Special offer

Gaithersburg, MD Real Estate News

By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Driveway-Paving Scams Warning As the warm weather approaches, the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is warning homeowners about driveway-paving scammers who typically look to exploit them in spring. These scammers are a common problem not only in Montgomery County, but also across Maryland. Homeowners should be aware and take appropriate measures to avoid falling victim to it.In the last year, OCP has been taking measures against individuals who performed unlicensed home improvement work, particularly those who conducted driveway paving. As a result, civil and criminal charges have been issued against them, and several have been issued arrest warrants. OCP also has managed to suspend all websites associated with these criminals, either permanently or temporarily, thr...
Comments 9
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 ...
Comments 9
Gaithersburg Arts Barn Call to Artists The Arts Barn is seeking artwork for the Fiscal Year 2025 season brochure and related marketing materials. Artwork should prominently feature the diverse arts that are shared and celebrated at the Arts Barn. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 3.Learn more and apply here.This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Orchids, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 4341Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
Comments 7
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
Comments 6
School Bus Safety – What Maryland Drivers Should Know   Today is the first day of school in Montgomery County, Maryland. It is a good time for all drivers to be alert for school bus safety and to be aware of the Maryland law. “All motorists are required by law to stop when the red lights on buses are flashing. Passing a school bus when the red lights are flashing is not only illegal it is also one of the biggest threats to student safety. Motorists should be aware that the red flashing lights and the stop sign may be engaged shortly after the amber lights are on. Vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus are always required to stop. In Maryland, the law states that vehicles must come to a complete stop on both sides of the roadway if there is no physical divider or barrier. Vi...
Comments 10
By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Maryland Crab & Mushroom Soup Recipe    ½ cup butter ½ cup onions, chopped 1 Tbsp. garlic, chopped 2 lbs mixed Mushrooms, sliced (I used Cremini, White Button and Shitakes) 1 Tbsp. Old Bay Seasoning 2 Tbsp. Parsley Flakes, divided 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce 1 Quart water 1 can Evaporated Milk ½ lb. Crab Meat ( can use 1 lb. if desired) ½ cup Red Bell Pepper, diced 1 oz. Sweet Sherry (I used Harvey’s Bristol Cream)   In a 4 quart stockpot, over medium-high heat, melt butter; add onions and garlic.  Cook stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.  Stir in mushrooms, Old Bay Seasoning, 1 Tbsp. parsley flakes, and Worcestershire Sauce.  Cook 5 minutes.  Add water and milk; simmer uncovered 15 minutes.  You can add some fresh breadcrumbs broken into small pieces if desired to thicken the soup. ...
Comments 17
Preventing Mushroom Poisoning: Lethal Lawns   During the spring and fall months, many home owners will see mushrooms popping up in their yards. Since is not easy to tell the difference between poisonous and nonpoisonous mushrooms, it is safer for most of us to assume that the mushrooms are poisonous. Some may not know that mushrooms that cause human and pet poisoning cannot be made nontoxic by cooking or other processing. Mushroom safety experts recommend that you dig up mushrooms as soon as they appear and throw them in the trash. When you pick them before they mature, they will be unable to send out spores. To avoid spreading spores, do not mow mushrooms. Never put the mushrooms in a compost pile because that is the ideal environment for their growth. If a pet or child eats a mushroom...
Comments 10
Kentlands/Lakelands 5K Run, Walk, Saturday, August 30th Parking Restrictions   Over 1,500 individuals are expected to participate in the 21st Annual Kentlands/Lakelands 5K run, Walk & Kids Fun Runs this Saturday, August 30, 2014. Community residents need to be aware of the parking restrictions during the race events. Observe the no parking signs and the time frames. No parking will be allowed on affected streets between 12 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Saturday. No driving will be allowed through the race course from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Towing will be enforced and you could face a ticket and towing charges for parking violations. If you vehicle is towed, call Geyer’s Towing, 301-540-1600.      Daylily, Kentlands IMG 8738 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
Comments 5
By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Art Glass by Dale Chihuly   I was just reading a blog posted by Yolanda Cordiva-Gilbert. She talks about the wonderful glass art from the studios of Dale Chihuly. If you are not familiar with Dale Chihuly, take a few moments to read Yolanda's blog for in introduction. Speechless Sunday Chihuly Art  Pinterest is a very good place to see examples of the glass art by Dale Chihuly. Use the search bar and enter his name. The following link will provide images from a quick search. Dale Chihuly on Pinterest I also have a Dale Chihuly board on Pinterest that I invite you to visit. If you are a fellow Pinner, I will be happy to share this board with you. Roy Kelley's Pinterest Board on Dale Chihuly   Laguna Torcello, VMFA, Chihuly Exhibit IMG_7786 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley ...
Comments 21
By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Is it waffle time at your home?   Waffle irons tend to be kept in the back of the cabinet except for rare occasions when waffles are requested for breakfast or brunch. This morning, I noticed a tweet with the following link that provides some very interesting alternatives for the use of your waffle iron. This is good week for some creative waffling.   7 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW YOU COULD WAFFLE   Photowalk, Kentlands IMG 8716 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
Comments 29
By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Hosta, Kentlands Photowalk   Walking through the neighborhood is good exercise. Add a camera and you have photowalking. It is easy to set aside the problems of the moment as you focus your attention and your camera on a beautiful flower. I use a small camera, a Canon PowerShot G11 and use the free photo editing site iPiccy.com.   Hosta, Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 8698 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
Comments 24
By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Margarita Purple Osteospermum   We have a very rainy afternoon in Kentlands and I am editing some photographs. This flower is a Margarita Purple Osteospermum in a planter on our front porch. These small flowers that provide some extra color for our home entrance.    Margarita Purple Osteospermum, Kentlands, Gaithersburg, MD IMG 8693 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
Comments 12
By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Fire Safety for Older Adults   Seniors are the fastest growing segment of the population and are one of the groups at the highest risk of fire death an injury. By age 75, seniors are almost four times as likely to die in a fire. Take a few moments to read this Fire Safety Checklist for Older Adults. This is a very important topic for family discussions. Know What to Do in Case of a Fire. Practicing how you would escape a fire before it strikes will enable you to get out faster. Getting out of your own home sounds easy, but your home can look very different if it's full of smoke. Fire Drills are a good opportunity to make sure that everyone is able to hear and respond to smoke alarms. Draw a layout of your house marking all windows and doors. Plan two routes out of each room and practice...
Comments 15
How to save thousands when you purchase a home   Obtaining the best price is not the only way to save a lot of money when purchasing a home. Selecting the best mortgage financing can save thousands of dollars when home buyers focus on the best options. Mortgage interest rates are at the lowest levels for 2014 and all of the regular rates are attractive. However, if you can handle a 15 year mortgage rather than a 30 year mortgage, the savings are in the thousands of dollars and the obligations will end at an earlier date. If you are only expecting to be in the area for five years or less, there are even more money saving options with adjustable rate mortgages. This is not rocket science. Don’t select the 30 year mortgage if other programs will satisfy your family needs.   Freddie Mac rep...
Comments 41
New Maryland Regulations on Recommending Service Providers   Maryland real estate agents and brokers need to be very careful when recommending service providers. They are now required to verify that the recommended service providers are licensed to provide the services. The following notice was provided by Village Settlements. They included a copy of their current license with the notice. Important Regulatory Reminder-Service Recommendations   The Maryland Association of REALTORS (MAR) is disseminating the following information: As reported in the Maryland Association of REALTORS Hot Sheet and the June Maryland REALTOR Magazine, the Maryland Real Estate Commission has adopted a new regulation that will require agents who recommend service providers to verify that the service provider is...
Comments 10
Wine Tasting at Pinky & Pepe's in Kentlands   Residents of the Kentlands community in Gaithersburg, Maryland have a regular gathering place to meet friends and neighbors on Friday nights. Wine tasting at Pinky & Pepe's Grape Escape is always fun. The wine tasting begins at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 7 p.m. If you wish, you can have a dinner delivered from one of the local restaurants to enjoy with your favorite bottle of wine.  
