Holiday Schedule for Christmas and New Year’s Day

Montgomery County government will observe the following holiday schedule for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays:

• County Offices – closed Monday, December 26 and Monday, January 2
• Libraries – closed December 25, 26 and January 1, 2
• County Liquor stores – Saturday, December 24 and Saturday, December 31, all Department of Liquor Control (DLC) stores will be open 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Stores will be closed Sunday, December 25 and Sunday, January 1, 2017
• Recreation – All facilities and programs closed December 25 and January 1. Senior centers are closed December 24 through January 2. For information on schedules for aquatic facilities and community centers during the holiday week.
• Montgomery Parks - for the holiday operating schedule on Parks’ facilities visit www.MontgomeryParks.org
•  Ride On – Saturday, December 24: Saturday schedule with limited late evening service. Trips scheduled to depart from the terminal at 10:01 p.m. or later will NOT depart. Sunday, December 25: Sunday schedule. Monday, December 26: Sunday schedule (Christmas Day - observed). Sunday, January 1: Sunday schedule; Monday, January 2: Sunday schedule (New Year's Day - observed) 
• Metrorail – Information available at website
• Metrobus – Information available at website
• TRiPS Commuter Stores (Silver Spring and Friendship Heights) – Closed December 25, 26 and January 1,2
• Transfer Station and Poolesville Beauty Spot– closed on December 25 and January 1
• Refuse/recycling pickup – will operate as scheduled
• The Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station – closed December 25, January 1
• Parking at public garages, lots, curbside meters – free
• MCPS Schools and Administrative Offices – Schools and offices closed Monday, December 26 and Monday, January 2; no school for students and teachers December 26 – January 2
• State offices and courts – closed Monday, December 26 and Monday, January 2

Council Elects Roger Berliner as President; Hans Riemer as Vice President for 2016-17

The Montgomery County Council unanimously elected Roger Berliner as president and Hans Riemer as vice president of the Council on December 6. They will serve one-year terms as officers of the Council.

Council President Berliner, who represents Council District 1, served as Council vice president for the past year. He is beginning his 11th year on the Council and previously served as Council president in 2011-12. He succeeds Nancy Floreen, who served as Council President for 2015-2016.

Council Vice President Hans Riemer, first elected to the County Council in 2010, represents one million Montgomery County residents as an At-Large Member. Hans has dedicated his public service career to creating opportunity for all people to achieve their potential. As a Councilmember, he works towards this vision by advocating to fund public education and public transportation, early childhood programs, libraries, recreation, human services, housing and economic development

Read more from press release.

Montgomery County's 2016 Team USA Olympians Honored at a Special Ceremony Hosted by County Executive Ike Leggett

County Executive Ike Leggett honored Montgomery County’s 2016 Team USA Olympians in a standing-room-only event on Dec. 19. The celebration held at the Silver Spring Civic Building, located at One Veterans Place, recognized Montgomery County’s four athletes who represented the U.S. in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Joining Leggett were Olympians Jack Conger, Katie Ledecky and Ashley Nee. Helen Maroulis was unable to attend. The U.S. is the first country in 40 years to top the medal chart in every category to earn 46 gold medals. Six of those medals were won by Montgomery County Olympians.

Jack Conger from Rockville competed in the 4 x 200m freestyle swimming event. Conger earned a gold medal for the Men’s 4 X 200m freestyle relay swimming.

Katie Ledecky from Bethesda is a gold medalist from the 2012 Olympics who competed in the 200m freestyle, 400m freestyle, 800m freestyle, 4 x 200m freestyle and 4 X 100m freestyle relay. Ledecky earned a silver and four gold medals at the 2016 Olympics.

Ashley Nee from Darnestown competed in the canoe slalom. Nee overcame a past serious shoulder injury and the disappointment of just missing placement on the 2012 Team USA for the London games.

Helen Maroulis made history when she defeated Japan's 13-time world champion, giving Team USA its first women's wrestling gold medal in Olympic history. Maroulis competed in the freestyle 53 kg.

