Now that the snow is melting,our hearty block captains are distributing the 2010 Mohican Hills Directory.

Included in the directory is a 2010 dues invoice, and a stamped, addressed envelope. Please return your dues along with the Mohi-CAN neighbors-helping-neighbors survey.

11/20/09

UPDATE ON NEIGHBORHOOD YARD WORK SCAM

A police report has been filed on behalf of the lastest neighborhood victims of these criminal contractors. Neighbors should know that there are already both federal and Montgomery County investigations in progress on the "Culpeper Boys" as the detective put it. The detective urged neighbors to call the financial fraud unit of the investigations department of the police department if you believe you have been a victim of these scam artists and have any names (such as those on a cancelled check), telephone numbers, copies of work contracts (if you have one), license plate numbers, etc. as this is all evidence that may help their case. You would still need to file a police report (that information gets passed on to detectives). I also called the Culpeper Sheriff's Office and it was they who encouraged me to call not just the regular police to file a report in Montgomery County (where the crime took place), but to contact the investigations unit (call the regular non-emergency police number and asked to be transferred).

All of the police personnel I've spoken to encourage citizens to call 911 if pestered by these people or if we see them or suspicious work trucks in the neighborhood. The detective on the case also advised that many of the men are drug users (heroin).

11/20/09

POSSIBLE REOPENING OF SYCAMORE STORE

Dear Neighbors, This note is for INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY: My husband and I recently built and developed the Broad Brand Market in a residential neighborhood in NW D.C. The neighborhood has been tremendously supportive of and responsive to the Market which is a convenient/walkable resource for groceries, deli, hot and cold prepared foods, fresh seafood, meats, produce and even ice cream!! It has become a very welcome centerpiece of and participant in the community.. For more information please see www.broadbranchmarket.com. We are interested in the potential for recreating this concept at the Sycamore Store. Our question is... if we were to pursue the property, would the Mohican Hills community be supportive of this concept and the special exception it would require. Again, this is for information purposes only and any all comments are welcome and appreciated. Best regards, Nancy Bloom

11/20/09

PASSING OF PHIL THORSON

On Saturday, Phil Thorson, the father of Ingrid Mongini, died in his house at the age of 94. He and his family have lived in Glen Echo Heights since 1947. Long time neighbors will remember Phil, along with his wife Marit, who died about five years ago, as community activists who successfully defended against building an expressway along the palisades and worked for other civic causes including zoning and land use control. He had been one of the first employees of the IMF and went on to become director of administration, with responsibilities that included personnel management, new buildings, and administrative operations, until he retired 32 years ago. He as well as Marit had served as precinct chair of the Democratic Party. In retirement Phil took up the fight against uncontrolled world population growth and its effect on poverty and world hunger by elevating the status of women in poorer countries, including by broadcasting soap operas. There will be a memorial service for him in the spring.

6/1/09

BEWARE OF NEIGHBORHOOD YARD WORK SCAM

There's a company named Bright Landscaping thought to be traveling around the neighborhood, they drive a white pickup with wood paneling. A neighbor asked me to post this message as they have been known to scam people on home and yard work, have also taken a threatening stance with several neighbors, essentially extorting payment.

Several of the group were caught and put in jail a few years ago, they are thought to be from Culpepper VA.

6/1/09

SUMMER BRINGS VANDALISM

This morning I discovered that either last night or early this morning someone came into my yard and stole two large red geranium plants I just purchased yesterday. They were not planted yet, but still in their containers from the store. This happened a few years ago with some large lavenders I purchased -- someone just took them from our front yard. So, my suggestion is if you have plants waiting to be planted, put them in a garage or in your back yard.

Someone also broke our doorbell (it was smashed) and my husband thinks someone scratched his car within the past few nights. I'm not sure if these are senior pranks or what. They are going on -- the police were at the bottom of Dahlonega/Wiscasset in the middle of the night the other night and caught some high school students who broke into a new house for sale on Wiscasset. Just fyi to be extra alert for suspicious activity.

