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Gaithersburg, MD Real Estate News

Gaithersburg Book Festival Volunteers Needed VOLUNTEER Sign up for a day full of books, authors, and fun! Saturday, May 18, 2024! The Gaithersburg Book Festival is an enormous undertaking that would not be possible without the generous assistance of numerous volunteers. We have many volunteer opportunities associated with putting on this world-class event. Please see the job descriptions below, and if you are interested is helping, fill out the Volunteer Sign-up Form by clicking the link below. SSL and PAU hours are available. Please note the following two requirements for volunteering at GBF: You must be age 16 or older  You must attend a volunteer training in early May (multiple session options will be offered) If you have questions about volunteering, please email Kathleen Benson at ...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Going Solar in Montgomery County Montgomery County is going solar! We're converting facilities to clean energy thanks to a $790K state grant. Imagine reducing emissions equivalent to taking 968 cars off the road for a year! We're shining a light on sustainability this Earth Month! https://ow.ly/64AJ50RfQGkThis is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement.  African Daisy, Arctotis, 'Kleat12610', Opera Rose, Longwood Gardens,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 6856Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Art is Ageless Exhibit in GaithersburgCelebrate aging with the Art is Ageless juried exhibition at the Benjamin Gaither Center through June 30. This unique exhibit features 28 two-dimensional artworks by artists of all ages that raise awareness of ageism in society and advance positive age beliefs. Meet the artists at a free reception and panel discussion on positive aging on Saturday, April 27 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Learn more here.This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Lilies, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 4322Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Peter Chang Gaithersburg Offers Chinese-Style TapasThe region's newest Peter Chang restaurant will hold its grand opening April 18 in Gaithersburg with a Chinese tapas-style menu of small, shareable plates offered.Peter Chang Gaithersburg is located at 637 N. Frederick Ave. in what had been Ichiban RestaurantChef's special items on the Gaithersburg location's menu include: Chengdu garlic steamed pork, Xi'an cold-skin noodles, Chengdu spicy mouth-watering chicken and Sichuan beef jerky.Click here to learn more. Dahlia, National Capital Dahlia Society Show, Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, Maryland USA IMG 3065Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Blogging Beverage: Washington's Porter from Alewerks Brewing Company   When you visit Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, allow time to visit Alewerks Brewing Company for their beer tasting. This is a good way to discover new favorites among the offered craft beers. One of my favorites from Alewerks is Washington's Porter and I suggest that you give it a try.  Style: American Porter Description: Very dark brown/black in color with and aroma of chocolate and malt and flavors of caramel, sweet chocolate and a touch roasted barley. ABV: 6.5%   Composition: 2-row, Crystal, Chocolate, and Biscuit malts with a touch of Roast Barley. American Fuggle hops.  
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Book Suggestion: The Son by Jo Nesbø   During the summer, I read The Son (2014 translation) by Jo Nesbø. This award winning Norwegian author and musician is best known for his Harry Hole series of crime novels. This is a stand-alone novel and the setting is Oslo. The primary character is Sonny Lofthus, a prison inmate with a serious heroin habit. Take a few moments to visit the above link for a summary of the book. Jo Nesbø may become your favorite Norwegian author. One of my personal goals is to read at least one novel each week for personal pleasure. Enjoy a good book this week and every week!   Coneflower, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden IMG 0904 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Gerbera Daisies, a Kentlands Favorite   When I take my regular photowalks through Kentlands, our home community in Gaithersburg, Maryland, It is easy to find Gerbera Daisies to photograph.  This is a Gerbera Daisy growing in a pot on our front porch. Gerbera Daisies are very popular in Maryland and are available in many colors and sizes.      Gerbera Daisy, Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 7891 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Colonial Williamsburg Dollhouse, Museum Exhibit   Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, is one of our favorite travel destinations. If you follow me on Facebook or Flickr, you have seen many of our photographs. When you are in Colonial Williamsburg, you can spend many hours in the wonderful Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum includes collections of toys and dollhouses. During our Thanksgiving visit, one of the historic dollhouses was on display and I will share some of my photographs. For those that are interested in photography, you face difficulty when photographing displays that are behind glass that is very reflective and lighting that may not provide the best colors. Many of us wish that museums would use non-reflective glass for their dis...
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Montgomery County, Maryland Right to Vote Task Force   The recommendations of the Right to Vote Task Force, created by Montgomery County to review voting rights and make recommendations to increase voter participation, will be discussed at the City of Gaithersburg Mayor and City Council Work Session on September 8.   Among the discussion items are the timing of elections, voting access, online voting, same day voter registration, automatic registration options, friendly ballot design, and applications for mobile devices. Although municipal elections aren't conducted by the County, County decisions could still impact local municipal elections. Gaithersburg elected officials will discuss draft testimony for the County's public hearing on this matter, which is scheduled for September 23.  ...
