A Message from County Executive Marc Elrich
|
|
|
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich this week released his recommended Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget of $6.8 billion, which he said reflects significant investments in Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery College, affordable housing, economic development, public safety and efforts to combat climate change. Over the next two months, the County Council will review the recommendations as it works toward adopting the budget that will go into effect on July 1.
More
|
|
County Executive Elrich Releases Recommended $6.8 Billion Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget That Includes 10-Cent Increase in Property Tax Rate Exclusively to Fully Fund MCPS Request
|
|
|
|
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich this week released his recommended Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Operating Budget of $6.8 billion, which is an increase of 7.7 percent from the FY23 approved all funds budget (County Government plus outside agencies). The recommended FY24 budget reflects record level and significant investments for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Montgomery College, affordable housing, economic development, public safety and efforts to combat climate change.
More
|
|
Montgomery County Executive Elrich, Council President Glass to Join Committee Against Hate/Violence Antisemitism Panel Discussion on Wed., March 22, in Rockville
Montgomery County Council Executive Marc Elrich, County Council President Evan Glass and Councilmember Andrew Friedson are among those expected to join the County Committee Against Hate/Violence (CAHV) panel discussion on “Anti-Semitism in Montgomery County” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22. The in-person event at the County’s Executive Office Building in Rockville also will be viewable online.
The Executive Office Building is located at 101 Monroe Street in Rockville. The panel discussion can be viewed live online at https://www.facebook.com/CountyCableMoCo.
The County Committee Against Hate/Violence is a division of the County’s Office of Human Rights. The goal of the CAHV antisemitism panel discussion is to create greater community awareness of how antisemitism is defined and how the problem affects all residents.
In addition to County Executive Elrich, Council President Glass and Councilmember Friedson, its panel discussion is expected to include Lieutenant Kevin Parker of the Montgomery County Police Department and Afriam Katzir, executive director of Sephardic Heritage International. Craig Simon, vice chair of the CAHV, will be the moderator. Lisa Taylor, the CAHV chair, will deliver opening remarks.
Montgomery County and the nation have seen a high rise in physical/verbal incidents of antisemitism directed at Jewish-Americans, their institutions and upon County facilities. There also have been incidents of hate/bias directed at minority groups. The goal of the CAHV Antisemitism panel discussion is to create greater community awareness of how this problem affects all residents.
The Committee Against Hate Violence is a 15-member committee appointed by the County Executive and approved by County Council. The committee is tasked to develop and distribute information about hate/violence, promote educational activities, recommend policies, programs and legislation and advise the County Executive and County Council on ways to reduce the incidences of acts if hate/violence.
For further information, contact Craig Simon at Califcraig@yahoo.com or 818-406-4953; Richard W. Allen at rwallen4equity@comcast.net or 301-366-9361; or James Stowe, director of the County Office of Human Rights, at JamesStowe@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-888-5502.
|
|
Community Conversation on Silver Spring Safety
|
|
|
|
Council President Glass and Councilmember Kate Stewart invite you to join a community conversation on safety in Silver Spring on Sunday, March 26th. The event will begin at 3 pm and will be held at the Silver Spring Civic Center, 1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring, MD.
The event will include a panel discussion on gun safety and safety improvements in downtown Silver Spring; table discussions with community residents and a safety walk
|
|
Design Development Concept for Future Lyttonsville Neighborhood Park to be Presented at Meeting on Thursday, March 30
|
|
|
A community meeting to discuss the new neighborhood park coming to Lyttonsville in Silver Spring will be held by Montgomery Parks at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, at the Gwendolyn E. Coffield Community Recreation Center in Silver Spring. The park design is the result of dialogue between planners and the Lyttonsville community during two previous meetings.
Gwendolyn E. Coffield Community Recreation Center is located at 2450 Lyttonsville Rd. in Silver Spring.
The meeting also can be viewed online via Zoom. The link will be MoCoParks.org/LCM. The phone number will be 301-715-8592. The Webinar ID is 876 4684 3272.
The new park will create a neighborhood green, and a rest stop along the Capital Crescent Trail. The park concepts were developed based on the preferred program priorities and feedback from the community.
At the meeting on March 30, the design development plan, which includes a bridge memorial and refinements from the prior concepts, will be presented.
