Toll violators facing stiff penalties in Maryland   The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) now has approval for additional collection methods when dealing with overdue highway tolls. The new law is to be fully implemented in October. Previous violators are being allowed an opportunity to pay their toll balances without penalty before the start of the new enforcement procedures. Electronic tolling is replacing the traditional toll collection booths as video camera record the license plates of toll road users. Many area residents take advantage of the automatic billing provided by the E-ZPass system which is used in several states. Vehicles that are not equipped for E-ZPass are billed based on their vehicle registration. Under the new law, vehicle owners that do not pay their bill w... 09/02/2013

Book Recommendation:  Darkside by P.T. Deutermann   I just finished Darkside (2002) by P.T, Deutermann and recommend it for your reading list. This is a suspense novel and the story takes place at the Naval Academy. The author is a 1963 graduate of the Naval Academy and a retired Navy Captain. I think you will enjoy Deutermann’s books. One of my personal goals is to read at least one novel each week and this is a practice that I recommend to you. Now is a good time to work on your fall and winter reading list. Please share information on the great authors that you discover. Books by P.T. Deutermann The Ops Officers Manual (1980) Scorpion in the Sea (1992) Edge of Honor (1994) Official Privilege (1995) Sweepers (1997) Zero Option (1999) Train Man (1999) Hunting Season (2001) Darkside (20... 09/01/2013

New computers and wireless internet for Montgomery County, MD students   The tech staff had a very busy summer in Montgomery County, Maryland schools. Over 9,300 new computers were installed and wireless networks were installed in over 100 schools. By the end of September, all of the Montgomery County schools will have wireless networks. Over 2,000 classrooms have received new interactive whiteboards. The enhanced learning environment required additional training for the teachers that will be using more advanced tools. The definite trend will be to more online teaching. Upgrading the wireless network in Montgomery County schools cost about $5.6 million according to a report by Lynh Bui in The Washington Post. Schools are open and it is a good time to be extra careful while driving in th... 09/01/2013

Dog owners need to be alert for canine influenza   Montgomery County, Maryland, officials are warning dog owners to be alert for flu symptoms which include cough, runny nose and fever. Canine influenza is blamed for the death of at least two dogs in the County and the sickness of several more pets. This influenza virus is highly contagious and can cause an acute respiratory infection. Dog flu can be spread by direct contact with infected animals, contaminated objects and through people moving between infected and uninfected dogs. Dog owners need to be careful to avoid conditions that may spread dog flu. Pet lovers need to be cautious about petting dogs of others when there may be a chance that the direct contact may spread dog flu to their own pets. Contact your veterinarian if your dog... 09/01/2013

Dolphins dying along the Mid-Atlantic coast Avoid direct contact with dead and dying dolphins   Hundreds of dead and dying bottle-nose dolphins have been found along the Mid-Atlantic coast from New York to North Carolina, according to a news report by Lenny Bernstein at The Washington Post. Marine organizations are trying to identify the cause of the death which some think is being caused by a virus called cetacean morbillivirus. This virus causes the deaths of dolphins by suppressing the immune system and making them more vulnerable to pneumonia and other infections. The virus does not threaten humans but is related to the virus that causes measles. Authorities are advising people to stay away from the sick and dead dolphins because of the risk of secondary infections. If your family p... 08/29/2013

Kentlands/Lakelands 5K Run/Walk Online Registration Ends Noon, August 29th   The 20th Annual Kentlands/Lakelands 5K Run/Walk & Kids Fun Runs takes place on Saturday, August 31st at 8 a.m. Register at www.kentlands.org  Online registration ends at noon, Thursday, August 29th. Register right away if you have not already done so. This is an outstanding event for participants and spectators. The proceeds from this event help several great causes including the Kentlands Community Foundation's on-going programs, The Delores Swoyer Summer Camp Scholarship Fund, The Dwelling Place and McPaw. For out of the area readers, Kentlands is a neo-traditional planned community in Gaithersburg, Maryland, in the heart of Montgomery County. Kentlands is one of the highly preferred communities for families ... 08/28/2013

Smoking impacts home prices   “A recent study of real estate agents in Ontario, Canada, found that smoking can reduce a home’s resale value by 20 percent. The study was commissioned by Pfizer Canada, a pharmaceutical manufacturer.”  Daily Real Estate News All of us know that it is more difficult to sell a home where pet, dampness or smoking odors can be noticed. Deep cleaning will sometimes remove most of the evidence. Smoking is banned in many rental homes and buildings that have public access and now many colleges and universities are also banning smoking anywhere on the property. Secondhand smoke has been the health concern behind most of the bans. Now, consumers are worried about thirdhand smoke that lingers long after the smoke has cleared.  “Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley Nation... 08/26/2013

