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The Silver Spring Regional Center occasional "e-blast"                
(Reemberto Rodriguez, Director)
 
 
Released 10:00a.m. Saturday, May 8th, 2021

GET VACCINATED FOR MOTHERS DAY

Make your own appointment to be vaccinated at the 
Silver Spring Civic Building.

Appointments are available today and tomorrow! 

Click on the date you’re interested to make an appointment: 

Saturday, May 8

Sunday, May 9 
 

Please visit our more robust directory of
"All Things Silver Spring"
for much more information, links, and contacts.


QUESTIONS? CALL 311

ON TWITTER:
CONNECT WITH THE COUNTY EXCECUTIVE @MontCoExec
CONNECT WITH THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR @Reemberto


RE-OPENING INFORMATION
Here
 

Coronavirus COVID-19 info


for the latest, please see the Press Releases.

Coronavirus Vaccine Information

 

Who is currently receiving vaccines?

Direct scheduling and walk-up available for COVID-19 appointments


In order to “get shot in every arm,” both the State of Maryland and Montgomery County have opened up direct scheduling (you make the appointment) and some no-appointment walk-up opportunities. Remember, everyone 16 years and older is eligible to be vaccinated.

Maryland
  • Direct scheduling. Visit covidvax.maryland.gov or call the state’s COVID-19 vaccination support center, 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829), available seven days a week, 7 am-10 pm.
  • No-appointment/walk-up. Marylanders also now can get vaccinated at most state mass vaccination sites without an appointment. Click here for the schedule.

Montgomery County
  • Direct scheduling. Make your own appointment to be vaccinated at the Silver Spring Civic Building. Appointments are available today and tomorrow! Click on the date you’re interested to make an appointment: Saturday, May 8Sunday, May 9. Free parking available. Ride-On buses are also free.
  • No appointment/walk up. Beginning tomorrow, residents can get vaccinated without an appointment, 10 am-2 pm, at the county’s Germantown mass vaccination site at Montgomery College. 
For much more:
visit the County’s
main website and/or the COVID-19 website 
follow Montgomery County on 
Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo 
Twitter
 @MontgomeryCoMD.




Comedian and WPGC 95.5 Radio Host Joe Clair Speaks on
the Importance of Covid-19 Testing to the Black Community 

 

It's getting warm in these streets, and I know everyone is about to start playing. But COVID-19 is no joke! So, know your status and protect one another.

Don't Stress, Take the Test!

The African American Health Program and Fit Fathers are hosting free COVID-19 test sites in Montgomery County, MD. You'll also receive free school supplies, groceries, backpacks, and pandemic swag such as gloves and masks. 

Visit AAHPcovid.com for locations and dates. Now go get tested, people!

Watch the Video
 

Free Pandemic Swag & Covid-19 Testing in MoCo MD

The spring season is on full display with sunnier days and the desire to get out and about. However, COVID-19 continues to be a major health concern in our community. So it's still important knowing your status to protect one another. But no worries, the African American Health Program (AAHP) has you covered.

 

Don't Stress, Take the Test!

AAHP is hosting free COVID-19 testing at various locations in Montgomery County, MD. More importantly, you will receive free school supplies, groceries, a backpack, and pandemic swag such as gloves, masks, and a digital thermometer. 

Visit AAHPcovid.com for almost daily locations and dates. No appointment required!




Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board Meeting


Monday, May 10th at 7:00 PM

Virtual Meeting. Registration required.*

 

Join us Monday Night! for your Citizens Advisory Board Meeting.  This month’s full Board meeting features two main discussions: 

  1. Thrive 2050 Update with Khalid Afzal, Special Projects Manager, Carrie McCarthy, Research Division Chief, and presentation by Casey Anderson and Gwen Wright

  2. A Conversation on Renting in Montgomery County with Aseem Nigam, Director of The Department of Housing and Community Affairs, and Matt Losak of the Renters Alliance
The Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board is tasked with providing advice to the County Executive and County Council on issues affecting Silver Spring and Takoma Park. These issues include transportation, economic development, housing, youth activities and the environment. All meetings are open to the public and we encourage community participation.

