Your Mid-County News For
Aspen Hill, Bel Pre, Brookeville, Glenmont,
Forest Glen, Kemp Mill, Kensington, Layhill, Olney,
Sandy Spring, Upper Rock Creek, Wheaton
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Where: Parking Lot 13
(behind Parks and Planning building 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD)
DJ, Free Italian ice, Lawn games, LED light bulb exchange
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Lugar: Estacionamiento 13
(detrás del edificio de Parques y Planificación 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD)
DJ, hielo italiano gratis, juegos al aire libre, intercambio de bombillos de luz LED
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Ninth Annual Montgomery County Free ‘Friendship Picnic’ to Celebrate Diverse Cultures and Faiths on Sunday, Sept. 18, in Wheaton
The ninth annual Montgomery County “Friendship Picnic” will again bring people of diverse cultures and faiths together to make new friends and discuss ways to build a stronger community. The free picnic will be held from noon-5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18, at Wheaton Regional Park.
Wheaton Regional Park is located at located at 2000 Shorefield Rd. in Wheaton. A free satellite parking shuttle service to and from the Wheaton Ice Rink and athletic fields will be available. Read more.
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Follow @WheatonMD on social media to see the latest updates and concert schedules. | |
Sixth Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival Returns on Sunday, Sept. 25, with Events on Marian Fryer Plaza | | |
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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.
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A Message from County Executive Marc Elrich | |
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich urges the County Council to disapprove “Thrive 2050” long-term plan for County growth to allow the racial equity and social justice issues to be addressed. He thinks the plan, as written, has too many flaws. He talks about the recent dedication of Parkside Landing apartments in Rockville and said it is part of his plan to provide more affordable housing in the County. He provides updates on COVID-19 and monkeypox. And he talks about the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins this week. Read more. | |
Information Updates and Events | |
‘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.
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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.
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Fall Cleaning of Public Parking Garages in
Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton
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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. | |
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.
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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. | |
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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.
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New Online Tool Will Help Older Adults Find Transportation Providers
Montgomery County recently launched a new online tool to help older adults find volunteer ride providers to help them get where they need to go, when they need to get there. Read more.
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Disability Awareness Experience:
Health and Wellness 4 All event
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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. | |
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Childhood Hunger Resident Survey
The Montgomery County Food Council has developed a Montgomery County (MD) Childhood Hunger Survey to collect input from County residents that will help us understand food access challenges that children and youth are currently facing. Please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XY5CS8C to complete the survey and share your feedback. Contact info@mocofoodcouncil.org with questions.
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La consejería de comida del condado de Montgomery ha creado una encuesta sobre el hambre infantil en el condado para recopilar información que nos ayudará a comprender los desafíos de acceso a los alimentos que enfrentan actualmente los niños y los jóvenes. Visite https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NRLRNXV para completar la encuesta y compartir sus comentarios. Comuníquese con info@mocofoodcouncil.org si tienes preguntas. | |
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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.
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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. | |
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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.
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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
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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
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FREE Consultations for your immigration case
Click on banners for more
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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.
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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)
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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 rafael.murphy@montgomerycountymd.gov.
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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.
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Visit Montgomery County Business Center's Website
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Are you a small retail business in Montgomery County?
If your business lost revenue during the pandemic, you may be able to apply for a grant of up to $10,000.[1]
The deadline to apply is September 30th!
Your business could be eligible to get help from this program if it:
· Is physically located in the County,
· Received $500,000 or less in annual revenue prior to the COVID-19 health crisis,
· Is classified as a retail or service-related business, but is not a restaurant or food service
business, medical practice, professional services business, religious organization or licensed
childcare program,
· Has a commercial lease in the County,
· Had a revenue loss due to the health crisis, and
· Did not received SBRA funding in previously.
For more information about this Small Business Rental Assistance[2] (SBRA) program, check online: https://montgomerycountymd.gov/Biz-Resources/ where you will find:
· Grant Application Requirements
· Grant Application Form
· Informational Webinars (in Spanish and English)
· Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For additional information, contact: BusinessCenter@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov or
SBRA@LEDCMetro.org.[3]
[1] Three months of rent based on its current lease or $10,000, whichever is less.
[2] This program complements other state, local, and federal funding programs previously offering
COVID-19 impact relief to different types of businesses (i.e. restaurants, licensed childcare providers).
[3] Montgomery County is working with one of its many community resource partners, the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), to deliver the funding to eligible businesses. These funds are available to all eligible businesses including those operated by Asian Americans, African Americans, Blacks, Latinos and others.
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COVID-19 Remains a Community Concern and County Continues to Distribute
Free Vaccines, Rapid Test Kits and Masks
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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.
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County Offering COVID-19 Vaccines to Children
6 Months to 5 Years
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Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 6 months to 5 years, Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has started vaccinating this age group as vaccines are available. However, initial supplies are limited. Read more.
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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.
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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.
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Free At-home COVID-19 PCR Test Kits Available at Multiple Locations, But Which COVID-19 Test is Right for You? | | |
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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.
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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. | |
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.
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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.
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Montgomery County Resources Available for Individuals and Families | |
Volunteer Opportunities
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.
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