Maryland Plum Crumble Recipe For Alexandra Seigel California blogger Alexandra Seigel posted a beautiful photograph of fresh plums at the farmers market and I decided to post this excellent recipe that I have blogged about in the past. Plums are wonderful at this time of the year and it is very good time to discover new favorite recipes that use plums. I, of course, prefer the use of plums in outstanding desserts. 8-10 ripe plums 4-5 Tbsp. sugar Chilled cream, to serve For the crumble topping: ½ stick plus 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, chilled and cubed 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour           A pinch of salt ¼ cup sugar A medium ovenproof dish, buttered Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and put a baking sheet on the middle shelf to heat. Halve the plums and remove the pits. Cut the halves into ... 08/25/2013

West Nile Virus Detected in Montgomery County, Maryland   Mosquitoes infected with the West Nile Virus have been found in trap sites in Montgomery County, Maryland according to an article in The Washington Post.  Three cases of West Nile Virus have been confirmed in the Baltimore area. These cases provide a good reminder for all of us to take steps that will reduce the risk of mosquito bites and possible infection. Wearing insect repellent, long sleeved shirts, long pants and hats helps prevent bites. Area residents should make continuing efforts to eliminate standing water near their homes and in their neighborhoods. When we are out for early morning or evening walks, it is good to remember that those are the times that mosquitoes are most active. Take time to include this subject in y... 08/25/2013

Homes in Kentlands Gaithersburg Maryland 20878 Market Report    The latest listings and market watch for Kentlands Gaithersburg MD Real Estate as of August 2013 Kentlands Gaithersburg Maryland  To see the absolutely latest real estate listings  in Kentlands Gaithersburg  go here Closed sales in and around Kentlands Gaithersburg  reflected an uptrend for the month of June 2013   The Best Homes Are Selling Fast . . .Check New Listings Now! Latest Listings in The Kentlands Gaithersburg Beds 3 Baths 3.0 MLS MC8165171 Bldg. Kentlands Ridge   $314,990 124 KENDRICK PLACE Unit #16, Gaithersburg Rarely available, 3 bedroom, 2 full bath condo in Kentlands Ridge. Main level entrance and separate patio entrance. Kitchen sparkles with stainless steel appliances, gran... Beds 3 Baths 2.0 MLS MC81546... 08/25/2013

Pay it forward with birthday greetings   One of my daily activities is to go to my events section on Facebook and send birthday greetings to my Facebook friends that have a birthday. I also keep a calendar of birthdays for family members that I do not want to forget. You never know the personal circumstances of others. Some may be lonely, depressed, sick or troubled. A birthday greeting is always a positive message that is appreciated. If you do not say anything more than “Happy Birthday”, it is a communication that is appreciated. Yesterday was my birthday and I received over 400 birthday greetings on Facebook. Even though I have never met many of the people that took time to remember my birthday, the multitude of messages helped make it a very positive day. Yes, I tried to individuall... 08/22/2013

Book Recommendation:  Red Sparrow by Jason Matthews   When Dolores added this novel to my stack of books to read, I did not know that I would discover a favorite new author. Jason Matthews is a first time novelist and you will definitely want to read Red Sparrow which was released this spring. Jason Matthews spent over three decades as a CIA officer and knows all about secret missions in foreign countries. He has the perfect background for an espionage novelist. An interesting feature of this book is a recipe at the end of each chapter. One of my personal goals is to read a least one novel each week. After doing this for a long time, reading is a habit that I do not wish to change. Enjoy a new book this week and be sure to add Red Sparrow to your reading list.   Jason Matthews 08/22/2013

Confidence Title and Escrow Free Ice Cream Social, August 21st   From May through September, Confidence Title & Escrow sponsors a Free Ice Cream Social on the third Wednesday of the month. This month, the ice cream social is on my birthday. Real estate professionals and mortgage loan officers as well as others in the real estate industry are invited to the next Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Bruster’s Ice Cream in Gaithersburg. This is a good opportunity to spend some quality time with Victor Muzzatti and his staff from Confidence Title & Escrow.  You will also usually see several agents from our office, RE/MAX Realty Group, as they enjoy the outstanding ice cream served by Bruster’s.  Note the date, September 18th, for the final ice cream social... 08/20/2013