- Rose

We have been victims as well – people broke our mailbox and our front lamp.

- Phil

6/1/09

REPAVING OF NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS PLANNED

You will soon see a mailing from the county that they will be resurfacing our streets in late summer.

The county says they will be milling our roads and repairing any structural defects before laying down new asphalt. The process will be somewhat disruptive, including dust and noise. However, we are told that the "result will be beautiful." Arrangements will be made by the county to hold several meetings with our residents in the coming weeks to explain the process and respond to requests for additional services, like the addition of asphalt curbs in certain areas. More to come.

6/1/09

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS PROGRAM TO BEGIN

MHCA is entering into a relationship with the county to become one of the first associations to implement a formal neighbors-helping-neighbors program. They will provide us with a survey form, that we can use to gather information on the needs of older and disabled residents. They will also provide us with support, including volunteer training, to make sure we as an association can provide assistance to these individuals. For example, we can provide Fire and Rescue Services with the names of residents who require electricity for life-saving devices so they can be evacuated in the event of a power outage. We have several volunteers lined up to support this effort, and they will keep you posted as plans develop.

5/3/09

SPRING WINE AND CHEESE PLANNED

Dot Proctor and Mark Bergeron on 6210 Wiscasset Road volunteered to host the Spring wine & cheese from 3-5 PM on Sunday May 3. Dot is a wonderful local full-time artist who also teaches children's classes. Her house is full of her art (has anyone ever been to her open houses?). While the primary purpose is the neighborhood get-together, people will also have a chance to see her art (which is for sale) as her house is full of it and her whole downstairs is her studio.

4/26/09

STUDENT PROJECT TO REDUCE POLLUTION IN THE BAY

President,M.H.C.A.
Dear Mr. Haas,

As I told you on the phone, I am working on my Student Service Learning hours for Pyle Middle School, to benefit the Chesapeake bay. My project is to mark the storm drains with a message that reminds people not to dump there and pollute the bay. The message states, "DO NOT POLLUTE". I will be gluing the decals, supplied by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, on storm drains down Walhonding Rd. I plan to do this over the weekend of May 2-3. If it rains or is too cold for the glue to work I will do it on May 9-10. Hopefully this decal will remind people that pollution on the street and even in their own yards will eventually end up in the creek at the end of the road and from there run into the Potomac and then into the Chesapeake Bay. Animal and plant life are badly affected by random poisons such as anti-freeze, gasoline and pesticides. My mother, Rosemarie Barrett,(301-229-1895) or I could be contacted if any residents have questions. It also would be helpful if you could get residents on Walhonding Rd. to move cars blocking storm drains on May 2-3. Thanks for your support.

MATTHEW BARRETT

4/25/09

METRO'S D-5 BUS TO DOWNTOWN AT RISK

I am writing as an Association member and would appreciate your assistance, in submitting written testimony to WMATA (Metro Board) opposing plans to eliminate the D5 rush hour bus that connects our neighborhoods directly to Georgetown, Foggy Bottom and downtown D.C.

In addition to writing to the WMATA (the Metro Board), I suggest writing also the Governor and the Maryland Deputy Secretary of Transportation as elimination if the D5 is due to the State's cutback in public transportation subsidies. I can provide the necessary addresses. I am seeking to contact the Montgomery County principal representative to WMATA, Mr. Peter Benjamin. I have his office address. He should also receive any statement from our association.

D5 Riders, and anyone else interested in preserving a direct public transport link to Georgetown and Foggy Bottom, may wish to write the persons listed below (addresses provided). You may wish to cite a letter to the editor ("Keep the Busses Running") published in the Washington Post, Sat, April 25.

Please encourage your friends to write, including those residing nearby but outside Mohican (notably in Brookmont, Glen Echo Heights, Glen Mar Park, Wood Acres, Sumner, Ft. Sumner, and Sumner Village).

