Whetstone Watch

Rake the Lake brings community spirit to Lake Whetstone

by Scott Crews, Whetstone Board of Directors

Rake the Lake brings community spirit to Lake Whetstone

by Scott Crews, Whetstone Board of Directors

The tranquil waters of Lake Whetstone were the backdrop for another successful “Rake the Lake” cleanup event this April, as residents, students and scouts came together to preserve one of Montgomery Village’s most cherished landmarks.

Started nearly 20 years ago by Joe and Jeannie Pizzonia with Friends of Whetstone Lake (FOWL), in partnership with the Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF), "Rake the Lake" has grown into a beloved tradition. Now sponsored by MVF, this year’s cleanup welcomed Boy Scout Troop 1988, students seeking Student Service Learning (SSL) hours and community members from Whetstone and South Village, all committed to keeping the lake and surrounding areas pristine.

Lake Whetstone’s natural beauty remains a key draw for residents and wildlife alike. Once home to a thriving colony of great blue herons on what early homeowners fondly called, "Duck Island," the lake now hosts green herons, black-crowned night herons, migrating cormorants and various ducks. Canada geese and their goslings glide across the water, while slider turtles sun themselves along the shoreline. Even foxes have been spotted playfully weaving through the neighborhood, and large carp are often seen near the banks. Occasionally, majestic bald eagles and ospreys drop by for a meal.

Village life in full swing

MVF recently mailed out annual activity stickers, signaling the return of warm-weather amenities. Whetstone Pool opened on Saturday, May 24 just in time for summer. Registration is underway for the Whetstone Whales swim team (ages 4 to 18), with details available at whetstonewhales.swimtopia.com or by contacting Elizabeth Rushton at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Upcoming events in the Village:

• MVF Summer Camps – Registration is open.
• South Valley Park Summer Concerts – Begin May 31.
• Moonlight Movie Nights – Friday evenings in July, August and September
• Montgomery Village Farmers’ Market – Opens its 15^th season on Saturday, June 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church (Centerway Road and Clubhouse Road). The market runs every Saturday through October. More info is here.

MCPS parking enforcement begins

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has announced the enforcement of parking regulations on school properties. Illegally parked vehicles, especially those left overnight, have disrupted school operations and created safety issues. Starting immediately, unauthorized vehicles will be stickered and given a 24-hour grace period before being towed at the owner’s expense. Repeat offenders will face towing without additional warning. Residents are urged to follow these guidelines to avoid penalties and maintain harmony.

Board updates and beautification efforts

At the May Whetstone Homes Corporation Board of Directors meeting, the Board approved the 2024 audit conducted by Goldklang Group CPAs and agreed to retain them for the 2025 to 2027 audit cycle. The Board also reviewed proposals for the pruning of 99 street trees – 63 oaks and 36 cherry trees – on key Whetstone streets, including Whetstone Drive, Canal Road and Digging Road, among others. Additionally, a new trash bin will be installed at the Whetstone dock to combat increasing litter in the area.

Montgomery Village continues to shine as a peaceful, nature-rich community – truly a quiet oasis in a bustling world.

Whetstone Watch: for residents of The Courts, Goshenside, Lakeside and the Ridges of Whetstone.