Gary Ditto's Real Estate Blog - Kensington, MD

Gary launches new Wordpress Blog

2009-10-28T13:13:00.001-04:00

Effective immediately, my blog is now hosted on garyditto.com using Wordpress. All previous blog entries have been imported into the new blog and can be searched and accessed through the archived folders. Please continue to send community news and other announcements to me via email (gd@garyditto.com).

VISIT WWW.GARYDITTO.COM/BLOG

OPEN HOUSES FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2009

2009-10-23T17:25:00.001-04:00

4201 Culver Street, Kensington
For Sale
$759,000
Open Sunday, October 25, 2009 from 1-4

2509 Campbell Place, Kensington
For Sale
$599,000
Open Sunday, October 25, 2009 from 1:30-4

4513 Puller Drive Kensington
For Sale
$570,000
Open Sunday, October 25, 2009 from 1-4

10046 Pratt Place, Silver Spring
For Sale
$379,000
Open Sunday, October 25, 2009 from 1-4

New Listing - 4201 Culver Street, Kensington MD

2009-10-23T13:14:00.000-04:00

4201 Culver Street, Kensington
For Sale
$759,000

Open Sunday, October 25, 2009 from 1-4

Kensington Food Drive - Saturday, October 24 from 9-12

2009-10-19T19:06:00.002-04:00

Once again, the Town of Kensington, in cooperation with Bethesda Help, will be conducting a Food Drive on Saturday, October 24 between the hours of 9:00 am – 12:00 noon at Town Hall, as part of Montgomery County’s Community Service Day.

Town Hall is located at 3710 Mitchell Street, Kensington, MD 20895

IMPORTANT: Bethesda Help is unable to use food items that come in glass containers or in oversized bottles, cans, and packages.

Foods that are currently needed are as follows:

Beans
Breakfast cereals
Canned meat and fish -- All types, but especially canned corned beef, ham, chicken,
SPAM, meat hashes, chili with meat, stews, salmon, and tuna
Canned fruits
Fruit juice concentrate -- Concentrated juice in soda-sized cans only (available at Giant)
Jelly, jam, or honey
Peanut butter
Pasta
Pasta sauce
Powdered milk -- Boxes containing individual 1-quart envelopes (available at Giant)
Rice
Soups
Vegetables -- All types, but especially tomatoes in 1 pound cans

In addition:

Bethesda Help is always looking for additional volunteers to help out with food delivery. More information can be found at http://www.bethesdahelp.org/ or by calling 301.365.2022.

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2009

2009-10-16T17:48:00.000-04:00

9716 Carriage Road,
Kensington
For Sale
$1,050,000

Open Sunday, October 18, 1009 from 1-4

TOWN PICNIC POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER

2009-10-16T17:47:00.000-04:00

TOWN PICNIC POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER

The Town’s Annual Picnic that was scheduled for Sunday, October 18 has been postponed due to weather. The Town is considering all options, including rescheduling and canceling until the spring. We will let you know through list serve and website announcements as soon as a decision has been made.

Note: Please disregard the Around Town Journal’s information regarding the Town Picnic. The Journal should be delivered by Tuesday afternoon.

Town of Kensington Email Announcements
http://www.tok.md.gov

Warner Memorial - Used Book Fair - Otober 24, 2009

2009-10-15T15:05:00.000-04:00

Warner Memorial Presbyterian Church Announces
Used Book Fair to Benefit Crossway Community
Kensington, MD - October 24, 2009

The youth of Warner Memorial Presbyterian Church in Kensington are collecting gently used children's and young adult books to sell at a used book fair. All proceeds from the fair will be used to purchase new books for children at the Crossway Community in Wheaton. The Crossway Community is a unique educational and residential program for families. It offers supportive housing for at-risk mothers and their children, a community training institute for job and career growth, a Montessori based Community Day School, and the Community Center which hosts programs on all subjects of interest to the greater community.

The Used Book Fair will be held from 10 AM to 2 PM on October 24 in the Social Hall of Warner Memorial Presbyterian Church. Used books can be dropped off at the Warner Church office, 10123 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, through Thursday, October 22. Call Jan Moody at 301-949-2900, ext 307 with any questions.

The Press Contact for this event is Jan Moody, 301-949-2900, ext. 307 or dcewarner@comcast.net.

