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Recent Groundbreakings Signal Start of Work on Two County FacilitiesAnimal Shelter
Ground has been broken for the new Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center, to be located at the intersection of Muncaster Mill and Airpark roads in Derwood. The new facility, which is expected to open in the summer of 2013, will replace the current outdated shelter on Rothgeb Drive that lacks sufficient space and equipment to meet current needs. In Fiscal Year 2011, the Police Department’s Animal Services Division and the shelter operator, the Montgomery County Humane Society (MCHS), received 12,561 animal-related calls for service and the shelter staff handled 7,713 domestic and wild animals. In addition, MCHS reunited 1,163 lost pets with their owners and coordinated adoptions of 2,811 domestic animals to new homes. At 49,160 gross square feet, the eventual three-building complex will greatly expand the County’s ability to safely and hygienically care for animals; as well as serve as a public adoption center and community education resource for animal care issues. Plum Gar Recreation Center
The renovated center, scheduled to open in the summer of 2013, will serve the East Germantown area and provide recreation and leisure services to all residents. Facilities will include a full-size gymnasium, 150-seat social hall, catering kitchen, conference room, game room, weight and exercise room, multipurpose activities room and computer lab. Programs will include a wide range of activities and classes for all ages, an after-school program, senior program, open gym sports, drop-in games and more. The center is located on Scenery Dr. in Germantown. Public Forums Planned on Streamlining the Development Application ProcessAs part of the Executive’s new major cross-agency effort that will make meaningful changes to the development application process by streamlining reviews and inspections, two public forums have been planned on the topic of streamlining development. The public and users of the services of agencies involved with real estate development are invited to attend one of the forums to identify points where plans and permit reviews and inspections can be consolidated, redundant reviews minimized and inconsistencies eliminated. The forums will be held on February 14, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and on March 9, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Executive Office Building, Lobby Level Auditorium, 101 Monroe St., Rockville. A cross-agency panel will receive comments, observations and recommendations about experiences with development approvals in getting a project from idea to occupancy. Voter Registration Drives at Public LibrariesVolunteers from the Future Vote Program of the Montgomery County Board of Elections will conduct voter registration drives in February on Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sundays, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at local public libraries. See the schedule or for additional information, contact Dr. Gilberto Zelaya at 240-777-8532; email Gilberto.zelaya@montgomerycountymd.gov. NOTEWORTHY NOTES - 1Council to Host Public Hearings on FY13 Capital Budget and CIP Public hearings sponsored by the County Council on the FY13 Capital Budget and the FY13-18 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) will be held on February 7, 8, and 9 at 7 p.m. For information or to testify, call 240-777-7803. New Website Makes Going Green Simpler for Residents
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection has launched a new website, MyGreenMontgomery.org, that simplifies achieving “green” goals by providing information linking residents with local, state, federal and private incentives. The website is an interactive community tool that will evolve to highlight new programs, resources and information, provide a forum for a community conversation, and allow users to ask questions and share success stories. Residents who want to get started on a basic green project, such as changing appliance settings to be more energy efficient or do a complete green makeover, can get guidance from the “Green Projects” section where projects are outlined in the following categories: Daily Choices, Energy, Lawn and Garden, Transportation and Water. Each project is rated according to difficulty to implement, cost and green impact. Project descriptions provide detailed information and resources, such as tips and “How-to” videos, to help users complete the project. Users can also create a Green Plan and track their progress. New Local Shuttle Service to Germantown MARC Station In order to ease commutes for Germantown MARC train passengers, the County’s Ride On bus system has partnered with the Maryland Transit Administration MARC Train to provide a new shuttle service to transport passengers during peak commuting times. Ride On Route 94 will operate between the Kingsview Park and Ride Lot at Clopper Rd. (Maryland Rte. 117) and Kingsview Village Ave. and the Germantown MARC station. Passengers using the new service will be dropped off and picked up immediately adjoining the train station. If It’s February, It Must Be… Black History Month Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) celebrates Black History Month with free programs highlighting traditional West African culture, dance and storytelling. Anansegromma of Ghana, featuring native Ghanaians Kofi Dennis and Kwame Ansah-Brew, will present a program of traditional music, storytelling and dance. The group performs “call and response” songs, games and drum rhythms on authentic instruments giving the audience first-hand exploration of West African cultural traditions. With a calm, captivating voice and a drum, Baba Jamal Koram captures audiences of all ages, telling stories in the African American Griotic Traditions. Check out the program schedule. Lunar New Year Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) is also celebrating the Lunar New Year with a variety of free programs marking the New Year 4709. Lunar New Year, which starts with the new moon on the first day of the New Year and ends on the full moon 15 days later, began on January 23. Library Lovers Month Each year, Friends of the Library, Montgomery County designates February as Library Lovers Month to give residents a chance to recognize and express their appreciation for all that libraries and librarians do for the public year round. Get more details about what you can do for Library Lovers Month at www.folmc.org. Adopt-A-Shelter-Rabbit Month
The Montgomery County Humane Society has dozens of rabbits waiting for homes at the shelter on Rothgeb Dr. in Rockville. But before jumping on the bandwagon, take a minute to read some dos and don'ts about bunny care. NOTEWORTHY NOTES - 2No Plastic in Paradise: Another Area Gets on the “Bagwagon” One of the latest jurisdictions to ban plastic checkout bags is the Big Island of Hawaii where a bag law took effect January 18. A week earlier, bans on plastic checkout bags went into effect on Maui and Kauai islands and counties. According to a piece by Allan Gerlat of Waste Age, businesses on Hawaii Island can make plastic checkout bags available for purchase for one calendar year after the law takes effect. It would be up to the individual retailer whether to charge a fee and how much Read more about the Hawaiian bills, including two statewide bills that have been proposed at Hawaii Big Island Bans Plastic Checkout Bags.
Neediest Kids Golf Championship Announces Three-Year Agreement with TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm
The "Neediest Kids Championship presented by Under Armour" has signed a three-year agreement with TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm for their annual golf tournament which will be played this year the week of October 1 - 7. Neediest Kids is a nonprofit organization that helps low-income students in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia gain increased confidence, dignity and self-esteem by assuring they receive the basic essentials they need so they can get the education they deserve. Local favorites Gary Williams and Fred Funk are returning – Williams as tournament host and Funk as honorary chairman. The tournament will be broadcast for the sixth straight year by the Golf Channel in the United States and seen in 176 countries and territories worldwide. Opportunities to Serve on County Boards, Committees and Commissions Public participation on boards, committees and commissions contributes to the work of County government and provides a valuable service to the community by presenting the concerns and viewpoints of residents on a variety of issues. Most committees have members who are appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council, although some committees are appointed by the Council. Applications are currently being accepted for vacancies on a number of these boards, committees and commissions. Applicants of diverse backgrounds, professions, gender, geography, disability and ethnicity are encouraged to apply. An application, consisting of a brief cover letter and resume, should be sent by mail to County Executive Isiah Leggett, 101 Monroe Street, 2nd Floor, Rockville, MD 20850, or by email to countyexecutive.boards@montgomerycountymd.gov. Home and employment addresses, as well as contact phone numbers and email addresses should be included. If appropriate, applicants should indicate the position for which they are applying. Check on vacancy announcements for boards, committees, and commissions and receive full details on what’s open, meeting schedules, duties, and how to apply. County Council Seeks Applicants for Legislative Oversight Director The Montgomery County Council is seeking applicants for the position of Director, Office of Legislative Oversight (OLO). OLO is an independent Legislative Branch office that conducts program evaluations, fiscal analyses, audits and policy research projects assigned by the Council. By law, a majority of Councilmembers appoints the OLO Director to a renewable four-year term. Applications must be received by March 9. For details on the application process, visit http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/council/olodirector.pdf or contact the Council’s Administrative Services Coordinator, Mary Jane Berry, at 240-777-7930. MAKING NEWSCounty’s Stormwater “Bump Outs” Help Bump Up the Economy Chesapeake Bay Foundation photo. As stated recently in the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s award-winning Bay Daily blog, “Stormwater ain’t a sexy subject. But, it’s a critically important one because runoff from suburban and urban areas is the fastest growing source of pollution in the Chesapeake Bay….” In “Stormwater Control Projects Lift Economy and Give Jobs to Unemployed,” Bay Daily touts the environmental and economic benefits of the County’s three-and-a-half-year, $305 million program that is building hundreds of "bump outs" and other stormwater devices designed to control runoff. By the way, a bump out is (as defined in the piece) “…a grassy area built by the side of the road, with openings at either end to catch and filter rainwater as it flows down the gutter."
But, the good things about this project don’t end with helping to end pollution in the Bay. The blog also details the positive economic impacts of this and similar projects – like creating 3,300 jobs in the County, alone, over the next five years. This is according to a report, entitled “Water Works: Rebuilding Infrastructure, Creating Jobs, Greening the Environment,” released by the Economic Policy Institute and an advocacy group, Green for All.
The blog is a good read that explains the problems and solutions in laymen’s terms, including some quotes from Steve Shofar, chief of the Watershed Management Division in the Department of Environmental Protection.
We’re #1! Montgomery College’s Lady Knights Claim National Division III Soccer Title
Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett recently honored the Montgomery College Women’s Soccer team, The Lady Knights, for winning their first National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III title with a 4-0 victory over Monroe Community College of New York. The team finished the year with an impressive 17-3 record, outscoring their opponents 65-15. Coach Kelly Wakeman (holding the proclamation with Leggett) was named the NJCAA Division III Soccer Coach of the Year. Read more about the Lady Knights’ title and other honors. Another Success for the Literacy Council: Recent Grad Writes Autobiography
At age 52, Milton Whitley was unable to recite and print the complete alphabet. Now, just five years later, he’s a published author. Thanks to the help of Mary Ellen Friedland, a tutor from the Literacy Council of Montgomery County, Whitley gained the literacy skills he needed to change his life – and to then tell his story. Whitley’s autobiography, Learning to Read at Age 52, details his life story from a difficult childhood, problems in school, homelessness and coping with addictions to the joys of his new life, which resulted from learning to read. For most of his life, the Gaithersburg resident tried to hide his inability to read and write. He felt embarrassed and frustrated and believed he was “unteachable.” Now he says, “I’m a brand new man. I can read road signs. It’s easier to understand things. I know how to look words up in the dictionary. I can balance a checkbook and write a check.” He graduated from the Literacy Council’s program in 2011 and is taking classes at Montgomery College in preparation for the GED exam. Learning how to read has not only changed Whitley’s life but has impacted the lives of everyone around him. He has become an advocate for adult literacy and currently is employed by a men’s shelter where he once lived.
For more of Milton Whitley’s story, contact the Literacy Council of Montgomery County at 301-610-0030, extension 205 or info@literacycouncilmcmd.org. Thumbs Up for 311 WebsiteA recent Customer Service Web Site Survey of thousands of users of the County’s 311 website showed more than 76 percent of users were satisfied or extremely satisfied with their overall MC311 website experience. The survey also showed that about 77 percent were satisfied or extremely satisfied with their ability to find the information they were looking for on the MC311 website and more than 78 percent were satisfied or very satisfied with the ease of using the site. Since Montgomery County’s 311 system was launched in June 2010, calls coming into the call center continue to increase, with an average of 48,000 calls per month. The 311 web portal, http://www.mc311.com, which allows residents to find answers and check on the status of service requests 24/7, has consistently averaged more than 29,000 views per month. More than 20,000 online service requests were received last year. For more information about MC311, call the Office of Public Information at 240-777-6507, or visit http://www.mc311.com. MARK YOUR CALENDARMarch 3 -- Community Clean Water Summit. Silver Spring Civic Building at Veteran’s Plaza, One Veteran’s Pl., Great Hall, Room 1; 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. Hosted by the Department of Environmental Protection. Learn about the challenges of improving water quality, how your habits impact local waters, initiatives happening in your communities to improve stream health and how you can become involved. Become a part of the growing Clean Streams Movement and meet local watershed groups comprised of community members who are improving the quality of their local streams. Also learn about County-sponsored programs, such as RainScapes Rewards, that provide financial incentives to stop stormwater pollution at its source. To register, visit: http://cleanwatersummit.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Ryan Zerbe at Ryan.Zerbe@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-7744. Check Out What You Need to Know About the FY 2013 Operating BudgetOn March 15, County Executive Ike Leggett will announce his Recommended Fiscal Year 2013 Operating Budget. Meanwhile, residents can view a variety of information about the Operating Budget from a presentation that is given at each of the public Budget Forums around the County. Included are: the Executive’s goals and fiscal plan, the budget structure, charts on where the money comes from and where it goes, the FY13 fiscal outlook and community participation. Two Remaining FY13 Operating Budget Forums for ResidentsResidents wanting to provide input about priorities for the Fiscal Year 2013 Operating Budget on a face-to-face basis, can attend one of the remaining forums -- both beginning at 7 p.m:
Sign language interpreter services will be provided only upon request, with notice as far in advance as possible, but no less than 72 hours prior to the event. If these or other services or aids are needed to participate in this activity, please call 240-777-6507, TTY 240-777-6505 or email a request to karen.falcon@montgomerycountymd.gov. The Bag Law Arrives with the New Year
As everyone knows by now, January 1 brought not only football, resolutions and parties to Montgomery County, but the new carryout bag law. Under the law, a five-cent charge is placed on each paper or plastic carryout bag provided by retail establishments in the County to customers at the point of sale, pickup or delivery. However, shoppers can avoid the charge by bringing their own reusable bags. The revenues that are collected -- above administrative costs -- will go to the County’s Water Quality Protection Fund that pays for things such as stormwater management, watershed restoration and litter clean-up. Plastic bags are one of the top four items found in County streams and stormwater controls. And, taxpayers bear the financial burden of cleaning up or removing this litter -- more than $3 million a year in Montgomery County for code enforcement, street sweeping and litter clean-up. That’s why the more people who use reusable bags and the less revenue the County receives the better it is for taxpayers who save money on cleanup and for our waterways that can then remain clean and healthy. It’s not about the money, it’s about doing the right thing for the environment. On January 3, County Executive Ike Leggett handed out hundreds of reusable bags to shoppers at the Safeway in Hillandale, while Council President Roger Berliner and volunteers distributed hundreds more around the County. Throughout that one day, nearly 1,000 bags were given out among sites at: downtown Bethesda, Little Bitts cake and candy supply store in Wheaton, Walmart in Germantown and the Safeway at King Farm. All told, more than 40,000 bags have been distributed so far, with another 30,000 to come. Various local businesses have stepped up to donate bags which have gone, primarily, to low-income families/individuals and seniors through local non-profits and other organizations serving these populations. Thanks to the retailers who have helped as many residents as possible receive bags and to the volunteers who gave out bags at each site. Why Paper Bags, Too?From the time the bag law was proposed by the County Executive in March and passed by the County Council in May, residents have come forth with a range of questions, which are now found in the FAQs on the bag website – www.montgomerycountymd.gov/bag. One question is “Why are paper bags included?” Short answer is that both paper and plastic bags consume enormous amounts of natural resources and cause significant pollution. Statistics indicate that each year, Americans use about 10 million paper bags and some 14 million trees are cut down annually for paper bag production. In addition, chemicals are used to process wood pulp to paper, and paper that isn’t recycled and ends up in landfills cannot completely degrade due to the lack of water, light and oxygen. A more detailed, graphic explanation simply entitled “Paper or Plastic?” was presented in The Washington Post’s “More Than Meets The Eye” feature back in 2007. See for yourself and decide. How Healthy are Reusable Bags?Another point raised in some blogs, emails and letters to the editor is about the cleanliness and health of reusable bags. A study done in June 2010 by the University of Arizona in Tucson and Loma Linda University in California presented evidence of various forms of bacteria such as E. coli in reusable shopping bags.
But, read more about the Consumer Reports study and make up your own mind. Seattle Gets on the “Bagwagon”; Bans Plastic Bags, Charges a Nickel for Paper Grocery BagsLong known as a pioneer in environmental issues, the City of Seattle, in late December, passed a new law that bans all plastic single-use bags and institutes a five-cent charge for paper grocery bags. Like Montgomery County’s law, the Seattle legislation applies to grocery, retail and convenience stores. An earlier version of the legislation that carried a 20-cent fee for paper and plastic bags was defeated. Will Shoppers Change Their Habits and Bring Reusable Bags?According to a WJLA-Channel 7 online poll “Montgomery County bag fee: Will it change your habits?” nearly 78% percent of those who responded said they would bring their own bags, while 22% said they’d pay the nickel per bag. Leggett Announces Cross-Agency Effort to Streamline Building and Land Development Process Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett has announced a major cross-agency effort that will make meaningful changes to the development application process by streamlining reviews and inspections.
As an initial step, the County is consolidating construction inspections currently being done by the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS). The Montgomery County Planning Board (MCPB) is kicking off this effort with a change in how it reviews DPS-issued building permits
Leggett explained the need for the initiative. “Currently, it takes from one to three years to get through development review and zoning approvals, and obtain building permits. This lengthy time frame ultimately impacts the costs of housing and commercial space and affects residential and commercial end users. Our objective is to eliminate redundant and inconsistent reviews and to shorten the time it takes to navigate the process without compromising quality.”
Photo. Joining Leggett (at podium) were (from left) Council member and PHED Committee Chair Nancy Floreen, County Council President Roger Berliner, Montgomery County Planning Board Chair Francoise Carrier, Director of Department of Permitting Services Diane Jones and Montgomery County Fire Chief Richard Bowers.
Leggett Unveils Proposed 2013 Capital BudgetCounty Executive Ike Leggett has introduced his Fiscal Year 2013 Capital Budget and six-year FY 2013-18 Capital Improvements Program that strikes a careful balance between meeting capital construction priorities and the continued need to put the County’s fiscal house in order. View the proposed Capital Budget for FY13 and the FY 2013-18 CIP. A New Year’s Resolution Never Too Late to Make: Be Fire Safe in 2012Still looking for a New Year’s resolution? The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) suggests making one that can truly benefit you and your family - - resolve to be fire safe in 2012. Fire risks increase as the temperatures decrease and recent fire deaths across the country are tragic reminders that people need to take action now to be safe during the winter months. Read tips regarding Fire Safety, Heating Equipment and Cooking. NOTEWORTHY NOTES -1Registration Open for Recreation’s Summer Camps and Programs Montgomery County Recreation began accepting registrations for its popular summer camps and programs on January 17. The 2012 Summer Camps and Programs guide is filled with affordable and exciting camp programs designed to serve a wide range of interests. Early registration is encouraged, because space is limited and registrations are handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals can register one of four ways: by mail, fax, online or in person at the Recreation Department Administrative Offices, 4010 Randolph Rd., Silver Spring. The easiest and most convenient way to register is through RecWeb, the on-line registration link at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec. The Summer Camps guide is available at all Recreation community and aquatic centers or online at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec. For more information, call 240-777-6870.
The County Council will host a public hearing on January 24 on Bill 37-11 that would allow cameras to be installed on County school buses to monitor vehicles that illegally pass stopped buses. The hearing will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the 3rd floor hearing room of the Council Building at 100 Maryland Ave., Rockville. Under the bill, the County’s Chief of Police, after consulting with the Board of Education, would be authorized to install cameras on Montgomery County Public School buses to monitor traffic. According to a Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) survey released in March 2011, on a single day in February, more than 7,000 drivers overtook stopped buses in Maryland. The survey also reported that in Montgomery County 1,645 drivers ignored the stop arm activated on buses when they were stopped and students were entering or leaving the bus. For more information on the proposed legislation, see the Council's press release. For information on the public hearing, visit the Council's website or call 311, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information on pedestrian safety and safe routes to schools, visit MCDOT's pedestrian safety site. Let’s Talk Recreation: Public MeetingSet for Damascus Montgomery County Recreation Director Gabriel Albornoz invites residents to share their thoughts, suggestions and ideas about programs and services that the department offers at “Gabbin’ With Gabe,” a public meeting to be held on Thursday, January 26 from 7:30 to 9 p.m., at the Damascus Community Recreation Center, 25520 Oak Dr. The public meeting is part of the community outreach efforts offered by Montgomery Recreation that encourage residents to be actively involved with Recreation programs and activities. “Gabbin’ with Gabe” will take place quarterly at community centers around the County. For more information, call 240-777-6875. School-age Students Sought to Serve as Aides on Election Day Montgomery County Board of Elections is seeking school-age students, grades 6-12, to serve as Election Day student aides during the 2012 Presidential Primary Election, Tuesday, April 3. Students and their guardians must attend mandatory training to serve on Election Day and, if applicable, to receive Student Service Learning (SSL) credits. Students are placed in neighboring precincts according to their home addresses. Interested parents/guardians can register their student(s) before January 27 online by visiting the Montgomery County Board of Elections’ website. For additional information, email future.vote@montgomerycountymd.gov. Free Children’s Program at Germantown Library Kicks Off Friends of the Library, Montgomery County’s 30th Anniversary Celebration Friends of the Library, Montgomery County (FOLMC), will kick off a year-long celebration of its 30th anniversary with a free concert featuring the award-winning children’s musical band, Hot Peas ‘N Butter on Saturday, January 28 at 11 a.m. at the Germantown Library, 19840 Century Blvd. The band is regularly seen on Nick Jr. and is a three-time winner of the “Parent’s Choice Awards.” Their interactive performance features elements of traditional Latin music, Afro-Caribbean rhythms and jazz, folk and rock and is suitable for all ages. The concert is free, but seating is limited and tickets are required. Tickets can be picked up at the library starting on Tuesday, January 24 at 5:30 p.m. Learn more about the celebration.
CATEGORIES: Worth Noting , Community Forum , Election
POSTED: Friday, January 20, 2012 | 3:30:00 AM | 
NOTEWORTHY NOTES - 232nd Annual Women’s Legislative Briefing – January 29
The Commissions for Women of Montgomery and Prince George’s counties will co-host the 2012 Women’s Legislative Briefing on Sunday, January 29, from 12:30 to 6 p.m., at the Universities at Shady Grove, Building II, 9630 Gudelsky Dr., Rockville. This year’s event will include a panel discussion addressing women’s issues in the U.S. Congress, moderated by Catherine Leggett, senior vice president of Human Resources at ICMA – Retirement Corporation. Panelists include U.S. Senator Benjamin Cardin, U.S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen and U.S Congresswoman Donna Edwards. The conference will open with remarks by Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett; Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker; and Md. Delegate/President of the Women’s Legislators of Maryland Susan Lee. The briefing will include seminars on a variety of topics: Effective Legislative Advocacy; Health Care and Health Care Reform for Women; Advocating for Older Women’s Issues; Victories for Women in the 2011 Maryland General Assembly; Women in the Public Realm; Work and Women; Women, Families and Poverty; and Safety, Justice and Human Rights. The program will conclude with a reception with County and State elected officials. Admission is $15 and includes refreshments. To pre-register, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cfw. For more information, call 240-777-8333.
