November 30, 2022

County Executive Elrich and First 11-member County Council to be Sworn In at Inaugural Ceremonies on Monday, Dec. 5


Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will be sworn in to his second term and the members of the County’s first 11-member County Council also will be sworn in at the Montgomery County Inaugural Ceremonies at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 5, at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda. The ceremonies are open to all and there is no charge to attend.

The Music Center at Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda. The doors will open at 10:15 a.m.

This will be the 20th version of the Council under the current form of County government. The current County Council has nine members—four at-large and five district Councilmembers. Voters passed a Charter Amendment to change the Council composition to 11 members—four at-large and seven district Councilmembers. The Council districts were reapportioned to accommodate the district change.

The County Councilmembers to be sworn in include incumbents Gabe Albornoz (at-large), Evan Glass (at-large), Will Jawando (at-large), Andrew Friedson (new District 1) and Sidney Katz (new District 3). Newly elected Councilmembers include Laurie-Anne Sayles (at-large), Marilyn Balcombe (new District 2), Kate Stewart (new District 4), Kristin Mink (new District 5), Natali Fani-González (new District 6) and Dawn Luedtke (new District 7).

Although the event is free to attend, advance registration is required. Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/inauguration for information on required attendance registration, directions and parking.

Watch a live stream of the inauguration at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/CCM/ccmlive.html.

Sign language interpreter services will be provided at the event. To request any other type of ADA reasonable accommodation, call 240-777-2521 or email inauguration@montgomerycountymd.gov. In all situations, a good-faith effort (up until the time of the event) will be made to provide accommodations.

Free Flu Vaccination Clinic for Children to be Held on Wednesday, Dec. 7, in Silver Spring

Montgomery County will hold a free flu vaccination clinic for children from 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the Dennis Avenue Health Center, located at 2000 Dennis Ave. in Silver Spring. Children ages six months to 18 are eligible to receive vaccinations at the clinic.

Getting an annual flu shot has been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death.

Flu vaccinations are also available through private health providers and at retail locations throughout the community.

Although the vaccination clinic is free, appointments are required.

The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year. In addition, good health habits can often help stop the spread of germs and prevent illnesses like the flu. Good health habits include:
  • Always cover cough or sneeze with a tissue—then throw the tissue away or cough or sneeze into the inside of the elbow.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing and before eating. Alcohol hand sanitizer (minimum 60 percent alcohol) will help if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. These are places germs can enter the body easily.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick.
  • Monitor yourself and family members for symptoms of fever which include chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches and vomiting or diarrhea.
  • If you are sick, stay home from work, school or other public places until you are feeling well.
See the County’s flu website for more information.

Department of Environmental Protection Unveils ‘Gift Outside the Box’ Campaign Encouraging Greener Gifting for Holidays


The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has launched its annual Gift Outside the Box campaign and encouraging people to “gift-greener” this holiday season. Ceremonies in Rockville starting the campaign this week included County Executive Marc Elrich.

The annual Gift Outside the Box campaign brings together County agencies and community organizations to promote environmentally friendly gift-giving. The holiday campaign will focus on five areas:
  • Buy Local: Support County and State businesses by purchasing locally made products. Look for the “MoCo Made” label at Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) or other retail stores.
  • Gift Experiences: No need for a box when the gift features event tickets, Montgomery Recreation classes, music lessons, and time to be spent in nature or at parks.
  • Gift Greener: If purchasing new items, make sure that they encourage green living and, when possible, help people lower their utility bills. Consider LED lightbulbs, smart thermostats and reusable materials such as water bottles, metal straws and cloth napkins.
  • Give Back: Appreciated gifts include donations to local charities in the name of a family member or friend. Consider setting aside time to spend with friends and family by volunteering together.
  • Reduce, Reuse and Recycle: Reduce waste by buying gifts made from recycled or reused materials, regift items not used from last year and recycle the paper (minimize wrapping by using reusable gift bags and cloth).
“Each year the ‘Gift Outside the Box’ campaign reminds us to find ‘greener’ ways to celebrate the holidays—this includes shopping local,” said County Executive Elrich. “When we shop local and purchase gifts made locally, we’re investing in our communities, improving our local economy and helping our environment by using less fuel. I want to encourage everyone to think about supporting our local small businesses during this gift-giving season and all year long. Together, we can reduce waste, save energy and build a strong local economy.”

DEP Acting Director Adriana Hochberg said the Gift Outside the Box campaign follows the County’s year-round campaign to reduce waste and help the environment.

“As people begin the gift-giving of the holiday season, we hope everyone will consider ‘greener’ ways to show love and friendship to friends and family and love for our planet,” said Ms. Hochberg. “DEP and our partners are challenging all of us to reduce waste by thinking differently about how we shop for and give gifts. Every action we take, whether it is shopping at thrift stores, or buying from local small businesses—every little bit adds up and makes a difference.”

DEP staff will be handing out free reusable bags and offering lightbulb exchanges at the following events:
  • Saturdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Noon-5 p.m. Wheaton Holiday Market. Marian Fryer Town Plaza, 2424 Reedie Dr., Wheaton.
  • Saturday, Dec. 3. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Westfield Wheaton. 11160 Veirs Mill Rd., Wheaton.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, household waste in the U.S. increases an average of 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Wrapping paper, decorations, packaging and leftover food (and sometimes even gifts) often do not last long and end up in the waste stream.

More information about the most sustainable ways to give for the holidays is available at the Gift Outside the Box website at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dep/gift-greener.html.

Vision Zero Annual Report Released Highlighting Accomplishments and Celebrating Completion of Phase 1 of the Bethesda Bikeway


Montgomery County this week released its annual report for the Vision Zero Initiative to end serious and fatal crashes on roadways by 2030. The Fiscal Year 2022 report details progress made on 114 tasks and projects that were undertaken during the year.

The report was released at a ribbon cutting for Phase 1 of the Bethesda Bikeway at Woodmont Avenue. The bikeway has pavement separated from the roadway which will make that section of Bethesda safer for bicyclists.

The complete FY22 Vision Zero annual report can be found on the County’s Vision Zero website.

“We need our streets to work for everyone whether walking, biking, using an assistive device or driving. That is why I have continued to increase funding for our traffic safety projects,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “In FY22, we spent $101.5 million on Vision Zero and this year I have increased the budget by 23 percent to $123.1 million. We can make our Vision Zero goal a reality through these projects, campaigns and with your help. Keep yourself and everyone on the road safe by putting your phone away while driving, obeying the speed limit, buckling up for every trip and every seat and never drive impaired.”

While there is much work to be done to reach the ultimate Vision Zero goal, FY22 represented a crucial year for the program with new initiatives started and key projects underway.

Highlights for the year included:
  • Nine projects underway on High Injury Network (HIN) corridors. HIN corridors represent 3 percent of the County roads and 41 percent of serious and fatal injuries. Four safety audits, two project designs and three construction projects were completed.
  • Eight pedestrian hybrid beacons were installed. The devices provide a red signal for drivers to safely allow people on foot and on bike to cross.
  • 27 bikeway projects are underway. Four already have been completed, including the installation of the second and third protected intersections at Bethesda and Woodmont avenues in Bethesda and at Cameron and Fenton streets in Silver Spring.
  • Seven miles of new sidewalk constructed.
  • 40,000 resident engagements across 90 events and five safety campaigns. This includes bike safety rodeos for over 300 schoolchildren.
  • More than $1 million secured by the County from State, Federal and regional grant programs for projects and focused law enforcement efforts.
  • 18,154 traffic stops for excessive speeding by law enforcement and more than 300,000 speed citations from automated enforcement.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), which implements Vision Zero changes to County roads, such as pedestrian hybrid beacons, also was present to celebrate opening of Phase 1 of the Bethesda Bikeway.