The ceremony included a joint proclamation presented by Leggett and Montgomery County Council President Roger Berliner. Gabe Albornoz, director of the Montgomery County Recreation Department served as Master of Ceremonies for the event which included rousing music by the Richard Montgomery High School Band under the direction of Dr. Peter Perry.

Other highlights for the event included a presentation of fan mail from Montgomery County Public Library Director Parker Hamilton, the Chairperson of the Maryland Commission for Women Lee Banchu announced that Katie Ledecky and Helen Maroulis would be inducted into the Maryland Sports Hall of Fame in March and Jacqueline Keenan, marketing manager for Rockville Town Square, presented the athletes with two 8-foot flip flops that had been signed by hundreds of residents to show support of the athletes during the 2016 Rio Games.

The best part of the event for many of the kids who attended the ceremony came when they got to meet the athletes and get a quick photograph.



For more information about the event, check;

• Press release
• Watch video from YouTube 
• View photos from Flickr

Improperly Disposed Ashes Destroyed Residents Home; Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services Remind Residents to Follow Safety Guidelines When Disposing of Ashes

There is nothing quite like a warm fire in the fireplace to help keep warm when chilly outside temperatures have you shivering to the bone. As pretty as a cozy fire may look, things can turn ugly mighty quickly if you don’t take proper precautions with ashes.

On Tuesday, December 20 MCFRS responded to a fire started in a County resident's home. The fire started in the attached garage from ashes placed in an open pan with ash from a fire. This is the fourth fire that MCFRS has responded to this year that has started from ashes which residents believe had cooled. Fortunately, no one was physically hurt in the fire, however, the accident reportedly caused $700,000 in damages.

Each year, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responds to fires that are caused by improper disposal of hot coals or ashes from fireplaces, wood stoves, pellet stoves, grills or outside fire rings designed for use on decks or patios. The truth is that coals and ashes from fires can remain hot for days after a fire is out. Treat all ashes and coals as HOT ashes, even when you think they have had enough time to cool. Your garage, house or deck are unsafe locations for ashes to cool and have been the site of many recent and devastating fires both locally and nationally.

MCFRS reminds resident to be safe and treat all ashes and coals as hot ashes, even when you think they have had enough time to cool. Your garage, house or deck are unsafe locations for ashes to cool. When messing with ashes, making a bad judgment call can become a deadly error.

Take time to review these important safety messages from MCFRS to keep you and your family safe.

• Press Release.
• Fireplace and wood stove safty guide (pdf)
• Fireplace and Wood Stove Ashes (pdf)

Leggett Taps Private Sector Executive Robert Dorfman to Head County Department of Liquor Control

County Executive Ike Leggett appointed Robert M. Dorfman as the Director for the County’s Department of Liquor Control (DLC), which manages the wholesale distribution of alcohol and the retail sale of liquor in the County. The DLC generates nearly $21 million annually in profit to County taxpayers while better protecting public health and public safety.

Dorfman, who lives in North Potomac, brings to the table a broad range of private sector experience and proven turnaround skills. Dorfman has served in several senior level executive positions at Marriott International. Among those, he was President of Host International, the world leader in airport, travel plazas and sports and entertainment food and beverage operations (responsible for $1.5 billion in annual income and 25,000 employees.) He was the nation’s second largest franchisee of Five Guys (operating 35 locations in Florida, Texas, and Ohio), and was President and Chief Operating Officer of TrustHouse Services Group, the sixth-largest contract services company in the United States.

Most recently, he served as Managing Partner of two World of Beer franchises in Virginia. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the County Council.

Make Martin Luther King Day a Day ON and not a Day OFF!

