March 15, 2024

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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 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, April 3, 2024, 7:00 pm.

For questions about the board and full meeting agenda please contact-[email protected]

240-777-8414

-East County News-

East County Citizens Advisory Board

Montgomery County Board Vacancies

Apply Online

County Executive Marc Elrich is committed to representation on all of the County’s boards, committees, and commissions that is reflective of, and responsive to, our County’s residents. Public participation contributes to the work of County government and provides an important service to the community when a variety of issues, concerns, and viewpoints are presented.

You may access information regarding boards, committees, and commissions, including application instructions here. Please carefully read application instructions on that page. Then select View and Apply for Vacancies for all currently posted notices.

Currently, there is a valuable opportunity to serve on the following:

East County Citizens Advisory Board

The deadline for application is March 22, 2024. 

Elrich Seeks Applicants for East County Citizens Advisory Board

County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill six public vacancies on the East County Citizens Advisory Board for individuals who live or work in the East County Region. Four incumbents are eligible to apply for reappointment.

To view the County regional service area in which you reside or work, please click on the map link and enter your address in the box that says “Enter a Mont. Co. address.” The region in which you reside or work will appear on the map. 

http://mcgov-gis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=0bc839f5e691497aa77da21c1495b669

The 18-member Citizens Advisory Board serves as a liaison between the East County community, and the County Executive, County Council, and County government departments by identifying community concerns and recommending possible solutions. It also advises the Director of the Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center on transportation, economic development, housing, education, human services, environment, recreation, public safety, and other issues of importance to the area. The group reviews and comments on the County’s capital and operating budgets and master plans; assists with strategies to tailor services to regional needs; conducts workshops and forums, and acts on other ad hoc issues.

The Board is representative of more than 105,000 residents in eastern Montgomery County. This area includes the neighborhoods of Burtonsville, Fairland, White Oak, Cloverly, Hillandale, Briggs Chaney, Calverton, Spencerville, Ashton/Sandy Spring (part of) and Colesville. The service area is bordered on the north by Howard County, on the east by Prince George’s County, on the south by Interstate 495 and on the west along Northwest Branch stream to Ednor Road.

Members serve three-year terms without compensation, but are eligible for travel and dependent care reimbursement for in-person meetings attended. The full Board currently meets the first Wednesday evening of each month at 7:00 PM except for July and August. Meetings are in-person at the East County Regional Services Center, 3300 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring. There are two committees of the board that also meet monthly.

Grab 'n Go

While Supplies Last

Kingdom Cares Diaper Distribution

On the day of the diaper distribution, the client must bring some identification for the parent and for the child.

Registration below:

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

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

Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center

Now Open | Monday - Friday: 6 a.m.- 9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. The Silver Spring Recreation & Aquatics Center, opened its doors on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. Located at 1319 Apple Ave. More Info

AFI Theather: New African Film Festival

MARCH 15-28 | VARIOUS TIMES

Celebrating its 20th edition, the New African Film Festival (NAFF), presented by AFI and Africa World Now Project, brings the vibrancy of African filmmaking from all corners of the continent and across the diaspora to the Washington, DC area. Featuring 26 films from 16 countries, including three U.S. premieres, this year's festival opens with Mohamed Kordofani's Cannes-premiered GOODBYE JULIA, a rich moral drama deftly exploring the personal and political divide between a wealthy Muslim woman and a poor Christian mother from South Sudan, set on the precipice of Sudan's major split in 2011. The festival closes with the Slamdance award-winner AFRICAN GIANTS, which follows two first-generation Sierra Leonean American siblings navigating the changing dynamics of brotherhood after a surprise announcement. More Info

County News

Montgomery Parks announces Spring Break Programs

Latino Health Initiative

Community Connections Updates

Save the Date! Let's spread the word far and wide for the upcoming Community Health Fair on Saturday, March 23rd, hosted at Viers Mill Baptist Church. Enjoy free dental screenings, COVID and flu vaccines, plus exciting prizes and a food pantry.

We're thrilled to share the highlights from our recent celebration honoring the second cohort of Community Health Workers Certification Training participants! Dive into the unforgettable moments captured in our event photos, featuring special guests County Executive Marc Elrich and Councilmember Gabriel Albornoz. Click here for the full photo album.