“We are committed to the safety of all our roadway users,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “Safety is our highest priority, and we are striving to make changes to our roads as quickly as we can. That is why the Vision Zero funding is so crucial, and I am thankful that the County Executive and the Council have been working together to allow for increases in this funding to advance the safety of our residents. I am saddened by every report of another crash resulting in serious injury or loss of life and remain committed to the work we’re doing to reduce and eliminate these tragedies. In addition to making our facilities safer, these projects can also provide assets for our communities. As one example, the Bethesda Bikeway is going to make bicycling much safer and appealing in this area.”

The new cycletrack segments run along Bethesda Avenue and Willow Lane from the Capital Crescent Trail to 47th Street near Elm Street Park and along Woodmont Avenue between Miller Avenue and Montgomery Lane. Both bikeways are separated from traffic by raised concrete medians to protect cyclists. The two cycletracks are part of a new two-way bike network in downtown Bethesda that offers bright green separated bike lanes. Additional phases are in planning, design, and construction. The Phase 2 is scheduled to be completed next year.

“I want to thank all the staff from 20 municipal, County and State departments and agencies for their hard work on the Vision Zero Action Plan last year,” said County Vision Zero Coordinator Wade Holland. “Many long hours and time on nights and weekends were needed to advance this new plan while keeping up with the day-to-day work. Their dedication to our safety mission makes all this possible.”

The FY22 report is the first under the new Vision Zero 2030 Action Plan that outlines the projects and activities necessary to reach the Vision Zero goal of ending serious and fatal crashes. The initiative’s FY23 work plan is underway with projects across the County.

To learn more about Vision Zero efforts and how to get involved, visit the Vision Zero website.

Two Grant Programs Launched to Assist Disabled, Seniors and Low-Income Residents with Transportation Needs

Two grant programs designed to increase transportation services for disabled, senior and limited income residents were launched this week by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT). Approximately $800,000 in operating and capital budget funds will be available to eligible nonprofits to create assistance programs or enhance existing ones.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich proposed $1 million to establish a capital and operating grants process using funds from the Transportation Services Improvement Fund in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. The County Council approved $800,000 for a joint capital and operating grant program, with $640,000 for capital projects and $160,000 for operating expenses.

Eligible nonprofits can now apply for funds from the program. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 28. An online information session for the grant program will be held from 1:30-3 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 5.

“We have to ensure that our most vulnerable community members are able to access the essential services they need across Montgomery County,” said County Executive Elrich. “These new grant funds will allow nonprofits and our community partners to leverage their resources to reach an even greater number of residents.”

The capital grant funds can be used to purchase or retrofit a wheelchair accessible vehicle or purchase a traditional sedan, hybrid vehicle or electric vehicle to deliver food, clothing, medical supplies or other safety net needs for the targeted population groups.

“The Specialized Mobility Grant Program will help local nonprofit organizations improve access and opportunity for individuals who are disabled, seniors, and with limited incomes,” said Council President Gabe Albornoz. “It will help provide our most vulnerable residents access to public transportation and to get to places where they need to go throughout the County.”

The operating grant funds can be used to compensate personnel from the organization or a third-party entity for:
  • Providing transportation services.
  • Costs associated with the repairing and maintaining a vehicle that improves accessibility, such as a wheelchair accessible vehicle.seni
  • The cost of insurance for a vehicle that improves accessibility.
  • Costs associated with purchasing transportation service travel vouchers for the targeted population.
“The grants are funded by the Transportation Services Improvement Fund, which aims to enhance transportation services for older adults, individuals with disabilities and low-income residents,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “We’re happy to support transportation providers and our community nonprofits in their vital work to expand mobility options for vulnerable populations.”

Applicants should directly address these priority areas in their proposal. Organizations need a nonprofit designation to apply and all proposed services must take place within Montgomery County. Organizations can apply independently or in collaboration with other groups.

Requesting capital and operating support will require separate, but similar, applications. An organization may apply for both forms of funding. County funding cannot be used to supplant other funding for already planned services.

The online information session on Dec. 5 will be recorded and publicly available for those who miss the event or wish to see it again. The full program details, the online application and the information session details (as well as a recording of it) will be available on the Montgomery County Office of Grants Management - Grants Application Platform (fluidreview.com).

Grant applications will be reviewed by an independent committee organized by the Office of Grants Management. The committee will include neutral, qualified individuals from Montgomery County Government who are selected for their experiences in the grant program’s subject area, grants administration or project management. The panel members will review and score applicant proposals on a 100-point scale based on the criteria and priorities established in the grant program, with cumulative ranking informing the final awards.

Questions about the application process can be directed to Rafael Pumarejo Murphy, director of the Office of Grants Management, by calling 240-777-2775 or emailing rafael.murphy@montgomerycountymd.gov.

More information about the FY23 TSM operating program is available at FY23 Targeted and Specialized Mobility Operating Grant Program - Montgomery County Office of Grants Management - Grants Application Platform (smapply.org).

More information about the FY23 TSM capital program is available at FY23 Targeted and Specialized Mobility Capital Grant Program - Montgomery County Office of Grants Management - Grants Application Platform (smapply.org).

Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund Loan Supports Leeland Tenants in Purchasing Their Takoma Park Apartment Building

Montgomery County has announced financial support for efforts by the Leeland Tenants Association in Takoma Park to purchase their building, helping facilitate homeownership for the longtime tenants. The County committed $281,250 over three years using funds from the recently created Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund (AHOF).

Leeland Apartments is a 15-unit, garden-style apartment building located at 112 Lee Ave. in Takoma Park. The tenant association plans to convert it into a limited equity co-op structure.

The Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund is a dedicated pool of $20 million of revolving County funds established to combine with private lending for short-term loans to acquire and preserve affordable properties, maintain affordability and protect tenants from displacement. The National Housing Trust Community Development Fund (NHTCDF) is the fund manager, coordinating applications from developers and arranging private capital to combine with Montgomery County funds to respond rapidly to opportunities.

“This is great. I am pleased that we are able to help these long-time tenants become homeowners,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “The new Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund is designed to provide critical, readily available funding to acquire properties to preserve affordability and protect tenants from displacement. Expanding homeownership is an important goal of my administration and part of a successful affordable housing strategy. I want to thank Takoma Park Mayor Kate Stewart and Delegate Lorig Charkoudian for their efforts. I also want to recognize the pivotal role played by Mi Casa, which helped the association put the financial package together so that the tenants’ association could acquire this property.”

The City of Takoma Park, along with technical assistance provided by Mi Casa, Inc., worked with the Leeland Tenants Association to leverage the City’s Tenant Opportunity to Purchase law to purchase the property.

The tenant association’s short-term financing package to purchase the building includes the County’s $281,250 AHOF loan, a $532,000 private loan, a $1,437,500 loan from City First Enterprises and a $250,000 loan from NHTCDF. The latter two loans, arranged by NHTCDF, more than achieves the minimum three-to-one private lending match for AHOF loans. In addition, there is a $600,000 grant managed by the City of Takoma Park, which came from the State of Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development. The loan closing occurred on Nov. 2, at which point the tenant association took ownership of the property.

"This exciting project illustrates what we can do when local, County and State governments work with residents to help move people from renting to owning their home," said Takoma Park Mayor Stewart. "This is a model in agency collaboration, and we should expand it across Montgomery County to preserve affordable housing."

