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Gaithersburg, MD Real Estate News

Kentlands Main Street Farmers and Artists Market   The Kentlands Main Street Farmers and Artists Market will be open this Saturday, September 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be open each Saturday through November 22, 2014.  The location is the Kentlands Main Street Pavilion at 301 Main Street in the Kentlands community, Gaithersburg, Maryland.   Kentlands Dahlia Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Dahlia Show at Longwood Gardens, Sept. 20-21st   The 2014 Dahlia Show, sponsored by the Greater Philadelphia Dahlia Society, will be held this weekend, Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21, 2014 in the Conservatory at Longwood Gardens. Admission to the show is included with the general admission to Longwood Gardens. Longwood Gardens is one of our favorite travel destinations. Be sure to have your cameras in hand. The Dahlia Show will be open to the public from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Allow several hours for your visit to Longwood Gardens. Take a walk through the gardens and enjoy the extensive exhibits within the Conservatory.  The Café at Longwood Gardens is a delightful place to have lunch. Be sure to try the mushroom soup. The ladi...
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Smithsonian to showcase Bill Cosby art collection   Most of us think of Bill Cosby as a comedian rather than an art collector. Bill Cosby and his wife, Camille, have been collecting art for several decades and the Smithsonian will be exhibiting 62 works from their large collection this fall. The art will be on loan to the National Museum of African Art for an exhibition that juxtaposes African art and African American art. “Works by renowned African-American artists such as Beauford Delaney, Faith Ringgold, Jacob Lawrence, Augusta Savage and Henry Ossawa Tanner from the Cosby collection will go on view in November. These and other works of African American art will be placed in thematic dialogue with African traditional works of art, including a Kongo female figure with child from the D...
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ZOOFIESTA at the National Zoo this Sunday, Sept. 21st   This is Hispanic Heritage Month and there will be celebrations in Washington, DC. Sunday, September 21, 2014 is the day for ZOOFIESTA at the National Zoo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and visitors can learn about animals that are native to Latin America. There will be animal feedings, arts and crafts and music. Use the above link for more information. The National Zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW.   The 43rd Annual Fiesta DC is also this Sunday. The Parade of Nations will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Festival will be from noon to 7 p.m. The location is Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues from Seventh to 14th streets NW (Metro: Federal Triangle or Archives). Use the above link for more informati...
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FAA prohibits the use of model aircraft for photos to sell homes   Real estate professionals have seen many reports advising that drones or model aircraft should not be used to sell homes. Real estate industry concerns have led the Federal Aviation Administration to invite the National Association of REALTORS® to participate in its ongoing working group addressing the use of drones or unmanned aerial systems. NAR has announced that they plan to use this opportunity to educate the FAA on how REALTORS® are interested in using this technology for the marketing of properties. Use the following link for more information on this evolving subject. NAR Takes a Seat in FAA's Drone Talks The FAA currently prohibits the use of drones for any commercial purpose, including capturing video or photogr...
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National Capital Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale   The National Capital Orchid Society has announced its 67th annual Orchid Show and Plant Sale to take place at The Behnke Nurseries Company in Beltsville, MD on October 11, 12, and 13, 2014. This year’s show theme is Orchid Wonderland and you can expect to see over two dozen beautiful exhibits ranging from 50-square-foot tours de force to delightful table-top vignettes.  The fall blooming season is an excellent opportunity to encounter the most unusual that the orchid family has to offer and to reacquaint yourself with old favorites. The sales area will host over a dozen high quality vendors offering all manner of orchid plants and related supplies.  Free lectures will be held each day on various aspects of orchid culture.  Bring you...
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Blogging Beverage: Black Toad Dark Ale   If you shop at Trader Joe's in a state where they sell beer and wine, you may be familiar with Black Toad Dark Ale brewed by JosephsBrau Brewing Co. of San Jose, CA. This beer is described as having a dark chestnut color and a deep nutty flavor. Dolores and I happen to like dark beers and this one is worth recommending.  In case you are wondering, this blog has no commercial purpose. This series is just for fun and the enjoyment of discovering new favorites among beer selections.  The Trader Joe's store in Gaithersburg, Maryland does not sell beer and wine. We have to visit stores in Virginia. I have added these links for reviews if you wish to have more details on Black Toad Dark Ale. Beeradvocate Reviews, Ratebeer Reviews.    
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Rabies Vaccination Clinics for Dogs and Cats, Sunday Sept. 21st   Dogs and cats are required to have a rabies vaccination before obtaining a pet license in the City of Gaithersburg. Free rabies clinics are conducted at the Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center in Derwood, and are offered from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the third Sunday of each month through October 19. Pets must be brought to the clinic by a responsible adult, with dogs secured on a leash, and cats and ferrets secured in a carrier. Clinic Dates (8 - 10:30 AM) Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014 Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 At these clinics, which are staffed by licensed veterinarians and experienced handlers, pets will receive a free rabies vaccination when you purchase a license. All pets must be leashed or in carriers; dogs no...
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Gaithersburg Residents Invited to Have Coffee with a Cop   In partnership with the Starbucks at 121 Market Street in Kentlands, the Gaithersburg Police Department will be hosting Coffee with a Cop on Tuesday, September 30, 2014, from 7 to 9 a.m.  Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Gaithersburg’s neighborhoods. The majority of contact law enforcement officers have with the public tends to occur during emergencies or emotional situations, which are often not the most conducive for relationship building with the community. Additionally, some community members may feel that officers are not approachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for relaxed, one-on-one int...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Gaithersburg Indoor Aquatic Center   Aquatic fun doesn't have to end just because the Water Park has closed for the season. The newly renovated indoor Gaithersburg Aquatic Center (GAC) next to Gaithersburg Middle School is now open for year 'round lap and recreational swimming, swim lessons and water exercise.  The Aquatic Center consists of a six-lane, 25-yard main pool with a one-meter diving board as well as an adjacent shallow water “teach pool” area. Lockers and showers are available. Gaithersburg Aquatic Center 2 Teachers Way, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877 301-258-6345 aquatics@gaithersburgmd.gov     Photograph by Roy Kelley   Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Final Reminder for the Real Estate Industry Ice Cream Social   The weather is a little cooler and it is a nice afternoon to enjoy the Real Estate Industry Ice Cream Social sponsored by Confidence Title & Escrow. This is a good time to network with real estate professionals and mortgage loan officers. Dolores and I are thinking about the flavors we will be selecting. Today, September 17, 2014, is the date of the event. The hours are from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Bruster's Ice Cream.    
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Housing Trends: Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD Metro Areas   Families being relocated to the Metro Area of Washington, DC are often curious about the comparison of the real estate market with the market in the Baltimore, MD Metro area. The following charts show the August, 2014 metrics for both areas.  As you may conclude at a glance, the markets are very different from each other.  The very basic difference is that the cost of housing is often less when you go north to the Baltimore area and the affordability is attracting some young families that are willing to make the longer commute. Sometimes, employment opportunities split couples between the market areas. The best course of action for prospective home buyers is to seek the advice of local real estate professionals that will be ...
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Book Recommendation: The Fifth Vial by Dr. Michael Palmer   During our vacation this past week, I read The Fifth Vial (2007) by Dr. Michael Palmer. This a very well written medical practice thriller and I recommend this novel and Palmer's 19 other books for your reading list. This is a supense story about the business of harvesting and selling human organs. Use the above links for more information on this book and the author. Books by Dr. Michael Palmer (1942-2013)   Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Phtographs
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Holy Cross Germantown Hospital Open House   Holy Cross Germantown Hospital is the first new hospital in Montgomery County, Maryland in 25 years. A community open house will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  This will be a wonderful opportunity to see this new six story 93 bed hospital that will serve the rapidly growing Upcounty population. The location is 19801 Observation Drive, Germantown, MD.  Parking limited and there will be a free shuttle from the parking lot of Hughes Network Systems at Middlebrook Road and Observation Drive.  The new hospital will officially open for business on October 1, 2014. There will be 700 new staff members in the building.   Photograph by RoyKelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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State Rules on Home Sellers Recording Showings   Real estate agents know that they should warn prospective home buyers that the showing may be recorded by one or more video cameras in the home. Evidently, these recordings are allowed in all of the states. However, if there is an audio recording, the rules vary from state to state. Listing agents should advise home sellers to be very careful to comply with the state regulations if they plan to make audio recordings of home showings.  The following link will take you to a current article that provides a schedule of the basic state regulations. Does Your State Allow Clients to Be Recorded? Since real estate agents should not be offering legal advice, it may be a good idea to have an attorney prepare a written statement on the specific stat...
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Kentlands Community Happy Hour, Friday, Sept. 19, 2014   This is a reminder that the Kentlands Community Happy Hour is scheduled for this Friday, September 19, 2014 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Great Room at the Kentlands Clubhouse. This adults only event is sponsored by the Kentlands Citizens Assembly and there is no charge for residents to attend. The staff will be serving soft drinks, wine, beer and appetizers.  This is a great place to see friends and neighbors and to meet new friends before going out for your Friday night dinner. You do need to register by responding to the email that was distributed or by calling the Clubhouse at 301-948-2071.   Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Autumn Maintenance List For Your Home   Now is the time to complete all of the needed autumn maintenance that may be needed for your home. Autumn officially begins on September 22, 2014 but the leaves have been falling for several weeks in Montgomery County, Maryland. You will want to be well prepared for severe winter weather. Use the following link to see the check list provided by State Farm. This is information that you may wish to share. For your HVAC maintenance, I always recommend an annual service contract. If your heat goes off on one of the coldest days of the winter, you want to be able to count on responsive service. Autumn Maintenance For Your Home     Butterfly, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden IMG 1052 Some butterflies are a little ragged at the end of the season. Photograph...
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Tasting beer at Port City Brewing Company Dolores and I decided to visit the Port City Brewing Company in Alexandria, Virginia to try some of their beers. The lovely bartender provided a running commentary on the nine beers that we sampled. Each was unique and this was an enjoyable experience.My two favorites were Essential Pale Ale, an American Pale Ale that is brewed on a year around basis and Colossal One, a Belgian Imperial Stout that is one their special offerings. Dolores really like the Porter, another of the year around offerings but her favorite was the Colossal One.When you visit Alexandra, be sure to include a session of beer tastings at the Port City Brewing Company.  
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Confidence Title & Escrow Ice Cream Social, Wednesday, September 17th   Some of favorite summertime events for real estate agents and mortgage loan officers in Montgomery County, Maryland are the monthly Ice Cream Socials sponsored by Confidence Title & Escrow. The invitation is extended to all in the real estate industry.  The next Ice Cream Social is tomorrow, Wednesday, September 17, 2014 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Plan to stop by to enjoy some wonderful ice cream and to spend some quality time with friends. The event is free. Location: Bruster's Ice Cream 18519 North Frederick Road Gaithersburg, MD 20879 Sponsor: Confidence Title & Escrow 600 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 204 Rockville, MD 20852 Phone:  301-740-1880 What flavors of ice cream will you select for your cone or cup?  
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