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The Silver Spring Regional Center occasional "e-blast"                
(Reemberto Rodriguez, Director)
 
 
Released 4:00pm, Saturday, May 1st, 2021

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?

 
As vaccine supply allows, County Clinics are currently vaccinating:
  • Residents 60 and older
  • Essential workers (a priority group which includes transit workers, teachers, child care workers, grocery store workers)
  • Individuals with developmental disabilities
  • Residents 16 and older with underlying medical conditions
Everyone 16 year of age and older are encouraged to preregister now!: https://buff.ly/2NVFt2m.  
 
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!





A Message from County Executive Marc Elrich


(Click the image above for the video message)
Dear Friend:

I am happy to report that yesterday Montgomery County has the lowest average case rate in the region and the lowest among the large Maryland counties.
 
We are the largest county in the state and have one of the lowest covid case rates. This is no small feat.
We are at this point because we have all stuck with the guidelines and weathered this storm together. And we have been patient. You—our residents and businesses—have maintained the restrictions because you understand what this is about: saving lives and health.

I spoke with one young woman this week who works in a restaurant and had COVID-19 last December. This otherwise healthy person explained it was “no joke” with a collapsed lung and multiple other effects. She thanked me for staying firm on the restrictions. She needed her job, but she did not want to go back to work indoors until it was safer. Fortunately, the owner of that restaurant was equally supportive of our efforts.

And it is our efforts—all of you, our public health team and our elected leaders on the County Council and in the General Assembly—who have worked together to stay safe.

Earlier this week, we crossed an important milestone in that more than 50 percent of our population has received at least one dose of a vaccine. This is certainly promising and moving us toward where we need to go.

This week, the County Council (sitting as the Board of Health) approved our public health team’s recommended guidelines for reopening metrics. These are based on the percentage of people vaccinated. You can see the details below:
 
Yesterday, Governor Hogan lifted virtually all outdoor mask restrictions. I believe that was too soon. You can read my joint statement with the County Council.

As you may know, the FDA and CDC has said that administration of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson (J & J) vaccine could resume, and we are following their guidance. This vaccine is important for us to distribute to homebound residents. We do expect some people may be hesitant to receive this vaccine as compared to the others, and we are working to accommodate those requests. Pausing distribution was a smart move and should be a sign that the safety of these vaccines is being closely monitored.

On other notes, MoCo Eats Week (really 10 days) continues through Monday, May 3. More information can be found at https://visitmontgomery.com/moco-eats/restaurant-week/. If you can, visit one of your favorites or try a new place and support our restaurants that have been hit hard by this pandemic.

I recently joined the kickoff of a new monthly series co-hosted by our Department of Environmental Protection and One Montgomery Green. “Eco Evenings with DEP and OMG” will be a series of virtual town halls for residents to discuss local environmental topics. You and I know that we cannot simply think about the environment and climate change on Earth Day—these are conversations we need to have on an ongoing basis. We value and need your input and your perspective as we move forward with solutions big and small.

As always, my appreciation for staying engaged, informed and continuing to follow the guidelines.



Marc Elrich
County Executive


 

eNewsletter

TABLE OF CONTENTS

for some virtual events coming up

(Scroll down or link takes you to more info in this newsletter)
 
A Message from County Executive Marc Elrich
Temporary Lane Closures on Wayne Avenue
Vision Zero Plan Listening Sessions
Youth Civic Saturday
Silver Spring's Own Improbable Comedy Presents: The MOTHER of all Comedy shows
Ellsworth Drive Reopening to Pedestrians on May 10
Blumen Lumen: Now Open!

Taste the World in Fenton Village
Silver Spring Town Center Inc Virtual Schedule
Silver Spring Transportation Management District Representative Opening
County Council Calendar
MOCO Eats Week April 23rd - May 3rd
Virtual COVID19 Vaccine Discussion
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

 

Vision Zero Plan Listening Sessions

Silver Spring: Wednesday, May 5th at 7:00pm!


 

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.

On May 5, the conversation will be focused on the Silver Spring region, but anyone can attend. Preregistration is required to get the meeting link.  Click here to register!



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.


Blumen Lumen: Now Open!


Spring is officially in full BLOOM at Downtown Silver Spring! Blumen Lumen, a kinetic, luminous and interactive public art installation by FoldHaus is NOW OPEN!

It features a bouquet of 18- to 24-foot folded stainless-steel flowers that respond to weather patterns and open and close as the sun rises and sets. At night, their colorful display can be influenced by people’s voices. Say words like blue, purple, daisy, and rose .. and see what happens.

