Association News – Friday, October 27, 2023

published: October 27th, 2023 by Management in E-Mail Blast

IN THIS EDITION:

1. Two King Farmers Running for City Council

2. King Farm Candidates Forum Replay

3. Rockville Election: Two Candidates Vying for Mayor’s Seat, 12 for Six Council Seats

4. Adoption of Administrative Resolution Amendment AR #4 Due Process

5. Upcoming Board & Committee Meetings

6. King Farm Celebrates Halloween with Spooktacular Boo Bash THIS SUNDAY

7. King Farm Music Group – SEEKING MEMBERS

8. King Farm Neighbors Village (KFNV) Activities

9. Rockville 10K/ 5K

10. LaunchCARES Charity Race Saturday, November 11th

11. Montgomery College to Host Harvest Fest on the Rockville Campus This Saturday

12. City of Rockville Halloween Haunts for a Spooky Time

13. Lost and Found

14. City of Rockville Concrete Repair within King Farm

15. West Gude Drive and Watkins Pond Blvd Sidewalk Construction

16. Rockville City Police Department Crime Report

OCTOBER KING FARM CHRONICLE IS OUT!

To view past email newsletters and other updates, please visit the King Farm website under ‘Stay Informed‘.

The King Farm website www.kingfarm.org is your best resource for staying up-to-date with all things King Farm!

Two King Farmers Running for City Council

Meet Barry Jackson

I’m Barry Jackson. I’m the President of the King Farm Citizens Assembly and I’m running to bring proven leadership and real results to Rockville’s city council.

Our city council will soon lose its most seasoned members. We need a councilmember who knows our community, the issues, and how to get things done. We need a voice on the council to represent ALL of us. I have a proven track record of bringing people together, and I’m ready to bring that leadership to the council.

I’m your neighbor, friend, and a proud member of our community. I’ve lived in Rockville for nearly 20 years with my wife and two daughters. We have found a diverse and inclusive community here in King Farm and we could not be happier. We’ve watched our daughters go from College Gardens Elementary to Julius West Middle School, and now both are attending Richard Montgomery High School.

I have years of experience leading the King Farm Citizens Assembly. I’m a community gardener. In summer, my family is at the pool, swimming for the King Farm Swim Team. I am active in the stroke community. Twelve years ago, I suffered a stroke. It left me with a different perspective I will take onto the council.

I’ve worked with Rockville’s senior community through the Neighborhood Villages, and advocated for legislative change at the American Cancer Society, Lance Armstrong Foundation and AARP.

I ran for office in King Farm because I wanted to see transparency, more communication, and better relations between residents, management, board members and the president. I wanted to reestablish a positive relationship with the city, particularly with the Rockville City Police Department.

As we all know, COVID threw Rockville into an unforeseen crisis. Small businesses struggled, parents had to juggle their work and at home learning, and we all had to navigate uncharted waters. We still have a lot of work to do to get our community back on track.

There’s so much at stake for Rockville, from supporting local schools to investing in public and pedestrian safety, and protecting our neighborhood businesses. There’s a lot to be done and I’m ready to get to work.

I’ll help make our neighborhoods and schools safe, work to make sure people don’t spend their entire paycheck on housing, and fight for smart growth that fits our future needs.

I know I can’t do this alone, and that is why I need your help. I will work with the residents of every neighborhood to bring Rockville together.

This November, I ask for your vote.

Vote for proven leadership and real results. Vote for Barry Jackson for Rockville City Council, the experience we need, the neighbor you can trust.

Meet Paul Scott

Hello Rockville – My name is Paul Scott and I am asking for your support and vote, for me to be elected to the Rockville City Council.

My wife and I have lived in the City of Rockville for approximately 7 years.

We have 3 grown children that graduated from Richard Montgomery High School where I served on the PTSA as Vice President and a PTSA delegate (And yes I am saying it…..Go Rockets)

I am currently serving as the Vice-Chair of the King Farm Board of Trustees.

