Holiday Schedule for Independence Day

      Montgomery County government will observe the following holiday schedule for Independence          Day.

• County Offices - closed.
• Libraries - closed.
• Department of Liquor Control retail stores - all stores open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Recreation - Aquatics programs and facilities open. The Germantown Indoor Swim Center closes at 3 p.m. All other pools close at 6 p.m. All recreation centers, senior centers and administrative offices are closed.
• Montgomery Parks - visit www.MontgomeryParks.org.
• Ride On - operates on a Saturday schedule.
• Metrorail and Metrobus - Information available at www.wmata.com.
• TRiPS Commuter Store (Silver Spring) - open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store - closed.
• County-provided refuse/recycling pickup - no County-provided collection services will occur on this day. After the holiday, all County-provided recycling and trash collections will slide and be one day later than normal with the last pickup on Saturday.
• Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station - entire facility closed.
• Parking at garages, lots, curbside meters -free.
• State offices and courts – closed.

County’s Independence Day Celebrations Feature Fireworks and Free Concerts in Germantown and Kensington

Montgomery County Recreation will host two Independence Day fireworks displays on Thursday, July 4.

• Germantown Glory will be held at the South Germantown Recreational Park located at 18041 Central Park Circle in Germantown (Boyds). The event kicks off at 7 p.m. with a concert by Quiet Fire, a soul, rhythm and blues and rock band that covers hits from the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
• Mid-County Sparkles takes place at Albert Einstein High School located at 11135 Newport Road in Kensington. The festivities begin at 7:30 p.m. with a concert by Bobby & the Believers, a Motown and rock and roll cover band.

The fireworks will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. The timing of the fireworks may change due to weather conditions. Low lawn chairs, blankets and coolers are welcome at both events. Food vendors will serve both locations. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. The rain date for the fireworks only is July 5.

Montgomery County Recreation thanks its sponsors - the Maryland Soccerplex, Montgomery Parks and Westfield Wheaton - for their support.

More information about the celebrations, including parking information, is available on the Montgomery County Recreation website.

New Taxpayer Receipt Module on Website

Recently Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich unveiled the County’s new “Taxpayer Receipt.” The County is the first jurisdiction in the region to implement this online tool that enables taxpayers to see how their estimated local income and property taxes will support budgeted services for the Fiscal Year 2020 (July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020).

Taxpayers can enter their estimated income into the module and, if they own a home, its estimated value will be displayed in an itemized list that indicates how tax dollars are utilized by the County for education, public safety, transportation, and other services.

Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/tax-receipt to view your taxpayer receipt. 

What You Need to Know About County Executive Marc Elrich’s Economic Vision

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich recently presented his vision for economic development to the County Council.

Economic Vision
Focuses on building a modern economy that encourages entrepreneurship, moves people and goods efficiently, develops today’s and tomorrow’s workforce, reduces burdensome regulations and promotes opportunity for all.

Five components of Elrich’s economic vision include:

1. Creating a robust transportation system to move people, goods and data efficiently for doing business. Elrich’s transportation team is working to advance a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system as quickly and efficiently as possible, and is supporting innovation, including the pilot FLEX microtransit program. Elrich is working to gain support for the addition of two reversible lanes on I-270, and he is working with state and regional partners to support Metro.
2. Better development of our workforce. Education is an integral part of the County’s economic development infrastructure from early childhood development to lifelong learning to attracting young families and to matching jobs with available talent.
3. Enhancing entrepreneurship. The Elrich administration is reviewing its overall entrepreneurial climate and strategy – including a look at its three existing incubators. They are also focused on branding the County better to promote the rich array of available assets and to connect local businesses with resources and services.
4. Engaging cooperatively with business leaders and business owners around the County to identify what they need to thrive in Montgomery County.
5. Tracking our progress: measuring the performance of the County, its Economic Development Corporation and WorkSource Montgomery for results.

During the first six months of his administration, Elrich hosted six 4Business listening sessions; personally visited local companies; made procurement more user friendly; opened the Business Connect hub at the Upcounty Regional Services Center; and drafted the Small Business Strategic Plan.

In the coming weeks and months, the Silver Spring Business Connect hub will open and two roundtable charrettes are planned later this year as part of the 4Business: Benchmarking to Be the Best for Business initiative. Elrich encourages the business community to send their input about doing business in Montgomery County to 4business@montgomerycountymd.gov by August 31.

Montgomery County Government is Hiring

Looking for a fulfilling career that offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits? Montgomery County has dozens of open positions in rewarding positions. County employees serve an essential community need while building a thriving career.

With more than 30 departments, there are potential career opportunities in areas including executive/managerial; public safety; health and human services; labor and trades; administrative and more.

More important, than filling positions is finding the right fit for the position. Montgomery County hires team members who value innovation and inclusiveness and reflect the County’s culture of serving with integrity and purpose.

While Montgomery County employees come from around the globe, a preponderance of the County’s workforce comes from within our community. County residents are encouraged to regularly visit the Office of Human Resources' recently redesigned recruitment website to see available positions, which are updated often.

For more information on the process, visit the application tutorial resource.

Elrich Appointee Raymond Crowel to Serve as Director of County’s Department of Health and Human Services

County Executive Marc Elrich (L) and Director
of Health and Human Services Raymond Crowel (R)

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has appointed Raymond Crowel to serve as the new director for the County’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The nomination was unanimously confirmed by County Council on Tuesday, June 24.

Crowell has more than 30 years of experience leading senior level teams and partnerships in creating and managing service systems that effectively and efficiently address complex human service needs. He has extensive experience in managing the needs of vulnerable populations including children and families involved in the child welfare system youth and adults involved in the justice system as well as the immigrant and ethnically diverse communities.

Crowell served as the chief of behavioral health and crisis services with the Department of HHS for the past 10 years.

The mission of the Department of Health and Human Services is to promote and ensure the health and safety of the residents of Montgomery County and to build individual and family strength and self-sufficiency.

With more than 3,000 employees and 120 programs, HHS is the County’s largest department. The agency is responsible for public health and human services that help address the needs of Montgomery County’s most vulnerable children, adults and seniors. The department’s core services protect the community’s health, protect the health and safety of at-risk children and vulnerable adults, and address basic human needs including food, shelter and clothing.

Dynamic Ride On Flex On-Demand Service Reshaping How Residents Get Around

Montgomery County’s first public microtransit service, Ride On Flex, launched on Wednesday, June 26. This dynamic on-demand service offers new and affordable transportation options in the Rockville and Glenmont/Wheaton service areas. The no-fixed-route, no-fixed-schedule service will reshape the way some residents think about getting around in the served areas.

Riders can request trips from a designated pick up location to a drop-off location within the same service zone using a mobile app. The Ride On Flex app is available for free download from the Apple or Google store.

An 11-passenger bus will provide service within the pre-defined geographical zones at specific times of the day. Riders will be given an estimated time for pick up and drop off and directed to a nearby location. Flex will operate in the Rockville zone from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and in the Glenmont/Wheaton zone during peak periods (6 to 9 a.m. and 3:30 to 7 p.m.). The zones offer connections between households, transit hubs, commercial centers and public services.

Riders will pay no more than $2 for the service, as current Ride On fares will apply. While users will book a ride using the app, they will pay the fare as they board the bus, just as with any Ride On service.

Read more on the MCDOT Ride On Flex website.

Department of Liquor Control Gets New Name

The County’s Department of Liquor Control officially changed the name to Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) on July 1.

The new name reflects the department’s continued improvements to the ongoing business model, which modernizes and embraces the department’s commitment to customer service.

The rebranding spotlights the strategic business changes such as investments in new technology and infrastructure and streamlined updated processes that elevate customer services and communication.

ABS better defines the department’s work. The use of “alcohol beverage” was chosen over “liquor” because the department sells beer and wine in addition to liquor as part of its wholesale and retail operations.

The use of “services” instead of “control” emphasizes the customer service-oriented relationships the County department has worked hard to cultivate.