Join thousands of other residents in honoring Dr. King’s life and teachings by taking part in Montgomery County’s Martin Luther King Day of Service 2017 on Monday, Jan. 16. This annual event, organized by the Montgomery County Volunteer Center and many other partnering agencies, will feature a wide variety of coordinated family-friendly service projects at locations across the County, providing residents of all ages with ways to help our community. Projects will include everything from packaging food for the hungry and making dog toys for an animal shelter to creating blankets for hospices and crafting appreciation cards for military troops. There will be numerous service projects planned for that day by service agencies and nonprofits throughout our region.

More information is available at volunteer center website.

County Officials Celebrate Ribbon Cutting for Progress Place; Services to Homeless Begins on Coldest Day of the Season

With temperatures not rising above freezing on December 16, it seemed spot-on that services began at the newly built Progress Place in downtown Silver Spring. The 39,000 square-feet facility serves the homeless through a successful partnership between government, private development and non-profit partners who work together to serve those in need of services and shelter.

County Executive Isiah Leggett joined by County Councilmembers Nancy Floreen, Tom Hucker and George Leventhal, Department of General Services Director David Dise, Health and Human Services Director Uma Ahluwalia and non-profit partners to cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of Progress Place on December 10. Residents will begin moving into the facility the first week in January.

• For more information about the facility, check press release.
• See news in a Bethesda Beat article.

Leggett Featured as Keynote Presenter for the Committee for Montgomery’s Annual Legislative Breakfast

For more than two decades, County leaders have considered the Committee for Montgomery’s Annual Legislative Breakfast the unofficial kick off of the legislative season. This year’s event held on December 15 featured County Executive Ike Leggett and Baltimore City’s Mayor Catherine Pugh as keynote speakers who discussed how the two jurisdictions can work together to strengthen their economies.

Hundreds of County and Maryland state leaders attended the event held at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in North Bethesda. To view the keynote presentation, go to https://youtu.be/exbVuLMIWms

Groundbreaking Held for Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center

The cold temperatures did not stop the community from coming out to celebrate the groundbreaking for the Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center on December 10. Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett joined over a hundred residents to break ground to begin the demolishment of the existing structure and start construction of the new facility. The new Center will be located at 14715 Good Hope Road in Silver Spring on the same site of the former facility.

Joining Leggett were County Council President Roger Berliner, County Councilmember Nancy Floreen, Councilmember Hans Riemer, Department of Recreation Director Gabe Albornoz and Department of General Services Director David Dise.

Other participants included Michael F. Riley, director of the Montgomery County Department of Parks, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission; Eliot Pfanstiehl, CEO, Strathmore Hall Foundation, Inc.; and representatives from Action in Montgomery.

The new 14,000-square-foot building will be more than twice the size of the original structure, vastly increasing capacity and making it more useful to the community. The new building will be located at the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s Good Hope Park on the site of the existing parking lot. The new parking lot will be built on the site of the old building after it is demolished.

For more information check press release.

Community Guide for Immigrant Residents of Montgomery County Available Now

The Gilchrist Center has created a community guide that provides resources to help immigrants understand their rights. Included in the Guide are links to fact sheets and contact information for useful local and national resources. The Guide is available online.

Updated Transportation Fact Sheet Offers Information to Help Seniors Get Around

There are tons of ways to get around Montgomery County – and seniors can access special transportation options and discounts. Check out our updated factsheet, “Transportation Options for Older Adults” 

(English | Spanish)

Transportation Network Directory for People with Disabilities & Adults 50+ website Available Now

The Montgomery County Commission on People with Disabilities and Commission on Veterans Affairs has completed a comprehensive Transportation Network Directory for People with Disabilities & Adults 50+. This guide is a comprehensive listing of public, private and non-profit transportation in the Washington Metropolitan Region, State of Maryland, and beyond that can be used by everyone in the community with an emphasis on people with disabilities and older adults.

The information provides information on private and public transportation, how to get to Ocean City, ways to access the airports and escorted transportation and more. There is also included information on reduced fees on Metro for Veterans with a disability. The web-based guide is available at County website.