Comments 12
By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
4th Birthday   My sister, Lynne Kelley, posted this photograph of me on my 4th birthday. This was taken in the side yard of our home at 10 Park Place in the Cradock neighborhood in Portsmouth, Virginia. Save those old family pictures. They may appear many years later in a blog.   
Comments 42
Book Recommendation: Oath Of Office by Michael Palmer   I just finished reading another medical practice/political thriller, Oath Of Office (2012) by Michael Palmer. A well known physician went on a shooting spree in his own office and Dr. Lou Welcome was determined to find the cause of these unusual homicides. This is a fast reading thriller that I think you will enjoy. This was Palmer’s 17th novel. Book Review      Gladiolus, Kentlands, Gaithersburg, MD IMG 8685 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
Comments 11
What to do if you smell gas or suspect a gas leak   As I write this blog, emergency vehicles are responding to a possible gas leak in the 900 Block of Quince Orchard Road. The road is currently blocked by fire trucks. Regardless of where you live this is good advice provided by the emergency alert in Gaithersburg, Maryland. If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak: Leave the area immediately and go to a location where you no longer smell gas, and report the leak by calling 911 (If Fire Rescue is not already on the scene). In any event: Do Not Light matches or smoke. Avoid use of all open flames. Try to locate the source of the gas leak. Use any electrical device, including cellular phone, I-pods etc. Turn light switches On and Off. Re-enter the building or return to the area until it has ...
Comments 20
Thank you for the birthday greetings!   Thank you very much for the birthday greetings. Yes, my birthday is August 21st. It is very nice to hear from so many people. I have received good wishes for several days. Your kind words are very much appreciated. Dahlias are among my favorite flowers to photograph. This photograph shows single plant in our planter. Interesting, we purchased these dahlias, in four different colors at Costco.   Dahlias, Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 8660 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
Comments 40
Gaithersburg CITE Program Promotes Vehicular Safety   Alerting the Gaithersburg Police Department of motor vehicle violations through the Citizen Information in Traffic Enforcement program may help reduce incidents that could endanger pedestrians and other motorists. Citizens report a violation online, an officer reviews the report, and a letter is sent to the vehicle's registered owner, notifying them of the observed violation in hopes they will modify their driving behavior or bring it to the attention of the person driving at the time. Online citizen reporting has proven successful in other communities as evidenced by comments made by the recipients of the letters - particularly parents of young drivers and business owners with employee drivers. For out of the area readers, the City ...
Comments 8
Fulks Corner Farmers' Market, Thursday in Gaithersburg   The Fulks Corner Farmers' Market has extended its operating time. The market will be open Thursdays through November 20, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. You’ll find it at the corner of Route 355 and Fulks Corner Avenue in Olde Towne. Crafters will not be present for this market. 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 meat.     Gazania, Kentlands Photowalk Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
Comments 3
By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Are you interested in Art News?   If you have an interest in art news, you may wish to create an Art News Board on Pinterest. Dolores was an art history major in college and is a former art museum docent. Over the years, we sponsored many art exhibits in our offices. So, I like to keep up with art news and subscribe to a couple of newsletters that provide daily news. Please visit my Art News Board on Pinterest. If you are a fellow pinner, I will be happy to share this board with you.    Japanese Print. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, VA Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
Comments 11
By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Flame Lily   We have another beautiful morning in Maryland and I a going out for a photowalk through Kentlands and Lakelands, our neighborhood in Gaithersburg, Maryland. For me, early mornings are the best time to get some exercise. When I have my camera in hand, the walks become photowalks as I take pictures of some of the flowers along the way. This Flame Lily was photographed in Kentlands. When I posted in Facebook groups last night, I received over 200 likes and comments.   Flame Lily, Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 8715 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
Comments 25
Explore Gaithersburg, MD
Gaithersburg, MD Real Estate Professionals