Your Mid-County News For
Aspen Hill, Bel Pre, Brookeville, Glenmont,
Forest Glen, Kemp Mill, Kensington, Layhill, Olney,
Sandy Spring, Upper Rock Creek, Wheaton
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Mid-County and Wheaton Urban District Board Vacancies
Apply Online
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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
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Today: King Teddy (Swing)
Follow @WheatonMD on social media to see the latest updates and concert schedules.
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Where: Parking Lot 13
(behind Parks and Planning building 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD)
DJ, Free Italian ice, Lawn games, LED light bulb exchange
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Lugar: Estacionamiento 13
(detrás del edificio de Parques y Planificación 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD)
DJ, hielo italiano gratis, juegos al aire libre, intercambio de bombillos de luz LED
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Ninth Annual Montgomery County Free ‘Friendship Picnic’ to Celebrate Diverse Cultures and Faiths
on Sunday, Sept. 18, in Wheaton
The ninth annual Montgomery County “Friendship Picnic” will again bring people of diverse cultures and faiths together to make new friends and discuss ways to build a stronger community. The free picnic will be held from noon-5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18, at Wheaton Regional Park.
Wheaton Regional Park is located at located at 2000 Shorefield Rd. in Wheaton. A free satellite parking shuttle service to and from the Wheaton Ice Rink and athletic fields will be available. Read more.
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A Message from County Executive Marc Elrich | |
County Executive Marc Elrich this week talks about how the unofficial end of summer brought some positive news regarding efforts to control crime and violence in the County. Reports also remain in the right direction on COVID-19 as Montgomery’s community transmission rate continues to be “low.” He asks anyone who is struggling with life matters—or who knows family members or friends who are—to be aware of warning signs as September is recognized as “Suicide Prevention Month.” The County Executive also points out a new survey from Wallet Hub that ranks four County jurisdictions—Gaithersburg, Germantown, Rockville and Silver Spring—among the top 10 most-diverse communities in the nation. Read more. | |
Information Updates and Events | |
Fall Cleaning of Public Parking Garages in Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton to Begin on Sunday, Sept. 11 | |
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) on Sunday, Sept. 11, will begin its semi-annual interior washdown to degrease and clean 21 County-owned parking garages in Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton on nights and weekends. The cleanings will start with the Silver Spring garages and are scheduled to conclude with the Wheaton garages on Friday, Nov. 4. Read more. | |
Delfeayo Marsalis to Headline Free 17th Silver Spring Jazz Festival on Saturday, Sept. 10 | |
Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra will headline the free outdoor 17th Silver Spring Jazz Festival, which will take place from 3-10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept.10, on Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring. Read more. | |
Montgomery Parks Will Have Many Special Events and Programs in September | |
Montgomery Parks will have a full lineup of special events in September, including festivals, free salsa lessons, happy hours and yappy hours that will be opportunities to bring along furry friends. There are events for all ages and interests. Read more. | |
Happening at Montgomery College, Rockville Campus | |
Disability Awareness Experience:
Health and Wellness 4 All event
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On Saturday, September 24th, 2022, Disability Partnerships will host the Disability Awareness Experience: A Health and Wellness Expo. The event will be located along Ellsworth Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring from 12 - 4 pm. We will feature activities such as a wheelchair obstacle course, a DJ, games, prizes for all ages, a photo booth with an adorable service dog, raffles, and much more. Disability Partnerships is a community-based 501c3 organization with a mission to improve the quality of life for individuals living with a physical disability. More information here. | |
‘Food Recovery Mini-Grants Program’ Will Offer Assistance to Community Organizations, With Applications Due by Friday, Sept. 9 | |
Montgomery County officials have announced that community organizations involved in food recovery and food security may apply for mini-grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 to improve capacity and infrastructure of the local food recovery system. The grants also will be available for innovative and collaborative approaches to reducing food insecurity. Read more. | |
Applications Now Being Accepted to Participate in the 2022 Montgomery Thanksgiving Parade | |
Montgomery County is looking for colorful performing units and creative groups to march in the annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade, which this year will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, in Silver Spring. Applications for units to participate are due on Sept. 19. The Montgomery County event is the only Thanksgiving Parade in the Washington metropolitan area. Read more. | |
Childhood Hunger Resident Survey
The Montgomery County Food Council has developed a Montgomery County (MD) Childhood Hunger Survey to collect input from County residents that will help us understand food access challenges that children and youth are currently facing. Please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XY5CS8C to complete the survey and share your feedback. Contact info@mocofoodcouncil.org with questions.
