Events

Upcoming Ban: Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

/ Anna White

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!)

For more information about the county’s gas-powered leaf blower ban, see www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DEP/property-care/leaf-blowers/

Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ban Song
by Sam Post

Lyrics:

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

Talbot Avenue Bridge Meet & Greet

/ Anna White

All are welcome to the Talbot Avenue Bridge Community Meet & Greet, the day after Juneteenth!

As we approach the longest day of the year, join us on the new Talbot Avenue Bridge to enjoy light refreshments, informal socializing with neighbors, watching passing trains, and more.

What: Talbot Avenue Bridge Meet & Greet
When: NEW DATE! Friday June 20, 7:00 pm – sunset
Note: Original date was Juneteenth; due to likely stormy weather that evening, we’ve decided to go with the rain date.
Where: Pedestrian sidewalk on new Talbot Avenue Bridge
Event will be very casual. No program and no speakers. We’ll provide some chairs, napkins, and cups. And we’ll have chalk, bubbles, and coloring pages for kids. 

Feel free to bring (optional): Savory snack, sweet treat or drink to share; musical instrument to play; or an extra chair.

For more information: Visit the Talbot Avenue Bridge website, or email talbotavenuebridgecommittee@gmail.com

Organized by: The Talbot Avenue Bridge Committee. Cosponsored by: Lyttonsville Civic Association, North Woodside Citizens’ Association, Rosemary Hills Neighbors’ Association

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

Father’s Day Porch Open Mic

/ Anna White

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)

Chalk Art Fest in Celebration of World Pride

/ Anna White

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!

Contact the NWCA Communications Coordinator if you would like to receive a box of chalk with 24 shades of rainbow colors.

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.

Let’s send out some love!

Online Chalk Art Gallery:

Neighborhood Porch Concert

/ Anna White

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.

NWCA Annual Meeting 2025

/ Anna White

Mark your calendars!

We’re pleased to announce that NWCA’s Annual Meeting will return to Woodlin Elementary School on Wednesday, May 21, after many years away due to the pandemic and rebuilding of the school.

Our Annual meeting will kick off at 7:00pm sharp, with featured guest, Jacob Newman, Director of the Silver Spring Regional Office for Montgomery County. Jacob serves as a key liaison between county government and its businesses, residents, and visitors to Silver Spring.

In addition, the meeting will feature the treasurer’s report, the introduction of Simpli Dues, the year in review, board elections, and discussion about next year’s priorities. For those in attendance, there will be a drawing for door prizes provided by local businesses.  Child care will be provided and light refreshments served.

For many of you, this may be your first visit to the new school, which is quite impressive.

You will access the school from 2101 Luzerne Avenue. Walking is encouraged, but for those who are driving, you can access the parking lot on the LEFT hand side of the building on Luzerne. The entrance is also on the LEFT side of building, facing Luzerne, adjacent to the parking lot. 

Look for signage to direct you to the Cafeteria/ All Purpose room at the end of the hall. 

To expedite check in, plan to arrive at 6:45pm and renew your annual membership ahead of time at  northwoodside.org/nwca-dues

Questions? Contact: programs@northwoodside.org

Neighborhood Egg Hunt 2025

/ Anna White

The Linden Civic Association and the North Woodside Citizens’ Association are teaming up to bring you an egg-citing Neighborhood Egg Hunt — and we need YOU to help make it unforgettable!

New This Year!
We’re adding face painting and games for even more family fun! But we can’t do it without some amazing volunteers like you.

Want to Lend a Hand?
Sign up here to grab a volunteer spot and be part of the excitement! Note: NWCA is now able to offer Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for middle and high school students. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to get involved, give back, and earn hours, so please encourage them to sign up to volunteer using this link.

Got Goodies to Share?
We’re happily accepting donations of candy, eggs, funds, or any festive items to make the day even sweeter. We are also looking for anyone with lawn games we can borrow like jump ropes or hula hoops.

Have questions or want to contribute? Reach out to:
Christina: csfekas@gmail.com
Luisa: lcardona88@gmail.com

Let’s make this egg hunt the most egg-straordinary one yet! 

Earth Day Community Clean Up

/ Anna White

WHAT: Community Clean Up in honor of Earth Day

WHEN: Saturday, April 26, between 10:00-11:00 am

WHERE: Meet at one of these locations at 10:00 am:

  • Parking lot across from Snider’s
  • Talbot Avenue Bridge

BRING: Bring gloves, recycle and trash bags

Questions? Contact: president@northwoodside.org, programs@northwoodside.org
rhnaboard@gmail.com, linden@lindencivic.com

Cohosted by North Woodside Citizens’ Association, Rosemary Hills Neighbors’ Association, Lyttonsville Civic Association, and Linden Civic Association