Holiday Schedule for Veterans Day, Friday, November 11

Montgomery County government will observe the following holiday schedule for Veterans Day, Friday, November 11.

• County Offices – closed 
• Libraries – closed 
• County Liquor stores – all County liquor stores will be open normal hours.
• Recreation: aquatic and community centers open as scheduled; classes and programs will meet as scheduled; all senior programs cancelled, and administrative offices and senior centers closed 
• Montgomery Parks - For operating schedule, visit www.MontgomeryParks.org
• Ride On – Ride On will run on a Special Modified Holiday Schedule
• Metrorail – Information available at www.wmata.com
• Metrobus – Information available at www.wmata.com
• TRiPS Commuter Stores (Silver Spring and Friendship Heights) – closed
• Transfer Station recycling and trash drop-offs: Open with normal hours. Recycling Center: closed Transfer Station and Recycling Center administrative offices: closed 
• Trash Collections – Friday collections will slide to Saturday
• The Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station - closed 
• Parking at public garages, lots, curbside meters – free
• MCPS Schools and Administrative Offices – Schools and administrative offices are open; half-day for K—8 grade students
• State offices and courts – closed

Red Line Passengers Urged to Seek Alternatives During SafeTrack Surge 10 from October 29 to November 22

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Surge 10 will affect the Red Line October 29 through November 22. This surge is expected to cause delays on the entire Red Line -- the Metrorail system’s busiest line. Metro is urging commuters to find alternatives, particularly during weekday, peak travel hours. Surge 10 is the last surge that will directly affect Montgomery County.

Summary of SafeTrack Surge 10:

• Red Line trains will run in two segments -- Shady Grove to NoMa-Gallaudet U every six minutes and Glenmont to Fort Totten every ten minutes.
• Metrorail stations at Brookland-CUA and Rhode Island Ave. will be closed.
• Metro will run free shuttle buses to replace trains between NoMa-Gallaudet U and Fort Totten.
• Ride On will run free shuttle buses between the Silver Spring, Takoma and Fort Totten Metrorail stations during extended rush hours.
• The Green/Yellow Line provides a good alternative between Fort Totten and Gallery Place.
• Other alternatives include the MARC train; additional Metrobuses along key north-south routes; and Park and Ride lots at Green/Yellow Line Metrorail stations.
• For those riding other sections of the Red Line, there will be fewer trains arriving less often.
• Overall, Red Line customers are urged to consider telecommuting, off-peak travel, bus, MARC and other alternatives. Commuters should expect trains to be extremely crowded.

 

What is Montgomery County Doing to Help Travelers?

Montgomery County, including the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), is assisting travelers during SafeTrack Surge 10, as outlined below.
For Riders:

• To encourage commuters to travel outside of peak hours, provide free Ride On “Red Line Shuttles” between the Silver Spring, Takoma and Fort Totten Metrorail stations weekdays every 10 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. MCDOT is extending peak-hour service to 4 ½ hours in both the morning and afternoon.
• Distribute free round-trip MARC Train tickets prior to the start of Surge 10 at the Silver Spring and Rockville Metrorail stations to encourage commuters to try this alternative. Tickets will be distributed, while they last, on Tuesday, October 25 from 7 to 9 a.m. and Thursday, October 27 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• Sell MARC Train tickets at the MCDOT TRiPS store in Silver Spring, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Provide commuter services assistance, including telework, alternate work schedules, carpooling, vanpooling and use of car-sharing.
• Post bike route “SafeTrack Detour” signs at station entrances to connect West Hyattsville on the Green/Yellow Line with the Takoma, Silver Spring, Forest Glen, Wheaton and Glenmont stations.
• Co-sponsor a “Learn the Route” free, guided bike ride on Saturday, October 29 at 10 a.m. to aid bike commuting.
• Encourage commuters to use MCDOT’s recently created interactive map of Park and Ride Lot options.
• Coordinate with Montgomery County Police to provide traffic control to improve bus operations at the Silver Spring Transit Center and other key locations.
• Offer free Bikeshare memberships, training and helmets to qualified, low income residents through the MC Liberty program.