Leggett Joins Other Municipal Leaders from Across the Country to Emphasis the Importance of Immigration Program to the President-elect

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett joined 18 municipal government officials from across the US urging President-elect Donald Trump to continue a program that protects children of undocumented immigrants from deportation.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel sent the letter on Dec. 7 to ask Trump to continue to accept and consider applications under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) until Congress modernizes U.S. immigration policy.

Joining Leggett in signing the letter included: Mayor Megan Barry of Nashville, TN; Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City, NY; Mayor Jorge Elorza of Providence, RI; Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles, CA; Mayor Michael B. Hancock of Denver, CO; Mayor Betsy Hodges of Minneapolis, MN; Mayor Jim Kenney of Philadelphia, PA; Mayor Ed Lee of San Francisco, CA; Mayor Sam Liccardo of San Jose, CA; Mayor Ed Murray of Seattle, WA; Former Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake of Baltimore, MD; Mayor Francis Slay of St. Louis, M0; Mayor Greg Stanton of Phoenix, AZ; Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston, TX; and Mayor Marty Walsh of Boston, MA.

The DACA program helps ensure that qualified undocumented youth can seek higher education, work and engage in military service without fear of deportation. Youth who were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012; came to the U.S. before reaching their 16th birthday; have lived in the US continuously for five years; and are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; who have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor, or more than three misdemeanors of any kind; and do not pose a threat to national security or public safety; may apply through the program for temporary deferred action and work authorization.

• To review the letter (pdf). 
• More information on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

New Traffic Pattern at the Capital Crescent Trail and Little Falls Parkway Beginning On or Around January 2017

Montgomery County Park Staff will implement a new traffic pattern to improve safety at the intersection of Little Falls Parkway and the Capital Crescent Trail. In the vicinity of this intersection, vehicular traffic on Little Falls Parkway will merge from two lanes to one, in each direction. The speed limit will reduce from 35 mph to 25 mph, and additional signs alerting motorists of pedestrians and bicyclists will be installed.

Park staff will conduct additional studies in the vicinity of this intersection to identify a safe long-term solution to accommodate both vehicles and trail users. The long-term solution may involve additional traffic pattern changes and trail connectors. Trail users and motorists should always use caution when entering the intersection, adhere to the new traffic patterns, and obey state laws at all times. For further information, please visit MontgomeryParks.org.

Montgomery County History Conference Coming to Montgomery College on January 28

Montgomery College is teaming up with Montgomery History to co-host a History Conference on January 28 at Montgomery College’s Bio science Education Center in Germantown. The day-long event includes workshops, presentations, and panel discussions covering a wide range of topics within the realm of local history. Since 2007, the Montgomery County History Conference has been a venue for people of all ages and backgrounds—civic leaders, students, museum professionals and volunteers, history buffs, genealogists and the general public—to explore and celebrate the many facets of our past that shape our community to this day. For more information, go to website.

Last day to Participate in a Research Study On Your Perception About Opiate and Heroin Use in Your Community Is Friday, December 23

Maryland residents, age 18 years and older, are asked to help by taking a research study that explores Marylander's perceptions, awareness and use of prescription opioids and heroin in your community. This study, conducted by the University of Maryland Baltimore in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Behavioral Health Administration should take about 10-minutes and is available online. Everyone who completes the survey can register to win a $50 gift card.

Bernie Scholarship Awards Program Looking for Past Awardees to Participate in Effectiveness Survey

In its 22 years of existence, The Bernie Scholarship Awards Program has awarded $469,700 in scholarships to 423 low-income residents of subsidized rental housing in Montgomery County. To evaluate the success of the program and improve its effectiveness, the program’s Board of Directors has hired Quick Study Consulting, LLC, to assist with the collection and analysis of survey data from past scholarship recipients. If you are a past scholarship recipient, or know someone who is, please email the program at berniescholarships@gmail.com and provide the scholarship recipient’s name and preferred email address so that a copy of the survey can be sent to him or her on or about Jan. 15, 2017.