Montgomery County Recreation Offering a Variety of Spring Break Programming

Interested in games, arts and crafts, multi sports, basketball or performance magic? Join Montgomery County Recreation for spring break programming during the week of March 25 – 29. Enjoy a variety of fun activities, sports and games for youth and teens at various recreation centers across the County. You can explore available camps and sign up for programming here.

“There is a variety of fun spring break programming offered by Montgomery County Recreation that provides a safe, out of school opportunity for our youth,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “I encourage families to sign their children up, and to get a sneak preview of all the great offerings that are coming with camps this summer.”

Participants will be able to experience spring break with camps you will also see this summer! Click each link below to learn more about the offerings:

• Coach Doug
• Jump Start Sports Camp
• Train Like a Pro Multi Sport Camps
• Coach Parker Basketball Academy
• Magic Spring Break Camp

Montgomery County Recreation will also launch its first Goats on Wheels Skateboarding Spring Break Camp. Participants will learn how to push, ride and maneuver for just $25. Montgomery County Recreation will provide a limited quantity of equipment. Participants are encouraged to bring their own.

Another option for boys and girls ages 11-18 is participating in the Spring Break Basketball program at White Oak Community Recreation Center Tuesday, March 26 and Wednesday, March 27. To learn more and register for this free program contact your local community recreation center.

Montgomery County Recreation is accepting applications for Rec Assist, the department’s financial aid program. Rec Assist is available to all County residents who meet program requirements and can be used to supplement program costs. For 2024 the funding for Rec Assist increased to $400 per eligible applicant.

For more information regarding spring break camps, visit the website or call the customer service team at 240-777-6840.

# # #

Media Contact: Monika Hammer, 240-463-2442 or [email protected]

Montgomery County Public Libraries will host animation workshops for children aged 10-15 during the week of March 25-29, coinciding with Montgomery County Public Schools’ spring break. Registration is required for each workshop. Read More.

Free Citizenship Preparation Classes

Join our classes and study to become a U.S citizen!

Learn U.S. history and civics. Improve your English reading, writing, and speaking to prepare for your citizenship interview.

Classes will meet for 10 weeks

Click here to Apply

For questions, cal (240) 777-4940

Montgomery County Announces New $1.5M Grant Opportunity to Help Low and Moderate-Income Residents Prepare Homes for Climate Hazards  

The County's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Office of Grants Management are currently accepting applications for the inaugural FY 2024 Healthy, Efficient, Electrified, Climate-Adapted Pilot (HEECAP) Homes Grants Program. This new program aims to retrofit homes of income-eligible community members for energy efficiency, a healthy indoor environment and climate resilience along with the use of all-electric appliances. 

The County is offering a grant opportunity to eligible organizations, with a total of $1.5 million to be awarded. Individual awards may range between $300,000 and $1.5 million. The purpose of this grant is to pilot new ideas for the best strategies to help income-eligible residents ensure their homes are safe healthy efficient and resilient to climate change. This is part of a broader effort to preserve and protect housing for vulnerable residents. 

“In our Climate Action Plan, we recognize the urgent need to empower our communities to combat the effects of climate change and help residents prepare for climate hazards,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “We also recognize the need to support efforts that address racial equity and social justice. This grant helps enhance the resilience of our community while working to preserve and protect housing for vulnerable residents in the face of environmental challenges.” 

The HEECAP program seeks to fill gaps not currently covered by existing federal, state and County programs, as well as to pilot creative approaches that may be scaled up to more established, large-scale County programs that aim to reduce emissions, improve residents’ health and adapt to a changing climate. 

“We are looking to work with mission-aligned organizations that share our goals of advancing innovative solutions to help low- and moderate-income residents adapt to the impacts of climate change,” said Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection Director Jon Monger. “I encourage nonprofits already working with income-eligible residents in energy efficiency to apply for this new grant opportunity to work with DEP to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate hazards in our community.”