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La consejería de comida del condado de Montgomery ha creado una encuesta sobre el hambre infantil en el condado para recopilar información que nos ayudará a comprender los desafíos de acceso a los alimentos que enfrentan actualmente los niños y los jóvenes. Visite https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NRLRNXV para completar la encuesta y compartir sus comentarios. Comuníquese con info@mocofoodcouncil.org si tienes preguntas. | |
Residential Property Owners Must Have Approved Homestead Application on File to be Eligible for $692 Montgomery Property Tax Credit | |
There has been a change in Maryland law that could restrict a homeowner’s eligibility for a $692 Montgomery County property tax credit. The new State law requires all residential property owners to also have an approved Homestead Application on file with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) to be eligible for the County’s Income Tax Offset Credit (ITOC). This credit appears on annual property tax bills. Read more. | |
Important Information About
The Maryland Homestead Tax Credit
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Visit our CLASSES page, to find information on our citizenship preparation, English, and basic computer classes, and how to register for it.
Visit More Learning Opportunities section for other programs.
Computer Classes
Registration for fall 2022 computer classes is open! Learn about Microsoft Word and Excel, Google Suite, how to use the internet, how to manage and share files, and more. To apply, click here.
Visit the GET HELP section of our website to find a number of resources that are arranged by category: Food, Housing, Legal, etc.
The IMMIGRANT RESOURCES page lists resources that are specific to the needs of immigrants.
Subscribe to our mailing lists, Gilchrist Center Upcoming Class Registrations and Gilchrist Center's Community News & Announcements to receive updates about upcoming events and class registrations.
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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:7pm – 12am
For further information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://mcpd100yearanniversarygal.rsvpify.com
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Montgomery Planning Releases Pedestrian Master Plan’s Draft Design, Policy, and Programming Recommendations | |
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Montgomery Planning has released the first draft of the countywide Pedestrian Master Plan and is seeking public comments, officials announced here.
The recommendations vary from physical infrastructure improvements to changing driver behavior and are intended to support elected officials and county departments in their work.
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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
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FREE Consultations for your immigration case
Click on banners for more
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Classes for Adults to Learn Basic Bicycle Skills and Training Will Be Available in September, October and November
Click on the banners below to learn more and Register.
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Click the banner for schedule | |
FY23 Abortion Access Grants Program
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Grants Management are seeking applications from qualified Community Based Organizations (CBOs) providing direct services that support the right to access abortion care in the County. Resolution 19-1357 provides a total of $1 million for the County’s FY 2023 Abortion, Reproductive Health, and Related Services Access (ARHRSA) Grants Program with individual awards ranging from a minimum award of $50,000 and a maximum award of $500,000 for an up to one year (12 month) performance period. The target population for this grant are women seeking access to abortion, reproductive health, and related services as well as the staff providing these services. Interested parties should visit the Office of Grants Management online application platform as a one-stop-shop for additional program details, links to and a recording of a virtual Information Session, contact information for questions or support, and to submit an application.
Key dates for this program are:
- Application Opens: Thursday September 1, 2022 at 12:00 PM (noon)
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MS Teams Live Virtual Information Session: Friday September 9, 2022 from 3:30 to 5:00 PM (the link to and a recording of the event will be posted here)
- Application Closes: Monday October 10, 2022 at 9:00 AM
Click here to see a video of the Press Event announcing the opening of this program.