Stay Safe this Holiday Season

Ah, the winter holidays. They were immortalized in song as “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Unfortunately, the holiday season is also one of the most vulnerable times of the year. That’s why Police Chief Tom Manger, Fire Chief Scott Goldstein and others joined County Executive Ike Leggett to promote ways to “Stay Safe this Holiday Season.” The speakers at a recent press conference held at the new Clarksburg Premium Outlets gave tips on how to better “Be Seen,” “Be Alert” and “Be Responsible.” Topics covered included driver and pedestrian safety, including safety in parking lots. Approximately one in four pedestrian collisions occur in parking lots…and they will be crowded during this prime shopping period. Information was also provided about respecting the designated disability parking spaces for people whose vehicles have disability plates or hang tags. Also each year police and firefighters hand out environmentally-friendly reusable shopping bags during the ‘Shop with a Cop or Firefighter” campaign. And drivers were reminded that there is never a reason to drink and drive during the holidays, if you plan ahead for an alternative way home. Learn much more at press release.

Leggett’s Streamlining Continues to Yield Big Rewards with Improvements to Permitting Services that Save Residents and Businesses Money and Time; Time Required for Commercial Permitting Services Down More Than 50 Percent

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett announced significant improvements in the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) processing times. The commercial permitting processing time has decreased over the past two years from an average of 25 weeks to an average of 12 weeks a 52 percent improvement. Initial reviews are completed in 20 to 30 calendar days and solar permits, which have increased dramatically in volume, have a three to five day turn- around. A total of 60,543 permits and licenses were processed in fiscal year 2016, which is a 20 percent increase in volume over 2013 and a 63 percent increase in work volume since 2009. This is customer service and customer friendly.

Recognized by the National Association of Home Builders for their streamlining work, DPS credits the launch of the web-based system called eServices as pivotal in the improvement of services. County residents and businesses use "ePermits" and "ePlans" to apply online and electronically submit building and permitting plans for electrical, deck, new home and right-of-way permits.

The online process kicked off in December 2013; since then, the use of ePermits and ePlans has expanded to required use and there has been a dramatic improvement in review times with businesses receiving their building permits in one-third of the time that it took in Fiscal Year 2015.

The software developer for the ePlans system created a "green" calculator to estimate the benefits to the environment due to avoided vehicle miles, saved fuel costs, avoided driving time, trips removed from the road and paper and trees saved. The estimated positive environmental impacts are considerable and critical.

For more information about the Department of Permitting Services, call 311 or visit the website at montgomerycountymd.gov/permittingservices.

Montgomery County Earns 2016 Triple-A Bond Rating; Among the Best in the Nation for Fiscal Responsibility

County Executive Ike Leggett recently announced that Montgomery County has maintained its Triple-A bond rating for 2016 from three Wall Street bond rating agencies.

Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard & Poor’s all affirmed the “AAA” rating – the highest achievable -- for the County. They all termed the outlook for Montgomery County as “stable.”

The Triple-A bond rating enables Montgomery County to sell long-term bonds at the most favorable rates, saving County taxpayers millions of dollars over the life of the bonds. The rating also serves as a benchmark for numerous other financial transactions, ensuring the lowest possible costs in those areas as well.

Standing UP for the Montgomery Way

County Executive Ike Leggett, County Councilmembers and other public officials, faith leaders, and neighbors came together on November 20 with a crowd of more than 1,000 people at Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring to reaffirm the County’s support of diversity, inclusion, and respect for all – the core values that have made Montgomery County a model community.

• See photos from flickr
• Watch the event from YouTube

Montgomery County Council Votes to Revise Landlord-Tenant Law

On November 29 the Montgomery County Council unanimously voted to amend Bill 19-15 in an effort to reform the County’s landlord-tenant laws on November 29. The bill enhances the rights of tenants and improves the quality of rental housing through increased inspections.

Councilmember Marc Elrich sponsored Bill 19-15 and Councilmembers Nancy Navarro and Tom Hucker are co-sponsors. The Council’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee, which is chaired by Councilmember Nancy Floreen and includes Councilmembers George Leventhal and Hans Riemer, held five worksessions on the bill.

