August 18, 2023

East County Regional Office

See What's Happening in
East County
...and Elsewhere in Montgomery County

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.


Please Note:

ECCAB Will Not Meet in July and August.

The next ECCAB meeting will be on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 7:00 pm.

The Meeting Agenda Topic Will Be Announced Later.


The ECCAB (Regular Monthly Board) Meetings Are Held In-Person, 7:00 pm at:

East County Regional Services Office

3300 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904

Unless Otherwise Noted.

For the full meeting agenda please contact-[email protected]

240-777-8414

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East County News

Grab And Go Food Distribution

East County Rec Center food distribution is now walk-in only, except for special events. Those driving must park in the parking lot and come in to receive their food. Assistance will be available for those needing help with food to their cars.

Kingdom Cares Diaper Distribution

Wednesday, August 30 at 6:00pm

at the East County Recreation Center

English and Spanish registrations links for diaper distribution are listed below. Registration links open on August 7th.


https://www.fellowshiponegiving.com/App/Form/4e7a6102-fe40-4a61-a05e-b191896ddd3d(English)

  https://www.fellowshiponegiving.com/App/Form/36298959-a286-4753-9ddb-f92ce05f75b9(Spanish)


MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Expanding Opportunity and Unleashing Potential Burtonsville ElementarySchool - Community Engagement Meetings

Montgomery County Public Schools(MCPS) is scheduled to begin the Schematic Design Phase for an approved new school facility project for Burtonsville Elementary School. MCPS extends an invitation to you to participate in the next community meeting on SEPTEMBER 19th, 2023 if you miss the earlier ones. Please see the announcement for more details.

A Message from the County Executive

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, a former elementary school teacher, this week offers his thoughts after Montgomery County Public Schools placed on leave a principal accused in multiple incidents of sexual harassment. The County Executive also encourages shoppers to take advantage of the final days of Maryland’s Tax-Free shopping week. And he talks about how members of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, who are part of the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force, are assisting in Hawaii after the devastating fires on Maui. Read More

Other County News

Maryland Sales Tax Holiday Continues Through Saturday, Aug. 19

Shoppers in Maryland can continue to save by not paying the State sales tax of six percent on qualifying clothing and footwear priced $100 or less through midnight on Saturday, Aug. 19. The first $40 of back/bookbag sales also qualify. Read more.

Unprecedented Three-Pronged Approach to Funding Neighborhood Revitalization Launched With $3.7 Million for White Oak Façade Improvement Initiative


The Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) has launched a unique, three-pronged approach to neighborhood revitalization by combining State and County funding, along with a financial commitment from local businesses and property owners to kick-off a community improvement initiative in White Oak. Read More

Are you interested in learning how to advocate for your community?

Apply online to the Community Advocacy Institute (CAI)!

 

The Community Action Board is now accepting applications for the CAI, a FREE advocacy training program for lower-income Montgomery County residents. The CAI includes monthly workshops focused on advocacy for policy change. To graduate, participants must attend all sessions and complete an advocacy project (testifying before County Council or another legislative body, or submitting written testimony). The CAI is a bilingual program in English and Spanish.

 

To be eligible for the program, you must live in the County and have a combined household income of $64,000 or less. 

Applications are due on August 18

Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles is Seeking Student Applicants for her S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council

The S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council is a program formed by the Sayles office that aims to increase youth participation in local government. Guided by the tenets of the S.M.A.R.T. agenda, students have the opportunity to advocate for creative solutions to problems in our communities that significantly affect young people. Students who are accepted will be eligible for SSL hours. Applications for our fall cohort are open through August 28. Learn more and apply here.

