August 26, 2022
Your Mid-County News For
Aspen Hill, Bel Pre, Brookeville, Glenmont,
Forest Glen, Kemp Mill, Kensington, Layhill, Olney,
Sandy Spring, Upper Rock Creek, Wheaton
Mid-County and Wheaton Urban District Board Vacancies
Apply Online
Elrich Seeks Applicants for
 
County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill five public vacancies on the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board. All the incumbents are eligible to apply for reappointment.
 
The Board is comprised of 15 residents and businesses from the following areas: Upper Rock Creek, Wheaton, Kensington, Kemp Mill, Aspen Hill, Glenmont, Norbeck, Forest Glen, Olney, Brookeville, and Sandy Spring. The Board serves as a liaison between the community, the County Executive, County Council, and County government departments by identifying community concerns and recommending possible solutions. It also advises the Director of the Mid-County Services Center on transportation, economic development, housing, education, human services, environment, recreation, public safety, and other issues of importance to the area. To determine if your residence or business is in the Mid-County region, please click on this link and enter your address in the box: http://mcgov-gis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=0bc839f5e691497aa77da21c1495b669
 
Members serve three-year terms without compensation, but are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for in-person meetings attended. The Board currently meets virtually by video- and teleconference the third Thursday evening of each month. Subcommittee meetings take place the first Thursday of the month. When in-person meetings resume in the future, the Board will meet at the Mid-County Regional Services Center, 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton.
 

Elrich Seeks Applicants for
 
County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill seven vacancies on the Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee, for two representatives of Wheaton businesses that employ more than 10 people (large businesses); one representative of a Wheaton business that employs less than 10 people (small business); and four residents of the Wheaton Urban District. One large business, the small business, and one resident are eligible to apply for reappointment.
 
The 11-member Committee provides information and advice to the County Executive and the Director of the Mid-County Regional Services Center regarding promotions, maintenance, service levels, and budgetary guidance for the downtown Wheaton Urban District.
 
Members serve three-year terms without compensation, but are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for in-person meetings attended. The Board currently meets virtually by video- and teleconference the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM. When in-person meetings resume in the future, the Board will meet at the Mid-County Regional Services Center, 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton.

Contact: Beth Gochrach, 240-777-2528
What's new in Mid-County
Volunteers needed!
Dear Yarn Bomb volunteers, 

We hope you're having a great Summer!

Wheaton Arts Parade 2022 Yarn Bomb team volunteers will be installing decorations at lamp post on Tuesday, August 30th and the next Tuesday, September 6th. 
We will meet at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza from 6 to 8 pm.

Last time we had a great number of teens helping the adults. 

This is a wonderful intergenerational public temporary art project.
Go Yarn Bomb!

Please let your friends and neighbours know: Middle and High school students will have the SSL form signed. 

Please join the WAP Yarn Bombers Facebook page to get all updates.
Reach out with any questions:
Follow @WheatonMD on social media to see the latest updates and concert schedules.
Free ‘Back to School Fair’ Will Be at Westfield Wheaton on Saturday, Aug. 27
Adult Bike Classes
Click on the banners below to learn more and Register.
A Message from County Executive Marc Elrich
County Executive Marc Elrich was a former long-time elementary school teacher. In his message this week, he talks about the excitement and optimism that comes with the start of each new school year. He offers encouraging news on the status of COVID-19 in the County—but the news is not so good about Monkeypox. He expresses concern that the nation again is facing threats from the polio virus and talks about a new monitoring system the County will soon have to help detect those type of viruses. He also provides an update on “Streeteries” that have been operating in four areas of the County.
Information Updates and Events
School Supplies Will Be Available Free at ‘Back to School Giveaway’ on Saturday, Aug. 27,
 at Fairland Recreational Park
Students in need of school supplies can get free items on Saturday, Aug. 27, at the “Back to School Giveaway” at Fairland Recreational Park in Fairland. The event, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., is open to all. Read more.
Applications Being Accepted for County's Community Action Board Advocacy Training
The Montgomery County Community Action Board, which is part of the Community Action Agency, is accepting applications for its Community Advocacy Institute (CAI).  The CAI is a free eight-month advocacy training program for Montgomery County residents with combined household incomes of $60,000 or less. Conducted in English, with simultaneous Spanish interpretations, workshops will focus on a variety of topics including how to work with elected officials, storytelling, research, letter-writing, developing testimony and key advocacy issues. Read more.
Updates Provided on Four ‘Streeteries’ for Fall
Four “Streeteries” were created in early 2020 by Montgomery County as a temporary concept to support businesses struggling from the economic impacts of COVID-19 and allow residents to gather freely on public streets closed to cars. They are now being reevaluated for fall as the pandemic continues to ease. The County’s Streeteries include Newell Street in Silver Spring, Price Avenue in Wheaton and Norfolk and Woodmont avenues in Bethesda. Read more.
Schedule for Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 5
The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will observe schedule and program changes for the observance of Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 5. Read more.
Ceremony of Remembrance to Commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day on Thursday, Sept. 1, and County Will Launch 'Montgomery Goes Purple'
Read more here.
The Montgomery County Department of Police cordially invites you to attend our
Centennial Black Tie Gala
to help us celebrate and honor 100 years of service to Montgomery County.
 
