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Thursday, March 13
Writing Contest - Do You Have What It Takes?
by
Estridge Group
on Thu 13 Mar 2008 08:42 AM EDT
Love to Write? Want to do it for Cash & Prizes?
The 8th Annual Bethesda Literary Festival’s Adult and Youth Writing Contests
Adult & Young Adult Contest:
Young adults ages 14-17 and adults ages 18 and up can participate in the Bethesda Literary Festival’s Writing Contest. Entries must include a 500-word short story or essay that includes some aspect of Bethesda, whether a memorable person, place or moment. The writers of the top four essays in each category will receive cash prizes, including a $500 award for first place, and be featured in a special event during the Bethesda Literary Festival.More information.
Youth Contest
Young writers ages 5-13 can express their creativity in the youth writing contest featuring the topic “If I Could Go Anywhere In the World, Where Would I Go & Why?” Winners of the youth contest will receive prizes, and the top three essays from the age groups 5-9 and 9-13 and their authors will be honored at a special children’s event during the festival. More Information.
Deadline for both contests is Friday, March 21, 2008 by 5pm.
All entries must include a completed submission form which is available atwww.bethesda.org. For more info call 301/215-6660.
Thursday, February 28
Save the Date - Dance Bethesda
by
Estridge Group
on Thu 28 Feb 2008 03:55 PM EST
Dance Bethesda - March 7 & 8
Dance Concert – Saturday, March 8 at 8pm
Featured performers: Aysha Upchurch / Life, Rhythm, Move Project (hip-hop), Dana Tai Soon Burgess & Company (modern), Daniel Burkholder / The PlayGround (modern), Maryland Youth Ballet (ballet), Step Afrika (stepping) and Ziva’s Spanish Dance Ensemble (flamenco).
The concert takes place at Round House Theatre, located at 4545 East West Highway. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 & under.Purchase tickets in advance online. The concert begins at 8pm on Saturday, March 8. Doors open at 7pm for ticket sales and will call. For more info,click here.
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Hip-Hop Master Classes – Saturday, March 8
Adult Master Class Almost Full; Youth Class Still Has Space
Jamile “Jamz” McGee, made famous by the FOX reality show So You Think You Can Dance?, will teach master classes at Joy of Motion on Saturday, March 8. Hip-hop for youth will be held from 12:30-2pm and hip-hop for adults from 2:30-4pm.
Dance Bethesda Master Classes are $25. Dancers canpre-register online now or by returning a completed form and payment to the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District. Registration forms are available atwww.bethesda.org or by calling 301/215-6660. For more info,click here.
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Free Lessons & Parties - Friday, March 7
Dance the Night Away at Bethesda Studios!
On Friday, March 7 from 8 – 10:30pm, attendees can enjoy salsa, cha cha, hip-hop lessons and many other dance techniques at Dansez! Dansez!, DuShore, Imagination Stage’s Dance Studio and Joy of Motion Dance Studio. No tickets or reservations necessary. Enjoy the Bethesda dance scene.
For more info,click here.
Thursday, February 7
National Clean Out Your Computer Day is February 12!
by
Estridge Group
on Thu 07 Feb 2008 09:11 AM EST
Get a Grip on Your Gigabytes! National Clean Out Your Computer Day is Feb 12Category and/or Group (Business and Professional) February 6th, 2008
 It may not look as cluttered as your closet…it may not seem as out of control as those file cabinets in your basement. But most of us have computers that are stuffed with useless files, old emails and who knows what else. Tuesday, February 12 is National Clean Out Your Computer Day—so take control! Here are some easy ways to get a handle on that hard drive.
- Have your computer files mirror the ones you use to file paper. That will make it easier to find things on – and off—line.
- While most things on your computer will be archived, also, create a “Working” file to put all that random stuff you’re currently dealing with.
- Organize and update your bookmarks. Choose the “Organize” feature to create files with names that group your bookmarks in a logical fashion.
