Upcoming Meetings

Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board

Next Meeting: 01/09/22

Vision Zero

Register Here

Silver Spring Urban District Advisory Committee

Next Meeting: 01/24/22

Attend The Meeting

Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board Committees 

Next Meeting: 01/23/22

Register Here

Over the past five years in Maryland, more than 800 people have been killed in crashes involving an impaired driver. In fact, deaths resulting from impaired driving crashes amount to about a third of all roadway fatalities. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent these tragedies from occurring, including rideshare services, taxis, designating a sober driver, or using public transportation.

Below you will find links and contact information to get you home safe. When there are discounted rides available, this webpage will be updated with the latest information.

Maryland December Lyft Discounts

Every Thursday through Sunday in December (while supplies last) - Up to $10 off a Lyft Ride. To get the ride credit:

• Marylanders open the Lyft app on their phone

• Choose "Payment" from the menu on the top left corner

• Scroll to the "Add Lyft Pass" section

• Enter that week's code available on the Zero Death's Maryland website

Each rider is limited to one $5 credit each weekend during the campaign while the supplies last.

Sponsored through a partnership between the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s (MDOT MVA) Highway Safety Office and the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) to provide 4,000 ride credits worth $5 each to Marylanders for a sober ride home. Maryland is one of five states to be awarded this grant.
 

SoberRide® Lyft Discounts on Holidays

Next SoberRide® campaign for December Holidays - Up to $15 off a Lyft Ride. To get the ride credit:

• Go to SoberRide.com

• During an active campaign time, the website will list the promo code

• Open the Lyft App on your smartphone

• Tap the menu icon in the top left corner

• Tap 'Rewards' in the menu that appears

• Tap 'Enter promo code' to add the SoberRide® code from the website (remember to check spelling)

• Tap 'Apply' to finish

The Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) sponsors the SoberRide® program and provides a free Lyft ride home up to $15. Currently, SoberRide® operates during the December/January holiday season, St. Patrick's Day, Cinco de Mayo, Independence Day, and Halloween.
 

Taxi and Ride Hailing Services Operating in Montgomery County

Year-Round - Call or use the app to book:

• Lyft

• Uber

• Action Taxi - (301) 840-1000

• Anytime Union Taxi - (301) 637-9292

• Regency Taxi - (301) 990-9000

Public Transportation Operating in Montgomery County

Year-Round - Check website or app for nearest options and operating hours:

• RideOn Bus - RideOn Realtime Bus Info

• MetroBus and MetroRail

A Message from County Executive Marc Elrich

• County offices—Closed Dec. 31-Jan. 2.
• MC 311—Will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30.
• State offices and courts—Closed Dec. 31 and Jan. 2.
• State Motor Vehicle Administration offices and Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program stations—Closed Jan. 2.
• Libraries— Closed Jan. 1-2.
• Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS)—All stores will be open holiday hours on Saturday, Dec 31, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Stores will be closed Jan 1. Stores will be open regular hours on Jan. 2.
• County-operated COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Clinics—Clinics at UpCounty Regional Services Center in Germantown, Dennis Avenue Center in Silver Spring and the East County Regional Services Center will be open on Monday, Jan. 2. All sites will be closed for testing and vaccinations Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Montgomery College-Rockville campus and Germantown campus testing and vaccination sites will be closed from Dec. 24-Jan. 2.
• Department of Permitting Services—All offices, including customer service lobby, are closed on Jan. 2.
• Ride On—Operates a Saturday schedule on Dec. 31. Operates on a Sunday schedule on Jan. 1-2. All schedules can be found at Routes and Schedules.
• Ride On extRa and Ride On Flex—Not in service Dec 31-Jan 2.
• Flash—Will operate on a weekend schedule Dec. 31-Jan 2 (Orange Line only).
• MARC Train and Commuter Bus—See schedules at https://www.mta.maryland.gov/schedule?type=marc-train.
• TRiPS Silver Spring commuter store—Closed Jan. 1-2.
• TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store—Closed Jan. 1-2.
• Metrorail—Operating hours on Saturday, Dec. 31, will be extended until 2 a.m. Sunday. All trips will be free for riders entering after 8 p.m. Saturday. Will operate from 7 a.m.-midnight on Sunday, Jan. 1, and Monday, Jan. 2.
• Metrobus— Operating hours on Saturday, Dec. 31, will be extended until 2 a.m. Sunday All trips will be free for riders after 8 p.m. Saturday. Will operate on its Sunday schedule on Sunday, Jan. 1, and Monday, Jan. 2.
• Public Parking Garages, Lots, Curbside Meters—Posted rates and restrictions in effect on Dec. 31. Parking is free on Jan 2.
• County-provided trash and recycling collections—Regular collection schedules on Jan. 2. 
• Shady Grove Transfer Station and Recycling Center—Jan. 1: Entire facility closed. Jan. 2: Transfer Station and Recycling Center open.
• Aquatic Centers: Aquatic facilities will be operating on a winter break schedule from Dec. 23 – Jan. 1. Closing at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31 and closed on Sunday, Jan. 1.
• Community Recreation Centers: All closed Monday, Jan. 2. Germantown, Long Branch, North Potomac, Potomac, White Oak and *Wheaton will be open from Dec. 27-Dec. 30 from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. and on Dec. 31 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. [NOTE: *Wheaton will be open 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. Dec. 27-30 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Dec. 31.] All other Community Recreation Centers will be closed Sunday, Dec. 25 – Monday, Jan. 2.
• Senior Centers: Closed Monday, Jan. 2. Senior centers will be open between Christmas and New Year’s Day with limited drop-in programming.
• Montgomery Parks—Visit www.MontgomeryParks.org for complete information. Additional schedule changes:
  • Extended Open Parkways Schedule. The Open Parkways program will be extended during the New Year’s holiday. During this time, parkways are open to pedestrians and bicyclists and closed to motor vehicles. The program changes include: Beach Drive between Connecticut and Knowles Avenue (2.9 miles) from Saturday, Dec. 31, at 9 a.m. until Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 7 a.m. Sligo Creek Parkway between Old Carroll Avenue and Piney Branch Road and between Forest Glen Road and University Boulevard West from Friday, Dec. 30, at 9 a.m. until Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 7 a.m.
  • Montgomery Parks Headquarters and Permit Offices—Closed Jan. 2.
  • Brookside Gardens Visitors Center and Conservatory—Dec. 31-Jan. 1: Visitor Center open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Conservatory open 10 a.m.- to 4 p.m. Garden of Lights open 5:30-9:30 p.m.
  • Black Hill Visitor Center & Nature Programs—Dec. 31: Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Jan. 1.
  • Brookside Nature Center—Dec. 31: Open 1-5 p.m. Closed Jan. 1 (unless visitors are participating in a program).
  • Josiah Henson Museum and Park—Dec. 31: Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Jan. 1.
  • Locust Grove Nature Center—Closed through Jan. 2.
  • Cabin John Ice Rink and Wheaton Ice Arena—Dec. 31: Close at 3 p.m. Jan. 1: Open at noon.
  • Pauline Betz Addie Tennis and Wheaton Indoor Tennis—Dec. 31: Close at 3 p.m. Jan. 1: Open noon-6 p.m.
  • South Germantown Driving Range—Dec. 31: Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Jan. 1.

Below are the transportation-related schedule changes for the New Year's holiday weekend, Saturday, Dec. 31, through Monday, Jan. 2:

• MCDOT offices - Will be closed. 
• Ride On bus service - Will operate on a Saturday schedule on Dec. 31 and a Sunday schedule on Jan. 1 and 2. View schedules here.
• Flash rapid bus service - Will operate on a Weekend schedule (Orange line only). The Blue line (typically weekday only) will not be in service.
• Ride On extRa and Flex bus service - Not in service.
• TRiPS Commuter Store at Silver Spring Transit Center - Will be closed.      
• TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store - Will be closed. 
• Parking at Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton public garages, lots and curbside meters - Parking is free on Jan. 1. 
• Metrorail - Will operate on a Saturday schedule on Dec. 31 until 2 a.m. and all trips will be free for riders after 8 p.m. Will operate on a Sunday schedule from 7 a.m. to midnight on Jan. 1 and 2.
• Metrobus - Will operate on a Saturday schedule extended until 2 a.m. on Dec. 31 and all trips will be free for riders after 8 pm. Will operate on a Sunday schedule on Jan. 1 and 2.
• MARC Train - See schedule changes here.
• MTA Commuter bus - See schedules at mta.maryland.gov/service-alerts/13224.