The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights, in collaboration with Montgomery County Public Libraries, the African American Employees Association, the Lincoln Park Historical Foundation and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, is again this year hosting a civil rights historic bus tour that retraces the steps of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights heroes. The bus tour leaves Rockville on April 2 and returns on April 7. The cost of the tour for a group of four is $445 per person including hotel, transportation, some meals and snacks, and all museum/tour fees. For smaller groups, the fee is slightly higher. All tour costs are paid for by participants’ fees. A deposit for half the fee is due on February 4 with the balance due on March 4. A pre-tour meeting will be held on Thursday, March 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Human Rights Conference and Mediation Center, Suite 330, 21 Maryland Ave., Rockville. At least one member of each group is required to attend this meeting. Interested individuals and groups should contact Beverly Marshall in the Office of Human Rights at Beverly.marshall@montgomerycountymd.gov. For more information about the tour, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/humanrights. County Offers Resources for Seniors and Caregivers Caring for an older adult with a disability? The best way to help is to recognize that it is not all up to you. Ask for help! Montgomery County’s Aging and Disability Services, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, has a variety of resources available to support seniors, residents of long term care facilities and those who care for them. Read more about specific services and get details. For more information about services for seniors and caregivers in Montgomery County, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior. Applicants Sought for Council Representative on Investment Policy Boards The Montgomery County Council is seeking applicants for the position of Council representative on the Board of Investment Trustees for the Montgomery County Employee Retirement Plans and the Board of Trustees for the Consolidated Retiree Health Benefits Trust. The Boards set investment policy, hire investment managers and monitor investment performance for the Trust Funds. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8. The Board of Investment Trustees oversees the investment of approximately $4 billion in assets for nearly 11,000 active and retired members of the three retirement plans: defined benefit, defined contribution and deferred compensation. The Board of Trustees oversees the investment program for the Consolidated Retiree Health Benefit Trust. Consumer Protection Wants You to Know
Be careful next time you go through your mail! What might appear to be junk mail may actually be a check for $18. As part of the Currency Conversion Fee Antitrust Litigation case, more than 10 million checks valued at $18.04 are going out to credit card holders to settle claims over the improper setting and disclosure of foreign currency conversion fees. Consumers who filed claim forms and provided documentation may be entitled to more. The problem? The envelope looks like junk mail, making it likely that many consumers may unknowingly toss the check in the garbage. What does the mailer look like? Click here for information from abc news. For questions, contact the Office of Consumer Protection, 100 Maryland Ave., Suite 330 Rockville, MD 20850; call 240-777-3636, email consumerprotection@montgomerycountymd.gov or visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/consumer. MAKING NEWSCounty Police Officer Receives Congressional Badge of Bravery Award for Response to 2010 Discovery Building Incident
There is a saying popular among the public safety community, “When others run from trouble we run to it.” On September 1, 2010, Montgomery County Police Officer Edward E. Paden Jr. did just that when he realized that an armed suicide bomber had taken hostages inside the Discovery Communications Building in downtown Silver Spring. His actions, without regard for his personal safety, contributed to saving innocent lives. This incident would later be recognized as one of the most dangerous situations encountered by the public safety community of the Washington Metropolitan region. Officer Paden was off-duty and had just completed a water training session in the Chesapeake Bay for a triathlon. He had several jellyfish stings and had dropped by the 3rd District Police Station, to which he is assigned, when the call went out for “Shots fired, man with a gun at 1 Discovery Place in Silver Spring.” Paden recalls, “The alert tone went off on the radio, and I just jumped in the car and said, ‘Let’s go’.” The officer was familiar with the layout of the building and didn’t hesitate to respond even though he was in shorts and a tee shirt. He was first on the scene, entered the building at great personal risk and took a position about 25 feet from the suspect. Although the position concealed him from the suspect, it didn’t protect him from gunfire, flying shrapnel or over-pressure from an explosion. Officer Paden kept his rifle trained on the suspect as he dispatched vital tactical information. He also determined a safe route for other responding officers to enter the building and assume other strategic positions. Paden credited police training and the combined efforts of all the other responders for an outcome where no innocent lives were lost. Chief Manger remarked, “He’s giving us all the intel…what the bomb looks like, where he is. He [Paden] was also in a position where Mr. Lee [the gunman] was not going to be able to get further into the building.” County Executive Leggett said, “He went well above and beyond what would have been expected, and in so doing, put himself at tremendous personal risk. His actions, along with those of many others, can be credited for helping to save the lives of over 1,000 people in Montgomery County that day.” Senator Cardin said, “I was amazed not just by his bravery but by his instincts.” The Congressional Badge of Bravery award was created by Congress in 2008 to honor local, state and federal law enforcement officers who have distinguished themselves for exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty. This year is the first year that the award has been presented. Officer Paden previously received the Gold Medal for Valor at last spring’s Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Awards luncheon and the Police Department’s Medal of Valor. The veteran officer, who has more than 12 years with the Montgomery County Police, joins 20 other law enforcement officers from across the nation in receiving this special honor. Photo. Participating in the award ceremony for Officer Paden (second from left), were County Executive Ike Leggett (far left) and (to Paden’s left) U. S. Senator Ben Cardin, U.S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein and County Councilmember Phil Andrews. MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Saturday, February 4 -- “Bullying in Schools: A Community Symposium on Prevention and Intervention Strategies.” Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza, One Veterans Place. 2 to 4 p.m. Free. Presented by Montgomery County’s Office of Human Rights and the Committee on Hate/Violence. Moderated by County Councilmember Valerie Ervin. Keynote speaker, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Chair Martin Castro. Panelists include representatives of Montgomery County Public Schools, National Association of School Psychologists, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Gay-Straight Alliance of Walt Whitman High School. Youth advocate Johnnie Williams will also join the panel discussions. A reception will follow. Sign language interpreter services provided only upon request with notice as far in advance as possible, but no less than 72 hours prior to the event. To request these or other services or aids needed to participate or to receive more information, call 240-777-8450 or email human-rights.administration@montgomerycountymd.gov. County’s Holiday ScheduleMontgomery County government will observe the following holiday schedule for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays:
Go Green for New Year’s…and Beyond
And, it’s easy. Beginning January 1, 2012, bring your reusable bags when you shop. You fight litter, help the County save money on cleaning up litter from local waterways and save yourself the 5-cent charge on any plastic or paper bag you receive to carryout purchases from stores in the County. It’s not only time to turn the calendar and go green, it’s time to say “Thank You!” to the many retailers and environmental, community and civic groups that have stepped up and offered to help us spread the word about the “what,” “why,” “how” and “when” of the bag law to their employees and/or members, as well as the general public. You can see pictures of some of the bag activities that have been held, get answers to your questions about the bag law and see the impressive list of outreach campaign partners online at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/bag. Also check out Facebook for photos and updates on the bag outreach campaign and follow us on Twitter. Pedestrian Safety Enhancements Along Piney Branch Road First of a Kind in the State
County Executive Leggett recently joined State, local, and regional leaders for another StreetSmart event to showcase the latest pedestrian safety improvements in a High Incident Area – along one segment of Piney Branch Road. The installation of special curb markings was the first of its kind in Maryland. The markers indicate where it is and is not safe for pedestrians to cross the street and remind walkers to think twice before crossing mid-block and risking injury or death. In addition to engineering enhancements, education teams on the street are intervening when they see unsafe behaviors, and County Police are issuing tickets to drivers and pedestrians who are not obeying the law. In eight High Incidence Areas – including this Piney Branch corridor -- there was a 56 percent reduction in pedestrian collisions in 2010, compared to the preceding five-year average. The severity of the collisions also declined. For information on safe walking, visit MCDOT's pedestrian safety website. India Trade Mission Pays Dividends: County Businesses Benefit
A week after returning from an historic six-day trade mission to three of India’s largest cities – Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi – Governor Martin O’Malley announced that two Indian companies plan investments in Maryland and eight Maryland businesses inked deals with Indian partners, with a combined total of nearly $60 million in business deals for the State. The governor was joined on the trip by County Executive Ike Leggett and other local elected officials, educators and business leaders. Montgomery County-based businesses announcing agreements for projects in India are:
County to Provide Kiosk Library Service for Olney during Main Library Renovation
To ensure that the Olney community would have convenient access to some form of partial library services during the remainder of the renovation period for the Olney Library, County Executive Ike Leggett last month directed Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) to explore options for creating such a service. In response, MCPL has collaborated with the Department of Recreation and the Department of General Services (DGS) on a kiosk library that would provide the following services:
MCPL and Montgomery County Recreation have identified the Longwood Recreation Center, 19300 Georgia Ave. in Brookeville, as the best location for the library kiosk. The advantages of the Longwood site are:
MCPL estimates that completing the required procurement processes, then staging and installing the related equipment, will be accomplished in the first quarter of calendar year 2012. For more information about the Olney project, and to see updates on the Olney interim service project, visit the Olney Library page. Youth Curfew Editorial
The recent tabling of the proposed youth curfew bill by the County Council has drawn an editorial response from The Gazette. NOAA Keeps 4,200 Jobs in Downtown Silver Spring; Renews Lease for One Million Square FeetThe U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), on behalf of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has signed a 15-year lease renewal for more than one million square feet of office space NOAA currently occupies among three buildings on East West Highway in Silver Spring. NOAA’s leases were due to expire in 2013. To ensure that NOAA’s approximately 4,000 jobs stayed here, County Executive Ike Leggett and the County Council approved a request from the Department of Economic Development to offer, as a financial incentive, a conditional grant not to exceed $12 million over 15 years. NOAA has been the lead tenant in the Foulger-Pratt-owned buildings at 1305, 1315 and 1325 East-West Highway since they were constructed in 1990. NOTEWORTHY NOTESNew Year, New Parking Rates in Silver Spring Beginning January 1, 2012, long-term parking rates in the Silver Spring Parking Lot District will increase by 10-cents an hour. The Montgomery County Council approved the parking rate increase in downtown Silver Spring as part of the fiscal year 2012 budget approved in May. The Division of Parking Management is posting signs in public parking lots and garages to alert parkers about the rate change. Rate changes in Bethesda went into effect in August. For additional information on parking options in Silver Spring or the other County parking lot districts, visit the Division of Parking Management’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/parking or call 311.
Filing Deadline for 2012 Primary Candidates Approaching
The Board of Elections reminds potential candidates that the deadline for filing for the 2012 Primary Election is Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at 9 p.m. Individuals interested in running for Board of Education Districts 2, 4, or At Large positions may file their candidacy with the Montgomery County Board of Elections at 18753 N. Frederick Ave., Suite 210, in Gaithersburg. Candidates for all other offices on the 2012 Primary ballot should contact the Maryland State Board of Elections for deadlines and filing locations. The Montgomery County Board of Elections is open from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and will be open to accept filings on Wednesday, January 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. To arrange an appointment, contact Brian McKevitt at 240-777-8502. “Did You Know?” Cable Show Highlights How to Book Public Facilities Montgomery County’s latest “Did You Know?” cable show episode highlights Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) and its policy-making arm, the Interagency Coordinating Board (ICB). CUPF also books all Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission ball fields. “Did You Know?” is a monthly show that provides viewers with information about services and programs Montgomery County offers residents. It airs throughout the week on CCM – Channel 6 for Comcast and RCN subscribers and channel 30 for Verizon subscribers. To watch online, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ccm and click on Programs. Scroll down to the “Did You Know?” icon. It is also available on YouTube by searching “Did You Know Montgomery County.” Consumer Protection: Wants You to Know…
If a car repair doesn’t fix the problem, get a second opinion from a trusted mechanic. Only do business with auto repair shops that you know and trust or that have good reputations based on other people’s experiences. If you have any doubts about the diagnosis of your car’s problem, bring it to another shop for a second opinion, if possible. To check a repair shop’s licensing status and complaint history before getting your car fixed, call the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) at 240-777-3636. If you have a problem with a repair, file a complaint with OCP.
CATEGORIES: Worth Noting , Election , Consumer , Parking
POSTED: Friday, December 16, 2011 | 2:00:00 AM |
MAKING NEWSBethesda-based Lockheed Martin Receives $4 Billion Navy Contract According to a recent Defense Department announcement, Bethesda-based Lockheed Martin Corp is being awarded a $4 billion fixed-price U.S. Navy contract for 30 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. A Reuters online article stated, “The deal would provide 21 conventional models for the Air Force, six carrier variants for the Navy and three short-takeoff and vertical landing versions for the Marine Corps,” citing a notice in the Pentagon's daily contract digest. The Reuters story also noted that Lockheed spokesperson Michael Rein said, “Details of the deal have not been worked out.” Rein referred to the government announcement as an "undefinitized contract action" that is still subject to further negotiation. New County Council Leadership
County Councilmembers Roger Berliner (Dist. 1) and Nancy Navarro (Dist. 4) were recently unanimously elected by the Council to serve as president and vice president respectively. Both will serve one-year terms. County Council Tables Proposed Youth Curfew; Leggett Criticizes Council Refusal to Vote “Yes or No”
The County Council voted 6-3 to table Expedited Bill 25-11 that would have established a youth curfew in Montgomery County, refusing to allow the measure to come to an up or down, yes-or-no vote. In July, County Executive Ike Leggett proposed establishment of a youth curfew for minors that would prohibit certain activities during the curfew hours for those under 18. Between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday and from 12:01 a.m. until 5 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, a minor would have been prohibited from remaining in any County public place or establishment. The proposed bill contained numerous exceptions. For example, a minor could have lawfully remained in public areas during curfew hours if they were: 1) accompanied by a parent or an adult authorized by the minor’s parent to accompany the minor; or 2) attending or returning home from an official school, religious or other recreational activity sponsored by the County, a civic organization or similar entity that takes responsibility for the minor. Other exceptions included returning home from a place of employment or from attending “an event at a place of public entertainment.” A minor could have been cited for a curfew violation only after a police officer has told the minor to move along and the minor refused. The Council had been considering the bill since July and Leggett had urged action on the measure to protect County youth from being victims of or becoming involved in late-night crime. The measure drew strong support from the Montgomery County Police, the Greater Silver Spring and Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase chambers of commerce, and several Community Citizen Advisory Boards, as well as editorially from The Washington Post and The Gazette. “The County Council’s refusal to even take a yes or no vote on the proposed youth curfew is a failure of leadership,” said Leggett. “Leadership means stepping up to the plate and deciding – yes or no – on critical issues that face our County. The youth curfew legislation has been before the County Council since July. It has been discussed exhaustively. We don’t need more talk – we need action. “Our Police very much need this critical tool in order to deal with situations such as happened recently in Silver Spring and Germantown. I cannot believe that the Council denies our police officers this added help. I think it is unfortunate when politicians ‘second-guess’ our law enforcement professionals. “I have heard that some Councilmembers are ‘afraid’ to vote for fear of offending one side or the other. I have heard others say, ‘Let’s wait until another late-night youth crime incident happens and then we’ll vote on it.’ “That’s not leadership. That’s the opposite of leadership.” Leggett also emphasized that he “… will continue to work even harder to enhance public safety, especially for our young people. Our Police need and want a youth curfew which would help them perform their jobs and better protect our public. Our young people need the added protection a curfew brings.”
To hear the reaction of WTOP’s Chris Core on the Council’s failure to vote on the youth curfew bill, click on http://media.dev-cms.com/wtop/23/2321/232153.mp3. If You Gave a Bag, You Got a Bag
During this season of giving, Montgomery County firefighters from Station 23 on Rollins Ave. in Rockville, their friend Sparky and Fire Chief Richard Bowers (in white shirt) found a way to help spread the word about the County’s new bag law that takes effect January 1 while doing a good deed for families in need. Participating in the annual FOX 5 Stuff-A-Truck campaign, held at Giant food locations throughout the area the first weekend in December, the County firefighters took donations at the Montrose Crossing Shopping Center on Rockville Pike. In return, the donors received a reusable shopping bag from the County to use before and after the new bag law goes into effect. We hear that the "give a bag/get a bag" effort was very popular with folks stopping by the event to donate bags of food, and Chief Bowers gave out some holiday safety tips, as well. Free Webinars on Bag Law Still Available for RetailersTo help inform retailers about the carryout bag law (Bill No. 8-11) that begins January 1, 2012, Montgomery County is continuing to offer free webinars with County staff. To participate, a retailer will need a computer connected to the internet to view the presentation and a telephone to connect toll-free to hear the audio portion. There is one more in December and two in January (additional sessions will be added if needed):
For more details on how to participate in the webinars, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/BAG and click on the Retailers page. FY2013 Budget Forums Scheduled; Resident Input InvitedMontgomery County Executive Ike Leggett is sponsoring five budget forums throughout the County in January to seek input from residents about Fiscal Year 2013 Operating Budget priorities. Residents are encouraged to attend the forums to provide input in light of budget shortfalls predicted in the coming fiscal year. All of the forums are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., on the following dates:
Sign language interpreter services will be provided only upon request with notice as far in advance as possible, but no less than 72 hours prior to the event. If these or other services or aids are needed to participate in this activity, call 240-777-6507, TTY 240-777-6505 or email a request to karen.falcon@montgomerycountymd.gov. NOTEWORTHY NOTESWorking Smoke Alarms Critical to Home Safety; Free Installation and Maintenance Assistance Available Fire Chief Richard Bowers reminds residents that as the winter heating season approaches, it’s critical that every home have working smoke alarms. “I strongly urge every resident to take a few minutes to test their smoke alarms, practice their home fire escape plan and replace any smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Many people believe that smoke alarms last forever. They don’t.” The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service offers residents free assistance with smoke alarm installation and maintenance. Any homeowner who cannot install or test smoke alarms in their homes due to age or physical limitations or cannot afford to purchase a smoke alarm or batteries can call 311 for assistance. For additional safety information, visit www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe. An Important Holiday Tradition: Safety Tips from Police Ready or not…it’s here. Another holiday season. That’s why Montgomery County Police have provided a comprehensive list of tips to help keep residents safe when shopping, walking and just spending time at home. Below are examples from the complete list.
When out walking:
When at home:
“Respect The Space”: Keep Accessible Parking Spaces Open for Those Who Need Them
“During the holiday season, parking lots fill to capacity, making close-in accessible spaces particularly tempting,” said Leggett. “But I urge everyone to think very carefully about who those spaces are intended for …. We all need to respect the space and help ensure that reserved parking spaces are available for those who truly need them.” “Respect the Space” is a cooperative effort involving the Police Department, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Permitting Services, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and the County’s Commission on People with Disabilities. Montgomery County Police Chief Tom Manger outlined the kinds of enforcement that his officers will be conducting. “I am encouraging our officers to issue citations to all vehicles that do not have disabled placards or plates and are parked in accessible spaces.” Anyone who sees a vehicle without an accessible placard or plate in an accessible space, should report it by calling the police non-emergency number, 301-279-8000. Information about how to apply for disabled parking placards and permits, as well as laws and requirements regulating them can be found on the MVA website: www.mva.Maryland.gov. More information about the Respect the Space initiative is on the County’s website -- www.montgomerycountymd.gov. Click on the Respect the Space icon. Volunteers Sought to Assist Residents with Free Tax Help Volunteers are needed to assist eligible residents with free income tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) partnership, sponsored by the County Community Action Agency, part of the Department of Health and Human Services. VITA volunteers work 16 or more hours a week during tax season, from late January to mid-April, as tax preparers, greeters, screeners, interpreters and resource navigators. Flexible hours are available at convenient locations in East Silver Spring/Takoma Park, Gaithersburg, Rockville and Wheaton. Free training is provided on-site and online. Volunteers who successfully complete the training will receive certification as a tax preparer by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). To volunteer, call 240-777-1123, go to http://volunteer.truist.com/mcvc/org/opp/10494470271.html or email VITA@montgomerycountymd.gov For more “free tax” volunteer opportunities, visit Maryland CASH Campaign, www.mdcash.org and Montgomery County’s RSVP/AARP Tax-Aide Program. Turn Over a New Leaf in the New Year -- Literally Montgomery County residents interested in learning environmentally sound gardening practices and sharing the information with others can apply now to join the 2012 Montgomery County Master Gardener training program. The course begins January 24 and continues through March 9 (depending on possible snow days). Classes meet Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of Maryland Extension, Montgomery County office, at the Agricultural History Farm Park, 18410 Muncaster Rd., Derwood. The $300 training fee includes a training manual and other materials. Faculty and staff of the University of Maryland Extension, as well as other experts in the green industry, present horticulture lectures that cover ornamental plants, fruits, vegetables and herbs; identifying common pests and diseases; and proper fertilization and watering practices. To become a Master Gardener, you must attend a mandatory, two-hour orientation, complete course work and a final exam, and perform 45 voluntary service hours in the first year. Participants should have access to the Internet. Once qualified, Master Gardeners maintain active status by completing 10 hours of advanced training and 25 hours of volunteer service annually. Registration deadline is December 30, 2011. Class size is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To request an application, or for more information, call 301-590-2836. Commission on Common Ownership Communities Releases Updated Manual and Resource Guide The Montgomery County Commission on Common Ownership Communities (CCOC) has produced an updated “Common Ownership Community Manual and Resource Guide” for the operation of condominium, cooperative and homeowner associations. Information in the manual includes annual and special meetings, employee hiring and firing, capital replacement reserves, stormwater management, setting and collecting assessments, and financing. Copies of the manual are available for $15 each. For more information, contact the Office of Consumer Protection at 240-777-3636.
CATEGORIES: Code Enforcement , Worth Noting , Volunteer , Public Safety
POSTED: Friday, December 09, 2011 | 2:00:00 AM |
MARK YOUR CALENDARMonday, December 12 at 1:15 p.m.—Congressman Chris Van Hollen at Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Dr., Wheaton. The congressman from Maryland's 8th District will discuss the fight to preserve America’s promise on Social Security, Medicare, and economically vulnerable families and communities. He will also present the recommendations of the Congressional Super Committee, a bipartisan group of 12 charged to produce a plan for debt and deficit reductions in federal spending. Presented by the Montgomery Chapter of OWL, the Voice of Midlife and Older Women. Call 240-777-4966 for directions. RSVP for lunch at noon, by calling Helen Horton by 10 a.m. on December 10, 240-777-4961. Think Green for the New Year: the County’s Reusable Bag Law is Coming
The public outreach campaign for the County’s new carryout bag law, which will take effect January 1, 2012, was officially launched recently by County Executive Ike Leggett at Westfield Montgomery in Bethesda. Under the law passed in early May, all retail establishments in the County are required to collect a five-cent charge on each paper or plastic carryout bag they provide to customers at the point of sale, pickup or delivery. Retailers will receive a one-cent rebate on each paper or plastic bag to help cover administrative costs. Joining Leggett at the kickoff were County Council Vice President Roger Berliner and Bob Hoyt, director of the County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) who showed a sample of a plastic bag recovered from a local stream, and a number of both public- and private-sector partners who have agreed to help get the word out to Montgomery County residents and shoppers. “We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to all our retail and community partners who have signed on to help educate residents and shoppers about the law,” Leggett said. “Reaching nearly one million residents and countless visitors who shop in Montgomery County is a daunting task. But many have stepped up and said, ‘We want to help and here’s what we can do.’” Partners for the outreach campaign are: Audubon Naturalist Society, Barwood Taxi, Bethesda Green, Comcast, Discovery Communications, Giant, Green Wheaton, Identity, IMPACT Silver Spring, Johns Hopkins, Little Falls Watershed Alliance, Montgomery College, Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless, Muddy Branch Alliance, Neighbors of Northwest Branch, North Bethesda Neighborhoods and the Montgomery County Civic Federation. Also, Poolesville Green, Rock Creek Conservancy, Rockville Chamber of Commerce, Roots Market and Bark, Safeway Inc.- Eastern Division, Shoppers Food Warehouse Corp., Silver Spring Green, Surfrider Foundation DC, Universities at Shady Grove, Walmart, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, Westfield, LLC and Whole Foods Market. For more information about the law – for residents and retailers – plus, downloadable materials for businesses and community organizations, the campaign’s public service announcement, a list of the partners' logos, a schedule of upcoming free webinars for retailers and a community presentation, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/bag. Also, follow us on Twitter @BringYourBagMC and on Facebook from www.montgomerycountymd.gov. Or, view the 30-second public service announcement.
County Executive Urges Action on Youth Curfew Bill; ACLU, Civil Rights Coalition Join Leggett in Denouncing Proposed “Loitering” BillCounty Executive Ike Leggett recently urged the County Council to bring to a vote the proposed youth curfew bill which has been at the Council since July. In response, the Council has scheduled the measure for a vote on December 6. The bill is designed to protect underage youth from becoming victims of crime or becoming involved in late-night crime and anti-social activities. Police announced another late night mass theft incident in Silver Spring over the last weekend involving underage youth. Read more.... In addition, the County Executive, the Montgomery County chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and the Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition strongly opposed the “loitering” bill proposed by Councilmember Phil Andrews, a measure which the County Attorney has already called “likely unconstitutional” and which is opposed by the Police Department. See the County Executive’s testimony. See the testimony of the ACLU and the Civil Rights Coalition. Go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/curfew for more information. County Responds to Washington Post on Economic Development EditorialLast week, The Washington Post unfavorably compared Montgomery County job growth to that in Fairfax County, Virginia and questioned whether Montgomery County was “losing its edge.” No way, no how. Read the response from Economic Development Director Steve Silverman. County Releases Priorities for 2012 General Assembly SessionThe County government recently presented the following priorities for the 2012 Session to the members of the County’s delegation:
For more information, view the complete power point presentation. New Online Service for Pickup of Bulk Trash and Scrap Metal:
A new online service for residents who want to request and schedule pickups of bulk trash and scrap metal is now available. By logging on to www.mc311.com individuals can create a service request 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Joining County Executive Ike Leggett at the announcement were Environmental Protection Director Bob Hoyt (center in photo) and County Councilmember Hans Riemer. “Since the County’s MC311 call center opened last year, calls requesting bulk trash and scrap metal pickup have consistently topped the list. More than 39,000 calls requesting these services have been received since January of this year,” said Leggett. “With the new online service, residents can create and submit a service request any day of the week, day or night.” Residential properties receiving County-provided trash services are entitled to five bulk collections per calendar year for certain types of miscellaneous and/or bulky household trash. Bulk collections must be scheduled in advance with the County by the owner or resident of the property. Among the items included in bulk trash are furniture, rugs, box springs, mattresses, non-metal trash cans and sinks, large toys, bath tubs, laundry trays, shower stalls and toilet bowls. Residents outside of the solid waste district who have private trash service must contact their collection company or homeowner/community association for bulk trash removal. Residents requesting a bulk trash or scrap metal collection should schedule a pickup before 11 a.m. one business day prior to their regular recycling collection day. Both bulk trash and scrap metal pickups may be scheduled online at www.mc311.com or by calling 311. Noteworthy NotesCounty Residents and Businesses that Sustained Damage from Tropical Storm Lee can Apply for SBA Assistance The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced that residents and businesses in Montgomery County affected by the severe weather from Tropical Storm Lee that occurred on September 8 and 9, 2011, can apply for low-interest disaster loans. Information on loan rates and applications is available by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov. Completed applications should be returned to the Center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. Those affected by the storm may also apply for disaster loans electronically from SBA’s website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is January 13, 2012. The deadline to return economic injury applications is August 14, 2012. Fire and Rescue Service Seeking Recruits via Online Applications The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) is recruiting for the position of Firefighter/Rescuer I (Recruit). MCFRS Firefighter/Rescuers receive outstanding benefits, including 20-year retirement with no age limit, group health and life insurance, paid holidays, paid vacation and paid sick leave. This recruitment will be used to establish an eligibility list for an upcoming recruit class, subject to budgetary approval. Applications -- that are due by December 2 -- will only be accepted on-line. Learn more.
Office of Consumer Protection Looking for Input about Inspection of Gas Appliances Montgomery County’s Advisory Committee on Consumer Protection is soliciting comments from all stakeholders regarding the installation and inspection of gas appliances. A joint investigation by the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) found that a majority of gas appliances installed in Montgomery County during a test period had not been properly inspected following installation. Input is being sought from retail business establishments, homeowner’s insurance companies, plumbing/gas fitting contractors, Montgomery and Prince George’s Fire and Rescue Services and consumers. The regulatory code for gas appliances in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties is enforced by WSSC and applies to water heaters, furnaces, ranges, grills, generators, clothes dryers and fireplaces. The WSSC code requires that all gas appliances be installed by a licensed gas plumber/gas fitter after a permit has been obtained. It also states that an inspection with WSSC must be scheduled within five days of the installation. Failure to have gas appliances inspected in a timely fashion is both a violation of the law and a potential safety hazard. Anyone interested in submitting input regarding this issue can send their comments – no later than December 9 -- to the OCP Advisory Committee, 100 Maryland Ave., Suite 330, Rockville, MD 20850, or via email at consumerprotection@montgomerycountymd.gov. For more information call the Office of Consumer Protection at 240-777-3636.
Montgomery County Public Libraries Offers its 2011 Report to the Community Online
The past year has been challenging for Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL), just as it has been for County government in general. Yet, it’s clear that residents treasure their libraries. The 2011 Report to the Community presents a well-rounded look at the impact our libraries have had on the quality of life throughout the County. For instance, in FY 2011: 5.7 million people visited a local public library; The report contains facts, figures and photos -- all pleasingly presented -- to portray the activities and achievements of the past year, all of which were accomplished during a sustained economic downturn. It’s a good read for the countless numbers of residents who love their libraries and an informative presentation and eye-opener for new residents or those not as tuned in to all their local libraries have to offer.
Maryland 511 Travel Information Service is Launched The Maryland Department of Transportation has launched a new official travel information service called Maryland 511. Travel information is provided through the internet at www.md511.org, by phone at 511 (for those in Maryland or key roads in the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia) or by smartphone. Those outside Maryland can call 1-855-GOMD511 (466-3511). Maryland 511 is designed to provide users with real time traffic information, transportation alternatives and links to tourism spots across the State. Travelers will be able to access information on:
Travelers can also follow the latest information from Maryland 511 on Twitter, which can be accessed from the Maryland 511 website.