There will be a virtual information session at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 4 to provide eligible and interested applicants an opportunity to ask questions about the solicitation and receive guidance on how to complete the application form, to ask questions about the solicitation and receive guidance on how to complete the application form.

Key Program Dates: 

• MS Teams Live Online Grant Program Information Session: 1 p.m. on Monday, March 4.  
• Submission Deadline: 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 8. 

Key Program Resources: 

• Online Grants Application Platform: https://mcmdgrants.smapply.org/ 
• Grant Program Page:  https://mcmdgrants.smapply.org/prog/HEECAP/ 
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Applicants may submit multi-year funding proposals for up to two years, but funding beyond the first 12 months will be contingent on both satisfactory project performance and availability of funding. 

For more information about the program, eligibility and to apply, visit the Montgomery County Office of Grants Management grant application platform. Applications must be submitted by eligible organizations by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 8. 

Grant applications will be reviewed by an independent committee organized by the Department of Environmental Protection. The committee will include neutral, qualified individuals from Montgomery County Government who are selected for their expertise, grants administration or project management, as well as community members with grant review expertise. 

For more information on the application process, contact the Office of Grants Management by calling 240-773-3344 or by email at [email protected].  

For more information about energy efficiency and energy assistance programs available to County residents, please visit the Montgomery Energy Connection website, call 301-7-ENERGY, or email [email protected]. 

Summer RISE Program

Businesses, nonprofits, higher education institutions, and government agencies can host rising MCPS juniors and seniors to provide them with career-based learning opportunities related to their field of interest through the Summer RISE program. 

Learn more

Montgomery County Council Launches New Online Correspondence System

New webform will provide residents with an easy way to contact Councilmembers

As part of the Montgomery County Council’s continued efforts to facilitate communications between the Council and County residents, a new centralized web intake form was launched today. 

The webform serves as an initial intake form for residents to contact all or specific Councilmembers, just as they have done previously by using the “County.Council” email or the individual email addresses for Councilmember offices.

The Council’s new webform offers a dropdown feature to help residents easily and quickly direct their questions or provide their views to the councilmembers. Using the drop-down lists in the webform, residents can address their correspondence to specific Councilmembers, the full Council or specific committees on a range of topics and includes features for sending comments about community and legislative issues as well as general questions. 

The goal of the new correspondence system is to simplify the way communications from residents reach the appropriate County Council office. To do so, all correspondence received through the webform will be routed, reviewed and assigned to the appropriate Councilmember office or Council staff member for response.

A video guide to demonstrate how to use the web intake form can be found here.

FY24 Cost Sharing Capital Grants Now Open

The Office of Grants Management (OGM) is soliciting grant applications for the County’s FY 2024 Cost Sharing Capital Grants (CSCG) Grant Program from qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking to implement capital projects that help provide access to resources, direct services, historical preservation, cultural enrichment, and/or other benefits to Montgomery County residents. Awards will range from $25,000 to $1,000,000. The target populations for this Grant Program are Montgomery County residents and is intentionally very flexible. Priority in awarding funding will be given to projects that demonstrate a commitment to and impact on Underserved populations in Montgomery County.

Key dates and resources for this program are:

• Application Opens:  Monday February 19, 2024 at 3:00 PM
• Application Closes:  Tuesday March 19, 2024 at 3:00 PM
• MS Teams Live Virtual Information Sessions: Monday February 26, 2024 from 3:00 to 4:30 PM This link can be used to reach the Information Session live OR to view a recording of the event.
• The FY24 CSCG Grant Program application page
• The full FY24 CSCG Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) in PDF format
• OGM’s 5 Steps to Prepare for Montgomery County Grants

Both the County Executive’s FY24 Recommended Budget and the County Council’s FY24 Approved Budget (Resolution 20-184) provide $3 million to support nonprofit organizations’ capital projects with funds broken down into the following categories:

Arts Facility Capital Grants - $1 million total available

• $750,000 to match appropriated Maryland State Bond Bills (or other forms of Maryland State capital funding) 
• $250,000 for other, small Arts Facility Capital Projects 

Non-Arts Capital Grants - $2 million total available

• $1.25 million to match appropriated Maryland State Bond Bills (or other forms of Maryland State capital funding)
• $750,000 for other, small Capital Projects

Funding Priorities

OGM expects a large number of applications and total funding requests that will greatly exceed the amount of resources available for FY24 CSCG awards. To help applicants make their proposals more competitive, priority in awarding funding will be given to projects that demonstrate: 

• A commitment to and impact on Underserved populations in Montgomery County. 
• Readiness to immediately, or quickly (3-9 months), begin project implementation. 
• Ownership of or a long-term commitment to the asset being improved.

