The title of this post was a typo, but I left it to show you how clever I am to combine the words fishing and kensington.
KoK is on a brief sumnmer vacation, with limited internet access, but will resume soon!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Close Enough: Chevy Chase View
Occasionally I'll publish articles about non-Kensington stuff, and call it "Close Enough." Get it? I'm witty like that.
I sometimes joke about the smallness of Kensington. But it seems to have a nice history, about 1000 or so residents in the town itself, and thousands of other residents just outside the historic town boundary. There are schools and parks, and a nice town center.
But what the heck is up with a town of Chevy Chase View? It's like 10 square blocks of about 100 homes, and zero businesses?! It seems to operate more like a homeowners association than a town. Who decided such a tiny neighborhood should be it's own town- as of 1993?? Were they swept up in some sort of "Bill Clinton is president!" frenzy? There are bigger apartment complexes nearby! Check out the silly town map here. It has every house on it! Their website also states that they want to benefit CCV's various neighborhoods and ensure prosperity. "Various neighborhoods?" So one end of the block is in a different neighborhood than the other end? Color me confused. (Just don't color me sepia.)
One really odd thing they have on the CCV website is their "covenant." It's pretty funny, so I'll print it below. I hope who ever posted it was being tongue-in-check when they wrote, "Residents should check their deeds to determine whether these covenants, or others, apply."
The last one just begs for a Sarah Palin joke- but I'll refrain.
I sometimes joke about the smallness of Kensington. But it seems to have a nice history, about 1000 or so residents in the town itself, and thousands of other residents just outside the historic town boundary. There are schools and parks, and a nice town center.
But what the heck is up with a town of Chevy Chase View? It's like 10 square blocks of about 100 homes, and zero businesses?! It seems to operate more like a homeowners association than a town. Who decided such a tiny neighborhood should be it's own town- as of 1993?? Were they swept up in some sort of "Bill Clinton is president!" frenzy? There are bigger apartment complexes nearby! Check out the silly town map here. It has every house on it! Their website also states that they want to benefit CCV's various neighborhoods and ensure prosperity. "Various neighborhoods?" So one end of the block is in a different neighborhood than the other end? Color me confused. (Just don't color me sepia.)
One really odd thing they have on the CCV website is their "covenant." It's pretty funny, so I'll print it below. I hope who ever posted it was being tongue-in-check when they wrote, "Residents should check their deeds to determine whether these covenants, or others, apply."
The last one just begs for a Sarah Palin joke- but I'll refrain.
As stated in the Introduction, certain Covenants were placed against the land when the original subdivision of Chevy Chase View was laid out and recorded. They were not and are not regulations or ordinances adopted by the Council of Chevy Chase View. On the contrary, they are in the nature of private contracts, enforceable where permitted by law, only at the instance of an interested property owner in a private suit. The Covenants, which may vary from deed to deed, are as follows:
 | That all houses shall be built and used for residence purposes only, except stables, carriage houses, garages or sheds which may be necessary for use in connection with such residences; and that no trade business, manufacture or sales, or nuisance of any kind shall be carried on or permitted in said subdivision. | |
| That no house shall be erected in said subdivision at less than $5,000.00 present value, and no house shall be built within 35 feet of the front line of any lot. | |
| That no stable, carriage house, garage or shed shall be erected within 50 feet of the front line of any lot. | |
| That all outbuildings of any kind or character shall be built in the rear of the premises. | |
| That no building of any kind or character shall be built within 5 feet of the side line of any lot in the subdivision. | |
| That no pigs, hogs or cows shall be permitted to be kept upon any lot in the subdivision. |
"Oh no you didn't!"
Just got this from the TOKe email listserv.
It was brought to our attention today that Park and Planning has a work crew in Kensington Cabin Park. It is our understanding that the Park is being made ADA compliant. The Town was not informed that work was to be done. The Mayor has contacted our Montgomery County Councilmember Valerie Ervin to insure that we get proper storm drain and pervious pavement. We will keep you updated.
Now, I have no idea where Kensington Cabin Park is, but apparently it's within the tiny town of Kensington, not in "unincorporated" Kensington, where most people in Kensington actually live.
Back off MoCo, don't mess with K-town! And we demand perviosity in our pavement!!