Warner Memorial Presbyterian Church
10123 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington MD 20895
301-949-2900 - www.WarnerMemorial.org

Serving members in Aspen Hill, Bethesda, Brookeville, Burtonsville, Chevy Chase, Colesville, Garrett Park, Hyattsville, Kensington, Olney, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring & Wheaton for 116 years.

Town of Kensington and Chevy Chase View obtain $100K in Grant Funding for Pedestrian Safety

2009-10-15T14:57:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to the Town of Kensington and our neighbor to the south, Chevy Chase View on successfully obtaining $100K in grant funding for pedestrian safety!

http://www.gazette.net/stories/10142009/kensnew201531_32525.shtml

The grant comes from the Safe Routes to Schools program which is federally funded and administered by each State. This is a great example of local, state and federal governments working together to improve our quality of life and make our neighborhoods safer for kids.

Kudos to Mayor Fosselman for collaborating with our neighboring jurisdiction to pursue this grant. Former Town employee Claudia Donnelly was instrumental in putting together the grant application.

This is a first for Kensington.

Town of Kensington Email Announcements
http://www.tok.md.gov

THE ANNUAL TOWN OF KENSINGTON PICNIC - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18

2009-10-14T18:29:00.001-04:00

THE ANNUAL TOWN OF KENSINGTON PICNIC

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18th, 1-4 p.m. at St. Paul Park

Please join for some harvest fun.... we will have a small pumpkin patch, music, fun and games for the whole family. We ask that you bring pot luck snack for apprx. 8 people. The town will supply water,soda,lemonade,cider and beer and a ton of apples from Hawkins market!!!!

The Kensington VFD will be around to give tours of some of the fire engines!!

"In the Eye of the Appraiser" link to Washington Post Article from 10/3/09

2009-10-13T16:34:00.003-04:00

"In the Eye of the Appraiser"

With Cautious Banks and New Rules, a House's Valuation is No Longer a Sure Thing

From The Washington Post, 10/03/09

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/01/AR2009100105442.html

KENSINGTON ROW BOOKSHOP EVENT - Thursday, November 5 @ 7:30 pm

2009-10-13T09:49:00.000-04:00

Kensington Row Bookshop
3786 Howard Ave.
Kensington, Md. 20895
www.kensingtonrowbookshop.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Elisenda Sola-Sole
301/949-9416

AUTHOR TALK

Sanford Gottlieb author of
"Red to Blue:Congressman Chris Van Hollen and Grassroots Politics"
Thursday, November 5, 7:30 pm
Chris Van Hollen, flanked by a grassroots army, won upset victories in the 2002 primary and general elections--even though one of his opponents had a consultant named David Axelrod. Van Hollen's win in the suburbs helped lift the Democrats out of the doldrums, the first step in a struggle that led to Barack Obama's triumph in 2008. Red to Blue chronicles Van Hollen's campaign from the inside, follows him as he becomes a rising star in his party, and visits the activists who changed history from Montgomery County, Maryland, to Carroll County, Iowa. "The book is valuable enough as a tale of Van Hollen," says Norman Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute, "but its insights into the larger issues of American politics make it a real keeper." The book's foreword is written by Mike McCurry, former White House press secretary

Sanford Gottlieb worked in the peace movement from 1960 to 1993. He was executive director of SANE. The author of Defense Addiction, in 2002 he served as a Kensington precinct coordinator in Van Hollen's campaign.

Free event.

JRA Day - Craft Exhibition & Sale - Saturday Nov. 28 - The Women's Club of CC

2009-10-13T09:35:00.001-04:00

JRA Day

Craft Exhibition & Sale

Saturday, November 28, 2008

11:00 - 5:00 pm

The Women’s Club of Chevy Chase

7931 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD

The James Renwick Alliance is pleased to announce our sponsorship of the second annual “JRA Day” featuring exceptional and unique crafts by over 40 member artists for sale to the public. The event, for one day only, will be held in the gracious halls of the Women’s Club of Chevy Chase conveniently located on Connecticut Avenue and includes free parking to our patrons. Craft lovers will have the opportunity to meet this talented group of craft artisans and learn about their artistic principals and technical expertise. The artists represented are members of the JRA and this fundraiser will contribute to its many programs. The James Renwick Alliance is an independent, national, non-profit organization that celebrates the achievements of America’s craft artists and fosters scholarship, education and public appreciation of craft art. Admission is $5 for members and $7 for non-members and free to those who join the James Renwick Alliance that day.