Lyttonsville is a historic community, founded in the 1850s by a free African American laborer Samuel Lytton. The one-lane Talbot Bridge crossed the CSX railroad tracks, linking the community with the rest of Silver Spring. The 100-year-old bridge was demolished in 2019. The bridge girders will be incorporated into the new park to commemorate the history and culture of Greater Lyttonsville.
|
|
B&O Railroad Train Stations New Forever Stamps Presentation Delivered by the U.S. Postal Service
Saturday, April 1, 2023, 10am - 2pm
Historic B&O Silver Spring Railroad Station Free Open House
8100 Georgia Ave. at Sligo, Silver Spring, Md. 20910 301-495-4915
|
|
|
B&O Railroad Historical Society Photo Exhibit highlighting the MET Branch
for its 150th Anniversary, & Make a Train Arts and Crafts Project!
Family Friendly, Bring your Inner Child!
The United States Postal Service will present a secondary New Issue of Stamp Presentation at the historic Baltimore & Ohio Silver Spring Train Station On April 1, 2023 at 11:00 am. The first ceremony was held at Cincinnati Union Station on March 9th. The new set of stamps features images of four historic stations one of which is the station at Point of Rocks Md. This station is 30 miles North of Silver Spring on the same rail line known as the Metropolitan Branch of the B&O that is celebrating its 150th Anniversary this year. Attendees will also be able to purchase the stamp or first day cancellations.
Arts and Crafts with Mr. Reemberto Rodriquez! We will be talking trains and metro. We will also be crafting a train! Please bring a regular sized (empty!) shoe box. We'll provide the crayons and other craft supplies. Events sponsored by Montgomery Preservation.
During MPI Open House, we ask, recommend anyone inside the building wear a mask in consideration for Vulnerable Patrons & Staff of All Ages. Outdoors, masking is optional.
Thank You!
http://www.montgomerypreservation.org/
https://www.facebook.com/MontgomeryPI
mpi@montgomerypreservation.org
|
|
Takoma Flea is back on Saturday, May 13th
|
|
|
Calling All Vendors!
Takoma Flea is back on Saturday, May 13th, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm on Grant Avenue, Takoma Park. We are looking for vendors selling vintage, collectibles, salvage, antiques, repurposed items and more. Booth spaces are 10x10 and spaces are limited. Apply now!
Takoma Flea
Date: Saturday, May 13, 2023
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Grant Avenue between Carroll Avenue and Hancock Avenue
Apply Here
|
|
Takoma Park Street Festival 2023
APPLY NOW
|
|
|
Join Us!
The 42nd annual Takoma Park Street Festival will take place on Sunday, October 1, 2023 on Carroll Avenue in Takoma Park, MD. Each year, we welcome about 10,000 visitors (verified!) during this day long event filled with great vendors, food and live music. We invite you to join us!
Vendors
Application is open now! We are looking for a diverse mix of great artists, community groups, food vendors, small businesses, companies and Takoma businesses (see vendor definitions here)
Apply Early
Tent placement will remain on one side of the street only. We found that festival goers spent more time at the festival (verified!) the two years that we used one-side of the street only. With less spaces available than in previous years, the event will sell out fast. We will begin notifying vendors on April 1 and hope to have the festival participants finalized by June. If accepted, you will have two weeks to pay the booth fee. See rates below.
Check our website for all of the info!
2023 Festival Rates by Vendor Category
Artist Booth Space ----> $250
Community Groups Booth Space ----> $235
Small Company or Start-Up Booth Space (5 employees or less, start up - 12 months or less)----> $450
Company Booth Space----> $775
OTBA Member (Non-Food)----> $150
OTBA Member (Food)---->$450
Takoma Business Rate (non-food business)----> $200
Local Food Vendor Booth Space (or food truck) ---->$525
National Chain Food Vendors Booth Space---->$1,250
Shared Booth Space----> $100 surcharge
For vendor category definitions, see here.
|
|
Montgomery Food Council Unveils 2023 ‘County Food and Beverage Guide’
|
|
|
The Montgomery County Food Council has released its interactive, online 2023 Montgomery County Food and Beverage Guide. The sixth edition of the Guide features 75 businesses in total.
The County businesses listed in the guide include 25 that are women-owned. It includes information on 19 farms, 21 bakeries/confectioneries, 18 prepared/packaged goods producers, nine craft beverage producers, seven non-alcoholic beverage producers, four meat producers and four honey producers.
The guide is interactive and searchable, so users can filter by category and type of business.