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/24/AR2009042403556.html

Here are the email addresses:

To: councilmember.leventhal@montgomerycountymd.gov

To: ocemail@montgomerycountymd.gov

To: Councilmember.berliner@montgomerycountymd.gov'

The Honorable Martin O'Malley, Governor

100 State Circle

Annapolis, MD 21401-1925

Peter Benjamin

Principal Director Representing Montgomery County

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

600 5^th St., NW

Washington, DC 20001-2610

Young people and adults are welcome to Bingo Night, scheduled for Friday, March 27, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the Clara Barton Community Center, 7425 MacArthur Boulevard, Cabin John, MD.

One bingo card, good for the whole night, will cost $5, according to chairperson Dominique Maggio, who adds, “At that price, you can afford several!” It’s expected that there will be “mystery Bingo callers”—local celebrities! For all Bingo winners, there’ll be modest prizes, to be chosen from an adult table or a children’s table, as appropriate, and prizes for all kids at the close of the evening. Pizza, popcorn, and drinks will be available at a moderate price.

The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Clara Barton Community Center, and proceeds will go to the center. Questions? Call Dominique Maggio, 301-263-2783.

Hey David,

First a quick thanks to you for sending out the e-mail alert of Tuesday night. Second is the bad news, one of our cars was also broken into while it was parked on Mohican Rd. When, I do not know. It was curious because on Tuesday afternoon I was driving with my son who happened to open the glove box in our car and commented that it was empty. Fearing a theft I pulled over and looked through the rest of the car for signs of a robbery. All the rest of the odd ball stuff in a typical car was still there (spare change, gym bag, blankets and towels, emergency jumper cables) and I half convinced myself that perhaps I hadn't been robbed.--Then came your Tuesday night e-mail alert!

I spent yesterday filing a police report and told them of the robbery you alerted us to and I also filed a 90 day fraud alert since I am left with the uneasy feeling that the purposeful theft of the car owners manual was somehow related to a bigger criminal purpose. What it would be, has me stumped!? Anyway I wanted to alert you that another car was hit; unfortunately I can't say when because after they robbed me they closed the glove box and since I don't make it a habit
of checking the glove box every time I drive I have no idea when it happened. Typically, I lock my car but clearly this night it was left unlocked since there was no forced entry. My wife's car was not robbed. I would encourage you to ask residents in Mohican Hills to check their glove boxes to see if they've been robbed since they may not realize they were. All that I can say was stolen for certain is the car owners manual, and perhaps some toys.(!?!WHY?!)

cheers jim

ORIGINAL MESSAGE: LOCK YOUR CAR DOORS!

Someone got into one of two cars parked in front of 6544 Wiscasset Road overnight Feb. 12-13. Nothing of huge value stolen, but much annoyance: $5 to $10 worth of quarters, the owner's manual, car registration and insurance papers, and a gym bag containing a set of keys and several ID cards.

In case the thieves threw away the non-monetary stuff and anyone finds it, please call Virginia Douglas at 301-320-3145.

The Montgomery County Police website notes that of the 49 crimes reported in the second district during the week of Feb 2-10, 33 were thefts from vehicles, including the theft of a purse from an unlocked car in the lot across from the Sycamore Store.

SATURDAY SERVICE FOR RIDE-ON BUS #29 ALONG MASS. AVE TO BE CANCELED

Montgomery County Department of Transportation is contacting homeowner and civic associations about a FY’10 Proposed Service Reductions Public Forum scheduled March 24, 2009 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Executive Office Building Cafeteria, Terrace Level, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville Maryland.

Residents will have the opportunity to provide input on the proposed service changes before the County Council votes on the following changes:

Eliminate weekday service on Routes 3, 7, 31, 53 and 93. Eliminate Saturday service on Routes 29, 98, L8, T2 and Z2. Eliminate Sunday service on Routes 83, L8 and T2. Discontinue weekday service on the Route 32 Woodrock Extension. Eliminate service to Fallsgrove on Route 43.
Reduce regular evening service on weekday Routes 17, 34, 49, 57, 61 and 83; on Saturday Routes 17 and 34 and on Sunday routes 34 and 56. Restructure Routes 6 and 37 and Routes 18 and 25.

