A Message from County Executive Marc Elrich
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Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the first 11-member County Council were sworn in to new terms at inauguration ceremonies this week. It provides a prime opportunity for the County Executive to look back at what was accomplished in his first four years in office and what he considers priorities for the next four years. He also looks at immediate issues—such as local hospitals having their beds filled by the “tridemic” of flu, RSV and COVID-19. He advocates for residents to get flu shots and COVID booster shots, noting that the County will be distributing free vaccines at its next “Boosterama” event at Westfield Wheaton mall on Saturday, Dec. 17.
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Jan's Inside Jam
Issue #14
ABC? NO, MHP!
Acronyms and abbreviations have become a major part of American culture. When you hear ABC, you probably think of learning the alphabet. Of course, you could think of American Broadcasting Company or even Alcoholic Beverage Control. No, that is not the direction I want to go today.
Let me introduce you to MHP, an abbreviation you have probably not heard of before. However, I hope to change that right now. When I do, I promise you that you will be delighted about what you have learned.
MHP stands for Montgomery Housing Partnership. That sounds so formal and businesslike, but the organization itself is so much more. Robert Goldman, president of MHP, says MHP is the abbreviation for Making Home Possible.
As a nonprofit and non-governmental organization, they make it possible for more than 4,000 people to live safely, comfortably, and pleasantly. They provide 2,600 quality, affordable homes in Montgomery County and neighboring communities.
Reverend Lincoln “Lon” Dring, along with community leaders who recognized the need for quality, affordable housing, and an organization known today as Interfaith Works created MHP in 1989. In addition to developing affordable housing, one of their key strategies is to develop and implement community life programs to improve the quality of life and increase opportunities for the residents. They have been doing this in such a spectacular way.
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Their foundation is broad and deep, but I can barely scratch the surface. However, let’s get to the nitty-gritty of the Community Life programs for youngsters, which excite me so much about MHP.
- Play & Learn prepares preschoolers for kindergarten. The program is set up like a classroom where children play, explore, and learn letters, words, numbers, and music.
- Elementary School Programs. These after-school enrichment offerings include programs for elementary-aged children
- Homework Clubs. The Homework Club helps elementary school-aged children improve their reading skills and help them with their homework while providing a safe and enriching environment to be in after school. The goal is to have the children complete their homework daily and understand the importance of practice and routines.
- Great Achievers Toward Outstanding Results (GATOR). This enhanced program offers a STEM-focused curriculum focused on math, science, and reading. MHP was awarded the 21st Century Learning designation for afterschool enrichment programs in Wheaton conducted in partnership with Arcola Elementary School.
- Summer Enrichment Program. This program provides an array of structured activities for over 200 children, ages 3-15, during the summer. The goal is to help children maintain their academic standing at school while having positive experiences.
- FLOW Teen Program (Future Leaders of the World) helps teens fulfill a critical need for strong support in their communities. Teen programs are designed to help young adults deal with peer pressure and social-economic needs and build leadership skills in their communities. FLOW is offered through small projects that have a great impact in their neighborhoods.
I could go on, but I will wrap this up with resident Nancy Cabrera, a John F. Kennedy High School student in Wheaton. Nancy has participated in MHP preschool and afterschool programs since she was a little girl. She said that MHP has been a big part of her growing-up years. Perhaps the activity with the biggest impact on Nancy was a FLOW field trip to the University of Maryland College Park. Nancy said she had envisioned entering the workforce once she finished high school. However, that field trip changed that, making her realize that she wanted to go to college. On that trip to College Park Nancy realized she could go higher!
When we think of the landlord, we often think of someone who only cares about timely rent payment, someone to call when the heat stops working, or someone to call when the trash is not collected. As you can see, MHP is so much more. MHP cares about its residents in many ways. Today we looked at one way MHP cares about its resident youngsters.
Here we see the landlord is more than the man you pay your rent to and complain about on the internet. Here we see that the landlord is the organization you pay a reasonable rent to and boast about on the internet.
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SILVER SPRING REGION OPPORTUNITIES
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Free Flu and COVID Booster Shots to be Provided Anyone 5 and Older During Holiday ‘Boosterama’ on Saturday, Dec. 17, at Westfield Wheaton
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As the holiday season coincides with a rise in respiratory virus cases, Montgomery County, in partnership with Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar and Westfield Wheaton, will provide free COVID bivalent boosters and flu shots during the second holiday “Boosterama” vaccine event. COVID booster shots will be available to anyone age 5 and older who had their last dose at least two months ago. The event will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Westfield Wheaton mall.