The guide also reflects the “MoCo Made” initiative that offers resources and support to local farms and food and beverage producers. It also increases the visibility and awareness of the diverse products made and grown in the County.
The Food Council is an independent nonprofit organization that connects businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and concerned residents to create a robust, sustainable and equitable local food system. In addition to the Food and Beverage Guide, the MoCo Made Program includes efforts to increase networking opportunities for farmers, wholesale and retail buyers and producers; provides educational resources for existing and aspiring food and beverage business owners on how to scale a business; connects small businesses to tools and resources; and provides overall facilitation and connections of small businesses to customers, capital and infrastructure.
For more information on the Food and Beverage Guide, go to Food and Beverage Guide - Montgomery County Food Council (mocofoodcouncil.org).
|
|
Bilingual Library Program for Expecting Parents
|
|
|
Registration Now Open for 10th Annual Montgomery County Energy Summit That Will Be Held March 28-29 in Silver Spring
|
|
|
|
Registration is now open for the 10th Annual Montgomery County Energy Summit, which will take place in-person on March 28-29, at the Silver Spring Civic Building. Hosted by the County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Energy Summit brings the private sector, nonprofit groups and local governments together to collaborate on expanding high-performing, sustainable buildings.
The 2023 Energy Summit will focus on preparing the commercial building community for compliance with energy benchmarking, building energy performance standards and emerging building codes. It will explore requirements and opportunities in these areas and provide hands-on learning opportunities, as well as case studies from commercial and multifamily buildings.
“The Energy Summit is an opportunity for Montgomery County and the building community to come together to discuss climate and energy strategies that will get us to our goals,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “If you are a professional or business committed to combating climate change and understanding the future of energy, please register to attend. I am proud of our collaboration with the commercial and multifamily building sector to develop a path forward to increase the minimum levels of building energy efficiency, to boost economic opportunities, and create jobs in Montgomery County.”
The summit’s target audience includes building owners; property managers; developers; energy contractors; residents interested in green building; and sustainability professionals working in Montgomery County and the Washington Metropolitan area.
“We are excited to be hosting our 10th Annual Energy Summit in Montgomery County and continuing to offer cutting-edge education focused on the latest trends in green building, energy efficiency, renewable energy and related commercial and multifamily topics,” said Adriana Hochberg, Montgomery County’s climate change officer and acting director for DEP. “The Energy Summit is an opportunity for Montgomery County and the building community to come together to discuss climate and energy strategies that will help us meet our ambitious goals.”
Registration for the two-day summit is $15 per day and includes keynote speakers, educational sessions, hands-on demonstrations, panel discussions and the opportunity for building owners to receive direct onsite technical support for new requirements.
The first day of the summit on Tuesday, March 28, is designed for building owners, managers and facilities staff. In the morning, attendees will cycle through five stations to learn about energy benchmarking and performance requirements for commercial buildings and available resources. In the afternoon, attendees will have the opportunity to receive hands-on support from subject matter experts. Energy audit demonstrations will take place throughout the day to get attendees thinking about opportunities in their buildings.
The second day of the summit on March 29 will be a more in-depth discussion about County energy regulations and strategies to meet them. The day is geared toward building and energy professionals and consultants. Following the morning plenary, learning sessions will focus on strategies and case studies from commercial and multifamily buildings, with an eye toward improving energy efficiency in buildings.
The Wednesday sessions will culminate with an exciting closing plenary panel featuring local, state, and federal incentives, followed by a networking event and reception from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building.
Both days will feature an Innovation Alley with exhibitors displaying innovative products and services available to the commercial and multifamily building sector. The exhibitors will have products and strategies to aid in building energy efficiency, renewable energy, electrification, building decarbonization, healthy buildings and zero-emission vehicles.
To register and view the full schedule, visit the event’s website at Montgomery County Energy Summit (mcenergysummit.org). Questions can be emailed to energy@montgomerycountymd.gov.
|
|
Crossroads Farmers Market -- Opens April 26!
|
|
|
Crossroads Farmers Market is just about two months from Opening Day and I wanted to share with you the Business/Nonprofit form to see if you were interested in providing services, activities, or information again this year to our community. If you are interested in participating (or know another organization who might be), please fill out the google form below.
https://forms.gle/W4fqdTGajDanFp5o6
Also, we are still recruiting for the 2023 market season and hoping to add one more prepared food vendor (ie. hot lunches) to the market! Please share the application with anyone in your network who you think might be interested!