Bike Ride-Along for Decision Makers Highlights Trail Resources and Needs Montgomery County’s Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, in coordination with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association and the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, recently hosted a Bike Ride-Along. Participants included Planning Board Chair Françoise Carrier, County Councilmembers Nancy Floreen and Hans Riemer and other local officials, who got a first-hand look at what bicycling in Montgomery County entails – both the pleasures and the challenges. The nine-mile route between North Bethesda and Downtown Silver Spring took riders along bikeways, roadways and trails used daily by both commuter and recreational bikers. On average, more than 100 bicycle collisions occur each year in the County. A new Maryland law passed last fall requires motorists to give bikes three feet of space when passing. Bicyclists are no longer required to ride on the shoulder. However, if traveling at less than the speed of traffic, a bicyclist must still ride as near to the right of the roadway as practical and safe. For more information about biking, visit the County’s website.
State Law Now in Effect on Illegal Signs along State Roads The State Highway Administration (SHA) and local governments are now issuing warnings to those who illegally post signs along State-maintained highways. Beginning January 2012, jurisdictions will start fining offenders $25 for each sign in order to recoup the costs of removing them from highways. Illegal signs distract drivers and, in some cases, can impede drivers’ vision or block legal signs from view. They can also affect maintenance operations, interfere with the work of utility crews and mar the landscape along Maryland’s scenic routes. Along state highways – including interstates, U.S. and Maryland numbered routes – private signs are prohibited in the medians and along the sides on the public property or “right-of-way.” The illegal signs are often found attached to utility poles or stacked together on wooden posts littering medians. For more information on the new law, visit the SHA website. Mark Your CalendarTuesday, November 29 – Bikesharing Initiative Public Open House. Executive Office Building, Lobby Auditorium, 101 Monroe St., Rockville. 6 to 8:30 p.m. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) invites the public to provide comments on a bikesharing initiative proposed for an area stretching from the District of Columbia line to the Beltway along the Metrorail Red Line, including Forest Glen and Wheaton. Staff is seeking input on bikesharing locations as part of a grant application to the Maryland Department of Transportation for a bikesharing system. The building is a short walk from Metrorail’s red line Rockville Station. Sunday, December 4 – Montgomery County Executive’s Ball, “One for the Books,” at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Rd., North Bethesda. 6 p.m. Funds raised from this year’s Ball will go towards supporting Montgomery County Public Libraries. Individual tickets are $125 each and can be purchased online until December 1. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.mocoexecball.org.
Monday, December 12 -- Councilmember Riemer's Solutions Forum -- Richard Montgomery High School Cafeteria, 250 Richard Montgomery Dr., Rockville. 7 p.m. The focus of the town-hall style event will on solving problems. Councilman Hans Riemer will discuss agenda items for the coming year, review milestones from 2011 and present some early information about the budget and fiscal situation. Residents are invited to come prepared to talk about issues of concern. County Executive Leggett featured on State Circle InterviewWatch the full episode. See more State Circle. A teen curfew, budget cuts and construction projects are just some of the topics making headlines in Montgomery County. What does the future hold? Maryland Public Television's "State Circle" gets some answers in an interview with County Executive Ike Leggett. The World of Montgomery Comes to Wheaton
If you want to travel without leaving the area, then plan to be in Wheaton on Sunday October 16, when the sounds, tastes and crafts of the world go on display at the World of Montgomery Festival to be held from noon to 5 p.m. at the Wheaton Triangle, Reedie Dr. and Grandview Ave. It's just one block from the Wheaton Metro station on the Red Line. The festival celebrates, explores and shares the diverse cultural heritages which play an active role in the lives of Montgomery County residents and communities. There will be music and dance performances by County-based artists, food and craft vendors, and a hands-on cultural education area and health fair. Local non-profit organizations and County agencies will also be represented. Community Service Week -- Silver Anniversary Provides Golden Opportunities for Service
The World of Montgomery Festival will also serve as the kick-off event for Montgomery County Community Service Week celebrating its 25th anniversary with volunteer opportunities available beginning on Sunday, October 16 and occurring throughout the week. The Volunteer Center has a goal of 25,000 volunteers working on projects around the County. It's easy to sign up and be part of the Silver Anniversary of Community Service Day -- which began as the brainchild of Bruce Adams, now director of the County's Office of Community Partnerships, and has been picked up over the years by other communities around the country, under various names. For more information on Community Service Week and how to get involved, visit the CSW website. Also, download the event flyer in English or in Spanish. County Council to Host Town Hall Meeting for Students
As part of its efforts to find out what issues most concern residents, the County Council will next focus on what is on the mind of younger residents at its second Town Hall Meeting for Students on Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the Council Office Building (COB), 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The meeting, to be held in the Council's Third Floor Hearing Room, will start at 7 p.m. A pre-meeting reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the building's second-floor cafeteria. The COB is about a three-block walk from the Rockville Metrorail station, which also is a main stopping point for many RideOn bus lines. Students driving to the meeting can park free in the Council parking garage (use the Fleet St. entrance). The meeting is open to public and private high school, middle school and elementary school students from around the County. It will be broadcast live on County Cable Montgomery (CCM -- Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and rebroadcast at various times in the following weeks. Students attending the meeting are asked to RSVP by calling 240-777-7931. Emergency Contact Information can now be Added to Maryland Drivers' LicensesThanks to a new option now available from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), Maryland drivers can add three emergency contacts to their driver's license so police will know who to call if an accident occurs. The emergency contact information is stored electronically on an individual's driver's license and will be available only to authorized law enforcement personnel. The information can be added online -- in less than 10 minutes -- by going to MVA's website at www.mva.maryland.gov, clicking "On-line Transactions," then clicking "More" and then, "Emergency Contacts." Property Taxes: Some Basic Q&A'sThe Department of Finance has prepared a few basic questions and answers to help clarify property tax issues for residents. Q.My tax increased more than inflation. I thought the County Charter said that property taxes cannot increase more than inflation. A. Montgomery County's Charter Limit on property taxes requires that total property tax revenues from all properties cannot increase more than the rate of inflation and the value of new construction. Although the average tax bill increases at the rate of inflation, some properties may increase less than inflation, while others increase more than inflation, depending on assessment cycles, assessment amount, when properties were purchased, homestead credit and other credits. Q.Why was there a 4-cent increase per $100 of assessed value this year? A.This year, there was an option to either reduce the County rebate (officially called the income tax offset credit) from last year's $692 or raise the tax rate to increase revenues to the Charter Limit. The County chose a combination of a smaller rate increase and keeping the credit at last year's amount since that would limit a significant tax increase for lower- and middle-valued properties. Q. My assessment went down, but my tax bill increased more than 10%. Why? A. If your property increased a lot in value several years ago, you would have benefitted from the homestead credit which caps growth in taxable assessment to 10% per year. During those years, you did not pay property taxes on the homestead credit amount. If the new "reduced" assessment this year is higher than last year's taxable assessment, the base still went up. For example, say last year's assessment was $600,000 and there was a $100,000 homestead credit. That meant the taxable assessment was $500,000 and it was used to compute the property tax. If your new assessment this year is $550,000 (down from $600,000), that is still above last year's taxable assessment allowing the base to grow the full 10% to $550,000 (i.e., $500,000 plus 10% = $550,000). Q.Why is my assessment much higher than what houses sell for in my area? A. The State of Maryland assesses each property every three years, with increases phased in over three years. A decline is reflected immediately in the first year of the triennial cycle. The State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) conducts the assessments and handles the appeals. The local SDAT office is in Rockville and they can be reached at 240-314-4510. If you believe the assessed value is too high, call for more information or file an appeal with SDAT to start the appeals process. Montgomery County has nothing to do with property tax assessments. That is solely the responsibility of the State of Maryland. Q. I am a senior citizen and am struggling with paying my property taxes. Is there a program that might help? A. Depending on your income compared to the amount of the tax bill, there may be tax relief available through three different programs: the State Homeowners Property Tax Credit (HOTC), County Supplemental Tax Credit and County Senior Credit (if 70 years or older). SDAT administers these credits and reviews applications for eligibility. The good thing is that you file only one application with SDAT, and they will automatically review eligibility for all three programs. They can be contacted at 800-944-7403 (toll-free). Also, although the filing deadline is generally September 1, SDAT just extended the filing deadline to October 31, 2011. If you are approved for one or all of these credits, it would adjust this year's tax bill. Proposed Youth Curfew Website adds FAQs
To help provide more information to residents about the Executive's proposed youth curfew, a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) has been added to the website found on the County's homepage, www.montgomerycountymd.gov. Executive Responds to Questions from County Council on Proposed Youth CurfewIn response to questions raised by the County Council about the proposed youth curfew, County Executive Ike Leggett submitted a memo in mid-September containing detailed replies to those questions. The questions ranged from asking for data on juvenile crimes, what times of day they were committed and trends in juvenile crime in the County and should there be exceptions for movies, concerts and other entertainment activities to the effectiveness of curfews in neighboring jurisdictions and how the law would be enforced – based on age, behavior or both. An attachment to the memo depicts statistics contained in the memo through graphs and text. Supporting a Good Cause: County's Family Justice Center Foundation BenefitOn Sunday, October 2, the Montgomery County Family Justice Center Foundation will hold its 2nd annual benefit at the Hilton Rockville, 1750 Rockville Pike, to support the vital work of the center which -- as part of an international network of more than 60 family-friendly centers -- provides victims of domestic violence and their children essential services all under one roof -- from care to court -- free of charge. The event, chaired by Catherine Leggett, will honor four award recipients for their support of domestic violence prevention and those in need. In addition, Mrs. Leggett also will announce that the Family Room at the Family Justice Center will be named for the late Judge James Stephen McAuliffe, Jr. as a tribute to his commitment to reducing domestic violence. For information about Benefit tickets, or ongoing contributions, e-mail mcfjcfoundation@yahoo.com, visit the Foundation's website at www.mcfjcfoundation.org or contact Resa Levy, Foundation executive director, at 301-509-6832. NOTEWORTHY NOTES - 1Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month -- September 15-October 15 -- Montgomery County is hosting numerous local events geared for all ages. Programs include musical presentations, book discussions, poetry readings, a health fair, mortgage foreclosure prevention counseling and a Latino Festival. See the complete calendar listing in English and in Spanish. Calling All Teens: "Picture It @ your library®" Begun in 1998, Teen Read Week (TRW) is now barely a teen itself. But in its 13 years of existence, TRW -- sponsored by the American Library Association's Young Adult Library Services Association -- has presented special events and programs that encourage teens to read for pleasure and to visit their libraries for free reading materials. TRW is celebrated this year from October 16 to 22, and, through the theme "Picture It @ your library®," teens are invited to read graphic novels and other illustrated materials, seek out creative books or imagine the world through literature, just for the fun of it. TRW is also a great chance to let your school or your public library staff know how important teen services are. Get specific information about TRW in Montgomery County Public Libraries. "Where's Ike?"
The Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC) announces the launch of "Where's Ike?", an online, interactive campaign to increase awareness of and appreciation for the amazing public art pieces located around Montgomery County. Each week through October, AHCMC will release a new snapshot of County Executive Ike Leggett and a piece of public art on the AHCMC Facebook page (http://facebook.com/creativemoco). Visitors will be invited to guess where the public art piece is and share any personal stories they have about the piece. At the end of the week, AHCMC will reveal the location and details about the piece by posting an updated picture of "Ike's Public Art Passport." Germantown Indoor Swim Center Reopens after Renovations The Germantown Indoor Swim Center at 18000 Central Park Circle in Boyds, has reopened after being closed since early May for renovations. Repairs included removing old paint and repainting the ceiling over the center's three pools. For more information on this facility or on classes and programs, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec. A Healthy Way to Start the Day
Join thousands of students, parents and community members throughout Montgomery County in celebrating the simple act of walking and bicycling to school on International Walk to School Day, Wednesday, October 5. International Walk to School Day brings community leaders and children together to promote more walkable communities, safer streets, healthier habits and cleaner air. For those who live too far from school to walk, drive part of the distance, park and walk the rest of the way. For more information about Walk to School Day or organizing an event at your child's school, contact Nadji Kirby, 240-777-7169, email nadji.kirby@montgomerycountymd.gov, or visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/saferoutestoschool. How the Changing Face of Montgomery Impacts Local Government's Service Delivery Anyone who has lived in Montgomery County for any length of time realizes the face of the community is changing in many ways. Basically, we know how these changes affect us personally, but do any of us stop and consider how our local government is affected? A recent power point presentation to the County's Quarterly Leadership Forum entitled "The Impact of Changing Demographics on Service Delivery in Montgomery County" shows in charts, graphs, tables and text how the County looks today and will look in the future. It is a bellwether for the County and a basic guideline for elected officials and administrators as they plan appropriate programs and services. The Quarterly Leadership Forum provides an opportunity for discussion and professional development among County managers, the County Executive and the Chief Administrative Officer. County Cable Montgomery's New "No Boundaries" Show Features Local Leaders Montgomery County Council President Valerie Ervin and Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker are both from military families. They are also both originally from the southern parts of the U.S. Both are now influential leaders in Maryland. In the second episode of County Cable Montgomery's (CCM) new show, "No Boundaries," Ervin and Baker talk about how their upbringings led them to devote their lives to public service, why they share a passion for improving education opportunities and the importance of their two counties working together on key issues. The 30-minute show is broadcast on CCM on Sundays at 1:30 p.m., Wednesdays at 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 6 p.m. throughout September and October. A New Website Address -- and More -- for the Volunteer Center
The County's Volunteer Center website has a new address, www.montgomeryserves.org, a new look and some new features. New to the site are:
The center's online database also has a new look. You can still search by location, interest area or organization to find opportunities that interest you. Volunteer accounts were not moved to the new database. If you used to log on to the old system to express interest in opportunities, you still can, you just need to create a new account on the new database. Create a new account or start searching. Organizations already registered with the Volunteer Center that are wondering how these new changes can benefit them are invited to attend the upcoming October information session to learn more about how to use the new database and other features of the website. See the Orientation schedule for details. Noteworthy Notes - 2Falls Prevention Education Programs for Seniors Activities are scheduled in October to highlight falls prevention education for seniors. "Falls are the leading cause of injury-related emergency room visits and hospital admissions for Marylanders over the age of 65 -- but are highly preventable," said Odile Saddi, director of the County's Area Agency on Aging. In 2010, there were 3,294 calls to 9-1-1 attributed to falls by individuals over the age of 60. Nearly 2,100 of the falls were by individuals over the age of 80. Upcoming falls prevention activities are listed below.
For information from the National Institutes on Health related to decreasing the risk of falls, go to http://nihseniorhealth.gov/ and search for "Falls and Older Adults." Going to The Fillmore? MCDOT Recommends Transit and Parking Options
The Fillmore, the County's newest music venue in downtown Silver Spring, opened earlier tin September. To help patrons attending shows and events, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has offered tips on getting there and/or where to park: Take Transit. The Fillmore is an easy walk from the Silver Spring Metro station. Metro operates until midnight on weekdays and to 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. There are also several Metrobus and Ride On bus routes that serve the area. Check transit options on the County's website. Drive. For those who choose to drive, MCDOT recommends using the Spring Street/Cameron Street garage located at 1800 Cameron Street. With more than 1,300 spaces, this garage is generally less congested than some of the other parking garages and lots in the area and is just a short stroll from The Fillmore's front door. Parking is free after 7 p.m. on weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday. Get more information about parking options on the County's website. New Online Newsletter for Upcounty Residents To help keep upcounty residents informed about happenings in their area, the Upcounty Regional Office is producing a weekly online newsletter. Entitled "Upcounty Today," the newsletter features photos and short articles on community events, programs and news from Montgomery County of interest to local residents. To make sure you receive the newsletter on a regular basis, subscribe by going to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/esubscription. Questions and/or comments may be sent to upcounty.citizen@montgomerycountymd.gov or call Cathy Matthews, regional director of the Upcounty Regional Office at 240-777-8040. County Executive's New Appointments County Executive Ike Leggett recently announced two appointments that have been confirmed by the County Council. Department of Permitting Services Diane Schwartz-Jones has been selected to serve as Director of the Department of Permitting Services. In her current position as Assistant Chief Administrative Officer (ACAO), Schwartz-Jones has made significant contributions to land-use, planning and development-related decisions and activities in the County. Her experience and expertise will help assure that the Department of Permitting Services remains a partner in the regulation of growth and development of the County. Office of the County Executive Ramona Bell-Pearson was chosen to fill the ACAO vacancy created by the appointment of Diane Schwartz-Jones. Bell-Pearson began her career with the County in the Office of the County Attorney in 1990. She has been working as a senior manager in the Department of Health and Human Services, where she handled quasi-legal and administrative matters pertaining to policy, confidentiality and risk matters. This transition is expected to take place by the end of September. Damascus Welcomes New Woodfield Rd. Extension Some new critical traffic congestion relief and improved traffic safety measures came to upper Montgomery County with the recent opening of the 3,400-foot extension of Woodfield Rd. from north of Main St. (Maryland Route 108) to Ridge Rd. (Maryland Route 27). A separate eight-foot wide bikeway/shared use path was built along Woodfield Rd. Extended and along Ridge Rd. Environmental features include construction of six acres of offsite reforestation area, 1.3 acres of offsite wetlands and three storm water management facilities. The project also includes traffic signals, streetlights, crosswalks, bus stops and Americans with Disabilities Act ramps to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Learn more about the extension. Officials Unveil Pedestrian, Traffic Safety Improvements on Castle Blvd. Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett and County Councilmember Nancy Navarro recently joined community members to celebrate pedestrian and traffic safety improvements installed by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) along Castle Blvd. from Briggs Chaney Rd. to Castle Terr. The traffic calming measures installed included new concrete bump-outs and pedestrian refuge islands; modified curbs, gutters and sidewalks to ensure compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards; relocated bus stops to improve safety for transit users; enhanced crossings at bus stops; new traffic signs and pavement markings; and additional minor roadway repairs. Engineers ensured that the traffic calming design would not impede biking. "Be a Time Traveler" in Montgomery County
The Heritage Tourism Alliance of Montgomery County (Heritage Montgomery) has produced a new guide to local heritage sites – "Be a Time Traveler! Discover Montgomery County, Maryland." The 25-page brochure features 29 locations, all with unique stories to tell about the area's rich history. In addition to photos, contact information and descriptions for the sites, each listing in the brochure also includes a QR (Quick Response) code. By using a QR code reader app that can be downloaded free-of-charge onto a smartphone, users can scan the codes in the brochure and be connected directly to the site's webpage. In addition to having more detailed information available at a traveler's fingertips, the brochure and QR codes provide visitors with information on destinations that are unstaffed or not staffed full time. To see the brochure, visit HeritageMontgomery.org. Paper copies are available from the Heritage Montgomery office (12515 Milestone Manor La., Germantown MD 20876; 301-515-0753) or at heritage sites around the County. Long Term Care Ombudsman Program Seeks Volunteers Montgomery County's Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is seeking individuals interested in helping to enhance the quality of life for nursing home residents as long-term care advocates with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. Volunteers make regular visits to residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities at convenient locations throughout Montgomery County. The intensive orientation program for volunteer candidates is a comprehensive training focused on promoting resident rights in nursing home and assisted living systems. The orientation will be held Monday, October 10 through Friday, October 14 at Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Dr., Wheaton. The course is held daily from 9 am. to 3 p.m. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. To learn more, contact Eileen Bennett at eileen.bennett@Montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-1067. Montgomery's Help Allows State to Accelerate Construction on Intersection Improvements The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), in partnership with Montgomery County's Department of Transportation (MCDOT), recently began a series of intersection improvements on state roads. MCDOT is helping to fund these enhancements to reduce traffic congestion at selected bottlenecks and improve vehicular and pedestrian safety, because state roads carry the heaviest traffic volumes in the County. The County's 50 percent contribution of $3.2 million for the design, right-of-way acquisition and construction costs of these projects has allowed the improvements to move forward more quickly. The intersection improvements are part of a list of priority transportation projects developed by Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett and the County Council. Funding was approved by the County Council as part of the County's project for State Transportation Participation that began in fiscal year 2007. Seven of the 10 projects are currently under construction. See the complete list of projects with current status.
CATEGORIES: Worth Noting , Seniors , Transportation , County Executive
POSTED: Friday, September 30, 2011 | 2:30:00 AM |
MAKING NEWSCounty Police Officer Medals at World Police & Fire Games in New York
Officer Sherif Almigabber, a seven-year veteran of the Montgomery County Police Department, not only competed in the 2011 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) held recently in New York City, he came home with medals. Officer Almigabber competed in free style wrestling and Greco-Roman wrestling and earned a silver medal in each event, an accomplishment magnified by the fact that, due to a prior injury, he was able to train for only one month prior to the Games. He attributes much of his success to fellow officer, David Kovecar, a five-year veteran of the police department, who provided a training facility and served as a training partner prior to the Games. The WPFG are a biennial athletic event open to active and retired law enforcement and fire service personnel throughout the world. The Games are currently the second largest multi-sport event in the world, surpassed only by the Summer Olympics. Washingtonian Names Council President Ervin one of "Washington's 100 Most Powerful Women" Montgomery County Council President Valerie Ervin has been named one of "Washington's 100 Most Powerful Women" by Washingtonian magazine, joining an impressive region-wide list that includes Supreme Court justices, members of Congress and some of the area's top government and business leaders The magazine said Council President Ervin, in leading the Council since December, "has steered the body through rough budget waters, including taking on public-employee unions." Ervin said of the recognition: "The Washington Region is blessed with women from all walks of life who are instrumental in shaping this area and the nation. I am honored to be among a group of such accomplished women and appreciate the recognition from the Washingtonian." The article on Washington's 100 Most Powerful Women appears in the October issue of the Washingtonian. Read more about Ervin and her selection. Silver Spring Civic Building Rakes in the Awards
The new Civic Building at Veteran's Plaza in downtown Silver Spring has been open for just 14 months but has already earned its share of recognition from the building industry. The building received a Gold Award from Building Design + Construction magazine in its 2011 Building Team Awards program. The annual awards "recognize newly built projects that best exemplify the collaboration between owner, architect, engineer, and contractor to produce buildings that exhibit architectural and construction excellence." In addition, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Metro Washington selected the Civic Building to receive an "Excellence in Construction Award" in the C2 Institutional Category ($10-$30m). The Civic Building at Veterans Plaza also was recently selected as the Public Building of the Year in AIA Maryland's 2011 Design Awards Competition. Small Press Expo Donates Graphic Novels to Montgomery County Libraries' Collection Montgomery County Public Libraries' (MCPL) collection of graphic novels (works of fiction and non-fiction that are presented through art works) for all ages grew by more than 230 copies thanks to a donation by the Bethesda-based Small Press Expo (SPX). The copies were presented at the Rockville Memorial Library by Warren Bernard, executive director of the Small Press Expo to MCPL Director Parker Hamilton who accepted on behalf of the system. The Small Press Expo is an alternative comics convention held every September or October in Bethesda. It is one of the premiere conventions for alternative comic creators and fans. The SPX was founded in 1994 by a group of Washington-Baltimore area retailers to promote diversity in the comics marketplace. MARK YOUR CALENDARWednesday, October 5 –Fraud Prevention Workshop for Seniors. Would you recognize fraud if it happened to you? Join Deborah Zuckerman from the Montgomery County State’s Attorney Office, along with Ralph Vines from the County’s Office of Consumer Protection, at a Conversation and Lunch with the Experts at Riderwood Village. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon in the Performance Hall at 3150 Gracefield Road in Silver Spring. The event is free, but reservations are required. Call 240-777-1262 or 240-777-4575 (TTY) to attend. Wednesday, October 5 – "Snapshot: One Day in the Life of Montgomery County Public Libraries." Public Libraries throughout the County will compile statistics, comments from customers, photographs and other data chronicling a typical library day. The results collected from all areas of the state will be combined to show how libraries provide invaluable services to their respective communities. Special activities will include VIP Read activities at the Bethesda, Germantown, Little Falls, Long Branch, Potomac, Rockville Memorial and Twinbrook libraries. Visit your local library and share your comments on why libraries are important to you and your family. For more information, visit http://www.mdlib.org/snapshot. Tuesday, October 11 -- "Snapshot: Capture…Connect…Create." A free event celebrating Maryland Disability History and Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month. 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Silver Spring Civic Building, One Veterans Pl. Remarks by Cathy Raggio, secretary of Maryland's Department of Disabilities; plus, presentations on Maryland's Senior Health Insurance Program and a hot topics panel discussion. A resource area will feature information on employment, housing and transportation options. To register, call 240-777-1262 or 240-777-4575 (TTY). September 11, 2001: Montgomery County Remembers
Community Remembrance, September 9 The public is invited to attend a “September 11 Community Remembrance” ceremony on Friday, September 9 at 12:30 p.m. in Courthouse Square Park in Rockville. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and the ceremony is planned as a time for remembrance and tribute to the victims, their families, emergency responders and members of the military. Local elected officials, including County Executive Ike Leggett, County Council President Valerie Ervin and Rockville Mayor Phyllis Marcuccio, will participate in the program that will include remarks by a family member of one of the Montgomery County victims. Musical selections by the Montgomery County Police Gospel Choir will complete the program. Members of Montgomery County’s Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) and the Montgomery County and City of Rockville Police will also participate. The MCFRS Pipe and Drum Corps will perform. For more information about the memorial park or the ceremony, call Judy Stiles in the Department of Recreation at 240-777-6875. Interfaith Prayer Service, September 11 An interfaith prayer service will be held on Sunday, September 11 at 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville, 100 Welsh Park Dr. The service is open to the public and to all faith groups, churches, mosques, synagogues and temples, as well as secular groups. For more information about the interfaith prayer service, call Rev. Lynn Strauss at 301-762-7666. Germantown Remembers…, September 12 “Germantown Remembers … A Commemoration of 9/11” will be held from noon to 12:30 p.m. at BlackRock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Dr. The program will feature remarks by County Executive Ike Leggett and Ground Zero survivor Peter Ahearn. The National Anthem will be performed by the Seneca Valley High School Chamber Choir, under the direction of Michelle A. Searle. The colors will be presented by the Montgomery County Police (MCPD), Sheriff’s Office, Department of Correction and Rehabilitation, and Fire Rescue Service color guard. The Invocation will be presented by MCPD Volunteer Chaplain Sean Libby and other faith leaders of the community. Local Jazz Star to Headline Silver Spring Jazz Festival
In case you’ve been wrapped up with earthquakes and hurricanes recently and missed the news, jazz keyboardist and Silver Spring resident Marcus Johnson will headline this year’s all-star jazz line-up at the eighth annual Silver Spring Jazz Festival to be held Saturday, September 10, from 3:30 to 9 p.m., at Veterans Plaza at the Silver Spring Civic Building, One Veterans Place (at the corner of Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street). The free, outdoor program that attracted thousands of music lovers last year will also feature Project Natale, Sheila Ross and La Leyenda. Johnson will perform with special guest “Juris” featuring Young Pulse. A talented jazz keyboardist and composer who performs a blend of contemporary jazz stylings and hip-hop rhythms, Johnson describes his music as “instrumental R&B with a D.C. bounce.” He launched the highly successful Three Keys record label and has released four albums. Attendees are encouraged to use public transportation – the Silver Spring Metro (Red Line) is two blocks away – and to bring a blanket and/or beach chair. Food vendors will be available onsite. Free parking is available in public parking garages in downtown Silver Spring. In addition to the Wayne Avenue and Town Center garages, attendees should check other public parking garages in Silver Spring that may be less crowded, including Garage 2 at Spring and Cameron sts; Garage 4 at Fenton St. and Silver Spring Ave.; Garage 21 at Spring St. and Colesville Rd.; and Garage 5 at Bonifant St. and Dixon Ave. The Silver Spring Jazz Festival is presented by the Celebrate Downtown Silver Spring Foundation and Montgomery County Recreation. For more information, call 240-777-6821. Police Announce Arrests in Germantown Mass Theft; Leggett Submits Amendments to Enhance Curfew BillOn August 13 at 1:47 a.m., 25 subjects simultaneously entered the 7-Eleven on Wisteria Dr. in Germantown and stole items, including snacks and drinks. The subjects remained in the store for approximately one minute before exiting as a group. Several of the subjects had covered their faces with various items of clothing. Following this incident, the surveillance video depicting the event was posted on You Tube to solicit public assistance in identifying the suspects. Additionally, 5th District Commander Luther Reynolds assigned several detectives, as well as a school resource officer, to investigate this theft. In conjunction with the community, school officials and department personnel, detectives were able to positively identify 18 participants in this incident. Of those identified, 14 are juveniles and three are adults. One individual was not charged because it was determined that they had inadvertently entered the store while the theft was occurring. State’s Attorney John McCarthy stated the identified participants will be charged including theft under $1,000, conspiracy to commit theft under $1,000, and disorderly conduct. The identities of the additional individuals involved in the incident are still being investigated. Commenting on the mass theft, County Executive Ike Leggett said, “This incident which occurred in the early morning hours clearly illustrates why my proposed overnight curfew for juveniles under 18 years of age could enhance public safety throughout the County.” Within days of the announcement of the arrests, Leggett sent to the County Council a number of amendments “to clarify the intent of the bill and the manner in which it would be implemented.” The Executive said the amendments were based on testimony provided at the public hearing and feedback he had received from the State’s Attorney and other County residents. Among the amendments proposed are:
Read the entire list of amendments. Or go to the Proposed Youth Curfew website found on the County’s homepage at www.montgomerycountymd.gov for other information and comments. Noteworthy Notes - 1Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Executive to Host Town Hall Meeting in Bethesda County Executive Ike Leggett will host a Town Hall Meeting in the Bethesda area on Wednesday, September 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Westland Middle School, 5511 Massachusetts Ave. The free meeting is designed to give residents an opportunity to present issues of concern directly to the Executive. County Cable Montgomery (the County government channel that is channel 6 on the Comcast and RCN cable systems and channel 30 on Verizon) will videotape the meeting for future airing. Sign language interpreter services will be provided only upon request with notice as far in advance as possible, but no less than 72 hours prior to the event. If these or other services or aids are needed to participate in this activity, call 240-777-6507, TTY 240-777-6505 or email a request to karen.falcon@montgomerycountymd.gov. For more information about the town meeting or the cable television program schedule, call 240-777-6507. Hiring Contractors to Make Post-Quake/Storm Home Repairs: Proceed with Caution The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) warns County residents to be cautious when hiring contractors to repair damage caused by the recent earthquake and hurricane. Consumers should do their homework before signing a contract for any home repair or improvement, or tree service work. The Office of Consumer Protection offers the following advice to homeowners:
For more information, call 240-777-3636 or visit OCP’s website at http://montgomerycountymd.gov/consumer. Try It, You Might Like It: Go Car-Free on September 22
Join others throughout the Washington region and worldwide in celebrating Car-Free Day on September 22 this year. Last year, about 7,000 people took the pledge to go Car-Free or Car-Lite and contributed to improving the region’s air quality and reducing their carbon footprint. Pledge today to go car-free on September 22, and enjoy a chance to win great prizes, including an iPad and a bicycle. Montgomery County’s Commuter Services can assist employers in organizing Car-Free Day events, as well as help individual commuters find new ways to get to work. Email Commuter Services for assistance. Figures Show Pedestrian Safety Initiative is Working Data recently presented by the Transportation and Police departments to CountyStat indicate that -- thanks to County Executive Ike Leggett’s Pedestrian Safety Initiative -- pedestrian collisions and the severity of collisions are heading downward. The initiative was released in December 2007. One of the biggest successes of the Initiative has been the Safe Routes to School program where engineering improvements, bolstered by education and enforcement actions, at more than 50 schools have reduced pedestrian collisions by about 78 percent when comparing collision statistics from three years before the improvements with the time period after the improvements. A key strategy of the Pedestrian Safety Initiative is also to target engineering, education and enforcement activities on County roadways with the highest number of pedestrian collisions, or the High Incidence Areas (HIAs). Since the first HIA safety audit was conducted in 2008, HIA collisions, as a percent of total pedestrian collisions in the County, have decreased from 10 percent to four percent in 2010. CountyStat conducts periodic reviews of the components of the Pedestrian Safety Initiative that have played a critical and valuable role in the program to ensure that effective strategies are being employed to improve pedestrian safety. The full CountyStat presentation is available on the County’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/countystat. For more information, contact CountyStat Manager Chris Cihlar at 240-777-2627 or chris.cihlar@montgomerycountymd.gov. Bring Some Good Luck to a Black Cat Did you know: Black cats are the least likely to be adopted in a shelter due to undeserved myths. The Montgomery County Humane Society (MCHS) wants to change that! So throughout September, the society is WAIVING ADOPTION FEES for the lucky adopters of a solid black cat or kitten over six months old from the MCHS shelter or in foster care. Adoption applications must be completed in person. Bring a valid driver’s license, proof of rabies shots for other pets in the home, landlord’s name and phone number if applicable and veterinary reference. Montgomery County applicants take priority over others. Youths under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more details about adoption, click here. Is Bus Rapid Transit the Ride of the Future in Montgomery County?