The department’s rebranding also includes a new tagline: A Business of Montgomery County Government.

The Maryland General Assembly approved the name change in its 2019 session.

More information is available on the department’s website.

2019 Farm Tour and Harvest Sale: Farm Life, Fresh Produce and Family Fun,

Save the dates! The 30th annual Montgomery County Farm Tour returns to the Agricultural Reserve on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28.

There are 19 participating farms on this year’s tour. Connect with nature and start a family tradition by picking your own produce, meeting the animals, learning about farming practices and more.

For the latest Farm Tour information, visit the Montgomery County Office of Agriculture website.

Whiskey Rocks Event Sets Single-Day Sales Record

The Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control (DLC) set a one-day store record of more than $116,000 in sales during the Whiskey Rocks celebration on June 14, which was held at the Burtonsville retail store located at 15620 Old Columbia Pike.

The whiskey celebration attracted hundreds of customers to taste and purchase hard to find whiskey products. Dozens of customers lined up the day before the event to be at the front of the line when the retail store opened.

Some of the sought-after whiskeys available for purchase at this event included: Elijah Craig 18-Year, Michter’s Barrel Strength, Mister Sam Tribute, Blood Oath Pact No. 5 and Old Fitzgerald 13-Year Bottled-in-Bond.

In addition, the Whiskey Rocks celebration featured tastings, raffles, a free lunch sponsored by Buffalo Trace, free seminars and special barrel releases that kept consumers engaged throughout much of the day. The night before the event, Dogfish Head Alehouse hosted a whiskey dinner at its Gaithersburg location, which was billed as part of the DLC’s Whiskey Rocks event.

All profits earned by the DLC are transferred to the Montgomery County General Fund supporting police and fire, transportation projects and other public services that tax dollars would otherwise fund.

The next Whiskey Rocks events is planned for January of 2020. To receive updates about upcoming DLC events, product lotteries and sales, visit the DLC’s website. 

Free Business Counseling Available and More

Business Connect, a program of the County’s Business Solutions Group, offers free one-on-one business counseling at the Upcounty Regional Services Center, located at 12900 Middlebrook Road in Germantown.

Sessions with experienced business counselors are available by appointment. Visit the Montgomery County Business Portal for a calendar of business events and workshops and to schedule your session.

The Business Portal calendar includes a full range of workshops on a variety of business topics to help you grow your business.

Is Your Deck Safe?

The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) extended its free residential deck inspection service into the summer months.

To schedule a free deck inspection in Montgomery County, call 3-1-1 or 240-777-0311.

Residents may request an inspection online by visiting the County’s website. Once the request is received, an inspector will contact the homeowner to schedule the inspection. 

Inspectors advise residents to thoroughly inspect their decks regularly to keep the structure sound and to ensure its longevity. For more information, download the Deck Maintenance Checklist, which is posted as a reference guide on the County’s website.

The free deck inspections are available to all Montgomery County residents - excluding Rockville and Gaithersburg residents who are served by the permitting departments of the City municipalities.

For more information about DPS, visit its website.

Free Summer Concerts Across the County

Montgomery County is jam packed with concerts all summer long with activities for you and the whole family. Visit Montgomery provided this roundup of summer concert fun to help you know what is in store.

Rio Summer Concerts

• Dates Vary
• Grab some friends and enjoy a quaint evening by the water with live music every Friday at Nando’s Fiery Night Concerts and Saturday at Bands on the Boardwalk. Looking to get out of the office at lunch time? Enjoy music under the summer sunshine on your break at the Lunchtime Lounge from 12:30-2:30 p.m. on Thursdays.

Silver Spring Summer Concert Series

• June 20 to August 8, 7-9 p.m.
• Gather the whole family for a fun free night out in Silver Spring, Maryland. The Silver Spring concert series includes kids’ games, face painting, and various genres of live music. The concerts take place at the Silver Spring Civic Building.