Boosterama will be held outside of Carter’s on the second floor of Westfield Wheaton. No appointment is needed. Pediatric booster shots will not be available at the event. Individuals who receive their COVID booster or a flu shot at the event will be eligible to win one of eight gift cards that can be used throughout Westfield Wheaton’s wide variety of retailers.
Respiratory illnesses such as RSV, flu and COVID are currently on the rise. While there is no vaccination for RSV, there are vaccinations available for flu and COVID. Boosterama events are part of a broader effort by the County to encourage residents to use common sense health measures, including staying up to date on vaccinations.
“The holiday season can be stressful for a variety of reasons,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “This year, give yourself the gift of health. Boosterama is a convenient way you can receive the COVID booster and flu shot, saving you time and keeping you and your family safe. It is easy and helps to ensure your holidays remain free of respiratory viruses.”
To date, nearly 37 percent of County residents aged 50 and older have received the bivalent booster shot and nearly 21 percent of all residents have received the bivalent booster shot. If it has been at least two months since completing your primary series of COVID shots, you are eligible for a bivalent booster.
“The health and safety of our guests and staff is priority No. 1,” said Stuart Amos, senior general manager of Westfield Wheaton. “Boosterama is a free and convenient way to keep ourselves and community safe from the spread of respiratory viruses this holiday season. We are grateful for our partnership with Montgomery County in hosting this event.”
In addition to Boosterama, flu or COVID booster shots are widely available at locations throughout the community. Make an appointment or find other locations at GoVaxMoco.com.
The County continues to provide free N-95 masks and rapid COVID test kits at multiple locations. The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services also offers tips to keep you and your family ‘COVID-Prepared’ this holiday season.
For more information about Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar, visit its website.
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Hot Cocoa & Cookies with Santa at Long Branch Community Center
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‘Garden of Lights’ at Brookside Gardens Now Open
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The “Garden of Lights” display, which annually transforms Brookside Gardens in Wheaton into a magical winter wonderland, is now open for the 2022 winter season. The exhibit will be open from 5:30-9:30 p.m. every night through Jan. 1, except Dec. 24-25.
Brookside Gardens is located at 1800 Glenallan Ave. in Wheaton.
Garden of Lights is a half-mile, outdoor, walk-through exhibit that enables visitors to enjoy twinkling lights and glimmering one-of-a-kind displays adorning the flowerbeds and grounds throughout the 50-acre horticultural park. More than one million colorful LED lights are handcrafted into original works depicting animals, flowers and other natural elements.
The Brookside Gardens gift shop will be open during the Garden of Lights displays for purchase of unique seasonal items. Hot chocolate and light snacks also will be available for purchase.
Tickets are $10 per person for those 5 and older. Tickets must be purchased in advance online at Eventbrite.com. Tickets will not be sold at the gate.
Those who do not have computer access or a smartphone can stop by the Brookside Gardens’ visitor center, where information desk staff will assist in buying tickets online. In-person ticketing assistance is available at the visitor center daily from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Tickets are timed entry with a specific day and entrance time for arrival. Attendees must arrive within 30 minutes of the ticketed time slot to redeem tickets. Tickets have specific arrival times of 5:30, 6, 6:30, 7, 7:30, 8 or 8:30 pm.
It is suggested that you print a hard copy of the digital tickets to bring to the event. This eliminates potential trouble accessing digital tickets.
Garden of Lights is an outdoor, rain or shine event. Tickets are non-refundable. However, if Brookside Gardens cancels the event for any reason, ticket holders will be notified via email the same day as the cancellation and refunds will be automatically posted to the customer's original form of payment within one week.
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Letters from Home The 50 States Tour
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Artist William H. Johnson: Fighters for Freedom with curator Virginia Mecklenberg
Wednesday, December 14th 2pm-4pm
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Virginia Mecklenburg, senior curator of 20th century art at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, will discuss the life and work of William H. Johnson, one of the foremost African American artists of the Harlem Renaissance.