Last year, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) began a study to identify key transportation corridors in the County that could accommodate bus rapid transit (BRT) service -- a more predictable, streamlined bus service similar to light rail but with a lower cost. The study recommends developing bus rapid transit along 16 corridors, totaling 150 miles. Passengers would pay in advance and enter low-floor buses directly through multiple doors -- no steps or lifts. Buses would arrive at stations every 10 minutes or less, preferably operating in the median of major roads such as Veirs Mill Rd., Georgia Ave. and Randolph Rd. Next comes further discussions with neighboring agencies, jurisdictions and the general public. For a copy of the bus rapid transit study, visit MCDOT’s website. Spanish-speaking Election Judges Sought Montgomery County Board of Elections is seeking individuals with Spanish speaking fluency to serve as election judges at polling places on Primary Election Day, Tuesday, April 3, 2012. In accordance with the Election Law of Maryland, judges must be registered to vote in the State of Maryland, 18 years of age or older and a U.S. citizen. Judges must also be able to speak, read and write in English. Montgomery County residency is not a pre-requisite to serve. All judges will be compensated for training and for Election Day service. If you are interested in taking a leadership position in your community on Election Day, contact the Montgomery County Board of Elections at 240-777-8532, download an election judge questionnaire from our website at www.777vote.org, or e-mail Dr. Gilberto Zelaya at gilberto.zelaya@montgomerycountymd.gov.
CATEGORIES: Worth Noting , County Executive , Community Forum , Transportation
POSTED: Thursday, September 08, 2011 | 4:00:00 AM |
Noteworthy Notes - 2County Program Helps Residents Improve Energy Efficiency of Their Homes Owner occupants of single-family homes and condominiums in the County who make new energy efficiency improvements may receive incentives up to $3,000 under the recently launched Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program. Eligible improvements include air sealing, insulation, heating and cooling, geothermal heat pumps, solar water heating and appliances. The $1.1 million program is made possible by a U.S Dept. of Energy grant with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The rebate program has been designed to work in concert with other sources of incentives available from Pepco, BG&E, Potomac Edison (Allegheny Power) and the Maryland Energy Administration Programs, as well as federal tax credits. Participants may also be able to take advantage of financing programs offered by the Maryland Clean Energy Center’s Home Energy Loan Program. To apply for the new residential rebate, consumers must have a completed energy audit and a scope of work from a professional installer. Learn more about the program and apply online at the County’s energy funding website at www.mcenergyfunding.com. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The site also will provide information about the availability of consumer workshops as they are scheduled where consumers can learn more about the rebates and the application process The residential rebate is part of a package of programs developed under the County’s ARRA grant. Other efforts will retrofit commercial, multi-family and public buildings, train workers in new, green skills, and provide public education and outreach. For more information on these and other programs, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dep. Back to School = Safe Drivers + Safe Kids With Montgomery County Schools now open, Police Chief J. Thomas Manger, along with the officers of the Montgomery County Police Department, are encouraging all community members to continue to make the safety of our children a top priority. To help reduce speeding in school zones, the Automated Traffic Enforcement Unit has deployed a fleet of mobile speed-camera vans rotating between schools from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. This is in addition to the 21 fixed speed camera sites already in place in school zones across the County. Students riding bicycles to school are reminded that they must follow all traffic rules and signs, i.e. stop signs and traffic lights. By law, all children under the age of 18 must wear a bicycle helmet when riding or being carried on a bicycle while riding on a public street, right-of-way, or on a bicycle path. Many students will be riding buses to school, and all drivers are strongly reminded that they are required to stop at least 20 feet from school buses that are stopped with flashing red lights. It is also recommended that adults accompany young children to bus stops, and remain with them until the bus arrives. See more tips and information for drivers, parents and students. Seniors Can Get Organized and Stay Fit with New Classes at Schweinhaut Center Montgomery County’s Schweinhaut Senior Center at 1000 Forest Glen Rd. in Silver Spring is offering two new classes to help seniors get organized and stay fit. On Thursday, September 22 at 1 p.m., a workshop led by professional organizer and productivity consultant Marcie Lovett, author of “The Clutter Book: When You Can’t Let Go,” will teach strategies for managing paperwork and keeping track of important papers. The class will demonstrate what should be kept and what can be tossed. The registration fee is $2 and pre-registration is suggested. Call 240-777-8085. On Thursday, September 8 at 10:30 a.m., a Zumba Gold demonstration will be offered, utilizing the same Latin dance and music styles of basic Zumba, just not as fast-paced. On Thursday, October 6 at 10:30 a.m. a seven-session Zumba Gold class will begin. The program is designed for older, active adults, as well as senior adults who haven’t exercised in a long time. Pre-registration is required, and the fee for the seven-week class is $56. To register, call 240-777-8085 or visit the Schweinhaut Center. Revamped BRAC Website Provides Traffic Updates and Commuter Information Montgomery County has redesigned its Base Realignment and Closure BRAC website to provide helpful transportation, traffic and other information to residents and employees traveling to or through Bethesda. The closure of Walter Reed Army Medical Center means that more than 2,500 new jobs are being relocated to the campus of the National Naval Medical Center and visits are expected to double to nearly one million a year. Montgomery County has worked closely with the State of Maryland since the relocation was announced -- and with a very engaged Bethesda community -- to devise plans to address the oncoming impact. A Card that Opens Many Doors September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and the American Library Association and Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) want to make sure that all children, teens and adults in Montgomery County have the smartest card of all – a library card. Customers with library cards can access books and magazines, DVDs, electronic books, test preparation materials, job hunting resources and electronic databases, and use the library computers with free Internet access – an especially important resource for families without Internet access at home. For more information on how to sign up for a library card, visit any Montgomery County public library, call Ask-a-Librarian at 240-777-0001 or visit the library online at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library Benefit to Honor County’s Family Justice Center Since it opened in 2009, the Montgomery County Family Justice Center in Rockville has served nearly 3,000 people from more than 100 countries of origin. The facility houses everything from pro bono legal support and law enforcement to emergency services, counseling and help with obtaining protective orders. Before the Center’s existence, victims would be referred to as many as 20 different agencies in separate locations throughout the County. On Sunday October 2, the Montgomery County Family Justice Center Foundation will hold its 2nd annual Benefit at the Hilton Rockville, 1750 Rockville Pike, to support the vital work of the center which -- as part of an international network of more than 60 family-friendly centers -- provides victims of domestic violence and their children essential services all under one roof -- from care to court -- free of charge. The event, chaired by Catherine Leggett, will honor the following award recipients: Judge Katie O’Malley (Forerunner Award recipient) a former prosecutor who handled countless domestic violence and child sexual and physical abuse cases. She is currently Associate Judge of the District Court of Baltimore City and Maryland’s First Lady. Judge Marielsa Bernard (Inspiring Leader Award recipient), an Associate Judge in the Circuit Court of Montgomery County. She chaired the Montgomery County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council from 2006-2009, guided its development and remains actively involved. Judith Clark (Marilyn J. Praisner Founders Award recipient), founder and executive director of Women Who Care Ministries, a nonprofit organization that helps people in need through program areas including domestic violence; individuals overcoming homelessness and substance abuse; life skills workshops; and a girls mentoring group, among others. GEICO Philanthropic Foundation (Corporate Legacy Award Recipient) is a committed community partner in Montgomery County and has an ongoing relationship of support and understanding for the needs of the Montgomery County Family Justice Center. Mrs. Leggett also will announce the naming of the Family Room at the Family Justice Center as a tribute to the late Judge James Stephen McAuliffe Jr. and his commitment to reducing domestic violence. For information about Benefit sponsorships, Benefit tickets, or ongoing contributions, e-mail mcfjcfoundation@yahoo.com, visit the Foundation’s website at www.mcfjcfoundation.org or contact Resa Levy, Foundation Executive Director, at 301-509-6832. Customer Service Report Launched by Office of Cable and Broadband Services The first edition of the County’s Office of Cable and Broadband Services e-report to customers has been launched. The online report allows the office to share data in a user-friendly format, highlight key developments and provide links to other items of interest. The report is best viewed with Google Chrome, Explorer 8+, Firefox3.6+, or Safari 4+. Download a printer friendly version of the complete report Also, refer to the Report Glossary. Feedback is invited. If there are questions about the statistics found within the report, contact Margie Williams, Franchise manager, at 240-777-3762 or email Marjorie.Williams@montgomerycountymd.gov. To join the distribution list, provide feedback, or to request more information, e-mail cable.broadband@montgomerycountymd.gov.
CATEGORIES: Transportation , Seniors , BRAC , Worth Noting
POSTED: Thursday, September 08, 2011 | 3:00:00 AM |
MAKING NEWSSheriff’s Office K-9s to Benefit from Steelers Quarterback’s Foundation
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Super Bowl Champion Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger announced the first grant of the 2011 season from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation at The Giving Back Fund has been awarded to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office The Sheriff’s Office will use the grant to purchase four “K-9 Storm” bullet-proof vests to help protect the department’s four highly specialized canine teams. All members of the Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit are trained as dual purpose K-9s for the detection of explosives as well as patrol functions. See our K9 stars and their officers. County Sheriff Darren M. Popkin said, "The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation program recognizes the importance of well-trained K-9 teams as part of our overall law enforcement efforts. Montgomery County Sheriff's Office K-9 dogs are cross trained for search, patrol and explosive detection duties. The grant funds will provide our dogs with vests that protect them from attacks with firearms and knifes while engaged in their duties." The foundation is distributing grants to police and fire departments in Pittsburgh and in the cities and surrounding communities of each regular season away game for the Steelers in the 2011 season. Police and fire departments in the nine away-game cities were invited to submit proposals detailing their needs. The Steelers play the Ravens in Baltimore on Sunday, September 11. For more information about the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation or The Giving Back Fund visit www.bigben7.com or www.givingback.org. Patch.com Lists Montgomery County Public Libraries’ Volunteers and Staff as One of its “Picks” Citing people who help make Rockville great in a recent edition, Patch.com (Rockville) included the volunteers and staff of the Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL). In a nod to MCPL’s 60th anniversary celebration, the write-up said, in part: “County libraries offer thousands of books that can be borrowed by county residents with a free library card. They also offer a quiet study environment, children's story hours, meet-the-author events and other free programs.” The Senior Connection Recognized for Expanded Service Delivery The Senior Connection, a nonprofit agency that helps adults age 62 and over live independently in Montgomery County, has been recognized for the second time by the "2011-12 Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington" for its efforts that expanded service delivery by 37 percent over the past year and now assists seniors in Gaithersburg and Germantown. Based in the Holiday Park Senior Center on 3950 Ferrara Dr. in Silver Spring, the agency helps senior adults live independently by connecting them with volunteers who provide free transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, social visits and other basic support needs. MARK YOUR CALENDARWednesday, September 21 – Thanksgiving Parade Community Meeting. Residents and businesses are invited to attend and hear about volunteer opportunities, marketing opportunities for local businesses and how to participate in the parade. All questions welcome. 7-9 p.m. Silver Spring Civic Building, at the corner of Ellsworth Dr. and Fenton St. Permitting Services Guidelines to Construction Site ManagersThe weather forecast is anticipating high winds for Montgomery County over the weekend. The Department of Permitting Services is requiring construction site managers and supervisors to take the following preparations before the storm.
Mission to El Salvador: Learning and Lending a Hand
During the Montgomery “Sister City” delegation’s visit to Morazán province in El Salvador, County Executive Ike Leggett joins Morazán governor Miguel Ventura (at left in photo), former Congresswoman Connie Morella and County Councilmember George Leventhal (at right) in lighting candles at the village of El Mozote, where 1,200 unarmed men, women, and children were massacred by an elite U.S.-trained Salvadoran army unit in 1981 The delegation of about 70 individuals, all of whom paid all their own expenses, met with people from the local communities, visited schools, organizations, and historic places, and engaged in community projects. The mission was designed to foster cooperation between the two jurisdictions on a people-to-people basis and to support ongoing work by Salvadorans living in the County to assist development projects in their home country. “It is estimated that 50,000 Montgomery County residents hail from El Salvador,” noted Leggett. “This trip gave all who participated a unique perspective on the situation in their homeland. It opens up opportunities for Montgomery County residents to collaborate with the residents of Morazán -- to learn and to lend a hand.” Members of the delegation were: Leggett and his wife, Catherine; former U.S. Congresswoman Connie Morella; Montgomery County Delegate Ana Sol Gutierrez; County Councilmember George Leventhal; Public Information Director Patrick Lacefield; Silver Spring Regional Services Director Reemberto Rodriguez; Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Kathleen Boucher; Office of Community Partnerships Director Bruce Adams; County Latino Liaison Karla Silvestre; and Recreation Department Director Gabe Albornoz. In addition to the County representatives, 11 individuals represented Montgomery County’s Habitat for Humanity. They helped build a home for an impoverished family in the town of Jocoro, the first of 38 planned in Morazán by the group. Montgomery “MoverMoms” -- a group of mothers and their children, ages 9 to 17 -- spent the week performing community service at a school and a Centro Materno in the town of Perquin. Members of two of the Salvadoran hometown associations traveled with the group to support their communities -- the Guatajiagua Association, which purchased land to build a training center in Guatajiagua, and the Joateca Association, which has helped to build a multi-purpose community center in Joateca.
The delegation with Montgomery Habitat for Humanity volunteers, outside Joateca, Morazán. To learn more about the trip and see many more photos, visit http://montgomerycountymd.gov and click on the El Salvadoran icon in the list at the center of the page. Field of Miracles -- It was Built so They may Play
A warm, sunny summer day and lots of sunny smiles were the order of the day as the Washington Nationals Miracle Field located in the South Germantown Recreational Park became a reality. Gathering for the ribbon cutting ceremony were state and local elected officials; Washington Nationals players/coaches, mascot, broadcaster, members of the Lerner family; and enthusiastic children/players and proud parents. The Miracle Field is the new home for the Miracle League of Montgomery County that provides children -- in the County, as well as Maryland, the District and Virginia -- with mental and/or physical challenges the opportunity to safely play baseball. The field features a cushioned synthetic turf that allows children using wheelchairs and walkers to "run" the bases without fear of injury. Construction of the field was funded in part by private contributions from the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation, The Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Foundation and the Kiwanis Club of Bethesda, in addition to public funds from the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The Miracle Field is part of the larger park, located at 17950 Germantown Park Dr., which also includes the Maryland SoccerPlex, a swim center, an archery range and a driving range. New Location for Buying SmarTrip Cards, Other Fare MediaThe sales office for purchasing Ride On and Metro SmarTrip cards and other fare media has moved from 101 Monroe Street, Rockville to the Treasury Department, located at 255 Rockville Pike (Suite L-15), Rockville. The Treasury Department sales office will be open between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Other retail sales outlets in Rockville are located at:
To find locations of retail outlets throughout the region, see Metro’s web site at: "Serving Together" Initiative to Improve Support Services for Troops, Vets and FamiliesThe Mental Health Association of Montgomery County (MHA) has launched a new community-wide initiative called "Serving Together: Troops, Veterans and Family Care Project." The project will coordinate and strengthen community-based resources for troops, veterans and their families and improve access to a range of health, mental health and other support services in Montgomery County where there are an estimated 50,000 veterans. Four thousand of these men and women serve or have served in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and more than 50% are drawn from the National Guard and Reserves. Serving Together is made possible by a four-year, $500,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation -- the nation’s largest funder dedicated to improving health and health care for all Americans -- and matching dollars from local funders. The project is an initiative of MHA, in collaboration with Easter Seals Greater Washington-Baltimore Region and other community partners. For more information about Serving Together, contact Stefanie Moreno at 301-424-0656. Troops, veterans and family members in need of immediate services should call the MHA Military Helpline, 301-738-7176. Germantown Celebrates Opening of Father Hurley Boulevard Extension
August 8 is a day that will live in the Germantown history books as local officials and community members celebrated the completion of the 1.2-mile extension of Father Hurley Boulevard from Wisteria Drive to Germantown Road (Maryland Route 118) with a ribbon cutting ceremony on the bridge over the CSX tracks. The $11 million extension is an important north-south link for Germantown communities separated by the CSX railroad tracks from the Town Center and the I-270 employment corridor. County Executive Ike Leggett called it “a short road with a huge impact on the Germantown community.” Also cutting the ribbon were many young residents, plus (from left in photo) community activist Susan Soderberg; Leggett; Father Leonard Hurley, the road’s namesake and founder of the Mother Seton Parish in Germantown; County Councilmember Craig Rice, representing District 2, accompanied by his two daughters; and program emcee Edgar Gonzalez, deputy director for Transportation Policy in the County’s Dept. of Transportation. The new extension is a four-lane divided highway that includes the bridge over the railroad. Two retaining walls minimize impacts on adjacent properties. The project also includes an eight-foot wide bikeway along the west side of the road, a five-foot wide sidewalk on the east side, street lighting, stormwater management features, landscaping and reforestation. Noteworthy Notes - 1“It’s Udderly Terrific”
It’s the 63rd Annual Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, running from August 12 through 20 at the Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg. It’s loaded with free entertainment, animals, KidZone, 4-H demonstrations, arts and crafts, agricultural education, photography, shows and more. New this year are some exciting entertainment, food and items Lawn Mower Racing, Michelle’s Magic Poodles, StatueViva, Draft Horse Pull, Fudge Puppie Waffles, Cheese Bites, Loaded Ribbon Chips, Alice in Wonderland, Jr. theater performance, and themed events. Additional grandstand events include the Monster Truck Madness and Demolition Derby's “Night of Destruction. For more information, visit www.mcagfair.com. Get Around Bethesda on New Circulators
Montgomery County and Bethesda Urban Partnership officials, including County Executive Ike Leggett, recently introduced the new vehicles at a special event at Veterans Park, corner of Norfolk and Woodmont Aves. in downtown Bethesda. The new Circulators contain 29 seats (including ADA accessible seating) and run on clean burning diesel fuel. The free Bethesda Circulator’s route makes a 2.1 mile loop throughout downtown Bethesda and arrives at each of the 20 stops every 10 minutes. It connects downtown Bethesda’s public parking facilities and Metro as well as restaurants and retailers for easy navigation of downtown Bethesda. A map detailing the Circulator’s route and hours, as well as the County’s public parking garages, is available at www.bethesda.org or by calling 301-215-6660. Fall Guide to Recreation, Parks Programs Available The Fall 2011 Guide to Recreation and Parks Programs is available at public libraries, as well as community, recreation, aquatic and senior centers around the County. The Guide is also now available online at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec. The Guide will offer hundreds of classes and programs, including water aerobics, pottery, ballroom dancing, cooking and much more. Registration will begin on August 15. For more information about the Department of Recreation, call 240-777-6840 or visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec. The Fueling Station of Tomorrow is Here Today
ATR Solartech photo. The future came to Montgomery County in early August when Advanced Technology & Research Corp. (ATR), an engineering and manufacturing firm based in Columbia, MD, debuted its Solar Power Pole -- Maryland’s first high-efficiency, sun-tracking electric vehicle (EV) solar charging station – in Bethesda at 10401 Old Georgetown Rd. The Solar Power Pole is a sun-tracking system that moves with the sun to fully capture its clean power throughout the day and can fuel two electric vehicles at a time. Solar power is converted into electric power and stored in the utility grid. The pole features an 18-foot tall elevated 1,410 watt, six-panel solar array that utilizes GPS-based sun-tracking technology for efficiency gains of 30-45% over conventional fixed solar arrays. The pole-top mount keeps the solar panels well overhead and the curbside footprint very small, aiding in its placement in urban and densely populated areas County Executive Ike Leggett joined Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Assistant Secretary Joel Szabat, Maryland Energy Administration Director Malcolm Woolf, Bethesda Green Executive Director Dave Feldman, Baltimore-Washington Electric Vehicle Initiative Executive Director Jill Sorensen and Alvin L. (“Tripp”) Aubinoe, III, the first purchaser of the ATR Solar Power Pole and owner of the Bethesda site. Read more about the Solar Power Pole debut event and ATR. New Website for Youth Curfew Information
A new website on the County Executive’s proposed youth curfew has been added to the County’s homepage, www.montgomerycountymd.gov. Just look for the moon clock icon and “Proposed Youth Curfew” headline. Included in the information found on the site is the original proposed legislation and testimony by MC Police Chief Thomas Manger presented at the County Council’s public hearing in late July. Excerpts from the chief’s testimony appear below: “We have an issue and we need to manage and curtail it. Despite budget hardships, we have retained many positive youth programs. However, our programs will not prevent youth displaced by curfews in other jurisdictions from coming to our downtowns and creating problems….” “…crimes against juveniles occur throughout the County and are not concentrated in one or two Districts or locations. Similarly, arrests of juveniles are also spread throughout the County. Between 2009 and 2010, juvenile arrests increased from 2,035 (16% of all arrests) to 3,222 (25% of all arrests). “A curfew law may not be a panacea for these problems but it would be a valuable law enforcement tool, and, given current police intelligence and the existence of such laws in our neighboring jurisdictions, this law would make the County a less attractive place for curfew-displaced youths from neighboring jurisdictions. "Perhaps nothing we do in law enforcement is as important as working to increase the safety of our juvenile population. Studies show that juveniles who are the victims of crime are more likely to have difficulties later in life. “We know we can’t ‘enforce’ our way out of every problem, but we also know that effective enforcement tools coupled with police discretion can help us remove a juvenile or a group of juveniles from a situation that could potentially turn violent or result in illegal or harmful conduct. “As a parent and a Police Chief, I do not want to limit the legitimate opportunities for entertainment and interaction for our young people. Nor do I want to stand idly by and not have at our disposal a tool which can help us manage situations before they turn ugly.” Literacy Volunteers Needed; Information Session Coming Up The Literacy Council of Montgomery County will hold an information session for volunteers interested in helping adults learn to read, write, or speak English on Thursday, September 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Asbury Methodist Village, Rosborough Hall, 201 Russell Ave., Gaithersburg. Once volunteers have completed the orientation, they can select a two-part training session that fits their schedules. No foreign language skills are necessary. Tutors work one-on-one or with small groups and typically meet with students in libraries or community centers at mutually convenient times. For complete details, call 301-610-0030, email info@literacycouncilmcmd.org, or visit www.literacycouncilmcmd.org.
