This Month in Gaithersburg Homeowner News: September

The arrival of autumn signals cooler weather, falling leaves (accompanied by the need to rake), and a wonderful time of the year in Gaithersburg and the entire DMV. Fall is the perfect season to take on household projects—we’ve escaped the summer heat but still have plenty of time before winter sets in (and, frankly, we’re in no rush for another rough winter …). Don a sweatshirt, take a look outside, and see what needs to be done. You might appreciate sorting out the garage or washing exterior windows now rather than having to do so in the spring.

Gaithersburg News

Old telescope finds a new home

The original telescope from the historic Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory, built in 1899 to help record our planet’s “wobble,” recently debuted in a new location, the Gaithersburg Community Museum. Read more about the history behind the telescope in John Kelly’s Washington Post column.

Biotech company expanding Gaithersburg operation

Altimmune, a clinical-stage immunotherapeutics biotechnology company, is adding 45 jobs to an expanded research and development facility in Gaithersburg. The company already employs 14 people here. The facility is expected to be completed in early 2018.

Election judges needed

The City of Gaithersburg is seeking election judges for the Nov. 7 municipal election. Judges are compensated for their work and must attend a training session beforehand. Visit the city’s website for more information.

Homeowner Happenings

Fall perennial planting

If your flower garden seemed a little drab last spring, now is the time to plant bulbs for next year. Here are some tips for planting perennials in the fall, which, as an added bonus, gets you outside in what we hope will be a gorgeous Gaithersburg fall.

Fantastic foliage

The DMV offers incredible opportunities to see fall colors. TripSavvy has compiled a comprehensive list of where to see the best foliage, including Gaithersburg’s own Seneca State Park.

Gaithersburg Events

The Canterville Ghost

Arts on the Green, in cooperation with the Montgomery Playhouse, is presenting The Canterville Ghost, Sept. 15-Oct. 1 at The Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road. The play is recommended for ages 7 and older. Admission is $20, $14 for children 14 and younger. Check out The Arts Barn’s website for more information on this play and others that Arts on the Green is presenting.

5K and fun run

FitRec, a company that makes a fitness application for smartphones, is hosting a 5K and fun run at Seneca State Park, Oct. 14, at 7:30 a.m. The race is $35 in advance, $20 for ages 9-14, and free for kids younger than 8. Onsite registration is available for $45. Festivities after the race will include music, volleyball, and a large playscape and moonjumps for kids. Visit the registration page for more information.

Oktoberfest

The City of Gaithersburg is hosting its 23rd annual Oktoberfest, from noon-5 p.m., Oct. 12, at the Kentlands, 821 Center Point Way. The festival will feature food vendors, entertainment, a traditional beer garden, and wine tasting. Admission is free.

Home Improvement Tip of the Month

Windows are one of the most important features of any home—and one of the most expensive. Window replacement requires a bit of planning and takes on added urgency if your goal is to have the job completed before winter. Six important considerations, detailed in our recent blog post, come into play as you work toward new windows:

Materials

Homeowners have plenty of options for the composition of new windows, including fiberglass, wood, aluminum, vinyl, and composite.

Energy efficiency

New windows can also save on your energy bills.

Cost savings

Replacing all your windows rather than just a couple will save money in the long run.

Panes and coatings

These window characteristics affect price, energy efficiency, and aesthetics.

Home value

New windows provide a decent return on investment.

DIY versus professional installation

Installing new windows on your own might be more inexpensive, but you need to do the job just right.

Think about these six factors as you investigate installing new windows, and contact us if you have more questions or for a free estimate.

One final bit of advice for Gaithersburg homeowners before we wrap up this post: Halloween is next month and will be here before you know it, and if you are the type of homeowner who likes to go all out decorating, start thinking about your plans now. We’re sure your efforts will be truly boo-tiful!