About William H. Johnson
Born 1901, Florence, South Carolina/ Died 1970, Central Islip, New York
Born in a small South Carolina town, William H. Johnson left for New York at seventeen and enrolled at the National Academy of Design in 1921. Though he originally intended to become a cartoonist, he won acclaim as a painter, leading to a year of independent study in Paris in 1926. He remained abroad, moving to the south of France and later traveling throughout Europe with his wife, the Danish artist Holcha Krake. He gained critical recognition and commercial success before the couple returned to New York at the onset of World War II. Under the auspices of the WPA, Johnson found employment teaching art in Harlem, where the neighborhood and its artistic community inspired him to change the style and subjects of his paintings.
Prior to 1938 Johnson was known for his expressionist landscapes and portraits. Upon returning to New York, he adopted a self-consciously vernacular style marked by vivid colors and flat, distorted compositions, looking to African sculpture and African American models for inspiration. His new subject matter included Harlem life, the rural south, and religious scenes as well as biting indictments of racism and celebrations of African American heroes and historical figures. This apparently drastic shift had actually been under way since the early 1930s, when the artist began to assert and cultivate his own “primitive” roots. Inspired by Krake’s involvement with traditional crafts, Johnson traveled throughout rural Scandinavia and made a pilgrimage to North Africa, incorporating these sights and experiences into his art.
Johnson’s style evolved rapidly between 1938 and 1945. Jesus and the Three Marys retains the painterly distortion of his earlier expressionism, joining it to a distinctly Afrocentric vision of a black Christ. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot takes its title from the popular spiritual, a recurrent subject for African American artists. Now using flat planes of color and simplified shapes, Johnson depicts a chorus of angels swaying rhythmically on slender magenta wings against a heated pink sky. John Brown Legend belongs to the artist’s final series, Fighters for Freedom. It depicts the martyred abolitionist in a bold, didactic manner, surrounded by blazon-like motifs.
Johnson’s grief over his wife’s tragic death in 1944, compounded by his own untreated medical issues, precipitated a mental breakdown and subsequent institutionalization. His life’s work was acquired in 1967 by the Smithsonian Institution’s National Collection of Fine Arts (now Smithsonian American Art Museum), which organized his first museum retrospective in 1971, shortly after his death. (National Gallery of Art)
About Our Presenter
Virginia Mecklenburg is senior curator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. She has been a curator of painting and sculpture at the museum since 1979. Her research interests include American art and culture, Ashcan art, New Deal art, American abstraction, pop art and Latinx art. Mecklenburg's recent exhibitions include "African American Art in the 20th Century" (2019) and "Modern American Realism: Highlights from the Sara Roby Foundation Collection" (2018), both nationally touring exhibitions. Her current projects include "Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson and the Struggle for Social Justice" and "Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women," both scheduled to open in 2022.
During her career, Mecklenburg has organized more than 30 exhibitions, including “Gene Davis: Hot Beat” (2016), “Crosscurrents: Modern Art from the Sam Rose and Julie Walters Collection” (2015), “Modern American Realism: The Sara Roby Foundation Collection” (2014), “African American Masters: Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Era and Beyond” (2012), “Telling Stories: Norman Rockwell from the Collections of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg” (2010), “Modern Masters from the Smithsonian American Art Museum” (2008) and “Earl Cunningham’s America” (2007). She co-organized the exhibition and wrote the catalog “Edward Hopper: The Watercolors” (1999), and co-organized “Metropolitan Lives: The Ashcan Artists and Their New York” (1995); the accompanying book won the Alfred H. Barr, Jr. Award in 1997.
She has written on George Bellows, Richard Estes, William Glackens, Edward Hopper, Robert Indiana, Georgia O’Keeffe, John Sloan, Robert Vickrey and other 20th-century painters for exhibition-based publications as well as for magazines and journals such as American Art, American Art Review and The Magazine Antiques. She has lectured widely and has served on advisory committees for the Sara Roby Foundation, the College Art Association, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Art Museum of the Americas (OAS), the Reynolda House Museum of American Art, the Washington Sculptors Group and the executive art committee for the Washington Convention Center.
