Upcoming Meetings

Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board Committees

Next Meeting: September!

Register Here

Silver Spring Urban District Advisory Committee

Next Meeting: September!

Attend The Meeting

Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board

Next Meeting: September!

Register Here

A Message from County Executive Marc Elrich

Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much, much more.

Jan's Inside Jam

Issue #10

The Hand of NOAA in Downtown Silver Spring

Let me give you a little background on The Hand. The Hand is located at 1315 East West Highway, downtown Silver Spring (DTSS) across the street from the Giant Supermarket on East West Highway. You have probably driven or walked past it many times without giving it a second thought. You might have thought as I did, “That’s odd, interesting, but odd.”

Today I want to give it the second thought. The Hand is a 12-foot sculpture in front of the National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). They pronounce it as NOAH. They say that their mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, ocean, and coasts, share that knowledge and information with others, and conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources.

SILVER SPRING REGION OPPORTUNITIES

Silver Spring Urban District Advisory Committee Openings

Apply today!

Elrich Seeks Applicants for Silver Spring Urban District Advisory Committee

County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill four vacancies on the Silver Spring Urban District Advisory Committee for one representative of an optional method developer and three representatives of small businesses that employ fewer than 25 employees.

The 11-member Committee provides information and advice to the County government and the Director of the Silver Spring Regional Services Center regarding promotions, maintenance, service levels, and budgetary guidance for the downtown Silver Spring Urban District.

Members serve three-year terms without compensation, but are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for in-person meetings attended. The Board currently meets virtually by video- and teleconference the third Thursday afternoon of every month at 3:30 PM. When in-person meetings resume in the future, the Board will meet in Silver Spring.

County Executive Marc Elrich is committed to representation on all of the County’s boards, committees, and commissions that is reflective of, and responsive to, our County’s residents. Public participation contributes to the work of County government and provides an important service to the community when a variety of issues, concerns, and viewpoints are presented.

You may access information regarding boards, committees, and commissions, including application instructions here. Please carefully read application instructions on that page. Then select View and Apply for Vacancies for all currently posted notices.

Currently, there is a valuable opportunity to serve on the following:

• Silver Spring Urban District Advisory Committee

The deadline for application is August 22, 2022.

Please share this notice with anyone who may be interested.

Applicants of diverse backgrounds, professions, genders, geography, disabilities, ethnicities, and ages are encouraged to apply. Members of County boards, committees, and commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time. The County Executive’s appointments are generally subject to confirmation by the County Council. Members must complete training on the Maryland Open Meetings Act and basic parliamentary procedure. Members are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for in-person meetings attended. County boards, committees, and commissions may meet virtually by video and/or teleconference.

Wonderful Wednesdays on El Golfo's Patio

Every Wednesday (except August 10th) through end of September

El Golfo is located at 8739 Flower Avenue

Ukulele Hui returns Wednesday, September 14th with lots of Aloha Spirit!

Montgomery Parks wants your help as we plan for the future, to ensure we provide the types of spaces and activities that meet your needs. We want to know how you recreate, and what makes a particular place special for you!

This survey will help us gather input for new park amenities (such as playgrounds, ball fields, basketball and tennis courts, gardens, skate parks, grills, etc.), new park program ideas, and to hear what your community considers a priority for the parks in the Long Branch area.

We have some exciting and needed renovations in progress or coming to several parks: #2 - Long Branch-Wayne Local Park, #5 - Flower Avenue Urban Park, and #6 - Long Branch-Garland Neighborhood Park. 

Now we need your input on several others that will have some improvements coming in the future: #3 -  Long Branch-Arliss Neighborhood Park, #4 -  Long Branch Local Park, #8 -  New Hampshire Estates Neighborhood Park, and #9 - Quebec Terrace Neighborhood Park.

For more information on the Long Branch Parks Initiate check out the website: MoCoParks.org/LBParks

¿Qué es la Iniciativa Long Branch Parks?

La Iniciativa de los parques del vecindario Long Branch es un plan que está llevando a cabo Montgomery Parks para echar un vistazo amplio a los parques de la comunidad de Long Branch, los senderos, los servicios y a los programas recreativos, para determinar qué es lo que hay que mejorar o añadir para que los parques puedan servir mejor a la comunidad que vive en el área de Long Branch.