……………..….Digital images available upon request………………………

For more information contact: Mallory Lawson or Sarah Frey 301.907.3888 www.jraday.com

NEW LISTING - 9305 WEST PARKHILL DRIVE, BETHESDA

2009-10-09T13:12:00.000-04:00

9305 West Parkhill Drive Bethesda, Maryland

For Sale
$ 799,000

Welcome to this charming four bedroom, three full bath brick Cape Cod located in prestigious Locust Hill Estates. Centrally located, this beautiful home is ideal as you can walk to the Stoneridge School, NIH, Navy Medical and the Metro. You are also only steps away from Rock Creek Park! Among its many features, please take note of the wonderful first floor family room that opens out to the private flagstone patio. Also, enjoy the beautifully landscaped private back yard and gardens throughout all the seasons. Other features include a breakfast room off the kitchen (also perfect for a den or study), a one car garage, a sun-filled and cozy living room with fireplace, as well as a large lower level recreation room. It’s time to “FALL” in love.

OPEN HOUSES FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2009

2009-10-08T12:16:00.000-04:00

	10007 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington - $ 699,000 Open Sunday, October 11, 2009 from 1-4 pm

	4513 Puller Drive, Kensington - $595,000 Open Sunday, October 11, 2009 from 1:30-4 pm

District 18 Town Hall Meeting - Tues., Oct. 6 @ 7 pm

2009-10-02T10:49:00.002-04:00

If you live in Maryland's Legislative District 18, you are invited to a Town Hall Meeting with Your District 18 Representatives to Annapolis:

Come share your views and hear the latest from your District 18 General Assembly Members State Senator Richard Madaleno, and State Delegates Alfred Carr, Ana Sol Gutiérrez, and Jeff Waldstreicher.

Tuesday, October 6, 7:00 PM

The Bushey Center
12210 Bushey Drive
Silver Spring, MD

The new Maryland state legislative session is fast approaching. There will be tough decisions to be made. Meet the elected officials who will influence the budget and help set priorities. Ask questions about educations, transportation, health care issues, etc. and let them know what's important to you.

OPEN HOUSES FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2009

2009-10-02T09:46:00.005-04:00

10502 Parkwood Dr., Kensington
For Sale Open Sunday Oct. 4th 1-4 PM
$1,090,000

10007 Connecticut Ave, Kensington
For Sale Open Sunday Oct. 4th 1-4 PM
$ 739,000

4513 Puller Drive Kensington
For Sale Open Sunday Oct. 4th 1-4 PM
$625,000

3613 Sandy Court, Kensington
For Sale Open Sunday Oct. 4th 1-4 PM
$569,000

9902 Capitol View Ave., Silver Spring
For Sale Open Sunday Oct. 4th 1-4 PM
$279,000

Long & Foster teams up with Google for an easy 'Real Estate Quick Search Widget"

2009-10-01T15:27:00.003-04:00

Long & Foster teams up with Google for an easy 'Real Estate Quick Search Widget"
About The Real Estate Quick Search Widget

Staying on the cutting-edge of technological innovation has been a driving goal since the creation of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. Time and again, it has achieved this goal, whether by offering technology certification courses and web-based training to its agents or by creating dynamic agent websites and regularly updating its comprehensive public website.

The Real Estate Quick Search widget for the Google application iGoogle is just one more way Long & Foster is staying abreast of the latest technological trends. "Buyers, sellers, enthusiasts and real estate agents will find this tool simple to use and completely versatile," said Michael Koval, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. "You can search based on location, price range, number of bedrooms, number of baths, or any combination of those criteria."

How does it all work? It starts with iGoogle. iGoogle is a personalized homepage available to Google users. It is completely customizable, so that when you log on to the Internet, everything you want to know – from the weather and news to t.v. listing and movie showtimes – is right at your fingertips.

Each little unit of information, called an interactive information module or widget, can be added or deleted from the list provided by Google, downloaded from a widget provider like Widgetbox, or even created using Google’s online wizard. And because most widgets are made with Flash or JavaScript, they can run on almost any browser. Clocks, games, counters, videos, weather and stock updates are all examples of widgets – just another way of bringing information to you, instead of requiring you to go out and get it.

Like these widgets, Long & Foster’s new Real Estate Quick Search widget can be downloaded to your iGoogle homepage, allowing you to conduct a simple search for homes for sale or comparable properties in your neighborhood. Once your search is complete, you can click on the desired property to be taken to www.longandfoster.com for full listing details. Explains Koval, "The best part is you can see the listing information without leaving your iGoogle page, but if you do want to see more details on the property then you can go directly to the full listing on our full www.longandfoster.com website."

