This Month in Gaithersburg Homeowner News: April

Spring is in full swing, and hopefully, it dispelled the memories of last month’s nor’easter. Ideally, you have enjoyed the better weather and are rooting for your favorite baseball team. Go, Orioles! Or go Nationals! We’re not picky….

Summer is just around the corner, but there’s no rush. Here are the latest events and happenings that Gaithersburg homeowners should know about as our Maryland spring continues:

Gaithersburg News

Crime decreases

Gaithersburg saw an 8.9% decrease in crime over 2016, including 44 fewer burglaries (119, as opposed to 163 in 2015). Read more here.

Gaithersburg parks recognized for excellence

At the “Celebrate Excellence” awards ceremony, hosted by the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association, the City of Gaithersburg was presented with five awards, including “Maryland, My Maryland Festival of the Year” honors for Oktoberfest at the Kentlands. Read more here.

Gaithersburg ranked No. 3

Gaithersburg was recognized as the third most culturally diverse city in the country by the personal finance website WalletHub. Three other Montgomery County communities—Germantown, Silver Spring, and Rockville—also made the top 10. Read more here.

Homeowner Happenings

Lawn and order

If you haven’t started getting your lawn in shape for the coming warm months, it’s not too late. Here are some spring lawn tips to get you going. Read more here.

Dog tips for homeowners

Are you thinking of adding a dog to your home? Do you already own a dog and want to improve its living arrangements? Real estate firm Keller Williams offers some advice for homeowners who are also dog owners. Read more here.

Home improvement tips

Improving and repairing your home adds not only functionality but also value. Handyman.com has created a list of 10 home improvement tips that every homeowner should follow. Read more here.

Gaithersburg Events

Train Days

The Gaithersburg Community Museum is celebrating the city’s long and storied tradition with railroads by hosting Train Days. The event is scheduled for Saturdays, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., through June 3. Highlights of Train Days include model train displays, the chance to learn about whistle signals, and other train-related activities. Admission is free. Read more here.

GreenFest

The third annual Montgomery County GreenFest, the county’s largest one-day environmental festival, is scheduled for May 6, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg. Highlights of the festival will include local musicians, food trucks, an electric vehicle show, and more than 100 exhibitors and vendors. Read more here.

Spring art exhibit winding down

Arte di Primavera, a juried multimedia exhibit that celebrates spring and is presented by Gaithersburg’s Arts on the Green, will conclude on May 1. The exhibit can be viewed at the Arts Barn Gallery, 311 Kent Square Road. Hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on weekdays and 1:30–5 p.m. on Saturdays. Read more here.

Jazz at the barn

The Arts Barn will host a jazz concert by the Reginald Cyntje Group at 8 p.m. on June 3. Admission is $25, $15 for ages 18 and under. Read more here.

Home Improvement Tip of the Month

Solar power on a residential level continues to grow in popularity, and some homeowners may consider if installing solar panels on their roofs is a smart choice.

These homeowners naturally have plenty of questions, including:

• Will solar panels work atop their homes?
• Will a new roof be necessary?
• How are solar panels installed?
• Is waiting until solar panels are more efficient a smart strategy?
• What happens on cloudy days?
• Do solar panels require maintenance?

We wrote about solar panels last summer and have answers to your questions. Your best means to determine if solar will work for your home is to contact a qualified contractor for an inspection and estimate.

That’s everything for April. Relish the spring, and if baseball isn’t your sport…go, Wizards!