Nonprofits May Be Eligible for ‘Clean Water Montgomery Grants’ Awards Ranging from $40,000 to $100,000

Montgomery County nonprofit organizations including local watershed groups, homeowner and community associations, faith-based organizations, service and civic groups may be eligible for grants ranging from $40,000 to $100,000 via the “Clean Water Montgomery Grant” Program. Read More

Montgomery Parks Seeks Input for Its Fiscal Years 2025-30 Capital Improvements Program, with Forum on Thursday, Sept. 7, in Wheaton

Montgomery Parks is seeking input on its Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for Fiscal Years 2025-30. Community suggestions for the upcoming CIP can be submitted online, via email, U.S. mail or in person at a public forum that will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Wheaton Headquarters of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Read More

Free Computers and Up to $45 Per Month Off Home or Mobile Internet Available for Low-Income Residents

A new school year is about to start, and for some low-income residents without computers or the ability to pay for home or mobile internet, Montgomery County is trying to provide help through its continued program of giving away free computers and subsidized internet service. The next distribution of free computers will be from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, at the East County Community Recreation Center in Silver Spring. Read more.

Animal Services and Adoption Center at Critical Occupancy; Adoption Fees Will Be Waived for Next 100 Animals Adopted

Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center in Derwood has reached a dangerous capacity for animals of all types. Despite the recent support in a campaign to have large dogs adopted, the over-population situation remains critical and has extended to all types of animals. To help inspire adoptions, the shelter is waiving adoption fees for the next 100 pets adopted by Thursday, Aug. 24. Read More

Triple Grammy Award Winner Dee Dee Bridgewater Will Headline Annual Silver Spring Jazz Festival on Saturday, Sept. 9


Three-time Grammy® Award-winning vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater will headline the 18th annual Silver Spring Jazz Festival on Saturday, Sept. 9, at Veterans Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring. The free festival will take place from 3-10 p.m. Bridgewater will take the mainstage at 8:30 p.m.

Read More

$5.75 Million Available for Nonprofit Grant Programs Targeting Youth, Seniors, Residents with Disabilities and Underserved Communities

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the Montgomery County Council have announced that $5.75 million in Community Grants funding is available to assist County community nonprofits. The money is to be dispersed to nonprofits with unique and innovative programs focusing on youth, seniors, residents with disabilities and underserved populations to cover special community needs that are not otherwise being addressed by County funding or efforts.  Read more.

Click here to download the full FY24 Community Projects Fund (CPF) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) document in .pdf format.

  • Application Closes:  Sunday August 20, 2023 at 11:59 PM

Key program resources:

FY24 Community Project Funds will be offered on a quarterly application cycle with at least $250,000 available in each cycle. The remaining FY24 cycles will launch on:

  • Second Quarter Applications Open: Sunday October 1, 2023
  • Third Quarter Applications Open: Monday January 1, 2024
  • Fourth Quarter Applications Open: Monday April 1, 2024

 

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 [email protected].

Montgomery County Office of Grants Management

FY 2024 Community Grants - DEADLINE EXTENSION


Deadline Extended for the FY24 Community Grants Program to August 20, 2023 at 11:59 PM


The Montgomery County Office of Grants Management is soliciting grant applications for the County’s FY24 Community Grants Program from qualified nonprofit organizations in Montgomery County with programs targeting Youth, Seniors, Residents with Disabilities and Underserved Communities in Montgomery County. 

For more information, visit their website: https://mcmdgrants.smapply.org/

CALL TO ACTION BY THE MONTGOMEY COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS ON NATIONAL POLL WORKER RECRUITMENT DAY


The Montgomery County Board of Elections is promoting National Poll Worker Recruitment Day on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. It’s a national day of action established by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to encourage people to help America vote by signing up to be a poll worker and serve their community. By encouraging people to become poll workers in their communities, the Board of Elections, aims to inspire civic engagement, strengthen our democracy, and to ensure that elections are free and fair.

To serve in this paid volunteer position all election poll workers must be registered to vote in the State of Maryland, able to speak, read, and write the English language, and cannot hold, or be a candidate for, public or party office. In addition, election workers may not serve as a campaign manager for a candidate or as treasurer for any campaign finance entity.