Post Foreclosure and Short Sale Home Buyers Get A Break From FHA   Before last week, prospective home buyers that have gone through a foreclosure or short sale generally had to wait at least three years before they could get an FHA loan to purchase another home. FHA has reduced the minimum waiting period to one year for borrowers that meet certain requirements. In order to qualify for new FHA financing, home buyers must demonstrate that the foreclosure or short sale was caused by unemployment or “economic event” that caused a substantial reduction in their household income. Prospective home buyers that have been through bankruptcy, a foreclosure or short sale are advised to meet with a trusted mortgage loan officer to develop a plan of action that will lead to the renewed ability to obt... 08/20/2013

Get Help from Real Estate Agents for Best Deals: Gaithersburg, MD Short Sales If you are looking out for a house and thinking upon choosing the appropriate design or cost of house option that will fit you the best, there are now various house choices available on the internet for you to discover. Through the internet one can discover accessibility to different types of property. While some are luxurious and expensive, some others are somewhat priced and yet relaxed enough. It all relies on choosing and matching your specifications and price range. The selection of house relies on the number of family members, according to which various choices that are available include single-family personal homes, custom-built homes, and apartments. There are also some conventional homes that you can ... 08/20/2013

Kentlands Citizens Assembly Budget Review, August 21st   If you have ever wondered how your monthly assessments for the Kentlands home owners association are used, now is the time to learn where the money goes.  The Kentlands Citizens Assembly will have a budget review session on Wednesday, August 21, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. at the Kentlands Clubhouse.  Residents of Kentlands are invited to attend. This will be a work session for the Kentlands Citizens Assembly board and staff. The budget for calendar year 2014 will be reviewed and any needed adjustments will be made. A draft budget will be distributed at the meeting. The final draft budget will be published in the Kentlands Town Crier in September and will be subject to a vote by the Kentlands Citizens Assembly board in October. Again, this... 08/19/2013

How to identify the perfect retirement community in the south Ideal-Living Resort and Retirement Expo, Falls Church, VA   If you are seeking the perfect vacation or retirement home location, you may wish to attend the Ideal-Living Resort and Retirement Expo on August 24-25, 2013. This event is free if you register in advance. Call 888-248-2989. Dolores and I have attended several of the Ideal-Living Expos which were previously called Live South Shows. This is a good way to collect information on many communities and meet the representatives that can answer your questions. The event includes several workshops and seminars. Many of the communities offer special travel packages for your visits. Dates:  Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25, 2013. Times: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Win... 08/19/2013

Kentlands Annual Dog Swim, September 2   The Kentlands community annual dog swim will take place on the final day of the pool season, September 2, 2013. The swimming pool will close for the season at 4 p.m. and the dogs will be allowed in the pool and can swim until 6 p.m. This is an enjoyable event for dog owners in Kentlands. Be sure to have your camera in hand to capture some good photographs. Call the Clubhouse if you have any questions about the dog swim.  301-948-2071 For out of town readers, Kentlands is a wonderful neo-traditional community located in Gaithersburg, Maryland, in the heart of Montgomery County. Kentlands is one of the favorite communities for families that are relocated to the metro area of Washington, DC.     Kentlands Watchdog IMG_4653 Photograph by Roy Kelley R... 08/19/2013

Summer Fiesta Annual Cook Out in Kentlands, August 31, 2013   Summer Fiesta is the theme for the Kentlands Citizens Assembly annual cook out that will take place on Saturday, August 31, 2013, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  The location is the pool deck at the Kentlands Clubhouse. There is no charge for Kentlands residents to attend this event.  There will be good food, good drinks, music, dancing, balloon art and piñatas for the kids. Be sure to register by August 22 to allow the staff to order food and beverages for the correct number of people. Reservations will not be taken after this date. The Summer Fiesta will provide a good opportunity to visit with friends and neighbors. Children are invited and there will be activities for the kids. Call the Clubhouse today at 301-948-2071 to sign u... 08/18/2013

Reading List Suggestion:  The English Girl by Daniel Silva   I am currently reading The English Girl, the latest novel by Daniel Silva. This book is part of his outstanding Gabriel Allon series. If you enjoy novels with lots of action and international intrigue, you should be reading books by bestselling author Daniel Silva. http://danielsilvabooks.com/ One of my personal goals is to read at least one book a week for pleasure. Yes, I do have to limit TV viewing in order to maintain my reading schedule.  I hope you include time for novels in your personal weekly schedule.  In order to keep track of the books I have read, I maintain a list that can be used for reference during library or book sale visits.  This is my personal list of Daniel Silva books that I have read. I hope you will re... 08/18/2013