Our City Ranked 7th Best Place to Live for Families

Here’s the story, courtesy of The City of Gaithersburg’s website:

The City placed #7 in Fortune Well’s inaugural Fortune 25 Best Places to Live for Families ranking. The list highlights areas in the U.S. where multigenerational families are most likely to have access to critical resources, community support, and financial wellbeing. View the complete list here.

This ranking focused on families, particularly the subset of Americans who are shouldering the responsibilities of raising their own children while caring for aging parents. Gaithersburg was ranked high for its cultural diversity and community programming, its perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, its variety of senior activities, and its financial services.

“From our new Financial Empowerment Center to our robust senior programming at the Benjamin Gaither Center, it's very gratifying that Gaithersburg would rank in the top ten on this national list,” said Mayor Jud Ashman. “We are honored by this recognition and will continue to offer the best support and services to our residents.”

To find hometowns that provided the right mix to meet the needs of multigenerational families, Fortune analyzed more than 215,000 data points for nearly 2,000 cities and towns that had between 25,000 and 750,000 residents across the U.S. Data points were collected across five broad categories that included education, aging resources, general wellness, financial health, and livability. Learn more here.

The City offers numerous wellness, financial, recreational, and senior services & programs to its residents.

AMBERFIELD POOL PARTY

POOL OPENING GUIDELINES FOR 2022

Dear Amberfield HOA Homeowner,

Summer is just around the corner and it's time to register for your pool passes!

Registration: We are using the same procedures as they were during pre-pandemic summers, and you can register online through the HOA's website by visiting MyAmberfield.com. As of the date of this notice, there will be no COVID-related restrictions at the pool this summer, however, that is subject to change if State and County COVID mandates are imposed in the future.

Pool pass registration is open to all Amberfield homeowners that are not in arrears on their quarterly HOA assessment. In order to register, your HOA fee account must have a zero balance. Tenants may not register for a pass without the owner's permission. It's important for owners who wish to relinquish their pool privileges to sign the release form and forward it and the application to management. Only one pass is allotted per residence.

Security Camera System: Due to the repeated incidents of vandalism and late-night trespassing into the pool facility, the HOA had a video surveillance camera system installed at the pool a few years ago. The system will record any movement/activity at the front, sides, and rear of the pool house--including the pool deck and basketball court. There have been incidents of trespassing and vandalism at the pool after hours, which resulted in the HOA pressing criminal charges and taking other forms of enforcement action against the individuals who were caught on the video. The HOA fully intends to seek prosecution to the fullest extent of the law and assess fines against those individuals who trespass during off-hours, or vandalize the pool facility. We ask parents to please stress to their children not to engage in such activity.

On behalf of the Amberfield Board of Directors and the Recreation Committee, I hope you have a great summer at the pool!

 -- 

Shireen Ambush, MPA, PCAM, CPM
Executive Vice President

Snow Preparedness Contacts & Info (Copy)

AMBERFIELD RESIDENTS:

With the possibility of significant snowfall this winter, please take advantage of the following snow preparedness tips and resources available through the City of Gaithersburg.

FOR CITY SNOW REMOVAL INFO, CLICK HERE.

All snow-related correspondence, please email: snow@gaithersburgmd.gov. You can also call and leave them a message at 240-805-1345, if you have a comment or concern during or immediately following a storm. For true emergencies, such as downed wires or trees blocking your doorway, call 911.

Monitor the City’s website for updates at www.gaithersburgmd.gov. They also push out the most current information on Facebook and Twitter (@GburgMD) and on Nextdoor.

Register for Alert Gaithersburg to get emergency notifications delivered simultaneously to devices you identify. Sign up at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/alerts. Want to receive regular City of Gaithersburg news? Subscribe to inGaithersburg, the city’s weekly e-mail newsletter, at https://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/government/enewsletters.

Please note, cars parked illegally on snow emergency routes will be ticketed. Whenever possible, the city will announce that a snow emergency will be put in place in advance of its effective time, giving residents the opportunity to move their vehicles. Those parked on routes once the snow emergency takes effect will be subject to ticketing and towing. Warnings will not be issued.

Find out which jurisdiction is responsible for maintaining which road at this Maryland Department of Transportation website. Also, their prescribed order of snow plowing.

DO NOT shovel snow back into roadways or parking lots. It may sometimes be difficult to find places to put all that snow, but putting it back into the roadway slows down the city’s snow removal efforts and often creates safety hazards. It’s one of the biggest challenges we face during heavy snows.