Mecklenburg received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She earned her doctorate in art history (1983) from the University of Maryland at College Park. (The Smithsonian)
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Silver Spring Town Center Inc. Winter Schedule
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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 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/6854557
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Club Español de Conversación: English/Spanish Language Exchange
The former Club Español has returned in person every Thursday from 5:30pm – 6:30, in Room 2, at the Brigadier General Charles E. Mcgee Library, 900 Wayne Avenue in downtown Silver Spring with a new name and purpose. The new English/Spanish Language Exchange welcomes English and native Spanish speakers. The weekly sessions will run like spontaneous meet ups, where participants learn from one another. Those gathered will divide into mixed pairs or trios, with English and Spanish speakers in each conversation group. For more information contact Abdulai Koroma at the library (240) 773-9420.
Intercambio Inglés/Español
El Club Español ha regresado cada jueves de 5:30pm a 6:30 en la Biblioteca Brigadier General Charles E. Mcgee, 900 Wayne Avenue en el centro de Silver Spring con un nuevo nombre y propósito. El nuevo formato será un intercambio de inglés y español y dará la bienvenida a tanto a hablantes natives de inglés y español. Las sesiones semanales se desarrollarán como encuentros espontáneos, done los participantes aprenden uno del otro. Los participantes se dividirán en parejas mixtas o tríos con al menos de un hablante native de inglés y español en cada grupo de conversacion. Los hablantes nativos ayudarán al estudiante de un segundo idioma con la gramática y el vocabulario en la discusión del tema del día. Para más información, comuníquese con Abdulai Koroma en la biblioteca (240) 773-9420.
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Bishop & Beers Weekly Chess Club
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Join us for casual and friendly chess play and great craft beer in downtown Silver Spring every Tuesday from 6:00pm - 8:30pm at Silver Branch Brewing Company at 8401 Colesville Rd #150, Silver Spring, MD (Map). Whether you're an experienced player or new to the game, all are welcome. There is no fee to play chess.
We'll have plenty of chess sets (no need to bring your own), as well as some clocks for those that want to play blitz or rapid chess, and your host will be an experienced U.S. Chess Center chess instructor.
The U.S. Chess Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission of promoting self-confidence, social skills, and academic success for all. We are the most experienced chess-teaching organization in the country. Since 1992, we have taught the game to almost 40,000 schoolchildren representing more than 150 schools in the National Capital Area. We also offer Online Adult Classes to help adults in the novice ranges advance to play a confident game of chess, learn more at: https://chessctr.org/classes/#adult
Register Here: https://register.chessctr.org/a/bishopsbeers-silverbranch
WHAT: Bishops + Beers @ Silver Branch Brewing Co. (Casual and friendly chess)
WHEN: Every Tuesday, next event July 12th
WHERE: Silver Branch Brewing Company in downtown Silver Spring, MD (8401 Colesville Rd #150, Silver Spring, MD).
MORE INFORMATION: Contact the U.S. Chess Center at 202-857-4922 or admin@chessctr.org
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Neighborhood Event Matching Fund
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Click the flyer above for more information and a link to the application!
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COUNTY WIDE OPPORTUNITIES
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County Executive Elrich and First 11-member County Council Are Sworn In at Inaugural Ceremonies at Strathmore
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Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich was sworn in to his second term and the members of the County’s first 11-member County Council also wore sworn in at the Montgomery County Inaugural Ceremonies on Dec. 5 at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda.
The County now has the 20th version of the Council under the current form of County government. The previous County Council had nine members—four at-large and five district Councilmembers. Voters passed a Charter Amendment to change the Council composition to 11 members—four at-large and seven district Councilmembers. The Council districts were reapportioned to accommodate the district change.
This will be the first time the Council has a female majority.
The Councilmembers sworn in include incumbents Gabe Albornoz (at-large), Evan Glass (at-large), Will Jawando (at-large), Andrew Friedson (new District 1) and Sidney Katz (new District 3). Newly elected Councilmembers include Laurie-Anne Sayles (at-large), Marilyn Balcombe (new District 2), Kate Stewart (new District 4), Kristin Mink (new District 5), Natali Fani-González (new District 6) and Dawn Luedtke (new District 7).
County Executive Elrich, who is the County’s seventh County Executive, and outgoing Council President Albornoz made remarks during the ceremonies. Lt. Governor-elect Aruna Miller, who is a County resident, also spoke at the event.
WUSA9 anchor Lesli Foster was the event’s master of ceremonies. She also is a County resident.
The recorded broadcast of the ceremonies can be viewed at
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County Executive Elrich Is Holding Hybrid Forums to Seek Input on FY 2024 Operating Budget, on Wednesday, Dec. 14, in Bethesda
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Residents can attend most forums in person or view them via the internet.