¿Qué ocurre actualmente?

• El personal está evaluando el estado de los recursos de los parques existentes para determinar cuáles caminos, puentes y amenidades hay que mejorar.
• Montgomery Parks ha creado diseños para mejoras para Flower Avenue Urban Park, Long Branch-Wayne Local Park, y Long Branch-Garland Neighborhood Park. 

Participación de la comunidad:

Montgomery Parks desea contar con su ayuda a la hora de planificar el futuro para garantizar que podamos ofrecer los tipos de espacios y actividades que satisfagan sus necesidades. Queremos saber qué es lo que hace que un lugar concreto sea especial para usted. El personal se reunirá con la comunidad en varios eventos y animará a la comunidad a realizar una encuesta con el fin de recabar su opinión sobre los nuevos servicios de los parques (como zonas de juego, campos de pelota, canchas de baloncesto y tenis, jardines, parques de patinaje, parrillas, etc.), nuevos programas de reactivación de parques y para escuchar lo que la comunidad considera prioritario para las mejoras de Long Branch-Arliss Neighborhood Park), Long Branch Local Park, New Hampshire Estates Neighborhood Park, y Quebec Terrace Neighborhood Park.

We Want Your Input! ¡Queremos su opinión!

Share your thoughts and ideas by taking our brief online survey. Comments are being accepted until September 30, 2022.

Por favor, comparta sus opiniones e ideas a través de nuestra breve encuesta en línea. Se aceptan comentarios hasta el 30 de septiembre de 2022.

2022 Veterans Plaza Festival Guide!

Silver Spring Summer Concerts Are Back!

Thursdays, June 23rd to August 11th
7:00pm-9:00pm at Veteran's Plaza

Thursday nights will be alive with music in Downtown Silver Spring as the free “Silver Spring Thursday Night Concerts” series returns to Veterans Plaza from June 23-Aug. 11. The concert series, from 7-9 p.m., will kick off with the Latin rhythms, Spanish vocals and Celtic instruments of La Unica, Latin Celtic Rhythms on June 23.  

Veterans Plaza is located at 1 Veterans Place, adjacent to the Silver Spring Civic Building. The outdoor series has eight concerts scheduled.   

Attendees can bring chairs, but they do not have to do that. Food and drinks are available from the many nearby downtown eateries. No alcohol is permitted on the plaza.  

The lineup for the Thursday night concert series:  

• June 30: Moxie Blues Band, Blues. The six-piece Moxie Blues Band plays blues and blues rock with a touch of Southern rock. 
• July 7: Josh Christina, Rockabilly. Baltimore-based rockabilly artist Josh Christina inherited his musical chops from his father (a drummer), his mother (Baltimore-area singer Patti Christina) and his grandmother, who was a big band singer in the 1940s and '50s. Josh spent the past 15 years honing his sound—a combination of the country, classic rock, big band and rockabilly. 
• July 14: Ocho de Bastos, Latin Ocho de Bastos (Eight of Clubs) blends powerful drums, Latin percussion and catchy brass riffs with a unique guitar sound. 
• July 21: Guys in Thin Ties, ‘80s Alternative. The alternative ‘80s band plays your favorite, hard-driving tunes from the era of MTV and rad music videos. 
• July 28: Route 66, Classic Rock and Country. Route 66, also known as Club 66, plays everything from rock and roll, classic rock, blues, Motown, boogie woogie and old school country.   
• 4: Elliot Levine, R&B and Funk. The R&B and funk pianist has toured with Wilson Pickett, Heatwave and Brian McKnight. 
• 11: Gary and the Groove, Rock and Roll. Their rock and roll music covers all decades from the 1950s to the ‘90s--and even some hits from today.  

Performances are canceled due to weather only if it is raining at 7 p.m. For more information about the series, visit silverspringdowntown.com.  

Open House at the Historic Silver Spring B&O Railroad

Saturday, August 6th at 10:00am - 2:00pm
Free!
8100 Georgia Ave., S.S. 20910

English Conversation Club at the Library

The English Conversation Club invites non-native English speakers to join us to practice speaking and listening with a friendly group from many countries. The event is free and no registration is required.

