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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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.
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Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board Meeting
Next meeting will be
November 17, 2022 at 7:00PM
Topics/Presenters:
MCDOT Commuter Services Presenration and MC Public Library Strategic Plan Updates
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 at 7:00PM
Topics/Presenters:
Agenda is being updated
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83246233594
Meeting ID: 832 4623 3594
call in: (301) 715-8592
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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
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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. | |
Mariachi los Amigos!
This Sunday
October 23, 2022
2:00PM
We've extended Hispanic Heritage Month by a week at the Wheaton Library for this performance.
It will be held in the Social Hall,
on the second floor.
See flyer for more details.
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The Community Engagement Cluster, Regional Service Office Directors are currently recruiting for four full-time Community Project Managers (Program Manager II), IRC55977 to join four of the five committee regions. 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. | |
A Message from County Executive Marc Elrich | |
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich this week makes a strong case on why the County Council should vote against approval of the proposed “Thrive 2050” plan that would guide land use in the County for the next 30 years. He is enthusiastic about Montgomery College’s new president, Jermaine Williams, who was inaugurated this week. County Executive Elrich also shares an important message about the importance of National School Bus Safety Week. Read more. | |
Information Updates and Events | |
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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!
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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/
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The Police Accountability Board will be having their next board meeting in Mid-County and would love the public to hear what is going on.
Meetings are every other Thursday, 7-8pm, and move around the County so as to try to meet you where you are.
Here are the details for our October 27, 2022 Meeting
What: Police Accountability Board meeting
When: October 27, 2022
Time: 7pm-9pm (extended 1 hr)
In Person Location: Wheaton Community Recreation Center
(11701 Georgia Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902)
Virtual Option:
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 290 460 987 937
Passcode: GZRUAY
Download Teams | Join on the web
Or call in (audio only)
+1 443-692-5768,,59364618# United States, Baltimore
Phone Conference ID: 593 646 18#
Find a local number | Reset PIN
Learn More | Meeting options
Want to learn more about what the Police Accountability Board is and does, check out our website here: www.mocopab.org
Want to see when the next meetings are, check out the Meeting Agendas page here: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/pab/agenda.html
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Resurfacing Project for 3.7-Miles of MD 108 in Olney Area Will Improve Road, But Will Create Traffic Disruptions Through Summer 2023 | |
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is beginning a $3.7 million safety and resurfacing project on MD 108 from Olney Mill Road to Brooke Road in Olney. Weather permitting, the 3.7-mile project is expected to be complete by late summer 2023. Read more. | |
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Self-Defense Classes for Women Will Be Offered Again This Fall by Montgomery County Commission for Women | |
The Montgomery County Commission for Women this fall will again offer in-person S.A.F.E. (Self-defense Awareness and Familiarization Exchange) self-defense courses for women. The introductory seminars, which will be presented at four locations, are two-hour classes for women age 13-and-over. 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.
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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. | |
Montgomery County Public Libraries
October Free Virtual Programs
Click on any of the banners below for more information.
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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.
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Countywide Facade Improvement Program
Funds Available Now!
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Visit Montgomery County Department of Housing & Community Affairs website for more information or to apply. Read guidelines here.
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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.
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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. | |
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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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Legal consultations from our partners
are available at the Gilchrist Center sites!
See opportunities below:
PRO BONO (FREE) LEGAL CLINICS:
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Wheaton: every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Sign-in: 6-6:30pm
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Gaithersburg: every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. Sign-in: 6-6:30pm
One-on-one consultation with an attorney from the Montgomery County Bar Foundation Pro Bono Program for low-income Montgomery County residents. No appointments necessary. More details in English and Spanish. Call 301-424-7651 for more information.
FREE IN-PERSON CITIZENSHIP CONSULTATIONS
Meet with an attorney with the Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center (APALRC) for help applying for citizenship. all nationalities welcome. To make an appointment, call APALRC at 202-393-3572, or register online. See flyer for more details.
Visit our website for more information on where to get legal help, and to learn about the different programs happening at our sites: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/gilchrist/gilchrist-locations.html
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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. | |
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.
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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. | | |
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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.
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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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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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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.
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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?
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.
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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. | |
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. | |
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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
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Montgomery County Resources Available for Individuals and Families | | |
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Visit Montgomery County Business Center's Website
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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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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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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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