- Clean up your hard drive by deleting working drafts of old documents, outdated information, empty or duplicate files. If you need to save anything for legal reasons, either print out hard copies or save them to a backup drive first.
- Organize your email by first deleting all spam and outdated messages. For those you need to keep, set up files by client, project or product name, or by subject. And while we’re talking email, make sure you have the most current anti-spam and anti-virus software installed on your computer.
- When you get new emails, immediately do one of four things:
- Reply immediately
- Delete
- Forward immediately if appropriate or
- File in the right folder
Friday, January 4
Building laws need overhaul
by
Estridge Group
on Fri 04 Jan 2008 09:04 PM EST
Group: Building laws need overhaul
Legislation expected from Berliner in spring will be based on task force recommendations
by Audrey Dutton | Staff Writer
An ambitious project that quietly ended in mid-December may redefine how houses are built in Montgomery County.
The 19-person task force chosen by County Councilman Roger Berliner (D-Dist. 1) of Potomac began meeting in downtown Bethesda last spring.
Their task was to address the so-called ‘‘mansionization” trend — tearing down small old houses to build bigger new ones — that has turned affluent Beltway suburbs into crucibles for disputes.
If the group’s recommendations carry forward into County Council legislation this spring, as expected, new rules would limit building size and give neighborhoods a stronger legal role in guiding residential development.
The task force was made up of six downcounty residents; five building industry professionals; and eight county government representatives to give planning and legal perspectives.
Six conflict resolution specialists were brought in to cool tempers and lead the group to consensus.
The task force ended its final meeting Dec. 10 with a set of recommendations that may become the future of homebuilding in Montgomery County.
Berliner will translate the task force recommendations into a legislation package to be introduced to the council this spring.
‘‘Everything that we reached consensus on will be included in the legislation,” Berliner said.
Berliner’s package would apply countywide, although changes would mostly impact areas that Berliner represents.
The package will include legislation that:
*sets most of the county’s lot-coverage limits based on the lot’s total size, in increments of 1,000 square feet, instead of on zoning designations;
*decreases the height limit to 35 to 50 feet for single-family detached homes on lots larger than 20,000 square feet, like those found in Bethesda’s Bannockburn neighborhood;
*excludes smaller porches from being factored into how large a house can be;
*allows neighborhoods to set voluntary building guidelines, created with help from county building experts;
*requires builders to obtain neighborhood guidelines before construction begins;
*requires the Department of Permitting Services to print its definition of the ‘‘sloping lot” measurement that lets some homeowners build taller homes because of the tricky topography.
The county has legal standards for residential building height, setback, lot area and width, and lot coverage. Rules are enforced by regulatory agencies like the Board of Appeals and Department of Permitting Services. But critics say the rules are confusing and antiquated — ordinances date back to the 1920s.
According to a report issued in mid-February by the county’s Office of Legislative Oversight, zoning ordinances are muddled by ‘‘varying uses and interpretations over time by government authorities.”
‘‘The challenge is that, by waiting as long as we did, by the fact that so little had been done over the years, it becomes more important to act now,” Berliner said. ‘‘It’s unfortunate that we’re acting at a time when the [housing] industry is not in its strongest position by any stretch of the imagination.”
Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac and Kensington had 77 percent of the county’s home teardowns and rebuilds in the last five years, according to the oversight report. Homeowners in those areas also made about 4,750 additions and renovations during that time — or 950 per year on average. With those projects have come disputes about development.
‘‘Builders don’t want to incur the wrath of the community, and community members don’t want to be fighting their neighbors,” Berliner said.
The task force failed to agree on everything. For those mainly esoteric, technical homebuilding rules, Berliner said he will make the call in his legislation.
‘‘Neighborhood compatibility is what I was looking for,” said Len Simon, an urban affairs advisor and task force member representing the Edgemoor neighborhood in downtown Bethesda. ‘‘You are not always going to find precise common ground [between industry and community interests]. But I do think we found consensus on a number of areas.”