I am currently a commissioner for the City of Rockville Transportation and Mobility Commission

I am a Board Member of the George Thomas Learning Academy that has run the Saturday School Program in 10 Schools for the last 35 years.

I have started on this journey because I have a vision of what a sense of community can be as we celebrate that the City of Rockville is ranked one of the most diverse areas in the country.

This year’s election of our Mayor and City Council will determine the growth, development, and quality of life for the next 10 years. Decisions will have a generational impact on areas such as land use, transportation, housing, recreation and parks, the environment, and affordability.

As Rockville grows and becomes more diverse, it is important that all residents, regardless of their neighborhood, feel engaged and empowered. Our city is conveniently located just 7 miles from Washington D.C. and is in the heart of Montgomery County. This means that we will continue to see and experience rapid change. We all want our local businesses to thrive, but at what cost. Our biggest challenge will be managing this growth. I share your commitment to making sure that our city is safe, walkable, bikeable and rollable with a strong commercial base and a vibrant cultural scene. Let’s work together to keep traffic manageable and make sure all neighborhoods are easily accessible by public transportation.

As a leader, I have always prioritized finding the common ground among stakeholders and practical solutions to complex issues. As a member of the Rockville Council, I will continue to prioritize these values with a focus on discovering the right solutions to balance growth and prosperity while preserving the unique character of our city. I look forward to working together and forging a bright future for Working Together As One.

King Farm Candidates Forum Replay

The King Farm Citizens Assembly hosted the City of Rockville candidates for Mayor and Council on Wednesday October 11th for a Candidates Forum. If you missed the event, click here to re-watch the Forum. Hear from the candidates and what they have to say about their thoughts on King Farm and why you should vote for them.

Rockville Election: Two Candidates Vying for Mayor’s Seat, 12 for Six Council Seats

Rockville Election: Two Candidates Vying for Mayor’s Seat, 12 for Six Council Seats

Rockville voters will decide between two candidates for mayor and 12 candidates for six council seats in this fall’s vote-by-mail city election. The six council candidates with the most votes will win the six council seats. The Mayor and Council serve four-year terms. Every U.S. citizen living within Rockville city limits and over the age of 18 by Nov. 7, 2023 is eligible to vote in the city election. To be sure to receive a ballot, visit www.rockvillemd.gov/election to check your address, update your information and register online to vote. The candidates for mayor are:

Monique Ashton

Ballots will be mailed to registered voters on or before Friday, Oct. 13. Return your postage-paid ballot to the city. All ballots must be received at City Hall, 111 Maryland Ave., by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7 to be counted. Postmarks do not count.

Completed ballots can also be dropped off anytime before 8 p.m. Nov. 7 at a secure ballot drop box. Two outdoor drop boxes are located at City Hall and Montrose Community Center. Four indoor drop boxes are located at the Rockville Senior Center, Lincoln Park Community Center, Twinbrook Community Recreation Center, and Thomas Farm Community Center and are accessible only during hours of operation.

Completed ballots can also be dropped off from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 7 at the vote centers at City Hall or Thomas Farm Community Center. Same-day voter registration will be available at City Hall for eligible residents who are not yet registered. Those residents can register and cast their vote from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. at City Hall.

For more information, visit www.rockvillemd.gov/election or call 240-314-8286

Administrative Resolution Amendments

AR #3 Vehicles and Towing Amendment Pending Adoption

The resolution is expected to be adopted at the November 18, 2023 BOT Meeting. The amendment clarifies the where parking and how cars must be parked and what is considered a junk/derelict vehicle. A copy of drat resolutions is available in the resident portal HERE:

Copies of documents can be requested from Management as well.

UPCOMING BOARD & COMMITTEE MEETINGS

MEETINGS ARE HELD VIA ZOOM AND REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

BOCC typically meets on the 2nd Monday of the month.

Next BOCC Regular Meeting: November 13, 2023 @ 7:00 pm

ADT typically meets on the second Wednesday of the month.