The County is in the early stages of formulating the FY24 operating budget. County Executive Elrich is required to submit a recommended budget to the County Council by March 15. The Council will then have two months to review the budget. It must adopt a final budget no later than June 1. The FY24 operating budget will go into effect on July 1.
“The budget is a primary indicator of the priorities of any jurisdiction,” said County Executive Elrich. “This is why community and resident involvement is essential to the process of developing a budget that reflects our values and goals. The objective is the make these forums accessible and interactive. I encourage residents to participate in the discussions because they are for you. No matter where you live or your age, I want to hear from as many people as possible. We were fortunate to maintain a very strong financial position throughout the pandemic, which enabled us to continue to support programs and services that are important to residents. Now we are looking ahead to the many ways we can make this a better place to live for everyone.”
The forums will be televised live on the County cable station County Cable Montgomery (CCM), which can be seen on Comcast (Channel 6 and High-Definition Channel 996), RCN (Channel 6 and HD 1056) and Verizon (Channel 30). The forums also will be available on cable channels Takoma Park City TV (Channel 13), Montgomery Municipal (Channel 16, 997 Comcast), Corona Montgomery (Channel 10) and Montgomery Community Media (Channel 21).
The schedule for the remaining hybrid forums, including how to join each one virtually:
- Monday, Dec. 12, 7-8:30 p.m. BlackRock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown. Register to view online.
- Wednesday, Dec. 14. 7-8:30 p.m. Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda. East-West Room. Register to view online.
Montgomery County will provide sign language interpreters and other auxiliary aids or services upon request -- with as much advance notice as possible, preferably at least three business days before the event. Contact Karen Falcon at 240-777-6522 or send a request to Karen.Falcon@montgomerycountymd.gov .
In all situations, a good-faith effort (up until the time of the event) will be made to provide accommodations.
TTY users can use Maryland Relay 711.
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‘Home for the Holidays:’ Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center and FMCA to Hold Fee-Waived Adoption Event for All Animals Dec. 11-24
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Get your new best friend just like T-Rex this holiday season!
Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) is holding a fee-waived adoption event for all animals from Sunday, Dec. 11, through Saturday, Dec. 24. The “Home for the Holidays” adoption event is sponsored by Friends of Montgomery County Animals (FMCA).
The shelter is full, and adopters are urgently needed. All types of animals are available for adoption including guinea pigs, rabbits, reptiles, cats and dogs. For those considering adding a new pet to your family, now is the time. Adopting is easy—and even easier during the Home for the Holidays with no adoption fees.
The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center is located at 7315 Muncaster Mill Rd. in Derwood. The main phone number is 240-773-5900. The center is open six days a week (it is closed on Wednesdays).
The adoption process can be started online by filling out the adoption questionnaire and emailing in the required documents. Adopters may also choose to visit the Adoption Center during open hours to start the process in-person. The questionnaire, required documents and more information about the adoption process can be found at montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption/howtoadopt.
New animals arrive at the shelter every day. Potential adopters are encouraged to view who is available for adoption online at montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption before visiting the facility.
Adoptions are done on first-come, first-served availability—by appointment. Walk-in appointments are subject to counselor availability. Adoptions are same-day and animals are not held for adopters so they should be prepared to take an animal home at the time of their appointment.
The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center is operated by the Office of Animal Services, provides high standard sheltering and care to the homeless, abused and neglected animals. It is the County’s only open-admission, municipal shelter. Through adoptions, education, outreach and more, MCASAC serves as a critical community resource to promote and advocate for responsible pet care.
Animal Services Officers are available seven days a week to investigate complaints and respond to animal emergencies 24 hours a day. For more information, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices.
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Recreation Center Membership Passes Will Be Free in 2023
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Montgomery County Recreation Center membership passes will be free for County residents in 2023. Starting Jan. 3, a free pass will provide access to fully equipped fitness rooms, open gym (drop-in) activities and game rooms at any community recreation center during regularly scheduled hours.
The free pass does not include access to aquatic centers. For aquatic center pass information and prices, visit Aquatic Passes - Department of Recreation - Montgomery County, Maryland (montgomerycountymd.gov).