The State’s commitment also played a key role in making the process work.

"We need multiple approaches and models to ensure sufficient, inclusive and affordable housing in our community,” said State Delegate Charkoudian. “I was thrilled to work with the tenants of the Leeland in their persistent and creative efforts to transition the apartment complex into a housing co-op, thus ensuring the long-term affordability of these units. I am proud that the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development played a critical role in the package. I look forward to continuing to work with the community, State and local government to expand affordable housing."

Leeland Apartments includes two units serving households at or below 30 percent of Area Median Income (AMI); four units serving households with income between 30 and 50 percent AMI; five units serving households with income between 50 and 60 percent AMI; and four units serving households with incomes between 60 and 80 percent AMI.

“We are proud to partner with Montgomery County, the City of Takoma Park, Mi Casa and the Leeland Tenants Association to provide this unique and first-of-its-kind financing,” said Alex Cabral, director of lending at National Housing Trust. “We really appreciated our partners’ willingness to come up with this creative approach to tenant ownership and look forward to supporting future efforts to preserve affordable housing in the community.”

Montgomery County is applying every available policy tool and financial resource to help reduce housing cost burdens by increasing the number of affordable, rent-regulated housing units; providing rent supports; and preserving current affordable housing while protecting tenants from displacement.

“DHCA participated in the successful real estate transaction that empowers tenants to purchase their property,” said Aseem K. Nigam, director of the County’s Department of Housing and Community Affairs. “We continue to work with our fund manager in leveraging the Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund to preserve housing affordability and protect tenants from displacement.”

For more information on Montgomery County’s housing program, see the DHCA Annual Report.

Be COVID-Prepared for the Upcoming Holiday Season

The third holiday season with COVID-19 is underway, and everyone agrees that COVID fatigue exists. A few simple steps of caution can make being with family and friends enjoyable while reducing the risk of illness from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses such as colds and flu.

Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services offers the following things to keep in mind when planning for family gatherings:
  • Make plans with the highest-risk person in the family and friends group in mind. Talk to family members ahead of time to figure out the plan. Encourage everyone to take additional precautions if a high-risk family member is attending. This means being up to date on all vaccinations and could include limiting the number of people invited. If the weather cooperates, think about moving meals outdoors.
  • Get the new bivalent COVID-19 booster. Everyone who is eligible (ages 5 and up at least two months after their latest dose) should get the new booster to add an extra layer of protection. There are County-operated clinics and private providers offering both the Moderna and Pfizer bivalent boosters. Visit GoVaxMoco.com to see dates, times and locations.
  • Pay attention to symptoms. In the days before the event, and especially the day of, watch out for COVID symptoms: sore throat, congestion, coughing, fatigue, headaches and muscle pain. People infected with BA.5, the dominant variant, are less likely to report losing their sense of taste and smell. If you feel sick, stay home—even if you have a negative rapid test.
  • Test wisely. Everyone should test before a family gathering—the question is when to test and how many times. There are differing opinions on the exact timing and combination of tests that should be taken, but for the most accurate measure of whether or not you are contagious, take an at-home rapid test immediately before an event. If you have been wearing masks regularly, limiting contact and do not have symptoms, a negative test is a good measure. If you wake up with a scratchy throat and have interacted with someone who tested positive, consider staying home even if the tests are negative.
  • Consider a mini-quarantine before a holiday gathering. Wear a mask in public indoor spaces and limit the time spent around crowds—for example, time trips to the grocery store for when they are not overwhelmingly packed. If traveling, check case counts for the area you are visiting.
  • Mask up when traveling. Whether taking a plane, bus or train, make sure to wear a mask.
  • Ventilate your space. If holding an event outside is not an option, increase air circulation and reduce the risk of trapping and transmitting the virus. Portable air purifiers with HEPA filters can be expensive, but even opening windows slightly can improve air flow.
The County continues to provide free N-95 masks and rapid test kits at multiple locations.

‘Christmas on the Farm’ Will Be Hosted Dec. 3-4 at Montgomery Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood

“Christmas on the Farm,” a special way to celebrate the holidays in a country setting, will be at the Montgomery Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood on Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 3-4.

On each day, the Farm Park, which is located at 18400 Muncaster Rd. in Derwood, will welcome visitors with activities and displays from noon-5 p.m. There is no charge for admission.

The celebration will include free cookies and cider, a bake sale of homemade treats, hayrides, a farmhouse tour and an opportunity to see farm animals up close.

The event will be hosted by Friends of the Montgomery Agricultural History Farm Park and supported by Montgomery Parks, which is part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

The Agricultural Park looks at the past, present and future of farming in Montgomery County. The 455-acre park features rolling hills, open fields, an apple orchard and a variety of farm animals. It offers a unique perspective of the County’s rich farming heritage and enables visitors to experience barns, historic buildings, a modern farm activity center and other facilities.

The park also has five miles of natural surface trails that lead to a tour of the surrounding fields and countryside. The Percheron Trail continues south under Airpark Road to the Pope Farm Nursery, where a wide variety of trees, shrubs and ornamental plants are grown for Montgomery County’s 30,000-acre park system.

For more information about the event, go to friendsofthefarmpark.org.

Up Close and Personal: Stars of Disney's ‘Beauty & the Beast’ at Olney Theatre Will Talk About the Production, Their Roles and Careers in Silver Spring on Tuesday, Dec. 6


The stars of Olney Theatre’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will talk about the production, their roles and their careers at a special free event at the Silver Spring Civic Building from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6. The special event will be presented by Silver Spring Town Center, Inc., in collaboration with Olney Theatre.

The Beauty & the Beast production at Olney Theatre includes stars who are from diverse backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community. The male lead has a disability.

Although the event is free, the organizers are asking attendees to RSVP to lisa@silverspringtowncenter.com.

The production is now at the Olney Theatre and will run through Jan. 1.

Last winter, Beauty & the Beast also had a run at Olney Theatre, receiving much acclaim.

The stars expected at the Silver Spring special event include Jade Jones (Belle) and Evan Ruggiero (Beast), who are back in their roles in the revival. Other returning cast members include Bobby Smith (Lumiere), Dylan Arredondo (Cogsworth) and Michael Burrell (Gaston). They are part of the tale that focuses on the Beast’s cursed castle as he looks for an escape to a world where beauty is more than skin deep and happily ever after is just a rose petal away.

A special bonus at the event will be the appearance of Helen Hayes Award-winner Tracy Lynn Olivera, who joins the cast as Madame de la Grande Bouche.

Music director Walter “Bobby” McCoy, who is a Nicaraguan-American, also will be part of the panel discussion.

More information about Disney’s Beauty & the Beast at Olney Theatre is available at https://www.olneytheatre.org/whats-playing.

Olney Art Association Annual Membership Exhibit on Display at Gaithersburg’s Bohrer Park Through Jan. 29

The annual Olney Art Association (OAA) juried member exhibition will be on display at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg through Jan. 29. The exhibit features 46 works of art by 19 member artists of the OAA.

The Activity Center at Bohrer Park is located at 506 South Frederick Ave. in Gaithersburg. It is open from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Founded in 1974, the OAA is a professional, learning, creative community of visual fine artists whose expertise ranges in a variety of media. OAA artists work in oil painting, watercolor, acrylics, pastel, colored pencil, pen and ink, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics, digital art and photography. More information about the OAA can be found at www.OlneyArtAssociation.org.