It was brought to our attention today that Park and Planning has a work crew in Kensington Cabin Park. It is our understanding that the Park is being made ADA compliant. The Town was not informed that work was to be done. The Mayor has contacted our Montgomery County Councilmember Valerie Ervin to insure that we get proper storm drain and pervious pavement. We will keep you updated.
Now, I have no idea where Kensington Cabin Park is, but apparently it's within the tiny town of Kensington, not in "unincorporated" Kensington, where most people in Kensington actually live.
Back off MoCo, don't mess with K-town! And we demand perviosity in our pavement!!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Farmer's Market... part deux!
I found a great list of vendors at the market in 2009. Be sure to check them out. The tiny bite sized plums are amazing, by the way! This list doesn't include the 'juice guy' who makes fresh squeezed orange juice. Quite yummy!
Kensington Farmer’s Market Vendors
* All Things Olive – award winning California extra
virgin, savory citrus flavored and herb infused olive
oils and wine vinegars.
* Clan Stewart Farm - offers lamb, beef, pork, no nitrate
bacon, assorted pork and goat sausages. The
seventh generation family farm in Pennsylvania
practices sustainable agriculture and raises its animals
naturally and humanely on pasture, without the use of
hormones or prophylactic antibiotics.
* Falcon Ridge Orchard – apples, Asian pears, cherries,
peaches, seedless grapes, blackberries, blueberries and
red raspberries from a family-owned orchard in the
rolling hills of northern Carroll County.
* Farmhouse Flowers & Plants – cut flowers, bouquets,
annual, perennial and herb plants.
* Great Harvest Bread Co. – whole grain, stone ground
breads, muffins, scones and cookies.
* Kim Kaplan – heirloom and native plants.
* Krishon Chocolate –hand made artisanal chocolates
and more
Mystic Water Soap –handmade soaps and scented body
care products using infused oils, goat’s milk, herbs, sea salt
and colored clays from around the world.
* Pataki Plants – assorted perennials, quilted place mats
and more.
* Rabbit Hill Farm –a wide range of produce and fruit.
* Richards Farm – family farm offers a variety of
vegetables and melons picked the day before.
* Salt River Lobster – lobster, shrimp, fish, shellfish,
smoked products.
* Sub*Urban Trading Co. – baked goods including scones
and turnovers.
Kensington Farmer’s Market Vendors
* All Things Olive – award winning California extra
virgin, savory citrus flavored and herb infused olive
oils and wine vinegars.
* Clan Stewart Farm - offers lamb, beef, pork, no nitrate
bacon, assorted pork and goat sausages. The
seventh generation family farm in Pennsylvania
practices sustainable agriculture and raises its animals
naturally and humanely on pasture, without the use of
hormones or prophylactic antibiotics.
* Falcon Ridge Orchard – apples, Asian pears, cherries,
peaches, seedless grapes, blackberries, blueberries and
red raspberries from a family-owned orchard in the
rolling hills of northern Carroll County.
* Farmhouse Flowers & Plants – cut flowers, bouquets,
annual, perennial and herb plants.
* Great Harvest Bread Co. – whole grain, stone ground
breads, muffins, scones and cookies.
* Kim Kaplan – heirloom and native plants.
* Krishon Chocolate –hand made artisanal chocolates
and more
Mystic Water Soap –handmade soaps and scented body
care products using infused oils, goat’s milk, herbs, sea salt
and colored clays from around the world.
* Pataki Plants – assorted perennials, quilted place mats
and more.
* Rabbit Hill Farm –a wide range of produce and fruit.
* Richards Farm – family farm offers a variety of
vegetables and melons picked the day before.
* Salt River Lobster – lobster, shrimp, fish, shellfish,
smoked products.
* Sub*Urban Trading Co. – baked goods including scones
and turnovers.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Kensington Farmer's Market
I've loved getting up early and going to the local farmer's market with the family, but since I'm a morning person, I've always missed the band that plays from 10-11am. On July 11 we decided to wait to go until almost 10 so we could check out the band. Well, by 10am the market was mostly sold out- impressive!
I did get some "award winning" photos of the crowd though.
Impressive, huh? Eat my dust all you other photo contest entrants!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Hey we're famous....or at least our pretentious town sign is!
