Kentlands Foundation Update

July 2022 KCF Article

Summer is Heating Up and so is the Kentlands Community Foundation

THE KENTLANDS/LAKELANDS 5K is the highlight of every Labor Day weekend in the Kentlands and Lakelands. This year the race will be held on Saturday, September 3, with the start sounding off at 8 am. It is not too early to sign up for the race. Unsure of your plans?  We have you covered – you can sign up as late as the morning of the race.  Out of town? No problem – we are continuing to offer the virtual race option again this year. As a virtual racer, your 5K happens wherever you are—at the beach, visiting friends, or anywhere in the world. Runners receive a one-of-a-kind race shirt and once again, it will be a great technical shirt with a custom design.

Each year artists from age 5 to 11 are asked to provide their design ideas for the kids’ shirt and the design competition for the KIDS’ FUN RUN shirt is almost over. The winning artist is announced at the end of July and will receive a $35 gift card at the runners’ award ceremony. Each young participant receives this fun cotton shirt. Submission rules can be found at kentlands.org.

Volunteers are the heart of our 5K– more than 260 volunteers are required to have a safe, fun race. If you are new to the Kentlands and Lakelands or a long-time resident, volunteering to help on race day is a great way to get out and greet and meet your neighbors. Erin Cristy, our volunteer coordinator, and Bret Esders, our volunteer dinner coordinator, both decided to volunteer for the 5K when they first moved into the neighborhood.  Erin shared that it has been a rewarding experience for her and she has been helping for several years now. Because each task is broken down into many smaller tasks, no volunteer role feels overwhelming. Other benefits of volunteering include a volunteer shirt and an invitation to the volunteer dinner, always a fun night with camaraderie, food and wine, plus prizes for volunteers. For the last 27 years, volunteers have answered the call and staffed the race. This year will be no different. 

As a charitable race, each year we turn to our local businesses to help sponsor the race.  If you would like to find out more about sponsorship opportunities for the race and other Foundation programs, visit our website and click on “sponsorship” or email kentlands@kentlands.org.  We have so many opportunities to help.

The KENTLANDS FILM SOCIETY has opened its subscriptions for next year’s film series. Beginning in the Fall, the Film Society will show five films at 7 pm at the Kentlands Arts Barn. A subscription is $50. For information on the films for the 2022-2023 season and a link to subscribe, please visit the Film Society page on our website.

Join the VILLAGE for an informative discussion with Joe and Sue Palka.  One of the first residents of the Kentlands, the Palka’s share their extraordinary experiences in broadcasting. “Joe & Sue Palka: Unplugged” will be held on Tuesday, July 12 at 3 pm at the Kentlands Manor.

During the summer, keep a look out for ARTISTS ON MARKET popping up around Gaithersburg.  While their storefront in Crown is closed for the summer, the artists are busy appearing at area events and are creating wonderful new art pieces in their studios. Items for sale appear on our website. We expect the Artists’ storefront to be open again in the Fall.

Looking ahead, mark your calendar for MUSICA VIVA KENTLANDS on September 17.  Join the Musica Viva Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Simeone Tartaglione on the Kentlands Clubhouse lawn in the early evening.  Plan for a wonderful musical evening under the stars.

We also wanted to let you know that the Board of the Foundation will be meeting in July to update our strategic plan.  Our programming is growing and changing and we want to take a look at our short and long-term goals and our operations.  Do you have ideas you would like to share?  Please be sure to share them with us at kentlands@kentlands.org.

To keep up with the latest of all the events follow us on Facebook and Instagram.  Check out the new contact forms on our website.  Let us know what you are interested in finding out about and get added to our mailing list.

Kentlands Foundation Update

June 2022

Forging ahead to summer

By Elisabeth Monaco

Thank you to everyone who came out and enjoyed the great events the Kentlands Community Foundation sponsored in May.  The “Leonard Bernstein Celebration” organized by MUSICA VIVA KENTLANDS was a resounding success! The audience was a part of music history witnessing the second time Leonard Bernstein’s “Music for String Quartet” was performed for a live audience.  A special thanks to Lisa Pickett who made it possible through her family connections and to the entire Musica Viva Organizing Committee.

The KENTLANDS COMMUNITY PLAYERS’ return to the stage with their presentation of “Shakespeare in Love” was sensational.  The play was presented over two weekends to appreciative audiences.  The role of Spot, Shakespeare’s dog was played by Daisy, a favorite of the cast, crew and audience. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew and especially Meredith Fogle whose impressive efforts have made the Players a success.

ARTISTS ON MARKET has temporarily closed their doors at Downtown Crown for a summer hiatus. After five months at their storefront in Crown, the artists are taking a well-deserved break and will resume their storefront operations in the Fall. Until then, the Artists will be busy in their studios, creating beautiful new pieces and continue their online store at kentlands.org. In addition, their work may be seen in a mini gallery and the sample apartment located  at the new Discovery Center at Downtown Crown, for Kisco Senior Living’s new property under construction, The Carnegie.  Finally, they are planning to bring some art elements to Kentlands Under the Lights and will be working on the details for their return to the Arts Barn at the holidays for their Holiday Art Market exhibit.

We hope that everyone who took part in the KENTLANDS PHOTOGRAPHY ASSOCIATION’S pet portrait event enjoy their pet’s portrait taken with care by the members of the Association. Watch our website to find out about future events by the KPA.

This month on June 18 starting at 6 pm, KENTLANDS UNDER THE LIGHTS returns to Kentlands Market Square.  Join in the comradery of this popular community dinner.  Enjoy great food, great music and great local beer, wine, whiskey and mead.  Beverage tickets can be purchased early beginning on June 8^th.  Visit the KCF website at kentlands.org for the link to the ticket site. This community dinner grows in popularity each year. Come early and stay late!

The KENTLANDS/LAKELANDS 5K sign-ups are now open.  Sign up early to make sure you get your preferred shirt size.  Prices will increase starting July 1^st.  Not running?  Please consider volunteering.  We need 265 volunteers to make the race a reality.  Volunteers are needed not just day of the race but also before and after. Eligible students will receive SSL hours. Visit kentlands.org and open the 5K page for links on race sign up, the kids fun run sign up, and to volunteer.  Make sure you mark your calendar for Saturday, September 3. 

Looking further ahead mark your calendars for MUSICA VIVA KENTLANDS’ annual concert on the Kentlands Clubhouse Lawn on September 17. Bring your lawn chair and a blanket and enjoy a first-class classical concert under the stars.

To find out more about our events and programs, follow the Kentlands Community Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and check out our website at www.kentlands.org.  If you have a great idea for a program that involves volunteerism, the cultural arts or supports New Urbanism, we would love to hear from you!  All our programs are grassroots efforts that begin with you.  Feel free to drop us an email at kentlands@kentlands.org.