Glen Kessler juried the exhibition and chose 10 award winners. Mr. Kessler is an internationally collected and awarded artist, as well as the founder of The Compass Atelier in Rockville. He has an MFA from New York Academy of Art and a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art. His works have graced the cover of Professional Artist Magazine and in The Artist’s Magazine among other publications. Mr. Kessler has work displayed in the public collections of King Charles III, Amazon Web Services, Ford's Theater, Capital One Bank, Dominion Bank and hundreds of private collections around the world. He is a two-time recipient of the Elizabeth Greenshields Grant for Outstanding Figurative Art, a Prince of Wales Fellow and a Maryland State Arts Council Grant awardee.

The award winners for the exhibition include:
  • Isabella Martire, “Getting Ready for Work.” Best in Show
  • Ken Bachman, “Maine Garden.” Juror’s Award
  • Joan Hobbs, “The Blue Barn.” Juror’s Award
  • Sandy Yagel, “The Composer.” Juror’s Award
  • Sandra Bourdeaux, “Alesia with Red Hat.” Honorable Mention
  • Howard Clark, “Glade Creek Grist Mill.” Honorable Mention
  • Margo Lehman, “Window on Cerrito Blanco.” Honorable Mention
  • Lori Myers, “Still Life with Pine Cones.” Honorable Mention
  • Anne Pielert, “The Courtyard.” Honorable Mention
  • Katherine Richards, “Sculpted by the Wind.” Honorable Mention
View the collection of artwork here.

Many of the featured pieces are for sale and all images and artwork are copyrighted by the artists.

For more information about the exhibit, visit the Activity Center at Bohrer Park gallery webpage or contact the City’s Gallery Program Coordinator at 301-258-6394 or artgalleries@gaithersburgmd.gov.

‘A Wide Place in the Road—The Roots of Modern Bethesda’ to be Featured Montgomery History Presentation on Thursday, Dec. 8

The evolution of Bethesda will be the subject of a free Montgomery History online presentation at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8. “A Wide Place in the Road—The Roots of Modern Bethesda” will be guided by Bethesda Historical Society Secretary and Tour Chair Hank Levine.

The presentation will span the area’s history between 1750 and 1920. It will cover how a fall line, a ridge line, a turnpike, a trolley line, rail lines, the coming of the automobile and Chevy Chase set the stage for the development of Bethesda into the affluent suburb and urban center it is today.

Mr. Levine will talk about stories of early churches, stores and real estate moguls. He also will examine the decades in which Bethesda was bypassed and almost died; the experimental animal farm that struck many as less than heaven scent; and the founding of the town’s first neighborhoods.

To join the event, register at Webinar Registration - Zoom.


November 23, 2022

Message from the County Executive

Dear Friends,

I am very thankful to live in Montgomery County and I hope you are too.

Thanksgiving is traditionally a day when we gather with family and close friends. For the last two years, many of our Thanksgiving gatherings have been smaller and closer to home. AAA is predicting that travel this holiday will be close to pre-pandemic levels with nearly 55 million Americans on the move.

We are grateful that we are in a better place than where were, but we must not be complacent. We cannot forget that COVID-19 is still a threat, and we are currently in middle of tri-demic as we see COVID rates predicted to increase, RSV is impacting our emergency rooms and we are seeing one of the worst beginnings of the flu season in over a decade. Please read this article in The Washington Post that details how our hospitals are filling up and are still facing staffing shortages.

As we gather again for holiday memories, continue to focus on your health and the health of your loved ones—especially the elderly, children and those with pre-existing conditions. Get your flu shot and the new bivalent booster. Remember to test yourself for COVID before getting together with others. If you are feeling ill, stay home and away from getting others ill.

By considering the health of others first and foremost, you will be providing others plenty of reasons to be thankful for your thoughtfulness.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Providing Thanksgiving Meals to Those in Need



The spirit of Thanksgiving is alive and well in Montgomery with neighbors helping neighbors. This week, I visited with Nourishing Bethesda as it teamed up with Sunrise Senior Living, Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company and Simply Fresh Events to pull together a Thanksgiving meal for each family they serve. I want to thank groups like these, their sponsors and volunteers for being a true inspiration this holiday season and throughout the year.

Nourishing Bethesda was started during the pandemic when organizers realized too many families were dealing food insecurity because of hard economic times. Nutritious food options were sacrificed for the cheaper options so that families to meet other financial obligations. Nourishing Bethesda stepped in to assist and began collecting healthy meals weekly for those in need. It estimates that around 1,000 people were receiving meals at the height of the pandemic. Today, it still has around 500 clients.

There are many organizations like Nourishing Bethesda helping those with needs throughout Montgomery County. Every organization is always in need of donations and volunteers. If you would like to give your time or money, please visit the County’s Volunteer Center by clicking here.

I also want to thank our Ddepartment of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for its efforts to provide food baskets for Thanksgiving to nearly 12,000 families who have been referred by case workers, school counselors, churches, and community-based nonprofits. This department’s continued successful outreach, engagement, and partnerships to provide resources to those most in need is greatly appreciated.

More Than $100,000 Raised for Impacted Residents of Gaithersburg Condo Complex



I continue to keep the families in Gaithersburg displaced by last week’s fire and building collapse in my thoughts and I hope you do the same. Approximately 50 people have either lost their home or cannot return home due to the explosion, including 10 children. I can only imagine how difficult it is for these families to deal with losing everything. That is why your help is so important.

I want to thank all who have donated to support these families through the Montgomery Housing Partnership. These donations are going directly to the displaced and impacted families. So far, around $100,000 has been collected and these residents need every dollar to help them get back on their feet. The website is https://mhpartners.org/gaithersburgfire/. There also is a QR code that can get you there directly. I urge you to donate if you can. It will mean so much to these families.

I am also very appreciative of the response of our Fire and Rescue Service, Police Department, Emergency Management and Health and Human service departments, as well as the Red Cross and the City of Gaithersburg. The police investigation determined that this disaster was a result of a suicide. Police investigators report that there is no indication that the individual who killed himself meant to harm others.

This tragedy is a reminder of how important it is to look for signs of mental health distress. I encourage anyone who is thinking about suicide or aware of someone who needs help, to call 9-8-8, the new national suicide prevention hotline. Montgomery County also runs a 24-hour crisis center you can reach by contacting 240-777-4000. The holiday season is often a difficult time for those who are isolated, alone, or depressed. It is imperative that we reach out and attempt to get help to those who are in need.

Final Audit Report of Montgomery County Police Department Released



I was joined by Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones last week to release the final results of an audit of the Montgomery County Police Department conducted by Effective Law Enforcement for All. Here is a link to that announcement.

The audit was done to help identify and address crucial issues to public safety, accountability, transparency, public trust and equitable law enforcement. We began working to reimagine public safety well before we saw a summer of protests and calls for action in the wake of George Floyd's death.

I called for the audit because I wanted us to address important issues that we have hearing about for a long time—like training—so officers are better able to deal with situations such as de-escalating situations.

This report, which took an extensive look at the department from body camera footage to interviews up and down the chain of command, does not sugarcoat anything. The report makes a number of important recommendations, and I want to mention some of those especially related to mental health.

More than one-third of the people in our jail suffer from mental health issues making the jail the County’s No. 1 mental health facility. Jails were not meant or designed to be places for the mentally ill. It really concerns me that far too many people who need help end up with a criminal record before we try to help them. This is something that we must change.