Due to the diversity within the county, the Montgomery County Board of Elections needs voters who speak multiple languages. Voters who are fluent in both English and Spanish are especially needed in each polling place to meet the requirements of Section 203 of the 1975 Voting Rights Act which stipulates that a bilingual Spanish speaker be available at the polling places.

Students 16 years old or older are eligible to register to vote and serve as poll workers. Each minor must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Maryland State Board of Elections, that they meet all qualifications for registration in the State. Students serving as poll workers may choose Student Service Learning (SSL) credits in lieu of the stipend.



To apply by phone, text SERVE to 77788, visit the Montgomery County Board of Elections website at www.777vote.org, then select “Election Workers” tab, then select “Getting Started” tab” or in person at one of the following locations on Wednesday, August 23:

8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Montgomery County Board of Elections, 18753 North Frederick Avenue, Suite 210, Gaithersburg

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Wheaton Library, 11701 Georgia Avenue, Wheaton

Marilyn J. Praisner Library, 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville           

Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Avenue, Rockville         

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Connie Morella (Bethesda) Library, 7400 Arlington Road., Bethesda

Gaithersburg Library, 18330 Montgomery Village Avenue, Gaithersburg    

Brigadier General Charles E. McGee (Silver Spring) Library, 900 Wayne Avenue, Silver Spring

For other election related information, call 240-777-8500, visit www.777vote.org, the Maryland State Board of Elections’ website at https://elections.maryland.gov, or follow the Montgomery County Board of Elections on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Your Voice, Your Vote!

Montgomery County Active LSBRP Solicitations

Emergency Cleaning, Remediation and Restoration Services

[Amendments #1, #2 and #3 have been issued]

RFP # 1151796


Concrete and Steel Repairs and Restoration Services in MCDOT Parking Facilities

Pre-Bid Meeting:( Aug 24 2023 2:00PM )

Microsoft Teams Meeting (See Solicitation for Details)

IFB # 1156711


Safe Start: Counseling for Children Exposed to Domestic Violence

RFP # 1152794


Police, Law Enforcement and Emergency Response Service Vehicles Inspection, Diagnosis, Repair and Maintenance

Informal 1159960


Visit our website for the most updated due dates.

Information is subject to change. The website has the most updated information.


Remember to check our website for Open Solicitations! 


Montgomery County certified local businesses may receive price preference or points. Click here for more details on LBPP.

See Full List of Solicitations

Montgomery County Office of Procurement Events

Online Open House: Writing an Effective Proposal

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

10:00am - 11:00am

Zoom meeting: NEW LINK


MDOT Certification Seminar

hosted by the Office of Procurement and the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Montgomery County

Thursday, September 7, 2023

10:30am - 12:30pm

Rockville Memorial Library

Register

Upcoming Events in East County & Elsewhere

Adult Bike and Scooter Classes Will Be Offered in September, October and November

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), in collaboration with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), is offering adult bike classes in September, October and November. The classes include both Learn to Ride and Basic Skills classes. MCDOT also will offer four free, walk-up scooter classes following select bike classes. Read More

Montgomery County Council to Hold

 Public Hearings on Sept. 12, 2023

The County Council will hold public hearings to receive testimony on new items introduced to the Council as follows:

Sept. 12, 2023 at 1:30 p.m.

Deadline to sign up to speak is Sept. 11 at 2 p.m.

 

  • Special Appropriation to Montgomery County Public Schools’ (MCPS) FY24 Capital Budget - $602,651 for Planned Life Cycle Asset Replacement: MCPS (Source of Funds: State Aid; Aging Schools Program).
  • Bill 32-23, Police - Policing Advisory Commission - Amendments, would rename the Policing Advisory Commission so that it will now be known as the Community Advisory Commission on Public Safety, amend the law regarding the Policing Advisory Commission regarding appointment of members and scope of the Commission, and generally amend the law regarding policing, public safety and law enforcement.
  • Bill 33-23, Police - Voluntary Registry for Emergency 911 Calls Established, would establish a voluntary registry for emergency 911 calls to enable the public to provide personal and medical information to assist emergency responders, and generally amend the law regarding public safety, emergency response and policing.

