East County Regional Office | |
See What's Happening in
East County
...and Elsewhere in Montgomery County
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The East County Regional Office links Montgomery County government with citizens and businesses in the Eastern areas of the County that include:
Burtonsville, Briggs Chaney, Burnt Mills, Calverton, Colesville, Cloverly, Fairland, Hillandale, Ashton/Sandy Spring (pt.), Spencerville and White Oak.
East County Citizens Advisory Board (ECCAB)
The ECCAB is an eighteen-member board appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the Council to advise, advocate for and make recommendations to the Executive, Council and East County Regional Director on needs and issues impacting residents and communities of East County.
The Full Board and its Committees Meet Monthly Except in July and August at the
East County Regional Services Center, 3300 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904.
Please Note: The next ECCAB meeting will be on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, 7:00 pm.
Topics and Guest Speakers To be Announced.
For questions about the board and full meeting agenda please contact-Eastco.citizens@montgomerycountymd.gov
240-777-8414
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Grab and Go Food Distribution | |
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Kingdom Cares Diaper Distribution
Last Wednesday of every month
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City of Light Helping Hands
Food Pantry
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East County Community
Housing Day
| Día de recursos para inquilinos y dueños de casa | |
Grand Opening Celebration!
Friday, January 19 - Sunday, January 21
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Family Ice Skating Night
Friday, February 10 from 5:30 PM
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Fashion Boot Camp
From January 26 - March 22
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The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have holiday schedule and program changes for the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday on Monday, Jan. 15. Read more. | |
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Montgomery Parks announces operating hours and programs for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
WHEATON, Md. – Montgomery Parks announces programming and operating hours for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (MLK Day) holiday.
Join an MLK Day of Service Weed Warrior or park cleanup event
Open Parkways schedule
The Open Parkways will be extended during the MLK Day holiday. During this time, parkways are open to pedestrians and bicyclists and closed to motor vehicles.
- Beach Drive between Connecticut and Knowles Avenue (2.9 miles)
o Saturday, January 13, at 7 a.m. until Monday, January 15, at 4 p.m.
- Sligo Creek Parkway between Old Carroll Avenue and Piney Branch Road and between Forest Glen Road and University Boulevard West
o Friday, January 12, at 9 a.m. until Monday, January 15, at 4 p.m.
*Please note: Gate closures are intended to be completed by the times listed above. The re-opening of the parkways begins at the times listed above. However, this process may take up to 30 minutes to complete.
Fun activities available during the MLK Day holiday weekend:
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Parks, trails, gardens, nature centers, playgrounds, dog parks, skate parks, outdoor exercise stations, and outdoor tennis/pickleball and basketball courts* are open daily, sunrise to sunset. (*Select outdoor courts are available for rental.)
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The inline hockey rink at Ridge Road Recreational Park and street hockey/futsal rink at Dewey Local Park may be permitted, or are available first come, first served, if not reserved.
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Campfire rings are available for rental at several locations.
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Ice Skating at Cabin John Ice Rink or Wheaton Ice Arena
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Little Bennett Campground
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Brookside Gardens grounds open daily sunrise–4 p.m., Visitor Center open daily 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Conservatory open daily 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
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Josiah Henson Museum and Park, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sunday 12–4 p.m., Special hours on MLK Day, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
MLK Day holiday operating hours:
The following facilities will be CLOSED on Monday, January 15, 2024:
- Montgomery Parks Headquarters and Permits Offices
- Montgomery Parks Public Information and Customer Service Office
- All Montgomery Parks Nature Centers (Ground and trails open daily, sunrise to sunset)
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 419 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.
Accessibility
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice/TTY), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Program Access for more information.
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Grant Opportunity:
School-Based Food Assistance Program
The Office of Food Systems Resilience (OFSR), in partnership with the Office of Grants Management(OGM), is soliciting grant applications for the County’s FY 2024 School-Based Food Assistance Program from food assistance provider organizations that are currently providing school-based food assistance services at Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) sites. $480,000 in total grant funding is available for innovative programs to increase food security for students and their families through food assistance services co-located at an MCPS school site. Funding may be awarded to new initiatives, or expansion of existing programs at additional sites. All awarded programs through the FY24School-Based Food Assistance Grant Program must:
- Demonstrate past experience with successful operation of school-based food assistance programs in partnership with MCPS;
- Describe a quickly actionable program model for services at new school(s); and
- Identify potential locations, capacity, resource needs, and format for expanded services.
The minimum award that applicants may request is $20,000 and maximum award is $480,000. Final award amounts may be lower than $20,000. The performance period for these grant awards is anticipated to be on/about February 19, 2024 to on/about June 30,2024.