Read the Council staff report (pdf).

County Cable Montgomery produced a video which shows conditions some tenants currently endure in the County. YouTube link to;

• Spanish Tenant Bill story.
• English Tenant Bill story.

Video credit: Lilian Mass, a communications specialist and Loren Olson videographer and editor with County Cable Montgomery

Montgomery County Announces Date for the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center

On Saturday, December 10 at 12:30 p.m., Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett will participate in a groundbreaking ceremony to begin construction of the Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center The facility is located at 14715 Good Hope Road in Silver Spring.

The new 14,000 square foot building will be more than twice the size of the original structure, vastly increasing capacity and making it more useful to the community. The new building will be located at the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s Good Hope Park on the site of the existing parking lot. The new parking lot will be built on the site of the old building after it is demolished. The new lot will be closer to the tennis courts and ballfields.

The building is being replaced because key building systems such as the structural system, exterior walls, elevators, roof and HVAC and electrical system have surpassed their useful service life and it does not meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle During the Holidays and Everyday Throughout the Year

As you are decking your halls this holiday season, you can help the environment by reducing waste, reusing items, and recycling everything that can be recycled. The holiday season traditionally generates additional amounts of waste. Every environmentally-friendly action, regardless of how small, can make a difference to ensure cleaner land, air and water. 

Read more about the tips the Department of Environmental Protection provides tips to help the environment at press release.

Office of Consumer Protection Offers Tips to Protect Residents This Holiday Season

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of year for shoppers and retail stores. The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection put together this great video to help consumers be smart shoppers during the holiday season.

Retiring Police Lieutenant Exemplifies Remarkable Dedication to Public Service

On Wednesday, November 30, Lieutenant Thomas B. Jacocks retired from the Montgomery County Police Department after 61 years on the job. That makes him the longest-serving member of law enforcement at a single agency in the state of Maryland.

After a stint in the military, he joined the force when Eisenhower was president, the County had approximately 200,000 residents and police officers didn’t go through a training academy, they were issued a uniform, badge and gun and learned on-the-job.

What he learned over time was that police work was a great fit and as Chief Manger said at his retirement party at the Public Safety Headquarters, “He never lost his passion for the job and has been totally committed to serving the residents of Montgomery County each and every day.”

He has been blessed with very-understanding-wife Peggy, five children and seven grandchildren. And he also found time to put in over 30 years of service to the Maryland Special Olympics program. In 1985 Maryland began a Torch Run to raise funds for Special Olympics and Lt. Jacocks has never missed the annual runs sponsored by the Montgomery County Police Department.

So what does a man now carrying a retiree badge and gold police retiree ID card, do with his time after a 61-year-long law enforcement career? He’ll take a couple of days off, and then return to the department as a volunteer. As his wife Peggy said, “He is still committed to the work he was given. He just won’t have to go in five-days-a-week to do it.”

Thank you Lieutenant Jacocks, for your decades of humble and remarkable service to the residents of Montgomery County!

Read more about Lieutenant Jacocks in a Washington Post feature story at: http://wapo.st/2gc1UdF , and see channel 4’s coverage of his retirement party at: http://bit.ly/2gKwPkP.

Winter Registration for Montgomery County Recreation Department is Open

Registration for the Recreation Department's winter programs is now open. Programming options include a wide variety of classes and programs intended to help participants stay active and have fun. Offerings include creative arts, aquatics, sports, therapeutic recreation services and active adult senior programming. 

For online registration or to view the programming guide online, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec.

WorkSource Montgomery to Help Better Prepare Workers for Careers in Information Technology and Cybersecurity

WorkSource Montgomery, Inc., the workforce development resource for Montgomery County businesses and career seekers, is partnering with Montgomery College on a $5.6 million America’s Promise grant. The grant will provide Information Technology and cybersecurity training for students to ensure Montgomery County is better equipped to meet local business needs.