Tying up police officers with mental health and addiction calls is not the best use of resources. New cadets and existing officers will be exposed to new training methods meant to help temper violent encounters. We also want to use the data we collect to identify patterns in officer behavior that can be used like red flags to prevent bias, hostility or anger issues from impacting our community.

I want to thank MCPD, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35, the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force and Effective Law Enforcement for All that took part in this audit to identify where the police department has strengths and where it can improve. To watch video of these recommendations, click here. To read the full report, click here.

Tri-Demic Threat Met with Trifecta of Responses

Whether it is COVID-19, Monkeypox, RSV or the flu, Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services continue to utilize a three-pronged approach of education, prevention and awareness to respond to these ongoing health threats.

Montgomery County continues to be in “Low” community level this week, according to the CDC. Our case rates per 100,000 residents are hovering in the 80’s, with our hospitalization rate from COVID at 7.02 per 100,000 residents. Despite this good news, we are still concerned about our holiday gatherings and a winter surge of cases as we have witnessed over the last two years. Our best defense against that surge is making sure you receive the bivalent booster.

Recent media reports, such as this CNN article about the Moderna bivalent booster and this New England Journal of Medicine article, have chronicled the success of the new bivalent boosters being “significantly higher” than the original vaccine and boosters citing “a 15-fold increase in Omicron BA.4/BA.5 antibody levels from pre-booster levels.” These new bivalent boosters have a 93 percent efficacy rate as compared to 85 percent efficacy rate of the original vaccine and boosters.

So far only 23.1 percent of our eligible population has received a bivalent booster. We need to increase this number. If you have already received the new booster, encourage your family and friends to do so well.

This flu season is heading to be one of the most severe we have seen in more than a decade. The CDC estimates that, so far this season, there have been at least 4.4 million illnesses, 38,000 hospitalizations and 2,100 deaths from flu already nationally. The cumulative hospitalization rate currently sits at 8.1 per 100,000, which is the highest at this point in the season since the 2010-11 season.



As you can see from this graphic of flu associated hospitalizations in the State, we are at a level 200 times higher at this time of the year as comparted to the last three years. Getting the flu shot is the best way to protect from severe illness and death, but vaccine uptake has been sluggish in comparison with previous flu seasons during the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC data shows that flu vaccinations among pregnant women are much lower compared to previous seasons. Receiving a flu shot can lower a pregnant woman's risk of being hospitalized from flu by around 40 percent, according to the CDC. There are also prescription flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat flu illness; those need to be started as early as possible.



RSV continues to be a concern as well. During the past week, we have had 150 pediatric and 42 adult cases hospitalized with RSV in the State. That is more than three times higher than this time last year. An overwhelming majority of these cases are among most vulnerable populations—those under 2 and over 65.

Those at greatest risk for severe illness from RSV include
  • Premature infants
  • Very young infants, especially those 6 months and younger
  • Children younger than 2 years old with chronic lung disease or congenital (present from birth) heart disease
  • Children with weakened immune systems
  • Children who have neuromuscular disorders, including those who have difficulty swallowing or clearing mucus secretions
  • Older adults, especially those 65 years and older
  • Adults with chronic heart or lung disease
  • Adults with weakened immune systems
For more information about preventing Covid, Flu, RSV and monkeypox, visit our Department of Health and Human Services webpage.

Montgomery County’s Human Rights Hall of Fame Inducts Six New Nominees

We welcomed six new inductees last weekend into the Montgomery County Human Rights Hall of Fame: Daryl Davis, Rev. Dr. Philip Davis Sr., Dr. Jeremiah Floyd, Janice Freeman, Willie Pearl Mackey King and Chuck Short.

The Human Rights Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made great personal sacrifices in contributing to human and civil rights in Montgomery County, either as trailblazers of the past or as current light bearers in the struggle. These six people dedicated their lives to doing just that, while also carving out paths that make our County more equitable and fairer.

The newest inductees epitomize why the County’s Human Rights Hall of Fame was created and were recognized for their visionary leadership and outstanding achievements.
  • Darryl Davis dedicated his life to ending the existence of the KKK. His efforts lead to chapters of the Klan dissolving and convinced more than 200 KKK members to turn in their robes.
  • Rev. Dr. Phillip W. Davis Sr., who sadly passed away this past July shortly after his 100th birthday, was a World War II veteran, entrepreneur and the Senior Pastor for the Inter-denominational Church of God for nearly 40 years.
  • Dr. Jeremiah Floyd is currently the first vice president for the Montgomery County branch of the NAACP and a member of the Human Rights Commission. Dr. Floyd has worked for the academic success of minority students. He was the third-ever African American on the Board of Education and also served as the associate executive director of the National School Boards Association.
  • Janice Freeman is the co-founder and current president and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Montgomery County. She is also a County Office of Human Rights Commissioner and was also the co-founder and organizer of the annual Minority Legislative Breakfast.
  • Willie Pearl Mackey King was a former secretary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference. She transcribed smuggled notes from Dr. King, who was jailed, that led to publication of a “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” She has been instrumental as an activist in Montgomery County’s pursuit for social justice.
  • Charles L. “Chuck” Short has 50 years of experience leading and administering local government, private nonprofit and faith-based programs, including 13 years of experience as senior advisor to two Montgomery County Executives.
JI hope you join me in congratulating these six new inductees. To learn more about the Office of Human Rights and all of our Human Rights Hall of Fame inductees, click here.

Apartments to Condos: Takoma Park Tenants Buy Their Own Apartment Building

The Leeland Tenants Association in Takoma Park recently signed an exciting agreement that will allow them to keep their homes rather than risk losing them due to escalating rent prices, as noted in this Greater Greater Washington blog from September.

Part of the financing comes from the County via the County’s new Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund. Other community partners were critical in this arrangement including Mi Casa. I also want to thank Takoma Park Mayor Kate Stewart and Delegate Lorig Charkoudian for their important efforts.

The agreement allows the tenant association to convert their apartment complex into a limited equity co-op structure. The Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund is designed to provide critical, readily available funding to acquire properties to preserve affordability and protect renters from displacement. In this case, the tenants bought their own building to convert it into a co-op structure. I am very pleased because expanding homeownership—which is the key to creating wealth—is an important goal of my administration and important part of a successful affordable housing strategy.

I am proud of this and many other projects we have in the works to protect, preserve and produce more affordable housing in our community. I believe we will be able to expand those efforts in the new year with the help of a new County Council.

Holiday Shopping: Gifting Outside the Box and Supporting Small Businesses

By Friday of this week, we will all be turning our attention toward the holiday gift giving season. That is why the County's Department of Environmental Protection has launched its sixth annual “Gift Outside the Box” campaign. The idea is to provide recommendations and strategies for gifts that while also remaining environmentally conscious. This week, we launched the campaign at the County recycling center in Derwood to promote more sustainability gift giving. Check out this WUSA9 report about our efforts.

We are encouraging you to think of gifts that do not need to be wrapped. These could be experiences, including classes, music lessons and event tickets. Don't forget that some of the most appreciated gifts are donations to local charities in the name of a family member or friend. And remember to reduce, reuse and recycle. Consider gifts made from recycled or reused materials, regift items not used from last year and reuse or recycle the paper. Try to use reusable gift bags and cloth instead of wrapping paper.

So, let’s all try to lessen the impact on landfills this holiday season.

Another great way to help our environment, as well as boost our local economy, is to buy local. On Saturday, small businesses around the nation will get a boost from the annual “Small Business Saturday” campaign.

Did you know that 1.6 times more capital stays in the local community than when spent at a chain business, and six times more capital stays in the community than went spent online, like on Amazon?