Monday, February 20
Chevy Chase Real Estate Melinda Estridge Maryland Realtor
by
Estridge Group
on Mon 20 Feb 2006 04:01 PM EST
Lively and attractive, Chevy Chase, Maryland is an extremely desirable spot to buy a home and an ideal place to raise a family. A strong sense of community pride is reflected in the striking architectural detail of its distinctive homes. The streets are beautifully well-maintained and lined by hundred year old oaks, maples, and evergreens. Served by the Metro System, the neighborhood is easily accessible to D.C. and is home to some of the best restaurants, shopping, arts and cultural opportunities in the region. In addition, you will find an excellent public school system and a number of exceptional private schools.
Make Melinda Estridge and The Estridge Group your premier site for all Chevy Chase Real Estate. Browse through the communities of Maplewood/Alta Vista, Chevy Chase Commons, The Village, Dunlop Hills, Farmington, Hamlet Place, Martins Addition, North Chevy, Rock Creek Knolls, Clean Drinking Farms, Chevy Chase Village, Rollingwood, and Pinehurst Village.
Melinda Estridge
Long and Foster Realtors Bethesda4650 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD. 20814
Phone: 301-215-6837
Fax: 301-951-7668
Email: melinda@theestridgegroup.com
Tuesday, February 7
Dunlop Hills, Bethesda, Chevy Chase Real Estate MD
by
Estridge Group
on Tue 07 Feb 2006 12:33 PM EST
Dunlop Hills features many homes in a great community. This community is also close to such amenities as shopping and parks as well as private country clubs. Dunlop Hills also has great access to the Beltway, making commuting to D.C. a breeze.
While the older more established neighborhoods have traditional colonial style homes, this neighborhood differs with its contemporary look.
 Many Dunlop Hills homes are in the Rambler style. These homes have a more contemporary feel, large rooms and other amenities.
Many of these homes have wet bars and various other additions, the most common of which are cathedral style ceilings, which make the rooms seem very open and compliment the open floor plan, providing a relaxing flow throughout the home. Some of the contemporary homes have a wall of glass, allowing an ample amount of natural light, slate tile and spiral staircase, while others feature balconies and scenic views. The common theme of homes in this neighborhood is uniqueness. All of these homes differ in every trait except one - quality. Each home contains an exceptional amount of personality and flare.
Depending on the home, the price varies. In general these homes sell around the $1 million dollar range but can vary greatly. Dunlop Hills offers variety with unique floor plans to give you a personalized feel to your home.
Melinda Estridge
Long and Foster Realtors Bethesda
4650 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD. 20814
Phone: 301-215-6837
Fax: 301-951-7668
Email: melinda@theestridgegroup.com
Bethesda - Chevy Chase Schools Melinda Estridge Realtors Real Estate MD
by
Estridge Group
on Tue 07 Feb 2006 12:25 PM EST
| Bethesda - Chevy Chase Schools |
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One of the most important factors when choosing an area to relocate are the local schools. As your area experts, we are knowledgeable about the school systems of Bethesda and Chevy Chase in the Montgomery County area as well as the surrounding areas of Washington D.C. including Silver Spring, Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Potomac. The school systems serving these districts have a commitment to excellence and strive for student achievement. | |
Thursday, January 12
Rockville Maryland Real Estate Bethesda, Chevy Chase Realtors
by
Estridge Group
on Thu 12 Jan 2006 12:15 PM EST
Rockville, Maryland Real Estate
The county seat of Montgomery County, Maryland, Rockville is situated on approximately 13 square miles amid the rolling hills of west-central Maryland. It is 12 miles northwest of Washington, D.C., and 35 miles southwest of Baltimore. Rockville was established as a city in 1860, but its history is traced back to pre-Revolutionary War days. Early settlers were hunters and farmers, with tobacco the main crop. A road led from Frederick to Georgetown to transport large tobacco kegs. A branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad came to the city in 1873 to further develop Rockville, which transformed from rural farmland into a town center over the years.