For Drivers:

• Monitor traffic and adjust traffic signals in areas most affected by SafeTrack to improve bus operations and traffic flow.
• Suspend MCDOT road repair projects along key commuter routes affected by surges.
• Request that the Maryland State Highway Administration restrict lane closures and construction projects along key routes affected by surges.
• Prohibit metered parking on weekdays from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. along the MD 97 and US 29 corridors in Silver Spring to improve bus operations and traffic flow.

Educate Travelers:

• Extend MC311 Call Center hours during Surge 10 to 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, between October 31 and November 22. People can call 311 from within the County, 240-777-0311 from outside the County or use Maryland Relay Services.
• Provide Ride On staff at affected Metro stations to assist passengers, direct them to shuttles and distribute information.
• Hold “pop-up” events at Metrorail stations to educate passengers.
• Post interior and exterior Ride On bus and bus shelter ads.
• Display informational posters at all transit centers.
• Use social and traditional media to communicate with customers and the public.
• Promote the Fare Share commuter benefits matching program in Transportation Management Districts and to major employers that allows them to buy down the cost of transit or vanpooling for their employees. Employers may contact Commuter Services at 240-777-8380 or by email.

Transportation Alternatives

Ride a Bus
Take a free Ride On “Red Line Shuttle” between Silver Spring, Takoma and the Fort Totten Metrorail stations weekdays every 10 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Connect to the Green/Yellow Line at Fort Totten. Look for Ride On shuttles at the following locations:

• Silver Spring (southbound only): Colesville Road (between Wayne Avenue and the Metrorail entrance)
• Takoma (northbound and southbound): Bus Bay A
• Fort Totten (northbound only): Bus Bay C

Ride enhanced Metrobus service

• Route 80 weekday rush hour service connecting downtown DC and Fort Totten
• Route P6 weekday rush hour service connecting downtown DC and Rhode Island Station
• Route L2 weekday rush hour service connecting downtown DC with Chevy Chase Circle
• MetroExtra S9 limited stop service, midday and rush hour, between Silver Spring and McPherson Square

Check other bus options

• Check Park and Ride Lot options using this interactive map.
• Ride On
• Metrobus, such as Route 70 between Silver Spring, Gallery Place and Archives.

Ride the Metrorail Green/Yellow Line

• Use the Greenbelt, College Park or West Hyattsville stations (in addition to Fort Totten).
• Drive, park and ride from a Green/Yellow Line station. Check typical parking availability on this map.

Take MARC Train

• Try the Brunswick Line, which has stations in Rockville, Metropolitan Grove, Garrett Park, Kensington, Silver Spring and Union Station (limited parking available near Garrett Park and Kensington stations).
• Connect with Ride On at many MARC stations. Enter station name here to view transit options.
• Buy MARC train tickets at the station or in advance:
  
  • In Person:
    
    • Use Quik-Trak ticket vending machines at some stations.
    • On the platform from MARC staff at Rockville and Silver Spring during peak travel times.
    • Onboard with cash only; $20 denominations or less. (Note: MARC charges a $5 surcharge for onboard purchases.)
    • Online: http://www.mta.commuterdirect.com (Note: When purchasing a ticket, use “Washington, DC” for Union Station.)
    • Silver Spring TRiPS store at the Silver Spring Transit Center, Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Explore Commuter Services Options

• View Montgomery County’s telework video and webinar or receive free, expert consulting services from Montgomery County Commuter Services. Call 240-777-8380 or email.
• Consider allowing employees to flex their time.
• Consider signing up for the County’s FareShare program for employers that allows them to buy-down the cost of transit or vanpooling for their employees. Contact Montgomery County Commuter Services at 240-777-8380 or email.

Try Biking

• Ride to the West Hyattsville Green/Yellow Line station.
  
  • Look for MCDOT’s bike route “SafeTrack Detour” signs that begin at station entrances at the Takoma, Silver Spring, Forest Glen, Wheaton and Glenmont stations.
  • Route distances along the Sligo Creek Trail, with local street connections, range from about five miles between Takoma and West Hyattsville to 11.6 miles between Glenmont and West Hyattsville.
  • As with any bike route, prepare for the weather and be sure your bike has a headlight.
• Use the Georgetown Branch Trail between Silver Spring, Bethesda and Georgetown. This signed trail combines on-street travel with a gravel and paved path. Route distances are 5.7 miles between Silver Spring and Bethesda and 12.1 miles between Silver Spring and Georgetown.
• Use Capital Bikeshare.
  
