The annual Holiday Tree Lighting* and Hanukkah Celebration will be on Sunday, December 14, 4:45 pm, at the Luzerne/Glen Ross island. Note: Rain date is Monday, December 15, 6:00 pm.
The celebration begins at sundown with the lighting of the menorah, a holiday singalong and tree lighting, visit from Santa Claus, and refreshments, including latkes (potato pancakes) and hot cider. Scroll down for the program and song sheet.
The first night of Hanukkah this year is December 14, so the first candle of the neighborhood menorah will be lit that evening and lighting the remaining candles will continue for 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, program coordinator.
SSL service hours will be available to MCPS students who volunteer for this event.
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.
Singers Wanted: Our Tree Singers group performs holiday music at the above event, and we’re always looking for new members. It is a cappella four-part harmony, so some choral experience and music reading skill is helpful. I can give you music in advance. We usually have two rehearsals in the weeks leading up to the event. If you are interested in joining us, please contact me. Thank you! – Julie Lees
* Recent historic newspaper research suggests that this year is the 99th anniversary of the first community holiday tree lighting in 1926. Wow, the tradition is much older than we realized!
The North Woodside Civil Resistance Group is teaming up with the Capital Area Food Bank to provide healthy food to families in need. One in three people in our region struggled with hunger last year. Job instability for furloughed and fired federal workers, inflation, and rising food costs are compounding the problem for many families in our area. None of our neighbors should face hunger, especially during the holidays.
Together, we can make a difference for our neighbors. For every dollar we raise, the Capital Area Food Bank can provide two healthy meals. That’s good food today for a bright future tomorrow.
The NWCA is hosting a casual Meet & Greet for neighbors on Sunday, November 16, from 10:00 am to noon, 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 a relaxed morning outside with friendly faces.
We’ll have free seasonal refreshments, and we also welcome contributions of snacks or drinks if you’d like to bring something. No formal introductions or agendas, just a chance to get to know who’s around. Wear something warm so you can linger and chat comfortably. We look forward to seeing you there!
All are welcome to the Luzerne/Glenridge Labor Day Block Party!
We will have a superstar lineup of live music from talented neighborhood musicians; a moon bounce; snow cones; and potluck food & drink. And it looks like Mother Nature is on our side: high 70s and sunny! 🤞🏻
When: Monday, September 1, 2025 3-7 pm (kids’ bike race at 3:30ish pm)
*Many thanks* to the neighbors who’ve signed up to help set up/clean up, monitor the moon bounce, and bring food/drink. If you plan to come, please bring a dish or snack or beverages to share.
Important: If your child is bouncing in the bounce house, please note that the moon bounce vendor prohibits shoes, belt buckles, dangling jewelry, and eyeglasses. We ask that you keep an eye on your child and make sure they’re being a good citizen when jumping.
Looking forward to a fun afternoon with great neighbors! See you there!
Sam Post performs his song about the upcoming county ban on gas-powered leaf blowers at the neighborhood porch open-mic concert on June 15, 2025.
Dear neighbors, here’s a reminder that Montgomery County’s ban on gas-powered leaf blowers goes into effect July 1. These loud and inefficient machines release dangerous toxic and carcinogenic emissions. As a favor to your ears, your lungs, and especially your musician neighbors, please inform your landscapers about the ban, or hire landscapers who have transitioned to electric. Starting in July, new rebates for landscapers to go electric will be available. Be a good neighbor; respect the ban! —Sam Post, The Beacon, Spring 2025
Sam subsequently debuted a song he composed about the upcoming gas-powered leaf blower ban at a recent neighborhood open-mic porch concert. It was an audience hit! For those who missed the event or who want to listen to song again, check out a video recording of it below, followed by full lyrics. Enjoy! (And respect the ban!)
In case you don’t know about County Bill 18-22 I wrote this handy song in order to make sure that you do Montgomery County followed DC and decided to ban The sale and the use of gas-powered leaf blowers across this land So now I’m asking you to get out there and help spread the word ‘Cause the number of leaf blowers in this neighborhood is absurd They’re louder than an airplane Which is why I started this campaign to complain Before I go completely insane
Please respect the county’s ban on gas-powered leaf blowers To me this is religious stuff although I’m not a churchgoer I know this might not be the thing that you lose sleep over But every time I hear one I want to use a flamethrower
Leaf blowers are awful for your health and my sanity So I speak for myself but also for all humanity I am really trying not to use any profanity But if you wrote music for your job you would understand me
Now I was hoping to explain this county law with this new beat But right now there’s a leaf blower going right across the street It’s making it really hard to concentrate; I’m trying to rhyme I’ve got two kids over here; so I don’t really have much chance or opportunity So I’m hoping that this community will show unity against this leaf blower lunacy
I plead with you to respect the county’s ban on leaf blowers To me this is religious although I’m not a churchgoer I know this might not be the thing that you lose sleep over But every time I hear one I want to use a flamethrower
Leaf blowers are awful for your health and my sanity So I speak for myself but also for all humanity I am really trying not to use any profanity But if you wrote music for your job you would understand me
Please mark your calendars This ban starts July 1st Please tell your landscaper This law is on paper This isn’t quackery so If you want to be informative Tell them use a battery-powered alternative
Our country may be turning into an autocracy But luckily Montgomery county is still a democracy So if you truly believe in progressive policy Please help me out Don’t hire a landscaper unless they plan to make switch To electric battery power it works without a hitch If you want to talk more later, I’ll be around the neighborhood To make my pitch
Hey neighbors! Dan on Rookwood is hosting a porch open mic on Father’s Day (June 15th) starting at 2pm and going until they run out of performers.
His band, River Road, will kick things off, and they’ve already got a few great acts lined up — but they would love to feature more!
Whether you sing, play an instrument, tell jokes, paint, dance, or have something else creative to share, this is your chance to shine. Just reach out if you’d like to perform!
And all are welcome to come hang out:
BYOB
Will have light snacks and kid-friendly drinks
Families, kids, dogs — everyone is welcome!
(Let’s make it a fun, festive afternoon. Hope to see you there! – Dan)
The NWCA Inclusion Committee invites neighbors of all ages (and levels of art skill!) to participate in a Neighborhood Chalk Art Fest in celebration of World Pride in DC.
We have lots of new sidewalks around the neighborhood, a perfect blank canvas for some rainbow chalk art!
And please send photos of your colorful sidewalk artwork, so a virtual gallery can be seen and enjoyed even if a passing rainstorm washes original away.
Come one, come all, to the first neighborhood porch party/concert of the year this Memorial Day weekend!
The Vico Cycle in concert
Concert will feature two bands in which North Woodside residents are members, The Vico Cycle and Zero to 60, and a few acoustic tunes by Phil LoPiccolo. Additional performers welcome*.
When: Sunday, May 25, from 2:00-6:00 pm Where: 2006 Hanover Street
What: Musical performances by two bands and at least one additional neighborhood musician. This is a family friendly event, with bubble machine, bagged snacks and juice boxes for the kiddos, as well as some refreshments for grown ups too. Kids can play in the yard and everyone can enjoy the music. The weather is supposed to be beautiful. Chairs will be put out in the front lawn for folks interested in stopping by, hanging out with neighbors, and enjoying the concert.
Contact: Josh HelfinSiegel (jasiegel AT wesleyan.edu)
* Note from Josh: We have two full bands but are still looking for additional performers, so if you want to show off your musical skills to your neighbors, get in touch with me and I can put you on the list to play, for as little as one song, or for longer, just let me know.
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!
Welcome to North Woodside 