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New Displays at the Gaithersburg Community Museum   Explore Gaithersburg's role in the Civil War and discover what shopping was like pre-internet with two new exhibits at the Gaithersburg Community Museum. During the Civil War, Confederate General Jubal Early ransacked Summit Hall Farm as he passed through Montgomery County. Explore that and other stories in The Civil War in Gaithersburg, on display through the end of 2014.   The new General Store exhibit features interactive elements that allow youngsters to be store clerks - measuring, counting and sorting to fill customer orders. Discover more here.     Butterfly, Butterflies Live! Exhibit, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, VA IMG 1046 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Book Recommendation: Resistant by Dr. Michael Palmer   I just finished reading Resistant (2014) by Dr. Michael Palmer. Dr. Palmer is well known for his medical practice suspense thrillers and this is his 20th novel. The primary character in this book is Dr. Lou Welcome and the story is based on a shadowy group known as One Hundred Neighbors that is trying control the country by holding medical institutions hostage. This is a fast reading book and you will not want to put it down after you get started. I recommend this book and the other 19 novels by Dr. Michael Palmer. Sadly, this author died in 2013. This link will take you to a New York Times article about his untimely death.     Paper Kite Butterfly, Butterfiles Live! Exhibit, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, Virginia USA IMG...
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Birthday Party Fun in Gaithersburg, Maryland   The City of Gaithersburg has lots of great places for birthday party fun. Parties can be hosted year 'round at the Olde Towne and Robertson Park Youth Centers, with plenty of activities to entertain your party-goers, including pool tables, video games, table tennis, a rock climbing wall and basketball courts.   Outdoors, the Skate Park is available on select mornings for private rental, where kids can test out the ramps and rails with skateboards, BMX bikes, scooters and inline skates. At the Miniature Golf Course, party packages include a round of golf, drinks, ice cream and tableware in a reserved pavilion. Visit the facility pages online for details.     Chrysanthemums, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, VA IMG 1058 Photograph by R...
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The meaning of ‘seriously underwater’   Servicing Management, the magazine for loan servicing professionals includes an article on home equity in the current issue. Over 17% of homes with a mortgage were seriously underwater at the end of the second quarter of 2014. This is a major improvement from last year when 26% were seriously underwater during the same period. They define 'seriously underwater' as where the combined mortgage loan amount secured by a property is at least 25% higher than the estimated market value. It is important for real estate professionals to understand that even though home values are rising in many market areas, it will still take some time for the seriously under home owners to recover. Many of the seriously underwater home owners face years for their financi...
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Singer Songwriter Series, Arts Barn in Kentlands   Celebrate musicians who write, compose and sing original material with the Singer Songwriter Series presented by O'Hair Salon + Spa. The five part series at the Arts Barn provides a unique view into the world of songwriting and performance, with concerts at 7:30 p.m. and insightful workshops at 3 p.m.    The 2014-2015 lineup includes Hannah Aldridge, Marshall Crenshaw, Caitlin Canty, Jon Langford, and Peter Mulvey. Aldridge performs on September 6. View the complete schedule here. The Arts Barn is located in the Kentlands community in the City of Gaithersburg, Maryland.     Butterfly, Butterflies Live! Exhibit, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, VA IMG 1050 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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It's okay to drink white wine after Labor Day   Friday night in Kentlands means time for wine tasting at Pinky & Pepe's Grape Escape. This is a very good place to meet friends and neighbors and you many even discover a new favorite wine. The wine tasting begins at 6 p.m. and the music begins at 7 p.m. Several menus are available for restaurants that deliver if you wish to have dinner with your bottle of wine. Beer lovers will also be very happy with the large beer selection.  
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Plan to visit the Corcoran Gallery of Art this month   September is the final month to visit the Corcoran Gallery of Art before it is closed for renovations and is absorbed into the National Gallery of Art and George Washington University.  The Corcoran collection founded almost 150 years ago will be changed forever. Admission is free for the rest of September and the museum is open Wednesday through Sunday. The Corcoran Gallery of Art is located at 500 17th Street NW, Washington, DC. 202-639-1800.   Gerbera Daisy, Kentlands IMG_8654 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Gaithersburg Citizen Pet of the Year   Despite a tight race, Levi the Australian Shepherd led the way to victory with 223 votes on the City's Facebook page during the annual "Citizen Pet of the Year" photo contest. Coming in a close second with 222 votes was Rosie the Toy Poodle, followed by third-place winner "Ursula," a Pug/Boston Terrier mix, with 192 votes.   In addition to the Citizen Pet of the Year title, the first place winner will receive a $75 PetSmart gift card, with second and third place winners receiving $50 and $25 PetSmart gift cards, respectively. Levi will be recognized at an upcoming Mayor and City Council Meeting where he will receive an official City Proclamation. Read more here.   This Kentlands watchdog was too busy protecting his household to take part in the con...