Click here to see the County's Press Release on this program.
Click here to download the full ARHRSA Grants Program Details document in .pdf format.
Questions about the application process can be directed to Rafael Pumarejo Murphy, Director of the Office of Grants Management, by calling 240-777-2775 or emailing rafael.murphy@montgomerycountymd.gov.
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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.
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Visit Montgomery County Business Center's Website
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Are you a small retail business in Montgomery County?
If your business lost revenue during the pandemic, you may be able to apply for a grant of up to $10,000.[1]
The deadline to apply is September 30th!
Your business could be eligible to get help from this program if it:
· Is physically located in the County,
· Received $500,000 or less in annual revenue prior to the COVID-19 health crisis,
· Is classified as a retail or service-related business, but is not a restaurant or food service
business, medical practice, professional services business, religious organization or licensed
childcare program,
· Has a commercial lease in the County,
· Had a revenue loss due to the health crisis, and
· Did not received SBRA funding in previously.
For more information about this Small Business Rental Assistance[2] (SBRA) program, check online: https://montgomerycountymd.gov/Biz-Resources/ where you will find:
· Grant Application Requirements
· Grant Application Form
· Informational Webinars (in Spanish and English)
· Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For additional information, contact: BusinessCenter@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov or
SBRA@LEDCMetro.org.[3]
[1] Three months of rent based on its current lease or $10,000, whichever is less.
[2] This program complements other state, local, and federal funding programs previously offering
COVID-19 impact relief to different types of businesses (i.e. restaurants, licensed childcare providers).
[3] Montgomery County is working with one of its many community resource partners, the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), to deliver the funding to eligible businesses. These funds are available to all eligible businesses including those operated by Asian Americans, African Americans, Blacks, Latinos and others.
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Virtual Meeting on Monkeypox on Monday, Sept. 12, Will Focus on Latino Community | |
Montgomery County health officials, in partnership with the Latino Health Initiative, will host a virtual monkeypox town hall meeting from 6-7:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 12. The meeting is the second in a series planned by the County. This one will focus on the Latino community. Read more. | |
COVID-19 Remains a Community Concern and County Continues to Distribute
Free Vaccines, Rapid Test Kits and Masks
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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.
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County Offering COVID-19 Vaccines to Children
6 Months to 5 Years
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Free At-home COVID-19 PCR Test Kits Available at Multiple Locations, But Which COVID-19 Test is Right for You? | |
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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.
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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. | |
Work for Montgomery Parks: Your Next Adventure Starts Here
Department seeks to fill positions in many different fields, including trades, park maintenance, park planning and development, facility managers, and park police, among others.
WHEATON, Md. – Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is seeking to fill a variety of positions across many disciplines, including skilled trades, maintenance, natural resources, park management, engineering, and architecture.
The department offers a variety of work arrangements including full-time, part-time and flexible schedules. Some of the positions currently available include park general maintenance leader, carpenter, plumber, HVAC mechanic, a cultural resources planner, IT administrator, marketing manager, and administrative specialists. Visit Montgomery Parks' job opportunities webpage to learn about and apply for available positions.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 420 parks. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems. www.MontgomeryParks.org
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Montgomery County Public Libraries to Offer Free Online Workshops for Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs in September
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will offer online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers and entrepreneurs throughout September. All workshops are free. Click on the banner above for more information.
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The Community Engagement Cluster, The Silver Spring Urban District (SSUD) is seeking to hire experienced full-time – Public Service Aides Grade 10, IRC55571 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.
The Community Engagement Cluster, The Silver Spring Urban District (SSUD) is seeking to hire experienced full-time – Public Service Worker Grade 9, IRC55570 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.
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Montgomery County Resources Available for Individuals and Families | |
Volunteer Opportunities
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.
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