SummerFest in Gaithersburg

• Saturday, June 29, 5-11 p.m.
• Soak up the season at SummerFest in Gaithersburg. By day, you can enjoy the lively street festival filled with live music, great food, fireworks, and fun activities. By night, you’ll find yourself watching the spectacular fireworks and partake in an illuminating SummerGlo After Party.

Summer Concerts at Glen Echo Park

• Every Thursday, June 6 to August 29, 2019 7:30 p.m.
• Spend an evening at the historical Glen Echo Park for a free concert experience in the Bumper Car Pavilion. Plus, don’t miss out on a ride on the historic carousel for just $1.25.

Whalen Commons Summer Concert Series

• Every Friday
• Kick off your weekend with family and friends in Poolesville, Maryland at their summer concert series and jam out to various music genres like soul, rock and roll, and bluegrass.

Strathmore Lawn Series

• Dates Vary
• Grab a blanket and head over to the Strathmore for their Live from the Lawn concert series. Listen to an array of summer sounds including funk, soul, jazz, and blues.

Montgomery County Recreation Extends Hours at Five Community Recreation Centers Beginning July 5

Montgomery County Recreation is extending Friday and Saturday hours to 11 p.m. at five community recreation centers beginning July 5.

As of July 5, these five centers will open on Friday and Saturday during the following hours:

• East County (10 a.m. to 11 p.m.) 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring
• Good Hope (noon to 11 p.m.) 14715 Good Hope Road, Silver Spring
• Long Branch (10 a.m. to 11 p.m.) 8700 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring
• Plum Gar (Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.) 19561 Scenery Drive, Germantown
• White Oak (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.) 1700 April Lane, Silver Spring

For more information about Montgomery County Recreation, visit its website.

Elrich Announces Local Business Preference Program as 4Business Listening Tour Wraps Up

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is forwarding legislation to the County Council for a local business preference program.

Elrich made the announcement sitting alongside County Council Vice President Sidney Katz as they wrapped up their 4Business listening tour at the Upcounty Regional Services Center, located at 12900 Middlebrook Road, in Germantown on Monday, June 10.

As drafted, the legislation proposes 10 percent preference points for businesses located in Montgomery County that are competing for County contracts.

The 4Business listening tour crisscrossed the County as the elected officials encouraged business owners to share their experiences about opening and growing a business in Montgomery County. Their initiative, 4Business: Benchmarking to Be the Best for Business, included stops in Rockville, Bethesda, East County, Wheaton, Silver Spring and Germantown.

Although the listening sessions have wrapped up, Elrich and Katz are still listening. Business owners may submit input by sending an email to 4Business@montgomerycountymd.gov or by submitting a form posted on the 4Business website by July 31. Submissions can be anonymous via the website.

On July 22, a survey will be posted on the 4Business website and circulated to get more focused information from the Montgomery County business community. In addition, County officials will begin a benchmarking study that looks at regulations of neighboring jurisdictions and those of the County. Assembled comments and benchmarking results will help identify areas Montgomery County will address to reduce obstacles to success, build positive relations and help Montgomery County to be the best for business. 

In the fall, two charrettes are planned with roundtables for community discussions and input on proposed changes resulting from the 4Business feedback.

For more information about the 4Business initiative or to view transcripts from the 4Business listening tour, visit the 4Business website.

For business resources and upcoming events, visit the Montgomery County Business Portal.

A County Full of PRIDE

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Councilmember (At-Large) Evan Glass honored Pride Month with members of the County Council and leaders of the LGBTQ+ community with a flag-raising ceremony at the Executive Office Building’s Veterans Memorial Plaza. This is the first Pride flag raising in the County’s 243-year history. Glass is the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the County Council.

State Board Alters Construction Plans for I-270 and I-495 After County and Local Leaders Raise Concerns

On Wednesday, June 5, the Maryland Board of Public Works voted 2-1 to move forward with the proposed addition of toll lanes on I-270 and to designate the project as a public-private partnership. The board’s vote to move I-270 to Phase 1 of the project is a significant change that will provide County and regional leaders more time to work with the state to address the impact the project will have on local communities.

