Author Archives: Beth Stanton

Our Business, Our Community

Our April Newsletter


Hi Go Brent friends,

There’s no doubt about it. COVID-19 has reshaped our lives and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. We’re taking it one day at a time while we plan for what’s next.

We want you to know that Go Brent is here for you – if you have questions about financial concerns like mortgage forbearance, if you’re spending all of this time indoors wondering what improvements you might make that would provide the biggest bang for the buck… if you or someone you know needs a helping hand from Silver Spring Cares. We’re here. Give us a shout.

Take a look at our April Newsletter here!

In The News – Silver Spring Cares on WAMU

Silver Spring Cares has teamed with local restaurants and Small Things Matter to feed families facing food insecurity while keeping restaurant employees working. Read the story here.

Happening Now! Silver Spring Cares Warm Clothing Drive

We are expecting cold weather soon! If you have warm clothing items you no longer need, please consider donating to Silver Spring Cares’ third Annual Winter Clothing Drive benefiting Linkages to Learning at JoAnne Leleck Elementary at Broad Acres.

We’re collecting warm clothing now through December 8th. Items accepted include Winter Coats,  Jackets, Hats, Gloves, Scarves, Boots, Sweatshirts, Sweaters, Pajamas, Pants, Fleece, Socks, Blankets, etc! If it’s warm and in great condition, it’ll happily find a new home this winter! Please only donate items that are in dignity condition. Please do not donate items that are missing buttons, have stains or tears.

If you’re within a 15-minute drive of downtown Silver Spring, you can schedule your donation pick-up. You can also drop-off donations at the Go Brent office between 9am – 3pm (@ 914 Silver Spring Avenue next to Kaldi’s).

Silver Spring Cares, Go Brent’s not for profit, works to strengthen the Silver Spring community through the power of connection. Linkages to Learning is a school-based collaboration among the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, the Montgomery County Public Schools and community-based service providers.  

Have more questions? Email heather@silverspringcares.org.

Thanks for helping make Silver Spring a great place to thrive and ensuring all our residents have a warm and healthy winter season!

Pet Adoption & Supply Drive Sponsored by The Thomas Group!

The Thomas Group hosted a pet adoption event along with the Humane Rescue Alliance on Saturday, October 26. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the animals. It was a fun day – full of smiles, belly rubs, and laughter. 

Thrilled that some animals found their FURever homes too. Success!


For more information, contact ThomasGroup@GoBrent.co.

To keep up with the Humane Rescue Alliance, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Let Go Brent Open The Door! FREE First Time Homebuyer Seminar – November 13

Join Go Brent’s Debbie Gerald and Caliber Home Loans’ Branch Manager Ramez Fahmy for this free event.

When:    Wednesday, November 13 from 7:00-8:30 PM
Where:   Silver Spring Civic Center in Downtown Silver Spring

We’ll be discussing the ins and outs of purchasing and financing your first home. If your to-do list includes buying a house or condo now or in the future, please join us. This is a great opportunity to learn about the buying process and ask questions.

Please sign-up in advance. There is no cost or obligation, just plenty of information!

Get Out in Front of the 2020 Spring Market!

There’s little inventory now but as you know the DC-area market typically explodes come Spring. If you intend to buy or sell (or both) in 2020, now is the perfect time to meet with an agent to ensure you have a strategy in place and don’t miss out.

Go Brent agents are full-time Realtors who have an unrivaled command of the local market. In the past three years, we’ve successfully assisted our clients to buy and sell nearly 400 homes.

We work throughout Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties and Washington, DC; from first-time homebuyers to seasoned home sellers, we’ve got you covered. Put our expertise to work for you – contact Go Brent to schedule your free consultation.

We look forward to talking with you! 

Go Brent Agent Spotlight: Debbie Gerald

Having spent most of her life in and around Silver Spring, Debbie Gerald definitely knows her go-to spots in the community. From local parks and coffee spots to farmers markets, get to know more about Debbie in this latest agent spotlight as she shares her favorite places in and around the area.


About Debbie:

“I grew up in Silver Spring and lived in Gaithersburg for awhile where I renovated and sold our home. I came back to Silver Spring to renovate and sell a home in Woodside Park, and then renovated and sold a home in Sligo Park Hills. I recently renovated and moved into a home in Silver Spring’s Cameron Heights neighborhood. (I’m sensing a pattern here!)

I think four renovations is enough for me, but I also said that after three. I am enjoying meeting my new neighbors and exploring my new neighborhood (even though I am pretty familiar because I grew up not too far away) and look forward to many happy years. I can say I am very happy that I moved back to Silver Spring years ago, always something interesting going on in the community.”


Woodmoor Pastry Shop
Republic
Locavino

Where is your go-to spot for a nice dinner out with family and friends?

Love to go to Republic in Takoma Park. Great for dinner and they have a nice happy hour!

Do you have any favorite trails in your neighborhood?

My favorite is to take my dog Winston to Sligo Creek Park. My current home and my last home in are/were both walkable to the park.

Happy hour! Where do you recommend a good spot for a drink?

So happy that Locavino finally opened! I also enjoy Mrs. K’s wine cellar and bar.

Coffee is a must. Where is the best coffee in the area?

Kaldi’s hands down. Great vibe. AND…it does not hurt that our office is right next door.

Kaldi’s Social House
Evans Parkway Neighborhood Park
Forest Estates Farmers Market

Have a sweet tooth? What’s the best bakery in town?

Woodmoor Pastry.  I remember growing up my mother used to take me in.  I try to get the parker house and snowflake rolls for holidays. Remember to pre-order!

Favorite Farmers Markets?

DTSS! I always see so many neighbors and clients.  I also like Forest Estates Farmers Market.  They choose one farmer each year with the market held in Getty Park. 

