Sunday, October 12, 2014

Oct WECA General Membership Mtg - Thurs, Oct 16 at 7pm + 2 Of-Interest Items


By now, the fall WECA newsletter has likely already made its way to your door, courtesy of your friendly WECA Block Captains. That newsletter, and this e-mail, announces our General Membership Meeting, scheduled for this Thursday, October 16th at 7:00pm. The meeting will be held at the Rockville Presbyterian Church, located at 215 West Montgomery Avenue. Parking is available in the lot off of Harrison Street.

We are delighted to be hosting “An Evening with the Planning Commission”, led by Chairman (and West End resident) Don Hadley. Don will talk about the roles of the Planning Commission and the work they have done regarding recent development projects, including the new plan for the Rockville Pike.  This is a great opportunity to engage with Don, to learn about the scope of the Commission, and to ask questions. 

Over the last few years, WECA has spent significant time addressing various projects that affect our neighborhood.  In the fall newsletter, we offer you highlights of our efforts and an opportunity to provide your views.  Please do take some time to read through your newsletter, and let us know your feedback! And please do join us – and many of your neighbors – for the General Membership meeting on Thursday evening!
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Montgomery County Historical Society Celebrates Sesquicentennial of Maryland Emancipation
Activities to be held on Saturday, November 1st from noon to 4 pm, at Beall-Dawson Park in Rockville

Did you know that emancipation for Maryland slaves occurred on November 1, 1864, about two years after slaves in the District of Columbia and in Confederate states were freed, the latter by the Emancipation Proclamation? And that Maryland was the first of the Southern states to voluntarily free slaves within its boundaries by popular vote?

Join the Montgomery County Historical Society to celebrate the sesquicentennial of this important event, which dramatically affected the history of the West End, and during which two descendants of Rockville slaves will tell their family stories. Warren Crutchfield's great-great-great grandparents were owned by the Beall family, and the family still owns land and a home where they lived 150 years ago. And Sharyn Duffin will describe the lives and fortunes of her ancestors, who lived on Great Falls Road and in the area that became Lincoln Park. 

Engage with 1864 historic personality re-enactors, enjoy performances by Washington Revels Jubilee Voices, listen to descendants of Montgomery County slaves tell family stories, see exhibits of documents and artifacts, and more.   Museum admission is free.  For further information, visit  www.montgomeryhistory.org
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Car Break-Ins in the West End
In mid-September, there were reports of a few cars being broken in to in the West End neighborhood. It appears the culprits were targeting loose change and entered cars that were unlocked.  Your best defense to prevent this from happening to you is to remain vigilant, lock your car doors, hide any valuable that may be seen in plain sight, and report anything suspicious to the police immediately.

Patrol shifts have been alerted to the criminal activity and are stepping up their patrols in the community.  If anyone has any information about the car break-ins, they are encouraged to call the Rockville Police Department at
240-314-8900 and ask to speak with an investigator.