Individuals who wish to speak at the public forum should provide by March 17 their name, home address, telephone number, email address and organization (if appropriate) to Carolyn Biggins, Chief, Division of Transit Services, 101 Monroe Street, 5th Floor, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Comments may be written, faxed or emailed by 5 p.m. on March 31 to the address listed above, 240-777-5801 (fax) or mcdot.rideonbus@montgomerycountymd.gov

2/13/09

Detectives from three District Investigative Sections are investigating incidents of theft diversion scams targeting elderly couples in Gaithersburg, Rockville, and Bethesda. Detectives believe they may be related and committed by the same group of suspects.

In all three incidents, a suspect is dressed in a dark blue uniform and claims to be a government employee. In two of the incidents, he told the victims that their neighbor’s home had a flood and he would need the victims to accompany him to the basement of the home to inspect their water pipes. While the suspect and the victims are in the basement, two additional suspects enter the home and search for cash to steal. In the third incident, the suspect again claimed that a neighbor had a flood, but he wanted to check the water pressure in the victim’s home.

The first two incidents described above occurred on February 3 within an hour of each other. The first incident occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. in the 1900 block of Stanley Avenue in Rockville. This incident involved an 85-year-old female victim and a 99-year-old male victim. The second incident occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. in the 4400 block of West Virginia Avenue in Bethesda. This incident involved an 83-year-old female victim and a 90-year-old male victim. The third incident occurred on February 9 at approximately 12:00 p.m. in the 16600 block of South Westland Avenue in Gaithersburg. This incident involved a 72-year-old female victim and an 80-year-old male victim.

The first suspect is described as a Hispanic male, in his 30’s, 5’6” to 5’8” tall, with a thin build, and short black hair. He is wearing a dark blue shirt and dark blue pants. He is wearing what appears to be a yellow name badge with a picture. The second suspect is described as a Hispanic male, in his 30’s, with a medium build, and short black hair. He is wearing dark blue clothing. The third suspect is described as white male, in his 50’s, with a heavy build, and gray hair.

Anyone who has information about the thefts and/or the suspects is asked to call the 5^th/6^th District Investigative Section at 240-773-6237. Callers may remain anonymous

The extreme cold of the last few days has caused a number of water main breaks in Montgomery County. WSSC is aware of the current break on Wiscasset Road, which is causing slush on Mohican Road and flooding on MacArthur Boulevard. You can track emergency repair requests on the WSSC website (click "service advisories" on the right side of the home page) or sign up for text alerts to be informed when water main breaks or boil water advisories are issued (click "WSSC Customer Notification System" on the left side of the home page).

We are excited to announce the election results for the Mohican Hills Citizen’s Association election.

The new president is David Haas, Treasurer is Kim Altman, and the Board members include: Chris White, Rose Clifford, Mike Mills, Nancy Morrison and Lynda Slayen.

Halloween party, Next Wine and Cheese, Elections, New Directory, Yard Sign violence, Mass Ave. WSSC issues, and Home Invasion update.

1) Halloween Party on Sunday 26th 2-4 PM. We are looking for volunteers to help set up, clean up and run the games. If you can help please contact Lynda @ theslayens@comcast.net

2) The MHCA is looking for hosts for the next wine and cheese. If you are looking forward to hosting the next wine and cheese, please contact Arrigo at arrigo.mongini@verizon.net

3) This fall the MHCA will be running elections. If you are interested in running for President, Treasurer, any other office or a board member, please contact Chris at chris@3zs.us

4)The MHCA is going to print a 2008 copy of the directory. Please go on-line to Mohicanhills.org and check your information before the Halloween party.

5). If you have noticed we are close to an election. During this time, passions run high. It is a treasured right to be able to put whatever you desire on a yard sign in your yard. We should celebrate this right, especially if you strongly disagree with the specific message. Disturbing, stealing or destroying any of these yard signs does serious violence to this fundamental value of our shared democracy. In our neighborhood, political yard signs have been stolen after voices were raised in protest about their message. The owners of these signs are very upset. If you removed a sign, please return it.