The vote came two days after Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich; County Council President Nancy Navarro and Transportation Chair of the Montgomery County Council Tom Hucker hosted a press conference with local and state elected leaders from Montgomery and neighboring counties. The group was there to raise concerns about the State’s $11 billion plan to improve traffic congestion on I-270 and I-495

“Today’s vote at the Board of Public Works was definitely a step in the right direction,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Extending the I-270 portion of the project up to Frederick is critically important to improving the commute on I-270 - this is something all of us agreed with and can be done without a major widening and taking of property.

While this is an important first step, the missing piece is the American Legion bridge, which we all agree should be part of this project and must be part of the solution. As I first said in December, the project should start at the bridge and work its way north up 270. That is doable.

I want to note also that it is possible to address traffic east of 270. Our plan would make it easier for cars coming from Prince Georges County on I-95 to use the Intercounty Connector to get to 270 without having to use the beltway. This solution has two advantages: 1) people get to I-270 faster and 2) it takes traffic off the beltway – according to the state, 20 percent of the traffic on the beltway are vehicles on I-95 using the beltway to get to Virginia. Those vehicles would be able to avoid the beltway and have a far quicker trip.

I want to thank state Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot for their questions and for listening. I also want to thank Montgomery County Council Transportation Chair Tom Hucker and the entire Council, other elected officials from Montgomery County and leaders from Fredrick and Prince George’s Counties. And finally, I want to thank the Governor for his willingness to modify his approach – although there’s still work to be done, I think we’re on the right road to solving our traffic problems; and I look forward to working with him.” 

• Regional Transportation Improvement Plan Map (pdf)
• Comparison of Proposals for I-270 and I-495 (pdf)
• Watch press conference on YouTube/Photos

Elrich and Jawando Hear from Residents at Community Forum on Policing

County Executive Marc Elrich and Councilmember Will Jawando recently hosted a community policing forum to hear from residents about their priorities in the search for a new police chief. Dozens of residents shared their vision for the selection of the new chief during the meeting that took place at John F. Kennedy High School in Silver Spring.

The nationwide search for a new police chief began when Chief J. Thomas Manger announced his retirement earlier this year.

The selection panel is expected to wrap up interviews and select finalists, which will then be reviewed by County Executive Marc Elrich and Chief Administrative Officer Andrew Klein. Elrich is expected to recommend appointment of final candidate to County Council in Aug.

Montgomery County Minimum Wage Increases on July 1

The minimum wage will rise in Montgomery County on July 1. The number of workers employed by the business will determine the amount of the increase.

The County’s minimum wage will increase to $13 for employers with 51 or more employees and $12.50 for employers with 50 or fewer employees. Employees age 18 and under, who work fewer than 20 hours per week, are exempt from this rate.

Signed into legislation on Nov. 17, 2017, Bill 28-17 raises the minimum wage incrementally, each July 1, until it reaches $15 per hour in 2022.

Effective date	Large employer	Mid-sized employer	Small employer
July 1, 2019	$13	$12.50	$12.50
July 1, 2020	$14	$13.25	$13
July 1, 2021	$15	$14	$13.50
July 1, 2022	$15+ CPI-W	$14.50	$14

CPI-W = Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers

An employer who provides "home health services" or "home or community-based services" and receives at least 75 percent of gross revenues through state and federal Medicaid programs, may apply to the Office of Human Rights for designation as an eligible services provider subject to an adjusted implementation schedule.

More information about the County’s minimum wage increase is available on the Office of Human Rights website.

Montgomery County Recreation’s Outdoor Pools Open for the Summer Season

Montgomery County Recreation’s outdoor pools are the perfect place to cool off this summer.

The seven outdoor pools include Bethesda, Germantown, Martin Luther King Jr., Sara E. Auer Western County, Sgt. Hector I. Ayala Wheaton/Glenmont, Long Branch and Upper County. 