“We are pleased to be offering this service free to our residents in 2023,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “As we head into the new year and many are renewing their fitness goals, I encourage our County residents to take advantage of these great spaces. Make sure to head to a community recreation center near you to check out all they have to offer. Thank you to the team at Montgomery County Recreation for helping make this happen.”
Membership makes it easy for residents to work out close to home, near their office or at any center location that is convenient for them. Passes include both the gym and weight room.
Non-County residents can purchase a pass for $20 for one month, $80 for six months and $150 for one year. Visit the website for more information.
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Applications Now Being Accepted for ‘Small Business Accelerator Program’ in Partnership with M&T Bank
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The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights and M&T Bank are partnering for the second year to offer a free 10-week “Small Business Accelerator Program” to assist small businesses—both emerging ones and those trying to rebuild from the impacts the COVID health crisis. The program will teach early-stage and minority entrepreneurs the essentials of business planning, operations, credit building, digital communication and financial management. It also could provide access to capital.
Applications are now being accepted to join the program, which will run from Jan. 10 through March 14. There is no limit on the number of programs that can participate, but the deadline to apply is Friday, Dec. 23.
The first year of the program was an overwhelming success. More than 200 businesses pursued the opportunity to learn how to build their businesses.
To register for the program, go to Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
Over the 10-week period, sessions will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. Sessions will be virtual, but in-person networking also will be part of the program.
“Only about half of new businesses survive past five years and about eight out of 10 Black-owned businesses fail within their first 18 months,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “In order to address these inequities and assist in building minority ownership and wealth throughout the County, we must do better. We are thankful to M&T Bank for this partnership with our Office of Human Rights. This program will help entrepreneurs, especially those who are traditionally underserved, reach new heights and access important resources. I encourage small business owners to apply for this exciting opportunity.”
To be eligible for the Small Business Accelerator Program, businesses must be:
- Based in Montgomery County
- In business for at least two years
- Generating revenue
- In good standing with the County and State licensing departments
Businesses that do not meet eligibility requirements, can apply. However, they must include a compelling reason why they should be considered.
“M&T Bank is passionate about helping small-business owners in Montgomery County grow and sustain their businesses so that our communities thrive,” said AJ Nwoga, vice president and senior branch manager of M&T Bank’s Germantown branch. “This curriculum was intentionally developed to give the County’s entrepreneurs the tools and skills they need to overcome obstacles to success.”
Top business mentors, coaches and subject matter experts will lead the intensive 10-week bootcamp at no cost to participants.
Program highlights will include:
- Doing business in Montgomery County
- Banking fundamentals
- Business plans
- Strategic plans
- Financial statements
- Capital sources
- Marketing
- Business legal issues
- Pitching your business
- Pitch contest
- One-to-one coaching
- Networking
More information about the program is available by contacting Mr. Nwoga at 202-868-1443 or anwoga@mtb.com or Daniel Koroma at daniel.koroma@montgomerycountymd.gov.
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‘Design for Life’ Program Provides Tax Incentives to Make Homes More Accessible for All Ages and Stages of Life
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The Montgomery County “Design for Life” program provides property tax incentives to make homes accessible for all ages and stages of life. Information about the program is now available from the Department of Permitting Services (DPS), which issues permits and certifies Design for Life projects.
Accessible features of a Design for Life home include no-step entranceways, wider doorways, interior elevators, properly installed grab bars, maneuverable kitchens and bathrooms.
DPS Manager Gail Lucas recently shared information about the Design for Life program during the Senior Planet energy presentation Home Sweet, Ohm.
Watch the program on-demand and learn more about living comfortably through all ages and stages of life—from a young parent with a baby stroller to an athlete on crutches to older adults who are aging in place.
Ms. Lucas said it is important to get the word out about the Design for Life program to make sure more homeowners and home builders know about the incentives and get certified for the program.
DPS offers a free, virtual residential design consultation to help residents plan and prepare for renovations. Appointments can be made through the DPS website at Montgomery County Maryland (montgomerycountymd.gov).
Learn more about the Design for Life program online or by contacting MC311.
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Montgomery County Recreation Will Celebrate Holiday Season with Festivals, Movies Events and Special Events
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Montgomery County Recreation is hosting holiday-themed, family-friendly events for everyone to enjoy this winter. From cocoa and crafts to photos with Santa, December events will be hosted at community recreation centers, senior centers and aquatic facilities across the County.
Registration for events can be completed online at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org. Registration for winter programs and activities is also underway.