  • Access Capital Bikeshare in Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Friendship Heights, Bethesda, Chevy Chase Lake, Rockville or Shady Grove. See full station map online.
  • Use a credit card for a $2 single trip fare, good for up to 30 minutes, or an $8 daily fare.
  • Limited income residents can call Montgomery County Commuter Services at 240-777-8380 to learn about eligibility for a free, annual, Bikeshare membership.
• Plan your ride by checking the Montgomery County Planning Department’s Level of Traffic Stress map.
• Join a “Learn the Route” free, guided ride on Saturday, October 29 at 10 a.m., co-sponsored by Montgomery County Commuter Services and led by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. Register at waba.org/safetrack.

Consider Driving as a Last Resort
For those with limited choices, driving may be the best option, but expect more traffic congestion than usual.

• Drive, park and ride. Check Park and Ride Lot options using this interactive map.
• Check Commuter Connections for ride-sharing information or contact Montgomery County Commuter Services for assistance at 240-773-8747.
• Use a car share vehicle. Montgomery County offers Zipcars at some parking garages.

For more information, visit Montgomery County SafeTrack, Metro SafeTrack or Montgomery County Commuter Services.

Telecommuting Options During Metro Surge

County Public Libraries (MCPL) is a resource for telecommuters who are looking for alternative work sites or resources during the surge. MCPL library card holders have access for the following telecommuting resources available in branches:

• Wireless internet access and public computers
• Collaboration rooms and quiet study rooms
• Large meeting rooms, rented from Community Use of Public Facilities, 240 777-0311
• Printers and photocopiers
• Free, secure charging stations for your phone or tablet
• Laptops for use at the Kensington Park, Long Branch, Silver Spring, and Twinbrook branches

The following resources are available online to MCPL card holders -

• Business information, industry research, and access to articles from business magazines and journals through our website and apps
• E-books, audiobooks, and magazine downloads
• Music downloads

The Montgomery County’s 311 Call Center is extending its hours to 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday from October 31 through November 22. Call 311 from within the County, 240-777-0311 from outside the County or use Maryland Relay Services. You can learn more about Surge 10 at www.mc311.com by using the key words “safe track”.

Montgomery County Opens 49 Buildings in Ten Years in Spite of Economic Challenges

During the week of October 22 to October 29, Ike Leggett celebrated four new facility openings at the Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center, Glenmont Fire Station #18, Public Safety Training Academy and Ross Boddy Neighborhood Recreation Center.

The Ross Boddy Recreation Center represents the 49th new or newly-renovated County building that has opened while County Executive Ike Leggett has been in office; more than were opened in the 12 years before Leggett took office.

This is a noteworthy achievement, considering the County experienced an unprecedented economic downturn - requiring Leggett to make difficult budget decisions while also providing a strategic plan to provide for the future and growing needs of the County.

Prudent fiscal management has been key to building or renovating these 49 County facilities which includes police and fire stations, health and wellness clinics, libraries, and recreation and senior centers.

County facilities ensure that residents have access to the important and expected services. These buildings are constructed with high performance standards with emphasis on effectively serving community needs, protecting and improving the environment, and being cost-effective. These County facilities, located throughout the County, serve the public good and ensure residents have access to essential services.

Click here to review a listing of completed and future facilities.

Early Voting Is Now Open through November 3

See the map of early voting centers for direction.

Montgomery County has opened ten Early Voting Centers through November 3, from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Early voting results are tallied on Election Night, just like votes cast on Election Day. If you vote early, you may not vote by mail or on Election Day.

Did you miss the October 18 deadline to register to vote? During Early Voting you may register to vote the same day you vote. In order to register, you must have a valid Maryland driver’s license or MVA issued photo identification and proof of residency. Once you register, you will be issued a ballot. This opportunity is NOT available on Election Day.

Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center Opens in North Potomac

Hundreds of residents joined County Executive Ike Leggett, County Council members and other officials to celebrate the ribbon cutting for the new Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center located at 13850 Travilah Road. The ceremony took place on Saturday, October 22.

For the past several months the Recreation Department has worked with the community to schedule programs and activities that will include out-of-school youth activities, sports leagues, weight room memberships, special events and community activities.

The building has a full-sized gymnasium, auxiliary gym, rock climbing wall, exercise and weight room, social hall, commercial kitchen, multi-use community room, arts/kiln room, game room, and meeting rooms. This is the ninth recreation facility built or renovated by our Department of General Services in the past nine years.

The facility is named in honor of the late Nancy H. Dacek who served for 12 years as a member of the County Council from 1990 until 2002. Following her service to the Council she served for more than a decade on the Montgomery County Board of Elections appointed by Governors Bob Ehrlich and Martin O’Malley. Special remarks were made by the late Nancy Dacek’s husband Raymond Dacek and their daughter Kim Dacek Barnes.

The center will also include the North Potomac Senior Center, a full-service senior center with a wide-range of programs and services for adults 55 and older.
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A video summing up the ceremonies was produced by County Cable Montgomery (CCM), the County’s cable television station.

County Executive Ike Leggett Celebrates the Opening of the Glenmont Fire Station #18 on October 26

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett celebrated the opening of the new 23,133 square-foot Glenmont Fire Station #18 on October 26. The fire station is located at the southwest intersection of Georgia Avenue and Randolph Road in Silver Spring and is the ninth new fire station built during Leggett’s 10 years as County Executive.

The design of Fire Station #18 includes many eco-friendly features; and while originally designed to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certification specifications; the project is now on track to receive a Gold designation pending final Green Business Certification Incorporated review and approval.

Leggett Participates in Groundbreaking for University of Shady Grove’s new Biomedical and Engineering Education Facility

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett participated in a groundbreaking ceremony on October 19 for the Universities at Shady Grove’s new Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Education Facility. The Universities at Shady Grove located in Rockville is part of the University System of Maryland, and the partner campus of nine Maryland public universities. The new facility is scheduled to open in 2019.

This month Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh is Featured Guest on Seniors Today

The November episode of Seniors today features Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh.

Seniors Today Brian Frosh Segment November 2016



Seniors Today is a monthly program produced by the Montgomery County Maryland Commission on Aging and devoted entirely to issues and interests of Montgomery ...

Transformation of Pike District Continues to Roll Along With New Innovative Bike Lanes

Montgomery County Department of Transportation recently completed construction of one-half mile separated bike lanes on both sides of Nebel Street. The new lanes are located between Randolph Road and Marinelli Road. This is another important step in transforming the Pike Distirct into a walkable, bikable, transit-oriented community. Once an additional connection is completed on Marinelli, there will be a continuous protected bike lane connection from Montrose Parkway along Nebel Street connecting to the White Flint Metrorail Station.

Creating a smart-growth community in the Pike District means more jobs. It makes the County more economically competitive and brings greater prosperity and a stronger sense of community to the area.

The Nebel Street six-foot-wide bike lanes are one-way and located against the curb on either side of the street with flexposts separating them from moving vehicles. A striped buffer area provides additional protection for cyclists. Parking was removed on the west side of Nebel Street and relocated to the east side.

The project includes the first, two-stage turn queue box installed at the Nebel Street and Randolph Road intersection. These boxes allow bicyclists to make left turns at multilane intersections from a right-side separated bike lane, or right turns from a left-side separated bike lane.

For more information on the project, see press release.

Read an article on the project from Bethesda Beat.

County Project SEARCH-Montgomery Begins a New Year of Unique Job Training

A group of 12 interns recently began a unique work experience to learn new job skills when they began the 2016-17 Montgomery County Project Search Internship Program in September. The Project Search–Montgomery program is dedicated to providing education and training to young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through an innovative workforce and career development model that benefits the individual, the workplace and community.

This is the fifth year for the program which began in 2012 when County Executive Ike Leggett brought Project SEARCH-Montgomery to County government. Project SEARCH is a one-year school-to-work transition program that targets jobseekers who will benefit from an immersion in a business setting.