Blumen Lumen is located at the bustling intersection of Georgia Avenue and Colesville Road.

Learn more!
 
 


Taste the World in Fenton Village

May 16-22


Taste the World in Fenton Village is an annual event that showcases the incredible diversity of restaurants just south of downtown Silver Spring and the hard-working entrepreneurs who operate these small businesses.  This event will take place in downtown Silver Spring on Fenton, Wayne, Georgia and Sligo Avenue.  Click the image above for more information!
 


Silver Spring Town Center Inc Virtual Schedule





Silver Spring Transportation Management District

Representative Opening


 
SSCAB is looking to appoint a 3rd representative to the SS TMD to represent North Silver Spring/West Silver Spring . This representative will join current representatives Harriet Quinn for Kemp Mill/4-Corners/East Silver Spring Sector Plan and Chris Perry for the Silver Spring Central Business District.

For more information on the SS TMD: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-DIR/commuter/tmd/index.html#DSS
For more information on the SSCAB:
https://montgomerycountymd.gov/silverspring/boardscommittees/cab/index.html

If you're interested in representing this area please email me your humble newsletter editor: Shawn.Morris@montgomerycountymd.gov
 

COUNTY WIDE OPPORTUNITIES

 



County Council Calendar


Click the image below for more information


Click the image above for more information


MOCO Eats Week April 23rd - May 3rd


Visit Montgomery, in partnership with Montgomery County ABS, are launching the first ever countywide MoCo Eats Week on April 23 – May 3, 2021. This is not a typical restaurant week. There are no set menus or pricing and participation is open to all food and beverage businesses.
 
What to Expect:
  • Over 50 businesses agreed to participate and are offering deals or promotional incentives during the week long event.
  • Visit Montgomery created a free Digital Savings Pass that consumers download to their phone to check-in and redeem restaurant deals.
  • For each check-in, consumers are entered to win restaurant gift cards and one of six MoCo staycation packages.
  • Virtual and in-person events are occurring throughout the week including a MoCo Drinks Tastemakers Panel, hosted by Montgomery County ABS.


Virtual COVID19 Vaccine Discussion

Thursday, May 6th at 1:00pm

 

Join scientists of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health for a discussion about the COVID19 vaccines.

Andrew Pekosz received his BS in Biochemistry from Rutgers University and his Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Pekosz is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and his laboratory studies the basic biology of influenza, coronaviruses and other emerging and zoonotic virus infections. Dr. Pekosz is the co-Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Excellence in Influenza Research and Surveillance (JH-CEIRS) and Director of the Center for Emerging Viral Infectious Diseases (CEVID). He has authored more than 90 scientific papers, is on the editorial board for several journals and has served on a number of National Institute of Health scientific and policy review boards focused on biosafety and biocontainment. He has been interviewed on the topics of COVID-19, influenza, biosafety, emerging infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness by a number of news agencies including National Public Radio, the Associated Press (AP), the Baltimore Sun, the New York Times, the Washington Post, Cable News Network (CNN), CSPAN, British Broadcasting Company (BBC), Bloomberg Television, Al Jazeera, France24, Voice of America, the Discovery Channel and numerous local radio and television stations.

Rupali J. Limaye, PhD, MPH, MA, serves as a full-time faculty member at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, in the Departments of International Health, Epidemiology, and Health, Behavior and Society. Widely seen as an expert in vaccine behavior and decision-making, including vaccine hesitancy and acceptance, she serves as the Director of Behavioral and Implementation Science at the International Vaccine Access Center, as well as the Associate Director for Behavioral Research at the Institute for Vaccine Safety. Primarily focusing on infectious diseases, Dr. Limaye is a social and behavioral scientist and health communication scholar. Her mixed-method work examines how various influences affect health behavior and how to leverage those influences to affect positive behavior change. She also studies how health information can best be communicated to individuals in different contexts and through different channels. In her 15 years of working in global health, she has worked in more than 20 countries from both research and implementation perspectives, on topics including immunization, family planning, HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, and alcohol, and teaches classes on health behavior change and persuasive communication. She received her PhD from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She also holds an MPH in global health, an MA in international affairs, a BA in political science, and a BS in journalism.

Join our Event Here: https://zoom.us/j/99797587865

Or Dial In: 301 715 8592; Meeting ID: 997 9758 7865



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.

Registration is currently open for all 14 Montgomery County; Maryland non-traditional pit stops. (see web page for locations and times)

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


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!