The range of expenses related to capital projects allowed under this grant is intentionally very flexible. Examples of past capital projects that have previously been funded by CSCGs include, but are not limited to:

• Purchase of land or buildings;
• Construction of new buildings;
• Improvements to land (i.e. addition of turf and bleachers to a sports field); 
• Expansions or add-ons to existing facilities;
• Renovation and upgrades to existing facilities;
• Renewal of assets to preserve historical buildings and sites; or
• Purchase of major equipment ($5,000+) (i.e. walk in fridges and freezers);

Montgomery County Council to Hold

 Public Hearings on April 2, 8 and 9, 2024

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

April 2, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.

Deadline to sign up to speak is April 1 at 2 p.m.

• Supplemental Appropriation #24-67 to the FY24 Operating Budget, Montgomery County Government, Department of General Services, BlackRock Center for the Arts, $260,000 (Source of Funds: General Fund: Undesignated Reserves)
• Special Appropriation to the FY24 Operating Budget, Montgomery County Government, Department of Finance, Economic Development Fund, New J.O.B.S. Initiative (Jobs, Opportunities & Business Support), $20,000,000 (Source of Funds: General Fund Undesignated Reserves)

April 8, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

April 9, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Deadline to sign up to speak is April 5 at 9 a.m.

• Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Operating Budgets - Public hearings will be held on the listed dates above on the proposed FY25 operating budgets and FY25-30 Public Services Program and Fiscal Policy for the following: Montgomery County Government, Montgomery College, Maryland-National Capital Park, and Planning Commission, WSSC Water and Montgomery County Public Schools. Reference copies of the recommended FY25 County Government Operating Budget are available on the Office of Management and Budget’s website http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/omb (OMB 240-777-2800). Other agency budgets are available from the individual agencies and their websites. The Council encourages comments on both spending and revenue issues. Sign up to testify beginning March 15, at 9:00 a.m. 

Public Hearing Sign Up

Vacancies on Council

appointed boards, committees and commissions

The Montgomery County Council is seeking applicants to serve on the following Council appointed boards, committees and commissions:

Public Election Fund Committee

The Montgomery County Council is seeking applicants to serve on the seven-member committee to recommend funding for the Public Election Fund. Applications for the four-year appointments are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 25, 2024. The Committee is composed of seven County residents appointed by the County Council for a four-year term beginning on May 1 of the first year of the Council's term of office. No more than three members may be from the same political party. 

A cover letter expressing interest, including a resume (no more than 4 pages in length) listing professional and civic experience, home address, telephone number and email address, should be sent via email to [email protected] addressed to Council President Friedson, or sent via mail to Council President Friedson, Stella B. Werner Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850.

MC Department of Transportation News Update

MCDOT Temporarily Closes Public Parking

Lot 18 in Silver Spring

MCDOT’s public parking Lot 18 located at 938 Philadelphia Avenue is currently closed. The lot will be used as a staging area for the construction of an adjacent cycle track over the next year.

Long-term parking can be found nearby in Garage 4 located at 8110 Fenton Street.

MCDOT Prepares for Spring/Summer

Cleaning of County Garages

MCDOT will clean 21 public parking garages in Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton on nights and weekends beginning Monday, April 8.

These efforts work to remove grease and oil that would otherwise end up in our waterways.

The full schedule can be viewed online here.