Key dates for this program are:
- Application Opens: Tuesday, January 9, 2024
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Application Closes: Sunday, January 28, 2024 at 11:59 PM
To apply visit the FY24 School-Based Food Assistance Grant Program: https://mcmdgrants.smapply.org/prog/OFSR-School-Based
Questions about the application process can be directed to Ali Hoy, Outgoing Grants Program Manager of the Office of Grants Management, by calling 240-773-3384 or emailing grants@montgomerycountymd.gov
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Montgomery County Commission for Women to host Women's Legislative Briefing on Sunday, January 28, 2024 | |
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Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services Highlights Alcohol-Free Products for ‘Dry January’ to Promote Responsibility and Moderation
Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) is celebrating “Dry January” with discount prices on non-alcoholic beverages in its retail stores. Throughout the month, ABS also will offer tastings of alcohol-free products and will post mocktail recipes on its social media accounts to promote responsibility and moderation.
Dry January represents a time when many people abstain from alcohol or practice mindful drinking for an entire month. For some, it is a part it is part of a New Year’s resolution to lose weight, sleep better, manage stress or incorporate healthy behaviors into their routine. Low- and no-alcohol beer, wine and spirits provide an interesting and attractive alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks.
“Now is a natural time to take stock and make a plan for the year ahead, which may include sober curiosity or challenges like Dry January.” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I’m glad to see ABS offering 23 non-alcoholic products in its stores for those who prefer a different type of ‘adult’ beverage. ABS even has the just-released Mionetto zero-proof sparkling wine that has caught the attention of prosecco enthusiasts.”
ABS Liquor & Wine and Oak Barrel & Vine retail stores are currently carrying these products that contain less than 0.5 percent alcohol:
Beer
- Beck’s Non-Alcoholic
- Buckler Non-Alcoholic
- Corona Non-Alcoholic
- Gosling’s Ginger Beer Non-Alcoholic
- Heineken 0.0 Non-Alcoholic
- O’Doul’s Non-Alcoholic
- O’Doul’s Amber Non-Alcoholic
Wine
- Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon Non-Alcoholic
- Ariel Chardonnay Non-Alcoholic
- Freixenet Alcohol-Removed Premium Sparkling White
- Freixenet Alcohol-Removed Premium Sparkling Rosé
- Mionetto Alcohol-Removed Sparkling Wine
- Stella Rosa Red Non-Alcoholic
- Stella Rosa Peach Non-Alcoholic
- Stella Rosa Rosé Non-Alcoholic
- Stella Rosa Black Non-Alcoholic
- Sutter Home Fre Alcohol-Removed Cabernet Sauvignon
- Sutter Home Fre Alcohol-Removed Chardonnay
Spirits
- CleanCo Clean V Apple Non-Alcoholic Vodka Alternative
- CleanCo Clean W Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Alternative
- CleanCo Clean T Non-Alcoholic Tequila Alternative
- CleanCo Clean G Non-Alcoholic Gin Alternative
- CleanCo Clean R Non-Alcoholic Spiced Rum Alternative
Customers can discover which ABS retail stores carry specific products by using the Product Search Portal on the department’s website. Gaithersburg Square Oak Barrel & Vine carries the largest selection of alcohol-free products.
Customers can also sample alcohol-free products at these scheduled tastings:
- Saturday, Jan. 6, 1-4 p.m., Mionetto, Downtown Rockville.
- Saturday, Jan. 6, 4-7 p.m., Mionetto, Kingsview.
- Saturday, Jan. 6, 4-7 p.m., Sutter Home Fre, Muddy Branch
- Friday, Jan. 12, 4-7 p.m., CleanCo, Darnestown
- Friday, Jan. 12, 4-7 p.m., Mionetto, Aspen Hill
- Friday, Jan. 12, 4-7 p.m., Mionetto, Hampden Lane
- Saturday, Jan. 13, 1-4 p.m., CleanCo, Kingsview
- Saturday, Jan. 13, 1-4 p.m., Sutter Home Fre, Kensington
- Friday, Jan. 19, 1-4 p.m., Mionetto, Seneca Meadows
- Friday, Jan. 19, 4-7 p.m., CleanCo, Gaithersburg Square
- Friday, Jan. 19, 4-7 p.m., CleanCo, Downtown Rockville
- Friday, Jan. 19, 4-7 p.m., CleanCo, Aspen Hill
- Friday, Jan. 19, 4-7 p.m., Mionetto, Muddy Branch
- Saturday, Jan. 20, 1-4 p.m., CleanCo, Seneca Meadows
- Saturday, Jan. 20, 1-4 p.m., Mionetto, Cabin John
- Saturday, Jan. 20, 1-4 p.m. Mionetto, Gaithersburg Square
- Saturday, Jan. 20, 4-7 p.m., CleanCo, Muddy Branch
- Saturday, Jan. 20, 4-7 p.m., Sutter Home Fre, Potomac
- Friday, Jan. 26, 4-7 p.m., Mionetto, Darnestown
- Friday, Jan. 27, 1-4 p.m. Mionetto, Potomac
- Saturday, Jan. 27, 4-7 p.m., Mionetto, Montrose
- Saturday, Jan. 27, 1-4 p.m., Sutter Home Fre, Cabin John
- Saturday, Jan. 27, 1-4 p.m., Sutter Home Fre, Montrose
- Saturday, Jan. 27, 2-5 p.m., CleanCo, Hampden Lane
A full list of tastings, including products that contain alcohol, is available on the department’s website.
