except in the case of emergency repairs and other unique circumstances specifically approved by the city manager. The operation of lawnmowers, power tools, bulldozers, construction or building equipment, or other power driven labor-saving devices between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, or between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends and federal holidays, which are audible beyond the nearest common property line."   Kentlands Ph... 03/08/2015

St. Patrick's Day Happy Hour in Kentlands   The next Happy Hour event for Kentlands residents is scheduled for Friday evening, March 13, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Kentlands Clubhouse. This is a great time to get together with friends and neighbors. You do need to register for this adults only event.  The following notice was posted by the Kentlands Citizens Assembly: St. Patty's Day Happy Hour     SIGN-UP HERE!   Kentlands Photowalk IMG 0526 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 03/08/2015

Celebrate International Women's Day: #MakeItHappen   "I raise up my voice, not so that I can shout, but so those without a voice can be heard." - Malala Yousafzai   Today, March 8, is International Women's Day. The theme for 2015 is Make it Happen. This date has be observed since 1909 and celebrates women's social, economic and political achievements around the globe while calling for greater equality.   Chrysanthemum Festival, Longwood Gardens IMG 0256 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 03/08/2015

Sweet Advice: West Virginia Fruit and Berry Preserves & Fruit Butters   Dolores and I always enjoy day trips to the Mountain Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival in Jefferson County, West Virginia. The most recent trip was for the 39th Annual Fall Festival. We have attended this event several times in past years. In the food section of the festival, we discovered some of the best preserves that we have ever tasted.  We purchased an assortment of their products. The company is West Virginia Fruit and Berry. You can order online if you would like to try some of their outstanding products. The Mountain Blackberry Seedless and the Peach Preserves are among our favorites.   Leaves + Imagination, Kentlands Photowalk IMG 0491 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 03/07/2015

Tuesday Topics: From Corn to Commuters   In this presentation by local historian and author Susan Soderberg, discover how the railroad changed the face of this area forever. Featured are the railroad stations designed by Francis Baldwin, extraordinary feats of engineering such as the curving trestle over Little Seneca Creek and the Bollman Truss viaduct over the Monocacy River, and new suburban and agricultural towns spawned by this catapult into the Industrial Age. The talk takes place on March 10 at 7 p.m. at the Community Museum. Admission is $5. This notice was provided by the City of Gaithersburg. For out of the area readers, Gaithersburg is located in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland in the north western suburbs of Washington, DC.   Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryl... 03/07/2015

Sledding Safety   We have a lot of snow in Maryland and Montgomery County Fire & Safety Life Education has provided the following tips. Parents and caregivers should remember the following tips: Make sure terrain is free of obstacles and far from traffic. Children should sled on packed snow (not ice) that is free of debris. Check carefully for snow-covered hazards such as rocks, tree limbs and stumps that could endanger sledders or skiers. Use equipment that is sturdy and safely constructed. Avoid equipment with sharp and jagged edges. Look for energy-absorbing pads on sled seats. Examine handholds on sleds to be sure they are secure. Ensure sleds and toboggans have steering devices that work easily and don't jam. Parents should remind children to: Sled only on terrain that is free of o... 03/07/2015

Gaithersburg Senior Center Wins National Award   The Gaithersburg Upcounty Senior Center received an Educational Excellence Award for its Diversity Program from the National Council on Aging's National Institute for Senior Centers. Excellence Awards honor and promote outstanding efforts made by senior centers throughout the nation. Through informal, moderated discussions each month, Diversity Program participants share experiences about growing up, carrying on family and cultural traditions, exploring similarities and celebrating differences. Among the topics have been harvest time traditions, school experiences, religious celebrations, herbal remedies, and festivals.  This announcement was provided by the City of Gaithersburg. For out of the area readers, Gaithersburg is located in the... 03/06/2015

Main Street Farmers Market in Kentlands, Saturday   The Main Street Farmers Market is open Saturdays, year round, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You’ll find it in the Main Street Pavilion at 301 Main Street, one block off of Kentlands Boulevard in Kentlands. Products available for purchase include a vast assortment of fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, various herbs, flowers and plants, honey, cider, fruit butters, baked goods, and a variety of meats. The market will not be open during severe weather conditions. Main Street Pavilion 301 Main Street, Kentlands Gaithersburg, Maryland  20878 Winter Photowalk, Kentlands  Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs  03/06/2015

Book Recommendation: Twelve Days by Alex Berenson   Twelve Days (2015) is the latest novel by Alex Berenson. This is book number nine in his series featuring the character John Wells. Dolores and I have read all of the books in this series and recommend them to you. Use the links to learn more about Alex Berenson and his outstanding suspense novels. Books by Alex Berenson   John Wells has only twelve days to stop the United States from being tricked into invading Iran in the new cutting-edge novel of modern suspense from the #1 New York Times–bestselling author. Twelve days. Wells, with his former CIA bosses Ellis Shafer and Vinnie Duto, has uncovered a staggering plot, a false-flag operation to convince the President to attack Iran. But they have no hard evidence, and no one at Langley... 03/05/2015

It only takes ONE to save your life   It is time to change your clocks and check your smoke alarms this weekend. This one simple task can be a potentially life-saving one. DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS MARCH 8, 2015 and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) is urging all residents to test and check the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working when they change their clocks this weekend. Did you know the peak time for home fire fatalities is between 11 pm and 6 am when most families are sleeping? A working smoke alarm dramatically increases the chance for survival and provides advance warning of a fire resulting in more time to react and put a home escape plan into action. Help keep your family safe by following these fire safety... 03/05/2015

Support the Arts in our Community through the Young Artist Award Competition   The following announcement is being distributed by the Kentlands Community Foundation: Nearly 100 talented area teens competed in five categories February 7 for the 2015 Young Artist Award Competition, an annual event co-hosted by the City of Gaithersburg and the Kentlands Community Foundation. The teens were named a Young Artist Award winner in 2015 in categories including: Piano, Woodwinds, Brass, Strings and Vocals. In addition, the winners will have the exciting opportunity to perform at a winners' concert on March 28 at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn. If you'd like to support the program through a cash or prize sponsorship to reward these teens for their dedication, drive and talent please contact Carrie Die... 03/04/2015

Book Recommendation: The Last Man by P. T. Deutermann   The Last Man (2012) by P. T. Deutermann is an easy book to recommend. Dolores and I have read of of the novels by this author. This book is somewhat different from his usual novels. If you enjoy a good suspense novel is a very historical setting, this is a book for you. The featured location is Masada, overlooking the Dead Sea in Israel. Use the above links to learn more about the author and his outstanding novels.   The Poisoned Pen Review of The Last Man Deutermann, PT. The Last Man. Deuterman, the author of naval thrillers, the Cam Richter North Carolina mountains series, and various thrillers, turns his military experience and novelist's eye towards the Judean Hills and a fortress called Masada overlooking the Dead Sea and the ... 03/04/2015

Notify the Kentlands Management Office of Your Utility Work    The following notice is being distributed by the Kentlands Citizens Assembly. When contacting any of the utility companies (Comcast, RCN, Verizon, Pepco, Washington Gas, or WSSC) for maintenance and/or repair, please obtain a work order number from the company.  It is essential that you inform the Management office of the impending work, including the work order number.  Please contact Randy Fox during business hours at 301-948-2071 if you see work being performed in the alleys.  This will allow Management to identify the contractor responsible if the alley is not restored to its original condition.  Please help us help you to maintain your alleys! For out of the area readers, Kentlands is located in the City of Gaithersburg... 03/03/2015