In short, the Real Estate Quick Search widget is designed to save you time while still keeping you informed about up-to-the-minute market developments. With a little help from iGoogle, Long & Foster is doing just that.

From: http://homes.longandfoster.com/Real-Estate/Real-Estate-Search.htm

GREAT RE-FI AND BUYER OPPORTUNITIES - INTEREST RATES DOWN!

2009-10-01T09:36:00.003-04:00

Courtesy of Matt Gilday at First Savings Mortgage

Go to Gary's website to print out a full size pdf of the rate sheet

Matt Gilday
Vice President
240-223-1636 Direct
703-564-7003 fax

6550 Rock Spring Drive
Suite 300
Bethesda, Maryland 20817

www.mattgilday.com <http://www.mattgilday.com/>

Concerts at Cedar Lane - Sunday, October 11 @ 4 pm

2009-09-29T17:06:00.002-04:00

Katrine Anderson and Friends
Sunday, October 11, 2009 - 4:00 PM
Cedar Lane comes alive with songs and music of Scotland as a local favorite, Katrine Anderson returns with her band of talented musicians including Tina Chancey, Zan Mcleod, and Robert Spates

Free. Donations support Concerts at Cedar Lane.

Concerts atCedar Lane
Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church
9601 Cedar Lane
Bethesda,MD 20814
Learn more at www.cedarlane.org http://www.cedarlane.org/
Call 301/493-8300 ex. 314

Warner Memorial Presbyterian - Free Depression Screening

2009-09-28T15:48:00.000-04:00

Warner Memorial Presbyterian Church Announces

Free Depression Screening

Kensington, MD - October 8, 2009

Thursday, October 8, 2009, is National Depression Screening Day. Depression Screenings are being offered throughout the country using the materials and structure of the Mental Health Screenings organization. Pastoral Counseling and Care Ministries is offering a Depression Screening on October 8th at Warner Memorial Presbyterian Church at 10123 Connecticut Avenue in Kensington. DROP IN any time between 10am and 6pm on Thursday, October 8. If you have questions, please contact Kathy Kohl at 1-888-626-2273, box 3.

Participants will complete a written screening questionnaire, view educational materials, pick up pamphlets and brochures, discuss questionnaire results with a licensed counselor, and receive guidance toward finding help and resources when needed.

Depression and anxiety can be debilitating, life-threatening illnesses. But often people suffering with these conditions do not know they have an illness that can be treated. If they do know that these conditions can be treated, they may not know where to turn for such help. Because of the economic downturn in this country, there has been an increase in the number of people experiencing these mood disorders.

The symptoms of depression may include lack of energy, changes in eating or sleep patterns, sadness, irritability, and a sense of hopelessness. Anxiety is fear about future uncertainties and may be accompanied by feelings of panic. If you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, this is an opportunity to clarify your concerns and receive education and guidance on how to get help.

The Press Contact for this event is Kathy Kohl at 1-888-626-2273, box 3.

Warner Memorial Presbyterian Church
10123 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington MD 20895

301-949-2900 - www.WarnerMemorial.org

Contact: June Eakin

Serving members in Aspen Hill, Bethesda, Brookeville, Burtonsville, Chevy Chase, Colesville, Garrett Park, Hyattsville, Kensington, Olney, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring

Kensington Row Bookshop Events

2009-09-28T15:41:00.000-04:00

Joyce Burnett
author of
Adam's Belle:
A Memoir of Love Without Bounds
Thursday, October 15
7:30pm

Adam’s Belle is a roller coaster ride through the life of the late Isabel Washington Powell. This first-person narrative charges through Isabel’s life from her early childhood days as a baby “drama queen” in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia to her stage debut kicking up her heels at Harlem’s famous Cotton Club in the 1920’s. Isabel soon meets a real life “Prince Charming” who happens to be the nation’s most eligible bachelor – Adam Clayton Powell Jr. The two fall madly in love and plan to share their “heaven on earth” for the rest of their lives.

With much pain and agony, Isabel learns that not all fairy tales have happy endings. Ultimately, she develops the strength to celebrate herself and even overcome breast cancer on her nearly 100-year journey to becoming a true living legend.