As consumers look for new ways to enjoy the taste and ritual of drinking without the negative consequences of alcohol, mocktails continue to grow in popularity. Mocktails are non-alcoholic drinks created to replicate the presentation and complexity of craft cocktails. ABS will post mocktail, or zero-proof, recipes on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest throughout January.
“There are now so many flavorful options among craft mocktails, these elevated beverages have become their own movement,” said ABS director Kathie Durbin. “There are many great choices if you want something healthier or more inclusive than traditional cocktails.”
ABS is the alcohol wholesaler of beer, wine and spirits for Montgomery County and operates 27 retail stores throughout the County. In addition, ABS manages alcohol licensing, enforcement and education for more than 1,000 businesses. Generating more than $35 million in net income annually, its profits are used to pay down County debt with a large portion deposited in the general fund to pay for resident services that would otherwise be funded by County tax dollars. Follow ABS on Facebook and X.
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Become a Summer RISE 2024 Host! | |
MCDOT Promotes ‘Salt Wise’ Campaign, Using Less Salt and Keeping People Safe During Winter Storms | |
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The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection and MCDOT are emphasizing the impact excessive salt use can have on the environment. Salt runs off into storm drains, local streams and eventually, to the Potomac and Patuxent rivers. Those waterways are drinking water sources for 1.9 million residents in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. Salt can corrode concrete and masonry, harm pets, damage surrounding plants and lawns and adversely impact the water supply.
MCDOT manages the County’s snowstorm response and has implemented steps to reduce salt usage such as the use of brine to pretreat roads, installing rubber bumpers on all snowplows allowing for early plowing and staff and contractor training on salt usage.
Learn more about how you can play a part in protecting our waterways by being Salt-Wise at bit.ly/SaltWise.
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Ride On Bus Schedule Changes on January 14, 2024 | |
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will adjust 23 Ride On bus route schedules starting January 14, 2024, to improve efficiency and on-time performance. Although service levels are staying relatively the same, the changes reflect a shift of resources to allow for more reliable service where there is higher demand. The new schedules will be available at rideonbus.com and in print. | |
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Route changes include:
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21 routes have timetable changes: 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 21, 23, 31, 32, 37, 38, 45, 46, 47, 53, 55, 57, 64, 76, 83 and 90.
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Four routes have slight map changes: 17, 18, 53 and 76.
Here are details of each route affected:
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Route 8: Trip time changes on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
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Route 9: Trip time changes on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
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Route 10: Trip time changes on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
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Route 15: Trip time changes on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
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Route 17: Map and bus stop changes on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
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Route 18: Map and bus stop changes on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
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Route 20: Trip time changes on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
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Route 21: Trip time changes on weekdays.
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Route 23: Trip time changes on weekdays.
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Route 31: Trip time changes on weekdays.
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Route 32: Trip time changes on weekdays.
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Route 37: Trip time changes on weekdays.
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Route 38: Trip time changes on weekdays.
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Route 45: Trip time changes on weekdays.
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Route 46: Trip time changes on Sundays.
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Route 47: Trip time changes on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
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Route 53: Increased trips on weekdays and map change.
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Route 55: Trip time changes on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
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Route 57: Trip time changes on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
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Route 64: Trip time changes on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
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Route 76: Move stop at Quince Orchard High School to State Route 28 in front of the McDonalds, extend service to Poolesville Crossvines Golf Club.
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Route 83: Trip time changes on weekdays.
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Route 90: Trip time changes on weekdays.
For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. In addition, information is available at RideOnBus.com, by subscribing to receive email alerts at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/govdelivery, or texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311 to receive text alerts.
For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.
Title VI: Montgomery County assures that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Civil Rights Act of 1987, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity.