Please join us on every Wednesday, from 10:30 until 12, in conference room 1 on the third floor of the Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library.  And tell your friends.

Further information is available at the library's webpage here: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/6854539

Club Español de Conversación: English/Spanish Language Exchange

Intercambio Inglés/Español 

Teen Writer's Club

2022 Takoma Park Street Festival Application is OPEN

Neighborhood Event Matching Fund

COUNTY WIDE OPPORTUNITIES

Montgomery County Reopens Fourth Phase of COVID-19 Rent Relief Program; Previously Incomplete and New Applications Will Be Accepted

Beginning today, the fourth phase of the COVID-19 rent relief will reopen for applications from eligible Montgomery County renters who either did not fully complete their previously submitted application or want to submit a new application for review. The previous deadline was June 30.  The program provides financial assistance for tenants that have experienced a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is administered by the County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

“I am pleased to announce the reopening of the rental relief program. We have additional funds to distribute, and we know that the need for this assistance has not gone away,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “The impact of this pandemic will be with us for quite some time, so I urge eligible residents who are in need to not delay and apply today.”

The rent relief program launched in May 2020 and as of July 24, has distributed $79.1 million in financial assistance.  Funding for the fourth phase was provided by U.S. Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance funds in direct allocations to the County and as a sub-grantee to the State of Maryland.

Based on the number of applications received to-date for the fourth phase, it is anticipated that there will be additional funds within the program to support eligible residents. Applications will continue to be processed based on priority factors including income, eviction risk, and geographic location.

Visit www.mc311.com/rentrelief to apply online or log-in to an existing account to continue a previously started application. 

If someone previously registered to set up an online account or started an application before the prior deadline, they can log into their  account to continue an application. There is no need to submit another application.  Please note only submitted applications will be reviewed for assistance. 

Residents who have already applied can check the status of their application through the online portal.  DHHS continues to process cases daily. Once a case is assigned, applicants will hear from an assigned case worker via email, mail, or telephone.

An email address is needed to complete an application.  If someone does not have an email address, we stronly encourage them to set one up or connect with  the property manager/landlord who can apply on their behalf. People in households without internet access or who need assistance completing the application should call 311 (240-777-0311) to get connected with County staff or partners for assistance in completing an application.

Renters facing an immediate loss of housing should call 311 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to be connected with DHHS’ Housing Stabilization Services. For more answers to frequently asked questions about the rent relief program, visit www.mc311.com/rentrelief.

El Condado de Montgomery Reabre la Cuarta Fase del Programa de Alivio de Renta por COVID-19; Se aceptarán solicitudes nuevas y previamente incompletas

A partir de hoy, la cuarta fase del alivio de alquiler por COVID-19 se reabrirá para las solicitudes de inquilinos elegibles del Condado de Montgomery que no llenaron completamente su solicitud presentada anteriormente o que buscan presentar una nueva solicitud para su revisión. La fecha límite anterior era el 30 de junio. El programa brinda asistencia financiera a los inquilinos que han experimentado dificultades financieras debido a la pandemia de COVID-19. El programa es administrado por el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos del Condado (DHHS, por sus siglas en inglés).

“Me complace anunciar la reapertura del programa de alivio de alquiler. Tenemos fondos adicionales para distribuir y sabemos que la necesidad de esta asistencia no ha desaparecido”, dijo el Ejecutivo del Condado de Montgomery, Marc Elrich. “El impacto de esta pandemia estará con nosotros durante bastante tiempo, por lo que insto a los residentes elegibles que lo necesiten a que no se demoren y presenten su solicitud hoy”.

El programa de alivio de alquileres lanzado en mayo de 2020 y hasta el 24 de julio ha distribuido $79.1 millones en asistencia financiera. El financiamiento para la cuarta fase fue proporcionado por los fondos de Asistencia de Alquiler de Emergencia del Departamento del Tesoro de los EE. UU. en asignaciones directas al Condado y como sub-beneficiario del Estado de Maryland.

Según la cantidad de solicitudes recibidas hasta la fecha para la cuarta fase, se anticipa que habrá fondos adicionales dentro del programa para apoyar a los residentes elegibles. Las solicitudes continuarán procesándose en función de factores de prioridad, incluidos los ingresos, el riesgo de desalojo y la ubicación geográfica.