CATEGORIES: Worth Noting , Transportation , Code Enforcement , Public Safety , Volunteer
POSTED: Friday, August 12, 2011 | 2:30:00 AM |
Noteworthy Notes - 2Driver Alert: New Ramp Open from US 29 to Fairland Road A reminder to motorists driving southbound on US Route 29 (Columbia Pike): a new ramp has been opened by the State Highway Administration (SHA) that provides access to both directions on Fairland Road. Motorists will no longer be able to make right or left turns directly onto Fairland Road from US 29. A new flashing beacon at Fairland Road from the relocated southbound US 29 ramp will guide motorists to either east or westbound Fairland Road. The beacon will flash red for motorists on the ramp and yellow for motorists on Fairland Road. This new configuration is part of SHA’s $2.5 billion Intercounty Connector project. For more information on the new ramp, including a helpful map, visit SHA’s website. Get a Sneak Peek of The Fillmore Silver Spring Local residents eager to check out The Fillmore Silver Spring can now get a sneak peek inside the venue thanks to the official Preview Center, located at 908 Ellsworth Dr. The center educates visitors on the historical legacy of The Fillmore, the construction of The Fillmore Silver Spring project and the amenities that guests can expect at the new venue. The center will remain open until The Fillmore Silver Spring opens mid-September. The Preview Center will be open Tuesday and Wednesday from noon to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday, noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. The Fillmore Silver Spring will be the first venue with its historical namesake to be developed from the ground up. The 23,000-square foot, 2,000-capacity music venue will offer leading industry technology in audio, lighting and video as well as share fiber-optic connectivity to American Film Institute’s Silver Theatre located across the street. Step Right Up! Fillmore Silver Spring Box Office Now Open The news that local concert goers have been waiting for. The new Fillmore Silver Spring box office is open for business at 908 Ellsworth Dr. in Downtown Silver Spring (between DSW and Borders). There is a $1 service fee for all tickets purchased on site. The box office opens on Sunday and weekdays at 11 a.m. and on Saturday at 10 a.m. Tickets are now on sale for the opening night show on September 15 with Mary J. Blige, plus other shows to follow. Tickets are also available at www.LiveNation.com, and all Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 800-551-7328. Sign-up to receive a newsletter for show announcements and pre-sale opportunities at www.FillmoreSilverSpring.com. Hold Your Place in the Holds Line at the Library Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) is now offering a new feature to help library customers manage holds through their MCPL online library account. If a customer is going on vacation, has an emergency, or knows in advance that they will be unable to pick up requested materials but want to maintain their position in the holds list, they will be able to use the “Suspend Holds” feature to delay their hold for the dates they will be unavailable. Under the new feature, customers will keep their place in the holds queue for the item while their request is suspended. Meanwhile, other customers behind them in the queue will be able to receive their item(s) placed on hold. In addition, customers can choose the date they would like to begin suspending their hold, as well as assign an “End Suspend Date,” by using the calendar icon. This option is not available for e-books and MARINA and OCLC interlibrary loan requests. For more information and instructions on using this new feature, visit: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library. Sign Up! Become a Maryland Senior Olympian
More than 100 events in 21 sports will highlight the 2011 Maryland Senior Olympics to be held from August 13 through November 6 at venues in Montgomery and Howard counties. New this year will be a trial run with bocce ball. Registration is easy. Just download the full 2011 MSO Registration Guide and get all the information about events, dates and locations. Or, download the registration forms for individual and team sports. Sorry, there is no online registration. You must register 30 days prior to your event. Participants must be aged 50 and above. Maryland Senior Olympics welcomes out-of-state athletes, too. For further registration questions, e-mail info@mdseniorolympics.org or call 240-777-8080. Good Reviews for Community Use of Public Facilities Newsletter From Ginny Gong, director of the Community Use of Public Facilities, comes word of good reviews for their newsletter. “We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from our Summer Newsletter. Would it be possible to put a link in the next Paperless Airplane?” Ginny asks. Glad to oblige. Here’s the link http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/cupf/documents/newsletter.pdf. Heritage Montgomery Brings Grant Dollars to Local Heritage Groups The Heritage Tourism Alliance of Montgomery County (Heritage Montgomery) has announced the following the local recipients of FY 2012 Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) Grants totaling $163,000:
MHAA oversees 12 locally administered, state-certified Heritage Areas that work with local non-profits, governments, and businesses to preserve and promote Maryland’s historic sites, unspoiled natural landscapes and enduring traditions. For more information, contact Peggy Erickson at the Heritage Tourism Alliance of Montgomery County at 301-515-0753 or email director@HeritageMontgomery.org. Consumer Protection Asks: Did You Know…?
You should look carefully at the signs around parking lots to make sure that it’s OK before parking your car. If your car is towed and you believe that the warnings were inadequate, pay the towing charge to avoid storage fees, then contact the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) to file a complaint. OCP is the Montgomery County agency responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws that prohibit unfair and deceptive business acts to ensure a fair marketplace for consumers and businesses.
CATEGORIES: Worth Noting , Arts , Transportation , Library , Senior , Consumer
POSTED: Friday, August 12, 2011 | 2:00:00 AM |
MAKING NEWSGood News in Tough Times: County Retains AAA Bond Ratings Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett recently announced that Montgomery County has retained its AAA bond rating from all three bond rating agencies, Standard & Poor's, Fitch and Moody's, with a stable outlook - the highest possible rating. Among other accomplishments, the rating agencies cited the County's formidable economic base and measures taken to reverse a former structural imbalance that occurred, in part, due to weakened revenues during the recession. The AAA bond rating allows Montgomery County to issue bonds for its capital borrowing at the most favorable rates, saving County taxpayers millions of dollars a year. The AAA rating applies to $320 million in General Obligation bonds and $260 million in General Obligation Refunding bonds the County issued on August 3. "With the tough decisions and actions the County has taken during my administration, we are successfully rebuilding our financial foundation and are on the right path to fiscal sustainability," said Leggett. "We continue to make the hard choices necessary to put ourselves on a much stronger fiscal footing, lowering our revenue estimates to reflect economic conditions and building our revenue base by planning for growth and attracting businesses and jobs. "Our challenges remain,” he said, “but the decisions by the bond rating agencies show that Montgomery County is on the right track." Montgomery County Ranked among Nation’s Top Digital County Governments Montgomery County has been named America’s 3rd ranked digital county government in the United States by the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties. Montgomery County received third place honors in the competition for jurisdictions with populations of 500,000 or greater. Thousands of counties from across the nation competed for the top award by participating in the 2011 Digital Counties Survey that covers all aspects of technology adoption, integration and deployment. Crime Down Again in First Quarter of 2011County crime statistics just released by the Montgomery County Police show crime in the County is down 4.6 % for the first three months of 2011. This follows a drop in crime of 7.5 % in 2010 and, overall, a 12 % drop in County crime between 2007 and 2010. Leggett Proposes Curfew for Underage YouthCounty Executive Ike Leggett has proposed establishing a curfew for youth under 18 years old in Montgomery County. In his transmittal memo to the County Council, Leggett noted that he was sending, for introduction, a bill “… intended to address issues relating to increased gang activity, violence, and crime involving minors in the County. It imposes a curfew from Midnight to 5 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday and from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on the remaining days of the week.” The Executive’s bill is similar to curfew laws in existence in Prince George’s County and the District of Columbia.
It’s Back! Kids Ride Free ReturnsThe Kids Ride Free program is back, offering free rides on County Ride On buses and certain Metrobus routes within Montgomery County to students ages 18 and under on weekdays between 2 and 7 p.m. The program will operate year-round. Students should show their school photo identification cards (IDs) when boarding buses. The Montgomery County Division of Transit Services will print a special ID for elementary, home school and certain private school students who do not have school photo IDs. Those without IDs should contact their school first or for more information call 311. Get more details on Kids Ride Free and other transit programs. Ground Broken for Leggett’s First “Smart Growth Initiative” Construction Project
With the turn of a shovel, County Executive Ike Leggett (center in photo) saw the first of his Smart Growth Initiative (SGI) construction projects -- that will eventually revitalize an old industrial area by creating an urban village near the Shady Grove Metro – take a major step toward becoming a reality. The $36.7 million Equipment and Maintenance Operations Center (EMOC) project is a collection of 13 buildings that will serve the Department of Transportation’s divisions of Transit Services and Highway Services and the Department of General Services, plus provide a Day Labor Center. The facilities include administrative buildings; bus parking for 200 buses; bus service lanes; bus wash facility; fare collection area; bus service maintenance bays; parts room; heavy equipment storage shed; soil/gravel storage area; Highway Services bays; compressed natural gas fast-fill, gasoline and diesel fueling stations; and employee and visitor parking. EMOC’s environmentally-sensitive design increases the size of existing facilities within a smaller footprint by using multi-story buildings. Many acres of green space provide for stream buffer protection and forest conservation. The overall project is designed to achieve a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification by incorporating innovative features. A pilot project, which is the first in the State of Maryland, will reclaim, treat and reuse rainwater for toilet flushing and bus washing, reducing water use by 80 percent. Seventy-five percent of the building roofs, more than four acres, will have green roofs to decrease stormwater runoff. Leggett’s SGI is a cost-neutral strategy that will provide substantial economic opportunities for future growth while implementing the goals of the Shady Grove Sector Plan. Three Little Words with Big Meaning for Outdoor Workers This Summer: Water, Rest, Shade
The bad news is heat illness can be deadly. Every year, thousands of workers become sick from exposure to heat, and some even die. The good news is there’s a simple way to prevent heat-related illnesses and it boils down to three little words – water, rest, shade. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) in the U.S. Department of Labor has initiated a nationwide outreach campaign designed to let employees and employers know about the hazards faced by outside workers exposed to summer heat. For more information, visit osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness.
Hot Cars and Kids -- a Deadly CombinationAcross the country, July is typically the deadliest month for child fatalities in hot cars and that’s why Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) officials are reminding busy parents that it’s never okay to leave a child unattended in a car for any length of time or at any time of year. This time of year, even with a window cracked, the temperature in a car can beome life-threatening within minutes. As temperatures rise, so does the risk of children being forgotten in vehicles, still strapped in their carseats, and dying from excessive heat exposure. Moreover, the body temperature of children rises three to five times faster than adults which means children are much more vulnerable to heat stroke. Busy parents have a lot on their minds, so MCFRS has compiled a list of tips for parents, family members and caregivers to review. Those tips include:
To see the complete list of tips, visit the DFRS homepage and click on MCFRS Blog. Changing of the Guard at Montgomery County Public SchoolsWords of farewell from outgoing superintendent Jerry Weast and greetings from new superintendent Joshua P. Starr. Dear Friends, When my career in education began in a small Kansas town more than four decades ago, I could not have imagined the journey that would lead me to Montgomery County. Yet, every day over the past 12 years, I have been so very grateful that my path landed me here. Working together, we have simply built the best school district in the nation and today, on my last day as superintendent, I would like to take the opportunity to say thank you to those who have made it happen.
Thank you to the Montgomery County community that has made a quality school system its highest priority. You have invested money, resources and time in making sure that all children—not just your own—receive a world-class education. Even in difficult economic times, education has remained your top priority, and that substantial investment will pay dividends for generations to come. Thank you to our community and political leaders, including the Board of Education, the County Council, the business community, and so many others. You have given selflessly year after year and your work is an important legacy for our community. Like all families, we have had our disagreements from time to time, but, for the most part, we have remained civil and focused on what matters most—the education of our children. I appreciate the Board of Education's confidence in me 12 years ago when they handed me the keys and asked me to lead this wonderful system. Together, we have built a system upon the premise that all children can learn at high levels. In addition, we are fortunate to have a supportive business community working hand in hand with us. Without a doubt, the Montgomery County Business Roundtable for Education has helped our system become a more effective and efficient organization. 
Thank you to the incredible staff of Montgomery County Public Schools. Whether you are in the classroom or the cafeteria; the front office or the central office; the bus depots or the band rooms, every success we have had has been the direct result of your work.Over the past few years, we have asked you to make sacrifice after sacrifice, and you have done so willingly and continued to deliver outstanding results. As I've said many times, for the past 12 years, I have been the coach of the best team in America. My sincerest thanks also go to our employee associations—MCEA, MCAAP and SEIU Local 500—for their collaborative spirit in good times and bad. And, of course, my heartfelt thanks to my leadership team, most notably Mr. Larry Bowers, our chief operating officer, and Dr. Frieda Lacey, deputy superintendent of schools, who have been with me throughout my time at MCPS and have improved the future of countless students during their combined 70-plus years in this district.
Tomorrow, Dr. Joshua Starr takes over as your next superintendent. Being the leader of Montgomery County Public Schools is a demanding, difficult job, as it should be. During the past few months, I have had the opportunity to get to know Josh well. He is the right person to lead this system to the next level of excellence. He will need your ongoing support to continue the work we have started together. I know you will welcome Josh and his family to Montgomery County with open arms, just as you did my family 12 years ago. Together, we have built an amazing system of schools in Montgomery County and together, you will continue to improve upon that success for years to come. I wish all of you health and happiness in the future and I thank you for all you have done for me and, most importantly, for our children. Respectfully, Jerry D. Weast, Ed.D.
To the Staff, Students and Community of Montgomery County Public Schools, Today, I already have met so many dedicated staff members, and I cannot wait to visit with many more of you to hear about your hopes and dreams for our school system. I will be spending the next few months listening, learning and meeting with staff, students, parents, community members, business leaders and many others to find out about not only what’s going right, but about where we have room to grow and improve. I also have established a transition team made up of both internal and external leaders who are helping me learn, as quickly as possible, about the areas that need the most focus to accelerate our progress in closing the achievement gap and raising standards. Finally, I want to thank Dr. Jerry Weast for his extraordinary service over the last 12 years. I have tremendous respect and admiration for Dr. Weast and all that he and the school system have accomplished. It truly is a privilege to follow such a dynamic and extraordinary leader. I look forward to beginning our dialogue about strengthening this great system and working together to fulfill the promise we have to all students to give them our best so that they can be their best. Sincerely, Josh County Offers New Bike Map and Bike Rack Installation at Public BuildingsTo make biking more convenient, the County has produced a new bike map which is available online, or for those who prefer a traditional map, by mail from Commuter Services. To encourage more bicycle commuting, Montgomery County is providing free bike rack installations at workplaces or other public locations. Priority is given to sites with access to public buildings within County right-of-ways that are adjacent to schools, libraries, employment centers, recreational and civic buildings. The rack is an “inverted u” style. Once it’s installed, the rack becomes the property of the authorizing facility owner/firm/agency. New Mid-County Community Center Opens its Doors
The new Mid-County Community Recreation Center is officially up and running, much to the delight of the surrounding community. County Executive Ike Leggett and County Councilmember Nancy Navarro joined residents for a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony to officially open the center located at 2004 Queensguard Road in Silver Spring. Participating in the unveiling of the dedication plaque were (from left in photo): County Councilmembers Marc Elrich and Phil Andrews; Leggett; Navarro; and General Services Director David Dise. The new 25,000-square-foot center features a full-sized gymnasium, exercise room, weight room, spacious social hall, kitchen, multi-use community room, arts/kiln room, game room and conference room. Outdoor amenities include a large multi-purpose athletic field and a large hard surface play area suitable for basketball and volleyball. The center has ample free parking. For more information about the new center, call 240-777-6820. Annual Farm Tour and Harvest Sale
Montgomery County will celebrate its agricultural heritage, promote local farms and indulge in seasonally fresh food during the 22nd Annual Farm Tour and Harvest Sale, Saturday and Sunday, July 23 and 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. All farms will be open Saturday, with most also participating on Sunday. The tour will be held rain or shine, but some events and activities scheduled at the farms may be delayed or cancelled if it rains. The Farm Tour provides people with an opportunity to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants and other local products. Several farms have hayrides, pony rides, music, demonstrations and other fun and educational activities planned for people of all ages.
For more information on the Farm Tour, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/farmtour or call 301-590-2823. Some Last Summertime Hurrahs for the KidsThe Montgomery County Department of Recreation is the perfect place to find some summer fun for your kids. The department has nearly 900 summer camps, programs and activities. Magic, Robotics, Sports, Art, Theater, Horseback Riding are just a few of the many of the types of camps offered. As summer is winding down it is the perfect time to give the kids one last hurrah as many summer camps are continuing through August 26. For registration information, go to http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec.
U.S. Open: A Winner in Many WaysIn addition to Rory McIlroy’s record-setting performance in the 111th Annual U.S. Open held at Congressional Country Club June 13-19, the Montgomery County and the local economy were winners, as well. According to the United States Golf Association (USGA) figures, a total of 229,574 people attended the Open championship -- from practice rounds the 13th though 15th and the actual championship the 16th through 19th. The highest daily attendance – 48,088 – was recorded on Saturday. Attendance figures came from the entrance gates and were measured by hand held scanners. The USGA estimates the total economic impact to be between $130-$150 million.The USGA also gave high marks to the Department of Transportation and all Montgomery County support personnel during the week of the event. The following came from Dan Hubbard, the USGA’s Assistant Director of Communications: “I wanted to say thanks to each and every one of you…for your professionalism and for your dedication to making the 2011 U.S. Open a success. We have worked with many state, county and local government partners over the years and I don’t feel it is a stretch at all to say that your team was one of the best. You were on top of things the entire time and helped us execute a very successful transportation plan that withstood a number of challenges throughout the week. "Congratulations, well done, and once again, my sincere thanks.” "Thanks for looking out for my boy”... Lifelong Memories of the U.S. Open for Two County Police OfficersNo one would argue that this year’s U.S. Open Championship at Congressional Country Club wasn’t memorable. The fact is, it was downright historic. Twenty-two year-old Rory McIlroy took a dozen new records – and one of the most prestigious titles in professional golf -- home with him to Northern Ireland. But, for Montgomery County Police Officers Lawrence (Larry) Haley and Thomas (Tom) Chuckerel, it was memorable for other reasons. First, they were part of a four-man security detail assigned to McIlroy during the final round of the U.S. Open. And, they continued on with him as he conducted post-championship interviews at the Media Center and the Clubhouse at Congressional. But their day with the champ wasn’t over. Haley and Chuckerel (with glasses in photo) were invited to an exclusive dinner which included not only the young champion, but his father, caddie, two friends from Ireland and members of his management team. And, what was on the menu for the new U.S. Open champion? Chicken, French fries, mashed potatoes, rice and corn. Officer Haley said everyone at the dinner was friendly. “His father said to me, ‘Thanks for looking out for my boy.’” Officer Chuckerel said he spoke with McIlroy’s father about a relative [of Chuckerel’s] who had gone to medical school in Ireland. “It was really, really cool,” he said. “The entire world’s eye was on Congressional that week, and to be there with him in such a small intimate setting, maybe 12 people, that’s something I never expected.” But, for Chuckerel, a martial arts enthusiast, there was an added attraction. He met Shane McMahon, formerly of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) fame, who is now an executive with McIlroy’s management company. Both men were impressed by the champion’s down-to-earth character. Officer Haley commented, “In person he is exactly as he has been described -- nice, respectful, cordial…a genuinely nice person. I hope he doesn’t change, and I don’t think that he will.” Officer Haley summed up his day. “This was by far my favorite work assignment, and I’ve had some great assignments with this police department!” And, Officer Chuckerel enthused, “The whole experience was totally amazing!”
Although both Haley and Chuckerel are golfers, they said they weren’t able to pick up any tips from the young Irishman’s game. They were too busy focusing on their job of player security, which meant watching everything around them except McIlroy’s historic performance. Fire and Rescue Service Hits it Big on FacebookFrom Bill Delaney, the County’s Fire and Rescue Service’s (MCFRS) technical guru, comes the following message: “Was just checking on the number of views our Facebook page has gotten from January 1, 2011 until Sunday (July 10). Was stunned to see the following: 1,167,080. Yes, that is one million, one hundred sixty-seven thousand, and eighty! Not so surprising when you consider all the helpful information -- and sometimes, breaking news items related to MCFRS responses -- posted on their FaceBook page Take a look if you haven’t checked it out. In addition, you can find MCFRS on MCFRS Blog, Twitter, and Linkedin.
County Receives Grant for Bikesharing Pilot ProgramThe National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board recently approved a $1.3 million grant to Montgomery County, in partnership with the City of Rockville, to establish a bikesharing pilot program that will bring 200 bicycles and 20 bikeshare stations to the Rockville and Shady Grove areas. The pilot project will test:
Low-income workers who meet program guidelines will receive a free, one-year bikeshare membership; coverage for a certain level of user fees; a bike helmet; training classes in bicycle use and safety; and assistance with routing on safe bicycle routes. Proposed locations for the bikeshare stations include the Rockville and Shady Grove Metro stations; Rockville Town Center; other employment centers along Maryland Route 355/Rockville Pike; the City of Rockville; the Shady Grove area; Montgomery College, Rockville campus; The Universities at Shady Grove; and Johns Hopkins University, Montgomery County campus. The Right Prescription
The County’s Montgomery Rx Prescription Discount Program has saved residents more than $20 million since it began in December 2004 and in that time more than 1.2 million prescriptions have been filled by County residents. The program, a partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo), provides an average 24 percent savings off the retail cost of commonly prescribed medications. Montgomery County was one of the first pilot programs in the United States. There are now 1,400 counties participating in NACo’s Prescription Discount Card Program. The program is administered by CVS Caremark. Celebrating the success of the program with County Executive Ike Leggett (2nd from right) are (from left) National Association of Counties Executive Director Larry Naake; County Health Officer Dr. Ulder J. Tillman; and Caremark Director of Community Programs Aaron King. Residents can pick up a discount card at Montgomery County Public Libraries or by calling 311. For more information, go to http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rx . Citizen Advisory Boards Host Capital Improvements Program Budget ForumsIndividuals and groups are invited to provide input into the County’s next six-year capital construction budget by attending upcoming public forums being held throughout July. The forums will help define construction and planning priorities for the various regions in the County as officials begin developing the Fiscal Years 2013 to 2018 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget. The CIP includes costs for new or renovated major projects such as roads, public schools, Montgomery College facilities, water and sewer lines, parks, libraries, health and recreation facilities, and other public buildings and projects. The schedule for the remaining forums is listed below:
Suggestions and comments from participants will be considered by the regional citizen advisory boards for inclusion in the funding priority lists they submit to the County Executive. The lists will also be shared with County departments and agencies for their consideration as they formulate the CIP for their departments. Shoppers for SeniorsThe Senior Connection’s Shoppers Program helps seniors who are unable to get their groceries into their homes on a regular basis. The program matches individuals 60 years and older -- with incomes of $30,450/year or less for singles and $34,800/yr for couples -- with a volunteer shopper. Seniors and shoppers are matched on a one-to-one basis and will shop either for or with a senior. Volunteer shoppers are needed to escort a senior to the grocery store and assist with reading product labels, reaching stock, handling carts and once home, help put away groceries. Volunteers may also shop for an individual from a prepared list and put groceries away upon returning. Some may also provide companionship for seniors. Commit to serving two to three hours a week for six to 12 months. For more information about the Senior Connection’s Shoppers Program or to volunteer as a shopper, contact Program Director Greg Muncill at 301-942-1049 or email greg.muncill@seniorconnectionmc.org.It’s All About Numbers: 311 Calls Hit Half Million Mark
To mark the one-year anniversary of the County’s online and telephone information system. Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett joined MC311 staff and answered several incoming calls. Just days before the June 17 anniversary, the call center recorded its 500,000th service request from a caller with a question pertaining to building a storage shed and setback requirements. Trained representatives who speak Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese and French are available at MC311, in addition to a language interpretation service for other languages. A TTY line is available at 240-773-3556. The MC311 Customer Service Center operates Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The self-service website, http://www.MC311.com, is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. For more information about MC311, call the Office of Public Information at 240-777-6507, or visit http://www.MC311.com. Ambulance Fee Instituted in Prince William CountyPrince William County (VA) has joined many other local jurisdictions by instituting its new ambulance fee (July 1). This means that the county is now billing insurance companies for emergency services. Since transport services are already included in insurance premium calculations, the county felt by not billing for these services already paid, it was losing legitimate revenue. The county’s website says "any remaining co-payment or deductible, after the insurance company is billed, will not be charged to the county resident." A waiver policy addresses situations in which there may be an inability to pay or that involve other special circumstances. The fees are expected to generate $3.1 million in fiscal 2012. Ground Broken for New Boeing/DRT Facility in GermantownCounty Executive Ike Leggett recently joined Boeing developer Trammell Crow Company and building owner Multi Employer Property Trust (MEPT) to celebrate the start of construction on a new five-story, 162,000 square-foot office and manufacturing facility at Milestone Business Park in Germantown. Boeing will lease the majority of the building, which has been designed to house the evolving manufacturing and engineering needs of Boeing subsidiary Digital Receiver Technology, Inc. (DRT). Acquired by Boeing in 2008, DRT develops hardware and software products for wireless surveillance and tracking equipment for federal government and law enforcement customers. About 400 current DRT employees will move from existing office space in Germantown to the new facility, which should be completed in 2012. Consumer Protection Asks: Did You Know?