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New Hampshire Avenue BRT
-- PROJECT UPDATE --
Dear New Hampshire Avenue BRT CAC Members and Interested Parties,
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) continues to make progress advancing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) along New Hampshire Avenue. The project team is deep into analyzing the four BRT alternatives. When the project team meets with the CAC later this winter, you can expect to see how the alternatives compare to each other across a variety of areas including transit travel time, auto travel time, and transit ridership, along with a variety of other measures.
We have developed an interactive map, available on the project website, that shows each of the four alternatives and provides an opportunity for you to provide feedback. Whether you live, work, or travel in this area, your unique perspective is essential to our planning process.
Details on the upcoming Winter 2024 CAC meeting and other community engagement opportunities will be shared in the near future. We encourage you to attend these events to learn more and provide feedback on bringing Flash bus service to the New Hampshire Avenue corridor.
Thank you for your ongoing interest and dedication to this project. Your participation is important.
CLICK HERE TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK
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Experience Summer Camp at Two County Recreation Camp Fairs in January | Montgomery County Recreation is hosting two free summer camp fairs in January to help families plan for their children’s summer activities. Read More | Upcoming Events with Montgomery County Recreation | |
We have a lot of great events planned at our Montgomery County Recreation facilities! Make sure to check out the full calendar on our website.
- Sunday, Jan. 7, Summer Camp Fair 1 – 4 p.m. at Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center
- Sunday, Jan. 14, Summer Camp Fair 1 – 4 p.m. at East County Community Recreation Center
- Tuesday, Jan. 16, Summer Camp 2024 Registration Begins
- Friday, Jan. 19, New Year Senior Luncheon, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. at Jane E. Lawton Community Recreation Center
- Monday, Jan. 22 Holiday Park Senior Center Community Meeting, 1 p.m. at Holiday Park Senior Center
- Monday, Jan. 29, Kids Day Out 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 9, Valentine's Day Family Skate Night 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at White Oak Community Recreation Center
- Monday, Feb. 12, Spring Registration Begins
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Save-the-date:
How to do Business with Montgomery County Webinar
co-hosted with the Maryland Women's Business Center
Tuesday, January 16, 2023
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
The Montgomery County Office of Procurement and the Maryland Women's Business Center will co-host a quarterly webinar on the 3rd Tuesday of October, January, April and July from 10:00am - 11:00am.
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-Montgomery College-
Environmental Horticulture & Sustainable Agribusiness-
Where Horticulture Meets Ecology
ØConcerned about where your food comes from?
ØInterested in preserving the natural environment and creating a more sustainable landscape?
ØLearn how plants work, communicate, and support.
Example of courses offered this semester.
HORT 105 Intro. to Sustainable Landscaping - 2 semester hours
Gain a broad overview of trends within the Green Industry, including techniques and approaches for maintaining and improving soil health, composting, and managing stormwater, as well as provide a basic understanding of growth and nutrition to ensure environmental sustainability. Students will learn about national, state, and local guidelines promoting sustainability in landscape design and management.
Monday, 7:30 - 9:10 p.m. CRN #32802, Online
HORT 258 Sustainable Landscape Management - 3 semester hours
Hone landscape management skills by an in-depth study of proper planting and pruning techniques. Learn how to properly evaluate soil sites and conditions. Select appropriate amendments & develop fertilization programs.
Tuesday, 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. CRN 32807, CRN 32808 Lab, Hybrid format
HORT 271 Plant Propagation and Production - 3 semester hours
Discover the basic principles and skills used to propagate and produce a wide range of ornamental and edible plants, including natives, annuals, perennials and fruits. Lab will focus on seed propagation, cuttings, grafting, budding, division, layering, and tissue culture.
Thursday, 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. CRN 32809, CRN 32810 Lab, Face-to-face
· Students can take these classes for credit or audit.
· Maryland residents 60 years and older may be eligible for a tuition waiver. Students pay only fees. Senior registration begins January 17.
For further information about this course and other courses offered this semester see attached or contact Stephen Dubik (240) 567-7803 steve.dubik@montgomerycollege.edu
►In-county tuition rates available for Business/Industry employees
►Web registration: www.montgomerycollege.edu
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Visit www.WORK4MCG.com to see all job opportunities | |
Call 311 to Get it Done
It's storm season. If you come across debris blocking the road or the sidewalk or street light outages contact MC311 Customer Service Center by calling 311 in the County or 240-777-0311, 711 for MD Relay TTY, from anywhere, Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. or follow on Twitter @311MC311.
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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.
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Vendor Resources/Business Opportunities
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Montgomery County Government
Marc Elrich, County Executive
County Council:
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Montgomery County Eastern Regional Office
3300 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904
240-777-8400/8411
Jewru Bandeh, Regional Director
240-777-8414
East County Citizens Advisory Board (ECCAB)
240-777-8414
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