by Mike Conroy
Before the December 7 Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Board of Directors meeting, volunteers on local association boards and committees were thanked for their service during the year. Volunteers were invited to a reception where MVF Board President Pete Young spoke about their involvement in the community. Young said he was grateful to live in a place where so many volunteered their time and talents to keeping the community at its best.  He was proud of the contributions all had made in recent years, which have translated into actionable and physical investment and reinvestment in the Village.

Young thanked other special guests including Senator Nancy King, Delegate Charles Barkley, County Councilmember Nancy Floreen, 6th District Police Commander Dinesh Patil and his team and Watkins Mill and Gaithersburg high school principals Carol Goddard and Christine Handy for attending and for their work in the community as well.

Agenda Items
The Board approved a short list of action items at the final meeting of 2017. In personnel-related matters, the Executive Vice President (EVP) was authorized to negotiate and execute contracts for 2018 insurance and healthcare coverage, both of which are standard year-end contracts. Revisions to the MVF Computer Usage Policy were also approved; this policy was updated to reflect current practices and technology used in the MVF Office.

President’s Remarks
Board President Young announced the resignation of Board member Tammy Allison. The Board will seek applicants for appointment to fill the vacancy, per the established procedure; however, the procedure will not be enacted until after the 2018 Board Election. At that time, applications will be released and a deadline for submission will be established. Allison’s term expires in 2020.

EVP Report
In the absence of EVP Dave Humpton, Assistant EVP Mike Conroy gave the report. Conroy also thanked the board and committee volunteers for their service to the community throughout the year. He gave a special nod to the MVF Board, who has worked hard to maintain the community and quality of life in the Village over the last several years.

Conroy noted that Humpton had recently attended the county’s CIP community meeting, where MVF requested the CIP include funds to repave Watkins Mill Road and improve the intersection at Montgomery Village Avenue and Lake Shore Drive. These are in line with the larger list of transportation priorities MVF sent to the county council earlier this year.

He also said that staff was working on potential locations and process for installation of a digital sign to announce Village events and information. A digital sign would need to be approved by the Montgomery County Sign Review Board, and would be subject to conform to the sign ordinance. 

Conroy also mentioned several holiday community events, including the Winter Jazz Concert scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 18 in North Creek Community Center, 20125 Arrowhead Road. Finally, he said the new Winter Recreation Guide was recently distributed with the Dec. 1 Village News and posted online. The guide features a new layout, as well as interactivity online, which directs users straight to registration for programs.

Treasurer’s Report
CFO Greg Snellings gave the Treasurer’s Report, noting the financial health of the organization through October 31. He reported that year-to-date (YTD) Revenue was $7 million, with Net Income of $180,000, a $162,000 favorable showing to the budget. Based on these figures, he was confident the Board made wise choices regarding positive changes to recently approved the 2018 Budget.

Snellings noted that YTD the Capital Contribution Fee has brought in excess of $131,000, which did not include the recognized, but not realized amount of $32,000 from the sale of the Walker House Apartments.

He also reported that the Balance Sheet continued to reflect MVF’s strong financial position with nearly 42% of assets in Cash or Investments. Snellings said MVF currently has $1.8 million in Undesignated Reserves and continues to manage that money by using the related cash for Reserve Fund Expenses. Snellings further explained the return on the Reserve Fund is ahead of expectations because the money continues to be invested and benefits from favorable market conditions.

Next Meeting
The next MVF Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25 in the North Creek Board Room, 20125 Arrowhead Road. The meeting begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. with Residents Time. There will be a “Meet the Candidates” time prior to the meeting, beginning at 7 p.m., to meet the candidates nominated to run in the 2018 MVF Board election. Residents are invited and encouraged to attend. The meeting agenda and information packet will be available online at www.montgomeryvillage.com the week of the meeting.