While it is your fundamental right to put whatever you want on a yard sign, you should consider that we all still live next to each other after this election. The MHCA has heard no protest from signs that advocate a specific candidate. It is only the signs that speak negatively that spark such passion.

6). Nancy Morrison (nancy.morrison@att.net) is keeping a keen eye on the WSSC work occurring on Mass Ave. She has volunteered to lead a planting/beautification effort for the triangle off Mass Ave near our MH sign. If you are having trouble with the WSSC work or workers or would like to get involved, please contact Nancy. The MHCA would like to thank Nancy for these efforts.

7). The County Police Department held a press conference on 9/22 regarding the Havenstein homicide investigative and recent home-invasion robberies. The following is the text of a release made available by the Police Department:

Police Link Havenstein Homicide with Two Home InvasionRobberies/Victims™ Rights Foundation Announces Reward Fund

This afternoon, Montgomery County Police Chief J. Thomas Manger announced that Major Crimes Division detectives have officially linked the September 4, 2008, homicide of Mary Havenstein with two of the previous Montgomery County home invasion robberies. President of the Victims™ Rights Foundation, Gregory Wims announced that his organization is offering a reward fund in connection with the Havenstein homicide.

The homicide of Mary Havenstein was discovered on September 4, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. at her residence in the 8900 block of Seven Locks Road in Bethesda. Through a variety of investigative efforts it has now been officially linked with two of a series of previous invasion robberies that occurred in MontgomeryCounty on September 17, 2007; November 27, 2007; February 27, 2008; and May 7, 2008. An additional home invasion robbery occurred in Washington D.C. on January 9, 2008. Police continue to investigate all six of these events as though they are related. Detectives will not disclose the evidence officially linking the three crimes or confirm which of the two home invasions have been officially linked to the homicide. That specific type of information is not going to be released to safeguard all of the victims in these events and because this remains an on-going investigation.

The suspect descriptors are based on accounts from some of the home invasion victims. However, detectives want to emphasize that residents should call police if they observe any suspicious person(s) or behavior in and around their communities; even if a suspect does not appear to fit the following descriptive characteristics.

medium build, 5’ 5” to 5’ 8” tall. He has worn a variety of clothing and usually hides his face from view. In some events it has been reported that he has spoken with a slight Hispanic accent. A computer-created composite was released in April,but detectives do not want community members to be limited to just that interpretation of the suspect appearance. In three of the events, victims reported that the suspect displayed a handgun. Residents are again urged to contact police immediately if they observe any suspicious behavior. W. Gregory Wims, President of The Victims Rights Foundation,announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the person(s) responsible for the homicide of Mary Havenstein.

Montgomery County Police are also reminding everyone of the following strategies to help prevent crime in their neighborhoods.

Residents should call the police if they believe something doesn’t fit, occurs at an unusual time of day, or seems uncharacteristic to the area. Detectives continue to gather information. Anyone with new informationshould call the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070. Callers may remain anonymous.

Did you know that our two neighborhoods are filled with musicians, performers, and visual artists of all ages? Would you like to see, hear and experience their work? Perhaps take a class from one or more?

7/27/2008 Glen Echo Heights/Mohican Hills Creative Arts Event

We are in the beginning stages of planning for such an event. You can help us by providing feedback on the best way to showcase our community talent, Do you:

    - Prefer an event in a public venue or would you prefer a tour of the artists home or studio?
    - Prefer a weekend morning, afternoon or evening event?
    - Like to see separate or combined arts events?
    - Know of someone (such as yourself) who would like to participate?
    - Like to help us organize the event?
    - Have other ideas for us?

Contact: Marla Bush at 202-357-3508 or marlabush@yahoo.com

6/8/2008 Party in the Park: 2-4 pm at our park. Please contact Lynda Slayen (TheSlayens@comcast.net) to help, she need help with specific refreshment donations. possibly catagorize the choices by dessert, drinks, appetizers, help setting up, set up, running the games, cleaning-up, greeters.