The Board represents residents who live in the Silver Spring Region, which includes the area between Rock Creek Park & the Prince Georges County line, the area south of I-495 to the District of Columbia, including all of the City of Takoma Park, & all of Four Corners, including the Four Corners neighborhoods north of I-495. More on the Board from links at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/silverspring/

 

*Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkf-uhqzIuE90HUBo0Z33weANz-Ur_I79u



 

eNewsletter

TABLE OF CONTENTS

for some virtual events coming up

(Scroll down or link takes you to more info in this newsletter)
 
Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board Meeting
Temporary Lane Closures on Wayne Avenue
Youth Civic Saturday
Silver Spring's Own Improbable Comedy Presents: The MOTHER of all Comedy shows
Ellsworth Drive Reopening to Pedestrians on May 10

Taste the World in Fenton Village
Silver Spring Town Center Inc Virtual Schedule
County Council Calendar
Montgomery County Planning Board and Planning Department May Online Events
Vision Zero Plan Listening Sessions
Montgomery County Hosts Revitalization and Recovery Virtual Town Hall
Renter Town Hall
Virtual Trainings with the Montgomery County Food Council
Montgomery County Covid Rent Relief Program Phase 3

Bike To Work Day
Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar weekly testing scheduled for next week
Middle Eastern American Authors Series at Montgomery County Public Libraries
Online Process to Request Food Assistance Resources Available 24/7


SILVER SPRING REGION OPPORTUNITIES




Temporary Lane Closures on Wayne Avenue

Beginning on or about April 28, 2021


Crews will perform underground utility relocations on Wayne Avenue (MD 594A) at Fenton Street for approximately five weeks, weather permitting. Temporary closures of the right lane of westbound Wayne Avenue will occur. Work may take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and as needed, on weekends.
 

Cierres Temporales De Carriles En Wayne Avenue

A partir del 28 de abril de 2021 o alrededor de esa fecha


Los equipos realizarán reubicaciones de servicios públicos subterráneos en Wayne Avenue (MD 594A) en Fenton Street durante aproximadamente cinco semanas, si el clima lo permite. Se producirán cierres temporales del carril derecho de Wayne Avenue en dirección oeste. El trabajo puede realizarse de 7 a.m. a 7 p.m. entre semana y, según sea necesario, los fines de semana.

For more local closures please click here and then click Silver Spring


Youth Civic Saturday 

Saturday, May 8th at 11:00am

The Civic Circle and No Boundaries Youth Organizers invite you to Youth Civic Saturday on the topic: 

You Have the Power

Youth speak out on how they are changing narratives and using their collective power 

At this Civic Saturday, youth will share their success stories about organizing and speaking out. We will also hear youth songs, readings and poetry, and break out into circles for civic conversations. 

No Boundaries Youth Organizers (NbYO), is a leadership program focused on providing community organizing, professional, and life skills to youth ages 13 to 19, with a connection to Central West Baltimore's 21217 neighborhood. 

The Civic Circle empowers young students to understand and participate in democracy through music and the arts.

Launched by Seattle-based Citizen University, Civic Saturday seeks to build community and inspire civic action with gatherings that feature music, poetry, civic readings, and remarks that explore our shared values and identities as Americans. 

All are welcome to this FREE virtual gathering.

Register HERE.

For information, contact info@theciviccircle.org 



Silver Spring's Own Improbable Comedy Presents: 
The MOTHER of all Comedy shows

Sunday, May 9th at 7:30pm

 

Happy Mother's Day!

Want to make this Mother's Day extra special?!

Join us for some laughs with this awesome all ladies lineup! See Emily Page, Kandace Saunders, Mary Mack and Abbi Crutchfield.

This is the perfect way to spend the holiday and make some memories. We even do some special giveaways for this great show.

Grab some snacks and sit back, relax, and laugh! Tickets are Pay What You Can.

**Pay What You Can. Any amount is welcome but please be as generous as possible. A live comedy show ticket would cost between $15 - 50. Giving generously allows our performers and production staff to support themselves and keep creating!

More info and ticket/registration link at www.improbablecomedy.com or register directly here.



Ellsworth Drive Reopening to Pedestrians on May 10


Downtown Silver Spring announced plans to restrict vehicular access to Ellsworth Dr. and create an enhanced pedestrian-oriented experience beginning May 10. During the pandemic, this popular street was opened to vehicles to accommodate convenient curbside pickup for restaurants and retailers and to offer customers added convenience during the winter months. This temporary initiative played a vital role in the survival of restaurants and retailers coping with capacity restrictions and limits on indoor dining. Now that the weather has improved and restrictions are easing, the timing is right to return Ellsworth Dr. to the pedestrian friendly space it was prior to the pandemic.