About Monitoring Your Credit: Under federal law, you are entitled to one free credit report, once a year, from each of the three credit reporting agencies -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. In addition, Maryland has a separate law giving its residents the right to a free annual credit report from the three reporting agencies. This means that you can view your credit report six times during a year for free. Visit the Maryland Office of the Attorney General’s Credit Reports page to learn how to access your free credit reports. The New York Times Article Lauds County School System’s Teacher Evaluation ProgramMontgomery County Public Schools’ (MCPS) Peer Assessment and Review (PAR) teacher evaluation program was featured in a recent piece by Education columnist Michael Winerip entitled “Helping Teachers Help Themselves.” The article points out that although the program has “worked beautifully” for the past 11 years, it has failed to garner dollars for MCPS from the federal Race to the Top program. Winerip’s column states this is because MCPS former Superintendent Dr. Jerry Weast “…said he would not take the money because the grant required districts to include students’ state test results as a measure of teacher quality. ‘We don’t believe the tests are reliable,' he said. 'You don’t want to turn your system into a test factory.’ ” Winerip went on to say that "Race to the Top aims to spur student growth by improving teacher quality, which is exactly what Montgomery County is doing. Sad to say, the district is getting the right results the wrong way.” Three Companies Honored for Making Commuter Connections WorkThree Montgomery County companies have been honored by Commuter Connections for providing outstanding commuting options and alternatives to their employees -- the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc., Bethesda; B. F. Saul Company, Bethesda; and Clean Currents, Rockville. Commuter Connections is a regional program of the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments that focuses on making alternatives to drive-alone commuting practical and attractive. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) received the Incentives Award for offering a wide variety of commuting incentives to encourage the use of public transit, ridesharing, bicycling and teleworking. B. F. Saul Company, a privately-owned real estate firm, won the Marketing Award for their innovative approach to promoting alternatives to drive-alone commuting to their employees. Clean Currents, winner of the Telework Award, provides residential and commercial power options in the Mid-Atlantic Region and supplies renewable energy credits to businesses nationwide. Montgomery County Commuter Services works with businesses to set up commuting benefits programs that are tailored to a company’s needs and implements Commuter Connections’ programs throughout the County County Receives 18 Awards from National Association of CountiesMontgomery County has received 18 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards for outstanding programs. The following departments and programs received awards:
Mark Your CalendarJuly 23 --U.S. Navy Cruisers, a specialty unit of the United States Navy Band and a high-energy group of eight of the Navy’s most dynamic performers, will provide contemporary rock entertainment. BlackRock Center, 12901 Town Commons Dr., Germantown. 7 p.m. on the lawn. Free. 301-528-2260. July 30 --Vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Melanie Mason will perform her soothing sounds of folk and indie-rock. BlackRock Center, 12901 Town Commons Dr., Germantown. 7 p.m. on the lawn. Free. 301-528-2260. Daily through September 18 -- “Wings of Fancy” Live Butterfly and Caterpillar Exhibit at Brookside Gardens, 1500 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the South Conservatory. Surround yourself with hundreds of African, Asian, Costa Rican and North American species of butterflies flying freely inside the conservatory. Learn about their life cycles and how you can attract native caterpillars and butterflies to your backyard. Adults, $6; ages 3-12, $4. Purchase the Frequent Visitor Pass at Brookside Gardens and enjoy unlimited return visits. Individual, Dual and Family Passes on sale in the gift shops at the gardens. Groups of 15 or more by appointment only, call 301-962-1467 for reservations. For more information, call Wings of Fancy information line: 301-962-1453 or visit www.brooksidegardens.org. Crime Down in County for 2010 – Lower Rates Part of a 12 Percent Decrease over Past Four Years
Montgomery County Police Chief J. Thomas Manger has announced that total crime for 2010 decreased 7.5% from 2009 and Part I violent crimes decreased by 13.5%. The new figures contribute to a 12% decrease in total crime reported in the County in the past four years (71,491 crimes in 2007 to 62,944 crimes in 2010). The data also shows a 15% decrease (25,629 to 21,739) in the Part I violent crimes recorded during this same period. This is in spite of a population increase of nearly 4% in the County from 941,491 people in 2007 to 971,777 in 2010. Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) statistics for year-end 2009 compared to year-end 2010 show:
Part I crimes are defined as: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and auto theft. Part II crimes are defined as: minor assaults, arson, forgery-counterfeiting, bad checks, embezzlement, stolen property, vandalism, weapons offenses, prostitution, sex offenses, controlled dangerous substance violations, gambling, family offenses, juvenile offenses, liquor law violations, disorderly conduct, suicide and non-traffic offenses. The U.S. Open Championship Returns to Congressional CC
Montgomery County is proud to welcome the 2011 U.S. Open Championship, being held through June 19 at Congressional Country Club. Conducted by the United States Golf Association (USGA), the 111th Open is expected to draw large crowds each day. Since there will be no general spectator parking onsite or around Congressional Country Club, three parking sites with shuttle bus service have been designated to serve spectators. The two Montgomery County sites are at the Fairgrounds and at the Crown Farm, both in Gaithersburg. Signs will direct spectators to both sites. The third site is at Dulles Airport. Spectators using these lots will go through security screenings before boarding the buses. For information on transportation options, traffic impacts and other U.S. Open information, visit the County’s homepage at www.montgomerycountymd.gov and click on the U.S, Open icon. We’re Open Discount Card Available through June 30To help welcome visitors coming to the County for the U.S. Open and to encourage visitors and local residents to dine, shop and stay in the County via a targeted discount card program, the County has introduced the “We’re Open” campaign. The major component of the campaign is a discount card program that allows anyone with the card, or a U.S. Open ticket, official badge or discount card printout, to take advantage of a variety of discounts from an array of participating local businesses through June 30. Montgomery County Schools Make the Top Grade, AgainFor the third year in a row, Montgomery County Public Schools has the highest graduation rate among the nation’s largest school districts, according to a national report just released. The annual Diplomas Count report published by Education Week, calculated MCPS’ graduation rate at 85.7 % -- a 2.6 percentage point increase over last year’s report -- and significantly higher than the national rate of 71.7% and the state of Maryland’s 76.8%. County to be Home to $40 Million Investment by Chinese Biopharmaceutical CompanyMontgomery County will be home to the largest Chinese investment ever made in Maryland when the Tasly Group – a leading biopharmaceutical company in China -- invests $40 million to locate a 430,000 square-foot production facility and training center in the Shady Grove Life Sciences Center. The company’s goal is to make Compound Danshen Dripping Pills (CDDP) the first traditional Chinese medicine product to launch as an FDA-approved pharmaceutical in the American market. Once approved by the FDA, the traditional Chinese medicine that would treat coronary diseases and angina could benefit more than 10 million patients a year, according to company estimates. Ground Broken for Judicial Center’s New Annex
Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, County Council members Nancy Floreen, Phil Andrews, Marc Elrich and Craig Rice, John W. Debelius III, administrative judge for the Montgomery County Circuit Court and Sixth Judicial Circuit, participated in a groundbreaking ceremony held recently for the Judicial Center Annex, located next to the existing Judicial Center at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Maryland Avenue in Rockville. The project will add to the Judicial Center Circuit Court Building 10 additional courtrooms, administrative space, one level of underground parking and a top level for mechanical equipment. Participating were (from left): retired Judge Ann Harrington, Judge Debelius, County Executive Leggett and County Councilmembers Floreen, Andrews, Elrich and Rice. Hot Tips for a Cooler SummerWith summer heat in full swing, Montgomery County health officials are encouraging residents to find places where they can stay cool, and to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. Those most at risk are young children, the elderly, and people with health problems such as asthma, who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and exhaustion. Libraries, recreation centers and pools are good places to cool off, along with shopping malls and movie theatres. Residents with questions about specific locations and hours of operation should call 311. More Seasonal Safety Reminders from the Fire and Rescue ServiceTo help residents have a safe, enjoyable summer season, the County’s Fire and Rescue Service has issued reminders for three important areas of warm-weather living noted below. “Splash into Summer Safely: Keep these Water Safety Tips in Mind” “Firing up the Grill? Keep these Safety Tips in Mind” “Keep it Clean! Make Safety Part of Your Spring Cleaning Routine” Have a safe summer! WORTH NOTING -1Chat Online with the County Executive County Executive Ike Leggett’s next online chat is coming up on Wednesday, June 22 from 1 to 2 p.m. County residents can enter questions before or during the chat. Questions and answers can be viewed both during and after the chat. Summer Reading Program Comes to Montgomery County Public Libraries Children and teens are invited to participate in this year’s Summer Reading Program at Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) which will run from June 18 through August 13. Participants can register now -- online only -- through the library’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library. Children and teens can sign up for the program and log the books they read using any computer in the library or at home or school, or using any mobile device. This year’s Summer Reading Program offers programs on three levels:
All programs are funded by the Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, Inc. and local Friends of the Library chapters. For more information about programs and events, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library. Keep Montgomery County Beautiful Nominations due by June 20 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has announced its 25th Annual Beautification and Photography contests, both of which are sponsored by MCDOT in cooperation with the Keep Montgomery County Beautiful Task Force. The Beautification Contest is open to community groups, businesses, public institutions and other organizations undertaking landscaping projects that enhance the appearance of commonly owned sections of commercial or residential properties. Landscaping along County roadsides, medians or other public locations is also eligible for the award. The Amateur Photography Contest featuring County locations/residents are judged on effective composition, originality, interest and relevance of the subject matter, and technique. There is also an optional youth category for kids under 18 who want to be judged only against their peers. For more information or downloadable nomination forms, visit MCDOT’s website or contact the Community Outreach Office at 240-777-7155. Second White Flint Sector Plan Public Amenities Charette Date Changed to June 30 The date for a second charette to discuss the public amenities for the White Flint Sector Plan, has been changed from June 16 to June 30, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Walter Johnson High School cafeteria. At the meeting, County staff will present a conceptual amenities implementation plan based on input received from the public at the June 1 charette. The White Flint Sector Plan provides a framework for developing White Flint into a vibrant, transit-oriented, mixed-use, walkable urban area. Community input is sought on how certain amenities called for in the Plan can be designed and implemented to contribute in a significant way to transforming and defining White Flint as a world-class community. Residents, property owners, businesses, civic groups and other stakeholders are invited to participate in the multi-agency charette process. Anyone needing ADA, sign language interpreters or other special accommodations to attend the charettes must contact Rob Klein at 240-777-6016 or rob.klein@montgomerycountymd.gov at least three business days before the meeting. For more information, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dgs and look for “Public Amenities in White Flint” under Building Design and Construction, Neighborhood Page for Bethesda-Chevy Chase. Pay-By-Cell Parking Now Available in County’s Four Parking Districts -- Bethesda, Silver Spring, Wheaton and Montgomery Hills Cell phones can now be used to pay for parking at nearly 10,730 meters in all four County Parking Lot Districts with the recent conversion of 129 County parking meters in Montgomery Hills. Bethesda’s 5,250 parking meters were completed in March, Silver Spring’s 4,520 parking meters, in May and Wheaton’s 830 meters, earlier this month. By the end of July, the program will be expanded to include another 1,089 meters in North Bethesda. To use pay-by-cell, first-time patrons register for the program once by going online anytime to www.mc.goparknow.com or calling 301-830-7074. Parkers set up an account and indicate which credit card will be used for the parking charges. The step-by-step instructions are printed on each meter. For more information on the pay-by-cell initiative, or to register for an account, go to the Division of Parking’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/parking Celebrate Montgomery’s Past at Heritage Days 2011 The Heritage Days 2011 celebration will feature 36 special sites around Montgomery County that will be open -- free -- from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26. Sponsored by the Heritage Tourism Alliance of Montgomery County (Heritage Montgomery) the celebration includes musical performances at 16 sites, children’s activities, refreshments and history. Highlights include: Olney Theatre Center, Saturday – Enjoy a day of family fun at this cultural campus dating back to 1939 featuring performances, games for children of all ages and cotton candy. The Eric Byrd Trio caps off the day with a jazz concert at 4 p.m. Village of Sandy Spring, Saturday – Visit the Sandy Spring Friends School campus and relive the Civil War Battle of Rickett’s Run. Picnic on the grounds and enjoy live music. At the Sandy Spring Museum at 1:30 p.m. participate in the debate – Maryland 1861: Union or Confederate? You Decide – for anyone over age 12. Younger children can enjoy a scavenger hunt at the museum. Interact with Civil War-era personas at the Sandy Spring Slave Museum. Musical entertainment, Saturday -- Enjoy the Washington Revels Maritime Voices at noon at the Seneca Aqueduct/Riley’s Lockhouse and at 2 p.m. at the Monocacy Aqueduct. Hyattstown Mill Arts Project, Saturday, Sunday – This wooden grist mill, built in 1918, will feature an exhibit of beautiful objects all made of wood, plus demonstrations on wood sculpture and crafts. Join in a “Song Sing” of old favorites and new tunes at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Heritage Montgomery, located in Germantown, is dedicated to promoting and supporting heritage tourism to County historical, cultural and natural areas, helping to tell their stories and to attract visitors to their sites. For detailed information on the 14th annual celebration, check the Heritage Montgomery website, www.heritagemontgomery.org. New Policies at Montgomery County Public Libraries Montgomery County Public Libraries has announced changes in its policies and fees that are designed to ensure that library materials are accessible to customers in a timely manner, encourage customers to effectively manage their library card accounts and ensure accuracy of customer account information. The following changes are now in effect:
Receiving email reminders is an effective way for library customers to receive notices about holds ready for pick up and renewals. To sign up for email notifications, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library. The Purrfect Gift for Adopt a Shelter Cat Month To mark June as Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, the Montgomery County Humane Society (MCHS) is partnering with the ASPCA and the makers of Fresh Step litter to help find loving homes for cats. Now through June 30, MCHS is waiving the fees to adopt adult shelter cats age two years and up. All other adoption policies and thorough match-making procedures remain in effect, as well as County license fees required by law. Stop by to meet your next purrfect pet. WORTH NOTING - 2Opportunity: Animal Lovers Need ApplyIt's kitten season and shelters, already overflowing with cats, will be taking in even more kittens. If you love animals -- especially cats -- volunteer at an animal shelter. Volunteers are always needed, including fostering kittens in your home until a permanent home is found. Check out the opportunities at these shelters: Healthy Ways to Help Your Brain The County (Aging and Disability Services)-supported Brain Health Initiative of the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter focuses on teaching a new perspective on fitness and quality of life. The health of your brain plays a critical role in almost everything you do: thinking, feeling, remembering, working and playing - even sleeping. The good news is that there is a lot you can do to help maintain a healthy brain. The following Brain Health Blitz Races and special event reinforce the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Capital Area Chapter to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. June 19 -- Washingtonian Center, Gaithersburg; 8 a.m. - 2k Run; 9 a.m. - 5k Run June 25 -- Sunrise at Fox Hill, Bethesda; 8 a.m. - 2k Run; 9 a.m. - 5k Run For more information about the Blitz Race Series or to register, click here, call 800-272-3900 or e-mail BrainHealth@alz.org. June 23 -- Arts and the Healthy Brain: An Open House Read more information about healthy aging and ways to Maintain Your Brain® here. Give the Gift of Reading: Be a Literacy Council Volunteer The Literacy Council of Montgomery County will hold an information session for volunteers interested in helping adults learn to read, write or speak English on Wednesday, June 29 at 10:30 a.m. at the Rockville Library. Once volunteers have completed the orientation, they can select a two-part training session that fits their schedules. No foreign language skills are necessary. Tutors work one-on-one or with small groups and typically meet with students in libraries or community centers at mutually convenient times. For details, call 301-610-0030, email info@literacycouncilmcmd.org or visit www.literacycouncilmcmd.org Elder Financial Exploitation is a Crime; the Montgomery County State’s Attorney Can Help Elder financial abuse is widespread and growing. No one really knows how much money is lost this way, but any amount is too much. The good news is that Maryland law makes it a crime to financially exploit “vulnerable adults” -- those who are unable to manage their daily needs due to mental or physical disability and those 68 and older. If you think you or someone you know has been the victim of financial abuse, the State’s Attorney’s Office can help.
Who's committing the crime?
If you suspect that you or someone you know is the victim of financial exploitation, report your concerns. The people committing these crimes need to be caught and punished. Do not assume that someone has already reported a suspicious situation. Contact Deborah Zuckerman, Senior Financial Exploitation Prevention Initiative 240-777-7340; or email deborah.zuckerman@montgomerycountymd.gov. Join the Election Day Team: It’s Not too Soon to Sign Up The Montgomery County Board of Elections is looking for registered voters to serve as Election Judges in the upcoming 2012 Elections. Volunteers are needed who are willing to be trained to conduct fair and efficient elections and who will provide voters with a courteous and friendly environment in which to vote. Volunteer judges of all party affiliations are needed, however Republicans and Spanish speaking Election Judges are needed the most. The Primary Election will be held on April 3, 2012, and the General Election on November 6, 2012. Sign up today to add your name the Board of Elections database. Training will begin early next year and enrollment information will be sent closer to that time. For more information, visit the Board of Elections website at www.777vote.org, email election.judge@montgomerycountymd.gov, or call 240-777-8533. Montgomery County Master Gardeners Announce Free, Walk-in Plant Clinics It’s the growing season and Montgomery County Master Gardeners are answering gardening questions at 11 locations around the County. Bring your full and intact plant and insect samples, garden problems and questions to any of the following locations and get free answers.
For further information call the, Plant Hotline -- 301-590-9650 -- weekday mornings or email mgmont@umd.edu.
Consumer Protection Asks: Did You Know?
To learn about other victories, visit http://www.marylandconsumers.org. MAKING NEWSCounty Recognized for Workplace Excellence, Health and Wellness Initiatives Montgomery County government has earned the Workplace Excellence Award and the Health and Wellness Trailblazer Award from the Alliance for Workplace Excellence (AWE) for its exemplary commitment to the workforce by creating a culture that allows employees to be successful in the workplace, at home and in the community. AWE is a public/private, nonprofit coalition committed to empowering employers to create and become recognized as “excellent places to work.” Speaking Up Pays Off Call it “rewarding excellence,” “gainsharing” or “incentivizing,” the bottom line is the same – County employees are being rewarded for coming up with money saving initiatives for their employer. In these tight economic times, the County has determined that paying employees for helping save the government money pays dividends for all involved. A case in point is the story of David Rivas, a mechanic in the Department of General Services who discovered that the County had been changing transmission fluid in its Ride On buses more often than necessary. David’s story and details behind the County’s initiative were told in a recent Washington Post article. Firefighter Works to Turn Personal Losses into Gains for Others
The long and short of a bittersweet story is this: Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Firefighter Marshall Moneymaker lost three sisters to breast cancer and is on a personal mission to raise awareness about the disease as a tribute to his sisters. Before the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure came to the area shortly after his third sister’s death in the fall of 2010, Moneymaker was presented with pink firefighter gear as a surprise from co-workers in support of his efforts and passion to find a cure. Manufacturers from Municipal Emergency Services, Globe Manufacturing and Bullard Safety Products all donated the special gear and equipment in support of Moneymaker. And, while the gear won’t be worn to fight any fires, it will be worn to ignite and promote breast cancer awareness and the importance of early detection. Moneymaker hopes that people are checking him out … and getting checked. Visit www.for3sisters.com for more information and read Firefighter Moneymaker’s story in The Washington Post. County Recognized for Innovation in Web 2.0 Technology and Civic/Social Media Tools The Public Technology Institute (PTI) and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation have recognized Montgomery County as a leader in the innovative application of Web 2.0 technologies and civic/social media tools to achieve impressive results in citizen engagement, government accountability and operational efficiencies. Montgomery County is one of only 17 U.S. jurisdictions, and one of just four counties, to be recognized with this prestigious award. The County’s winning entry noted the use of several Web 2.0 and social media tools and platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Alert Montgomery and MC311, which is the County’s on-line and telephone information system. “Web 2.0 implementation…is becoming a strategic and inherent way for government to do business,” said Alan Shark, PTI executive director. “Innovative and leading organizations like Montgomery County that adopt and leverage Web 2.0 tools will ultimately deliver more effective services to their citizens." PTI is a national technology organization created by and for cities and counties. The organization promotes innovation and collaboration for government leaders, and advances the use of technology to improve the management and delivery of services to residents. Additional information about the award may be found on-line at http://www.pti.org/index.php/ptiee1/more/723 MARK YOUR CALENDARSaturday, June 18 – Third Annual Blues Block Party in downtown Silver Spring. An all-day, family-friendly party stretching from the Fenton Street Market on Veterans Plaza to the fountain on Ellsworth Drive. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Two stages will feature 13 live acts, including a noon-time Blues storytime with Ayaba Bey. A musical instrument petting zoo, harmonica workshops, and 50 exhibitors round out the offerings. An afternoon Margarita Garden and late-night after-parties rock the ‘hood for grown-ups. The event is the result of the partnership between the Fenton Street Market, Downtown Silver Spring, and Blues Festival organizers D.C. Blues Society and Silver Spring Town Center, Inc. Older Americans Month
Welcome to this special edition of the Paperless Airplane marking May – not only across the United States but here in Montgomery County -- as “Older Americans Month.” The theme this year is “Older Americans: Connecting the Community,” paying homage to the many ways in which seniors bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of Montgomery County. We are a community of more than 170,000 residents aged 60 and above, myself included! Later this month, I will officially proclaim May as Older Americans Month, and we have several special activities planned this month to commemorate and recognize our fellow residents. I have long realized the value that older residents bring to their communities. That is why, in November 2008, I convened a Senior Summit, bringing together nearly 200 interested residents, County government staff and other professionals working with seniors. The Summit focused our efforts on planning for the future, when we’ll see a dramatic increase in the number of seniors who call Montgomery County home. Several subcommittees have been working since then to bring attention to issues affecting seniors and their families. Please read on to learn more about programs and services we offer to seniors and their families here in Montgomery County. Isiah Leggett
Montgomery County Executive 50 Plus Employment Expo
The Jewish Council for the Aging’s (JCA) 50+ Employment Expo will be held Tuesday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the North Bethesda Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Rd. Attendees can visit more than 50 recruiters from non-profit, government, health care, retail and technology industries and attend workshops on changing careers and completing online applications, as well as receive resume assistance and critique and learn more about local resources for seniors. WJLA’s meteorologist Bob Ryan will be the keynote speaker. The expo and parking are free. The Conference Center is accessible by public transportation, via Metro’s White Flint Station (Red Line). The expo is co-sponsored by Montgomery County; Comcast; the Beacon Newspapers; Senior Service America, Inc.; Montgomery Works; Senior Community Service Employment Program; and Rockville Economic Development. For more information, go to www.accessjca.org and click on Upcoming Events. Vital Living Navigator
The County is pleased to offer a new resource guide for residents over 50 -- the Montgomery County Navigator: Vital Living After 50 -- that includes information and resources to support a challenging, rewarding and vital lifestyle. Created by volunteer members of the Vital Living Committee of Montgomery County, the Navigator describes how to find support during transitions; resources for keeping physically fit; ways to explore new interests, meet people and share talents; and organizations that can help with employment and/or volunteer goals. Download Navigator; vital living after 50 (PDF) To request a copy, call 240-777-3000. Villages Blueprint – How to Start a Senior VillageMontgomery County’s “Village Blueprint,” a step-by-step guide created to support communities within the County and throughout the region that want to start a Senior Village organization in their neighborhood, is now available at all branches of Montgomery County Public Libraries. Senior “Villages” provide grassroots services to combat social isolation, improve mobility and enhance access to services for seniors. The Village Blueprint is a “how-to” manual on starting, organizing, administering and sustaining a Village. In addition to public libraries, copies of the Blueprint are available at the County’s five regional services centers. Download Village Blue Print: Building a Community For All Ages (PDF). Villages are a national movement that began in Beacon Hill, MA. A Senior Village is a grass roots organization created to provide older adults with lifestyle choices that include continuing to live in their own homes. According to an AARP study, nearly 90 percent of adults 50 and older want to stay in their current home and community as they age. The Village movement supports “aging in place.” County Executive Ike Leggett has been actively engaged in and committed to supporting the growth of Villages in Montgomery County. First released in September 2010, the Blueprint was produced in partnership with Family & Nursing Care, a local resource for private duty home care since 1968. WORTH NOTINGResources Seniors Should Know About Below is a listing of helpful resources available for Montgomery County seniors. The Commission on Aging The group, appointed by the County Executive, is responsible for reviewing issues related to the health and welfare of senior citizens, including local, state and federal programs that impact elderly residents. Members are County residents and serve three year terms. Download a copy of their “Call to Action (PDF)". The Vital Living Committee This is a volunteer-led group which promotes activities which enhance the lives and support the contributions of older residents of Montgomery County. Vital living is embraced as a lifelong process that includes:
Senior Website – One-stop Shopping for Services Residents young and old can find out about the array of services Montgomery County offers to seniors by checking out the “Senior” website. Find out what you need to know in one easy-to-use website, www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior. Senior Resource Line If you or an older family member needs information, guidance or assistance, where would you find it? In a recent resident survey, County residents said they would turn to friends, family members, County libraries and Senior Centers, phone books and the Internet. Surprisingly, few people were aware that Montgomery County’s Senior Resource Line --240-777-3000—has trained staff who can help seniors and their caregivers with a wide range of topics and advice. Knowledgeable County professionals are available Mondays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. “Seniors Today” – Highlighting Issues and Interests on County Cable Montgomery “Seniors Today” is a monthly show devoted to issues and interests of Montgomery County seniors and is produced by Montgomery County’s Office of Public Information and the Commission on Aging. Hosted by Austin Heyman, “Seniors Today” is seen weekly on Sundays at 2 p.m., Tuesdays at 6 p.m.; Fridays at 9:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. on County Cable Montgomery (CCM)—channel 6 for Comcast and RCN subscribers and channel 30 for Verizon subscribers. To watch online, go to “Seniors Today” at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior . Senior Transportation GuideReliable transportation is crucial for keeping older residents connected to the community. The County Executive’s Senior Subcabinet Workgroup on Transportation has developed an informative online resource tool containing phone numbers of transportation options to help seniors and individuals with disabilities. Transportation Options for Seniors and People with Disabilities, is an online comprehensive guide to public, private and non-profit transportation in the Washington metropolitan region, Maryland and beyond. The County’s Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Transportation compiled this listing of useful transportation services to assist County residents to better coordinate their transportation needs. The guide is divided into 19 informative sections, including Public Transportation; Escorted Transportation; Grocery Transportation; Commercial Bus, Rail, and Airport Transportation; and Travel Connections Cross County and Beyond. Feel free to share this resource guide with friends and neighbors to assist them in their travel in and outside of Montgomery County. You can help keep this valuable resource up to date by letting us know of changes or other transportation options. This guide is available in alternative formats such as Braille and large print by calling 240-777-1246 (voice) and at the Ride On and Montgomery County websites at the following web addresses:
County Senior Centers Senior Centers located throughout Montgomery County offer opportunities for social connections, exercise and classes on a variety of topics.