Visite www.mc311.com/rentrelief para presentar su solicitud electrónicamente o inicie sesión en una cuenta existente para continuar con una solicitud iniciada previamente. Si alguien ya ha solicitado, no vuelva a aplicar.

Si alguien que se registró previamente creó una cuenta electrónica o inició una solicitud antes de la fecha límite anterior, puede iniciar sesión en su cuenta para continuar con la solicitud. No es necesario presentar otra solicitud. Tenga en cuenta que solo las solicitudes enviadas serán revisadas para recibir asistencia.

Los residentes que ya hayan solicitado pueden consultar el estado de la solicitud a través del portal electrónico. DHHS continúa procesando casos diariamente. Una vez que se asigna un caso, los solicitantes se comunicarán con un asistente social asignado por correo electrónico, correo postal o teléfono.

Se necesita una dirección de correo electrónico para completar la solicitud. Si alguien no tiene una dirección de correo electrónico, le recomendamos que establezca una o que se conecte con el administrador de la propiedad/propietario que pueda presentar la solicitud en su nombre. Las personas en hogares sin acceso a Internet o que necesitan ayuda para completar la solicitud deben llamar al 311 (240-777-0311) para conectarse con el personal del condado o socios para obtener ayuda para completar una solicitud.

Los inquilinos que enfrentan una pérdida inmediata de vivienda deben llamar al 311 de lunes a viernes de 7:00 a.m. a 7:00 p.m.  para ser conectados con los Servicios de Estabilización de Vivienda del DHHS. Para obtener más respuestas a las preguntas frecuentes sobre el programa de alivio del alquiler, visite www.mc311.com/rentrelief.

Commuters working in Montgomery County can get reimbursed for up to $280 a month for using public transit, or vanpooling, by asking their employers to set up a transportation benefits program. The “FareShare” program of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) offers reimbursements to local businesses for their employees’ costs for commuting to work by public transit—and the money is tax-free.

In addition to vanpools, the program could cover expenses incurred by commuters using Ride On bus, Metrobus, Metrorail or MARC train to commute to and from a workplace within Montgomery County.

Businesses looking to implement or expand a transportation benefit program must commit to covering the first $25 per month of travel costs for employees who use buses or vanpools. The County will cover expenses over the initial $25, up to $280 a month. The full subsidy could be as high as $3,360 per year, per employee. It is tax-free to both the employee and the employer.

There is a maximum payout of $40,000 to each business per year. The reimbursements can be a direct benefit, a pre-tax payroll deduction or a combination of both. MCDOT Commuter Services staff offers free assistance in setting up a commuter benefits program that is tailored to a business’ needs. 

"I'm pleased to help businesses in Montgomery County work with their employees to increase public transit ridership and vanpooling in our area," said County Executive Marc Elrich. "This program helps take cars off the road and lower the cost of commuting to work while reducing pollution levels."

Participating employers are also eligible for a state tax credit of 50 percent of their $25 contribution per employee each month. This credit is available to both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. For more information on tax credits, visit Commuter Choice Maryland here.

“A lot of workers are returning to offices at least on a hybrid schedule,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “With gas prices so high, people are looking for alternatives that will make their commute less expensive and more convenient. Employers have an opportunity to provide an impactful benefit to their employees and to reduce their taxes.”

Transportation benefits help raise employee satisfaction, help businesses recruit and retain employees, and help promote the organization as an employer that cares about its workforce and the environment.

A Montgomery County Commuter Services partner, Ellumen, Inc., recently received the 2022 Employer Recognition Award for the marketing of its commuter benefits program. The small privately held healthcare IT company based in Silver Spring has reduced employee vehicle miles traveled by 512,080 miles and saved an estimated 23,276 gallons of gas annually through marketing efforts geared towards employees.

For more information and to request free support to implement or increase a transportation reimbursement program visit the MCDOT website here.

For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.

Montgomery County Launches ‘Reducing Food Waste Begins with You’ Campaign

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has launched an educational awareness campaign to provide residents, businesses and organizations with ways to reduce the estimated 124,000 tons of food scraps that are thrown away every year in the County. The "Food Is Too Good to Waste--Reducing Food Wasted Begins With You" campaign includes a public service announcement entitled Reducing Food Waste Begins With You.