Visit Montgomery has put together its list of best local shops for holiday shopping.

I will be stopping at several shops around Montgomery County on Saturday. Please include small businesses in your holiday plans and help one of the biggest drivers of our local economy—our small business owners.

Inauguration Day Festivities

On Monday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m., the inauguration ceremony for my second term and our 20th County Council will take place at Strathmore in North Bethesda. Tickets are free to the public, but you must register on-line at Strathmore.org and may be required to show proof of on-line registration when you arrive.

Later that evening, we will be hosting our In-ALL-gural Party at the Fillmore in Silver Spring from 7:30-11 p.m. This party will feature an after-dinner reception, live music and lots of fun. Tickets are $75 and proceeds after costs will benefit The Collaboration Council in its efforts to improve the well-being of children, youth and families in Montgomery County.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich
County Executive

November 22, 2022

Montgomery County Holiday Special Schedules for Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, Nov. 24



The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have schedule and program changes on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24:
  • County offices—Closed.
  • State offices and courts—Closed.
  • State Motor Vehicle Administration offices and Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program stations—Closed.
  • Libraries—Closed.
  • Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS)—All ABS stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Stores will operate from 10 a.m. -9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, Nov. 23.
  • County-operated COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Clinics—Closed.
  • Department of Permitting Services—All offices, including customer service lobby, are closed.
  • Montgomery County 311—Will not be in operation.
  • Ride On—Will operate on a “Sunday” schedule. All schedules can be viewed at Routes and Schedules - Ride On - Transit Services - Montgomery County, Maryland (montgomerycountymd.gov).
  • Ride On extRa and Ride On Flex—Will not be in operation.
  • Flash—Will operate on a Sunday schedule (Orange Line only).
  • MARC Train and Commuter Bus—No service on Thanksgiving Day. On Friday, Nov. 25, will operate on Saturday service schedule on the Penn Line; no service on the Camden or Brunswick Lines.
  • TRiPS Silver Spring commuter store—Closed.
  • TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store—Closed.
  • Metrorail—Trains will run on a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day, with no scheduled track work. The system will open at 7 a.m. and close at midnight. Off-peak fares will be in effect all day, and parking will be free at Metro-operated facilities. On Friday, Nov. 25, rail service will operate on a regular weekday schedule with normal fare and parking rates in effect.
  • Metrobus—Will operate on a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day. Customers should check bus timetables for details. On Friday, Nov. 25, will operate on a regular weekday schedule with normal fare rates in effect.
  • Metro Access— Paratransit service will operate during the same hours as Metrorail and Metrobus. Subscription trips will be cancelled on Thanksgiving Day unless the MetroAccess customer specifically requests to travel on the holiday.
  • Parking at public garages, lots, curbside meters—Free on Thanksgiving Day. Normal parking fees and enforcement will be in effect on Friday, Nov. 25.
  • County-provided trash and recycling collections will not be made on Thursday, Nov. 24. Collections normally scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 24, and Friday, Nov. 25, will slide to one day later. 
  • Shady Grove Transfer Station and Recycling Center—Closed.
  • Aquatic Centers – Closed.
  • Community Recreation and Senior Centers—Closed Thursday, Nov. 24, through Sunday, Nov. 27.
  • Montgomery Parks—Visit www.MontgomeryParks.org for complete information. Additional information for Montgomery Parks facilities and programs:
    • The Open Parkways schedule will have portions of Sligo Creek Parkway and Beach Drive open to pedestrians and bicyclists for exercise and recreation. Through 7 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 28. The program affects Sligo Creek Parkway (Old Carroll Avenue to Piney Branch Road—1.1 miles—and Forest Glen Road to University Boulevard West—1.5 miles. It affects Beach Drive from Connecticut Avenue to Knowles Avenue—2.7 miles.
    • Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens—Closed Nov. 21-24.
    • Montgomery Parks Headquarters and Permits Offices—Closed Thursday, Nov. 24, and Friday, Nov. 25.
    • Montgomery Parks Public Information and Customer Service Office—Closed Thursday, Nov. 24, and Friday, Nov. 25.
    • Black Hill Visitor Center and Nature Programs—Closed Thursday, Nov. 24, and Friday, Nov. 25.
    • Brookside Visitor Center and Conservatory—Closed Thursday, Nov. 24, and Friday, Nov. 25. (Gardens remain open).
    • Brookside Nature Center—Closed Thursday, Nov. 24, and Friday, Nov. 25.
    • Cabin John Ice Rink—Closed.
    • Josiah Henson Museum and Park—Closed.
    • Locust Grove Nature Center—Closed Thursday, Nov. 24, and Friday, Nov. 25.
    • Pauline Bentz Addie Tennis Center—Closed.
    • South Germantown Driving Range—Closed.
    • Wheaton Ice Arena—Closed.
    • Wheaton Indoor Tennis—Closed.

Final Recommendations Released from Effective Law Enforcement for All's (ELEFA) Audit of the County Police


Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich last week was joined by Montgomery County Police Department Chief Marcus Jones and Reimagining Public Safety Task Force Co-Chair Bernice Mireku-North for a presentation of the final recommendations by Effective Law Enforcement for All (ELEFA) that offer improvements for Montgomery County Police in officer education, supervision, practices, accountability and public transparency.

The full report can be found here. To view the press conference of the presentation, click here.

Since July 2020, ELEFA has partnered with County officials, the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), the Reimagining Public Safety (RPS) Task Force and local residents to identify, evaluate and recommend structural and systemic improvements the department can implement to achieve a shared vision of safe and effective law enforcement.

ELEFA’s audit included evaluation of the department’s organizational culture, policies, resources, transparency, procedures and operations. The preliminary report, issued in June 2021, identified a number of opportunities for improvement. Since then, ELEFA has continued its audit, working in close cooperation with MCPD and other constituent organizations.

“Too often law enforcement has been left to manage situations that society has failed to address that is neither their job nor responsibility,” said County Executive Elrich. “There has been a misconception that we have to choose between public safety, transparency and accountability. We need public safety, but that can only be achieved through a partnership between police and the community. I believe adopting many of the recommendations made by Effective Law Enforcement for All will further our reimagining public safety efforts and build safer communities throughout the County. By improving trainings as well as expanding our efforts to address mental health, we will provide more meaningful help for people in crisis with fewer negative interactions.”

ELEFA’s David Douglas said the final report reflected the input of many people.

“Since July 2020, Effective Law Enforcement for All has partnered with County officials, the MCPD, the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force, and local residents to identify, evaluate and recommend structural and systemic improvements the department can implement to achieve a shared vision of safe and effective law enforcement in Montgomery County, MD,” said Mr. Douglas. “Our report is truly the product of constructive collaboration between County stakeholders, the public and the department. The efforts of the MCPD, the County and members of the RPS Task Force are a testimony to the power of collaborative change. Your work will not only have a positive impact on policing in Montgomery County, but will serve as a model for communities nationwide. We look forward to our continued work with Montgomery County to support the implementation of our recommendations.”

Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones said his department is moving quickly to implement recommendations from the report.

“For more than a year, the Montgomery County Police Department has worked closely with Effective Law Enforcement for All with one goal in mind – to improve the law enforcement services we provide to the more than one million residents in our County,” said Chief Jones. “We have already implemented some of the changes recommended in the report, particularly in the areas of training and crisis intervention. We have created a new De-escalation/Use of Force training unit for more specific focus on these important issues. We have also improved our Crisis Intervention program by working with the Behavioral Health Crisis Collaboration on a response model that will help officers respond more efficiently to calls or, in some cases, not responding to a call when more appropriate services are available.”