What’s your favorite park to take a stroll in?

My new favorite is Evans Parkway Neighborhood Park, between Georgia and Dennis. 

The park was renovated and offers a playing field and open lawn areas along with a playground and paved area for wheeled play. There are tennis courts, basketball courts, and a picnic area. Plus walking trails, natural meadow areas, and shady woodland areas. It was one of the first pilot projects in the nation to be certified under the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) Rating System for sustainable site design, construction and maintenance.

If you haven’t been, go check it out!


Want to know more about Debbie? Check out her bio here.

The Best Local Fall Festivals!

Fall is here! We’ve moved away from the dog days of summer, but it also means crunchy apples, bright orange pumpkins, spooky festivities, delicious treats, and crisp autumn air. We’ve gathered a list of the most fun and most entertaining fall festivals and autumnal events in the area. Take your family, go on a date, even take a stroll alone! These fun festivals have something for everyone.


Boo At The Zoo

photo via national zoo

The Smithsonian’s famous National Zoo hosts an amazing treat-filled event – BOO AT THE ZOO!

Kids can go trick-or-treating at the wildest spot in town during Boo at the Zoo. Celebrate Halloween early with more than 40 treat stations, a dance party and kids’ karaoke. This frightfully fun evening is a magical time for the whole family. There is candy as well as non-food items to collect as you walk around and explore the zoo.  Many animal enclosures are open as well for zoo-goers. Beer and food are available for purchase at the zoo as well.  Come ready to say “boo!”

Festival Info:

When: Friday, October 18th, Saturday, October 19th & Sunday, October 20th from 5:30 – 8:30pm
Address: Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008
Cost: $20/per person for FONZ members, $30/per person for non-FONZ members

Learn more


Bootanica at Brookside Gardens

photo via Brookside Gardens

Gather the family together for a fun evening! Children can dress in their favorite costume, participate in a garden costume parade, paint a pumpkin, try a pumpkin treat, and top the evening off listening to award-winning storyteller Gary Loyld present “Pumpkin Tales for the Young” telling tales more funny than scary. Designed for kids 3-12.

Festival Info:

When: Friday, October 25th from 5:30 – 8:30pm
Where: Brookside Gardens Visitors Center
1800 Glenallen Avenue
Wheaton, MD 20902
Cost: $18/per child; adults free.

Learn more


Pumpkin Rock N’ Roll

photo via Pumpkin Rock N’ Roll

Join in the Halloween fun at Pumpkin Rock n’ Roll – a full-blown Halloween extravaganza.  Enjoy family-friendly attractions including live musical performances, the pumpkin derby race, food trucks, and a hay maze.

Festival Info:

When: Saturday, October 27th from 12:00-4:00pm
Where: GIGS Courtyard
3762 Howard Ave.
Kensington, MD 20895
Cost: FREE! 

Learn more


Silver Spring Holiday Crafts Desserts & Sweets Festival

photo via Chic Events DC

Just in time for kids’ candies celebration, join us for a delectable excursion in the world of sweets and desserts! Come to Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring for a crafts and dessert fair on Sunday, October 27th. Join the KIDS’ COSTUME PARADE with BEST COSTUME prize from 2:00pm – 2:30pm. Also, don’t forget to get your pumpkin decorating ready just in time for Halloween!!

Festival Info:

When: Sunday, October 27th from 1:00–6:00pm
Where: Veteran’s Plaza – Downtown Silver Spring, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Cost: FREE!

Learn more


Butler’s Orchard: Pumpkin Festival

photo via Butler’s Orchard

Located in upper Montgomery County, Butler’s Annual Pumpkin Festival is the place to be on Fall weekends!

There are so many activities and fun stations, that everyone will have done something they loved by the end of the day. Check out the hayrides, hayloft, straw maze, pony rides, pedal tractors, and face painting! Lots of food vendors on hand to tackle all your fall-food cravings as well!

Festival Info:

When: Weekends October 19/20, October 26/27 & November 2/3
Where: Butler’s Orchard
22222 Davis Mill Road
Germantown, MD 20876
Cost: $12/per person (children 24 months & younger free)

Cash Only at Gate.  ATM on site or purchase tickets at the market with your Visa or MasterCard.

Learn more


Fall Fun Festival at Gaver Farm

photo via Gaver Farm

Fall Fun Fest featuring 7-acre corn maze, farm animal barnyard, giant slides, jumping pillows, mini mazes, wooden play structures, corn bins, pedal kart, country cruisers… over 60 awesome attractions! 

Festival Info:

When: Now thru November 3 from 10:00am-6:00pm daily
Where: Gaver Farm
5501 Detrick Road,
Mount Airy, MD 21771
Cost: Admission $13.50 per person weekends, $9 per person weekdays, kids under 2 free. Season Pass $35 per person.

Learn more

Pet Adoption & Supply Drive Sponsored by The Thomas Group

The Thomas Group is partnering with the Humane Rescue Alliance to host an adoption event to help animals find their FURever home.

Pets from the Humane Rescue Alliance will be available for adoption at our office on Saturday, October 26 from 10AM – 1PM. Come, play, and stay a while – there will be free coffee, treats, belly rubs, and smiles!

We are also sponsoring a pet supply drive during the month of October to benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance. Check out their wish list here; donations can be sent directly to HRA or dropped off at Go Brent office during the month of October.

Go Brent is located at 914 Silver Spring Avenue #103 in downtown Silver Spring (just next door to Kaldi’s Social House).

Go Adopt.
Go Rescue.
Go Brent.

Because everyone deserves their home sweet home!


For more information, contact ThomasGroup@GoBrent.co.

To keep up with the Humane Rescue Alliance, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.