Please comply with City laws about removing snow from sidewalks and bus stops. It is imperative that pedestrians, including school children, have a safe place to walk.

It’s best to hold recycling and bulk items on days when severe weather is anticipated. If a determination is made to suspend recycling and bulk pick-up, notification will appear on the City’s website and their Recycle Coach program, which is also available on their website or as a free app available from the App Store and Google Play. Learn more about the Recycle Coach here.

Please be safe and follow all the rules and regulations stated above.

AMBERFIELD ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Come celebrate the end of summer with a fun neighborhood get together. On Saturday, August 21st, the Amberfield HOA is inviting the entire community down to the pool parking lot (from 2pm to 4pm) for a FREE ICE CREAM TREAT! (Limit one item per resident.) There will be music, lots of laughs, and our annual chalk drawing contest. Look for the SCOOPS2U ice cream truck and come join the party!

TREAT YOURSELVES!

When: Sat, Aug. 21st (2–4pm)

Where: Pool Parking Lot

Rain date: Sun, Aug. 22nd (same time, same place)

KNOW THE SIGNS OF BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR

Amberfield has always been a pet-friendly community. We love our dogs! However, with the increase of pet ownership during this past Covid year, so too has the volume of pet waste that has been reported on common grounds—and on private property. So, as a reminder to all dog owners…

Be a good neighbor and please pick up after your pets.

It’s the law, and failure to do so could lead to significant fines. 

—————

Use the bags from the “doggie stations” and properly dispose

waste in the receptacle bins. Do not use neighborhood trash cans! 

—————

STOP TRESPOOPING!

Please be respectful and stay off the private property of our residents.

 —————

Pet waste can transmit diseases and is a nuisance to those who

enjoy walking and playing in the neighborhood.

————— 

When in public, always have your dog on a leash!

Let’s keep Amberfield a clean, happy, and safe pet-friendly community. The HOA and the entire neighborhood appreciates your cooperation!

 (NOTE: If you observe a dog walker not picking up after their pet, please report it to Abaris Realty immediately via email at sambush@abarisrealty.com. Please include any photos and security-device footage for identification purposes. Thank you.)

COUNTY PESTICIDE LAWS & HELPFUL RESOURCES

At Amberfield, the happiness and safety of our residents are paramount. And that includes our four-legged friends, as well. That’s why, in the season of weeding and feeding our lawns, it’s important to know the laws for pesticide usage, including:

What’s banned

Purpose of the Law

Signage Regulations

FAQs

NOTE: MOST SYNTHETIC PESTICIDES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TREAT PESTS IN LAWNS. Weeds and pests can be prevented by practicing organic lawn care, which doesn’t require the use of chemicals.

Want to learn about organic (minimum-risk) pesticides that are safe on lawns, playgrounds, mulched recreation areas, and childcare facilities? Click here.

Think someone is violating a pesticide law? Report a violation by calling 311 (in County) or 240-777-0311 or submit a report online.

Effective December 1, 2020, The City of Gaitherburg put into effect the above county laws for its businesses and residents. Learn more about the city’s stance on pesticides here and feel free to review all the additional information and resources provided on Montgomery County’s Website.

Keeping lawns green and healthy can go hand in hand with keeping the environment, the community, and all of its residents safe. You just have to know (and be respectful) of the law. Enjoy a lush and green summer!

Get ready to jump into the 2021 Pool Season!

Summer is right around the corner—and the application process for Amberfield residents to enjoy the pool is now open. The easiest way to register is online, via our website. Just click here.

In an effort to save money on printing and postage costs for the HOA, the full 2021 Pool Registration Packet can be downloaded here. It includes some very important information in regards to rules, eligibility, COVID-19 safety precautions, and more. PLEASE BE SURE TO READ IT THOROUGHLY!

DEADLINE FOR POOL REGISTRATION IS MONDAY, MAY 3rd!

All visitors are required to fill out, print, and bring the mandatary Pool Participant Waiver (COVID-19) on their first visit. It’s included in the packet but can it be downloaded here as an individual sheet.

Are you a tenant? Be sure to have your landlord fill out the Homeowner’s Pool Privileges Release Form, so you can enjoy our great community amenity! It’s in the Pool Registration Packet, as well, but you can download it here directly.