Rockville became a suburban resort for Washington, D.C. professionals who sought respite from their business in the nation's capital. Hotels, boarding houses, and fine Victorian homes were built. The city actually remained much like a small quiet town until the 1950's, when after World War II the population rose to more than 40,000 by 1970. Today, Rockville is the second largest city in Maryland and is a four-time "All-America City" winner. Rockville has a population of approximately 50,000, and is a major employment center and one of Washington, D.C.'s major suburbs.
To preserve its past, the city of Rockville designated a Historic District Commission to protect areas and structures of historic significance. Three historic districts were established in 1974, with others added since that time. Rockville also offers a wide variety of housing styles and prices with a range of neighborhoods from condos, townhomes and Victorian homes to contemporary models and more traditional plans.
The City of Rockville has abundant family entertainment and recreation opportunities with a swim center, golf course, 58 public parks, a skate park and much more. Winters are fairly short and mild, and summer temperatures rise into the 90°F's.
Gaithersburg Maryland Real Estate Realtors® The Estridge Group
by
Estridge Group
on Thu 12 Jan 2006 09:48 AM EST
Gaithersburg, Maryland Real Estate
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Gaithersburg, sister to Germantown, is located in the heart of Montgomery County, some 12 miles from the northwestern border of Washington, D.C. The small settlement began at the crossroads of two ancient Indian trails. With the arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1873, business and agricultural expansion made the Gaither settlement the commercial center for upper Montgomery County. It was incorporated as the town of Gaithersburg in 1878. Another major growth spurt came in the 1960's with the expansion of the Atomic Energy Commission headquarters and the National Institute for Standards and Technology.
Gaithersburg is now the second largest incorporated city in Maryland, and one of the fastest growing communities on the East Coast. Gaithersburg has been singled out as one of the "Fifty Fabulous Places to Raise Your Family" in a volume published by Career Press. The city was also rated first in the country for running a home-based business, according to Home Office Computing magazine. Gaithersburg has been characterized as "the most historic and unique community in Maryland".
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Gaithersburg has been successful in preserving its rural past, while sustaining unmatched growth in industry and population. Gaithersburg enjoys many of the amenities of D.C., just a short trip away, but retains the laid-back lifestyle of a small town.
Gaithersburg real estate offers a variety of housing styles, prices, sizes and neighborhoods - everything from condominiums to old Victorian homes. Prices for single-family homes start at about $200,000 and can well exceed $500,000. Townhome prices range from $180,000 to $300,000+. |
Wednesday, January 11
Bethesda Maryland Real Estate -- Melinda Estridge Realtors® Chevy Chase, MD
by
Estridge Group
on Wed 11 Jan 2006 06:37 PM EST
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Bethesda, Maryland is an unincorporated area of the Montgomery County real estate market near Washington, D.C., retaining its old-fashioned charm but with a modern flare. The town is named for a local church, Bethesda Presbyterian Church, built in 1820, but originates from a passage in the New Testament.
Some prestigious institutions located in Bethesda are the National Institutes of Health, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, and Bethesda Naval Hospital where many political figures and others have been hospitalized over the years. Also, Bethesda is headquarters to Lockheed Martin Corporation and Marriott International Hotels and Resorts.
Bethesda is famous for its vast and eclectic 200+ restaurant offerings, farmers markets, and fine arts, and as well as for its shopping and nightlife. The Bethesda real estate market area is mostly outside the downtown area, but there still are many Bethesda homes for sale and choices located within walking distance of downtown. Bethesda is a wealthy and well-educated area, named "the best-educated city with a population of 50,000 or more." The outstanding Bethesda public schools get great recognition as well as the many public parks, recreation facilities and cultural events. |
Melinda Estridge Realtor® - Chevy Chase Bethesda Real Estate
by
Estridge Group
on Wed 11 Jan 2006 01:26 PM EST
What Makes Melinda Estridge Different from the Average Realtor®?