Montgomery County is committed to reducing waste and recycling more as it aims for zero waste. Reducing food waste is a key objective of the County's Climate Action Plan, which includes preventing and lessening the amount of food waste created.

"It's sad to think Montgomery County residents and businesses are throwing away roughly 124,000 tons of food scraps a year, when we have residents who do not have regular access to quality, nutritious food," said County Executive Marc Elrich. "We can help reduce food insecurity and the amount of food that is thrown away by buying only what we need and donating excess edible foods to food rescue organizations, food pantries and shelters. This is just part of look out for those who are most in need, something that is key to having a healthy community."

Food waste generally comes from:

• Excess or unwanted food that can still be eaten but is not.
• Food scraps generated as food is being prepared at home.
• Food scraps generated as food is prepared at restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, hospitals and other businesses or facilities.
• Food that is believed to be expired, or past its “sell by,” “best by,” or “best if used by” dates.
• Foods that have marks or blemishes on them.
• Unused food from farms such as unharvested crops.

Among the ways to reduce food waste are:

• Plan meals in advance.
• Make a shopping list and check expiration dates on the items purchased.
• Cook the food you buy.
• Cook smaller portions to cut down on the amount of leftovers.
• Save extra food in reusable containers and add a label listing the contents and the date before storing in the refrigerator or pantry.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says “food waste is one of the largest streams of material in American trash.”

"Throwing away unused or leftover food doesn't seem like a big deal, but it adds up.  The food waste that we collectively generate impacts us socially, environmentally and economically," said County DEP Acting Director Adriana Hochberg.  "Doing things that prevent food waste in the first place reduces the cost of collecting food waste for composting or disposal and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. It also puts money back in your pocket."

To learn more about reducing food waste, visit https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/SWS/foodwaste/food-waste.html. Additional information also available by contacting Eileen Kao at 240-777-6406 or Eileen.kao@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Montgomery County Recreation Rises Up in Celebration of Parks and Recreation Month 

July is Park and Recreation Month, and Montgomery County Recreation invites residents to come out and enjoy one, or all, of the hundreds of recreation programs offered that contribute to a healthier lifestyle and enhance the quality of life for all ages, cultures, and abilities. The month-long celebration is a National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) initiative.  

“Montgomery County is more welcoming, stronger, vibrant, and resilient because of the outstanding recreation programs and services,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “I hope everyone will take advantage of all the excellent amenities offered by our team at Montgomery County Recreation and take some time this month to thank them for all their great work.” 

“July comes in with a bang with our Independence Day fireworks and concerts and throughout the month we reach thousands of residents at our senior centers, community recreation centers, and swimming pools, or through our summer programs which serve many age groups," said Montgomery County Recreation Director Robin Riley. “The work we do every day makes a difference to those we serve. I am incredibly proud of the hard-working recreation team members who ensure our residents have high-quality, essential recreation services.”  

Montgomery County Recreation joins NRPA in encouraging community members to share their experiences, memories, and stories about what the recreation department means to them. Share your stories with Montgomery County Recreation using the hashtag #RiseUpJuly on social media via Facebook and Twitter and follow to stay current on the latest with the department.  

Learn more about Montgomery County Recreation by visiting the website. 

Study released on predicting and preventing severe traffic crashes in Montgomery County

MCDOT/Ride On Fare Collection Restart & New Route 27

MCPL’s Summer Reading Challenge! offers kids and teens a chance to fill their summer with great books and fun activities. This year, participants will help save the Chesapeake Bay (PDF). By completing missions, participants can help MCPL and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation preserve the Chesapeake Bay watershed, clean up the Chesapeake Bay, and provide healthy habitats for Chesapeake Bay animals.

Join in by reading books, completing creative learning activities, and attending library programs all summer long. You'll earn free books, badges, and Nationals tickets, plus entries for exciting raffles!

Participating is easy:

• Sign up (or log in) online starting June 15.
• Earn online badges to complete the program.
• (Optional) Print an Early Literacy or Elementary School Age game board at home or pick one up at your local library.
• Take our survey in English or Spanish when you've finished the program. Your voice counts!

