Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Newsletter the Piscataway Revelersofenjoy Hills Citizens Association Fall 2011 German food on a perfect afternoon
Lot 39 Waterfront Park was transformed into a little bit of Germany on October 15 as Piscataway Hills residents celebrated Oktoberfest with bratwurst, potato pancakes, German beer, and lots and lots of desserts. Newly inaugurated Piscataway Hills President Gwynn Roberson continued her previous role as head chef of the annual event, for which the dozens of attendees throughout the afternoon were extremely grateful. In addition to the traditional bratwursts from Baltimore, this years fare included homemade red applesauce, soft pretzels, German potato salad, pulled pork and red cabbage, and chicken and sauerkraut. Bierocks made with ground turkey were served for the non-pork and healthier eaters. Although the weather was warm and sunny, any chill would have been warded off by a blazing bonfire
PHCA President Gwynn Roberson serves the Oktoberfest feast while Scott Wilmoth fills his plate. kindled by PHCA Board Member Neil Ayers. Piscataway Creek also sparkled in the bright fall sunlight, inviting picnickers to stroll along the water and enjoy the views and the abundant wildlife.
Fall 2011
Piscataway Hills News Redskins lose on Sunday in the comfort of their own homes.
Other activities included volleyball, badminton, horseshoes, tetherball, and all the other games and balls from Treasurer Don Benedicts garage. One activity from previous years that fell victim to technology was the Redskins game on TV, as it was considered doubtful that a digital broadcast could be picked up reliably. So the PHCA Board voted to celebrate Oktoberfest on a Saturday and allow people to watch the
As always, the success of this event was due to the many neighborhood volunteers who helped set up, serve the food, clean up, and purchase supplies. And, of course, to everyone who brought desserts and other food to share. To which everyone can say, Eins, zwei, gesoffen! (One, two, drink!)
speaker at the PHCA fall quarterly meeting on Sept. 20, explained that the county emergency call center handles all 911 calls, including police, medical, and fire emergencies. The office also handles burglar alarm calls. An average of 13 people on duty at all times handle a total of 1.6 million calls per year, she said. Non-emergency callers should use 301-352-1200 or call Police District IV directly at 301-749-4901, Flaherty said. Outgoing PHCA President John Schnizlein said he had called the police non-emergency number to report an illegal trash dumper on Piscataway Drive but got no response. Flaherty replied that the average wait for a non-emergency call is 7-10 minutes, but that improvements were being planned by a new Public Safety Technology Working Group. Ideas under discussion include the use of social media, public safety databases, and a 311 public service line.
Fall 2011
PHCA board members, from left to right: Vice President Dave Lishin, Secretary Debbie Kutzleb, Past President John Schnizlein, Treasurer Don Benedict, Board Member Robert Reilly, Board Member Neil Ayers, President Gwynn Roberson, former President Mark Holt, Board Member George Satterthwaite, and Board Member Troy Lee. Not pictured is Board Member Calvin ONeil. PHCA members at the meeting also approved the budget for fiscal year 2012, which began Sept. 1. Total spending under the budget is $2,802, which includes $600 for the lawn tractor for mowing Lot 39 Waterfront Park, $600 for Oktoberfest and the summer picnic, $500 for community landscaping improvements, and $500 for welcome baskets for new neighbors.
Fall 2011
A boardwalk is planned to cross this wetland on the trail to Fort Washington Marina.
Fall 2011
the project further, and will schedule a follow-up meeting with M-NCPPC shortly after. He added that park officials appreciate the efforts of you and your neighbors in clearing the trees and branches. Much of the mile-long natural surface trail has been in place for several years, but it is divided in the middle by a creek and wetland. Some hikers cross the area by walking on a 300foot section of above-ground sewer line. The National Park Service installed benches and signs along the trail about five years ago, but construction of a permanent boardwalk and bridge over the creek and wetland to connect the two halves of the trail has been stalled.
A major breakthrough for the trail took place earlier this year with the signing of an agreement by M-NCPPC to pay for the bridge and boardwalk in return for a pledge by NPS to allow perpetual public access to the new trail, which is on NPS property. The next step will be an environmental study, after which a specific design and location for the walkway will be selected so that construction can begin. When it is completed, the trail to the Marina is expected to be designated as a segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, which is planned to continue to the Chesapeake Bay.
Fall 2011
who should be visited by the Welcome Committee, contact Debbie Kutzleb at 301-292-2668, or dkutzleb@phnxinternational.com.
Editors Note
Piscataway Hills News has long played an important role in informing our
community, so I am well aware of the responsibility I am taking on as its new editor. I first want to thank Kathy Meman for her dedicated years of service. The colorful designs and scope of news coverage that she initiated as editor are certainly elements that I plan to continue. And I also hope this newsletter can be a living memorial to John Miller, whose passing earlier this year was mourned by all. Nobody can replicate his amusing commentaries on life in Piscataway Hills during his decades as editor, but I will do my best to provide lively and interesting stories in every issue. So contact me with any news tips, or articles you would like to publish, at mark.edward.holt@gmail.com, 301-292-0852.
Fall 2011
sign, and our waterfront park area; and increasing communication within the community via emails and our new Facebook page. As nice as the foliage is this time of year, most of us are more preoccupied with blowing, raking, and bagging the foliage as it lands in our yards. Have you ever wondered when youre out there spending numerous backbreaking hours why we no longer have a leaf vacuum program in the county, but other counties in Maryland continue to ensure their residents have this much-needed resource? Is this something we as a community want to pursue again with a new [non-corrupt] county administration in office? These are all things I need the communitys input on, and I will be reaching out to everyone in the coming months to get a consensus on what issues we would like to pursue and address in 2012. If I dont see many of you between now and the end of the year, heres wishing each of you and your families a happy and safe holiday season and New Year. Peace & Blessings, Gwynn Roberson PHCA President
Join PHCA
Help make Piscataway Hills a stronger community by joining PHCA. Dues are $40 a year, or $30 for residents over age 65. Send dues to Piscataway Hills Citizens Association, P.O. Box 441581, Fort Washington, MD 20744.
Fall 2011
Oktoberfest:
eating, relaxing, socializing
Photos by George Satterthwaite
Above: Neil Ayers, Robert Reilly and John Schnizlein unload wood for the fire, which was enjoyed by all (below). Gwynn Robersons German-style food was a huge success (right), but this hot dog was not on the menu (below right).