December 16, 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

January 19, 2022 at 7:00PM


Topics/Presenters:

Agenda is being updated.


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

January 10, 2023 at 7:00PM


Topics/Presenters:

Agenda is being updated.


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

Meeting ID: 832 4623 3594

call in: (301) 715-8592

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

Wheaton Holiday Market

Support Local Economy & Gift Local Goods

Last day tomorrow, Saturday December 17!

Happening tomorrow!

Free Flu and COVID shots for anyone 5 and older

Angels for Children 2022 Toy Drive – 24th Anniversary

 

This Toy Drive has provided toys for the less fortunate children in the Wheaton area for the past 23 years.


Donations of toys are delivered to local children for Christmas by Santa and his helpers.

  • Without community support, this tremendous project would not be possible.


We ask for donations of unwrapped toys, sports items, craft kits, books, gift cards, and money to purchase more items. The last day to drop off toys is Wednesday, Dec 21.


Visit website for more information

The Community Engagement Cluster, is currently recruiting for a full-time Senior Executive Administrative Aide, IRC56561 to join the Operations Team. 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 “Montgomery County Employees Only” then click search. If you require assistance or the link is not functioning please do not hesitate to contact me directly or send an email to #cec.businessmanagement@montgomerycountymd.gov


The Community Engagement Cluster, is currently recruiting for a full-time Contract Specialist (Administrative Specialist III, Grade 23)  IRC56586 to join the Operations Team. 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. If you require assistance or the link is not functioning please do not hesitate to contact me directly or send an email to #cec.businessmanagement@montgomerycountymd.gov

A Message from County Executive Marc Elrich

The first severe weather of winter has County Executive Marc Elrich addressing how the County is preparing for the storm conditions that will be ahead—while also talking about the need to protect the most vulnerable residents. Winter also has brought increases in COVID-19 and flu cases, leading the County Executive to encourage everyone to get vaccines. A good way to do that will be at the “Boosterama” event at Westfield Wheaton mall on Saturday, where vaccines will be available for free. County Executive Elrich also tells residents to take advantage of the Montgomery County Recreation initiative that will make passes for residents to recreation centers available for free in 2023.  Read more.

Community Updates

We want to hear from you!


Take the survey and share your thoughts on the proposed improvements for Greenwood Local Park.


Montgomery Parks hosted a virtual community meeting on Thursday, December 8, 2022, to discuss the proposed improvements at Greenwood Local Park, such as renovating the existing playground and providing accessibility and stormwater management updates. Other proposed improvements, dependent upon future funding, included repurposing the existing courts, reconfiguring the parking lot, and adding new site furniture throughout the park. Members of the public were able to participate and submit comments and questions related to the project, community members can now provide input thru the Open Town Hall Survey until February 8, 2023.  For additional information on the project, and to view the meeting recording, please visit MoCoParks.org/GreenwoodRenovation.


Winter Storm Information Portal


Click here to see a map of all Montgomery County Department of Transportation maintained sidewalks.

Holiday Schedule for Christmas Weekend, Saturday, Dec. 24, Through Monday, Dec. 26

The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have the following schedule and program changes for the Christmas Weekend, Saturday, Dec. 24, through Monday, Dec. 26. Read more.

Applications Now Being Accepted for ‘Small Business Accelerator Program’ in Partnership with M&T Bank

The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights and M&T Bank are partnering for the second year to offer a free 10-week “Small Business Accelerator Program” to assist small businesses—both emerging ones and those trying to rebuild from the impacts the COVID health crisis. The program will teach early-stage and minority entrepreneurs the essentials of business planning, operations, credit building, digital communication and financial management. It also could provide access to capital. Read more.

‘Design for Life’ Program Provides Tax Incentives to Make Homes More Accessible for All Ages and Stages of Life

The Montgomery County “Design for Life” program provides property tax incentives to make homes accessible for all ages and stages of life. Information about the program is now available from the Department of Permitting Services (DPS), which issues permits and certifies Design for Life projects. Read more.

Montgomery County Public Libraries is hiring!


https://mcpl.link/library-associate-job - Library Associate (Full time), Grade 18 (Closes 12/30/2022)

 

https://mcpl.link/library-assistant-job - Library Assistant I (Part Time), Grade 13 (Closes 12/30/2022)

Volunteers Needed!

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

Upcoming Events

Montgomery County Recreation Will Celebrate Holiday Season with Festivals, Movies Events and Special Events

Montgomery County Recreation is hosting holiday-themed, family-friendly events for everyone to enjoy this winter. From cocoa and crafts to photos with Santa, December events will be hosted at community recreation centers, senior centers and aquatic facilities across the County. Read more.

Recreation Center Membership Passes Will Be Free in 2023 


Montgomery County Recreation Center membership passes will be free for County residents in 2023. Starting Jan. 3, a free pass will provide access to fully equipped fitness rooms, open gym (drop-in) activities and game rooms at any community recreation center during regularly scheduled hours.  Read more.

Free Flu and COVID Booster Shots to be Provided Anyone 5 and Older During Holiday ‘Boosterama’ on Saturday, Dec. 17, at Westfield Wheaton

As the holiday season coincides with a rise in respiratory virus cases, Montgomery County, in partnership with Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar and Westfield Wheaton, will provide free COVID bivalent boosters and flu shots during the second holiday “Boosterama” vaccine event. COVID booster shots will be available to anyone age 5 and older who had their last dose at least two months ago. The event will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Westfield Wheaton mall. Read more.

Family Holiday Events, Including Ice Skating Rink, Will Be Available Throughout Winter Break in Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District


The Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District will have many holiday and winter-themed programs to keep all ages entertained through the New Year. In addition, the outdoor ice skating rink at Veterans Plaza is now open seven days a week.   Read more.

Grants

Two Grant Programs Launched to Assist Disabled, Seniors and Low-Income Residents with Transportation Needs

Two grant programs designed to increase transportation services for disabled, senior and limited income residents were launched this week by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation Approximately $800,000 in operating and capital budget funds will be available to eligible nonprofits to create assistance programs or enhance existing ones. Read more.

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.

COVID-19 Updates

With COVID Cases Rising Again, County Recommends Precautionary Measures to Protect Against Greater Community Spread of Virus

With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in the National Capitol Region, Montgomery County officials are offering precautionary recommendations to prevent further community spread of the virus. The County’s COVID-19 case rate has risen steadily over the last month and is now more than double the recent rate low on Nov. 28.   Read more.

Our Community: Together & Connected

Online Workshops and One-on-One Sessions to Assist Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs Will Be Available Free in December from Montgomery County Public Libraries

Online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers and entrepreneurs will be available free throughout December through a program sponsored by Montgomery County Public Libraries. Read more.

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 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.
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.
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.