Plans for Ellsworth Dr. include an exciting 300-foot-long large-scale street mural that is being created by Chalk Riot, a D.C.-based public arts production company that specializes in pavement art and interactive murals. The woman-owned and operated business is led by principals Chelsea Ritter-Soronen and Liza Fishbone. Additional bistro tables and chairs, shade umbrellas and colorful planters will further complement the area and provide visitors with a vibrant outdoor space for dining and socializing. The street mural is scheduled to be installed in late May.

Last week Downtown Silver Spring introduced Blumen Lumen, a 25-foot-tall interactive, commissioned art installation at the corner of Georgia Ave. and Colesville Rd. The illuminated, kinetic cluster of flowers changes color, opens and closes based on information it receives from the National Weather Service and voice activation. Throughout the month of May, several new art installations will embrace the Blumen Lumen theme and include overhead origami and floral art installations in both breezeways by Design Foundry; and Flower Tower, a transformation of the elevator tower with a multistory floral art display by Brightly Ever After.


Taste The World in Fenton Village

Sunday, May 16th through Saturday, May 22nd



After the COVID-19 health crisis in Spring 2020 limited the Taste the World in Fenton Village, the 11th annual celebration of the diverse restaurants in Downtown Silver Spring (south of Wayne Avenue) returns in a big way from Sunday, May 16th through Saturday, May 22nd. Those who support the approximately 50 participating restaurants that were severely impacted by the health crisis will have an opportunity to win prizes up to $500.

Fenton Village is known for its varied dining cuisines in the southern section of downtown Silver Spring. It is bounded approximately by Wayne Avenue to the North, Sligo Avenue to the South, Georgia Avenue to the West, and Fenton Street to the East. Locally and independently owned restaurants participating in Taste the World offer cuisines that include Burmese, Cuban, Ethiopian, Greek, Thai, traditional American and many more. The area also includes an independent brewery and specialty shops.

Foodies from around the region recognize the incredible diversity of culinary delights that exist in Montgomery County, and Taste the World in Fenton Village allows diners to experience a world of tastes in one place,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Our restaurants have been great partners throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the safety of their patrons and help keep our COVID case rate among the lowest in the State. As we turn the page and recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic, we need to support them. Participating—while following COVID safe protocols and guidance—in the Taste the World event is an important step.

Montgomery County is currently allowing outdoor or patio seating, with indoor dining limited to 50 percent of capacity. Some restaurants offer extended outdoor seating with portions of the street or sidewalk blocked off.

HOW THE RAFFLE WORKS

  • Taste the World provides diners with the opportunity to win cash prizes while supporting the Fenton Village participating restaurants during the special week. Diners who visit three or more restaurants during the week—whether by dining at the restaurants, getting takeout or via delivery—will become eligible for a raffle drawing of cash prizes of $500, $250 or $100. Diners can enter the drawing by submitting their receipts.

For more information on Taste the World, including details on how to enter the raffle and the list of restaurants participating in the special week, go to this link https://www.silverspringdowntown.com/fenton-village/taste-the-world-in-fenton-village.

The Taste the World is sponsored by Montgomery County, the Silver Spring Urban District and Arts & Entertainment District and Bud Miller.



Silver Spring Town Center Inc Virtual Schedule




 

 

COUNTY WIDE OPPORTUNITIES

 



County Council Calendar


Click the image below for more information


Click the image above for more information


Montgomery County Planning Board and Planning Department May Online Events

 

The Montgomery County Planning Board and the Montgomery County Planning Department, both part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), have announced their May 2021 calendar of online meetings. For more details, review the list of events below and visit www.montgomeryplanning.org.

During this time of social distancing in response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Planning Board will continue to hold public meetings online while Montgomery Planning’s new headquarters (2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD) is closed to the public. Community members may sign up to testify and provide comments to the Board, during the meeting, on specific agenda items through Microsoft Teams or phone. Written testimony may be submitted in advance of the meeting. The April schedule of events is subject to change based on the ongoing response to the COVID-19 virus.

 There are many ways to participate in Planning Board meetings:

  • Watch the Planning Board meeting live online and on demand.
  • Listen live over the phone to the Planning Board meeting by calling: 866-774-0898 Password: 24252020
  • Sign up to testify via phone during the Planning Board meeting. To testify, fill out the Sign Up to Testify form by 12 noon on the day before the Planning Board meeting. On the afternoon before the meeting, you will receive an email with a phone number to call during a designated time to provide your testimony for a specific agenda item. Submitting this form online by the deadline is the only way to testify on meeting items.
  • Email your written testimony with comments on specific Planning Board agenda items to mcp-chair@mncppc-mc.org by 12 noon on the day before the Planning Board meeting.
  • If you have questions, send an email to mcp-chair@mncppc-mc.org or leave a message at 301-495-4605 and a staff member in the Planning Board Chair’s office will contact you.

