JBG RECOGNIZED FOR COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Friendship Heights-based development firm The JBG Companies has been recognized for contributions of volunteer effort, and affordable housing, by Montgomery County organizations.

The Montgomery County Volunteer Center awarded JBG the 2014 Montgomery Serves Award, given annually to 4 winners who engage in extraordinary community service and volunteerism. During the 2013 Days of Giving effort, over 400 JBG employees volunteered over 1600 hours of time with 10 charities. Habitat for Humanity and A Wider Circle were among the organizations benefitted by the JBG efforts.

Andrea Kempner-Wink of the MCVC said that JBG's volunteer mobilization in 2013 placed the firm at "the top position" among businesses and organizations countywide.

JBG was also named 2014 Builder of the Year by the Affordable Housing Conference of Montgomery County, for its commitment to increasing affordable housing in the area. AHCMC also commended JBG's volunteer efforts.

Among JBG's projects in downtown Bethesda are 7770 Norfolk, and projects on the boards near Fairmont Plaza and Bethesda Row.

Here are some actions scenes from earlier this week at 7770 Norfolk, some concrete pours at the future 17-story luxury apartment tower:

BETHESDA MOM SPOOKED BY SANTA CLAUS

Emergency vehicle sirens have been echoing throughout west Bethesda over the last two evenings. 

But it was no emergency - it was Santa Claus.

Each December, Santa makes his way through every street of that part of Bethesda, with the help of the Glen Echo Volunteer Fire Department.  Having grown up there, I can tell you that this tradition is much beloved by the community. The excitement of Santa Claus passing by rivaled the Christmas tree purchase for biggest holiday event of the month (unless Santa's other appearances at Montgomery Mall count). 

But - understandably - new arrivals may be unaware of St. Nick's annual journey, which takes a while to accomplish.

So it was that one resident took to a local "Mommy Blog" to seek answers:

"We live in the Sumner neighborhood between Mass Ave and Sangamore," wrote "Anonymous" at 7:21 PM last night.

"For the better part of the past half hour there has been the sound of emergency vehicle sirens (police?) going through the neighborhood. Does anyone know what occurred?"

Residents responded to reassure the poster that it was just Santa Claus.

REDWOOD OKTOBERFEST 2012 WEBSITE GOES LIVE

If you're the kind of person who is already ironing his or her lederhosen for Oktoberfest, this message is for you.

Redwood on Bethesda Lane also believes it's never too early to think about Oktoberfest.  Last night, their 2012 Oktoberfest website went live online.

Save the date for September 22, when Bethesda Row is filled with beer lovers, and Bethesda Lane becomes a giant bier garden!

From 1-8 PM, more than 10 of the best breweries will be pouring your favorite beers, and Bethesda Row's great restaurants will be serving their best food to go with it.  Luke's Lobster, American Tap Room, Vapiano and Cafe Deluxe will be among the participants.

Volunteers are needed; email amanda@redwoodbethesda to offer your services.

For now, check out the website, and get ready to order tickets.