October 28, 2022

Your Mid-County News For
Aspen Hill, Bel Pre, Brookeville, Glenmont,
Forest Glen, Kemp Mill, Kensington, Layhill, Olney,
Sandy Spring, Upper Rock Creek, Wheaton

ADVISORY BOARDS


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

Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

Next meeting will be

November 17, 2022 at 7:00PM


Topics/Presenters:

MCDOT Commuter Services Presentation 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:

Bethesda Urban Partnership


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

Meeting ID: 832 4623 3594

call in: (301) 715-8592

Meetings are open to the public.

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

What's new in Mid-County

‘HalloWheaton’ Will Be an Afternoon of Fun, with a Costume Contest, on Marian Fryer Plaza in Downtown Wheaton on Sunday, Oct. 30

“HalloWheaton” will be an afternoon of fun events for all ages, including a costume contest, from noon-4 p.m. on Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Downtown Wheaton on Sunday, Oct. 30. Read more.

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.

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

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/

Virtual Public Meeting on the Upton Drive Neighborhood Greenway Project to be Held on Thursday, Nov. 3

On Thursday, Nov. 3 starting at 6:30 p.m., the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will hold a virtual public information meeting to discuss the concept design for the Upton Drive Neighborhood Greenway in Wheaton. The public will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments.  

Registration is required if you would like to attend the virtual public meeting. Upon submission of your registration, Zoom will provide the link and passcode for the meeting.Comments and questions may be submitted to the Project Manager, Angel Cheng, through this online comment form or by emailing angel.cheng@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Read more.

Many ‘Halloween Happenings’ Will Take Place in the Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District


The Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District will have numerous light-hearted, family friendly ‘Halloween Happenings’ that will be a treat for all ages. Reservations or tickets are required for many of these events.

Read more.

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

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

October Will Be Filled with Montgomery Parks Special Events

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

Early Voting Now Underway for Upcoming General Election, With Ride On and Metro Bus Service Available to County’s 14 Early Voting Centers

Early voting in Montgomery County for the 2022 General Election has started and will be available at 14 early voting centers from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, including Saturday and Sunday, through Thursday, Nov. 3. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Read more.

As Veterans Day Approaches on Friday, Nov. 11, County Prepares to Join ‘Operation Green Light’ and Additions Sought for Tribute to Veterans

As Veterans Day approaches on Friday, Nov. 11, Montgomery County is preparing to join the national “Operation Green Light” salute to veterans and the County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs is seeking additions to its virtual tribute to County veterans. Read more.

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.

Resurfacing Projects

Montgomery County Public Libraries

October Free Virtual Programs

Click on any of the banners below for more information.


Cartooning (50+) 

-5 sessions. 

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

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

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



Countywide Facade Improvement Program

Funds Available Now!


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

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


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

Residential Property Owners Must Have Approved Homestead Application on File to be Eligible for $692 Montgomery Property Tax Credit

There has been a change in Maryland law that could restrict a homeowner’s eligibility for a $692 Montgomery County property tax credit. The new State law requires all residential property owners to also have an approved Homestead Application on file with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) to be eligible for the County’s Income Tax Offset Credit (ITOC). This credit appears on annual property tax bills.   Read more.

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. 

Legal consultations from our partners

are available at the Gilchrist Center sites!


See opportunities below:

 

PRO BONO (FREE) LEGAL CLINICS:

  • Wheaton: every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Sign-in: 6-6:30pm
  • 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

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

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

Grants

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

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

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

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

Neighborhood Events Matching Funds Grant Program

The Montgomery County Government established the Neighborhood Events Matching Funds Grant Program (NEMF) to promote community engagement, encourage capacity building, networking, and stimulate the local economy. This program is administered by the five Regional Service Offices. Neighborhood organizations, block groups, tenant associations, civic clubs, and other community groups that are active and in good standing may apply for funds to hold events and activities by completing this application. Click on the banner below to apply and for more details.

Educational Grants for High School Seniors


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

COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Remains a Community Concern and County Continues to Distribute
Free Vaccines, Rapid Test Kits and Masks
A supply of the protein-based Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is now available to Montgomery County residents. The technology has been used for decades to combat diseases such as hepatitis B and influenza. Clinical trials have shown the two-dose vaccine to have similar effectiveness as the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines at preventing and reducing illness from COVID-19.   Read more.

Fourth Phase of COVID-19 Rent Relief Program: Previously Incomplete and New Applications Will Be Accepted

The fourth phase of Montgomery County’s COVID-19 rent relief program has reopened and is now accepting applications from eligible renters who either did not fully complete their previously submitted application or want to submit a new application for review. Read more.

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


La cuarta fase del programa de Alivio de Renta del Condado del Condado del Montgomery ha vuelto a abrir y está aceptando aplicaciones para inquilinos elegibles que no hayan terminado la aplicación anterior or deseen someter una nueva aplicación para verificación. Leer más.

Free At-home COVID-19 PCR Test Kits Available at Multiple Locations, But Which COVID-19 Test is Right for You?


Montgomery County residents have several ways to get tested

for COVID-19. Read more here.


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

Our Community: Together & Connected
Click the banner above to check out the latest from the Wheaton and Kensington Chamber of Commerce Newsletter!
To check out the latest from Explore Kensington, click the banner above.
Job Opportunities

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


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

To see all available jobs go to Montgomery County Website.

Montgomery County Resources Available for Individuals and Families

Housing:

Resources on Homelessness

Housing Opportunities Commission – Adult and Family Programs

Bethesda Help - Emergency Financial Assistance

Mental Health: 

Everymind – Mental Health

InfoMontgomery Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

Food:

211 – Food Providers in Maryland 

Montgomery County Food Providers

Applying for unemployment or SNAP benefits

Montgomery County Food Council Food Assistance Resource Map

Manna Food Center

         Positive Youth Development: 

Street Outreach Network – Gang Prevention

Identity – Mental Health,

            Academic Support, Gang Prevention, Wraparound Services

            Disponible en inglés y español

TeenWorks – Youth Employment

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

Soccer4Change

           Enroll through Recreation Department, Identity, Inc., Street Outreach Network, or one of the Youth Development Middle or High School Programs (RecXtra, Excel Beyond the Bell Middle and RecZone)

Arts:

Arts on the Block

Conservation Corps

Visit Montgomery County Business Center's Website


Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is Accepting Applications
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), is NOW available to provide funds to assist low income households pay past due water/sewer bills! Funds are limited. Apply today at: http://dhs.maryland.gov/ohep
Click below on flyers to retrieve forms
FREE Consultations for your immigration case
Click on banners for more
Food Distribution
Montgomery County has various food distribution events across the County this week, including in Rockville, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring and Olney. To find distribution events or food near you, click here. The website also has more information about food resources in multiple languages. For help with getting food, please call the Food Access Call Center at MC311.
Volunteer Opportunities
The county is coordinating volunteer opportunities through the Montgomery County Volunteer Center. 
 At the link above, learn what volunteer opportunities there are for non-medical volunteers. Register if you're an organization that needs volunteers, and get useful guidance.
Luisa F. Cardona
Director

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



Marc Elrich
Montgomery County Executive
  

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