May 11 - Montgomery Planning will host the virtual event, “Chat with a Planner: Parks and Public Spaces,” (7 – 8:15 p.m.) in support of the Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan. Join Parks Department planner Cristina Sassaki and colleagues for a conversation about parks and public spaces in Silver Spring. Learn how the Energized Public Spaces Plan uses a data-based approach to analyze the existing need for more parks and how we plan for the future. RSVP for the online meeting (RSVPs required).

May 13 – The Planning Board will hold its meeting online. Consult the Planning Board’s agenda, posted 10 days before the meeting for more information. Watch the meetings online via live stream or review previous meetings on demand.

May 18 – Montgomery Planning will host the first session in the virtual CommUNITY Conversations in Fairland series called, “New Discoveries on Sacred Ground: Paying Homage to Local Pioneers” (6 - 8 p.m.). After launching the African American Historic Sites project five years ago, the Historic Preservation Division is committed to an honest and equitable representation of the county’s complete history and heritage. In our efforts to broaden awareness of African American heritage sites (such as burial sites, churches, homesteads, and farmlands) and encourage dialogue between community members, attendees will view a documentary film about the legacy of Sarah Lee and Malinda Jackson. The documentary will tell their story from multiple perspectives. Panelists will hold a question-and-answer session following the documentary. Registration is required and this program has been approved for AICP and ASLA continuing education credits.

Montgomery Planning will host the virtual event, “Chat with a Planner: Creating a Sustainable Downtown,” (7 - 8:15 p.m.) in support of the Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan. Join Environmental Planner Tina Schneider to learn sustainable principles for making a downtown climate resilient while improving ecological biodiversity. The conversation will include a brief presentation followed by a group discussion. RSVP for the online meeting (RSVPs required).

May 20 – The previously scheduled Planning Board meeting has been cancelled.

May 21 – Montgomery Planning Board Chair Casey Anderson will give a presentation and moderate a Missing Middle Housing panel at the 30th Annual Affordable Housing Summit (1:15 p.m.). This virtual event is hosted by the Affordable Housing Conference of Montgomery County, Maryland (AHCMC) and is open to the public. More information on how to attend is on the AHCMC website.

May 25 – Montgomery Planning will host the second session in the virtual CommUNITY Conversations in Fairland series called, “The Importance of People-First Transportation Planning” (6 - 8 p.m.). As we plan to strengthen connections and communities along our corridors in Montgomery County, we must consider the impact that transportation planning has on racial equity and social justice. This session will focus on the Fairland and Briggs Chaney Plan area’s challenges of connectedness and pedestrian safety. The session will dive into the origins of Vision Zero, the Pedestrian Master Plan and present the latest data produced from these plans. Attendees will also hear personal stories from neighborhood champions that highlight the walking culture and pedestrian experience in the Fairland and Briggs Chaney community. Registration is required and this program has been approved for AICP and ASLA continuing education credits.

Montgomery Planning will host the virtual event, “Chat with a Planner: Affordable Housing,” (7 - 8:15 p.m.) in support of the Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan. Join Housing Planner Lisa Govoni for a conversation about affordable housing in Silver Spring. Learn about existing programs and what can be done in the future to expand the affordable housing stock in downtown Silver Spring. RSVP for the online meeting (RSVPs required).

May 26 – The Historic Preservation Commission will hold its meeting online. Consult the HPC meeting webpage for agenda information. Watch the meetings online via live stream or review previous meetings on demand.

 May 27 – The Planning Board will hold its meeting online. Consult the Planning Board’s agenda, posted 10 days before the meeting for more information. Watch the meetings online via live stream or review previous meetings on demand.

Stay connected to us online by following and liking Montgomery Planning news and information on the following social media channels:

Twitter: @montgomeryplans
Instagram: @montgomeryplanning
Facebook: www.facebook.com/montgomeryplanning
YouTube: www.youtube.com/montgomeryplanning



Vision Zero Plan Listening Sessions

Register by clicking the image above

Help our county eliminate serious and fatal traffic crashes in the coming decade by sharing your input at one of five virtual listening sessions. Learn about the draft Vision Zero 2030 Plan and offer feedback by attending a 90-minute Zoom session open to all Montgomery County residents.