View additional County holiday schedules here.

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.

SILVER SPRING REGION OPPORTUNITIES

• Germantown Community Recreation Center, 18905 Kingsview Road, Germantown
• Long Branch Community Recreation Center, 8700 Piney Branch Rd., Silver Spring
• Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center, 13850 Travilah Road, Rockville
• Potomac Community Recreation Center, 11315 Falls Road, Potomac
• Wheaton Community Recreation Center, 11701 Georgia Ave., Wheaton
• White Oak Community Recreation Center, 1700 April Lane, Silver Spring
• 3rd District Police Headquarters, 1002 Milestone Dr., Silver Spring

 Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is unveiling the concept plan for the new South Silver Spring Park planned for 1110 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Md., at the former National Tire and Battery site.  

The concept plan for the new park was developed based on recommendations in the Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan and extensive community feedback gathered through an open house and online surveys. Many of the amenities specifically requested by the community are incorporated in the concept plan, including a promenade, picnic area, fitness area, stage, dog run, bocce, multi-sports court, drinking fountain, age-specific playgrounds and nature play areas, and games.  Plantings will include street trees, shade and flowering trees, bioretention areas and landscape beds for pollinator-friendly plants.   

“We are excited to be creating a first-class urban park in the heart of downtown Silver Spring, where nearby residents can gather with their friends and families to enjoy a variety of activities and amenities,” said Mike Riley, director of Montgomery Parks, “We recognize the important role this park will play for this community, and we are moving swiftly to get it built and open to the public.” 

The South Silver Spring concept plan is posted on the project page on Montgomery Parks website.  

Montgomery Parks staff are working on refining the park concept plan and anticipate demolishing the building on site in the spring of 2023. 

About Montgomery Parks          
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 420 parks. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems. MontgomeryParks.org/  

Accessibility           
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice/TTY), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Program Access for more information.  

Family Holiday Events, Including Ice Skating Rink, Will Be Available Throughout Winter Break in Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District 

Silver Spring B&O R.R. Station Open House

Sat, Jan 7, 2023, 10am–2pm

Take a self-guided Tour outside and inside the historic station. Metro and Freight “Train Spot” under the Station’s rear canopy! Walk through the building breezeway and enjoy our “HO Scale” Model train display, rail photos, Station Manager’s Ticket Box office, 1945 lighted telephone booth, and Memorabilia of Your Original Downtown Silver Spring!

During Montgomery Preservation Open Houses, Anyone inside the building must wear a Mask in consideration for vulnerable patrons and staff of All Ages. Outdoors, Masking is optional.

This Station is a Montgomery County Historic Site and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 1945 Station is a multi-faceted gem in our S.S. Arts & Entertainment District! Open House is Co-Hosted by Montgomery Preservation & Silver Spring Historical Society:

https://www.montgomerypreservation.org/     
https://www.facebook.com/sshistory 
Photos byJerry A. McCoy

B&O STATION SAFETY MEASURES: Montgomery Preservation continues to prioritize the health and safety of our visitors, volunteers, and guests, with social distancing and a masking policy that follows CDC and Montgomery County rules. Anyone inside the building must wear a mask in consideration for vulnerable patrons and staff. Masking is optional outdoors.

Montgomery County Recruiting Volunteers for the 2023 ‘Point-In-Time Homeless Count’ That Provides Data for Allocating Resources for Those Experiencing Homelessness

Montgomery County’s annual “Point-In-Time (PIT) Street Count is scheduled for the overnight hours of Wednesday, Jan. 25, and volunteers are needed to help survey unsheltered individuals and households.  The County Continuum of Care, the County’s local planning body that coordinates housing, services and funding for  homeless families and individuals, organizes the effort in partnership with service providers in the community. 