Farmers Market Application, English
Aplicación en Español
|
|
The Around the World Bazaar
Friday, March 31st 5pm-10pm
Silver Spring Civic Building
Hālau Nohona Hawai`i
performs 8.30pm-9.30pm
|
|
|
SSTCI Spring 2023 Schedule
|
|
The 14th Annual Silver Spring Blues Festival
Saturday, June 17th 3pm-10pm
Located on Ellsworth between Fenton & the Fountain
at Downtown Silver Spring
|
|
|
Being an exhibitor in SSTCi's Silver Spring Blues Festival is a great way for artists, artisans, specialty services, as well as area non-profits to reach thousands of people throughout the day and evening during one of the most festive days of the year in Downtown Silver Spring!
SPACE IS LIMITED & WILL GO FAST!
All outdoor exhibitors must have a 10x10 pop-up tent, as well as all permits of sales and tax required in the state of Maryland. Exhibitor booths will be on Ellsworth between Fenton and the Fountain in Downtown Silver Spring. Exhibitors may set up at 2pm. (Hours of event are 3pm-10pm).
Exhibitor Booths for Blues Festival $350
Early Bird Rate of only $275
if paid by Midnight Friday, March 31st
You may pay by check or online at Paypal & send an email with the registration info below.
You may bring a check made payable to "SSTCi" and drop off at:
Silver Spring Town Center Inc.
Silver Spring Civic Building
One Veterans Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Please send the following registration info with your payment to lisa@silverspringtowncenter.com.
* Name of Exhibitor
* Organization / business name
* Brief description of what you will be selling/promoting ONLY original arts & crafts permitted for sale or informational booths
* Link to website, Facebook page, etc that shows items and/or services to be sold or promoted. If none available, send photos that represent the full scope of merchandise to be sold.
* Contact info including email and telephone number.
* Do you have a 10x10 pop-up tent?
* How did you hear about this opportunity?
After completing, please email to lisa@silverspringtowncenter.com to ensure your space. Participation is subject to approval from property owners. Items & services to be sold or promoted cannot compete with area merchants.
Thank you! For more info, call SSTCi's Executive Director Lisa Martin at 240.595.8818.
For Sponsorship & Vendor Opportunities are available.
Contact Executive Director Lisa Martin 240.595.8818.
or lisa@silverspringtowncenter.com for details.
|
|
Be a Sponsor of the Silver Spring Blues Festival
& Silver Spring Blues Week!
|
|
|
Be a sponsor of the 14th Annual Silver Spring Blues Festival & Blues Festival Week taking place Sunday, June 11th - Saturday, June 17th.
We have an exciting line-up soon-to-be-announced along with other programs throughout Blues Week including concerts, along with some virtual creative and engaging programming, including a documentary film, Blues Through Poetry, comedy show, plus other exciting programs celebrating the Blues!
All of the events are FREE for the community.
In addition to celebrating the Blues, this is a great way to put a spotlight on your business or service. We hope you will consider one of the following levels of sponsorship:
Bronze Level for $250
Placement of your logo on our electronic marketing and social media announcements (minimum of 10 announcements reaching 100,000+ combined subscribers via email and social media.)
Your logo on Festival banners & signage
Acknowledgement of your sponsorship at all Blues Festival & Blues Week events.
Silver Level for $500
Includes all of the above, plus--
Inclusion of your logo on the Festival T-Shirt
4 clickable ads to SSTCi's Mailings & Social Media Pages promoting your business reaching 40,000+ area subscribers
Gold Level for $1000
Includes all of the above, plus--
A Sponsor Tent at the Silver Spring Blues Festival
Prominent placement in all marketing, signage, and merchandise
Your logo on our new website
4 additional (total of 8) ADS/Electronic Flyers with clickable link to your website in electronic/social media mailing to reach 80,000+ area subscribers.
Platinum Level for $2500
Includes all of the above, plus:
Premier placement of logo everywhere
Premier placement of Sponsor Tent
Two dedicated mailings about your organization/services (These are mailings sent just for you to our full list of over 10,000 area subscribers)
Four additional clickable ads (for a total of 12) in electronic and social media mailings to 10,000+ area subscribers (total of 120,000+ reach).
Premier placement throughout and special announcements from "stage" about your product or services.