The U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training funded the grant. According to a 2015 report by Montgomery College, nearly 20,000 jobs in cybersecurity in Maryland go unfilled due to a lack of qualified workers.

For its part, WorkSource Montgomery will conduct outreach to local companies to inform them about this specialized training and determine the specific skills that businesses need the most. In addition, the local workforce organization will actively promote the training to potential employees and connect employers with qualified applicants.

Christmases During the Civil War

Cathy Wright, Curator of the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, will speak on "Christmases During the Civil War" at the Montgomery Civil War Roundtable on Thursday, December 8 at 8 p.m. The event will be held at the Gaithersburg Hilton, 620 Perry Parkway in Gaithersburg. A $5 donation is requested. Call 301-253-3485 for more information.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Held for New Public Safety Training Academy; Final Construction of a New Facility in Leggett’s Smart Growth Initiative

Montgomery County held the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Public Safety Training Academy (PTSA) on October 28. The new facility is located at 8751 Snouffer School Road in Gaithersburg.

The new PSTA is part of the Montgomery County Multi Agency Service Park (MASP). The opening marked the completion of the eighth project and final construction of a new facility in Leggett’s Smart Growth Initiative (SGI). County Executive introduced the SGI in 2008 to provide critically needed public facilities by leveraging County-owned land for use in job creation and in providing transit-oriented housing.

The former PSTA located at 9710 Great Seneca Highway in Rockville, was completed in 1973. Since then, the training needs of public safety agencies have shifted significantly. For more information on the PTSA Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

• Report from www.mymcmedia.org
• Report from Bethesda Beat
• Report from your4state.com/news/

County Holds Snow Summit to Prepare for Winter Storm Season

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett detailed the County’s plans for the upcoming snow season at the Snow Summit held on November 2. The event included all County agencies with snow removal responsibilities to assess and prepare for the possibility of winter storms. New initiatives this year included a revised online portal that provides snow information in a more user-friendly format and a pilot project that will compare the effectiveness of salt brine versus salt in treating 18 miles of roads. If salt brine is proven to be as effective, MCDOT could reduce the amount of salt required for winter storm treatment, which would also benefit environmental quality. The Snow Summit Presentation is available here.

Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade Marches in on November 19

The 19th Annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade will step-off on Saturday, November 19 at 10 a.m. This year’s parade will feature three Broadway-style performance excerpts of “Annie” and Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite,” as well as over 100 units, including marching bands, floats and inflatables. The parade route will travel from Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street in downtown Silver Spring, south on Georgia Avenue to Silver Spring Avenue.

Emcee ABC7/WJLA Meteorologist Brian Van De Graaff, will announce the parade and introduce the “Annie” performances by Bravo Productions and Adventure Theatre MTC, as well as Maryland Youth Ballet’s “The Nutcracker Suite” performance. Parade units will consist of eight marching bands; glittering Thanksgiving and Christmas floats; a 12-foot inflatable turkey and penguin; the Montgomery County Recreation “T-Rec” 12-foot dinosaur; beauty queens; fire engines; and performing dog and rescue animal groups. As always, the Parade will culminate with Santa’s float playing holiday music and feature the smiling, rosy-cheeked elf, sharing his candy canes.

NewsChannel 8 will broadcast the parade live at 10 a.m. and the parade will be aired again several times on Thanksgiving Day. The parade will be held rain or shine. For more information about the parade go to Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade.

Montgomery County Libraries Are Nationally Recognized with 2016 Top Innovator Award

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett accepted the Urban Libraries Council 2016 Top Innovator Award on Wednesday, November 2. Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) received the award for the “Library Refresh” program for the groundbreaking program to “refresh” library buildings as an alternative to completely rebuilding them.

It would have taken 32 years and $203 million to renovate 16 MCPL buildings as allowed under the County’s current Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget.

However, the “refresh” program cuts the total cost to $20 million for all 16 libraries. In the 32 years it would have taken to renovate each branch once, the branches can be refreshed three or four times.