6/14/2008 Bike Tour: We will meet at the River Center at Lockhouse 8 and pedal along the C&O Canal Tow Path and Berma Rd. trail to the scenic overlook at Great Falls and then return to River Center. The River Center is open Saturdays and Sundays from May 3 through October 26 from 10 am ‘til 2 pm for tours of the lockhouse and interactive exhibits. Inside the River Center, the Conservancy installed a new exhibit, “Backyard to the Bay,” that connects what happens on the land and the health of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors are guided by the Potomac Conservancy’s volunteer docents who lead tours, answer questions and discuss the historical and cultural significance of the C&O Canal and the Potomac River to the regional economy and the local quality of life.

6/7/2008 Children’s Bug Walk: River Center at Lockhouse 8, C&O Canal National Historical Park, Cabin John, MD.
Volunteer naturalist Deborah Landau will lead families on a walking journey along the C&O Canal to discover the creepy crawlies that children love and can find in their own backyard and along the Potomac River.

6/1/2008 Voices of the river: Glen Echoes: River Center at Lockhouse 8, C&O Canal National Historical Park, Cabin John, MD. Come listen to the Glen Echoes “ring a chord” as this barbershop quartet sings in close harmony with the flow of the river on the porch of the River Center. The Glen Echoes are an a capella

America

. quartet with Charlie Sheridan, singing Bass, Richard Cook, singing Lead, Mike Holmes, singing Tenor, and Ken Sleeman, singing Baritone. They are a registered barbershop quarter with the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America.

4/26/08 Check out the new flyer (in the document library) by Alex Miltenberg and Matthew Jacobson on their storm water management program. From Alex and Matthew: "The attached flyer is to inform people about managing storm water. We are students from Pyle Middle School doing a community service project trying to help the condition of the Chesapeake Bay. We have given you a few ideas on managing storm water, now, come up with your own! Go older style and have irrigation pipes leading into your grass and garden instead of going down the drain. Another way to reduce storm water is to take shorter showers. Storm water management is critical if your children’s children want to be around to see the Chesapeake Bay."

3/6/08 Update: The Rosenheim Family wanted to say a big thanks for your help with the food bank food drive. They collected more than 275 lbs of food for the DC Central foodbank. The DC Central Foodbank was very grateful for the donations. The MHCA would like to thank the Rosenheim family for organizing such a worthwile event. THANK YOU!!

2/18/08 It's time to pay your MHCA dues for 2008. Go to the Manage My Profile section to see if you have paid, and if not, click on the payment option. The hardest part of the process will be finding your credit card! Alternately, you can send a check to our treasurer, using information under the Officers tab.

2/14/08 Check out the updated document library. We have added a letter about a hearing for a proposed subdivision of 6214 Veme Street. There will be a meeting on 23rd of Feb at 10:00 AM to discuss the proposal at 6214 Veme Street.

1/30/08 New protection is in place for the shared use path at the interesctions of Mohican and MacArthur. The county has installed quick curbing with "ski poles" in response to the board's request to better protect our community's walkers, bicyclists and runners. If you know of other dangerous situations around our neighborhood, please let us know.

1/6/08 A large gray tabby cat, very thin and hungry, has been found by Rose Clifford. The cat is very friendly, but scared. If you have lsot this pet, please contact Rosecmd@aol.com

1/1/08 The Mohican Hills website now includes an online directory. The directory allows us to easily update the printed directory, send out informational and emergency emails, and automate dues processing. The directory also allows you to manage and control your personal information. There is an option in the "manage you profile" area to include or exclude your information from our printed or on-line directories. If you choose the "exclude" option, only the MHCA board will see your information.

Our thanks to Miklos Gaal for getting our website (including the online directory) up and running. Miklos has prepared refrigerator magnets with the website address. If you would like one, contact him or any other member of the MHCA board.