Volunteers are needed to survey unhoused neighbors. Volunteers will receive training, be organized in teams and go out to designated locations where it is believed unsheltered persons may be located. Training will be provided to fully prepare volunteers to engage with people experiencing homelessness and administer the survey.

The PIT count is done throughout the United States.  It is a way to identify people who might be residing on the streets, in cars, on campgrounds, under bridges, or in similar places.

The information gathered is used at the local, State, and Federal levels to allocate resources for individuals and households requiring homelessness assistance.  The annual count is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to qualify for Federal funding.

“The annual Point-In-Time count is truly an all-hands-on-deck team effort by government, our community partners and volunteers. I encourage willing and interested Montgomery County residents to come out and volunteer,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “The information we gather from this event is critical to our efforts in ensuring that homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring in Montgomery County.”

There will be a hybrid training at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25, at the Mid-County Department of Health and Human Services Building, which is located at 1301 Piccard Drive in Rockville.    The in-person training is recommended for first-time volunteers, with the hybrid option for returning volunteers.  Register to volunteer here by Jan. 20.

For more information about the Continuum of Care and the County’s vision of ‘Housing for All,’ visit its website.  Questions about the PIT Count can be emailed to HHSPIT@montgomerycountymd.gov.

To view a video of a recent PIT count, visit the County Council’s YouTube channel.

Purple Line Community Advisory Teams (CATs) Meetings

Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) has divided the 16-mile Purple Line corridor into eight geographic areas, each to be represented by a Community Advisory Team (CAT). MDOT MTA and Purple Line Transit Partners (PLTP) have committed to maintaining open dialogue with the communities surrounding the Purple Line via CATs with the objective of building a long-term relationship and working with community stakeholders to minimize impacts during construction through completion of the project. The CATs are member-driven teams with representatives appointed from neighborhood and civic associations adjacent to the alignment. There are also representatives from business associations and local governments within each CAT. The CATs were launched in 2017 and the schedule is based on construction activity within the area. CAT meetings are open to the general public, but during the Question and Answer portion of the meeting, CAT members are given priority to ask questions.

Community Advisory Teams (CATs) are intended to:

• Promote two-way information sharing between MDOT MTA/PLTP and community
• Offer a forum for residents and other community stakeholders to engage in open dialogue with MDOT MTA /PLTP project staff
• Serve as an organized, results-oriented vehicle for identifying and addressing area-specific issues and concerns related to MDOT MTA’s Purple Line

We will be hosting our 10^th round of CAT meetings virtually during the month of February.  We look forward to connecting with you and addressing any questions or concerns you and your community have about the Purple Line project.  During the meetings, you will hear project updates from MDOT MTA leadership and construction updates from our design-build contractor, Maryland Transition Solutions (MTS).  Meetings will occur virtually between 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Specific dates for each CAT area are listed below.

• University Boulevard – Thursday, February 2, 2022
• Bethesda/Chevy Chase – Tuesday, February 7, 2022
• Silver Spring – Thursday, February 9, 2022
• College Park – Thursday, February 16, 2022
• Long Branch – Tuesday, February 21, 2022
• Riverdale Park-Glenridge/New Carrollton – Thursday, February 23, 2022
• Greater Lyttonsville/Woodside – Tuesday, February 28, 2022

If there are questions your community would like to have addressed during the meeting, please send them to our Outreach Team by January 30. 2023. Should you have immediate concerns about the CAT meetings, please feel free to contact the Outreach Team at 443-451-3706 or via email at outreach@purplelinemd.com.  

Thank you for your continued interest and engagement in the Purple Line project. Additional information and meeting links will be distributed within 10 days of the meeting date.

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/6854559

Club Español de Conversación: English/Spanish Language Exchange

Intercambio Inglés/Español 

Neighborhood Event Matching Fund

COUNTY WIDE OPPORTUNITIES

With COVID Cases Rising Again, Montgomery County Recommends Precautionary Measures to Protect Against Greater Community Spread of Virus

With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in the National Capitol Region, Montgomery County officials today offered precautionary recommendations to prevent further community spread of the virus. The County’s COVID-19 case rate has risen steadily over the last month and is now more than double the recent low on Nov. 28. 

