Holiday Schedule for Christmas and New Year’s Day

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

• County Offices – Closed Tuesday, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. 
• Libraries – Closed Tuesday, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. On Monday, Dec. 24 and 31, all branches will close at 6 p.m. 
• Department of Liquor Control retail stores – Closed Tuesday, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
• Recreation – All facilities closed, programs canceled.
• Montgomery Parks – For special programs, events and operating schedule, including Brookside Gardens, ice rinks and tennis centers, visit www.MontgomeryParks.org.
• Ride On –Monday, Dec. 24 – service ends at 10 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 25 - Sunday schedule. Tuesday, Jan. 1 – Sunday schedule
• Metrorail & Metrobus – Information available at www.wmata.com.
• TRiPS Commuter Store at Silver Spring Transit Center – Closed Tuesday, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
• TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store – Closed Tuesday, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. 
• County-provided refuse/recycling pickup – County-provided trash and recycling collection is canceled Tuesday, Dec. 25. The collection will slide by one day with the last pickup on Saturday, Dec. 29. County-provided trash and recycling collection is canceled Tuesday, Jan. 1. The collection will slide by one day with the last pickup on Saturday, Jan. 5.
• The Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station – Monday, Dec. 24 – facility closes at 3 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 25 – entire facility closed. On Monday, Dec. 31, the facility closes at 3 p.m.; Tuesday, Jan. 1 – entire facility closed.
• Parking at public garages, lots, curbside meters – Normal parking fees and regulations will be in effect on Monday, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. Parking will be free on Tuesday, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. 
• State offices and courts – Closed Tuesday, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. 

County Executive Marc Elrich Wants to Hear from You

County Executive Marc Elrich invites you to attend one of his upcoming listening sessions. This is your opportunity to let the new County Executive know what is important to you.

The upcoming listening sessions are scheduled for:

• Saturday, Dec. 15 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, 4301 East West Highway, Bethesda
• Monday, Dec. 17 from 7:30 to 9 p.m., Churchill High School, 11300 Gainsborough Road, Potomac
• Thursday, Dec. 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Mill Road, Kensington

Sign language and interpreter services will be provided upon request with notice as far in advance as possible. If these or other services or aids are needed to participate in the listening sessions, email a request to marcelrichtransition@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-4940.

Montgomery County’s Priorities for the 2019 Maryland General Assembly Session

The Office of Intergovernmental Relations released Montgomery County’s priorities for the session of the Maryland General Assembly due to convene in Annapolis on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019.

Highlights of the County’s priorities include increased state funding for education; transportation; affordable housing; environment; economic development; health and human services; victims’ rights; public safety; core government functions and capital projects.

Faith-Based Facilities Security Operating Grant Applications Now Accepted

In light of recent hate-motivated violence at faith-based facilities across the country, Montgomery County has approved a $200,000 security grant fund to be used for faith-based communities experiencing hate crimes or at significant risk of becoming targets of hate crimes. These grants are available to augment costs for security personnel or other security-planning measures for faith-based organizations located in Montgomery County.

Information about eligibility, use of funds, grant administration and more can be found on the application. Faith-based organizations interested in the funds may apply here. Applications will be accepted through Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019.

Montgomery County’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security will host an optional information session for organizations who have questions about the funding or application process on Tuesday evening, Dec. 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Executive Office Building Auditorium, located at 101 Monroe Street in Rockville. There will be a brief presentation at 7 p.m.; but applicants may drop by any time from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. with questions.

Attendance is not necessary to apply. Staff will be present to answer questions and assist with the application, as needed. Applications will be reviewed by a panel who will consider risk, need, and intended use of funds in determining awards.

For any questions, email: OEMHS.grants@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Safely Chilling Out in Montgomery County

With Jack Frost nipping at our noses and weather forecasters predicting a rough winter, you will want to take precautions to protect yourself when the temperatures become dangerously low.

When the National Weather forecasts temperatures, and/or wind chill, in at least part of the County to fall below 32 degrees, the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security issues a County hyperthermia alert. These frigid temperatures create a hazardous situation in which hypothermia and frostbite are likely for those exposed to the elements. The cold can bring on health emergencies in susceptible people, such as the very young, seniors, those without shelter or who are stranded, or who live in a home that is poorly insulated and/or without heat.

Here are some cold-weather tips:

• Neighbors, friends or family members should check on the elderly, especially seniors living alone. Older people are particularly susceptible to hypothermia, even inside their homes and may need assistance.
• Children engaged in outdoor activities should be carefully monitored by a responsible adult.
• Everyone spending time outside should dress appropriately to protect against the cold
• Montgomery County provides a variety of sheltering opportunities for vulnerable residents. Call the police non-emergency line, 301-279-8000, if an individual appears to be in danger.
• Don't forget about your pets. Animals left outside unattended, in frigid conditions, may be considered an act of cruelty and pet owners could be charged and fined accordingly. Call the police non-emergency number, 301-279-8000, to report an animal that appears to be in danger.

To ensure you receive timely severe weather and emergency notifications sign up for Alert Montgomery. Warnings and emergency updates will be sent directly to your cell phone (text), landline phone, and email. The service is free, but text charges may apply, so check with your cell phone carrier before selecting text alerts.

More information about hyperthermia or other weather events is available at montgomerycountymd.gov/hypothermia.

New Life for Christmas Trees

Montgomery County residents are reminded that when the holidays are over, they can recycle their live Christmas trees.

After being composted or chipped for mulch, the trees take on a new life.

County residents whose recycling collection services are provided by the County can put their Christmas trees out with their curbside yard trim collection. Set your Christmas tree at the curb by 7 a.m. on your recycling collection day.

Residents may also bring recycled trees to the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station during operating hours to drop off their trees. More information is available here.

You can also recycle branches and needles at home by placing them under trees and shrubs as a temporary winter mulch -- or chop them up and add them to your compost pile!