October 14, 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

ADVISORY BOARDS


Community Advisory boards are a way to keep up to date on issues affecting your communities and to have a voice. Take an active role by participating & engaging in your local Advisory Boards.

Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

Next meeting will be

October 20, 2022 at 7:00PM


Topics/Presenters:

MC Fire & Rescue Services Updated, Scott Goldstein

Bus Rapid Transit, Veirs Mills Updates, Michael F. Mitchell, PE, Senior Engineer


Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82931330898

Meeting ID: 829 3133 0898

call in: (301) 715-8592




Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee Meeting

Next meeting will be

November 8, 2022


Topics/Presenters:

Agenda is being updated


Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83246233594

Meeting ID: 832 4623 3594

call in: (301) 715-8592

Meetings are open to the public.

If you have any questions about either one of these meetings, please contact Carmen Kaarid at carmen.kaarid@montgomerycountymd.gov

What's new in Mid-County

This Saturday at

Marian Fryer Town Plaza

Comprehensive Flood Management Plan Development

Montgomery County has experienced an increase in flooding events causing impacts to public and private property. We want to learn where, when, and how you may have been impacted by flooding. To help us build a comprehensive flood plan your input is very important. Building this dataset with input from residents from all parts of the County will be critical in understanding locations, extent, and type of historic flooding impacts. All details here.

 

To learn more, sign up for an upcoming community forum and to take the survey visit: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/flooding/



El condado de Montgomery ha experimentado un aumento en los eventos de inundación que causan impactos a la propiedad pública y privada. Queremos saber dónde, cuán­do y cómo puede haber sido afectado usted por las inundaciones. Para ayudarnos a construir un plan integral contra inundaciones, su opinión es muy importante. La construcción de este conjunto de datos, con aportes de residentes de todas partes del Condado, será fundamental para com­prender las ubicaciones, la extensión y el tipo de impactos de inundaciones. Detalles aquí.


Para obtener más información, regístrese en un próximo foro de la comunidad y para participar en la encuesta visite esta página web: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/flooding/

Montgomery Parks is preparing to renovate the playground at

 Olney Mill Neighborhood Park


A virtual community meeting will be hosted on October 19, 2022, to discuss the playground renovation. Members of the public are encouraged to participate and submit comments and questions related to the project.  


The project will include new play equipment, seating for parents and caregivers, accessibility improvements, and stormwater management. We will also be collecting additional input online, following our community meeting. For more information visit MoCoParks.org/OMNPRenovation


Virtual Meeting: October 19, 2022, 7 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

Join the meeting online or by phone  

MoCoParks.org/OMNPTownHall 

Phone: 301-715-8592 Webinar ID: 823 3306 4938 

A Message from County Executive Marc Elrich

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich this week makes the case that the County not only needs to increase its number of available affordable housing units, it also must protect some existing affordable housing that is being threatened. He also addresses a recent court decision and how it may impact the status of DACA recipients (or Dreamers). He provides details on a new campaign of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation to attract businesses to the County. The County Executive also discusses the County program that is using grants to loan 50,000 computers to low-income residents and seniors.   Read more.

Information Updates and Events

Halloween 'BOO!sterama' to Be Held Saturday, Oct. 29, at Westfield Wheaton Mall; County Encourages Updated COVID-19 Boosters

Montgomery County health officials urge anyone age 12 and older to get their COVID-19 booster. The County, in partnership with Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar, Proyecto Salud and Westfield Wheaton, will host a “BOO!sterama” from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, to provide free COVID-19 boosters to shoppers. No appointment is needed.  Read more.

Comprehensive Flood Management Plan to Be Focus of Virtual Meeting on Thursday, Oct. 20

Montgomery County is seeking assistance from community members to help identify flood-prone areas. It has established a new website that includes a short, confidential survey where residents can provide feedback on flooding experiences and insight. On Thursday, Oct. 20, the County will hold a virtual community meeting on its Comprehensive Flood Management Plan. Read more.

Fairland Briggs Chaney Placemaking Festival is Coming


The Fairland and Briggs Chaney Placemaking Festival will take place on October 21 (3:30pm-7:30pm) and October 22 (11:00am-3pm) at the Briggs Chaney Park and Ride (3300 Briggs Chaney Road Silver Spring, MD).

We will be bringing together residents, visitors, local business owners, and more for the Fairland and Briggs Chaney Placemaking Festival to temporarily reimagine the Briggs Chaney Park and Ride as a vibrant gathering space and invite guests to share their ideas for what this community could become in the years ahead. We hope to see you there!

County Receives $22.6 Million in Digital Equity Grants to Expand Computers and Broadband Services to Low-Income and Senior Residents

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has announced that Montgomery Connects, the County’s digital equity program, has received more than $22.6 million in Federal and State grants to expand access to computers, broadband service and service discounts, and technology training for low-income residents and seniors.  Read more.

Holiday Giving Project Seeking Partners to Help During This Year’s Campaign


For more than 30 years, Montgomery County’s Holiday Giving Project (HGP) has provided Thanksgiving and December holiday assistance to low-income households. A network of social workers, school counselors, and other human service professionals refer families in need of holiday assistance to the County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The program is seeking partners to help in this year’s campaign. Read more.