The increase in transmission has occurred both in the County and in other jurisdictions around the region.  Combined with influenza cases and other significant respiratory disease, emergency department visits and hospitalization rates have increased as well.

“Our current surge in cases is coming right before the holidays and with increased travel and gatherings, there is concern that transmission may increase and strain the health care system,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I encourage all residents to take extra precautions and to make sure they are up to date on vaccinations, including getting a flu vaccine.  We want people to enjoy being with family and friends, but we want to do it safely.”

Although Montgomery County's current community level is low, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the case rate is quickly approaching medium-level community transmission.

Based on the advice of Montgomery County  Health Officer Kisha Davis, it is strongly recommended that people voluntarily engage in the following precautionary measures to slow transmission, protect the most vulnerable populations and keep hospitalizations down:

Use a well-fitting face covering during visits to congregate places and indoor spaces with limited social distancing.

Use of testing and test-to-treat antiviral medication after returning from travel or gatherings.

Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster-shots.

The County continues to offer free at-home rapid test kits and N-95 masks at libraries.

Visit the County’s COVID-19 data dashboard to review the latest metrics and key indicators. Find additional information on masks and transmission levels on the COVID-19 website.

If you are not vaccinated, find free vaccination clinics at www.GoVAXMoCo.com.  If you feel sick or think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, get tested. Find free testing clinics at www.MoCoCOVIDtesting.org.

For the latest COVID-19 updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website and follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCoMD.

 Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, has a varied lineup of special events and programs in January, including New Year’s hikes, Three Kings Day celebration, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day volunteer opportunities and lots of outdoor adventures. It’s a new year and there’s always fun to be had and new things to learn at Montgomery Parks.

January events in Montgomery Parks include: 

New Year’s Day Hike | January 1 | 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20901

Start the new year off on the right foot with a brisk park naturalist-led hike through Wheaton Regional Park. There will be space and time for setting intentions and reflecting on the year ahead. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $10.

Rachel Carson Conservation Park Hike | January 7 | 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Black Hill Visitor Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD 20841

Take a hike on a moderately-challenging route with an experienced naturalist. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $2.

New Year Retreat at Brookside Gardens | January 8 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902

Join yoga instructor, Tanory Ateek, for a day of yoga, meditation and visioning for the new year. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $75.

WinterOpen House: Lodge at Little Seneca Creek | January 8 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Lodge at Little Seneca Creek, 14500-A Clopper Road, Boyds, MD 20841

Come tour The Lodge at Little Seneca Creek, which sits on 26 acres of wooded parkland. The venue is the perfect natural setting for special occasions, as well as business meetings. Meet staff and vendors from all over the DC area, including caterers, event planners, designers, hair and makeup artists, florists and DJs. Attendees who RSVP will be eligible to win door prizes, such as complimentary passes to some Montgomery Parks facilities and more. Free.

Winter Birding at Black Hill | January 14 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
Black Hill Visitor Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD 20841

Bird watching will begin at Little Seneca Lake and then participants will be driven to other viewing locations to see tundra swans, great blue herons, kingfishers, bald eagles and more. Bring your own binoculars, spotting scope provided. Registration required. $12 (FOBH $11).

Make & Take Upcycle Winter Journal | January 14 | 10 – 11 a.m. 
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD 20855                       

Create an upcycled nature journal. After assembling the journal, participants will create their first entry with a guided “zoom in and zoom out” activity. Registration required. Ages 8 and older. $7.

Treasure Hunting in Wheaton Regional Park | January 14 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902                       

Have fun geocaching! Hike Wheaton Regional Park looking for and finding caches with the help of a park naturalist. Registration required. Ages 8 and older. $7.

Jug Bay and Merkle NRMA | January 15 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Black Hill Visitor Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD 20841

Observe visiting winter waterfowl at Jug Bay Natural Area and Merkle Natural Resources Management Area. Bring a bagged lunch, water, binoculars and money for dinner. Registration required. Ages 18 and older. $50.