Project SEARCH-Montgomery interns participate in daily classroom instruction and gain hands-on work experiences by rotating among three 10-week unique unpaid internships over the course of nine months. Interns can be found working at multiple County agencies performing a wide range of tasks that are of real importance to their co-workers and County residents.

Read more about Montgomery County’s Project Search Program.

Bender Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington to Hold Rededication Ceremony for the Jewish American Veterans Memorial

The Bender Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington (JCC) will hold a ceremony on Sunday, November 13 at 1 p.m. to rededicate the Jewish American Veterans Memorial. The ceremony will take place in the grassy area to the Bender JCC’s left (when you are facing the Center).

Originally unveiled on the Bender JCC campus at a Veterans Day observance in 2008, a sculpture created by internationally known artist Philip Ratner and donated by Alexander and Ruth Adler (both of blessed memory) has been moved to a more accessible spot on the grounds. The area around it has been enhanced with a Wall of Honor and other features designed to honor the service of Jews in the military.

The general public, along with County and State dignitaries, Jewish military personnel and representatives of the JWV’s Department of Maryland, are invited. A small coffee reception will be held in the in lobby after the ceremony.

Read more.

Program Discusses Civil War Medical Techniques

Greg Susla of the National Museum of Civil War Medicine will talk about Civil War medical techniques and how they evolved into current approaches to treating war casualties at 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 10 at the meeting of the Montgomery County Civil War Roundtable at the Gaithersburg Hilton, 620 Perry Parkway. A $5 donation is requested. For more information, call 301-253-3485.

Farewell to the Screaming Eagle Football Stadium

On Friday, October 21 Seneca Valley High School played its last football game in their football stadium known as the Screaming Eagle Football Stadium. A renovation and reconstruction is planned to begin in summer of 2017. Next school year, Seneca Valley will play their scheduled home games at a temporary location.

Although saying goodbye to the field may have been sad, the team won with a score of 42-14 which may have helped ease the sting.

Read more about the stadium in a recent article written by the Germantown Pulse: Final Football Game in Seneca Valley’s Storied ‘Death Valley’ Stadium

World of Montgomery Comes to Rockville on Oct. 16

The World of Montgomery Festival is held each year in Oct. to celebrate the rich diversity of the DC Area through international music, food, dance, culturally authentic arts demos, hands-on activities and more. The festival will be held on Oct.16 from noon to 4 p.m. at Montgomery College Rockville campus. For more information, go to worldofmontgomery.com.

Voter Registration and Party Affiliation Change Deadline is Oct. 18

Is your voter registration up to date?  Is your political party affiliation correct?  Do you wish to change your political party affiliation or make any other changes to your voter registration?   Make sure you update your registration prior to October 18 so you are ready to vote.

Montgomery County citizens who wish to vote in the 2016 Presidential General Election need to complete and submit their voter registration application no later than Tuesday, October 18, by 9 p.m. 

For more information, go to www.777vote.org

Department of Permitting Services Nationally Recognized for Improvements to Permitting Process

The National Association of Home Builders highlighted the work of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS), in a recent national report. The report, Development Process Efficiency: Cutting Through the Red Tape, highlighted the efforts of DPS as a leader in streamlining the permitting review process while maintaining the thoroughness of the review.

The report lauds the work of County Executive Ike Leggett in the streamlining initiative he introduced in 2012, which significantly trimmed the time of the permitting process. The process had been 20-30 weeks and is now reduced to 8 to 12 weeks. Site plan reviews that used to take more than a year are now required to be completed within 120 days. The time frame for building permit reviews dropped from 12 weeks to less than 30 days.

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett Joins in Signing of the Anacostia River Accord to Preserve and Protect the Anacostia Watershed

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett joined District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser and Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III to sign the Anacostia River Accord on October 13. The signing of the Accord signifies a renewed multi-jurisdictional commitment to work collaboratively toward removing trash and preserving the Anacostia River, its tributaries and watershed.

