Meet Cathy
Name: Cathy C. Drzyzgula 
Birthplace: Appleton, Wisconsin
Family: Married to Bob for 25 years, daughter Jean, 16
Pets: Ginger, a Himalayan cat and Roger, a cockatiel
Neighborhood: Brookes, Russell Walker Historic District in Olde Towne. We’ve lived here since 1989, and in Montgomery County since 1982.
Education: B. A., Economics, Yale University
Occupation: Stay at home mom and civic activist. Consultant/advisor with the The Excelsior Academy. Before Jean was born I worked full-time for 13 years as a research assistant, programmer and then project manager. My work included studies of cancer caused by radiation exposure and health care financing. I worked for small businesses on contracts with HHS and NCI.
Leadership philosophy: I believe a leader should listen to his or her community, find out what needs to be done, and make that happen. Good decisions are made by thoroughly researching an issue, and finding a solution that balances the conflicting needs that always exist.
Civic and Community Service:
- Gaithersburg City Committees:
- Gaithersburg Historic Preservation Advisory Committee: 1997 – present
- Greater Historic District Committee: 2000 – present
- Gaithersburg Day Labor Task Force
- Gaithersburg Ad Hoc Election Advisory Committee
- Organized and coordinated Olde Towne Neighborhood Watch. 2006 – present
- I coordinated an outreach effort in the Spring of 2006 that resulted in 100 households (more than two thirds of our neighborhood) signing up to participate within a 6 week period. Our community meetings have been well attended, and have provided information on how to report suspicious activity as well as on gangs, problems with sales of alcohol to intoxicated persons, and public drunkenness in our neighborhood.
- For the past few years, we’ve had problems with sales of alcohol to intoxicated persons and public drunkenness in our neighborhood. I worked with City staff and representatives from the County Office of Licensure, Regulation and Education. I got the residents involved in an effort that resulted in the non-renewal of one alcohol license and restrictions on sales for two of the other 6 licensees in the vicinity. Over 40 citizens participated in this effort by testifying before the Board of License Commissioners, and/or writing letters.
- Active in City Government:
- One of only two citizens to attend City Planning Retreat in January
- Provided testimony on City Budget and Strategic Plan
- Provided input to Master Plan including Special Study Areas of Olde Towne, Kentlands Commercial Area and 355 Corridor.
- Attended conferences and workshops concerning public planning issues including:
- Mansionization and stock housing
- Working with the State Highway Administration on community main streets
- Tax credits for preservation projects
- Girl Scout Leader: 1998-2005
Favorite City Restaurants: Growler’s, Old Siam, Red Rock Canyon Grill, Tandoori Nights
Favorite City Events: Labor Day Parade, Fourth of July Celebration
Personal interests: Gardening and landscape design, local history and culture. Gardening and history teach us about our connections with the natural world and our past. They provide a sense of belonging, a retreat from every day cares, and inspiration for creating a better future.
You can use the following form to send Cathy an email; you’ll receive a copy of the email as a confirmation.