Your logo prominently displayed on our new website
Stage Sponsor for $5000
Includes all of the above + we name the stage after your business
Additional Opportunity as Sponsor of the Month of SSTCi's Program:
We also invite you to consider being a featured Sponsor of the Month for just $500--your sponsorship would be acknowledged in a minimum of 10 electronic mailings including special acknowledgement in our newsletter and on social media reaching over 100,000 subscribers through email and on social media.
A Sponsor of the Month is a separate opportunity from our Silver Spring Blues Festival Week sponsorship and supports a variety of arts and entertainment programming for a particular month at any time throughout the year.
For $1000, you get all this, plus two dedicated mailings to our 10,000 area subscribers on email and social media promoting your business. Just let us know which month suits you best.
We hope you can join us!
|
|
MYMCM Summer Youth Media Camp
|
|
|
Registration is open for MCM's Summer Youth Media classes. Students ages 12-17 can register for four different two week sessions at our Silver Spring Media Lab. Register before March for early bird discount.
|
|
On Camera Ready
Tuesday 2/28 AND Tuesday 3/28
|
|
|
|
Do you have an on-camera appearance coming up? Not sure what to wear or how to apply TV ready makeup? We have the perfect class for you! Join us for our On Camera Ready! class featuring Michelle Bernard, (on-camera professional/coach), Jennifer Meadows, (Makeup Artist) and Monica Barnett, (Wardrobe stylist). They’ll teach you how to prepare for any on-camera appearance!
In this two-session course on February 28th and March 28th (both sessions included in one price!) you’ll gain hands-on experience and one-on-one support for appearing on camera. Learn from industry experts how to look and feel your best for your next on-camera appearance!
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/on-camera-ready-tickets-528387891407
|
|
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/7767518
|
|
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.
|
|
Bishop & Beers Weekly Chess Club
|
|
|
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
|
|
Neighborhood Event Matching Fund
|
|
|
Click the flyer above for more information and a link to the application!
|
|
COUNTY WIDE OPPORTUNITIES
|
|
MCDOT to Hold a Virtual Community Meeting on the Proposed University Boulevard Dedicated Bus Lane Pilot Project on Thursday, March 30
|
|
|
|
On Thursday, March 30 starting at 6 p.m., the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will hold an online public meeting to discuss a new dedicated bus lane pilot project along the University Boulevard (MD 193) corridor between Amherst and Dennis Avenues in Silver Spring. If supported, the bus lane will launch this summer/fall. This dedicated bus lane, shared with bikes and emergency vehicles, will reduce traffic congestion for buses on the route and provide faster and more reliable service for riders. The meeting will share information, answer questions and allow for MCDOT to receive community feedback.
The bus lane will be clearly identified with signs and pavement markings, and there will be no changes to existing parking or loading.
MCDOT provides for the planning, design and construction of improvements to bus service. The Bus Priority Project includes multiple projects that improve local bus timing, ease of access and safety such as marked dedicated bus lanes; queue jumps; passenger boarding and alighting improvements; implementation of transit signal priority; enhanced bus stops; and other similar improvements that will increase reliability and result in faster buses throughout Montgomery County.
Dedicated Bus Lanes have been implemented on Crystal Rock Drive and Aircraft Road in Germantown and are also being proposed for Georgia Avenue between 16th St. NW and Wayne Avenue in Silver Spring. Additional dedicated bus lanes are planned for other areas in Montgomery County.
Online registration is required to attend. An invitation to participate will be emailed to registrants the morning of the meeting. Meeting information, including questions and comments, will become a matter of public record.
Prior to the virtual meeting, the public is encouraged to review the project website here.
Residents who participate in a related online feedback survey will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card.
In addition to the community meeting, MCDOT hosted a pop-up event on Tuesday, March 14 at the Wheaton Metro Station and will host another pop-up event on Thursday, March 16 from 4 - 6 p.m. at University Boulevard and Arcola Avenue area bus stops, near Northwood High School.
Please note that the Montgomery County’s Planning Department is also doing a corridor study of University Boulevard, separate from this project.
Interpreter services will be provided upon request, with five business days advance notice, by contacting Gary Erenrich at 240-777-7156 or gary.erenrich@montgomerycountymd.gov.
For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. In addition, information is available at RideOnBus.com, by subscribing to receive email alerts, or by texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311 to receive text alerts.
