Green Thumbs Will Want to Grab Their Summer Plots Now
The winter doldrums have long set in by now and the longing for sultry summer days is festering. Spring and summer are not far off, and the sign-ups for garden plots open Feb. 6 for residents and March 15 for nonresidents.

Rockville operates the garden plot program at Woottons Mill Park, which is located on Hurley Avenue. The program runs from April 1 through Nov. 15. There are 178 plots available, including one raised plot that is handicap accessible.

This program offers approximately a 20-foot by 25-foot plot of land and access to water. Everything else that goes into making a bountiful garden is up to you. Renters must provide their own hose, gardening tools, plants, fertilizers, fencing and other gardening equipment, as well as maintenance of weeds in the plot area.

Rates for 2012 are $52 per plot for city residents and $77 per plot for anyone who does not live within the corporate city limits.

Your Opinion Counts: Make Rockville More Liveable
Short Survey Deadline Approaches
Rockville asked residents and businesses last month to share their views on how the city can be greener, healthier and more livable. The survey is just one way to contribute to Rockville sustainable future.

The deadline is Feb. 10, so don’t miss your chance to help Rockville in its efforts with the Sustainable Maryland Certified Program, a new initiative the Mayor and Council signed on to with support from the Environment Commission.

The survey is anonymous and will take about 10 minutes to complete. You can find the survey and learn more about the program at www.rockvillemd.gov/sustainability.

The Sustainable Maryland Certified Program is a new initiative of the University of Maryland and the Maryland Municipal League (MML). The program is structured to build on the sustainability efforts Rockville has already achieved such as Tree City USA designations, community gardens, farmers markets, Let’s Move programs, the Green Power Community Challenge and partnerships with the Rockville Chamber of Commerce.

Rockville Seeks Military Personnel for Ceremonies, Speaking
The City of Rockville is seeking military personnel to speak and perform ceremonial duties at annual events like Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

City of Rockville and Montgomery County residents, who have formerly or who currently serve in the United States military are eligible. In order to be considered, the speaker must be comfortable speaking in public and will have to prepare a five- to seven-minute speech about their experience in the armed forces and what it meant to them, and honor those who have also served in the armed forces. Assistance with the speech is available if necessary.

Each year, the City hosts a variety of community events that feature military personnel.

Anyone interested in learning more should contact Caitlin Conville at cconville@rockvillemd.gov or 240-314-8604.