Falls are a major threat to the health and well being of older residents. Accidental -- and usually preventable -- falls are the leading cause of emergency room visits and injury-related hospitalizations for Marylanders over age 65 and falls often cause serious injury such as brain trauma or hip fracture. The good news is that falls can prevented. Preventing Falls: Get Educated, Get Screened, Get Fit is a brochure that provides information on falls and how to avoid them. It also lists organizations in Montgomery County that offer exercise classes, health education, screenings, medication management, or home safety checks, all of which can decrease falls risk in older adults. The brochure is available on the County’s Senior website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior under the Safety section. Safety in Our NeighborhoodIf a fire occurred in your home tonight, would you know what to do?
With a few simple steps older people and those who care for them, can dramatically reduce their risk of death and injury from fire. As part of the County Fire and Rescue Service’s Safety in Our Neighborhood website, there is a helpful online section forfire safety tips for seniors, disabled residents and their caregivers. Get “Senior News” Online
Getting even more news about items of interest to seniors around the County is now as easy as subscribing to “Senior News,” the online newsletter published by the Aging and Disability Services within the Department of Health and Human Services. Subscribe now. For 25 years, Wheaton-based Interages' intergenerational programs have brought children and older adults together. Thousands of children from hundreds of schools and hundreds of isolated older adults from senior facilities have benefited from participation in our programs. Over the years hundreds of dedicated and caring older adult volunteers and tutors, who are the heart of Interages, have made a significant difference in the lives of children. The following appeal for support comes from Interages Executive Director Carol Croll. "Dear Friends of Interages, Interages is proud to announce that we have been selected as a semi-finalist for the inaugural Eisner Prize for Intergenerational Excellence. The winner will receive a $100,000 grant, so the stakes are high! The Eisner Foundation has announced that one of the finalist slots will be awarded on the basis of POPULAR VOTE. Therefore, we are hoping that all our community partners and friends will not only vote, but also forward this with a cover note from you to business associates, schools, community contacts, families and friends in the state of Maryland, across the country, and internationally! Please take a moment to vote for Interages! Voting closes May 15th, 2011. Voting is quick and easy. Just click on Eisner Prize for Intergenerational Excellence! Then, scroll down to the bottom and click the voting button next to Interages. We need your support! The staff, volunteers and Board of Directors of Interages thank you in advance for helping Interages in Montgomery County, Maryland, receive this well deserved recognition for 25 years of excellence in providing intergenerational programs!” Consumer Protection Asks: Did You Know?
According to a June 2010 survey by non-profit, Investor Protection Trust, more than 7.3 million senior citizens -- roughly 20 percent of Americans aged 65 or older -- have “been taken advantage of financially in terms of an inappropriate investment, unreasonably high fees for financial services or outright fraud.” Learn how to invest wisely by visiting http://www.sec.gov/investor/seniors.shtml. Interages Needs Your VoteMARK YOUR CALENDARSunday, June 12 -- WHARFF (Wellness, Aging, Retirement, Financial Freedom) Interactive Seminar, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Temple Beth Ami, 14330 Travilah Rd., Rockville. Free. Co-sponsored by Montgomery County, WHARFF focuses on getting the most out of life. Visit the WHARFF website and register for a one-on-one session with a financial, legal or health issue counselor; sign up for a quick massage or blood press screening; donate blood and help share life; or just walk around and visit the many vendors on hand with interesting and useful products and services. http://bethami.org/wharff/wharff2011/ Wednesday, June 15 -- World Elder Abuse Day, Asbury Methodist Village, 201 Russell Ave., Gaithersburg. 1:30 p.m. Free. The Montgomery County Elder/Vulnerable Adult Abuse Task Force will host an event to honor World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. County Councilmember Phil Andrews will present a proclamation and members of the multi-agency Task Force will be on hand to share resources and information. Montgomery County agencies participating include the Montgomery County Police Department, Family Crimes Unit; Department of Health and Human Services, Adult Protective Services and the State’s Attorney’s Office. Other co-sponsors are the Maryland Office of Healthcare Quality and Asbury Methodist Village. For more information, call 240-777-3350. Pepco Work Group Presents Final Report to Leggett; More Than 50 Recommendations Listed
The Pepco Work Group, appointed last October by County Executive Ike Leggett to investigate causes for Pepco’s frequent and lengthy electricity outages in Montgomery County, has presented its final report to the Executive. Included in the 192-page document are 30 recommendations for Pepco, six to local governments and 20 for the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) that regulates public utilities in the state. Leggett commended the Work Group members for their diligence and dedication to addressing the issues associated with their task. “Given Chairman Norman Augustine’s results-oriented background and the credentials of the group as a whole, I knew this final report would present some viable options for solutions to the issue at hand. And, I am pleased with the blueprint that this report presents for action. Eligible Homeowners Should Apply for Property Tax Credit by May 1 to Ensure Credit on July Tax Bill
Montgomery County homeowners who have a limited income or are at least 70 years of age may be eligible for property tax credits that will limit the amount of taxes they must pay. One application will determine eligibility for three programs -- the Maryland Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit Program; the Montgomery County Supplemental Property Tax Credit; and the Montgomery County Senior Property Tax Credit. Property owners who have applied for a tax credit previously and been denied are encouraged to apply again, since the tax credit programs have changed and been improved over the years, and your income situation may have changed. Homeowners who file and qualify before May 1 will receive the tax credit directly on their annual tax bill. Those who file later -- but before the September 1 deadline -- will receive either a “revised” tax bill that reflects the credit amount or a refund if the taxes have already been paid in full. To apply for these tax credits, homeowners must fill out one application form each year. Application forms are available by calling the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) at 1-800-944-7403, or by downloading the form and instructions from the SDAT website at www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/htc.html. Replenishing Mother Earth – One Tree at a Time
Hundreds of volunteers turned out on Earth Day to launch the first part of a major reforestation project at the Oaks Landfill in Laytonsville. The project was made possible by a $25,000 grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust to the Montgomery Soil Conservation District. The corps of volunteers, that included County Executive Ike Leggett, students from local high schools, Master Gardeners and other residents of all ages, planted 600 trees on a portion of the 10-acre site adjacent to the landfill that operated from 1982 to 1997. Eventually, the entire 10 acres is slated for tree planting. Taking time out from planting, Leggett talked with various volunteers. Among them were Sonia D’Agnese and her children, Ugo and Enia. New Code Enforcement Laws Detailed on Good Neighbors Website
New code enforcement laws designed to help protect and maintain the residential character of neighborhoods are now in effect in Montgomery County. The new laws deal with home-based businesses, off-street parking and paving of front yards. Two other laws to protect residential areas went into effect in July 2009 and April 2010. The new laws were proposed by County Executive Ike Leggett two years ago based on recommendations from a Code Enforcement Work Group that he appointed. Thegroup reviewed a number of police, housing and zoning code issues that were causing adverse impacts and public safety issues in residential neighborhoods. A website to educate residents about these new zoning laws is available at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/goodneighbors. Bethesda BRAC Project to Receive Portion of $300 Million AppropriationCounty Executive Ike Leggett has hailed the appropriation of $300 million by the United States Congress for projects to relieve traffic congestion caused by BRAC (Defense Base Realignment and Closure) in area communities. The Fiscal Year 2011 appropriations bill approved by Congress includes funding to pay for transportation projects in communities, such as Bethesda, with BRAC-impacted military hospitals. “We owe a great debt to Congressman Chris Van Hollen and Senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin for taking the lead and working hand-in-hand to move this funding through both houses of Congress,” Leggett said. He also credited the hard work of the County’s BRAC Implementation Committee, which represents Bethesda community stakeholders – neighbors, businesses owners, major employers, the National Institutes of Health, the Navy, and local, state and federal government agencies – which have collaborated on understanding the impacts of BRAC and assisted in the design of needed transportation improvements. Leggett urged residents, commuters and visitors to Bethesda to be patient because it will be some time before all the transportation projects are completed. Under BRAC, on September 15, the Walter Reed Army Medical Center will close its Northwest Washington campus and consolidate in Bethesda, with the National Naval Medical Center becoming the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Personnel working at the Bethesda campus will increase from 8,000 to 10,500, while visits to the hospital campus will double from 500,000 to one million per year. In the meantime, anyone traveling through Bethesda is urged to use transit, carpool, vanpool, bike or walk rather than drive alone. For more information on transportation alternatives, go to http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/commute. The County’s BRAC web site will carry construction updates at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/BRAC. Meanwhile, read more. Working Toward a Litter-Free CountyThe Montgomery County Police Department is once again supporting the Alice Ferguson Foundation and Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s Litter Enforcement initiative, which runs through May 7. During this time MCP officers, along with many other local law enforcement agencies, will be particularly vigilant in identifying litter violations and enforcing the applicable criminal, traffic and civil statutes. All those who live, work and travel through Montgomery County are reminded that throwing litteror dumping on any public highway or property (other than personal property) without the owner’s permission is illegal. Anti-littering and dumping laws can be found in Maryland State law, Maryland Motor Vehicle law, and the Montgomery County Code. The Montgomery County Police Department encourages the public to report violations of these laws by calling the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000. WORTH NOTINGFlipping the Switch on New Solar Array
With the flip of a giant switch, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett recently symbolically activated 1,248 solar panels on the roof of the County’s Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station that will generate approximately 350,000 kilowatt hours ( kWh) of electricity in the first year of operation and more than six million kWh over the 20-year life of the project. Joining Leggett were (from left) Franny Yuhas, SunEdison manager; Malcolm Woolf, director of the Maryland Energy Administration; and Robin Davidov, executive director of the Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority. In everyday equivalents, the six million kWh produced by the panels will produce enough energy to power 590 average U.S. homes for one year. The panels began producing power in March. The Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority (NMWDA), the contract manager of the Transfer Station operations for the County, will purchase and use the energy produced for 20 years. Close up and aerial views of the solar panel array at the Transfer Station may be seen on the Division of Solid Waste Services website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/solidwaste. Read more information about the solar project. Celebrate Building Safety Month in May with a Free Deck Inspection To help raise awareness of building safety, Montgomery County’s Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is celebrating Building Safety Month in May by offering free deck maintenance inspections for single-family detached homes, townhouses and duplex dwellings. The inspections are available to all Montgomery County residents – excluding those in the City of Rockville and the City of Gaithersburg. The inspection will include a checklist for homeowners to help them maintain a safe and sound structure. For more information about Building Safety Month, visit the DPS website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/permittingservices. Applicants Sought for Bethesda Transportation Management District Advisory Committee Vacancy The Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board is seeking applicants to fill one vacancy on the Bethesda Transportation Management District (TMD) Advisory Committee. The nominee must reside in a neighborhood adjacent to the Bethesda Transportation Management District or in the Town of Chevy Chase. Applicants should send a brief resume detailing pertinent experience, interests and community activities no later than May 4 to Karen.thon@montgomerycountymd.gov, or mail to the Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board, 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814. Free Workshop on "Autism: Understanding Challenging Behaviors" Parents, caregivers, teachers, counselors and direct support professionals are invited to attend a training seminar, “Autism: Understanding Challenging Behaviors.” The two-day seminar will be held on Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Germantown campus of Montgomery College, 20200 Observation Dr. Workshop topics include nutritional interventions, psychopharmacological interventions and behavioral principles and strategies. Registration is required by Friday, May 6. The event is free but registration is required and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, call 240-777-1216 (800-201-7165, MD Relay/800-735-2258, TTY MD Relay). First Mobile App Available for Library Customers
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) has launched its first mobile application for iPhone and iPad users. By using the application from SirsiDynix, named BookMyne™, customers who are on-the-go can access their library accounts, get library hours information and locate books, audio, video and other materials available from their local libraries. CDC Task Force Announces Recommendations Against Further Privatization of Alcohol Sales The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)’s Task Force on Community Preventive Services has recommended against further privatization of alcohol sales. According to the Guide to Community Preventative Services website, the Task Force stated that “Based on its charge to identify effective disease and injury prevention measures, the Task Force… recommends against further privatization of alcohol sales in settings with current government control of retail sales, based on strong evidence that privatization results in increased per capita alcohol consumption, a well-established proxy for excessive consumption.” Montgomery County is a control jurisdiction and conducts the wholesale distribution of beverage alcohol. See more on the statement and the Task Force’s rationale behind its decision. Taste the World in Fenton Village The first Taste the World in Fenton Village will take place on Sunday, May 15 from 2 to 5 p.m. Fenton Village is located in south Silver Spring between Wayne, Georgia and Burlington aves. and Fenton St. More than 15 participating restaurants will offer appetizers or small tasting plates, in the restaurants, for $5 or less. Hosted by the Silver Spring Citizens’ Advisory Board and Downtown Silver Spring, the free event also will feature musical entertainment and an outdoor market featuring local businesses. Taste the World passports can be picked up at the parking lot on Fenton St. at Silver Spring and Thayer aves. The passports will then be stamped at each restaurant visited and turned in at the end of the day for a special drawing. Free parking will be available at the Wayne-Ellsworth parking garage and the Fenton Street Village Garage located at Fenton and Silver Spring aves. The Silver Spring Metro Station is located a couple of blocks north of the event. For more information, call 240-832-3078. Leggett, Governor Lee of Chungbuk Province, Korea Discuss Strategic Economic Collaboration Chungbuk Province and Montgomery County have enjoyed a close strategic partnership since 2004 when they signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate and promote the growth of the biotech and advanced technology industries in both regions. Chungbuk is positioning itself as a leader in the renewable energy sector, with a special emphasis on solar energy. The Korean delegation spent the afternoon visiting the County’s Shady Grove and Germantown Innovation Centers and also toured Rockville vaccine development biotech company Novavax. To date, seven Korean-headquartered companies have located their U.S. operations in Montgomery County. CONSUMER PROTECTION ASKS: DID YOU KNOW?
As part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act consumers are encouraged to visit www.SaferProducts.gov to submit reports of unsafe products and to search for safety information on products they own or may be considering buying. Reporting product safety incidents through this easy-to-use site will help the Consumer Product Safety Commission identify product hazards quicker and provide consumers with safety information on products in and around the home. MAKING NEWSMC311 Earns National Award
Montgomery County’s MC311 online and telephone information system has been named the silver winner in the category of Customer Analytics in the 2011 Gartner & 1to1 Media CRM Excellence Awards. Customer analytics is a process whereby data is collected from the customer then used to help make key business decisions. The data is used first to understand demand for services, then provide improved services to constituents. Since Montgomery County’s 311 system was launched in June 2010, customer analytics have been useful in showing what services residents find most valuable. For example, Ride On bus trip planning and bulk trash pick up have consistently remained at the top of the list. Having this information is crucial to helping Montgomery County best serve its residents. Montgomery County is the first jurisdiction in the nation to launch its 311 telephone answering system simultaneously with its online 311 website and institute customer analytics at the same time. Office of Community Partnerships’ Rev. Tim Warner’s Work Featured in April Washingtonian Magazine In his job with the County’s Executive’s Office of Community Partnerships, Rev. Tim Warner sees slices of life in Montgomery County that many residents are not aware exist. In the April 2011 issue of Washingtonian Magazine, Cindy Rich’s article, “Out From the Shadows,” interweaves the story of Warner’s interactions with County residents living in poverty with his own emergence from growing up in a ghetto outside Philadelphia. If you haven’t seen a copy yet, our friends at Washingtonian tell us that the article will be online May 1 at www.washingtonian.com. . Please Note: Correction/Clarification In the last issue of The Paperless Airplane, under Making News, the headline reading "A Win-Win Solution for Inmates and the Silver Spring Community" is incorrect. Reemberto Rodriguez, director of the Silver Spring Regional Services Center, explained that the participants in the program -- where residents spend a weekend of outdoor cleaning and public service in Silver Spring -- are “offenders sentenced to weekend duties, not inmates.” Department of Correction and Rehabilitation Director Art Wallenstein, said, “Not a single inmate from the jails is involved – all [of these workers] live at home.” We apologize for the written misstep and thank Reemberto and Art for the correction. Residents, Businesses Speak Out About Pepco Service: Results of County Survey Announced
Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett today announced the results of a County survey of residents and businesses conducted earlier this year that focused on the quality of service and reliability of Pepco’s responses to past power outages experienced in the County. Nearly 12,000 responses were received from the Customer Relations Survey conducted in January and February by the Pepco Work Group appointed by Leggett in October 2010. A total of 10, 895 residents responded, while 654 businesses completed the survey. Among the findings reported by Pepco customers taking the survey are:
“I was pleased with the response we received and want to thank every resident and business person who took the time to reply,” said Leggett. “The data gives us some very useful information that we can use to assess the economic impacts associated with long outages. But, it also gives us a pretty clear picture of the extent to which policy choices made by legislators are likely to be supported by Pepco customers.” To see the entire survey report, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov and click on Pepco Work Group Customer Satisfaction Survey results Leggett Testifies on Capitol Hill on Local Transportation PrioritiesCounty Executive Ike Leggett testified on April 6 before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works at a hearing entitled, “State and Local Perspectives on Transportation.” Leggett discussed the importance of Federal funding to ease traffic congestion in Montgomery County and the Washington metro area. He detailed the impacts BRAC is already having on the Bethesda area and stressed the importance of Congress continuing the New Starts Program so the County can advance the Corridor Cities Transitway, the Purple Line and a Bus Rapid Transit system. Senators sought testimony from community leaders and transportation stakeholders on national, state and local transportation priorities for the next surface transportation authorization. In part, Leggett told the committee: “We must find ways to make it easier for local governments to obtain federal transportation funds. The Federal Bridge program is an example of a successful federal transportation program that benefits state and local governments. More federal funding should be made available to local jurisdictions following a similar protocol. “As we look toward job growth, it is clear that with most of our local roadway system already in place our economic development is directly tied to improved mass transit to serve both private and public sector employees. “It is important that Congress continue the New Starts Program which gives us the opportunity to compete for federal funds to build the Corridor Cities Transitway, the Purple Line, and to advance a Bus Rapid Transit system in our County.” Read the complete statement. Popular Pay-by-Cell Parking Program ExpandsCell phones can now be used to pay for parking at 5,250 County parking meters in Bethesda. By summer, the program will be expanded to include meters in Silver Spring, Wheaton, Montgomery Hills and North Bethesda – for a total of 11,000 parking meters. To use pay-by-cell, first-time patrons register for the program once by going online anytime to www.mc.goparknow.comor calling 301-830-7074. Parkers set up an account and indicate which credit card will be used for the parking charges.
Montgomery County Public Libraries to Mark National Library Week with Customer Survey
To help determine the effectiveness of its services and programs, Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) has announced that it will conduct a Customer Satisfaction Survey in its 20 branches during National Library Week, April 10-16. This year’s survey, for library customers 12 years of age and over, will be an online questionnaire available through the library website, montgomerycountymd.gov/library. The survey will also be available in Spanish and Chinese.MCPL administrators will use the results to help plan future strategies for all aspects of the system wide operations. The survey will ask customers to:
Volunteers are needed in each library branch to help direct customers to the survey computers. If interested, contact the manager of any MCPL branch. Latino Youth Steering Committee Releases Report…
Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett has released the Latino Youth Collaborative Steering Committee Report titled, “A Generation of Youth Hanging in the Balance.” The committee was charged with developing recommendations that would address the issues and challenges uncovered in a survey of more than 1,000 Latino youth conducted by Identity, Inc. in 2006. The group was charged with studying the critical areas of education, violence prevention and well-being, and to develop strategies for the future. Recommendations from the steering committee include the following actions:
Leggett will establish a time-limited Oversight Work Group to monitor progress in the implementation of the report’s recommendations. WORTH NOTINGGive…and Ride Free
Ride On bus passengers in Montgomery County can help needy families and receive free bus rides by donating canned or nonperishable food during Ride On’s annual food drive from Sunday, April 10 through Saturday, April 16. Food collected goes to Manna Food Center, which feeds 3,000 hungry families a month. During the Give and Ride promotion, food collection bags will be placed near the fare boxes on all Ride On buses. In addition to non-perishable food, children’s items are also needed. Disposable diapers, formula, baby or toddler food and juice are especially useful to families in need. Plastic containers are preferred. Residents who don’t ride the bus but wish to donate food can participate by giving their donations to a bus operator at any Ride On bus stop. Checks made out to Manna Food Center will also be accepted. Writing in “Ride On” on the “For” or “Memo” line in the lower left corner of a check will make it easier to track the success of the program. For bus stop locations or bus schedules, call 311 or TDD/TTY 240-773-3556. Route and timetable information is also available on Ride On’s web site at montgomerycountymd.gov/rideon. SmarTrip® cards and passes can also be purchased online. Get more details.
Education and Involvement Mark Earth Month Activities Montgomery County will celebrate April as “Earth Month” with a variety of events scheduled throughout the County. Things get underwaySaturday April 9 with an Earth Day Proclamation presented by County Executive Ike Leggett at the groundbreaking for the Emory Grove Community Garden, 18100 Washington Grove La., Gaithersburg. 10 a.m. The garden is a collaboration between Montgomery County Parks, Montgomery County Public Schools and Neighbors For Neighbors. Contact Rev. Tim Warner at 240-777-2503 or email Tim.warner@montgomerycountymd.gov. Throughout the month, there will be opportunities to volunteer in addition to events and activities for the entire family. Check out the list of happenings and how to get involved. County Launches Commercial and Multi-Family Rebate Program for Energy Efficient Projects Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) encourages businesses, non-profits, faith-based organizations and multi-family communities to apply for funding for energy efficiency projects through a program funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. The Commercial and Multi-Family Rebate Program is designed to overcome the financial barriers to making energy-efficiency improvements, as well as reduce operating costs and carbon emissions. Projects eligible for funding include efficient lighting; insulation; heating, venting, and air conditioning upgrades; high-efficiency showers/faucets; and replacement windows and doors. The deadlines to apply for funds are April 15, 2011 for Round 1 and May 15, 2011 for Round 2. About half the funds will be distributed in each round. Projects selected for awards must be completed by June 30, 2012. Program details are available at the County’s energy incentive web portal at www.mcenergyfunding.com. Bicyclist and Drivers Sharing the Road Safely A reminder to local drivers: Maryland Law now requires motorists to safely overtake a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device (EPAMD), or a motor scooter at a distance of at least three feet.
For more information, visit http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/dot/pressrelease/PR_details.asp?PrID=7435 Spring Cleaning Time for Local Streets MCDOT’s highway maintenance crews are giving the county’s streets a good spring cleaning. Street sweeping on arterial roads and residential streets commenced in late-March. CONSUMER PROTECTION ASKS: DID YOU KNOW?
Scammers can prey on residents sending aid to Japan. Be wary of donating in response to telephone calls or e-mail messages asking for donations. Visit OCP’s A-Z Consumer Advice on Charities for tips on selecting a charitable organization. MAKING NEWSA Win-Win Solution for Inmates and the Silver Spring Community The Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (DOCR) -- with the help of the Silver Spring Urban District (SSUD) -- has come up with another win-win program as reported in The Gazette. This one gives residents convicted of misdemeanors the option of doing weekend cleanup work in downtown Silver Spring instead of spending the time in jail. DOCR Director Art Wallenstein is proud --- and rightfully so – of the partnership with the SSUD that has made it happen. He notes that it took more than a decade to end the weekend sentences “and now we have something positive.” Wallenstein says that “the program was fully vetted in the community prior to any operations starting on site in the SSUD. The crews are at work every Saturday and Sunday - 52 weekends a year.”
Two County Public Safety Officers Receive Master’s Degrees in Homeland Security
Two members of the County’s public safety ranks recently received master’s degrees in Homeland Security from the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS). With a focus on Homeland Security, Montgomery County Police Lt. Phil Raum (on the right in the photo) is the National Capital Region (NCR) Exercise & Training Coordinator for Montgomery County. He also assists with exercises and training for multiple NCR jurisdictions and disciplines. Since 2006, Lt. Raum has also planned and coordinated multiple full-scale active shooter exercises at Clarksburg HS, Wheaton Plaza and the Universities at Shady Grove. He represents the Montgomery County Police for local emergency management issues in the region such as the H1N1 pandemic in 2009-2010, the severe weather storms from 2009-2010, tabletop exercises and other training activities, such as the Incident Command System training.