The “refresh” process generally takes about 18 months, with a branch closed for only five to seven months, as opposed to multiple years under the traditional approach. Twinbrook and Kensington libraries are the first branches to have gone through the refresh program.

For more about the Top Innovator Award refresh program go to http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=17490

County Executive Ike Leggett Honors Nine Local Artists at the 15th Annual Excellence Awards in the Arts and Humanities

On Monday, October 24, community and cultural leaders were recognized for their inspiring achievements and work in the local arts and humanities community at the 15th Annual County Executive Awards for Excellence in Arts and Humanities. During the awards ceremony at the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center, County Executive Ike Leggett honored the nine award winners. The with the most prestigious awards were conferred to individual artists, scholars, organizations and cultural patrons in Montgomery County.

See Photos from the Awards Ceremony shared by The Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County.

To read more about the ceremony go to http://www.creativemoco.com/about-ahcmc/newsroom

Washington Metro Region Launches Annual Street Smart Pedestrian Safety Campaign

On November 4, Montgomery County joined other regional partners in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia to kick-off the annual fall Street Smart pedestrian safety campaign. Safety experts warn that the end of daylight saving time this month will bring darker evening commuting hours and greater risks for pedestrians and bicyclists. Last year in November and December, crashes involving pedestrians in the region spiked with more than 550 incidents, 21 percent higher than average. Safety is a shared responsibility between drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists. Please take a moment to read these important safety tips at press release.

Department of Liquor Control Has Once Again Brewed Up Cost Savings

The Department of Liquor Control (DLC) has partnered with Legends Limited of Maryland to reduce the cost of kegs of several varieties of beer. The price reduction began November 1. While the price reductions vary depending on brand, the average decrease per keg is 11 percent.

The breweries/brands that will see price reductions are:

• Lagunitas Brand Family 
• Oskar Blues Brand Family 
• Union Anthem Brand Family 
• Ballast Point Brand Family 
• Duvel Brand Family 
• Baltimore Beer Works Brand Family 

DLC is continuing to work with suppliers and wholesale partners to negotiate the best pricing available for licensees and customers.

Country Music, Martina McBride to Perform Concert to Benefit Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children

Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children (CSAAC) is a nationally recognized Montgomery County based non-profit organization that provides lifespan support for individuals impacted by autism.

Award-winning country music star, Martina McBride will perform a 90-minute show of her greatest chart-topping hits and new music from her new album Reckless with all ticket proceeds benefitting CSAAC.

After the show, everyone is invited to stay for the live auction – the Martina package includes: an authentic and autographed tour jacket, autographed CD, autographed promotional poster and an autographed picture!

For more information about the event go to http://wmzq.iheart.com/onair/michael-j-14786/martina-mcbride-in-concert-to-benefit-15246157/

The Charles W. Gilchrist Center for Cultural Diversity Celebrates 15th Anniversary with New Name and Release of Anniversary Report

The Charles W. Gilchrist Center for Cultural Diversity has changed its name to the Charles W. Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center. The name change will better reflect what the Center has become in the past 15 years. The Center welcomes immigrants and connects them to programs and services. It helps to strengthen their life skills through English and basic computer classes, and increase their knowledge to prepare for civic life and/or U.S. citizenship. The Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center serves as a community where residents can contribute their talents to help others, and is a testament to the County’s commitment to building one of the world’s most welcoming communities.

In celebration of their 15th Anniversary, the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center has released its 15th anniversary report, and a new resource guide, in English and Spanish.

Community Meeting on Outdoor Tennis Court Use Policy

Montgomery Parks Staff invites the public to attend a Community Meeting about recommendations to the Outdoor Tennis Court Use Policy. The meeting will be held on Thursday, November 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Cabin John Ice Rink located at 10610 Westlake Drive in Rockville.

For more information about the event go to http://www.montgomeryparks.org/events/community-meeting-outdoor-tennis-court-use-policy/

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