During the summer season (June 15 - August 16), outdoor pool hours are noon to 8 p.m. on weekends, and 1 to 8 p.m. during weekdays except for the Sarah E. Auer Western Outdoor Pool, which opens at noon. The Long Branch and Upper County Pools are closed on Fridays during the summer season. 

For more information about pool passes, locations and operating hours, visit the Montgomery County Recreation website.

Prepare Now for the Summer Storm Season

The Atlantic Hurricane and Summer Storm Season officially began on June 1 and runs through Nov. While it is possible for a hurricane or tropical storm to impact Montgomery County, the greater summer weather threat is flooding, hail, lightning strikes, thunderstorms and strong winds. Thunderstorms can occur singly or in clusters or lines and typically produce heavy rain for a brief period. During severe thunderstorms there is a risk that a tornado could occur.

In the event of a life-threatening storm, it is critical to know what to do before, during and after a severe storm. Knowing the difference between a weather watch and warning is an important part of keeping you and your loved ones safe.

NWS Advisories/Watch/Warnings:

• Advisory: Highlights weather conditions less serious than a warning
  Weather event may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property
• Watch: Be Prepared
  Conditions are right for the event to happen
  May last several hours
  Time to make a plan for if the event happens
• Warning: The event is happening
  Take immediate action
  Usually limited to a short period of time (around 30 minutes)

Alert Montgomery is the County’s emergency notification system. Subscribers can register to receive real-time information on their mobile devices or landlines. In addition to weather emergencies, subscribers can opt to receive alerts about school closures, government closures, gas leaks, severe weather, traffic, park closures, public health and other public emergencies. Regardless of the alerts you choose to receive, ALL account holders will receive tornado warnings and other critical emergency notifications. The free service is available to anyone who signs up on the Alert Montgomery website.

Visit the OEMHS website for more information on severe summer storms.

Dockless e-Scooters Join County’s Expanding Programs for Dockless Bikes and e-Bikes

With dockless bikes and e-bikes having been tested and enjoyed in several areas of the County, the County’s Department of Transportation is expanding the program to an add a pilot program for dockless e-scooters.

Three companies have been selected to deploy dockless e-scooters and e-bikes at no cost to the County. The demonstration project will include monthly free e-scooter training sessions.

Lyft will provide e-scooters in the East County Service Area; Bird will provide e-scooters in the West County Service Area; and Lime will provide both e-bikes and e-scooters in both service areas.  Each company’s vehicles will be limited to operation within their specific geo-fenced service area. All vendors require that riders be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license.

More information about the programs is available here.

Montgomery County’s 23rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration: Sing of Harmony the Harmony of Liberty

Montgomery County’s 23rd Annual Juneteenth celebration will be held at the BlackRock Center for the Arts located at 12901 Town Commons Drive in Germantown. The festivities begin at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 15.

The event will feature the traditional activities including the award recognition ceremony and Juneteenth barbecue dinner. New this year, there will be an uplifting line-up of musical and theatrical entertainment and a screening of the movie Mudbound. This free, family-friendly event is a day of celebration and remembrance with activities scheduled both on the lawn and inside of the arts center.

The program commemorates the 154th anniversary of the events of June 19, 1865. On that day, Union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take possession of the state and enforce the emancipation of its enslaved persons. Today, this is known as Juneteenth and is celebrated widely across the United States.

This year’s theme “Sing of the Harmony of Liberty” recollects the African American struggles, with a voice of praise and hope of freedom for all.

For more information, or to register for the event go to the Office of Human Rights website, or call James Stowe at the Office of Human Rights at 240-777-8490.

Read the press release here.

Flash on MD 355 Open Houses

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation invites you to hear more about what is new with the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) service along MD 355 called FLASH. Two open houses are scheduled to help you learn more about the extensive evaluation and preliminary engineering of the alternatives, including ridership, benefits, impacts, and estimated costs.

Schedule for the Open Houses:

• Wednesday, June 26; 6 to 8 p.m.
  Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg
• Thursday, June 27; 6 to 8 p.m.B-CC Regional Services Center, 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda.

