| KHCA is a non-partisan neighborhood organization dedicated to representing the interests of all homeowners and residents of the Kensington Heights neighborhood in maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in our community
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>> Stay Safe -- Stay A Little More Closely Connected -- And Stay Civil
A message from KHCA President, Karen Cordry
As we move into June, the effects of the COVID-19 virus certainly are still with us, and no one can declare victory yet, but we see some progress. Indeed, the worst-hit areas like New York have had a dramatic decline in cases. In Maryland, the number of reported cases has roughly stabilized for the last several weeks, while there has been a steady decline in reported deaths over the previous month. Because the number of known cases is related to a degree to the (increased) amount of testing taking place, the number of deaths is probably a better measure to see if we have turned the corner.
If you want to check on numbers closer to home, Montgomery County has set up a “dashboard” with several measures of the effects of the virus. As of June 5, there have been 12,434 confirmed cases and 606 deaths. The dashboard shows measures such as the 3-day average of confirmed cases, mortality, hospitalizations, and like – and the number of consecutive days during which each measure had declined. Some of the most critical measures on which Montgomery County is doing reasonably well – are the utilization rates for critical facilities – acute beds, intensive care beds, and ventilators. On those measures, the county has met the criteria for more than 14 days for ICU beds and ventilators and is running a bit above (71% vs. 70% as the desired level) for acute bed usage. There seems to be a general improvement, but the county has yet to see the 14-day decline for all of the benchmarks required for overall reopening.
County Executive Marc Elrich announced on May 28 that the county would begin lifting some of the existing restrictions as part of “Phase 1” of the reopening on June 1. Among the provisions are that all retail businesses (not just those deemed as essential in the prior order can open with customers making curbside pickups. Restaurants and bars can open with limited outdoor seating (and social distancing between tables). There are several other changes, but this is still Phase 1. Unfortunately, Montgomery County and some of the other densely populated counties around Washington, D.C., and Baltimore have been hard hit, and we are only starting to see signs of sustained improvement. So, please everyone, observe the limits, and follow the social distancing guidelines.
For those on Nextdoor, there has been a lively, sometimes outspoken debate, about how people should be operating now. What seems clear is that “we’re all in this together.” No one has a vested interest in either people getting sick or in keeping the county shut down and not operating normally with people back to work and pursuing their normal activities. This disease, though, has a mind of its own and one we don’t know much about yet, and our information keeps changing day-to-day.
For instance, transmission from objects seems less critical and airborne more so, which is why it’s so important to keep from breathing each other’s air. That’s particularly important inside, where air recirculates, but even outside, it’s essential to avoid “getting in each other’s face.”
In general, the rules are relatively simple – always wear a mask inside any public space. If you’re outside and you must be near others, again, wear a mask, but that’s probably less necessary if you’re just out on a walk by yourself (or, like me, with my faithful dog, Buddy). But, even then, when you meet someone else, give them a respectful space. Hopefully, the heat of summer and our continued vigilance will put a further dent in the virus, and we will be able to reopen more broadly soon.
As a reminder for yourself, your neighbors, those who are waiting on you, and those who must care for those who are and will continue to become sick, please observe the rules. And, even if we can’t see your smile under a mask, we can hear it when you call out a cheery “good morning” to all you meet!
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>> Stay Connected -- With A New Park Being Planned
Although just outside the boundaries of Kensington Heights, those of us living at the east end of KH are painfully aware of the contrast between the well-developed complex of a park, playing fields, and playground located at Evans Parkway Neighborhood Park on the east side of Georgia Avenue just south of Plyers Mill and the expanse of empty space know as Caroll Knolls Local Park located across Georgia on the KHCA side. That space has sat vacant for some time, but the county has finally come up with its proposed usage for the site (10500 Georgia Avenue).
Caroll Knolls Local Park was formerly occupied by the Montgomery College of Arts and Design before the county acquired the site in 2012 and demolished the building. On May 7, Park and Planning put out their report on the site and proposed usage. After several rounds of community discussion, the concept is to locate a playground and a “pump track” at the northern end, and open play space along the southern end with a large number of trees along the periphery to create a buffer with Georgia Avenue.
For those of us not in the know, the Bermstyle website defines a pump track as “a continuous circuit of banked turns interspaced by rollers and other features that can be ridden on a bike without pedaling. Riders create momentum via up and down body moments called pumping. Because the features are all variations of rollable mounds, courses are beginner-friendly, with riders of all ages and skill levels able to safely navigate the course.” They can be used by mountain bikes, skateboarders, scooters, and more!
Here’s an example.
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| >> Support KHCA -- Pay Your Annual Dues
To carry out our many activities, KHCA needs your support -- both through your volunteer efforts and also, your financial donations. All residents of Kensington Heights are members of KHCA, and all members are welcome to attend and speak at KHCA meetings. However, to be a voting member, and to help support our activities on your behalf, KH residents are asked to pay annual dues of $10 per adult resident (18+ years) to a maximum of $30 per address. These monies are much appreciated and help to ensure that KHCA remains financially viable. Payment can be made online using the membership link on our website. Thank you!
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COMMUNITY NEWS & CALENDAR
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| >> Other Montgomery County News
>> Montgomery County Civic Federation Meeting
Monday, June 8, 2020 – Officer Elections & Awards Ceremony, via Zoom 7:00-9:00 PM
Please click here to access the current newsletter and get information about logging in to the Zoom meeting.
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History Chair: open
Safety Chair: open
**Elections were held in November 2019.
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