Montgomery County Hosts Revitalization and Recovery Virtual Town Hall

 

Friday, May 14th at 12:00pm

“Increasing Communication in the Procurement Community” will be the theme from noon-1 p.m. on Friday, May 14, when Montgomery County’s COVID-19 Economic Revitalization and Recovery program continues its series of virtual town hall meetings to keep businesses informed on strategies for doing business as the health crisis continues.

County Executive Marc Elrich initiated the series of town halls held every other Friday to share timely updates on COVID-19 topics of interest to the business community. The town halls give businesses an opportunity to hear directly from County leaders. Jerome Fletcher, the County’s assistant chief administrative officer (ACAO) for economic development, hosts the sessions. He also provides updates on grant programs available to County businesses and offers ideas that can help economic recovery.

During the May 14 town hall, ACAO Fletcher will welcome Ash Shetty, the County’s chief procurement officer and director of the Office of Procurement. Mr. Fletcher and Director Shetty will discuss the Vendor Innovation Portal, which is a new tool that will allow vendors to share their innovative ideas with various departments in Montgomery County Government.

In addition, ACAO Fletcher will address updates on the County COVID-19 vaccination efforts and economic recovery from the health crisis with Travis Gayles, the County health officer, and Earl Stoddard, the County’s director of Emergency Management.

If business owners, employees or residents have questions they would like to see addressed at the May 14 town hall, they can be submitted by Wednesday, May 12, to BizPortal@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov.

To join the broadcast, go to https://zoom.us/j/98584224354?pwd=ekdBd05kT08zRmxCekQzajkwdW9LZz09


Renter Town Hall

Tuesday, May 19th at 7:00pm

 

The Renters Alliance will host its next Renter Town Hall Wednesday, May 19 from 7-9 p.m. on Zoom with special guests County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Tom Hucker as well as other county officials and renter advocates. In light of the Maryland General Assembly's failure to enact emergency eviction protections during the 2021 session, renters are now desperately looking to their local governments for help. What can be done? Join us for a lively discussion. Topics to be discussed include:

  • The Covid-19 Rent Subsidy Program

  • County Emergency Rent Cap Law

  • Outreach and eviction protection activities

  • Ideas to protect renters and stabilize housing during and after Covid

  • Questions and Concerns Raised

Register HERE: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_e1xyB5RNSLqyaO50GtMZDQ


 

Virtual Trainings with the Montgomery County Food Council

Tuesday, May 19th at 11:00am


The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible impact on the food security landscape in Montgomery County. Tune in to learn more about food insecurity in the County and the County’s COVID-19 food assistance response. Information on the network of resources developed by the Food Council and partners, such as the Online Food Assistance Resource Directory, Food Assistance Referral Tool, and the County’s Food Assistance Website. We will also review federal nutrition benefits and other resources that can be beneficial in mitigating food insecurity. These resources help residents gain access to food quickly and efficiently during the pandemic.

Click here to register!


Montgomery County Covid Rent Relief Program Phase 3

 

The Department of Health and Human Services is excited to share with you the details for the third phase of the COVID Rent Relief Program and express our gratitude for your partnership to make this vital resource available to Montgomery County residents. While funds are available, the program will provide up to $12,000 in rent relief for eligible households that can be used for rent arrears and a rent credit for future months.  The program is funded through a $59 million in Department of the Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance Funds, provided to the County through direct Federal and State allocations.  

The full program details, flyers in multiple languages, extensive set of FAQs, and the online submission link are on our website



Bike To Work Day

Friday, May 21st


On Friday, May 21, MCDOT, MWCOG, and WABA will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Bike To Work Day. The first 15,000 people in the DC, MD, VA region to register will receive a free BTWD t-shirt.

Due to COVID protocols, this year's celebration will feature non-traditional pit stops throughout Montgomery County, where people biking to work, and telecommuters can bike to pick up their free BTWD t-shirts.

People biking to work can continue to their place of business and telecommuters are encouraged to bike a “fake commute” or take a break during their workday.

To register for this free event, please use this web link. https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/

The County has increased the number of pit stops it sponsors to encourage teleworkers to participate. Even those working at home can get exercise and bike to a t-shirt pickup point (pit stop) and then head back home to work for the day.

