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Gaithersburg, MD Real Estate News

Memorial Day Family Events in Kentlands   Residents of Kentlands are invited to attend Memorial Day family events that will take place at the Kentlands Clubhouse grounds on Monday, May 26, 2014 from noon to 2 p.m.  Take advantage of this good time to spend with friends and neighbors. You may even meet a new best friend. This is the notice that was distributed by the Kentlands Citizens Assembly: Memorial Day Bash Come join us for our annual Memorial Day Bash!  The KCA will provide the grills, grill tools, condiments, soft drinks, sides, desserts and entertainment. All you need to bring is the meat and a beverage of your choice!  Give us a call at 301-948-2071 and let us know you and your family are coming so we can have enough for everyone. For out of the area readers, Kentlands is a pla...
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Kentlands Summer Recreation Guide for 2014   The Kentlands Citizens Assembly has distributed the Kentlands Summer Recreation Guide for the 2014 season.  This is a comprehensive guide and many families will want to print a copy. Family members will want to take advantage of the recreation opportunities. For out of the area readers, Kentlands is a neo-traditional planned community located in the City of Gaithersburg in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland. Kentlands is one of the preferred areas for families that are relocated to the Metro Area of Washington, DC. Take a look at the Kentlands Summer Recreation Guide and share this information with families that are being relocated to the area.     Tulip, Spring Photowalk, Kentlands, Gaithersburg, MD IMG 6028 Photograph by Roy Kelley Ro...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Traffic Alert for Lakelands   The Kentlands Citizens Assembly distributed the following traffic alert for the 1300 block of MainStreet. Residents need to know that there may be some traffic delays in this area on Tuesday. Drive carefully. The public safety alert being developed is about school bus safety. MCPS-TV is working with the Montgomery County Police Department to create a public service announcement/TV spot about school bus safety, particularly about the law to stop for stopped school buses and to build awareness about school buses now being equipped with video cameras. They will be filming in the Lakelands on Tuesday, May 20th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a possible rain date of Friday, May 23rd.  Filming will take place on a 200-yard section of street and sidewalk near th...
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Gaithersburg Joins Healthy Eating Active Living Campaign   The Mayor and City Council unanimously passed a resolution on May 5 allowing Gaithersburg to join the Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Cities & Towns Campaign. HEAL encourages the adoption of policies and programs to help stem the obesity epidemic and create healthy, prosperous communities. HEAL initiatives in Gaithersburg include the creation of a Workplace Wellness Committee, the accelerated implementation of select elements of the Bike Master Plan, the development of a policy for healthy options in City vending machines, and the designation of lactation areas in City facilities for employees who are breast feeding. Learn more here.  Now is a good time to resolve to focus on healthy eating and active living for every family...
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Gaithersburg, MD 20878 Housing Statistics, April, 2014   During the month of April, 2014, the total sold dollar volume of residential properties in zip code 20878 in Gaithersburg, Maryland was $37,411,452, up 2.22% from the same month last year. There were 71 closed sales, down 4.95%, with a median sold price of $515,000, up 7.35%. The average sold price was $526,922, up 6.54% with an average of 25 days on the market. The average sold to original list price ratio was 98.38%. Kentlands and Lakelands are included in this zip code. Home buyers and prospective home sellers should have their agent provide the most recent sales data for their neighborhood rather than trying to apply the market information for the county or a zip code. Prospective home buyers that plan to use mortgage financin...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Home Owners Staying Put   Some listing agents are complaining that their inventory is low and it has become more difficult to obtain listings. There is a large market segment of home owners are staying put and they are staying put for a very good reason. Home owners that refinanced their mortgages when the interest rates were very low know that those rates are no longer available. Home owners are making very practical decisions that make business sense as the stay put. Many would rather stay in a smaller home than they could afford rather than pay a higher mortgage interest rate. The home owners that are staying put may be making smart decisions for the economic health of their families but they sure are creating a problem of listing agents.     Tulip Magnolia, Kentlands, Spring Flowers...