Next ADT Meeting : November 8, 2023 @ 4:30 pm

Turn in Design Review Applications by the 20th of the month before the next meeting

Meeting changes will be sent via email blast and/or posted on the website,

https://kingfarm.org/zoom-meeting-links/

King Farm Halloween Boo Bash This Sunday!

NEWLY ESTABLISHED CLUB

SEEKING NEW MEMBERS

KING FARM MUSIC JAM SOCIAL CLUB

KFCA is excited to share this newly established social club!

King Farm Music Jam Social Club is a group of hobby musicians who come together to play music. This group is sponsored by King Farm Citizens Assembly. Our club meetings are held on a monthly basis with sessions throughout the year.

The sessions are held at the King Farm Community Center, 300 Saddle Ridge Circle, Rockville, MD, 20850.

Guitarists, keyboardists, percussionists, and other musicians of all levels, 18 years and older, are welcome to participate.

Bring your musical instrument. It is also helpful to bring a music stand and a power strip if power is needed for your equipment. For those that sing, a microphone would be helpful.

Songs are selected from a jam songbook and generally have common chords. A phone, tablet, or computer is needed.

Also, feel free to bring song sheets for any songs with common chords you would like to share; 10 to 15 copies should do it.

Email kingfarmmusicclub@gmail.com if you would like to participate. Detailed dates and times will follow.

The King Farm Neighbors Village (KFNV) ended October with two enjoyable and informative events. On Wednesday, October 25^th the Coffee and Conversation group met for a special event where participants learned about Diwali, India’s annual Festival of Lights and were treated to delicious treats associated with Diwali. The KFNV thanks our regular Coffee and Conversation participants for leading the discussion and providing the special desserts. In addition, on Thursday, October 26^th, Rafael Espinoza, Director of the Montgomery County State Health Insurance Assistance Program at the Jewish Council for the Aging, presented important information to King Farm community residents on Medicare fraud and abuse and how to avoid being a victim. This is Mr. Espinoza’s fourth presentation to the KFNV, and as in the past the information was very helpful to all participants.

The KFNV will continue its social and educational activities in November with the following events.

The Walking Club will continue its jaunts Monday-Thursday at 4 pm, except in the case of inclement weather. The group meets in the park across from The Fontina Grille. Please feel free to join the walks even if you have never joined before.
On Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 2:00- 3:00 pm, Movie Club members will meet to discuss the movie, Where the Crawdads Sing, a coming-of-age murder mystery that is a film adaptation of the book of the same title by Delia Owens.
On Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 12:30-2:00 pm, Book Club participants will review the novel, Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult. Reviewers wrote that the book was “a page-turner that was hard to put down.”
On Thursday, November 16, 2023 from 1:00-3:00 pm, The KFNV Friends Group will meet this month at Farmsook ThaiRestaurant, 800 King Farm Boulevard, #125, Rockville, MD 20850 for their monthly luncheons at King Farm Restaurants.
In keeping with the theme of the fall/winter holidays of light as was highlighted in the October Coffee and Conversation where participants learned about Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights, on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 from 10:00 – 11:30 am, Coffee and Conversations participants will learn about the meaning of another winter holiday, Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. Activities will include learning how to play the game of dreidel and enjoying some traditional Hanukkah treats. You are welcome to bring your own dreidels and share your personal Hanukkah stories.

Please note that the monthly Movie Club, Book Club, Coffee and Conversation gatherings, and many highlight events are held at the King Farm Community Center, 300 Saddle Ridge Circle, Rockville, MD 20850. In case of inclement weather and if there is time to notify participants, the KFNV may opt for a Zoom presentation for any meeting or event. Finally, the KFNV offers transportation to many of its monthly events for KFNV members. Please contact the Operations Coordinator at kfnvinfo@gmail.com, or leave a voicemail at (301) 799-8104 to arrange for transportation.

Services

The KFNV continues to support King Farm residents with its community services: transportation to appointments, simple household tasks, friendly phone calls/texts, and friendly visits. Please feel free to avail yourself of all of the community services that the KFNV offers. If you are in doubt about whether a task could be performed by one of the KFNV volunteers, go ahead and fill out the service form on the KFNV website. Our Operations Team will get back to you to determine if the task is under our umbrella of tasks. Also, please note that services are open to KFNV members only; however, membership is free and an easy process. See below on how to contact the KFNV to schedule any of the services or with any questions that you may have about the services as well as how to become a KFNV member.