To register for the event, participants should visit the Find Your Pit Stop” map to plan a route for the day of the event.

The MCDOT-sponsored pit stops will be at:

  • All American Bicycle Center, Damascus
  • Andes Bike Shop, Gaithersburg
  • Bike Center Ltd., Gaithersburg
  • Chevy Chase Athletic Club, Chevy Chase
  • Germantown Cycles, Germantown
  • Griffin Cycle, Bethesda
  • Just Riding Along Bike Shop, Laytonsville
  • MCDOT Mobile Commuter Store, Silver Spring (Briggs Chaney Park and Ride lot)
  • MCDOT Mobile Commuter Store, Germantown (Walmart Service Center)
  • MCDOT TRiPS Store, Silver Spring (Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center, second floor)
  • REI Store, Bethesda
  • Silver Cycles, Silver Spring
  • Terrapin Cycles, Bethesda
  • TREK Bicycle, Rockville
  • Takoma Bicycle, Takoma Park

Riders should check the time of operation for a pit stop at which they plan to stop. Pit stops will be operating at various hours.

MCDOT also has announced a “Bicycle Swag Bag Contest” to promote Bike to Work Day by featuring a different bike path/trail in the County each week through Sunday, May 30. Bike riders are asked to submit a favorite picture of themselves enjoying their ride along the featured trail and to tag @mococommuter and #MoCobikes on Twitter and Instagram or by e-mail to commuter.services@montgomerycountymd.gov to be entered into a weekly drawing.

This week’s featured location is the Bethesda Trolley Trail. Winners have previously been selected for submitting photos from the Capital Crescent, Sligo Creek, Carl Henn Millennium and Matthew Henson trails. For more information on the contest and future locations can be found at ow.ly/8WBi50Ega7e.

Riders are asked to practice safe social distancing and to wear a face covering and helmet while riding.



Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar weekly testing scheduled for next week  


To view a summarized list of Next Week's Testing Schedule, click here.

Check out some videos from Mary's Center explaining why getting vaccinated is so important!


Middle Eastern American Authors Series at
Montgomery County Public Libraries

 

In partnership with the Office of Community Partnerships’ Middle Eastern American Advisory Group (MEAGG), Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will offer a series of programs focusing on various Middle Eastern American authors and illustrators.

The free virtual author series will take place monthly on the third Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m. February through July. The events will be moderated by Debbie Trent, MEAGG chair, or Karen Leggett, co-chair of the Maryland Friends of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Egypt). Registration is required for the free programs.

Nadia Hashimi; May 18

Nadia Hashimi, Montgomery County pediatrician turned novelist, whose parents came to the U.S. from Afghanistan before the Soviet invasion and author of Sparks Like Stars.

Susan Muaddi Daraj; June 15

Susan Muaddi Daraj, author of A Curious Land: Stories from Home, a short story collection which won the 2014 AWP Grace Paley Prize for Short Fiction and a 2016 Arab American Book Award.

Pauline Kaldas; July 20

Pauline Kaldas, Professor of English and Creative Writing at Hollins University in Roanoke, VA and author of Looking Both Ways, a collection of essays and The Penguin Book of Migration Literature.



Online Process to
Request Food Assistance
Resources Available 24/7

 

Residents looking for information on food assistance resources can now request help by completing a simple online form. Available in seven languages (Amharic, Chinese, English, French, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese), the form is reviewed by a trained resource specialist, and residents receive a return phone call within one business day. The specialist will determine a resident’s individual food needs and help them locate food assistance in their community. No Personally identifiable information is needed to get help.

Information is available about free food distribution sites, free meal and grocery delivery, SNAP (Food Stamps), local food assistance providers, and other resources in Montgomery County. Residents can also call 311 and ask for the Food Access Call Center to get help with their food needs.

The Food Access Call Center opened in June 2020 and has been working throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to address the increasing need for food assistance across the County. As of mid-December, the Food Access Call Center has responded to more than 2,000 calls/referrals.


 

Montgomery County Press Releases
for the latest news


PRESS RELEASE CENTERS

 

 


 

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


 

Please visit our more robust directory of
"All Things Silver Spring"
for much more information, links, and contacts.



QUESTIONS? CALL 311

SILVER SPRING REGIONAL CENTER
Silver Spring Civic Building
One Veterans Plaza
Silver Spring, MD  20910
240-777-5301
comments, ideas, and/or suggestions?  e-mail HERE
See you around Silver Spring!