 A full list of upcoming public hearings is available at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council/calendar.html.

Additional documents are available at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council.

Residents have the opportunity to testify remotely for public hearings or provide in-person testimony at the Council Office Building in Rockville.

Residents can register to speak in person or virtually at a public hearing, provide written testimony, prerecorded audio or video testimony using the online form at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COUNCIL/PHSignUp.html; or sent by mail to County Council, 100 Maryland Ave., Rockville, MD 20850; or residents may sign up to testify remotely by phone (call 240-777-7803 for information). To express an opinion call 240-777-7900.

Residents who would like to call in or testify at a Council public hearing need to preregister on the Council's web page at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council/calendar.html. Once the public hearing sign up request form is submitted and the public hearing list is created, individuals will receive separate confirmation notifications that include the appropriate link to use or phone number to call for the public hearing.

Comments and suggestions are welcome online at http://tinyurl.com/zrbwh5v or by sending regular mail to County Council, 100 Maryland Ave., Rockville, MD 20850. For information or to express an opinion call 240-777-7900. Councilmembers continue to hold meetings in their offices by appointment.

The meeting will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM) on Xfinity channels 6 and 996, RCN channels 6 and 1056; and FiOS channel 30. Also available live via streaming through the Council website at http://tinyurl.com/z9982v8, Facebook Live (@MontgomeryCountyMdCouncil or @ConcejodelCondadodeMontgomery), or YouTube (@MoCoCouncilMD).

The Council meeting schedule may change from time to time. The current Council and Committee agendas, Council staff reports and additional information on items scheduled for Council review can be viewed at: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COUNCIL/ondemand/index.html.

COMING

32nd Annual Burtonsville Day Celebration

Employment Opportunities

Visit www.WORK4MCG.com to see all job opportunities

Montgomery County Council Job Opportunity

Post Graduate Fellow

 

The Council is seeking three outstanding students with Master’s degrees in policy-related programs (policy, public administration, planning, public health, law, etc.) who graduated in spring 2023 or have graduated in the past 36-months. They will begin work in September for a one-year term with a possible second year extension.

 

Fellows will work as part of the Council’s non-partisan central staff team, providing objective analysis of policies to the entire County Council. They will have the opportunity to work directly with other Council staff, Councilmembers, and staff in the Executive Branch and other agencies of County Government.

 

The County Council hires outstanding professionals who are dedicated to public policy work that influences and shapes our community. Our synergy of talent, resources and support makes the Council an ideal employer for individuals who are looking to innovate, work on a diverse range of issues and create blueprints for bold thinking. Council staffers work with elected leaders, community groups, subject-matter experts, and residents on a wide range of issues implemented through new policies and programs, legislation, budgeting, and land use decisions.

 

Additional information about the program and the application can be found at https://tinyurl.com/CouncilPolicyIntern. The deadline for application is August 7, 2023.

Business Resources
Find resources to grow your business in Montgomery County, MD
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.

_______________________________________________________________________

Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19 for Latest COVID-19 Updates


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   

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.

Minority, Female and Disabled (MFD) Program

To be considered for participation in the MFD subcontracting program, a firm must be certified by one of the five agencies:

  • NEW! U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
  • Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council
  • City of Baltimore
  • Federal Small Business Administration
  • MD Dept. of Transportation
  • Women's Business Enterprise National Council


Vendor Resources/Business Opportunities



 Links to Latest Information From: 

Department of Public Libraries http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library

Department of Recreation http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec

Department of Transportation http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot/index.html

Department of Permitting Services https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dps

Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center https://montgomerycountymd.gov/gilchrist/

Parks Department http://www.montgomeryparks.org/

Planning Department http://montgomeryplanning.org/

Department of Health and Human Services www.montgomerycountymd.gov/hhs

Social Media Directory https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/OPI/socialmedia.html

Montgomery County Government
Marc Elrich, County Executive

County Council:

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