• Replacement of our current database software program, which supports all MVF operations;
• Appointment and training of the first student non-voting MVF Board member, who will also work as a summer intern;
• Installation of a digital sign promoting Village events and activities at a high traffic area to help with marketing;
• Implementing a new communications strategy, which focuses on transitioning from print media to increased digital options, including short videos on the MVF website;
• Development of a Recreation and Parks Strategic Plan that charts the future of programs, events and facilities over the next 5 years and beyond;
• Continuing to Implement Vision 2030 development projects by working with developers, community members and county agencies on perfecting plans in the pipeline, including the Bloom golf course redevelopment plan, the Village Center plan and, hopefully, a plan for the shuttered Professional Center;
• Continuing to identify ways to make MVF a greener operation through the use of solar panels, implementing more energy efficient interior and exterior lighting and planting more tree to increase forested areas;
• Commencing planning for the replacement of the North Creek Pool and bathhouse facilities—pool to be under construction after the 2019 pool season; and
• Finalizing a detailed plan for MVF’s new Central Park amenities (dog park, community gardens, playground areas, etc.) at the former Montgomery Village Golf Course.

All of these projects will take many hours of work to accomplish, and I know we will continue to be successful by working together as a community.

by Mike Conroy
As 2017 comes to a close and we begin to think about New Year’s Resolutions and the promises of a new year, it’s a great time to look back at all we’ve accomplished this year, and carry that momentum forward.

Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) and the Village community saw a number of big changes this year. On the programming side of things, MVF offered a number of new classes, events and programs that seemed to be a hit. The Whetstone Afterschool Club got its start, offering elementary school kids a place to hang out afterschool. New additions such as Bingo Night, Flashlight Egg Hunt, BANG Power Dance and a Red Cross Babysitting course engaged residents of all ages. Sangria & Succulents—a new twist on our popular Wine & Paint nights—gave participants something new to show off, and the Amazing Race at MVF pools was a great follow up to the 50km Swim Challenge.

Of course, we can’t forget any of our community favorites—large events that folks look forward to every year. The Independence Day 5k, Parade and Celebration, annual Home Show and Touch a Truck all brought residents out to experience the community and share in good times with neighbors and friends. The Great Pumpkin Race and Fall Festival saw its first ever three-time champion (a great feat with stiff competition), and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and holiday programs are always a great way to get into the spirit of the season and round out the year.

Engaging the community with interesting, informational programs—not just recreation—was also part of the plan in 2017. MVF coordinated several public safety meetings with the 6th District Police. Meetings were held to discuss crime statistics and trends, as well as resident concerns about specific, distressing events. New Community Service Officer Kim Jones was also introduced to the community.

Additionally, MVF hosted an Economic and Community Development Forum, with local expert David Petr. This event focused on national and local development issues and strategies in Montgomery County to foster growth and improved business relations.

Along the lines of development, owners of both the former golf course property and the Village Center made significant strides this year in their plans to help shape the future of the Village. Atlantic Realty Companies (ARC), owners of the Village Center, held several community meetings to discuss their plans before sending them to the county in hopes of getting a site plan hearing soon. One of the main upgrades to the ARC plan is the greenspace addition to the Village Center, creating a space for patrons and residents to sit, play and enjoy the outdoors while shopping.

Monument Realty, the owners of the former golf course property, recently had the Preliminary Plan and Site Plan approved by the county Planning Board. While this doesn’t mean construction is starting soon (expected to begin in 2019), it is a significant hurdle to keep the process moving forward. Information about both plans can be found online at www.montgomeryvillage.com, under the “Development & Projects” section.

On the MVF side of projects, several amenities received upgrades this year. At the Nature Center, the Montgomery Village Garden Club installed and maintained a community herb garden. Residents were invited and encouraged to take herb snips for cooking. The Watkins Mill, McKendree and Whetstone tot lots were all replaced, with plans for Stedwick and Apple Ridge discussed and/or approved for 2018. The Apple Ridge Playground will be the Village’s first inclusive playground, featuring equipment for children of all abilities. In addition, play equipment was installed at Lake Whetstone, along with benches approved from the 50th Anniversary last year. The new climbing features are a great way for kids to enjoy the park setting and the great lake view.