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Lend Your Expertise to a Gaithersburg Advisory Committee   Through a variety of volunteer committees, Gaithersburg residents play an important role in advising the Mayor and City Council on vital issues - from economic development and educational supports to environmental services and cultural arts. More than 150 people currently volunteer their time as members of 21 boards, commissions and committees. The City encourages you to participate on a committee that may deal with an issue of personal interest or require special expertise that only you can bring to the table. Explore opportunities here. For out of the area readers, the City of Gaithersburg is located in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland in the north western suburbs of Washington, DC.     Chrysanthemums, Lewis Ginter Bot...
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Book Recommendation: Ghost Soldiers by Hampton Sides   I just finished reading Ghost Soldiers (2001) by Hampton Sides. This is an outstanding historical narrative about a dramatic prisoner of war rescue mission in the Philippines during World War II. The effort was to rescue over 500 POWs who has spent three years in a camp under terrible conditions. Use the above links for more information about this book and the author. You will love the easy to read style of Hampton Sides. His most recent book, In the Kingdom of Ice (2014) is also outstanding.   Flame Lily + Imagination IMG 8715A Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Appetizers and Dips Recipes Board on Pinterest   Pinterest is one of the very best sources for recipes of any kind. So, you will definitely want to have some food oriented boards as you build your social media presence on Pinterest.  This is a link to my Appetizers and Dips Recipes board on Pinterest. I will be adding many more pins to this board.  Please visit and follow my boards on Pinterest.    Chrysanthemum Show, Brookside Gardens IMG_7914 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Kentlands Outdoor Movie Night, September 13th   You may wish to make a note on your family calendar for the next Outdoor Movie Night in Kentlands which is scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. The special movie will be Captain America: The Winter Soldier. This movie will just be hitting the theaters that week. The Kentlands Citizens Assembly has obtained an exclusive just for you. The Outdoor Move Nights take place on the Kentlands Clubhouse Lawn. You are welcome to bring guests. There is plenty of space! For out of the area readers, Kentlands is a planned neo-traditional community located within the City of Gaithersburg in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland.  Kentlands is one of the favorite communities for families relocating to the Metro Area of Washington, DC...
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Kentlands Happy Hour, Friday, September 19th   The Kentlands Citizens Assembly is distributing the following notice for the September Happy Hour for Kentlands residents. The date is Friday, September 19, 2014 and the time is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This is a great time to chat with friends and neighbors and to meet new friends. You will also enjoy the new furnishings in the Kentlands Clubhouse.  Please be sure to respond to Dana Macena at the Clubhouse to let the staff know that you will be attending.    It's Happy Hour! When  Friday September 19, 2014  5:30pm - 7:30pm Where Kentlands Clubhouse Great Room485 Tschiffely Square RoadGaithersburg, MD 20878 Driving Directions  Join your neighbors in Happy Hour at the Kentlands Clubhouse. Wine, beer, appetizers, beer pong and good conversation...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Pinterest: Chrysanthemums Board   As you expand your social media presence on Pinterest, you can be very creative as to the types of boards you post. If you are in residential real estate sales, you may wish to have boards on topics that interest home buyers.  Think in terms of boards on window treatments, outdoor space ideas, kitchen or bath remodeling or any number of other topics. However, you do not need to be very creative to establish boards that will have hundreds if not thousands of followers. This is the link to my Chrysanthemums board on Pinterest. Many home owners enjoy flowers and give a lot of thought to what will be planted in their garden. Have fun on Pinterest. It is easy to become a fan of all of the available recipes. I hope you will follow some or all of my Pinterest ...
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Storm Camp in Gaithersburg, September 13th   As I write this blog, we have a severe storm warning in Montgomery County, Maryland. We never know if the next storm may be the one that causes damage to our home. The hurricane season also presents some additional safety threats. The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service has announced the date for a Storm Camp that will help prepare area residents for disaster situations. The kids will enjoy this event and the adults will become better prepared for disaster situations. This is a copy of the notice on the Storm Camp: Are you ready? There are many natural or man-made potential threats and hazards to Montgomery County including the usual severe storms, floods or extreme heat and the unusual earthquake or chemical spill. Storm Camp is a free...
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