MARK YOUR CALENDARTuesday, April 12 – Recreation Department Public Budget Briefing, Marilyn Praisner Community Center, 14906 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville. 7 p.m.; Thursday, April 14 – Recreation Department Public Budget Briefing, Ross Boddy Community Center, 18529 Brooke Rd., Sandy Spring. 7 p.m. Recreation Director Gabriel Albornoz will brief residents and answer questions about the department’s portion of the recommended budget. The meetings will take place as part of the recreation area advisory board meetings. Call Judy Stiles at 240-777-6875. Friday, April 13 – Open House to introduce new Arts for Life and Learning Program. BlackRock Center for the Arts, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Program for persons ages 50 and above to encourage them to engage in and explore the arts. Attendees will sample workshops in creative movement, watercolor painting, cabaret and drama, engage in a performance by ClancyWorks Dance Company, listen to a talk by area photographers exhibiting in the gallery and enjoy a catered lunch.The program is the result of a partnership between BlackRock and Asbury Methodis Village. $10 advance admission for open house, including lunch and events. $15 at the door. For details or to registers, visit www.blackrockcenter.org or contact Rene Schecker at 240-912-1053. Thursday, April 14 – Online Chat with County Executive Ike Leggett. Noon – 1 p.m. The interactive forum allows Montgomery County residents to send questions directly to County Executive Isiah Leggett before or during the chat.Answered questions will be availableat the beginning ofthe live session andselected questions will be answered during the scheduled discussion time. Leggett’s Recommended Operating Budget Closes $300 Million GapHard Choices Made Include Significant Reductions in Employee Staffing and Compensation, plus Cuts in Programs and Services; No Property Tax Increase Beyond Charter Limit
County Executive Ike Leggett has announced his recommended $4.35 billion operating budget that closes a $300 million gap for fiscal year (FY) 2012 that begins July. Leggett’s budget focuses on protecting essential services and his priorities of education, public safety and the safety net for the most vulnerable, but includes significant reductions in services, staffing levels and employee compensation to address the County’s long-term structural budget challenge. The only major County department seeing any increase is the Police Department. The budget includes no reductions in County transit routes and no reductions to senior transportation and nutrition programs. Library operating hours and materials costs were maintained. All County recreation centers remain open, and ambulance service levels were maintained. There are no reductions in Police Department specialty units, and County after-school Sports Academies and Recreation Extra programs continue at their current levels. In addition to the Montgomery County government budget, the overall recommendations include:
Among County government departments and initiatives, the largest reductions from FY11 levels include Community Grants (26% less), the Arts and Humanities Council (24 %), Housing and Community Affairs (15%), General Services (11%), County Attorney’s Office (11%) and Public Libraries (10%). Some services proposed to be eliminated or significantly impacted:
The Police budget will increase by one-half percent, primarily to respond to growing public safety issues in the Silver Spring Central Business District and the Route 29 corridor. Fire and Rescue funding will decrease by 1.7 percent The Council’s public hearings on the budget are scheduled for April 5-7. Residents may sign up to speak by calling 240-777-7803. They can also send email comments to county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov or regular mail to 100 Maryland Ave., Rockville, MD 20850. Comments may be left on the Council’s budget hotline at 240-777-7802. See budget highlights and the full budget at montgomerycountymd.gov/omb. Additional information on the proposed budget is at montgomerycountymd.gov/budget. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Remain at Parklawn Drive FacilityCounty Executive Ike Leggett has applauded the decision of the General Services Administration that will keep the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Montgomery County. “I am pleased that the General Services Administration (GSA) has chosen Montgomery County as the location to consolidate four U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ offices. The Parklawn Drive Building is adjacent to the Twinbrook metro station and convenient to shopping and dining in the area, which is consistent with our County’s transit oriented development initiative. “Close to 3,000 employees will eventually work in the renovated 936,000 square feet of office space. Chevy Chase-based JBG Companies will invest $270 million for renovation of the building, and the County will benefit from the additional property tax revenue generated by the expanded space. “Montgomery County is a great place to live and work and the GSA agreed with us.” Executive Introduces Carryout Bag Legislation; Environmental Programs Would Benefit
County Executive Ike Leggett has proposed new legislation that would place a five-cent charge on each paper or plastic carryout bag provided by retail establishments in the County to customers at the point of sale, pickup or delivery. Retailers would receive a one-cent rebate on each plastic bag to help cover administrative costs. The new law would take effect January 1, 2012. Revenues from the tax -- estimated at about $1.5 million in the first year -- would be directed to the Water Quality Protection Fund (WQPF) that pays for things such as stormwater management, watershed restoration and litter clean-up. Plastic bags are one of the top four items found in County streams and stormwater controls. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) staff said that in 2009 the County spent approximately $3 million for litter prevention and clean-up programs. To read the law and see other facts about plastic bag pollution, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/trashfree. Also, see news release. Full Service Website Now Available on New Zoning Laws
Residents are invited to learn more about the new zoning laws that will go into effect on April 24 that are designed to help protect and maintain the residential character of neighborhoods by checking out the new “Being Good Neighbors” website. From there, you can connect to:
Also, see the brochure in Spanish. Leggett to Host Town Hall Meeting in Wheaton-Kensington Area
Residents in the Wheaton-Kensington area are invited to share their comments and concerns about County issues with County Executive Ike Leggett at a Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Crossway Community, 3015 Upton Dr., Kensington. While the meeting is open to all, it will be videotaped for future rebroadcast by County Cable 6, the County government channel. Sign language interpreter services will be provided only upon request with notice as far in advance as possible, but no less than 72 hours prior to the event. If these or other services or aids are needed to participate in this activity, call 240-777-6507, TTY 240-777-6505 or email karen.falcon@montgomerycountymd.gov. For more information about the meeting and/or cable schedule, call 240-777-6507. Investigators Seek Information on February Brush Fire; Tip Line Available 24/7
Montgomery County Fire and Explosive Investigators are looking for information from the community regarding the February 19 brush fire that impacted the Darnestown and Germantown areas. Anyone with information to assist in the investigation is urged to call the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Tip Line at 240-777-2263. The Tip Line is a non-emergency number and callers can leave information anonymously or speak with an investigator. New Civil War Documentary on Website
In conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, Heritage Montgomery has produced a 60-minute documentary film on the history of the Civil War in Montgomery County. Entitled Life in a War Zone: Montgomery County during the Civil War, the video features historic and contemporary images of local heritage sites, Civil War re-enactors, and panoramas of unchanged rural landscapes. The documentary was produced by Heritage Montgomery, written and directed by Barbara Grunbaum of G2 Media, and is enhanced by a soundtrack containing performances by the Washington Revels. Life in a War Zone can be downloaded via iTunes from the Heritage Montgomery website -- www.HeritageMontgomery.org. The accompanying 32-page booklet, “A Guide to the Civil War in Montgomery County” is currently available under the “Sites” tab at the Civil War Sesquicentennial dropdown. Paper copies may be requested by calling Heritage Montgomery at 301-515-0753 or emailing lori@heritagemontgomery.org. A New Look at Montgomery County on WETAThe WETA Guide to Montgomery County, a new local documentary from WETA TV 26, explores the communities, cultural offerings, activities and history of Montgomery County. The latest in The WETA Guide series, the one-hour local production film looks at the County’s bustling cities, smaller towns and rural landscapes and explores more than 20 different features of the County. The show offers ideas for day trips, adventures or an evening out. From Bethesda to Damascus and Olney to Sandy Spring, the program showcases the communities, arts and cultural offerings, activities and history of the area. To learn more about the documentary, take a “favorite things” poll, see a map of the featured locations and more, go to: http://www.weta.org/tv/local/wetaguide/montgomery. A complete WETA program schedule is available at www.weta.org. Viewers can watch WETA TV 26 over the air on channel 26.4, and on Comcast 26 and 267, Cox 26 and 802, Dish 8076, FiOS 26 and 471, and RCN 164. WETA HD is available over the air on channel 26.1, and on Comcast 220, Cox 726, FiOS 526, Direct TV 26 and 26-1, and RCN 613. WORTH NOTINGWelcome Home Vietnam Veterans Annual Reunion
County Executive Ike Leggett and other veterans will address the "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans 2nd Annual Reunion" on Wednesday, March 30 at the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza from 6 to 9 p.m. The veterans will talk about their experiences during the Vietnam War and life today. Veterans of all eras and the public are encouraged to attend. See the flyer (PDF) for more details.The Recreation Guide: Subscriptions Only Beginning April 1
Beginning with the Summer 2011 issue of Montgomery County Guide to Recreation and Park Programs, any resident who wishes to receive the Guide by mail must sign up for a paid subscription. Currently, only those who already participate in programs receive the Guide in the mail. However, beginning with the Summer issue, residents who wish to continue to have the Guide mailed to their home must purchase a $5 annual subscription which will deliver a full year of five issues (Summer, Fall, Winter, Summer Camps and Spring). The Guide continues to be available online at either www.MontgomeryParks.org/Guide or http://RecWeb.MontgomeryCountyMD.gov. Print copies of the Guide will still be available at recreation centers, park facilities, government buildings and libraries while quantities last. To subscribe to the Guide, or for more information, go to http://RecWeb.MontgomeryCountyMD.gov. Pedestrian Safety for All
As you can see, the County’s pedestrian safety message has gotten through to these drivers who, despite having the green light, have yielded the right of way to a gaggle of Canada geese making their way across Rockville Pike at Federal Plaza/Pike Center (just north of Bou Avenue). Humans, take note, our feathered friends know to cross at a crosswalk. Granted, they’re, going on a red light, but maybe we can work on that. More information about pedestrian safety for walkers and drivers is available at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/walk. Thanks to Dan Nabors of VHB (Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.), a member of the consultant team that led the Pedesterian Road Safety Audit, who photographed the geese. Online Resource Guide for Vital Living After 50 While age 50 may be the new 30, for many residents, reaching that milestone still involves opportunities and challenges associated with lifestyle issues such as changing work schedules, households and personal needs. Now, a new online resource guide entitled “Navigator: Vital Living After 50 (PDF)” offers information on how to find:
The navigator was compiled by the Montgomery County Vital Living Committee. eNewsletters get an “A” for Spreading the Word of County Programs and Services With the advent of the internet, computers in more homes and cell phones in more hands than ever, news and information is literally at our fingertips. Recognizing this fact, County departments and agencies are, increasingly, going to the web to get word out to residents about their programs and services. To see a list of County-produced newsletters you can receiveonline, go to montgomerycountymd.gov/eSubscription. Click 'Update an Account' and enter your email address. Here, you may add or delete subscriptions. Below are some others not found on the County's eSubscription list that might be of interest. NEW – Better Ways to Work, published bi-monthly by MC Commuter Services. Features commuting options and transportation news. e-Biz Update, published bi-weekly by the Department of Economic Development with news of local businesses and upcoming events of interest to the business community. Montgomery Volunteer, published monthly by the Montgomery County Volunteer Center. News of volunteer opportunities – both one-time and ongoing, how to get involved with various local organizations needing help and awards/special recognitions for volunteer service. Volunteer opportunities are geared for individuals and groups.
Six Rabies Vaccination Clinics Scheduled The Montgomery County Police Department’s Animal Services Division will sponsor six rabies vaccination clinics -- from April through September -- at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter located at 14645 Rothgeb Dr., Rockville, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on the following Sundays: April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21 and September 18. Maryland law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets over the age of four months be vaccinated against rabies. Failure to vaccinate an animal as required may subject the owner to a $500 fine. When brought in for vaccination, all dogs must be leashed. Cats and ferrets must be in carriers or otherwise contained. The vaccinations are free for dogs and cats owned by County residents. There will be a minimal $4 charge for ferrets and out-of-county pets. County residents, as well as City of Rockville and City of Gaithersburg residents, will be required to purchase a pet license if their pet is not currently licensed. For more information, contact the MCPD Animal Services Division at 240-773-5925. Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Vitally Important to Low-Income Residents Faces Funding Cut in FY12 Each year, the County receives a Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to serve our neediest residents with a variety of programs and activities designed to enhance their quality of life. In the current fiscal year, just over $6 million dollars is being used to serve roughly 10,000 low-income beneficiaries. Activities include housing rehabilitation, workforce skills training, emergency assistance to avoid evictions/foreclosures, youth programs -- including mental health services and a variety of out-of-school time activities -- infrastructure improvements for pedestrian mobility and safety, and assistance to businesses for façade enhancements. The financial crisis and ensuing recession has left public finances in poor shape, and there is a federal proposal to cut 7.5% in funding to the FY12 CDBG program. This means an approximate $400,000 cut to Montgomery County’s program. It will also translate into job reductions, as less money will be available to support both public and non-profit sectors in administering a reduced work program. The County Executive has expressed his concerns about the proposed funding cut in a letter to federal officials and has urged them to support full funding. The Montgomery County delegation has also taken a firm stance against the proposed reduction in funding. Read more about the CDBG program in the FY11 Action Plan, part of the Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development. Also read more about the proposed FY12 HUD budget here. CONSUMER PROTECTION ASKS: DID YOU KNOW?
More than eight million people fell prey to Identity Theft last year. Avoid becoming a victim. Visit http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/ or call the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) at 240-777-3636. OCP is the County’s nationally recognized agency responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws that prohibit unfair and deceptive business acts to ensure a fair marketplace for consumers and businesses. Note: This is the first in a regular series of helpful tips for consumers provided by the Office of Consumer Protection that will appear in each issue of The Paperless Airplane.
MAKING NEWSMC311 Receives Technology Solutions Award Montgomery County’s MC311 online and telephone information system has received a Technology Solutions Award for Telecommunications & Information Technology from the Public Technology Institute. The County’s award submission, “MC311: Re-engineering Local Government Through Customer Relationship Management,” highlighted County Executive Ike Leggett’s vision to “create greater responsiveness and accountability in meeting the needs of a very diverse county.” The system was developed with a two-pronged mission statement: providing a single point-of-contact for customer service delivery and satisfaction; and improving functionality of existing systems and data quality across County government. MARK YOUR CALENDARSunday, March 20 -- “Japan Fair.” Bauer Drive Community Center, 14625 Bauer Dr., Rockville. 1 to 5 p.m. Free. Presented by high school students from Yokohama Hayato High School in Yokohama, Japan. Students will demonstrate and teach various Japanese arts, games and customs. Observe an informal Japanese Tea Ceremony and listen to Japanese songs. Also, a martial arts demonstration, dancing and a Japanese play. Learn how to create origami and calligraphy, play Japanese games and see Anime/Manga. Co-hosted by the Department of Recreation and Sakura Educational Exchange USA. Call 301-468-4015. Wednesday, March 23 -- “Financial Fraud: Seniors Fight Back.” Charter House, 1316 Fenwick La., Silver Spring. 6 - 8 p.m. Free public forum hosted by County’s Advisory Committee on Consumer Protection that will examine financial issues facing seniors. Montgomery County Council President Valerie Ervin will welcome attendees. Moderator Beacon Newspaper publisher Stuart Rosenthal will lead a discussion with experts from the County’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP), the Maryland Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, attorneys in the field and audience members. Light refreshments served. Pre-registration not required but recommended; seating is limited. Sign language interpreter services provided by request at least 72 hours in advance.To register or request sign language or other services or aids needed to participate in the forum, call 240-777-3636 or MD Relay at 1-800-735-2258, or email consumerprotection@montgomerycountymd.gov. For more information, call 240-777-3636 or visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/consumer. Saturday, March 26 -- 5th annual Let’s Get It Started, Montgomery County’s job fair for youth, ages 16-21. Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza, One Veterans Place. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. One-on-one opportunities for young job seekers to connect with local businesses looking to hire. Businesses can conduct on-site interviews and offer information about jobs and career track. Sponsored by the Department of Economic Development. Visit www.letsgetitstartedyouthjobfair.com. Sunday, March 27 -- SCRABBLE® SCRAMBLE fund raiser hosted by the Literacy Council of Montgomery County for its adult literacy programs. Manor Country Club, 14901 Carrolton Rd., Rockville. 6-9 p.m. All proceeds go to the Literacy Council. Four-player teams will compete to achieve the highest total score. Players will be able to purchase extra letters, buy a peek at a dictionary, and play cooperatively with other team members. Prizes will be awarded to the three top scoring teams. Tickets are $200 for a table of four; dinner included. Contact Martha E. Stephens at 301-610-0030 or info@literacycouncilmcmd.org. Thursday, March 31 -- SuperWoman Doesn’t Live Here Anymore interactive workshop. Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, Theatre 2. 12:30 p.m. Barbara Talley, renowned author, motivational speaker and poet will provide strategies to manage life, stress and your time. Discussions will motivate you to become your best self; create a life of contentment; develop support networks; increase productivity, create balance and experience less stress; manage and handle chaos, guilt, and competing priorities; and set realistic expectations. College, County and community personnel will provide services and resources information. Book-signing will follow the presentation. Contact Yvonne Stephens, 240-567-4203, yvonne.stephens@montgomerycollege.edu or Prof. Patricia Ruppert, 240-567-5242, patricia.ruppert@montgomerycollege.edu. For more on the author/workshop, go to http://thepoetspeaks.com/index_files/Super_Woman_Page.htm. For disability services, call Prof. Cathy Wilson, 240-567-1475. A Close Call on a Windy Day
The 2011 President’s Day weekend will be remembered by many in western Montgomery County not for the Monday holiday or the predicted snowfall Monday night. Instead it was raging winds feeding wildfires that spread across 500 acres of land on Saturday the 19th. With assistance from firefighters in neighboring jurisdictions, over 300 Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service personnel worked through the day and into the evening to contain the blaze from spreading. Over 70 structures were directly threatened by the blaze and firefighters worked tirelessly to keep the fire from spreading to occupied structures. Eight firefighters sustained minor injuries, but there was no loss of life. County Executive Ike Leggett viewed the damage with DFRS officials from a helicopter. The photos show ground-level and aerial perspectives of the extensive nature of the fire and just how close a call it was for some residents.The aerial photo shows the Green Meadow - Colton Lane area and the ground level shot was taken in the Indian Grass Drive neighborhood. DFRS photos. See more Germantown Brush Fire photos from February 19 and 20. Being Good Neighbors
Residents interested in learning about upcoming new laws affecting the residential character of their neighborhoods are invited to attend any one of five upcoming meetings to be held around the County in March. The new laws that will go into effect later in the Spring will address the following issues: home-based businesses; parking for heavy commercial and recreational vehicles; off-street parking; and paving of front yards. The meetings will be held according to the following schedule:
For more information about any of these meetings, call the Office of Public Information at 240-777-6507 or see the flyer in English and Spanish. Leggett Hosts Newly Elected Prince George’s County Executive and DC Mayor
County Executive Ike Leggett recently initiated and hosted a meeting in Silver Spring with Washington DC Mayor Vincent Gray and Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker to discuss issues of common concern among the jurisdictions. Topics included small business development, transportation and public safety. Joining the discussion with the three leaders were the police chiefs and transportation and economic development directors from all three jurisdictions. Urging greater collaboration on the full range of issues, Leggett said, "Our challenges and our opportunities know no borders." Executive Submits Recommendations on Organizational Reform Commission ReportIn response to the final report of the Organizational Reform Commission (ORC), County Executive Ike Leggett has submitted recommendations to the County Council that support most of the ORC recommendations. Appointed last July, the eight-member commission’s charge was to help address the County’s serious fiscal challenge by proposing ways to reorganize or consolidate functions performed by County government or County-funded agencies. The Commission’s 28 recommendations fell into two groups. The first dealt with changes in structure and organization – for example, merging the Park Police force into the County Police force, combining park and recreational services, and consolidating the information technology functions of the various County agencies. The second group addressed changes in process and operations – for example, requiring greater transparency in the collective bargaining process, adjusting the criteria that arbitrators must consider and achieving greater efficiency in the use of Information Technology. Read the Executive’s recommendations. The Transit Task Force: Developing a Protocol Blueprint for Countywide Rapid Transit System
Working toward making a comprehensive rapid transit system a reality in the local community, County Executive Ike Leggett has launched a Transit Task Force that will advocate for developing and implementing a system that is consistent with state transportation objectives and complements regional transit operations. The Task Force is the only organization focused exclusively on making a comprehensive rapid transit system in Montgomery County a reality for its residents and businesses. The 20-member group’s mission is to advise the County Executive on how to achieve his vision and to be advocates for developing and implementing a world-class, County-wide, rapid transit system that is safe, efficient and effectively moves people throughout the County. The system will provide improved mobility for its riders, improve the County’s quality of life, stimulate economic development in the County, and improve air quality, and reduce greenhouse gases and energy consumption. Read more from press release. County Urges Public Service Commission Crackdown on PepcoIn an eight-page response to the Maryland Public Service Commission’s (MPSC) proposed revision of the state regulation regarding service provided by electric companies, Montgomery County has filed a series of comments that define an acceptable level of reliability for the Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco) and address “inadequate” discretionary civil penalties. County Executive Ike Leggett said, “This series of comments to the Maryland Public Service Commission – the body that regulates Pepco and other public utilities – reflects the frustration of our residents and clearly presents what we consider to be a level of acceptable reliability by Pepco. We’re simply asking the commission to take a step back and commit itself to ensuring that Pepco is held to this standard.” The other point raised by the County in its comments is that holding Pepco accountable through discretionary civil penalties is “grossly inadequate” and in no way compares to the financial hardships experienced by the community. Read the full document at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/EXEC/pdf/rm_43_comments.pdf. 2010 Census:Montgomery County Grows and Grows More Diverse
According to recently released 2010 U.S. Census data, Montgomery County’s population has grown more diverse over the last decade, becoming a majority-minority county for the first time. The figures are based on 50.7 percent of residents identifying themselves as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian or Pacific Islander or an ethnicity other than non-Hispanic White. Of the estimated 971,777 people living in Montgomery County, the Census data breaks down the population as follows:
For more data about population trends in Montgomery and neighboring counties, visit www.montgomeryplanning.org/research/data_library/census/2010/ What Residents Should Know About Consolidating the Park and County PoliceEight months ago, the Montgomery County Council formed the Montgomery County Organizational Reform Commission with the mandate to recommend ways to restructure the way County agencies do business to save money and increase efficiency. One of the Commission’s primary recommendations is to consolidate the Park Police and the Montgomery County Police Department Not only will the consolidation save taxpayers at least $2 million a year, but will enhance the efficiency of communication and improve response times in a vast majority of County parks. The merger also will make additional County Police officers available to provide support and respond to calls for services in the parks. Read more details (pdf) about the benefits of consolidation. WORTH NOTINGTwo MTA Bus Routes Travel the ICC On March 1, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) began service of two new intercity bus routes along the newly opened portion of the InterCounty Connector (ICC) toll road (MD Rt. 200). Routes 201 and 202 will begin at the Gaithersburg Park and Ride lot and follow Phase 1 of the ICC to the Shady Grove Metro station and the Norbeck Park and Ride, where the ICC ends for now. From there, MTA Bus Route 201 will stop at the Burtonsville Park and Ride and Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport's Southwest and International terminals before ending at the BWI MARC/Amtrak station. MTA Bus Route 202 will make stops at the Savage MARC station and the National Security Agency before ending at Fort Meade. Good Grades Count: Honor Roll Students Skate Free Now through March 8, Montgomery County students who made the honor roll last semester can get a free skating pass – with skates – at the Silver Spring Skating Rink at Veterans Plaza, 8523 Fenton St. Students must bring their MCPS report card and student ID. Teeing Up Your Time and Golf Talents for the Next Generation
The First Tee, Montgomery County uses golf as platform to teach young people how to be successful on and off the course by focusing on youth who would not typically have access to the game and its opportunities The First Tee is looking for volunteers who enjoy and play golf to assist with the skills instruction for youth ranging in age from eight to 17 years. Spring and fall sessions are held after school, while summer sessions are scheduled during morning hours. Primary instructional sites are: Laytonsville, Needwood, Northwest and Sligo Creek golf courses and Olney Golf Park. Volunteers are eligible for discounted golf rates Monday through Thursday at the Montgomery County Golf course where he/she volunteers. Montgomery County Government is a sponsor of First Tee, Montgomery County. The organization’s partners include the Department of Recreation, Montgomery County Golf, an entity of the Montgomery County Revenue Authority, and the Housing Opportunities Commission. For more information about The First Tee, Montgomery County, visit www.thefirstteemcmd.org. If you are interested in becoming a First Tee volunteer and/or mentor, contact Laura Sildon at laura@thefirstteemcmd.org. Take a Look: New One-Stop Online Source Highlights County Health Data A new one-stop online source for population-based data and information about community health and the social and environmental determinants of health has been launched by County officials. The website -- www.healthymontgomery.org -- provides data and information on more than 90 topics related to the health and well being of the community and its residents. "Having reliable data on which to base our budget decisions on is critical, especially in these lean budget years,” said Uma Ahluwalia, director of theDepartment of Health and Human Services. “In addition, this website will be a great resource for students, health planners and the public.” Read more from press release.
Integrated BioTherapeutics Expands in Montgomery County Integrated BioTherapeutics Inc. (IBT), a biotechnology company developing medical countermeasures for biodefense and emerging infectious diseases, recently celebrated the expansion of their Bioservices capacity with the Grand Opening of a new 10,500 square-foot office and lab space in the Gaithersburg Accelerator, located at 21 Firstfield Rd. The new facility features a dedicated suite of labs to support IBT’s research and development for a multivalent vaccine for Staph aureus infection. IBT currently has 30 full-time employees and plans to add an additional five to 10 employees within the next year. IBT was named “Maryland’s 2009 Emerging Company of the Year” by the Tech Council of Maryland, which recognized the company’s tremendous growth in funding and personnel and its strong relationships with the U.S. Government and industry partners.
Anne Arundel County’s Ambulance Fee Generates $8.5 million Since becoming law in April 2009, the fee charged to insurance companies for ambulance transport in Anne Arundel County has generated $8.5 million, according to County Executive John R. Leopold. "I am pleased that our Fire Department has been able to execute this program without negatively impacting citizens’ access to emergency medical services. Insurance companies are now bearing their fair share of the cost of providing essential services previously borne solely by taxpayers," said Leopold. Under the Anne Arundel legislation that became effective in 2009, insurance companies are billed $500 per ambulance transport. Deposits began in earnest in January 2010 and now average roughly $525,000 per month. County residents do not pay any portion of the fee not covered by insurance. Medicaid, Medicare and most other private insurance policies already allowed for reimbursement for this service. MARK YOUR CALENDARMarch 10 – Public Meeting on the Draft Countywide Coordinated Implementation Strategy designed to protect local streams and the Chesapeake Bay.6 to 9 p.m. Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Ave. The Department of Environmental Protection invites the public to attend and provide comments. There will be a presentation on the strategy and watershed implementation plans, an opportunity to review maps and figures for the individual watersheds, and a formal public comment period. In addition to commenting at the meeting, residents have 30 days to submit comments, with a deadline of 5 p.m. on Friday, March 25. All comments presented at the meeting or submitted by email or in writing will become part of the public record. Comments may be emailed to: MS4permitplans@montgomerycountymd.gov or sent to Meo Curtis, DEP, 255 Rockville Pike, Suite 120, Rockville MD 20850.Electronic versions of the strategy and individual watershed implementation plans are available on the DEP website . A reference copy is also available at the Rockville Memorial Library Reference Section.
CATEGORIES: Calendar POSTED: Wednesday, March 02, 2011 | 1:00:00 AM | |
With the start of the busiest shopping season of the year, County Executive Ike Leggett has introduced a new education and enforcement initiative entitled “Respect the Space.” The program will raise awareness about the proper use of accessible parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities. 
Thank you to all of our parents. Your daily involvement in our school system is what has allowed us to continue to thrive even as our district has faced many changes and many challenges. Your support, your honesty and, yes, even your occasional criticisms have held us accountable and we are better for it. And, of course, thank you to our students. Over the past 12 years, I have had the privilege to sign more than 100,000 diplomas and watch countless students cross the stage at graduation and enter the world excited and prepared for what is to come. You are why we do what we do and, each year, you make me prouder and prouder. Continue to learn, explore and grow—and remember to return home to the community that gave you a great start. We need you here. 
[July 1] I officially begin my tenure as the superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). I am excited, honored and humbled to be chosen to lead this exceptional school system and I thank the Board of Education for providing me with this opportunity. There is no question that MCPS has had enormous success and is a national model on numerous fronts. As I have said, it is clearly a district that is doing many things right and so there is no need for radical quick fixes or big changes. But that doesn’t mean that we can stand still and admire past achievements. All successful organizations continually push themselves to reach higher levels on the path to greatness. I believe that MCPS is well-positioned for greater success if we continue to focus on what matters most – ensuring that high quality teaching and learning is happening in each and every classroom, every day. Together, we are going to work to make sure that every child who graduates from MCPS leaves us with a promising future ahead. 