County Recreation Will Celebrate Fall with Festivals, Costume Contests, Movies and More

Montgomery County Recreation will host family-friendly events this fall season, ranging from fall festivals to swimming with pumpkins. The October events will be hosted at community recreation centers, senior centers and aquatic facilities across the County. Read more.

October Will Be Filled with Montgomery Parks Special Events

A full lineup of special events in October from Montgomery Parks will include Halloween train rides, fall-themed happy hours and a Sunday jazz brunch. Read more.

Resurfacing Projects

Hispanic Heritage Month

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Montgomery County's Office of Community Partnerships is hosting events all over Montgomery County. To find an event near you, please visit here

Make sure you enjoy Montgomery County's excellent lineup of original Spanish Language programming. Read more.

Montgomery County Public Libraries

October Free Virtual Programs

Click on any of the banners below for more information.


Cartooning (50+) 

-5 sessions. 

-Wednesdays, October 12, October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9; 10-11 am. 

-For more information, please visit - https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7196356 

-This program is conducted in English but the artist/facilitator/instructor speaks Spanish. 



Countywide Facade Improvement Program

Funds Available Now!


Visit Montgomery County Department of Housing & Community Affairs website for more information or to apply. Read guidelines here.

Pedestrian Level of Comfort (PLOC) was developed by the Montgomery County Planning Department together with Toole Design Group to quantify how comfortable people feel when they walk in certain traffic conditions. The PLOC analysis assigns a comfort level to pathways and crossings based on factors such as traffic speed, number of lanes, and whether there is a buffer between a pathway and the street. See the Pedestrian Level of Comfort map here.


Visit Montgomery Planning Website for more information about the Montgomery County Pedestrian Master Plan.

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.

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

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. 

Free Electric Scooter Clinics for Those 18-and-Older Will Be Available in October and November

Residents 18-and-older who are interested in electric scooter lessons will have the opportunity to attend four free clinics in October and November sponsored by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation. Participants will be able to take a test ride, learn safety tips and get details on basic scooter laws. Read more.

Grants

Applications Now Being Accepted from Nonprofit Organizations for Grants to Support Security

Applications are now being accepted from nonprofit organizations seeking grants from $800,000 in total funding from Montgomery County’s “Nonprofit Security Grants” program. Three information sessions on how to apply will take place in October. Read More

‘Clean Water Montgomery’ Grants Available for Local Nonprofits and Community Groups with Awards Up to $100,000

Montgomery County nonprofit organizations such as local watershed groups, homeowner and community associations, faith-based organizations, service and civic groups can now apply for grants ranging from $40,000 to $100,000 through the “Clean Water Montgomery Grant Program.” The County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Chesapeake Bay Trust (the Trust) are partners in the program through the Trust’s grant process. Read more.

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.

Educational Grants for High School Seniors


The Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s (HHF) 2022 Youth Awards educational grants program is now accepting applications! Our 24th Annual Youth Awards will award students who are in the graduating Class of 2023 with up to $4000 in educational grants to fund their higher education or to fund a community-based project. Click on the banner for 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.

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.

Cuarta fase del Programa de Alivio de Renta por COVID-19: Previamente incompleta estará aceptando nuevas aplicaciones


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. Read more here.


In-person PCR testing continues at multiple sites throughout the community. A schedule of testing locations can be found at the County’s 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.
Job Opportunities

Public Safety Career Fair to be Held on Saturday, Oct. 22, in Gaithersburg

In partnership with Montgomery County’s public safety departments, its Office of Human Resources will hold a two-session Public Safety Career Fair for job seekers 18-and-over on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the County’s Public Safety Training Academy in Gaithersburg. The County is seeking to fill more than 100 positions across the County’s public safety cluster. Read more.

Free Online Workshops for Job Seekers Will Be Offered in October by County Public Libraries


Free online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers and entrepreneurs will be offered throughout October by Montgomery County Public Libraries. Read More

To see all available jobs go to Montgomery County Website.

Montgomery County Resources Available for Individuals and Families

Housing:

Resources on Homelessness

Housing Opportunities Commission – Adult and Family Programs

Bethesda Help - Emergency Financial Assistance

Mental Health: 

Everymind – Mental Health

InfoMontgomery Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

Food:

211 – Food Providers in Maryland 

Montgomery County Food Providers

Applying for unemployment or SNAP benefits

Montgomery County Food Council Food Assistance Resource Map

Manna Food Center

         Positive Youth Development: 

Street Outreach Network – Gang Prevention

Identity – Mental Health,

            Academic Support, Gang Prevention, Wraparound Services

            Disponible en inglés y español

TeenWorks – Youth Employment

           Summer slots are full, but Fall and school year positions are still open

Soccer4Change

           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:

Arts on the Block

Conservation Corps

Visit Montgomery County Business Center's Website


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.
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.
Luisa F. Cardona
Director

MID-COUNTY REGIONAL SERVICE CENTER
Visit our website
Mid-County Regional Office
   a service of Montgomery County Government 
located at:
2425 Reedie Drive, 2nd Floor, Wheaton, MD 20902



Marc Elrich
Montgomery County Executive
  

Stay Connected! There is a lot going on in Mid-County so I hope you are staying connected. Please forward this email to others who may benefit.