Volunteers Wanted

The KFNV is looking for “a few good volunteers” to provide community services to its members. In particular, the KFNV is looking for King Farm residents who would like to share their knowledge, talents, avocations, and vocations with the KFNV community through presentations at KFNV events. Other volunteer assistance that the KFNV is looking for are volunteers to serve on the various committees as well as to provide transportation to KFNV members. Please feel free to contact the Operations Coordinator for any questions you may have about becoming a KFNV volunteer by calling (301) 799-8104, emailing to kfnvinfo@gmail.com , or viewing the KFNV website at www.kfnv.org for information as well as an on-line form to fill out to become a KFNV volunteer. The KFNV thanks you for your consideration in becoming a KFNV volunteer.

Contacting the KFNV

For most of the KFNV monthly events as well as the services, membership is required; but membership is as easy as filling out an on-line or mail-in form with residency in the King Farm Community being the only membership requirement. Although there is no fee to become a KFNV member, the KFNV does, however, accept and welcome donations; for these donations help defray the cost of KFNV services and events.

For information on how to register for any of the above events, to request a service or a ride, to become a KFNV member or a volunteer, or to make a donation, please contact the Operations Coordinator by calling (301) 799-8104 to leave a voicemail, emailing the KFNV at kfnvinfo@gmail.com , or viewing the KFNV website at www.kfnv.org

The City of Rockville, in partnership with the Montgomery County Road Runners Club (MCRRC), welcomes all to participate in this fall running tradition. The 10K and 5K run along the streets of the King Farm community for a scenic and challenging, yet rewarding, course. It is an ideal venue to cap off your summer/fall training and kick off the upcoming winter running season. Participants of all abilities are welcome, but please note that a 15:00 min/ mile pace will be enforced due to permitting requirements and the re-opening of roads. Participants who fall behind a 15:00 min/ mile pace will be moved to the sidewalk. Walkers are encouraged to participate in the 5K distance due to the road closure restrictions.

King Farm Village Center
302 King Farm Boulevard
Rockville, MD US 20850

Race Day Schedule:
• 7:30 AM – Race Day Packet Pickup & Registration
• 8:30 AM – 10K Start
• 8:45 AM – 5K Start
Road closures are in effect at 8:00 AM

Launch Physical Therapy & Fitness Coaching is a King Farm, woman-owned small business that partners with existing charities in the DMV area through our LaunchCARES program with the joint mission to change lives through fitness & wellness. Launch holds an annual timed 5k/10k Charity Race to raise funds for our non-profit partners.

In 2023, we have chosen the non-profits So What Else and The Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce as the recipients of the proceeds from the race.

SO WHAT ELSE has been caring for members of our community since 2009 as a registered 501(c)(3). They care for underserved families and children in DC and Maryland through offering after-school programs, spring break and summer camps, a well-stocked food & clothing pantry. So What Else is deserving of our community support and recognition!

The GREATER ROCKVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is the voice of the business community in Greater Rockville area with a vision to empower, amplify, and elevate businesses in the Greater Rockville community. Their mission is to foster an environment for businesses to succeed through the Chamber’s leadership, advocacy, and community partnerships.

This is an event that you don’t want to miss! Face painting, glitter tattoos, Chick-fil-A surprises, gift cards, gift baskets, etc.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers (1st $200, 2nd $100, 3rd $50) for the 5K and 10K races.

Gift cards and metals will be awarded to the top three male and female winners in the following age categories:

Ages 10-14
Ages 15-19
Ages 20-29
Ages 30-39
Ages 40-49
Ages 50-59
Ages 60-69
Ages 70-79
Ages 80 and up

Event Start Times:

Timed 10k – 8:30 am
Timed 5k – 8:45 am
1-Mile Fun Run/Walk – 9:00 am
Kids Trike-A-Thon – 9:30 am

We welcome families to decorate strollers, wagons, wheelchairs, tricycles, bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc. in the spirit of the Thanksgiving Season.