The Elrich administration has invested in the continued expansion of the Mobile Crisis and Outreach Teams (MCOTs). Those teams have increased the calls that receive a mental health provider only or a joint mental health provider and law enforcement response.

In 2020, MCOTs responded to 495 calls for service. In 2021, that number increased to 979. The expansion will continue and move to more mental health professional-only responses. Moving more mental health responses away from police responses allows the police to focus on other law enforcement challenges and crime prevention measures, provides more meaningful help for people in mental health crises and results in fewer negative interactions. To continue to divert mental health calls away from the criminal justice system, the County, with support from the Maryland General Assembly, is building a Restoration Center that will further divert those experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis away from the criminal justice system and toward additional treatment services.

Key recommendations in the final report include:
  • Use of Force: ELEFA made several recommendations to improve the training, management and investigation of uses of force.
  • Mental Health and Crisis Response: Building on the observations in the preliminary report, ELEFA has made recommendations intended to improve the County’s capacity to respond to individuals experiencing a mental or emotional health crisis, to enhance officer mental health crisis response training and to ensure better understanding by officers and the public of the resources available.
  • Internal Investigations: ELEFA made recommendations to ensure that uses of force and misconduct complaints are independently, uniformly and transparently investigated and reported.
  • Training: ELEFA made a series of recommendations to improve the quality of recruit and in-service training, including Field Officer Training (FTO) and to expand training to improve cultural sensitivity and reduce the risks presented by explicit and implicit bias. ELEFA recommends that the academy emphasize a “guardian” approach over a “warrior” mindset, which was also a recommendation of the RPS Task Force.
  • Data Collection and Analysis: ELEFA recommended improvements to the MCPD’s data analysis systems to achieve user-friendly, integrated and comprehensive data analysis capacity.
  • Early Warning and Intervention System (EWIS): One of the key recommendations is that MCPD adopt an Early Warning and Intervention System. By flagging warning signs that an officer is demonstrating performance issues or is suffering from emotional, mental or physical health concerns, an effective and comprehensive EWIS system allows supervisors to intervene proactively to prevent harm to the officer or the public, thus saving careers and lives.
  • Body Worn Cameras: Recommended expanded deployment of Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) and improvements to the standards guiding the recording of officers’ interactions on duty.
  • Recruitment: recommendations intended to strengthen an already robust MCPD recruitment program, including more intentional consideration of diversity and inclusion, competitive compensation, incentives and enhanced technology (for background investigators).
MCPD will also hire a civilian to oversee the police training curriculum to direct development of law enforcement training materials. The investment will help to keep the MCPD training current with national best practices, improve tracking of the training received and have a strategic approach to offering continuous learning and improvement opportunities to our officers.

“I’m grateful Effective Law Enforcement Change for All completed the audit necessary to help us evolve into what public safety should look like in Montgomery County,” said Reimagining Public Safety Task Force Co-Chair Bernice Mireku-North. “Thanks to the cooperation and commitments from our County Executive, Chief of Police, Fraternal Order of Police and other County stakeholders, our community can now move forward with concrete changes the community desires in our police department and public safety in general. I look forward to convening with the task force members to review and discuss the audit to help with the necessary changes to make Montgomery County safe for all of us.”

Be COVID-Prepared for the Upcoming Holiday Season


The third holiday season with COVID-19 is approaching, and everyone agrees that COVID fatigue exists. A few simple steps of caution can make being with family and friends enjoyable while reducing the risk of illness from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses such as colds and flu.

Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services offers the following things to keep in mind when planning for family gatherings:
  • Make plans with the highest-risk person in the family and friends group in mind. Talk to family members ahead of time to figure out the plan. Encourage everyone to take additional precautions if a high-risk family member is attending. This means being up to date on all vaccinations and could include limiting the number of people invited. If the weather cooperates, think about moving meals outdoors.
  • Get the new bivalent COVID-19 booster. Everyone who is eligible (ages 5 and up at least two months after their latest dose) should get the new booster to add an extra layer of protection. There are County-operated clinics and private providers offering both the Moderna and Pfizer bivalent boosters. Visit GoVaxMoco.com to see dates, times and locations.
  • Pay attention to symptoms. In the days before the event, and especially the day of, watch out for COVID symptoms: sore throat, congestion, coughing, fatigue, headaches and muscle pain. People infected with BA.5, the dominant variant, are less likely to report losing their sense of taste and smell. If you feel sick, stay home—even if you have a negative rapid test.
  • Test wisely. Everyone should test before a family gathering—the question is when to test and how many times. There are differing opinions on the exact timing and combination of tests that should be taken, but for the most accurate measure of whether or not you are contagious, take an at-home rapid test immediately before an event. If you have been wearing masks regularly, limiting contact and do not have symptoms, a negative test is a good measure. If you wake up with a scratchy throat and have interacted with someone who tested positive, consider staying home even if the tests are negative.
  • Consider a mini-quarantine before a holiday gathering. Wear a mask in public indoor spaces and limit the time spent around crowds—for example, time trips to the grocery store for when they are not overwhelmingly packed. If traveling, check case counts for the area you are visiting.
  • Mask up when traveling. Whether taking a plane, bus or train, make sure to wear a mask.
  • Ventilate your space. If holding an event outside is not an option, increase air circulation and reduce the risk of trapping and transmitting the virus. Portable air purifiers with HEPA filters can be expensive, but even opening windows slightly can improve air flow.
The County continues to provide free N-95 masks and rapid test kits at multiple locations.

Tips Offered for Cooking Safely—Indoors or Out—on Thanksgiving

Tips Offered for Cooking Safely—Indoors or Out—on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is mostly thought of as a day of celebration—and eating—with family members and friends. However, the holiday also brings some potential danger that comes with dividing attention between cooking and being social. Cooking-related fires happen more often on Thanksgiving Day in Montgomery County than on any other day of the year, according the County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS).

Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Pete Piringer said it is important to cook with caution, especially at this time of the year when there are often a lot of people and activity in the home.

Here are some safety tips from MCFRS on how to have a safe holiday:
  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking so you can keep an eye on the food. (Most kitchen fires involve the stovetop.)
  • When leaving the kitchen, turn off the stove.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop.
  • Keep children away from the hot stove—create a three-foot clearance zone.
  • Keep the floor clear so people do not trip over items.
  • Keep matches, lighters and knives out of the reach of children.
  • Never leave a child unattended in a room with a candle.
  • Make sure smoke alarms are working properly.
  • If a fire starts, get everyone out of the house and call 9-1-1.
Frying a turkey is an increasingly popular method to prepare the main fare of holiday dinners. However, cooking a tasty turkey in oil can also pose some dangers.

County Fire Marshal Rick Merck has safety tips for those who will be frying:
  • Make sure the turkey fryer is at least 10 feet away from the house and not under the edges of the roof.
  • Use the turkey fryer on a sturdy, level surface and do not move it once it is in use.
  • Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before frying it.
  • Determine the correct amount of oil needed by first placing the turkey in the pot with water.
  • Check the temperature often with a cooking thermometer so the oil will not overheat.
  • An adult should watch the fryer as the turkey is cooking.
  • Always use protective oven mitts.
  • Do not let children or pets come near the fryer.
For more fire safety resources and tips, visit the usfa.fema.gov website.