COVID-19 News from Montgomery County 

Montgomery County to Begin Vaccinating Children Ages 6 Months to 5 Years

Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccine for children ages 6 months to 5 years of age, the County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will begin vaccinating children in this age group by appointment only today, Wednesday, June 22 from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at three County-operated clinics.  The Maryland Department of Health is also providing vaccine  to pediatricians and participating local pharmacies.  Available appointments are posted at www.GoVaxMoCo.com.

““It is good news that this last age group is now eligible to receive their vaccine doses,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We know that many parents are anxious to get their babies and young children vaccinated as quickly as possible. As we have seen with previous vaccine roll-outs, we expect great demand over the next couple of weeks for these vaccines with limited supply available. Because the majority of the vaccines are going to private pediatric providers, we encourage all parents to check with their pediatrician’s office before using our website to sign up for an appointment,”  he said.  “I am grateful for the preparation, planning and outreach efforts from DHHS and our community partners to ensure equitable access to these vaccines,” he continued.  “Getting vaccinated and boosted is important to our COVID mitigation efforts, and we continue to encourage everyone to make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations.”

When vaccine supply is available, new appointments will be posted at 3 p.m. at www.GoVaxMoCo.com.  County-operated clinics for this age group will focus on weekend clinics and will include some weekday evening hours.  Appointments are required at this time.  The County will continue to receive doses from the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), with the majority of doses going to private physicians and pharmacies.

“We know that many parents have been anxiously awaiting the approval of the COVID-19 vaccine for younger children,” said Dr. James Bridgers, acting County health officer. “Because vaccine delivery amount will take some time to ramp up, parents are urged to be patient, as there will not be enough supply initially to vaccinate all eligible children immediately. The Maryland Department of Health has assured local health departments across the State that vaccine supplies will continue to be distributed weekly."

The County will continue to ensure vaccine is distributed equitably and that includes hosting clinics in areas where vaccination rates are lower. County-operated clinics will require appointments, initially, to ensure that there is enough vaccine at each site. MCPS is working with DHHS to help community members make appointments. 

For the latest COVID-19 updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website.  Follow Montgomery County DHHS on Facebook @mocDHHS and Twitter @MoCoDHHS.

Passengers using Montgomery County’s Ride On buses are no longer required to wear a mask but are strongly recommended to voluntarily wear them.  The change to the County’s masking policy comes after the announcement on April 18 that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) decided to suspend enforcement of a mask mandate on all modes of public transportation.  TSA’s decision came after a Federal judge’s ruling that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s mask mandate was unconstitutional. Ride On bus operators will no longer be required to wear a mask because of this change. 

“We think this is a bad decision by a Trump judge, who has no expertise in public health, to over-rule our nation’s public health experts,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.  “Not only will this increase risk during the current surge, but it undermines potential tools available for public health officials for future surges or future diseases.  As we join the region and comply with this legal decision, we are going to continue to monitor our transmission rates and legal options regarding masking.  We highly encourage all residents to wear masks on our buses, as well as in crowded indoor areas.  And, as we currently see our COVID rates increase, it is imperative that everyone stays up to date on their vaccinations.” 

The County’s decision to lift the mask mandate on public transportation was done to provide passengers and operators with consistency with WMATA (Metro) and other regional transportation systems.  WMATA announced that it was lifting the mask mandate throughout its transportations system. County health officials continue to strongly recommend masking, particularly for those riders who are unvaccinated, immunocompromised or have chronic diseases that put them at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19. 

“To provide consistency within the region, masks will not be required on County buses at this time,” said County Department of Transportation Director Chris Conklin. “However, I encourage the continued use of masks to protect yourself and others as there are members of our community who remain vulnerable to serious illness from COVID-19.  Our operators will continue to provide masks to riders who need them.” 

Ride On continues to offer free fares to all riders until at least July 2, 2022. 

For more information on COVID-19 testing and vaccination, visit the County’s COVID-19 website.  For more information about Ride On, visit their website. 

For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Subscribe to receive email alerts at montgomerycountymd.gov/govdelivery or text MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311 to receive text alerts. 

 For information on MCDOT programs, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, visit the MCDOT website, and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.