Check it out here.
Personally, I don't think our town is pretentious at all. Well, maybe our sign is a bit uppity, and needs to be taken down a few pegs. Just don't pull a Jebediah Springfield on us, and chop off its head!
Personally, I don't think our town is pretentious at all. Well, maybe our sign is a bit uppity, and needs to be taken down a few pegs. Just don't pull a Jebediah Springfield on us, and chop off its head!
Breaking the Law!
Here are two pictures that break pretty much every rule that "the man" has set up for the town photo contest.
I like breaking rules- that's how I roll.
Let's see what's wrong with these:
Black and white!
Sepia!
Taken in 2008!
Taken outside of SECTOR K!!
Worst of all- taken in the District of Columbia!!!
Sector people ONLY, and NO SEPIA, Got it?!?
Below is the information about the Kensington photo contest. I found this on the town website, which is at tok.md.gov. I'm not a fan of "toking" at all, but I do find it funny that TOK is our town's website name! Only SECTOR residents may apply, so all you ganstas in Weaton, or soccer moms in The 'Thes are outta luck. Get your own damn photo contest, losers! The SECTOR rules!
The thing I do most in TOK is pic up my dog's ...um... detritis. But I don't think anyone wants to see pictures of that. Last week at the farmer's market I saw DOZENS of people taking photos of well.... not much at all. But now I know why. Those folks wanna win the big prize like a screaming college kid wants to win the 10 grand on Plinko!
Good luck to everyone!
From TOK website:
Show off what you like best about Kensington in pictures as part of the 2009 Day in the Life of Kensington photo contest. The contest, co-sponsored by the Montgomery County Planning Department and the Town of Kensington, will highlight original amateur photographs taken in Kensington and environs between June 15, 2009 and September 15, 2009. A panel of judges will select winners and award first, second and third place. Only residents in Sector Plan area may enter. Go to: kensingtonphotocontest.org
OFFICIAL LAUNCH DATE IS JUNE 15th Here are some details:
1. Entries might illustrate some of the following:
Town life * Historic sites * Events * Neighborhoods Buildings * Public spaces
2. Each participant must not submit more than five photos and is eligible to win only one prize.
3. Entries may be color prints or high-resolution digital images, 4” x 6” or 5” x 7”. Images should not be digitally enhanced or contain artistic features such as watermarks, Borders and digital filters. Also not eligible are: Panoramic photos, black and white, sepia tone, and duotone images.
4. Professional photographers (who make more than 50 percent of their annual salary through photography or have been widely published) are not eligible.
Deadline is September 15, 2009. Winners will be announced in October.
The thing I do most in TOK is pic up my dog's ...um... detritis. But I don't think anyone wants to see pictures of that. Last week at the farmer's market I saw DOZENS of people taking photos of well.... not much at all. But now I know why. Those folks wanna win the big prize like a screaming college kid wants to win the 10 grand on Plinko!
Good luck to everyone!
From TOK website:
Show off what you like best about Kensington in pictures as part of the 2009 Day in the Life of Kensington photo contest. The contest, co-sponsored by the Montgomery County Planning Department and the Town of Kensington, will highlight original amateur photographs taken in Kensington and environs between June 15, 2009 and September 15, 2009. A panel of judges will select winners and award first, second and third place. Only residents in Sector Plan area may enter. Go to: kensingtonphotocontest.org
OFFICIAL LAUNCH DATE IS JUNE 15th Here are some details:
1. Entries might illustrate some of the following:
Town life * Historic sites * Events * Neighborhoods Buildings * Public spaces
2. Each participant must not submit more than five photos and is eligible to win only one prize.
3. Entries may be color prints or high-resolution digital images, 4” x 6” or 5” x 7”. Images should not be digitally enhanced or contain artistic features such as watermarks, Borders and digital filters. Also not eligible are: Panoramic photos, black and white, sepia tone, and duotone images.
4. Professional photographers (who make more than 50 percent of their annual salary through photography or have been widely published) are not eligible.