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Montgomery County, MD Housing Statistics, April, 2014   During the month of April, 2014, the total sold dollar volume of residential properties in Montgomery County, Maryland was $449,812,720, down 7.37% from the same month last year. There were 871 closed sales, down 11.57% with a median sold price of $400,000 down 0.63%. The average sold price was $516,433, up 4.75% with an average of 44 days on the market. The average sold to original list price ratio was 97.79% Home buyers and home sellers need to know that the figures for the county may not reflect the market conditions in specific communities. It is always a good idea to have your exclusive agent provide current market data that relates to the property of interest. Prospective home buyers that plan to use mortgage financing should...
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Gaithersburg Neighborhood Matching Grant Program     Applications are being accepted now for Frederick J. Felton Neighborhood Matching Grants. The program provides incentives for neighborhood organizations to improve their communities by awarding dollar-for-dollar matching grants of up to $5,000 for sidewalk enhancements, lighting upgrades, signage, fence replacement, parking lot enhancements, community block parties, and more. $60,000 is allocated for this in the proposed FY15 budget. Download the application form here.     Tulips, Spring Photowalk, Kentlands IMG 6025 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Asian Pacific Heritage Month Celebration in Gaithersburg   Enjoy an evening of traditional dance and art in commemoration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month as the City of Gaithersburg's Multicultural Affairs Committee presents "A Celebration of Chinese Culture" on Monday, May 19 from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park. Following the free celebration, a proclamation in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month will be presented to Mr. Chih-Hsiang Li, Executive Director of the Chinese Culture and Community Services Center, during the Mayor and City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. The public is invited to both.      Spring Photowalk, Kentlands, Gaithersburg, MD IMG 5992 Fothergilla Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kel...
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Book Recommendation: Warriors by Ted Bell   Ted Bell is an American author of suspense novels.He is best known for his New York Times Bestselling series of spy thriller novels featuring the character Lord Alexander Hawke. Dolores and I have read and enjoyed all of his novels. The latest book, Warriors (2014) again features British counterspy Lord Alexander and his latest adventures. My advice is to start at the beginning and plan to read this entire series. This is a good summertime reading list. Alexander Hawke Series Hawke (2003) Assassin (2004) Pirate (2005) Spy (2006) Tsar (2008) Warlord (2010) Phantom (2012) Warriors (2014)     Blooming in the Rain at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden IMG_3440 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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What is your favorite color for tulips?   Our tulip season is coming to an end in our area but I took hundreds of photographs while they were if full bloom. Here are a couple of pictures for your weekend enjoyment. What is your favorite color for tulips? We have a beautiful day in Maryland and the weather was perfect for my early morning photowalk through Kentlands, our home community in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Have a great weekend and be sure to have your camera in hand to capture the special moments.      Tulips, Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 6013 Tulip, Kentlands IMG 6021 Tulip, Spring Photowalk, Kentlands IMG 6002 Rob Thomas Tulip, Spring Photowalk, Kentlands IMG 6011 Photographs by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Pink Dogwood, a springtime favorite in Maryland   Dolores and I just returned from the Friday night Happy Hour in Kentlands, our home neighborhood in Gaithersburg, Maryland.  We spent a lot of time talking with home owners in the neighborhood and we did not hear any negative thoughts about living in the area. I like to take photowalks and to share the colors of the season. Blooming dogwood trees are a sure sign of spring in Kentlands.     Pink Dogwood, Kentlands, Gaithersburg, MD USA IMG 6023 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Friday Night Happy Hour in Kentlands   If you live in Kentlands, you will want to spend some time with your friends and neighbors at the Friday night Happy Hour at the Kentlands Clubhouse. The Kentlands Citizens Assembly posted a reminder notice that the Happy Hour will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on May 16, 2014. This is a free adults only event for all of the Kentlands residents. Plan to stop by before going out for dinner. The staff will be serving  wine, beer, soft drinks and snacks and the Kentlands Acoustic Jam will be providing special entertainment. Please call the Kentlands Clubhouse at 301-948-2071 to let them know that you will be attending.      Tulip, Spring Photowalk, Kentlands IMG 6030 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Rabies Vaccination Clinics for Gaithersburg Dogs and Cats   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, May 18 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, May 18, 2014 Sunday, June 15, 2014 Sunday, July 20, 2014 Sunday, Aug. 17, 2014 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 ...
