Town Events, Staff Telework Schedule, and Updates Related to COVID-19
Due to the ongoing public health crisis and Governor Hogan's stay-at-home order, the Town will not host any events, including Trash and Treasures, through the end of May. Town staff is currently on a telework schedule. Residents who need to drop off materials to the Town office may use the mailbox located outside the front door to the Town Hall. We will try to process all permits and other applications in a timely manner. Phone calls and email will be monitored as usual. In addition, the Jane Lawton Recreation Center remains closed until further notice. For current Montgomery County closures, please check here :https://www.townofchevychase.org/admin/www.montgomerycountymd.gov.
Residents are encouraged to connect with the Town and fellow residents by signing up for the Town Crier email alert system at https://www.townofchevychase.org/admin/www.townofchevychase.org/list.aspx and the private Town Neighbors listserv. For information on how to join the Town Neighbors listserv, please email townneighbors+owner@groups.io. Both resources offer an important way to stay informed and in touch, especially during times like these. The Town website also provides links to official resources for more information on coronavirus preparedness and response.
COVID-19 Stay at Home Order in Effect Until Local Conditions Improve
Click here for a press release issued on May 14 by Montgomery County regarding the COVID-19 stay at home order.
Please Use "Lotsa Helping Hands" -- Let's Be Safe Seniors
Wicca Davidson has set up two systems to assist with shopping for those who are sheltering in place. There is a website https://my.lotsahelpinghands.com/community/residents-of-town-of-chevy-chase/home that connects those who need a few items from a grocery or other store, with a neighbor who is going shopping.
In addition, there is a system where neighborly volunteers shop weekly/biweekly for one or two households. If you do not have internet access, or need assistance with either shopping system, please call Wicca directly at 301-980-5596. If you would like to volunteer, send an email to wicca@wiccadavidson.com.
2020 Town Council Election Results
The Town's Elections Board is pleased to announce that Ellen Cornelius Ericson, Irene Lane, and Barney Rush have been elected to serve on the Town Council for a two-year term. Thanks to everyone who participated in the Town's first-ever, universal vote-by-mail election.
Vote Totals
Ellen Cornelius Ericson: 652
Irene Lane: 641
Barney Rush: 653
Road Repair Schedule for May 18
On Monday, the contractor is scheduled to complete work on Blackthorn Street between Connecticut Avenue and Meadow Lane, and begin work on Meadow Lane between Aspen Street and East West Highway.
If the scheduled work cannot be completed because of inclement weather, it will be rescheduled for the following weekday. Please contact the Town at townoffice@townofchevychase.org or 301-654-7144.
Town Creates List of Quiet and Clean Landscape Services
Several "Quiet and Clean" lawn maintenance companies are now offering services without use of gas-powered leaf blowers -- the noisiest and most polluting landscape maintenance equipment. Please consider giving them your business. Residents can view the complete list here .
Visit the Lee Dennison Garden in Zimmerman Park
Fancy a walk in a garden? Come out to Zimmerman Park and enjoy the 70 species of plantings that are a part of the new Lee Dennison Garden, which spotlights sustainable landscaping design and maintenance methods while providing a Zen space for reflection.
For your visit, the Dennison Garden committee has prepared some informative garden notes . You can also explore the new website www.dennisongarden.org to learn more about Lee Dennison and the garden her bequest has created for the Town (photos for each plant will be added over the course of the spring and summer).
As spring emerges, you can observe new growth daily. For example, the common serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) is in bloom in the DC area right now. This native shrub/tree has flowers for pollinators and juicy berries for birds and humans (the berries taste a lot like blueberries).
There are lots of good reasons to plant a Serviceberry in your garden:
tolerates clay soil and air pollution,
has great ornamental value,
pretty flowers and beautiful fall color,
produces berries, and
good food source for birds.
One caution, this plant can get Cedar apple rust if you plant it close to Junipers which are alternate hosts for the disease. Rust doesn’t usually kill a Serviceberry, but it tends to appear once the berries are set and makes them inedible. Learn more about the plant here: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=amar3 .
Please maintain social distancing and please do not let dogs run free in the garden.
CCHS Invites Residents to Document History in the Making
The Chevy Chase Historical Society is documenting the history Chevy Chase residents are making as we manage life during the coronavirus pandemic. You’re invited to add your story to CCHS’ Corona Chronicles.
CCHS welcomes photos, videos, journal entries, voice and audio recordings and other digital evidence of community life in this historic time. How are you coping and what has been most challenging? How are social distancing and attending school remotely working for your family? What are you thankful for, and what “silver linings” have you discovered?
A form [http://www.chevychasehistory.org/chevychase/corona-chronicles] for sharing your story via your Google account is available. Those who do not use Google can email contributions to CoronaChronicles@chevychasehistory.org [mailto:CoronaChronicles@chevychasehistory.org] .