Please note the road closures and event time schedule so you can plan accordingly.

Hope to see you at the race on Veterans Day 2023, November 11^th.

Halloween Boo-Vie Night

The weather looks spooktacular for Friday’s RCPD Halloween Boo-vie Night on the lawn at Fallsgrove Park at Thomas Farm. The double feature will kick off at 6:30 p.m. with “The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown” followed by “Hocus Pocus.” Come join us starting at 6:00 p.m. for free pizza, popcorn 🍿 and trunk or treating with RCPD officers, while supplies last. Of course costumes are encouraged 🧛‍♀️!! Bring a blanket or lawn chair. 🎃

Montgomery College to Host Harvest Fest on the Rockville Campus This Saturday, Oct. 28

Montgomery College is hosting Harvest Fest, a free event for residents of all ages, this Saturday, October 28 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., in the Mannakee Building at the Rockville Campus. There will be fun for all ages such as an art show, dancing, a coding demonstration, a DJ, ice cream, and a raffle. Kids can also enjoy face painting, pumpkin decoration, games, and say hi to or pose for a photo with Monty, Montgomery College’s raptor mascot.

It will be a great opportunity to learn more about Montgomery College classes, offerings, scholarships and financial assistance programs. There will be information available about WDCE (Workforce Development and Continuing Education) offerings, such as information technology, cosmetology, real estate, youth programs, early childhood education, automotive technology and building trades, and more.

For residents seeking information in Spanish, the College’s Hispanic Business Institute and the Early Childhood Education program will have Spanish-speaking representatives on site to answer questions.

The whole family is welcome at this free event. Held rain or shine.
When: This Saturday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Mannakee Building Parking Lot. 900 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, MD. 20850

City of Rockville Offering Halloween Haunts for a Spooky Time

Halloween is on its way to Rockville. Register at www.rockvillemd.gov/registration with the course numbers below, and get ready to get spooky!

Monster Mash at Twinbrook Community Recreation Center, 12920 Twinbrook Parkway. 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27.
Come in costume. Enjoy pumpkin decorating, dancing and more. Refreshments sold by Twinbrook Elementary PTA. No masks or costume props (sticks, swords, etc.).
Register in advance with course #28942, or at the door. Entry fee is $5 per person. All ages welcome.

Peek-A-Boo Halloween at Lincoln Park Community Center, 357 Frederick Ave. 10 a.m.-noon, Tuesday, Oct. 31.
Hey, little pumpkins aged 2-5, it’s time to celebrate Halloween little-human style. Enjoy crafts, games, a mini peek-a-boo scavenger hunt and more. Wear your costume. A small snack will be provided. One guardian per child limit. Preregistration only with course #29306.
The cost is $35 for residents and $45 for nonresidents.

Halloween Costume Bash at the Rockville Senior Center, 1150 Carnation Drive. 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31.
Pull out that costume from the back of the closet, borrow one from a friend or use whatever’s lying around the house for music, dancing and a best costume contest with prizes. Have a blast and be home before trick-or-treaters start ringing your doorbell. Register with course #28590. Free.

King Farm Lost and Found

KFCA Management Office serves as a central location for Lost and Found items in the community. If you happen to stumble upon a lost item within the King Farm community, please bring it to the KFCA Management Office and we will diligently work to ensure the item is returned to its rightful owner. Items can be turned in during the hours of 8:30am -5:00pm Monday – Thursday, 8:30am-2:00pm on Friday.

City of Rockville Concrete Repair within King Farm

The City of Rockville has an ongoing Concrete Maintenance Program that replaces damaged, uneven, and deteriorated concrete curbs, sidewalks, and driveway aprons throughout the City. We will be in your neighborhood making necessary repairs starting Thursday, October 26th and it will take approximately 2-3 weeks to complete . The work will involve replacing damaged sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and possibly driveway aprons along Watkins Circle starting at Game Creek Drive and working North and East toward Saddle Ridge, then from Saddle Ridge working East and South to Thompson Dairy Way.