Deadline is September 15, 2009. Winners will be announced in October.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Kensington Sector Plan
When I move to a new area, I do my best to read up on what's going on there. When I moved to Kensington, I found out that the town is working on the new Kensington and vicinity "Sector Plan." I had no idea what this was, but it sounded something straight out of Star Trek! Upon further reading, it's basically an updated version of a 1978 plan for the town. (Why do the late 70's seem to keep appearing on this blog?)
The new plan, still in draft form, looks at the following:
The county has a pretty cool website designated to this project. Click here to check it out. On the site you can also read the full version of the plan, which is pretty interesting if you're a development, planning, and transit geek like yours truly.
I'd love to see a map of the changes in the town between 1978 and 2009- not much seems like it was built in the 1980 or 1990s, and the downtown core near the MARC station is perfect for some walkable mixed-use development. Please, no more car-focused strip malls!
From what I've seen so far, it seems like the Maryland-National Capitol Park and Planning Commission (someone please re-name this!) is an incredible community resource that has been very helpful in spearheading this process.
If I ever write a Star Trek episode, I will be sure to have Kirk say "Scotty, beam us down to the Kensington Sector!"
The new plan, still in draft form, looks at the following:
- land uses
- zones
- design
- transportation
- the environment
- community facilities such as schools, libraries, police and fire stations
The county has a pretty cool website designated to this project. Click here to check it out. On the site you can also read the full version of the plan, which is pretty interesting if you're a development, planning, and transit geek like yours truly.
I'd love to see a map of the changes in the town between 1978 and 2009- not much seems like it was built in the 1980 or 1990s, and the downtown core near the MARC station is perfect for some walkable mixed-use development. Please, no more car-focused strip malls!
From what I've seen so far, it seems like the Maryland-National Capitol Park and Planning Commission (someone please re-name this!) is an incredible community resource that has been very helpful in spearheading this process.
If I ever write a Star Trek episode, I will be sure to have Kirk say "Scotty, beam us down to the Kensington Sector!"
Damn Canadians with their free health care and 70's TV shows!
So it's been about 2 weeks since I've moved from Snarksville USA- (Washington, DC) to Kensington, a cute small town with an all-American feel. But, unfortunately, they don't sell snark at the local farmer's market!
In order to feel my need for hyper-local news and gossip, and snarky commenters, (are you here yet monkeyerotica?) I looked for some local blogs- but alas, there seemed to be many blogs in MoCo, but far too many seem to be about parenting and lacrosse practice. I saw a couple blogs from Besthesda, Silver Spring, Rockville, and at least one from- close but not quite- Weaton, but alas, there was nothing from my own lovely Kensington.
So I've created this blog for myself, and perhaps for anyone else who might be interested in hyperlocal happenings. Yes that's the second use of the term "hyperlocal" and there may be more to come, since it's clever, and I just heard it first used a few weeks ago- on this lovel blog.
This name of this blog was inspiried by one of the more famous DC Bloggers. But who knew that King of Kensington was also a very popular 70's canadian TV show? So this premiere post will end with some very meaningless information about the King Of Kensington, old school style, with bell bottoms and tuques, eh? Check it out here!
Since the name "KingofKensington" was already taken on Blogger, (damn Canadians!) this blog is officially named THE King of Kensington. Please don't be overwhelmed by this information.
In order to feel my need for hyper-local news and gossip, and snarky commenters, (are you here yet monkeyerotica?) I looked for some local blogs- but alas, there seemed to be many blogs in MoCo, but far too many seem to be about parenting and lacrosse practice. I saw a couple blogs from Besthesda, Silver Spring, Rockville, and at least one from- close but not quite- Weaton, but alas, there was nothing from my own lovely Kensington.
So I've created this blog for myself, and perhaps for anyone else who might be interested in hyperlocal happenings. Yes that's the second use of the term "hyperlocal" and there may be more to come, since it's clever, and I just heard it first used a few weeks ago- on this lovel blog.
This name of this blog was inspiried by one of the more famous DC Bloggers. But who knew that King of Kensington was also a very popular 70's canadian TV show? So this premiere post will end with some very meaningless information about the King Of Kensington, old school style, with bell bottoms and tuques, eh? Check it out here!
Since the name "KingofKensington" was already taken on Blogger, (damn Canadians!) this blog is officially named THE King of Kensington. Please don't be overwhelmed by this information.
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