Fireplace Safety

Many homes in the Amberfield community have fireplaces. And as the temperature drops, wood is gathered and fires are stoked. But before you and family gather around that warming glow, it's important to review these helpful tips provided by healthychildren.org to make sure your home and loved ones are safe during the fall and winter seasons.

• If possible, keep a window cracked open while the fire is burning.
• Be certain the damper or flue is open before starting a fire. Keeping the damper or flue open until the fire is out will draw smoke out of the house. The damper can be checked by looking up into the chimney with a flashlight or mirror. Do not close the damper until the embers have completely stopped burning.
• Use dry and well-aged wood. Wet or green wood causes more smoke and contributes to soot buildup in the chimney. Dried wood burns with less smoke and burns more evenly,
• Smaller pieces of wood placed on a grate burn faster and produce less smoke.
• Clean out ashes from previous fires. Levels of ash at the base of the fireplace should be kept to 1 inch or less because a thicker layer restricts the air supply to logs, resulting in more smoke.
• The chimney should be checked annually by a professional. Even if the chimney is not due for cleaning, it is important to check for animal nests or other blockages that could prevent smoke from escaping.
• Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of anything that is potentially flammable (ie: furniture, drapes, newspapers, books, etc.). If these items get too close to the fireplace, they could catch fire.
• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Make sure it is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house. If you leave the room while the fire is burning or the fireplace is still hot, take your small child with you.
• Minimize your child’s chance of burns from the hot glass front of some fireplaces. Safety screens can be installed to reduce the risk of burns.
• Put fireplace tools and accessories out of a young child’s reach. Also, remove any lighters and matches.
• Install both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
• Communicate to children as early as possible the dangers of fires and the heat generated from them. 

Chalk Art & Ice Cream Social

OH, THIS IS GONNA BE SWEET!

WHEN: Labor Day! Monday, September 4, 2017—4pm to 5:30pm.

WHERE: In front of pool parking lot and on basketball court blacktop.

WHY: To get the neighborhood together, show off your art skills, and say goodbye to summer in the most delicious way possible.

Come one come all! (Plenty of chalk and ice cream for everyone. But don't eat the chalk;)

HOA 2017 Annual Meeting

NOW BOARDING!

Interested in making a difference in the Amberfield community? Come serve on the Board of Directors! A Candidate Qualification Statement along with additional details are attached below. Nominations must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the election on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at 7:30 PM. This meeting will be held in the Lakelands Clubhouse located at 100 High Gables Drive, Gaithersburg, MD. We look forward to seeing you there!

CLICK HERE FOR LETTER AND QUALIFICATIONS FORM

Amberfield Pool BBQ

Sunday, June 25th, 2-6pm, in the pool parking lot

We’re starting the fun a little early this year. And why not? The weather’s great, the pool will be open, and neighborhood is ready to see what’s cookin’. In addition to free hot dogs, hamburgers, and refreshments, the pool barbecue is a great way for the community to get together before summer is in full swing. So mark your calendars and head on over. You might just make a few new friends.

Culture Club

Our city ranks #3 in cultural diversity

In the entire U.S., four Montgomery County cities made the top ten as "Most Culturally Diverse" in 2017. Gaithersburg came in at #3 overall. The list was created by researchers at Wallethub, who looked into 501 of the largest U.S. cities using these three key indicators: ethnoracial diversity, linguistic diversity, and birthplace diversity. Each indicator was graded on a 100-point scale, with 100 representing the highest possible rating for cultural diversity. 

Gaithersburg scored 93.4 on the cultural diversity score, coming sixth in the ethnoracial rank, fifth in the linguistic diversity rank, and 79th in the birthplace diversity rank.

To see how other cities ranked, including the least culturally diverse, click here for the full report.

A Bright Idea

New solar-powered entrance

You may have noticed new accent lighting at the entrance to our neighborhood. But did you know that those lights, including the ones that illuminate our Amberfield sign, are all solar powered? In an effort to increase sustainability and reduce costs, the community initiated the installation back in September. Saving energy. Saving money. And making a great first impression. Brilliant!

Gaithersburg Makes The Ranks

“Top 100 Best Cities for New Grads”

Gaithersburg came in 89th out of the “Top 100 Best Cities for New Grads” in 2017. GoodCall.com analyzed data from 589 cities and towns across the country, looking at multiple factors, including: affordability, relative salary, availability of entry-level jobs, and the number of local amenities per capita. Proving that Gaithersburg is city is that’s both well established and up and coming. 

 “This ranking reinforces what we already know in Gaithersburg. It’s a great place to live,” said Mayor Jud Ashman. “With a vibrant and growing dining and entertainment scene, an active biotechnology and information technology community, and housing options that range from urban lifestyle apartments and condos to new urban neighborhoods perfect raising a family, all right next door to the nation’s capital, Gaithersburg is an ideal place to start the next phase of a young college graduate’s life.” 

Read the full report at https://www.goodcall.com/data-center/2017-best-cities-new-grads/.