The signing event took place at the District of Columbia’s Aquatic Resources Education Center located at 1900 Anacostia Drive inside Anacostia Park by the Anacostia River. The Anacostia River Watershed spans approximately 176 square miles and covers portions of Montgomery and Prince George’s County and Washington, D.C. The Anacostia River begins at the confluence of its northeast and northwest branches near Bladensburg, Maryland, and runs for 8.5 miles before meeting the Potomac River at Hains Point in Washington, D.C.

The Anacostia watershed is one of the most densely populated watersheds within the Chesapeake Bay drainage basin. Efforts to restore the Anacostia watershed began nearly three decades ago and since that time, the three jurisdictions have had a leading role along with state and federal agencies and environmental groups. Each respective jurisdiction is nationally recognized for the implementation of progressive environmental policies and programs.



Read more at Press release

It is Time to Get Your Flu Shot; Seasonal Flu Vaccination Now Available

Montgomery County Health officials announced the dates for the annual flu vaccination campaign and urged residents to get a flu vaccination. Vaccination is the best way to protect against illness during flu season. Seasonal flu will be circulating in the fall and winter and can cause serious illness. To find more information, and make appointment online, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/flu.

Executive’s Hispanic Gala Provides Record-Breaking Number of Scholarships

The 2016 Executive’s Hispanic Gala presented scholarships to 78 deserving young people of diverse backgrounds. The event brought together stakeholders and organizations committed to assist Hispanic youth achieve a high level of education while building strong, diverse and united communities in Montgomery County and throughout the State of Maryland.

The Gala was held at The Fillmore Silver Spring on Sept. 22. The event is a completely volunteer-run event. See more photos from the event.

Comments Wanted on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Service Along MD 586/Veirs Mill Road between Wheaton & Rockville

The Maryland Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, held a public meeting on September 28 to provide information and gather public comment on the evaluation of alternatives for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service along MD 586/Veirs Mill Road between Wheaton and Rockville.

The public is invited to review the information from the meeting materials and the Corridor Study Report at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/BRT/openhouses_md586.html.

This webpage will allow you to review display boards, alternatives mapping, watch a video, review the Study Report and submit comments about the MD 586 BRT project. The Corridor Study Report is available for public review and comment through Friday, October 14. Community input is vital to the MD 586 BRT project.

County Office of Human Rights Seeks Nominations for Hall of Fame

The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights is accepting nominations for its Ninth Hall of Fame. Nominations should be individuals – either living or deceased – whose ongoing work, service and contributions have positively impacted human and civil rights in the County. The deadline for nominations is November 4.

A select number of nominees will be recommended for induction into the Hall of Fame by a panel of Hall of Fame members who will act as the selection committee. The induction ceremony is planned for Sunday, December 4, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown. For a complete listing of inductees or to find the nomination form go to montgomerycountymd.gov/humanrights.

The New Americans Expo to Outreach to Hundreds of Americans

The New Americans Expo is an informational fair and celebration to welcome immigrant communities. The event will be held on October 23 from 12 to 6 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building located at 1 Veterans Place.

The event will include free health screenings, opportunities to meet for free with attorneys, and speak with experts on everything from affordable housing solutions to financial planning to labor rights. Informative panels and workshops will address important concerns, including single-parent households, racial profiling and civic engagement. The celebration will include prizes, children’s activities, and musicians and dancers who will share traditions from around the world.

Bethesda Row Arts Festival to Showcase World-Class Artist on Oct. 15 and 16

Downtown Bethesda will become an outdoor art gallery during the 19th Annual Bethesda Row Arts Festival. The free event, recognized as one the leading fine art and crafts festivals in the United States, will bring together 190 world-class artists. 

The festival takes place, rain or shine, Saturday, Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.  The Bethesda Row Arts Festival offers an art sale benefiting the NIH Children’s Charities, thanks to generous donations from participating artists.

More information is available at www.bethesdarowarts.org or www.facebook.com/BethesdaArtsFestival/ or by calling 301-637-5684.

The League of Women Voters of Montgomery County Voters’ Guides Are Available in Montgomery County Public Libraries and Other County Facilities

The League of Women Voters of Montgomery County publishes the Voters’ Guide that covers information on voting as well as candidates’ views on the issues in their own words. The League is a non-partisan organization of women and men that promotes informed participation in government. The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate.