This work may or may not be within the limits of your portion of the street. All work will be done within the City right-of-way and at no time should we be on private property. If any work is scheduled in the vicinity of your residence, you will see orange paint on the concrete as well as no parking signs posted along the street several days before work commences. If your driveway is affected, you will receive a second notice prior to the repair so vehicles can be moved.

We ask you to assist us in this project by discouraging children and others from damaging the fresh concrete in any manner. We request that you refrain from driving over the apron for four days after the work is complete, in order for the concrete to gain sufficient strength, thus decreasing repeat replacement.

During the restoration process a stabilization matting will be placed over new grass seed. The material is a natural fiber although it looks like plastic. It will biodegrade or rot in place so you don’t need to pull it up if you don’t want to. It rots slowly and will take a full year to be completely decomposed. We recommend that you mow “around” the mesh and not over it until the grass is about 6 inches tall and set your mower for its highest setting. We regret any inconvenience this work may cause.

If you have any questions or wish to get additional information, please contact::

Jason Blake, Senior Construction Inspector, at 240-314-8544 or jblake@rockvillemd.gov

Mike Hershelman, Principal Construction Inspector, at 240-314-8543 or mhershelman@rockvillemd.gov

West Gude Drive and Watkins Pond Blvd Sidewalk Construction

In an effort to increase pedestrian safety, the City of Rockville (City) will install pedestrian sidewalks within the public Right-of-Way along the northside of West Gude Drive from MD 355 towards Watkins Pond Boulevard.
• Construction will occur, weather permitting, from October 2023 to May 2024 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Crews may temporarily close one lane of West Gude Drive for certain periods. Flaggers will wave traffic through the construction site.
• The city intends to perform the work without inconveniencing you or disturbing your property. Your cooperation and patience are appreciated.

Any questions? Contact: Michael Hershelman, Acting Chief of Construction Management, at 240-314-8543 or mhershelman@rockvillemd.gov; Jason Blake, Senior Construction Inspector, at 240-314-8544 or jblake@rockvillemd.gov or Jennifer Wang, Project Manager, at 240-314-8506 or jwang@rockvillemd.gov.

• In an effort to increase pedestrian safety, the City of Rockville (City) will install pedestrian sidewalks within the public Right-of-Way along the northside of West Gude Drive from MD 355 towards Watkins Pond Boulevard.
• Construction will occur, weather permitting, from October 2023 to May 2024 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Crews may temporarily close one lane of West Gude Drive for certain periods. Flaggers will wave traffic through the construction site.
• The city intends to perform the work without inconveniencing you or disturbing your property. Your cooperation and patience are appreciated.

Any questions? Contact: Michael Hershelman, Acting Chief of Construction Management, at 240-314-8543 or mhershelman@rockvillemd.gov; Jason Blake, Senior Construction Inspector, at 240-314-8544 or jblake@rockvillemd.gov or Jennifer Wang, Project Manager, at 240-314-8506 or jwang@rockvillemd.gov

Click here to read the Weekly Crime Report courtesy of the Rockville City Police Department.

RockView Program

If you have a ring camera (or other front door/doorbell camera), you can register it with the RCPD. The RockView program allows residents and business owners to voluntary register their privately owned video security camera systems with the RCPD. Registration in the RockView program does not enable law enforcement to view camera footage without an owner’s permission. However, the RockView program will allow city police to quickly identify security cameras that may have captured criminal activity when a crime is reported nearby. For more information about the RockView program, click here.

If you have a crime or concern to report, please contact the Rockville City Police Department at:

Non-Emergency: 240-314-8900
Emergency: 9-1-1
2 W. Montgomery Ave, Rockville, Maryland 20850

Stay connected with breaking news and information from RCPD on:

Facebook – @RockvilleCityPolice

Twitter – @RockvilleCityPD

Instagram – @RockvilleCityPolice

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!