About the Author:
As a native of Los Angeles, California, Joyce Burnett has always been interested in music, entertainment and fitness. She knew little, however, about the dynamic sounds and lifestyle of the Harlem Renaissance until she ran head on into Isabel Washington Powell. From the moment they met, Joyce was enthralled by the vivid pictures Belle painted of her life.

Joyce worked closely with Belle for almost ten years to record this incredible story. Belle was very pleased with the early draft of Adam’s Belle, but sadly, she passed away before her story was published.

Joyce holds degrees from Wesleyan University, Johns Hopkins, and American University.

www.adamsbelle.com

Hot Club of Takoma Park

Saturday, Oct. 10th
12:30-2:30

Let Hot Club of Takoma Park sooth your Saturday afternoon with the sounds of instrumental old timey jazz, standards, bluegrass, folk and blues.

Live music and books, what more could one want? Come and enjoy!

Band Members:
Victoria Borland: guitar
Julia Borland: Fiddle
Larry: Mandola
Mike: guitar, bass, banjo

Eric M. Latham
author of
Take Steps with a Purpose:
A Walk About America for Cancer Research
Wednesday, October 21
7:30pm

In the greatest journey of his life, Eric M. Latham literally walked across the United States to raise money for cancer research. Along the way, he met thousands of people who shared their amazing stories with him. Now, he's sharing those stories with the world.

Take Steps with a Purpose: A Walk About America for Cancer Research is an inspirational story about tragedy and triumph, about life and death, about hope, courage, and strength. But most of all, it's a story about people and how they're affected by cancer. Full-color photos and nearly 200 pages detail the faces of America. Take Steps with a Purpose records each challenging step Eric took to fight for a cause that he believes in.

Born in D.C. and native to Rockville, Eric recently moved back to the area. He is also the author of Entitled to a Nation.

www.takestepswithapurpose.com

3786 Howard Ave.
Kensington, MD 20895

Phone: (301) 949-9416
kensington.books@verizon.net

NEW PRICE - 9902 CAPITOL VIEW AVENUE

2009-09-25T13:48:00.000-04:00

9902 Capitol View Ave.,
Silver Spring
For Sale
$279,000

St. Paul's Annual Apple Sale and Yard Sale - Oct 22-24

2009-09-21T16:48:00.000-04:00

St. Paul’s UMC apple and yard sales

Apple Sale

Dates & Hours: Thursday, October 22 - 9 AM to 6 PM
Friday, October 23 - 8 AM to 6 PM
Saturday, October 24 - 8 AM to 5 PM

Location: The St. Paul’s UMC parking lot on Armory Avenue diagonally
across from the Safeway indoor parking garage.

Selling: Local fresh apples, cider, apple butter and preserves.

Yard Sale

Dates & Hours: Friday, October 23 - 8 AM to 6 PM
Saturday, October 24 - 8 AM to 1 PM

Location: Heavener Hall (inside the church) at the corner of Mitchell
& Fawcett Streets in old town Kensington.

Selling: Housewares, furniture, books, appliances, clothing, jewelry,
collectibles, toys, etc.

We welcome good sellable donations. We do not accept exercise equipment,
computer equipment, childrens’ car seats, sofas or heavy over-stuffed chairs.
Donations should be brought to the church on Thursday, October 22 between the
hours of 8 AM and 7 PM. Tax donation receipts gladly given.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Thank you.

Jerry Watkins - Secretary
St. Paul’s United Methodist Men
301-942-7405

KHS - 3rd Annual Antiques Road Show - Kensington Style

2009-09-21T16:33:00.001-04:00

Kensington Historical Society presents the 3rd Annual Antiques Road Show.

Tuesday, September 22 in the Kensington Town Hall/Armory. 3710 Mitchell Street

Expert Evaluations 6:00 to 7:30 pm
Q&A Panel Session 7:30 to 8:30 pm
Raffle Drawing 7:30

$10 for evaluating up to three items. Evaluations will be given verbally and are meant to give you an idea of the possible market value. It is not an offer to purchase. Nothing bought or sold.

Contact:
301.949.9416 or kensington.books@verizon.net

Our Panel Includes Experts in:
Books, Autographs, Maps, Prints, Jewelry, Rugs, Asian, Americana and General Antiques.

OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 from 1-4

2009-09-18T16:36:00.001-04:00

10007 Connecticut Ave, Kensington
For Sale
$ 739,000

Open Sunday, 9/20 from 1-4