The open houses are self-paced to allow attendees to access the information at their convenience. The same information will be available at both sessions. Sign language interpreters and other assistive services will be provided upon request.

More information is available on the open house webpage, or by contacting Darcy Buckley at 240-777-7166 or email at darcy.buckley@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Montgomery County Public Libraries Closes Wheaton Interim Branch to Prepare for Opening of the Wheaton Library and Community Recreation Center

Montgomery County Public Libraries will close the Wheaton Interim branch, located at 2400 Arcola Ave., at 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, to prepare for the opening of the new Wheaton Library and Community Recreation Center.

Information regarding the last date for book returns in the branch and the last date for placement of holds for pick up at the Wheaton Interim location is updated on the website.

MCPL branches near Wheaton include Aspen Hill, Kensington Park, Silver Spring, Twinbrook, and White Oak.

The new Wheaton Library and Community Recreation Center is expected to open in early Sept. More information about the new facility is available on the website.

Business Connect: Let’s Make it Happen

County Executive Marc Elrich has identified “A Growing Economy” as a priority area for his administration. Business Connect, a program of the County’s Business Solutions Group, is designed to deliver services to businesses where they are located. The program is piloting at the Upcounty Regional Services Center in Germantown.

Business Connect will provide businesses with access to classes, counseling and connections. Classes focus on topics to help businesses grow. One-on-one counseling helps businesses strengthen strategic plans, identify sources of capital, develop marketing strategies and achieve other targeted objectives.

Mark your calendars for an upcoming Business Connect workshops, which will be held from 10 a.m. to noon:

• June 18 Partnerships-A Dream Or A Nightmare??

Visit the Montgomery County Business Portal for information about doing business in and with County government and check out the calendar for training classes and workshops designed to help you grow your business.

Thrive Montgomery 2050 Invites You to Share Ideas about the Future of Montgomery County Over the Next 30 Years

The Montgomery County Planning Department is launching a new initiative titled, Thrive Montgomery 2050 to update Montgomery County’s General Plan for the future. The General Plan is Montgomery County’s long-range policy framework for guiding land use and growth. Montgomery County’s existing General Plan was last comprehensively updated in 1964.

 Through Thrive Montgomery 2050, Montgomery Planning is asking for the community’s help to ensure that, over the next 30 years, the county can be a vibrant, welcoming and economically healthy place where all can thrive.

This effort will be launched through Thrive Week, a series of five community events between June 26 and June 30, each held in a different location within the County. Three of the events will take place at Montgomery Parks facilities where community members will be able to share their ideas about the future of Montgomery County. These ideas will be recorded in words and pictures by a graphic artist. Feedback from Thrive Montgomery 2050 community events will help inform the update to the General Plan.

Thrive Week is the first step in the process that will identify and examine the changes occurring in Montgomery County, consider what we want for tomorrow, then develop a shared vision to maintain what is great about the county while taking the actions needed to thrive over the next 30+ years.

The Thrive Week schedule follows:

• Wednesday, June 26; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  Shady Grove Farmer’s Market, Key West Avenue and Broschart Road, Rockville
  (Rain or shine, in the rear parking lot on the Rockville campus of Johns Hopkins University.)
• Thursday, June 27; 6 to 8 p.m.Yappy Hour, hosted by Montgomery Parks in Elm Street Park, 4600 Elm Street, Bethesda. Community members are encouraged to bring their dogs.
• Friday, June 28; 3 to 6 p.m.South Germantown Recreational Park, 18041 Central Park Circle, Boyds at the splash park and mini-golf facility
• Saturday, June 29; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.Ellsworth Fountain Plaza Stage, 916 Ellsworth Dr., Silver Spring
• Sunday, June 30; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Sunday Funday at Wheaton Veterans Urban Park, 11200 Amherst Ave.

The result of Thrive Montgomery 2050 will be a living and breathing General Plan that guides future planning and decision making and helps secure resources to ensure Montgomery County is a place where everyone can be successful, have opportunities and enjoy a high quality of life in a beautiful and resilient environment.

Learn more about Thrive Montgomery 2050.