The Voters’ Guides Are available in Montgomery County Public Libraries, Regional Services Centers and Recreation facilities. The printable Voters' Guide is available in PDF format at lwvmocomd.org

October 2016 National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Montgomery County law enforcement agencies and the County's Health and Human Services Substance Abuse Prevention Office are participating in the DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, October 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Take this opportunity to check your medicine cabinet for any expired or unused prescription drugs. This is a safe, free and anonymous opportunity to dispose of unused or unwanted prescription drugs. The initiative is part of an effort to prevent the increasing problems of prescription drug abuse and theft that continue to occur nationwide.  For more information and a list of the drop-off locations.

Montgomery County Public Library Career Online High School Program is Changing Lives

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) Online High School Program is back in the news. The program recently received considerable press coverage for being the first library system in Maryland to launch the Career Online High School, which is the world’s first accredited, private online school district.

Career Online High School is specifically designed to reengage adults into the education system and prepare them for entry into post-secondary career education or the workforce. 

Recently Kellye Lynn with ABC7 shared how the program has opened doors for Cristian Tele a student in the program.

More information about the program is available at Montgomery County Public Library Career Online High School Program

Cocktails, Lipstick & Jazz Brings the Roaring Twenties to Life at the Montgomery County Historical Society

The Montgomery County Historical Society has announced the opening of their newest exhibit, Cocktails, Lipstick & Jazz in the Age of Fitzgerald. This exhibit will open in the Beall-Dawson Museum located at 103 W. Montgomery Ave., in Rockville on Oct. 15 and continue until Jan. 15, 2017, Thursday through Sunday, from 12 to 4 p.m.

The exhibit captures Roaring Twenties life complete with beaded fringe, costumes, masquerade parties and football pants to bring the F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Great Gatsby era to life.

More information is available at montgomeryhistory.org/cocktails-lipstick-jazz/.

National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Is a Big Success

National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the culture and traditions of residents who have roots in the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, South America and Spain. The celebration takes place from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

County Executive Ike Leggett attended a celebration put together in partnership by the Latino Health Initiative and Street Outreach Network, Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and Montgomery College. The event took place on Friday, Sept. 16 at the Silver Spring Civic Building Plaza. The celebration included an evening of diversity, music and culture of Latin America. 

See highlights of the celebration at https://youtu.be/bZxSzBQYAR8.

Preserving Maryland’s Civil War Battlefields Forum

Adam Gillenwater of the National Civil War Trust will speak about Maryland Civil War battlefield preservation initiatives at the Montgomery County Civil War Roundtable meeting at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13. The meeting will be held at the Gaithersburg Hilton, 630 Perry Parkway in Gaithersburg. A $5 donation is requested. Call 301-253-3845 for more information.

WorkSource Montgomery, County’s Non-Profit Workforce Development Agency will Expand Job Opportunities for People with Disabilities with Assistance from a Federal Grant.

WorkSource Montgomery, Inc., the workforce development resource for Montgomery County businesses and job seekers received federal funding from the State of Maryland to expand employment opportunities locally for people with disabilities.

WorkSource Montgomery will expand job training and placement services for persons with disabilities by creating individualized training opportunities that will lead job-seekers to the attainment of stackable credentials in the industries of professional and business services, construction, healthcare, and retail. Various strategies will be put into place to ensure that individuals with significant disabilities have access to employment opportunities in each of these targeted industries.

WorkSource Montgomery, Inc. began operation as an independent, non-profit organization on July 1 and is charged with overseeing workforce development programs for job-seekers and employers in Montgomery County.

Read more at worksourcemontgomery.com/news-articles.

Montgomery County Employees Federal Credit Union Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Scheduled for Oct. 25

Montgomery County Executuve Ike Leggett will be joined by Rockville Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Michelle Day, MC EFCU President & CEO Jim Norris, and MC EFCU Board Chair Melvin Tull to celebrate the grand reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the Montgomery County Employees Federal Credit Union (MC EFCU).

The ribbon cutting ceremony will begin Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. The event will include door prizes and giveaways throughout the day, for those coming into the branch, located at 20 Courthouse Square, Suite 101, Rockville.