For more information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.
|
|
Montgomery County Minimum Wage Will Increase on July 1 to $16.70 Per Hour for Large Employers
The minimum wage will again increase in Montgomery County on July 1. Sponsored by then-County Council member, and current County Executive, Marc Elrich and signed into legislation on Nov. 17, 2017, Bill 28-17 raises the minimum wage incrementally each July 1.
Based on the consumer price index for all urban wage earners and clerical workers (CPI-W) for Washington-Baltimore, the Montgomery County Chief Administrative Officer has set the rate for the increase of minimum wage for July 2023 for large employers (those with 51 employees or more) at $16.71 per hour.
After hitting the $15 minimum wage rate in 2021, the law requires the Chief Administrative Officer to adjust the rate each year.
The change is based on the previous calendar year. Previous years were based on rate of increase determined by the Montgomery County Council to get to $15.
Starting July 1, the County minimum wage will increase to $16.70 per hour for large employers. The rate for mid-sized employers will be $15 per hour. The rate for small employers will be $14.50 per hour.
More information about the County’s minimum wage increase will be available later this year.
|
|
Montgomery County Recreation is Hiring; Job Fairs Scheduled in March, April and May
|
|
|
Montgomery County Recreation is hiring part-time seasonal employees to work during the 2023 summer season. Available positions include lifeguards, camp counselors, camp directors and more.
“We have so many great opportunities for people to work with our Montgomery County Recreation team and I encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to come learn more at our upcoming job fairs,” said Montgomery Recreation Director Robin Riley. “Working at Recreation is extremely rewarding, and these seasonal positions are a great way to gain experience and get your foot in the door.”
Job fairs are scheduled at the following locations and dates:
- Wednesday, March 22. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Gwendolyn E. Coffield Community Recreation Center, 2450 Lyttonsville Road, Silver Spring.
- Saturday, March 25. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. White Oak Community Recreation Center, 1700 April Lane, Silver Spring.
- Thursday, April 20. 5:30-8 p.m. Upper County Community Recreation Center, 8201 Emory Grove Road, Gaithersburg.
- Saturday, April 22. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. East County Community Recreation Center, 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring.
- Sunday, May 7. Noon-4 p.m. Wheaton Community Recreation Center, 11701 Georgia Ave., Wheaton.
The part-time/seasonal pay rate begins at $15.65 an hour and increases based on experience. Applicants must be at least 15 years of age. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.
Applicants should bring their resumes, come dressed for success and be prepared to discuss their experience. The department is looking for dedicated, hardworking and motivated individuals.
Applicants may attend any job fair regardless of where they are seeking to work in the County.
As a condition of employment, applicants will be required to pass a criminal background investigation. The investigation will include State, Federal and sex offender background checks.
If interested in applying or for more information, visit the website.
|
|
Montgomery Parks to Hold Special Events in March for All Ages and Interests
|
|
|
Montgomery Parks will host a busy lineup of special events and programs in March, including a variety of hikes, birdwatching and a ParksAle Trail adventure.
March events in Montgomery Parks will include:
- Introduction to Landscape Design: Sessions I and II. Saturdays March 11 and March 25. 10 a.m.-noon. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton. Learn the fundamentals of landscape design to create functional, enjoyable and beautiful outdoor spaces. Each session will focus on different concepts. Class is offered virtually as a live, online webinar though the Zoom platform with audience Q & A. After registering, a link will be emailed 24 hours prior to the live webinar. A recording of the lecture will be sent to registrants to access online for up to 30 days. Registration required. Ages 18 and older. $12 (per session).
- Hiking Trip to North Point State Park. Tuesday, March 21. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Black Hill Visitor Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds. Bring in the spring solstice with a hike at North Point State Park on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $40.
- Chirp and Herp Hike. Friday, March 24. 9-11 a.m. Black Hill Visitor Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds. Amphibians are waking up and seeking mates while the first spring birds are making their way to the area. Hike the trails of the Rachel Carson Conservation Park. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $12.
- Pysanka Egg Dyeing Class. Friday, March 31. 11 a.m.-noon. Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville. Learn the art of Pysanky, the meanings and powers of pysanky symbols in Slavic culture and create your own pysanka egg. Ages 14 and older. Registration required. $10.
- Spring Fire Night. Friday, March 31. 6-8 p.m. Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton. Night campfire with campfire snacks, friends, neighbors and a park naturalist. Ages 6 and older. Registration required. $7.