AMAZING QUALIFICATIONS
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Top 1/2% in America among Real Estate Agents
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Ranked in the Top 10 Agents of Long & Foster Realtors® out of more than 3000 Real Estate Agents
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Over 22 Years experience in Real Estate
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Expertise in Marketing Property Utilizing Marketing Strategies of the highest caliber
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Positive and enthusiastic approach to the business
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Interior Design Training - providing expert advise on home staging
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS & AWARDS
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Over $200 million in sales
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Member of the Washington Power Players - network group of the top Agents in the Washington D.C. Metro Area
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Certified Buyers Representative
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Howard Brinton Star Designation
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Nationwide Network of Top Realtors® member
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Elected 1995 President for Long & Foster Top Producing Agents
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Hall Of Fame member of Long & Foster Founders Club - At least $10 million of production for 5 consecutive years
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Member of the National Speakers Bureau for Real Estate Professionals
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Superstar Panel for Long & Foster Top Agents
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Lifetime member of Long & Foster Golf Team (Company's Top Agents)
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Interviewed by The Duncan Group as the Star of the Month Agent for Washington D.C., for national distribution of audio cassette to mortgage Brokers and Real Estate Agents
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A native of the Washington, D.C. and the Maryland suburbs, Melinda Estridge has been helping people buy and sell properties for more than 22 years. Her enthusiasm, dedication and personal integrity make her the REALTOR® of choice in the Washington Metropolitan area.
Considered a leader among her peers and her associates, Melinda is ranked in the top 1/2% of Realtors® nationwide. She capitalizes on her professional experience, knowledge, and love of the area to bring her clients the best results. As a well-trained and experienced negotiator, Melinda assures her clients the best value possible, whether buying or selling.
Melinda has been selling real estate most of her adult life. She graduated with a degree in Chinese History from the College of Wooster in Ohio. Needless to say, most of her real estate training has been gained from her many years of on-the-job experience.
Melinda has a great deal of experience with interior decorating and landscaping which has helped her buy homes, fix them up and sell them again. This has been a benefit to buyers who may need imagination to visualize the potential of a home. This is also extremely valuable to sellers because it enables them to understand what fix-ups their home may need to maximize the selling price before listing their home for sale.
Melinda enjoys traveling and is learning to play golf, much to her husband's delight. She loves art and the cultural aspects of the Washington, D.C. area. She is a terrific resource of information for the best restaurants, undiscovered city sites and terrific weekend get-aways within a few hours of D.C.
She is married to Bob O'Toole. He was in the mortgage business for 19 years and is now the Senior Buyer Specialist on her team. Because of Bob's background in finance, he is able to provide very pertinent and useful information to Melinda's clients. He can shop loans for the lowest rates in town. Melinda and Bob work closely together to be sure their clients receive the best service possible. | |
Sections 3 and 5 Chevy Chase Real Estate. Homes For Sale
by
Estridge Group
on Wed 11 Jan 2006 01:22 PM EST
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The well established neighborhoods of sections 3 and 5 in Chevy Chase are comprised of large traditional colonial style homes, and are located in prime locations with shopping, restaurants and easy access to the beltway for commuting to the DC metro area.
These colonial homes are spacious with well manicured lawns. Although all homes are in the colonial style with traditional floor plans, there are variances among them. All homes have an ample amount of bedrooms and bathrooms, and large rooms with many windows, giving the appearance of an open floor plan. Situated in a friendly neighborhood, these homes sit on approximately .14 acres, providing privacy but still maintaining a sense of community. |
These neighborhoods have seven elementary schools serving the area as well as Bethesda-Chevy Chase High school, and Westland Middle school.
Homes in Chevy Chase Section 3 & 5 go for 1.3 million and up. Well established communities with a great location and friendly neighbors, these neighborhoods could have the homes you are looking for. |