Weed Warrior MLK Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Week of Service events | Various dates, locations and times
Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a volunteer park cleanup:

• Saturday, January 14, from 10 a.m.– 12 p.m., Long Branch Local Park. Registration required.
• Sunday, January 16, from 9 – 11 a.m., Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreational Park. Registration required.
• Sunday, January 16, from 12 – 2 p.m., Matthew Henson Trail. Registration required.
• Sunday, January 16, from 1 – 3 p.m., Little Falls Parkway. Registration required.
• Saturday, January 21, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Elmhirst Parkway Neighborhood Conservation Area. Registration required.

American Sign Language Paint Night | January 18 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD 20855

Join local artist Ellen Mansfield and learn the basics of acrylic painting. Participants will receive a pre-sketched canvas to take home and can bring drinks (including alcohol) and nut-free snacks to the class. Ages 21 and older. Registration required. $40.

Wild Forest Time | January 22 | 1 – 3 p.m.
Black Hill Visitor Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD 20841

Drop in at the campfire circle anytime during the program to join in on the fun. Build a fort, climb a tree, learn about woodland critters, create some art, or just explore the woods how you want. Registration required. Ages 3 and older. Free.

Woodpeckers of Winter Introduction | January 25 | 7 – 8 p.m.
Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902

Learn what woodpeckers can be found in Montgomery County, what makes woodpeckers special, who to see this time of year and what can be done to support woodpeckers in the wild at this virtual program. Want to see woodpeckers in person? Register for the hike ($10) on Sunday, January 29, associated with this program. Registration required. $10.

Wild Child Hike | January 27 | 1 – 2 p.m.
Black Hill Visitor Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD 20841

Scamper like a squirrel, balance like a billy goat and run like a rabbit as we go on and off the trail on a hiking adventure. Registration required. Ages 4 to 12. $6 (FOBH $5).

Montgomery Parks is a co-sponsor of the following event taking place in parks during the month of January:
MLK Day Weed Warriors Cleanup: January 14 @ Mathew Henson Trail from Winding Creek Local Park

Visit the Winter 2022 Montgomery Parks Program Guide. Go to Montgomery Parks event calendar to view a complete list of special events and programming and to learn how to sign up using ActiveMontgomery.

About Montgomery Parks        
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 420 parks. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems. MontgomeryParks.org/

Accessibility          
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice/TTY), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Program Access for more information. 

Purchase your early tickets here before they are regular price! We are excited to see you at the #WLB2023! The event basics are:

• This is the 43^rd  anniversary of the Women’s Legislative Briefing
• 2023 WLB Theme: Empowered Women Protect Democracy
• Date: January 29, 2023
• Place: Virtual!
• Cost: $23 until January 27, $30 thereafter/students are $5
  Purchase your ticket today!
• ​Time: 12:30-5:00pm

Schedule (Subject to Change)

• 12:30pm
  Virtual Conference Opens 
• 1:00pm-1:55pm
  Plenary Panel Discussion: Women Who Empower Through Advocacy
• 2:00pm-2:55pm Breakout Sessions:
  Empowerment Through Health 
  Empowerment Through Safety
• 3:00pm-3:55pm Breakout Sessions:
  Empowerment Through Economic Justice
  Empowerment Through Education
• 4:00pm-5:00pm
  Virtual Networking

Emerging Leaders

The Emerging Leaders sessions will run concurrently with the adult sessions.

Also, don't forget to visit here if you are interested in sponsoring this event. Sponsorships are due by December 31.

• Education about EVs and EV charging.
• Information about incentives from the government, utilities and local businesses.
• Events to experience EVs firsthand.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Montgomery County Public Libraries, a department of Montgomery County Government. With branch locations throughout Montgomery County, the library provides service to the whole community, babies through seniors.

Visit the county's Office of Human Resources to see openings, to apply online, and to learn about the benefits of county employment.

Read more about part-time shelving jobs.