Montgomery Parks is a co-sponsor of the following event:
For more information on spring events, visit Montgomery Parks Program Guide. Go to the Montgomery Parks event calendar to view a complete list of special events and programming and to learn how to sign up using ActiveMontgomery.
|
|
Urgent Need for Blood (NIH Blood Bank)
|
|
|
Sixth Annual ‘Girl Power Contest’ Recognizing March as Women’s History Month Accepting Entries Through Friday, March 31
|
|
|
|
In recognition of March as Women’s History Month, the Montgomery County Commission for Women, Montgomery County Public Libraries and Friends of the Library, Montgomery County is holding its Sixth Annual “Girl Power Contest.” County residents, ages 5 and up, are encouraged to submit a short story, poem, drawing or entry in the medium of their choice that addresses this year’s theme.
Entries can be submitted starting March 1. Entries must be submitted by midnight on Friday, March 31.
In 2022, the Montgomery County Council made history as voters in November elected the County’s first female-majority Council. In honor of this milestone, the following question is the theme for this year’s Girl Power Contest: We now have six women on the Montgomery County Council. What advice would you give them to make sure our community is a place where women and girls can feel safe and encouraged?
Entries typically are short stories, poems and drawings. However, creativity is encouraged, and alternative creative expressive submissions are welcomed. Entries will be judged on creativity and content. Winning entries will be selected in four categories: elementary school, middle school, high school and adult.
Submissions are limited to one per person. Written entries should be a maximum of 500 words. Entries should include the entrant’s full name, age, grade and school (if applicable), phone number and email address.
Winners will be announced in April. All winners will be featured on Commission for Women's social media and receive a swag bag.
Entries for the 2023 Girl Power Contest should be submitted online to 2023 Girl Power Contest Form (google.com).
Entries submitted by minors must include written permission from a parent or guardian and be the minor’s own work.
All entries become the property of the Montgomery County Commission for Women and may be used for publicity purposes. The contest is sponsored by the Montgomery County Commission for Women, Montgomery County Public Libraries and Friends of the Library, Montgomery County.
For more information about the Girl Power Contest, call 240-777-8300 or visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cfw.
|
|
‘Montgomery Connects’ to Distribute 10,000 Additional Computers to Eligible Low-Income Residents in February, March and April
|
|
|
“Montgomery Connects,” Montgomery County’s digital equity and inclusion program, will distribute 10,000 laptops to low-income individuals funded by the FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund grant and Maryland Emergency Education Relief grants. The distributions will take place, while supplies last, at numerous events across the County in February, March and April.
The next distribution event will be from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, at the White Oak Community Recreation Center, which is located at 1700 April Lane in Silver Spring.
Through Feb. 13, the Montgomery Connects program has distributed 40,113 computers. primarily to low-income households. The summary of distributions to date includes:
- 84 percent of recipients have an annual household income of less than $50,000 and 35 percent have an annual income of less than $25,000.
- 77 percent of the computers have been distributed to Black and Latino residents, with 65 percent distributed to Black and Latino residents in households earning less than $50,000 annually.
Montgomery Connects is the County’s digital equity and inclusion program. Its goal is to close the digital equity gap. It aspires to empower 100 percent of the County's residents and local businesses to be fully connected and engaged in the digital world. Leaping the digital divide requires access to a home computer, affordable high-speed broadband, and digital skills training. Montgomery Connects, which is operated by the County’s Department of Technology & Enterprise Business Solutions (TEBS), focuses on addressing all three of the needs.
Residents who do not have a computer are eligible to receive computers from the Montgomery Connects program. Montgomery County-serving nonprofit organizations, agencies and County departments who have clients eligible for the computers are encouraged to make information available to their clients about the limited remaining availability of the laptops. Those organizations also are encouraged to provide assistance to help clients register for an appointment to receive a computer using registration links at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/computer. Organizations that need additional assistance are encouraged to contact Montgomery Connects by email at montgomeryconnects@montgomerycountymd.gov.
“Montgomery Connects wants every person to have a computer, internet connection and the skills to use technology for learning, work and daily living,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “We have already distributed 40,000 computers to people who did not have one. We only have 10,000 remaining, and we want people who need them to get them now before we run out. There are few things more important to for students trying to keep pace in school and workers hoping to improve their job status than having a computer and access to the internet. This Montgomery Connects program is moving our County in the right direction in this crucial area.”