These stories will be treasured by future historians. More immediately, select submissions will be featured on Facebook and in occasional emails to CCHS’ email list. Questions may be directed to info@chevychasehistory.org or 301-656-6141.
Please Prune Overgrown Vegetation
As a reminder, residents are asked to keep all streets and sidewalks clear of overgrown vegetation. Please prune vegetation to ensure unobstructed sight lines for pedestrians and motorists. The Town's vegetation maintenance standards are available for review here. Thank you for your cooperation in helping to keep Town streets and sidewalks safe.
Please Be Considerate Neighbors
During these unique circumstances when neighbors are home and many are working or participating in distance learning, residents are urged to consult with their construction and landscape contractors to be sensitive to the noise their work produces, which can be highly disruptive to these new routines.
Contractors should be asked to look for ways to minimize the severity and duration of noise-producing activities. It would be particularly appreciated if the use of leaf blowers could be avoided.
Consulting Water Management Program Suspended
The Town has suspended the consulting water management program due to the personal interaction associated with this service. This program offers residents the opportunity to obtain professional recommendations on improving water management on their property. The Town will notify residents when this service resumes.
Recycling Update
As announced, residents may place clean glass back into their recycling carts. The Town’s contractor recently established a glass recycling system at its processing facility, thereby enabling customers to once again include glass along with other recycled materials such as paper, plastic and cardboard. We ask that residents ensure that all materials are clean and remain dry to prevent cross-contamination. The Town discontinued glass collection at the Lawton Center effective April 17. A complete single stream recycling guide is available on the Town website.
May Purple Line Construction Updates
Night Work/Lane Closure on Connecticut Avenue: Crews will be relocating utilities on Connecticut Avenue between Jones Bridge Road and East-West Highway. Work will occur in two shifts, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and weekends. Temporary lane closures with flagging operations will occur.
Night Work/Lane Closure on Wisconsin Avenue: Crews will be pouring concrete for the walls of the Bethesda Shaft. Southbound lanes along Wisconsin Avenue between Montgomery Lane and Bethesda Avenue will experience temporary closures. Work will take place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays and weekends.
Pile Driving at Rock Creek Bridge: Crews will be pile driving at the Georgetown Branch Trail between Jones Mill Road and the Rock Creek Bridge. Pile driving will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays for approximately eight weeks. The work zone can be viewed here [https://www.purplelinemd.com/images/notification_graphics/Notice_-_Pile_Driving_Rock_Creek_West_EngSpan_Proof3_03-03-20.pdf] .
Traffic Shift on Jones Mill Road: Traffic has shifted onto the southbound side of Jones Mill Road for phase one of this traffic change. Crews will be excavating and installing the arch for the future underpass. Work will take places from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.
Weekend Work at Bethesda Work Zone (Elm Street): Crews will be working at the Bethesda Work Zone on Elm Street. Work will take place in two shifts from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and weekends.
Weekend Work at Columbia Country Club: Crews will continue work at the Columbia Country Club 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.
Weekend Work and Lane Closures on East-West Highway: Temporary lane closures will occur on East-West Highway between Connecticut Avenue and Montgomery Avenue between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.
Weekend Work on the Georgetown Branch Trail: Crews will be working along the Georgetown Branch Trail from the Wisconsin Avenue to Connecticut Avenue, as well as from Wisconsin Avenue to Jones Mill Road. Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and weekends.
Weekend Work and Several Lane Closures on Jones Mill Road and Jones Bridge Road: Temporary lane closures will occur on Jones Bridge Road between Altimont Lane and Jones Mill Road, as well as on Jones Mill Road between Flushing Meadow Terrace and Coquelin Terrace between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.
Weekend Work on the Rock Creek Trail: Crews will be working near Rock Creek Park bridge from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and weekends. Temporary trail closures will occur.
Important Phone Numbers
Below is a list of phone numbers that may be helpful while the Town Office is closed. In case of emergencies, always call 911.
Montgomery County Police
Non Emergency/24hrs - 301-279-8000
Bethesda - Chevy Chase Rescue Squad - 301-652-0077
Chevy Chase Fire Department
(Opposite Columbia Country Club) - 240-773-4707
Bethesda Fire Dept
(Wisconsin Ave and Bradley Blvd) - 240-773-4706
National Capital Poison Center
(George Washington University Hospital) - 800-222-1222
Utilities
Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO)
Emergency-Live wires down, power failure - 877-737-2662
Customer Service - 202-833-7500
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission
Emergency - 301-206-4002
Complaints, Leaks, Information - 301-206-4001
Washington Gas
Emergency - 703-750-1400
Information & Customer Service - 703-750-1000
Comcast - 800-934-6489
Verizon - 800-837
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Click here [http://www.townofchevychase.org/calendar.aspx?CID=14,] to view the Town calendar