The pool opens Saturday, May 29th, but just like like last year, there will be time blocks. All patrons must leave the pool area when the swimming period ends. For full COVID-19 provisions rules, please see the 2021 Pool Registration Packet.

WEEKDAYS

11:00 am -1:00 pm    Open for Swimming period 1

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm     Open for Swimming period 2

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm     Closed for Cleaning

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm     Open for Swimming period 3

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm     Open for Swimming period 4

WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Open for Swimming period 1

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm   Open for Swimming period 2

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm     Open for Swimming period 3

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm     Closed for Cleaning

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm     Open for Swimming period 4

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm     Open for Swimming period 5

Let’s have a happy and safe pool season! Should you have any questions or need additional information after you’ve read the 2021 Pool Registration Packet, please contact Abaris Realty at (301) 468-8919 (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or email kambush@abarisrealty.com and you’ll receive a response as soon as possible. Enjoy your summer!

Snow Preparedness Contacts & Info

AMBERFIELD RESIDENTS:

With the possibility of significant snowfall this winter, please take advantage of the following snow preparedness tips and resources available through the City of Gaithersburg.

FOR CITY SNOW REMOVAL INFO, CLICK HERE.

All snow-related correspondence, please email: snow@gaithersburgmd.gov. You can also call and leave them a message at 240-805-1345, if you have a comment or concern during or immediately following a storm. For true emergencies, such as downed wires or trees blocking your doorway, call 911.

Monitor the City’s website for updates at www.gaithersburgmd.gov. They also push out the most current information on Facebook and Twitter (@GburgMD) and on Nextdoor.

Register for Alert Gaithersburg to get emergency notifications delivered simultaneously to devices you identify. Sign up at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/alerts. Want to receive regular City of Gaithersburg news? Subscribe to inGaithersburg, the city’s weekly e-mail newsletter, at https://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/government/enewsletters.

Please note, cars parked illegally on snow emergency routes will be ticketed. Whenever possible, the city will announce that a snow emergency will be put in place in advance of its effective time, giving residents the opportunity to move their vehicles. Those parked on routes once the snow emergency takes effect will be subject to ticketing and towing. Warnings will not be issued.

Find out which jurisdiction is responsible for maintaining which road at this Maryland Department of Transportation website. Also, their prescribed order of snow plowing.

DO NOT shovel snow back into roadways or parking lots. It may sometimes be difficult to find places to put all that snow, but putting it back into the roadway slows down the city’s snow removal efforts and often creates safety hazards. It’s one of the biggest challenges we face during heavy snows.

Please comply with City laws about removing snow from sidewalks and bus stops. It is imperative that pedestrians, including school children, have a safe place to walk.

It’s best to hold recycling and bulk items on days when severe weather is anticipated. If a determination is made to suspend recycling and bulk pick-up, notification will appear on the City’s website and their Recycle Coach program, which is also available on their website or as a free app available from the App Store and Google Play. Learn more about the Recycle Coach here.

Please be safe and follow all the rules and regulations stated above.

THE COUNTY ADVISES AGAINST DOOR-TO-DOOR TRICK-OR-TREATING

As much as we would love to see all the little ghosts and goblins, princesses and superheroes of the neighborhood out there trick-or-treating with family and friends, Amberfield’s HOA Board strongly recommends adhering to the COVID-19 safety guidelines established by county officials.

Some of their social-distant recommendations for Halloween include:

• Participating in online costume parties and pumpkin carvings

• Decorating homes, yards, neighborhoods with Halloween decor

• Participating in car parades such as:

  • Drive-by events or contests where participants dress in costume or decorate vehicles

  • Dive-in or drive-through events where people can remain safe in their vehicles and drive through an area looking at Halloween displays. For events like these, participants can “receive a treat bag (limited to commercially packaged nonperishable treats) or other takeaway item from an organizer while the participants remain in their vehicle.”

• Visiting Halloween movie nights at drive-in movie theaters that are in accordance with county health guidelines

• Eating a Halloween themed meal at an outdoor restaurant that complies with county health guidelines

• Checking out Halloween-themed art installations at outdoor museums that adhere to county health regulations

  For complete press release on keeping children and families safe during halloween, click here.

“Many of the traditional ways of celebrating do not allow people to minimize contact with non-household members so it is important to plan early and identify safer alternatives to avoid the risk of spreading COVID-19”

— MoCo Gov