Eligibility requirements to receive a computer include:
- Must be a resident of Montgomery County, age 7 or older.
- Must have a Montgomery County Public Libraries library card number. Go to mcpl.link/library-card to obtain a card number online.
- Only one computer per person.
- Every person, including children, must have an appointment and appear in person with a photo ID to receive a computer at scheduled computer distribution events.
Montgomery County does not provide technical or maintenance support for the computers distributed.
Information about how to register for an appointment, including dates and locations of Montgomery Connects digital equity events, can be found at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/computer.
Upcoming computer distribution events (while supplies last):
- Tuesday, March 21. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Germantown American Job Center
- Wednesday, March 22. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. East County Community Center
- Thursday, March 23. 3-7 p.m. Gaithersburg Library
- Friday, March 24. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Long Branch Recreation Center
- Monday, March 27. 3-7 p.m., Executive Office Building (cafeteria)
- Tuesday, March 28. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Kensington Park Library
- Wednesday, March 29. 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Long Branch Recreation Center
- Saturday, April 1. 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Aspen Hill Library
- Tuesday, April 4. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Germantown American Job Center
- Wednesday, April 5. 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Long Branch Recreation Center
- Friday, April 7. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wheaton American Job Center
- Monday, April 10. 4-8 p.m. Germantown Community Center
- Tuesday, April 11. 3-7 p.m. Long Branch Library
- Friday, April 14. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. White Oak Recreation Center
- Saturday, April 15. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Aspen Hill Library
- Tuesday, April 18. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Germantown American Job Center
- Wednesday, April 19. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. East County Community Center
- Thursday, April 20. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Long Branch Recreation Center
- Friday, April 21. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wheaton American Job Center
- Tuesday, April 25. 3-7 p.m. Long Branch Library
- Wednesday, April 26. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. White Oak Recreation Center
- Friday, April 28. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wheaton American Job Center
- Saturday, April 29. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Executive Office Building (cafeteria)
Free or discounted internet also is available for eligible households. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal and State program that provides low-income households with a discount of up to $45 per month for home broadband or mobile device plans. At every Montgomery Connects computer distribution event, County staff will be available to help residents enroll residents in the ACP monthly internet subsidy program. Learn more at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/montgomeryconnects.
Montgomery Connects has enrolled more than 1,000 families in ACP (saving each family more than $540 per year).
|
|
Black Business Development Focus Group
|
|
|
The Montgomery County Black Collective is a nonprofit that advocates for increased resources and services for Black and other minority businesses in Montgomery County. We partner with Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce to offer AMBER, a business coaching and technical assistance program designed to improve the outcomes of business growth and development.
We want to know the perspective of Montgomery County based Black/African American business owners, organizations, and other community stakeholders as we add components to the program. This information will help us advocate and design programs that fulfill the economic development needs in the County. Survey results will be shared in a report to Montgomery County government.
Join us for a virtual or in-person focus group
March 22 (Gaithersburg)
Space is limited
Register here
|
|
Public hearing for Pedestrian Master Plan set for March 23
|
|
|
The Montgomery County Planning Board will hold a public hearing Thursday, March 23, 2023, at 6 p.m. on the Montgomery County Planning Department’s Pedestrian Master Plan, which is the county’s first comprehensive master plan to improve the pedestrian experience countywide. The public is invited to provide testimony in-person or virtually.
Sign up to testify and read the Public Hearing Draft of the plan.
“This is the first time we have had a master plan focused solely on making walking or rolling around the county safer, more accessible, equitable, and comfortable for all residents,” said Acting Planning Director Tanya Stern. “This plan is major step towards supporting Thrive Montgomery 2050’s vision of Complete Communities and offering more ways for residents to travel safely without having to drive everywhere.”
“The Public Hearing Draft is the culmination of several years of public engagement, data collection, and best-practices research from Montgomery Planning Staff,” said Project Lead Eli Glazier. “The community’s perspective is critical to make this plan work for every pedestrian, and we look forward to continue working with residents, business owners, and other interested pedestrians to gather ideas, questions, and concerns as this plan progresses.”
|
|
Travel Training
Free public transit travel training for ages 50+
|
|
|
Exelon Foundation STEM Leadership Academy
|
|
|
Montgomery County Press Releases
for the latest news
PRESS RELEASE CENTERS
|
|
|
|