Entra en Vigor de Inmediato: El uso de mascarillas o cobertura facial es ahora opcional en los autobuses Ride On del Condado de Montgomery

Los pasajeros que utilizan los autobuses Ride On del Condado de Montgomery ya no están obligados a usar una mascarilla, pero se recomienda enfáticamente que la usen voluntariamente. El cambio en la política de mascarillas del condado se produce después del anuncio el 18 de abril de que la Administración de Seguridad del Transporte (TSA, por sus siglas en inglés) decidió suspender la aplicación del mandato de mascarillas en todos los modos de transporte público. La decisión de la TSA se produjo después de que un juez federal dictaminara que el mandato de máscara de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades era inconstitucional. Debido a este cambio, ya no se requerirá que los operadores de autobuses de Ride On usen una mascarilla.

“Creemos que esta es una mala decisión de un juez de Trump, que no tiene experiencia en salud pública, de invalidar a los expertos en salud pública de nuestra nación," dijo el Ejecutivo del Condado Marc Elrich. “Esto no solo aumentará el riesgo durante el aumento actual, sino que socava las herramientas potenciales disponibles para los funcionarios de salud pública para futuros auges repentinos o futuras enfermedades. A medida que nos unamos a la región y cumplamos con esta decisión legal, continuaremos monitoreando nuestras tasas de transmisión y opciones legales con respecto al enmascaramiento. Recomendamos encarecidamente a todos los residentes que usen mascarillas en nuestros autobuses, así como en áreas interiores con muchas personas. Y, como actualmente vemos que nuestras tasas de COVID aumentan, es imperativo que todos se mantengan al día con sus vacunas."

La decisión del condado de levantar el mandato de uso de mascarillas en el transporte público se tomó para brindarles a los pasajeros y operadores consistencia con WMATA (Metro) y otros sistemas de transporte regionales. WMATA anunció que estaba levantando el mandato de uso de mascarillas en todo su sistema de transporte. Los funcionarios de salud del condado continúan recomendando enfáticamente el uso de cobertura facial, particularmente para aquellos pasajeros que no están vacunados, los que están inmunocomprometidos o tienen enfermedades crónicas que los ponen en mayor riesgo de contraer una enfermedad grave por COVID-19.

“Para brindar consistencia dentro de la región, no se requerirán mascarillas en los autobuses del condado en este momento," dijo el Director del Departamento de Transporte del Condado, Chris Conklin. “Sin embargo, recomiendo el uso continuo de mascarillas para protegerse a sí mismo y a los demás, ya que hay miembros de nuestra comunidad que siguen siendo vulnerables a enfermedades graves por COVID-19. Nuestros operadores continuarán proporcionando mascarillas a los pasajeros que las necesiten."

Ride On continúa ofreciendo tarifas gratuitas a todos los pasajeros hasta al menos el 2 de julio de 2022.

Para obtener más información sobre pruebas y vacunación de COVID-19, visite el sitio web COVID-19 del condado. Para obtener información adicional sobre Ride On, visite su sitio web.

Financial Assistance for Homeowners Impacted by COVID 

The Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund is now open to provide grants or loans for delinquent mortgage payments, past due association fees, past due real estate taxes, home repairs, and energy efficiency improvements. Eligibility is based on income and COVID impact; owner occupancy is required. To learn more, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/homeowners 

For free assistance in understanding and applying for funds, Montgomery County homeowners should contact one of these approved housing counseling agencies: 

·         Housing Initiative Partnership, Inc.: 301-916-5946 

·         Latino Economic Development Center: 202-540-7401 

·         First Home Alliance: 877-250-9025 

Housing counselors will help homeowners in understanding additional relief options based on their specific circumstances and can assist in finding a solution that works best for each homeowner. The application process is available at the Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund program. 

Recent Press Releases

Montgomery County Press Releases
for the latest news

PRESS RELEASE CENTERS

County Executive

County Council

MCPS

M-NCPPC

State Government

If you live in Takoma Park, you can also visit the City's link:
https://takomaparkmd.gov/news/information-and-resources-you-can-use/
Si vives en Takoma Park, también puedes visitar el enlace de la Ciudad

QUESTIONS? CALL 311

SILVER SPRING REGIONAL CENTER
Silver Spring Civic Building
One Veterans Plaza
Silver Spring, MD  20910
240-777-5301

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See you around Silver Spring!