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Brasserie Beck is now open in Kentlands   The newest restaurant in Kentlands opened on Tuesday.  Brasserie Beck, the Belgian eatery that is well known at its Washington, DC location has taken over the old location of O’Donnell’s Sea Grill.  The new restaurant, owned by Chef Robert Wiedmaier, is now taking limited reservations while the staff becomes familiar with the facilities. Brasserie Beck is known for its extensive Belgian beer list, mussels, beef carbonnade, steak and frites, tagliatelle with wild boar ragu and many other entrees. The restaurant is located at 311 Kentlands Boulevard, Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878.     Tulip, Kentlands IMG 6021 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Gaithersburg Book Festival, Saturday, May 17th   20,000 people are expected to attend the Gaithersburg Book Festival this Saturday, May 17, 2014.  There will be close to 100 featured authors and more than a dozen workshops. The hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the location is on the grounds of the Gaithersburg City Hall at 31 S. Summit Avenue. Admission is free. Follow this link to the website for a full schedule, a map of the event and parking instructions. There will be free shuttles from designated free parking areas. Gaithersburg Book Festival This festival is an official event of Children’s Book Week.     Colors of Spring, Kentlands IMG 5982 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Gaithersburg Meals on Wheels needs Volunteer Drivers   Volunteer drives are needed to assist with the deliveries of meals by Gaithersburg Meals on Wheels. If you can spare a little time at mid-day on a regular basis, you will find this to be very rewarding work. You will meet some very nice people that will appreciate your kindness. The following notice was distributed by the Kentlands Citizens Assembly to support this cause. VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED:  Gaithersburg Meals on Wheels has an urgent need for drivers to deliver hot lunches and cold suppers weekdays at lunchtime to the elderly and shut-ins in the Gaithersburg area. Meals are prepared at Asbury Methodist Village, 333 Russell Ave., and picked up by drivers between 10:45 and 11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday. Containers are provided for c...
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Best Bett Dahlias for your home garden   Dahlias tend to grow very well in Montgomery County, Maryland.  You have to be careful with your plant selection because many dahlias grow tall and need to be staked. One of my favorites that does not need to be staked is the Best Bett dahlia that is also known as Mystic Sprit or Mystic Series. The blooms are in the pastel color of peach or apricot and the leaves of the bushy plant provide a lovely background for the flowers. These plants grow from 26” to 31” tall and 20” to 26” wide. It is now time to plant dahlias in our area and you will enjoy flowers from July until October. Enjoy your home gardens and the colors of the season.  Go to this Best Bett link for more information.     Dahlias, Best Bett, Longwood Gardens IMG_7442 Photograph by Roy...
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Book Recommendation:  The Walnut Tree by Charles Todd   I just finished reading The Walnut Tree (2012) by Charles Todd. This is a holiday tale by the New York Times bestselling author of the Inspector Ian Rutledge mysteries and the Bess Crawford mysteries. A mother and son writing team, they live in Delaware and North Carolina. Dolores and I have read all of the wonderful Charles Todd novels. The main character of this book is Lady Elspeth Douglas and the time frame is the beginning of the World War in 1914. Lady Elspeth finds herself in Paris as the German army approaches. She resists the advice to return to England and ends up abandoning her aristocratic world and trains as a nurse. Yes, this is a love story in the midst of the horror of war. I recommend this book as well as the Ian R...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Petunias are blooming in Kentlands   You do not always need unusual flowers to add color to your planters and your gardens. A few petunias might do the job for you and they are available in a variety of colors. I like the petunias because the colors make wonderful photographs. Be sure to have your camera in hand for your neighborhood photowalks. Enjoy the colors of spring.     Colors of Spring, Kentlands, Gaithersburg, MD USA IMG 5941 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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