Author: Anna White

Urban Winery Meet & Greet

/ Anna White
Jeff Weintraub

Escape the cold, come meet your neighbors, and support our local winery. First come, first seated. No host bar, non-alcoholic beverages, and food available (see theurbanwinery.com/menu).

Thursday, February 20, between 7:00–9:00 pm
Urban Winery, 2315 Stewart Ave., Silver Spring, MD

Features music by NWCA resident Jeff Weintraub. Co-hosted by North Woodside Citizens’ Association, Linden Civic Association, Lyttonsville Civic Association, and Rosemary Hills Neighbors’ Association. For further information, email programs@northwoodside.org.

North Woodside Snow Scenes

/ Anna White

Yesterday was Groundhog Day and word has it Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, which means 6 more weeks of winter. We’ll see if this prediction proves correct. In the meantime, here’s a look back at the wintry weather in the neighborhood this past month: snow scenes, snow shoveling, snow people, snow fun, and ice art. Thanks to all the neighbors who submitted photos!

Photos: 2024 Menorah & Tree Lighting

/ Anna White
North Woodside’s 2024 Menorah and Tree Lighting. Scroll down to view more photos.

In spite of the ominous weather forecast,  the 76th (or perhaps longer) annual NWCA Menorah and Tree Lighting event went on as planned on Sunday, December 15, 2024. 

The rain abated and a good number of neighbors gathered to eat latkes and drink hot cider, hear beautiful choral holiday songs by the Tree Singers, and have a visit with and treats from Santa!

Also attending the event was Maryland State Senator Jeff Waldstreicher and neighbors from the Lyttonsville and Rosemary Hills.

They say that many hands make for light work. That is true!

Many thanks to the many neighbors who contributed to the event in one or more of the following ways: led and participated in the Tree Singers, shared the story of Hanukkah, said the blessing and lit the menorah, made delicious latkes and cider, strung the lights on the tree, got PEPCO to turn on the electricity, helped with set up and clean up and serving food, took photos and more! Thanks also to Snider’s for donating the oranges. And to Santa ;).

If anyone who attended but didn’t have money to donate, you can make a donation via the NWCA website here. (Choose “Holiday Fund” from the drop down menu.)

Happy holidays!

2024 Holiday Tree Lighting & Hanukkah Celebration

/ Anna White

The 76th* annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Hanukkah Celebration will be on Sunday, December 15, 4:30 pm, at the Luzerne/Glen Ross island. Note: Rain date is Monday, December 16, 7:00 pm.

The celebration begins with a symbolic menorah lighting, a singalong, a Santa Claus appearance and refreshments, including latkes (potato pancakes) and hot cider. View the program.

The first night of Hanukkah this year is December 25, so the first candle of the neighborhood menorah will be lit that evening and the lighting of the menorah will continue for the rest of the traditional eight nights.

If you would like to help with setting up or cleaning up, preparing refreshments, posting street closure signs, or any other aspect of this event, please contact Melinda Frederick, NWCA programs coordinator..

If you would like to join the Tree Singers, contact Julie Lees. The singers sing in four-part harmony, so some choral experience and/or music reading skills are helpful.

The NWCA community will be notified via the listserv of any event updates.

Donations to defray the costs will be gratefully received at the event or online.

* Recent historic newspaper research suggests that this year may in fact by the 98th year of the tradition.

Photos: 2024 Talbot Avenue Bridge Lantern Walk

/ Anna White
Civic association representatives and children of Lyttonsville, North Woodside, and Rosemary Hills participate in the lighting of the community Unity Lantern at the commencement of the 7th Talbot Avenue Bridge Lantern Walk on November 16, 2024. Photo by Lilian Pintea

Thanks to all who came out to the 7th Talbot Avenue Bridge Lantern Walk in mid-November!

Organized by the Talbot Avenue Bridge Committee and co-sponsored by the North Woodside Citizens’ Association, Lyttonsville Civic Association, and Rosemary Hills Neighbors’ Association, this year’s Lantern Walk was the first to cross the completed new Talbot Avenue Bridge. It also honored the memory of lifelong Lyttonsville resident and civic leader Charlotte Coffield.  Check out photos and videos at these links:

Banner created by North Woodside Roots & Shoots group. Photo by Jay Mallin

Special thanks to all the North Woodside neighbors who contributed their time, energy, resources, and talents to the event.

For more event details and a full list of acknowledgements see bit.ly/TABLanternWalk.

Now Open: Lali Market & Fancy Cakes by Selam

/ Anna White

This month, new businesses Lali Market and Fancy Cakes & Patisserie by Selam opened next to Goldberg’s Bagels.

Lali Market carries all the staples for Ethiopian cuisine, including spices, dried beans, and injera.

Fancy Cakes & Patisserie by Selam offers a wide selection of sweet treats, from slices of Napoleon and a variety of layered cakes to eclaires, baclava, and fruit tarts, and specializes in custom cakes. For cake photos, see the business’s Instagram and Facebook pages. The bakery also sells coffee.

Lali Market & Fancy Cakes by Selam held their grand opening on November 23, 2024.

Let’s support these new businesses and welcome them to the neighborhood!

Lantern-Making Workshop

/ Anna White

Come make your very own Lantern to light up the sky for the annual Talbot Avenue Bridge Lantern Walk this weekend.

Workshop includes all supplies: 2 liter plastic bottles*, tissue paper, glue and more!

What: Lantern Making workshop
When: Friday, Nov 15, 4:30-6:30 pm
Where: Bertie’s Art Studio in North Woodside

All are welcome as long as supplies last!

Please RSVP.

* Feel free to bring your own 2 liter plastic bottle, large juice, water container or anything that will make a beautifully decorated lantern.

Neighborhood Meet & Greet

/ Anna White

NWCA is hosting a casual Meet & Greet for neighbors on Sunday, November 17, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, at the grassy area by the bench at 3rd Ave. and Lanier Dr.

It’s a great opportunity to form new connections with neighbors or simply enjoy an afternoon outside with friendly faces.

We’ll have free seasonal refreshments and a game of cornhole. No formal introductions or agendas, just a chance to get to know who’s around. Be sure to bring a jacket in case it’s a bit chilly. We look forward to seeing you there!

Contact welcome@northwoodsideca.groups.io

Happy Halloween!

/ Anna White

This past Sunday, October 27, the North Woodside Citizens’ Association and the Linden Civic Association teamed up to organize the first annual Halloween Fall Funfest in Montgomery Hills Park. Lots of neighbors, both human and canine, came out for the event. Check out some photos: