West Bradley Citizens' Association

DISCUSSION LISTSERV

As many of you know, the West Bradley Citizens’ Association (WBCA) uses a Yahoo group for an announcement-only email list. Its main purpose is to provide timely information of general interest to residents in our membership area (bound by Bradley Boulevard on the north, River Road on the south, the Beltway on the east and the Cabin John Regional Park on the west). For example, we use this announcement-only mechanism to let you know about recent crime trends in the neighborhood or the latest news on Seven Locks Elementary School. Only the list administrator can send messages to the group.

Residents of the West Bradley area who live east of Seven Locks Road have, in addition, established an active discussion list called burningroselist. This email list has been in place for about a year and is used by residents to address such specific issues as where to find a good babysitter or plumber or ask for help in finding a lost pet. Many residents subscribe both their home and work email addresses so that they can keep track of what is going on in the neighborhood even when they are away for the day. The email traffic for this list has been fairly light (a few messages at most per week). All emails that are exchanged are private; only list members can view the archives.

Due to requests for a similar discussion list for residents west of Seven Locks Road, WBCA has now set up a new discussion list called westofsevenlocks. You can sign up for one or both of the WBCA discussion lists. In the meantime, you will continue to receive notices from the announcement-only WBCA listserv.

To subscribe to either or both of the discussion lists, just send an email to jj@deathandtaxes.com with a message indicating which list you would like to join or use the appropriate email addresses below.

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WEST BRADLEY CITIZENS’ ASSOCIATION (WBCA)

Greetings from your WBCA Board! We hope that you all enjoyed a wonderful summer! As we head into autumn, here’s the latest on local issues of interest to our community:

New Seven Locks Elementary School on Track. Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) reports continuing progress. Final drawings are being prepared for construction that will begin in July 2010. The new school, which will be twice the size of the current building and include a gymnasium, is scheduled to open in January 2012.

New Community Discussion Lists. Need tips from your neighbors about everything from babysitters to repair firms? WBCA has two discussion lists (burningrose for those east of Seven Locks Road and westofsevenlocks for those on the other side of Seven Locks) in addition to our announcement-only listserv. To subscribe to either or both of the discussion lists, email J.J. MacNab at jj@deathandtaxes.com.

Help Update Neighbors’ Network. Serious crime in our community last fall provided a wake-up call for all of us. One positive outcome was the mobilization of WBCA’s Neighbors’ Network, consisting of volunteer Street Captains for every block in our 600-family community. Thanks to these volunteers, we have contact information for most residents (especially those living alone who might need a helping hand) and a listserv with emails that enables us to communicate quickly in case of emergency. Since there’s been some turnover in the community, we’d appreciate receiving new contact information (changes in emails or new neighbors) from either Street Captains or others who know of changes. Just send the information to Sandy Vogelgesang (WBCA president) at everest.associates@erols.com. If you have moved out of our community and no longer wish to receive notices, let us know that as well.

Openings in Local Boy Scout Troop. Now that children are returning to school, local Scouts are seeking new recruits. Several boys in our community belong to Troop 1434. They would welcome others, age 10 ½ -17 years, who would like to join them for an exciting program of outdoor adventures. The troop meets every Thursday at the Seven Locks Baptist Church, 7:30-9:00 PM. Interested parents or boys can contact Scoutmaster Geoffrey Wolfe at 301-365-2347.

Illegal Signs at Seven Locks – Bradley Intersection. Several residents have voiced concern about the proliferation of commercial ad signs at this intersection. To put up signs legally, contact Frank DeLong at Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation (301-370-3655) and pay a fee for the proper permit. If you see unauthorized signs, call Mr. DeLong, who will remove them, or take them out yourself.

Free Information and Services for Seniors. Jane Ross, WBCA Board Member, attended a recent County meeting on aging in place hosted by County Councilmember Roger Berliner. Jane reports that she was happily surprised to discover how many services are available. She recommends attending the periodic County meetings for seniors since she found that the speakers are excellent, there is much free material available and complimentary coffee and cookies are served! Thanks to Jane for providing the following sources of information:

 Background on NORC (“naturally occurring retirement communities” ) in nearby Burning Tree Village. Contact Leslie Kessler (301-526-2251) for information on how Burning Tree has created a fully operational nonprofit organization to help seniors and disabled neighbors remain in their homes.
 The Senior Connection (301-777-2448)
 Jay Kenney, chairman of the Department of Health and Human Services/Aging/Disability Services (244-777-3000)
 Fire and Rescue Safety Education (240-777-2448)
 Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/bcc. Scroll down and click on “Senior Information.” That Center is a great resource for information for everyone, on everything from how to get more street lights to how to petition for a speed bump.
 Montgomery County Silver Sneaker Free Exercise Program: The closest centers are the Clara Barton Community Center and the Potomac Community Center.
 GROWS (Grass Roots Organization for the Well-being of Seniors) at www.growsmc.org or 301-765-3325
 Free “Seniors’ Resource Guide” — Call the Beacon newspaper for information.
 Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (240-777-3636).

What Can We Do for You? Let us know how West Bradley Citizens’ Association can help address any issues of concern to you. Our goal is to help build a sense of community and protect the interests of our neighborhood. Do visit our website (www.westbradley.org) for background and contact information. And to all of you who are new to our neighborhood, WELCOME!