Adult Bike Classes

Class size is limited - Register at waba.org/classes

Free E-Scooter Classes

Learn to Ride Safely

Employment Opportunities

Worksource Montgomery Update

New Programs/Initiatives Announced

• Financial Empowerment Center (opened January 2024): the center, operated by the Latino Economic Development Center, provides individual and group sessions related to financial management and asset building. Ultimately, the goal of the center/program is to prepare residents for home ownership. Here is the recent press release.
• (Justice) Empowerment Center (opening April 2024): the center will be the community equivalent of the job center located at the MCCF. Services will be tailored to the needs of those who are justice-involved/impacted and will include case management, support services, barrier remediation, transitional employment, job placement, etc.
• Young Adult Job Center (opening April 2024); located at the new Montgomery College East County Education Center, the affiliate job center will provide a comprehensive menu of employment services to 16-24 year olds.

• Launch Your Future Employment (LYFE): launched in January ’24, the program case management, professional development, work experience, and job/education placement to16-24-year-olds. The first 14 weeks of program participation also include a weekly stipend up to $450/wk.

• MoCo CAP: a new initiative in response to the The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future mandate for all 6-12^th grade students to receive career counseling. The program is currently operating in all MCPS middle and high schools. This is a preventative method as we serve youth as early as 6^th grade and aim to spark interest in careers which align with their strengths, interests, and values. The goal is for every MCPS student to leave MCPS with a self-designed roadmap for their world of work.

Montgomery County Recreation is Hiring for Summer; Job Fairs Scheduled in March and April 

Montgomery County Recreation is hiring part-time, seasonal employees to work during the 2024 summer season. Available positions include camp directors, assistant directors, camp counselors, lifeguards more.  

• “Summer work in our Department of Recreation provides such a valuable and rewarding opportunity to create fun programming, exciting experiences and lifelong memories for youth in our
• Thursday, April 4, 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Upper County Community Recreation Center, 8201 Emory Grove Road, Gaithersburg 
• Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center, 14625 Bauer Drive, Rockville 
• Saturday, April 6, 3 – 5:30 p.m. at East County Community Recreation Center, 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring 

Applicants should bring their resumes, come dressed for success and be prepared to discuss their experience. The department is looking for dedicated, hardworking and motivated individuals. Applicants should note these job fairs are not job or location specific. Applicants may attend any job fair regardless of where they are seeking to work in the County.  

The part-time/seasonal pay rate begins at $16.70 an hour and increases based on experience. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age at the start of camps (lifeguards must be at least 15). Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. 



As a condition of employment, applicants will be required to pass a criminal background investigation. The investigation will include state, federal and sex offender background checks. 

If you are interested in working with Montgomery County Recreation you can also visit the website for additional information or to apply online. Explore both part-time and full-time opportunities.  

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Media Contact: Monika Hammer 240-463-2442 or [email protected].  

Fair Change Employment Symposium

April 3, 2024 from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Visit www.WORK4MCG.com to see all job opportunities

Montgomery County Office of Procurement

Active LSBRP Solicitations

Food Service Operation at the COB

RFP # 1163649

Residential Appliance - Maintenance, Replacement, Repair & Inspection

Informal 1165693

Food Service Operation at the COB

RFP # 1163649

Microtransit Shared Ride "FLEX" Software Requirements

Pre-Submission Conference:( Apr 1 2024 2:30PM )

Microsoft Teams Meeting (See Solicitation for Details)

RFP # 1161754

Family Involvement Center Evaluation

Informal 1167764

Child Car Seats

Informal 1167607

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

Who Do You Call to Get a Pot Hole Fixed?

MCDOT maintains more than 5,200 miles

of county roads in Montgomery County. 

Residents can report a pothole on a county road to the MC311 system – either online or by phone at 240-777-0311, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. or on the social media platform X.

The Maryland State Highway Administration (MSHA) fills potholes and maintains state roads which have numbers, such as Rockville Pike (355) and River Road (190). Report potholes on state roads directly to MSHA online or by calling 1-800-323-6742.

Municipalities such as the cities of Rockville, Gaithersburg and Takoma Park handle their own pothole repairs.

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.

Vendor Resources/Business Opportunities

• View PROJections - A new solicitation forecasting feature!
• Introduce your Business to the County through the Vendor Innovation Portal
• Socio-Economic Programs Comparison
• Register your business with the County
• Get Certified as a Minority, Female or Disabled-Owned (MFD) Business
• Get Certified as a Local Small Business