Drivers Reminded That Holiday Season Marks Beginning of Increased Danger Period for Fatal Alcohol-Related Crashes

Drivers Reminded That Holiday Season Marks Beginning of Increased Danger Period for Fatal Alcohol-Related Crashes

The extended Thanksgiving holiday is one of the most heavily traveled times of the year. Additionally, the evening before Thanksgiving has historically been one of the busiest nights for bars and restaurants, with high drinking rates. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) and the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) are reminding residents that high-risk activities, combined with the sheer number of drivers on the road, make it an especially dangerous time for alcohol-related collisions.

Montgomery County annually implements a “Holiday Task Force” in which several police agencies combine additional efforts to keep roads safe during the holidays. The Holiday Task Force begins operations before Thanksgiving and runs through New Year’s Day. County Police will establish sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols throughout the holiday period.

“Unfortunately, drunk driving is a real threat to our community, and that threat increases during holidays like Thanksgiving,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “The Wednesday before Thanksgiving—Thanksgiving Eve—is an especially high-risk night for impaired driving. If you choose to drink, plan out a safe ride home beforehand. Nationally, nearly 12,000 people lost their lives to drunk driving last year. That is one person killed in a drunk-driving crash every 45 minutes. In Montgomery County alone, our police force arrested 284 impaired drivers during the 2021 Holiday Task Force.”

The night before Thanksgiving is especially dangerous. Called “Blackout Wednesday,” “Drinksgiving” and “Whiskey Wednesday” by public safety agencies, the nicknames have come to describe a cultural phenomenon in which heavy drinking takes place, and as a result, drunk driving-related crashes increase.

“Although gas prices are higher than they were a year ago, they have fallen since the summer peak,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “That, coupled with pandemic fears waning, will have friends and families especially excited to gather around the Thanksgiving table this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a record number of travelers taking to the road next week. That high number coupled with the fact that about 30 percent of all our roadway fatalities involve drunk drivers is staggering and the problem seems to be getting worse. Nationally, 2020 saw a 14 percent increase in drunk driving deaths compared to the year before. Impaired driving puts all roadway users at risk—and is completely preventable.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 185 people were killed during the 2020 Thanksgiving weekend (6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, through 5:59 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30). From 2016-20, nationally, 821 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday periods.

Each year, more than 20,000 people are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) offenses in Maryland. Penalties for a first-time DUI conviction in Maryland could include jail time, significant fines, mandatory ignition interlock and license suspension.

“We will be kicking off the Montgomery County Police Alcohol Holiday Task Force before the Thanksgiving holiday and our officers will be devoting their full time and attention to detecting alcohol-related offenses this holiday season,” said Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones. “We will be conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols to identify and arrest drunk drivers. Anyone who chooses to drink alcohol should arrange for a designated driver who is not drinking at all or plan to take a taxi or public transportation. With so many safe ride options available, there is no excuse for driving after drinking. It is a selfish decision that puts everyone on our roads at risk of death or injury.”

The County’s Vision Zero effort to prevent death and injury on Montgomery County roadways offers a listing of local safe rides on its website here.

The County is asking parents to emphasize to drivers in their families under age 21 that underage drinking can lead to serious consequences. Information about how to help prevent underage drinking, through communication and creating an action plan, is available from the Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking website.

Alcohol Beverage Services Partners with Local Businesses to Curb Drunk Driving During the Holiday Season with Coaster Campaign

Alcohol Beverage Services Partners with Local Businesses to Curb Drunk Driving During the Holiday Season with Coaster Campaign


Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) is partnering with local businesses to curb alcohol-impaired driving during the holiday season. ABS is distributing beverage coasters that feature a QR code directing patrons to an online list of alternative rides to get home safely when drinking.

Imprinted with the phrase “Had one too many? Scan for Ride,” the coasters are being distributed free of charge to bars and restaurants. The goal is to provide an easily accessible list of alternative rides to patrons and deter them driving after they have been drinking.

The online list that can be accessed from the coaster QR code features contact information for vehicle-for-hire services such as taxicabs, Uber and Lyft, as well as local public transportation. It also includes the Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s SoberRide discount ride program for selected holidays.

“As people get ready to celebrate the holiday season, we encourage them to make a plan for a safe ride home if they decide to drink” said Kathie Durbin, ABS Director. “Drunk driving is a threat to our community and keeping our community safe is everyone’s responsibility.”

Nationally, drunk-driving-related crashes spike during the holiday season, particularly the day before Thanksgiving. “Blackout Wednesday” (also known as “Drinksgiving”) refers to binge drinking on the night before the Thanksgiving holiday. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from 2015-19, 135 drivers involved in fatal crashes nationally on Thanksgiving Eve were alcohol-impaired.

Businesses that would like to request beverage coasters to participate in the initiative can email ABSLicensing@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov.

ABS is the alcohol wholesaler of beer, wine and spirits for Montgomery County and operates 26 retail stores throughout the County. In addition, ABS manages alcohol licensing, enforcement and education for more than 1,000 businesses. Generating more than $35 million in net income annually, its profits are used to pay down County debt with a large portion deposited in the general fund to pay for resident services that would otherwise be funded by County tax dollars. Follow ABS on Facebook and Twitter.

Montevideo Road Bridge Rehabilitation in Poolesville Wins ‘Excellence in Preservation’ Award from Montgomery Preservation

 

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) Montevideo Bridge Rehabilitation Project in Poolesville was selected as the winner of the recently announced 2021 “Michael F. Dwyer Excellence in Preservation Award” by Montgomery Preservation, Inc.

The Montevideo Bridge Project preserved and rehabilitated a historic, one-lane bridge over Dry Seneca Creek that was originally constructed in 1910. When a routine inspection revealed a critical defect in the bottom chord of the bridge truss, MCDOT engineered a plan to rehabilitate the bridge while minimizing disruption to a nearby farm and winery.

Montgomery Preservation Inc. (MPI) is a countywide nonprofit historic preservation organization dedicated to preserving, protecting and promoting the County’s architectural heritage and historic landscapes. Each year, MPI’s board of directors evaluates award nominations. Winners were announced at an event on Oct. 28 at the Kensington Armory.

“We have rehabilitated or replaced about 25 bridges over the past five years, but it is not often we get the chance to preserve a historic bridge like this one,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “This bridge does more than connect places. It also connects us to the past and helps tell the stories of those who came before us. We are thankful to receive this recognition from MPI.”

During the rehabilitation of the Montevideo Bridge, a crane lifted the bridge off its abutments and moved it to a nearby staging area, allowing MCDOT to install a temporary bridge and reopen Montevideo Road to vehicular traffic. Workers cleaned, painted and reused the salvageable parts of the bridge. Deteriorated and undersized structural pieces were replaced and connected with bolts. Stonemasons carefully repaired and repointed the sandstone abutments. After the repairs, a crane lifted the truss bridge back into place.

The Montevideo Road bridge is a one-lane, Warren pony truss bridge on masonry abutments. A Warren pony truss bridge has the travel surface running along the bottom chords of trusses. They stand on either side with the supports not connected at the top. This creates an opening overhead. These trusses are designed for lighter loads. While truss bridges were once standard in Maryland, this is the last remaining bridge of its kind in Montgomery County. It is in the National Register’s Seneca Historic District and is eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Montevideo Road is designated as an Exceptional Rustic Road and the bridge is a significant feature of the road.

MCDOT takes a systematic approach to bridge maintenance and performs routine maintenance on all 513 of the County’s bridges. Biennial bridge inspections allow MCDOT to discover, document, and correct structural vulnerabilities.

View a video on the project here.