Current Openings

Program Specialist I (Deaf Culture Digital Library), Grade 18 (Closes 12/29/2022)

Library Associate (Full time), Grade 18 (Closes 12/30/2022)

Library Assistant I (Part Time), Grade 13 (Closes 12/30/2022)

Montgomery County and WSSC Water Urges Everyone to be ‘Salt Wise’ and Use Less Salt During Winter Storms to Reduce the Impact on the Environment and Drinking Water

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Department of Transportation (MCDOT) and WSSC Water are urging homeowners to be “Salt Wise” and use less salt on sidewalks and driveways during winter storms.

Salt runs off into storm drains, local streams, and eventually, to the Potomac and Patuxent rivers which are drinking water sources for 1.9 million residents in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. Salt can corrode concrete and masonry, harm pets, damage surrounding plants and lawns, and adversely impact the water supply.

“Using salt to melt ice from sidewalks and driveways has been a winter staple for generations; however, the harmful impacts from over-salting need to be recognized and addressed,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We want homeowners to know that that salt goes directly into our drinking water and cannot be removed. Small amounts of salt do the job and better protect the environment. We are also asking that residents sweep up any excessive piles of salt and reuse it. Allowing excess salt to flow into our water puts our environment and our health at risk.”

Salt levels have been steadily increasing in local streams, posing a risk to sensitive wildlife and stream health. Once salt gets into waterways, it does not go away.

“Salt levels have skyrocketed in our drinking water sources, the Potomac River and Patuxent River reservoirs, over the past three decades,” said WSSC Water’s Production Director JC Langley. “While our water is absolutely safe to drink, increased salt levels can be a health concern for people on sodium-restrictive diets. We ask residents to protect their drinking-water supplies by being salt wise.”

The Salt Wise campaign is a three-step method for residents to keep sidewalks and driveways safe, while also reducing harm to the environment.

Tips residents can follow include:

• Shovel ice and snow early and often.
• Use one 12-ounce cup of salt for 10 sidewalk squares or for a 20-foot driveway.
• After storm events, sweep up excess salt for reuse.

“As the County takes important steps to be Salt Wise, we encourage residents to also heed this guidance as we all work together to protect our environment,” said Acting DEP Director Adriana Hochberg. “We all need to remember that salt can harm our streams, creeks and our drinking water. We have the tools and the know-how to protect our roads, sidewalks and driveways while also keeping our water supply safe.” 

MCDOT manages the County’s snowstorm response and has implemented steps to reduce salt overuse.

“We apply the minimum amount of salt necessary to endure public safety during snowstorms,” said MCDOT Chief of Highway Services Richard Dorsey. “We have implemented plow bumpers on all our plows, allowing for early plowing. We also use salt brine, a 23 percent solution of salt vs. water before the snow starts to reduce the need for salt use.”

Residents can also take action if they see large piles of salt accidentally spilled onto roadways. MCDOT is reminding residents to call 311 for salt pile cleanup.

“If residents see excessive salt use, they are asked to report it through 311 so that the responsible entity can be asked to clean it up,” said Mr. Dorsey.

Multiple agencies are responsible for clearing snow and laying snow. The Maryland Department of Transportation clears and salts State roads, typically identified by any roadway with a number such as Connecticut Avenue (Route 185), Georgia Avenue (Route 29) and River Road (Route 190). The County’s Department of General Services manages County facilities such as libraries and Montgomery County Public Schools contracts for school grounds and parking lots. MCDOT clears County roads, typically beginning with arterial roadways and then neighborhood roads.

MC 311 is prepared to determine what entity is responsible and route calls for cleanup in response to inquiries it receives.

The County hosts a Winter Storm Informational Portal for residents. The webpage assists in determining if MCDOT is responsible for treating a street. The website provides updates on the County’s snow removal status and allows for service request submittals.

“We work closely with DEP to monitor salt use. We train our plow drivers and measure what they use, we monitor conditions only laying salt as a last resort when conditions require it for public safety,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “MCDOT is heavily involved in the County’s Climate Action Plan, and we consistently work to improve our environment in everything we do. We ask that residents and our partner agencies do the same. It will take all of us making environmentally friendly choices collectively to have the impact we need to see.”

For more information on how to effectively address salt use on residential and commercial properties, go to MontgomeryCountyMD.gov/salt.

• 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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Si vives en Takoma Park, también puedes visitar el enlace de la Ciudad

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