Date:  October 21st, 2022 
Location: North Bethesda Marriott and Conference Center 
Time: Cocktail Hour 7pm – 12am
 
For further information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://mcpd100yearanniversarygal.rsvpify.com
Montgomery Planning Releases Pedestrian Master Plan’s Draft Design, Policy, and Programming Recommendations
Montgomery Planning has released the first draft of the countywide Pedestrian Master Plan and is seeking public comments, officials announced here
Planners are asking the public to attend and provide feedback at community meetings scheduled between 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Wednesday, September 7 (virtual) and Tuesday, September 13 (in-person).
The recommendations vary from physical infrastructure improvements to changing driver behavior and are intended to support elected officials and county departments in their work.
Neighborhood Events Matching Funds Grant Program
The Montgomery County Government established the Neighborhood Events Matching Funds Grant Program (NEMF) to promote community engagement, encourage capacity building, networking, and stimulate the local economy. This program is administered by the five Regional Service Offices. Neighborhood organizations, block groups, tenant associations, civic clubs, and other community groups that are active and in good standing may apply for funds to hold events and activities by completing this application. Click on the banner below to apply and for more details.
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is Accepting Applications
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), is NOW available to provide funds to assist low income households pay past due water/sewer bills! Funds are limited. Apply today at: http://dhs.maryland.gov/ohep
Click below on flyers to retrieve forms
FREE Consultations for your immigration case
Click on banners for more
Food Distribution
Montgomery County has various food distribution events across the County this week, including in Rockville, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring and Olney. To find distribution events or food near you, click here. The website also has more information about food resources in multiple languages. For help with getting food, please call the Food Access Call Center at MC311.
Monkeypox Vaccine Remains in Short Supply; At-Risk Residents Encouraged to Pre-register
There are currently more than 2,800 at-risk Montgomery County residents pre-registered for a monkeypox vaccination, but the total vaccine supply delivered to the County’s public health team remains less than 1,000 doses. Vaccinations are currently recommended for those most at-risk of contracting it. Anyone can get monkeypox. However, the majority of cases have occurred within the LGBTQ+ community. Read more.
The Facts About Monkeypox
Click on the banners to learn more
COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Remains a Community Concern and County Continues to Distribute
Free Vaccines, Rapid Test Kits and Masks
A supply of the protein-based Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is now available to Montgomery County residents. The technology has been used for decades to combat diseases such as hepatitis B and influenza. Clinical trials have shown the two-dose vaccine to have similar effectiveness as the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines at preventing and reducing illness from COVID-19.   Read more.
County Offering COVID-19 Vaccines to Children
6 Months to 5 Years
Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 6 months to 5 years, Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has started vaccinating this age group as vaccines are available. However, initial supplies are limited. Read more.
Fourth Phase of COVID-19 Rent Relief Program: Previously Incomplete and New Applications Will Be Accepted
The fourth phase of Montgomery County’s COVID-19 rent relief program has reopened and is now accepting applications from eligible renters who either did not fully complete their previously submitted application or want to submit a new application for review. Read more.
La cuarta fase del programa de Alivio de Renta del Condado del Condado del Montgomery ha vuelto a abrir y está aceptando aplicaciones para inquilinos elegibles que no hayan terminado la aplicación anterior or deseen someter una nueva aplicación para verificación. Leer más.
Free At-home COVID-19 PCR Test Kits Available at Multiple Locations, But Which COVID-19 Test is Right for You?



Montgomery County residents have several ways to get tested
for COVID-19.


In-person PCR testing continues at multiple sites throughout the community. A schedule of testing locations can be found at the County’s website.
Montgomery County Resources Available for Individuals and Families
Housing:
Mental Health: 
Food:
         Positive Youth Development: 
            Academic Support, Gang Prevention, Wraparound Services
            Disponible en inglés y español
           Summer slots are full, but Fall and school year positions are still open
           Enroll through Recreation Department, Identity, Inc., Street Outreach Network, or one of the Youth Development Middle or High School Programs (RecXtra, Excel Beyond the Bell Middle and RecZone)
Arts:
Job Opportunities
Commission for Women is hiring!
The Community Engagement Cluster, Commission for Women (CFW) seeks an experienced full-time – Program and Events Manager (Program Manager I) Grade 23, IRC55462 to join the committed team. For additional information, please see the description, minimum qualifications, and preferred criteria sections of the job announcement at this link: Search Available Jobs and select “General Professional” then click search. 
To see all available jobs go to Montgomery County Website.
Our Community: Together & Connected
Click the banner above to check out the latest from the Wheaton and Kensington Chamber of Commerce Newsletter!
To check out the latest from Explore Kensington, click the banner above.
Volunteer Opportunities
The county is coordinating volunteer opportunities through the Montgomery County Volunteer Center. 
 At the link above, learn what volunteer opportunities there are for non-medical volunteers. Register if you're an organization that needs volunteers, and get useful guidance.