Upcoming special events hosted by Montgomery County Recreation will include:
Saturday, Dec. 10:
- 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Damascus Winter Wonderland. Damascus Community Recreation Center, 25520 Oak Dr., Damascus. Highlights will include holiday crafts, family games, and a featured movie.
- 1-3 p.m. Therapeutic Recreation’s Santa’s Workshop. Holiday Park Senior Center, 2950 Ferrara Dr., Silver Spring. For individuals with disabilities and their families. Visit Santa at Holiday Park North Pole and make crafts with Santa's elf helpers. Holiday games and treats will be available.
Friday, Dec. 16:
- 6-9 p.m. Santa’s Workshop in Burtonsville. Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center. Enjoy cookie decorating, a hot chocolate bar, delicious s'mores and more. The evening will include the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Saturday, Dec. 17:
- 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Photo Op & Cocoa with Mr. & Mrs. Claus. Gwendolyn E. Coffield Community Recreation Center, 2450 Lyttonsville Rd., Silver Spring. Participants will use their own cell phones so that they will have immediate access to their pictures at no cost. Registration is required.
- 6-9 p.m. Deck the Halls with Spaghetti and Meatballs. Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center, 14715 Good Hope Rd., Silver Spring. Enjoy a free family dinner, arts and crafts, hot cocoa bar and ice skating. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Live entertainment provided by Strathmore.
Wednesday, Dec. 21:
- 2-3 p.m. Jingle and Mingle with DJ Chrome. North Potomac Senior Center, 13850 Travilah Rd., Rockville. Highlights will include music, refreshments, dancing and lots of fun. For residents 55 and older.
Saturday, Dec. 31:
- 6:30-9:30 p.m. Therapeutic Recreation’s New Year’s Eve Party. Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Dr., Silver Spring. For individuals ages 15 and up with disabilities. Celebrate the end of 2022 and ring in the new year. Dress in your best party attire. New Year's party favors will be available. Pre-registration is encouraged.
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Online Workshops and One-on-One Sessions to Assist Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs Will Be Available Free in December from Montgomery County Public Libraries
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Online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers and entrepreneurs will be available free throughout December through a program sponsored by Montgomery County Public Libraries.
The schedule of workshops:
- Monday, Dec. 12; 9:30-11:30 a.m. H.I.R.E. (Helping Individuals Reach Employment) Sessions – Virtual.* Sign up to meet virtually/confidentially one-on-one with a career counselor for advice and assistance with job search. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7405161.
- Tuesday, Dec. 13. 1-3 p.m. Job Search Strategies – Virtual.* Learn best practices for conducting a job search. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7373701.
- Tuesday/Thursday, Dec. 13 and 15. 5:30-8 p.m. LinkedIn Boot Camp (Session I/Session II)—Virtual.* Two-session/two-day workshop focuses on the mechanics and strategy of using LinkedIn as a tool to conduct a successful job search. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7053115.
- Tuesday, Dec. 13. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Career Exploration: Montgomery College at the Library – Virtual.* Learn about various Montgomery College resources to help make and implement well-conceived career plans. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7425641.
- Wednesday, Dec.14: 1-3 p.m. Interviewing for Success—Virtual.* Learn how to differentiate yourself from other candidates, be Zoom ready, package experiences, tell your story, be ready for challenging questions and feel more confident in interviews. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7373896.
- Thursday Dec. 15. 4-5 p.m. Learn About Podcasts – with Senior Planet—Virtual.* Podcasts are an increasingly popular form of entertainment and a great source of information on all kinds of topics. Learn more about these audio programs available on the internet: why people listen to them, where you can find them and what the most popular ones are. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7173430.
- Tuesday Dec. 20. 10-11:30 a.m. Introducción al espíritu empresarial—Virtual.* Aprenda lo que se necesita para convertirse en un emprendedor exitoso en este taller, que se ofrece en asociación con el Maryland Women's Business Center. El programa será presentado en español. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7269802.
- Wednesday, Dec. 21. 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. How to Apply for Jobs with Montgomery County Government – Virtual.* Find out everything you need to know about applying for jobs with Montgomery County Government. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/6811736.
* An internet connection and a device (such as a smartphone, tablet or computer) are required for participation.
For more information about programs, contact Adrienne van Lare at adrienne.vanlare@montgomerycountymd.gov.
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