September 23, 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
What's new in Mid-County

Celebrate Wheaton's New Mural, by Eric B. Ricks

Saturday, September 24, 2022

4:30-6:00PM

11301 Georgia Ave.

Short program at 5:00 P.M.

Come meet the artist, Eric B. Ricks! 

Blow Bubbles! Draw! Color!

See Yourself in Eric's cool Kaleidoscope!

Take pictures in Front of the Mural!

 Bring family, friends, children and pets!

Sixth Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival Returns on Sunday, Sept. 25, with Events on Marian Fryer Plaza


The Sixth Annual Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival returns to the streets of Wheaton on Sunday, Sept. 25, with activities on Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Downtown Wheaton following the unique parade. The free event celebrates the artistic and cultural diversity of the community and provides a showcase for local artists.

Read more.

A Message from County Executive Marc Elrich

Hurricane Fiona has devastated parts of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich talks about how the highly trained Montgomery County members of Maryland Task Force 1 have been deployed to help. He also addresses how the County’s “Speed to Market” initiative is already showing results for businesses by updating the County’s sign ordinance. He joins the County in taking pride that one of the nation’s top businesses, Marriott International, has opened its new headquarters in Bethesda.   Read more.

Information Updates and Events

2022 Yarn Bomb Installation


Click on the map to see where the yarn bombs were installed!

Athletic Field Showcase

Click on the banners for more.

Celebrating African Heritage

Hispanic Heritage Month

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Montgomery County's Office of Community Partnerships is hosting events all over Montgomery County. To find an event near you, please visit here

Make sure you enjoy Montgomery County's excellent lineup of original Spanish Language programming. 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.

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.

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/

Ride On Customer Satisfaction Survey

The Ride On Reimagined study is a comprehensive, forward-looking assessment of the bus network that may result in significant recommended changes to how bus transit (including Ride On and Metrobus) operates in Montgomery County based on current and future needs.

 

This survey is a vital part of the Ride On Reimagined study. It will provide MCDOT with a clearer understanding of our riders, where you’re going and your impressions of your transit experience. MCDOT wants to learn what we are doing well, and what areas need improvement to help us decide how best to invest in Ride On’s future. 


Please join us at the remaining pop-up events at the following locations to take the Customer Satisfaction Survey and learn more about the Ride On Reimagined study:


  • Silver Spring Transit Station - Tuesday, September 20, 7-10 a.m.
  • Westfield Wheaton Mall - Wednesday, September 28, 3-6 p.m.

Fall Cleaning of Public Parking Garages in

Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) on Sunday, Sept. 11, will begin its semi-annual interior washdown to degrease and clean 21 County-owned parking garages in Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton on nights and weekends. The cleanings will start with the Silver Spring garages and are scheduled to conclude with the Wheaton garages on Friday, Nov. 4.  Read more.

Montgomery Parks Will Have Many Special Events and Programs in September

Montgomery Parks will have a full lineup of special events in September, including festivals and an Octoberfest celebration. There are events for all ages and interests.  Read more.

Disability Awareness Experience:

Health and Wellness 4 All event

On Saturday, September 24th, 2022, Disability Partnerships will host the Disability Awareness Experience: A Health and Wellness Expo. The event will be located along Ellsworth Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring from 12 - 4 pm. We will feature activities such as a wheelchair obstacle course, a DJ, games, prizes for all ages, a photo booth with an adorable service dog, raffles, and much more. Disability Partnerships is a community-based 501c3 organization with a mission to improve the quality of life for individuals living with a physical disability. More information 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.


Temporary Noise Waiver - Gas Pipeline Work, Aspen Hill


From September 11, 2022 and October 10, 2022 after-hours construction by Washington Gas related to repair and replacement of natural gas transmission pipelines. The work locations are at Woodwell Terrace and Woodwell Road, and the wooded 5-acre parcel (District 13, Tax Account 0344433) east of Punch St., Aspen Hill. Washington Gas must maintain continuous construction operations from the time the gas pipe is cut until it is repaired. The work is expected to be completed in 48-72 hours weather permitting.  For more information, click here.

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


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

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 below for more.

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. 

The Montgomery County Department of Police cordially invites you to attend our

Centennial Black Tie Gala

to help us celebrate and honor 100 years of service to Montgomery County.

 

Date:  October 21st, 2022 

Location: North Bethesda Marriott and Conference Center 

Time:7pm – 12am

 

For further information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://mcpd100yearanniversarygal.rsvpify.com

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.

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

Classes for Adults to Learn Basic Bicycle Skills and Training Will Be Available in September, October and November


Click on the banners below to learn more and Register.

Click the banner for schedule

FY23 Abortion Access Grants Program


The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Grants Management are seeking applications from qualified Community Based Organizations (CBOs) providing direct services that support the right to access abortion care in the County. Resolution 19-1357 provides a total of $1 million for the County’s FY 2023 Abortion, Reproductive Health, and Related Services Access (ARHRSA) Grants Program with individual awards ranging from a minimum award of $50,000 and a maximum award of $500,000 for an up to one year (12 month) performance period. The target population for this grant are women seeking access to abortion, reproductive health, and related services as well as the staff providing these services. Interested parties should visit the Office of Grants Management online application platform as a one-stop-shop for additional program details, links to and a recording of a virtual Information Session, contact information for questions or support, and to submit an application.

Key dates for this program are:

  • Application Opens: Thursday September 1, 2022 at 12:00 PM (noon)
  • MS Teams Live Virtual Information Session: Friday September 9, 2022 from 3:30 to 5:00 PM (the link to and a recording of the event will be posted here)
  • Application Closes: Monday October 10, 2022 at 9:00 AM

Click here to see a video of the Press Event announcing the opening of this program.

Click here to see the County's Press Release on this program.

Click here to download the full ARHRSA Grants Program Details document in .pdf format.

 

Questions about the application process can be directed to Rafael Pumarejo Murphy, Director of the Office of Grants Management, by calling 240-777-2775 or emailing [email protected].

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.

Visit Montgomery County Business Center's Website


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.


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

Public Safety Career Fair to be Held on Saturday, Oct. 22, in Gaithersburg

In partnership with Montgomery County’s public safety departments, its Office of Human Resources will hold a two-session Public Safety Career Fair for job seekers 18-and-over on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the County’s Public Safety Training Academy in Gaithersburg. The County is seeking to fill more than 100 positions across the County’s public safety cluster. Read more.

Montgomery County Public Libraries to Offer Free Online Workshops for Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs in September


Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will offer online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers and entrepreneurs throughout September. All workshops are free. Click on the banner above for more information.

The Community Engagement Cluster, The Silver Spring Urban District (SSUD) is seeking to hire experienced full-time – Public Service Aides Grade 10, IRC55571 to join the committed 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. 


The Community Engagement Cluster, The Silver Spring Urban District (SSUD) is seeking to hire experienced full-time – Public Service Worker Grade 9, IRC55570 to join the committed 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. 

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

BlackRock Center for the Arts Scholarships

Conservation Corps

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.