January 9, 2011 Chaverim, We now believe that a large puddle of water in our parking lot that we initially thought was due to runoff from the hill outside our offices is the result of a leaky seal in an external water valve.  Unfortunately, the small but steady trickle of water coupled with persistent cold temperatures has resulted in the creation of patch of ice that runs diagonally from the fire hydrant in front of the building to the 5th parking space in the staff side of the lot (see photo below). The side of the lot nearer to Baltimore Road is unaffected, as is the exit lane along the Sanctuary side of the building.  We will make sure that repairs to the valve to stop the leak are done as soon as possible. In the meantime, we ask everyone to drive through this part of the lot with caution and to avoid walking on the ice. We will also periodically treat the ice. Unfortunately, the ice covers our two handicapped parking spaces on that side of the building. Please do not attempt to park in these spaces until the leak is repaired. In the interim, the following spaces are reserved for handicapped parking: Rabbi's Cantor's Administrator's Youth Director's and the space to its left (on the exit lane) Please feel free to straddle the parking line in any of these spaces, if necessary. Thank you for your cooperation and patience. Sam Freedenberg Executive Director 301-762-7338, ext. 111