The MVF Board of Directors was able to accomplish all this, as well as pass a 2018 budget that requires no assessment increase in the MVF Fee—a commitment to providing the best service at the lowest possible price for residents. MVF was recognized as a Tree City for the 29th consecutive year as well.

Besides investing in MVF-owned assets, the MVF Board also made a commitment to increase involvement with Village schools. Earlier this year, they announced the creation of a Student Representative position to the Board. This is currently being marketed in Watkins Mill and Gaithersburg high schools, with the initial candidate to be chosen in early 2018. The Board also participated in school run events including Watkins Mill High School’s Rock the Block, helping foster a community spirit.

To help promote all that has happened this year, all that will happen in the future and celebrate our residents, a few marketing initiatives were kicked off this year. To replace the previous “Flourish” branding campaign, the new campaign “What’s Your Story?” was established. This campaign focuses on residents, their stories and making connections to others through social networks through video interviews. It puts a face on Village residents who represent the diversity of the community.

Additionally, the Winter Recreation Guide has been revamped to include a more colorful, thoughtful layout and organization by age for ease of use. The online version also features direct links to the classes for easy registration through the Active platform. This is just one step in the future of recreation offerings for Village residents.

Of course, none of this could be pulled off without dedicated personnel at the MVF Office. 2017 is bittersweet, because although we have added a few new faces, it meant saying goodbye to a few long-time employees and pioneers of many aspects of the community. This year Peggy Mark and Diane Stasiewicz retired from MVF with a combined total of 78 years of service. Peggy spent 41 years shaping recreation in the community, and thanks to her efforts, residents enjoy many of the facilities, amenities, parks, playgrounds and programs established today.

Diane is putting 37 years of Architectural Standards knowledge, reviews, meetings, approvals and modifications on the shelf. Her dedication to preserving the standards the Kettler Brothers put in place and desire to work with residents on changes to their homes will certainly be missed.

In 2018 we are looking forward to many new and exciting things. A new Director of Architectural Standards will start working at MVF. Her fresh take on process, criteria, commercial architecture and potential new ideas may help advance the Village for years to come.

A Recreation Strategic Plan will analyze current programming, demographics and other statistics to help usher in new programs and align priorities for the future. A new Communications strategy will look at the ways we communicate and help foster change in the digital capabilities of MVF. 

Planning will begin for the next of our pool renovations, North Creek Pool, with renovation scheduled to begin after the 2019 season. This should be another exciting venture in updating amenities, and a great exercise in resident involvement.

Whatever your plans are for 2018, the Montgomery Village Foundation staff wishes you a happy, healthy new year and much success. We look forward to continuing to make Montgomery Village a great place to live, work and play as we venture to tell our story.

A new year! Wow, it’s 2018 already—when did that happen? In all seriousness, this new year kind of snuck up on me. With the hectic time between Thanksgiving and the New Year, it’s easy to lose track of time, for me at least.

Anyway, I start this new year with much excitement and promise. In the Village we are really on a roll—I have written many times about the many changes afoot in our community, from new pools and playgrounds, to new transportation projects affecting us, to new development on the way with new housing and commercial renewal. We also have an election process underway that will present some fresh faces and new ideas to consider. I hope you all take the time to participate in the annual election for new directors for both your local associations and for the Montgomery Village Foundation.

While many of us like to think about setting new goals, resolutions or reflecting on the past year, I hope you will take time this year to live in the moment. I am as guilty as any of us for looking ahead, trying to set plans and goals and worrying about how we can improve our community. What I am hoping to do more of is enjoy each day, revel in what we currently have and who we are and not lose sight of the energy and promise of each day.

The winter can be a low energy time when people “hunker down” during the cold and darker months, but I for one hope to use these days as a gift to enjoy and share with you. Get out there, say hello, help each other and try to enjoy the magic that comes with each of us sharing our community. I’m excited!

As always, I invite you to get involved, share your talents and thoughts with us, and help Montgomery Village stay the amazing community it has been all these years. I welcome your feedback; please e-mail me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Cheers,
Pete