Dear Friends,
It is County Fair Week in Montgomery County. The 75th Montgomery County Agricultural Fair is underway in Gaithersburg and will run until August 17.For generations of County residents, the Fair has been the place to gather, learn and have fun in the late summer year after year. During this diamond jubilee year, I encourage everyone who has not been to the Fair before or if it's been a while to attend.
I also appreciate all the volunteers, County employees, and, of course, the farmers and vendors who have maintained this tradition for County families year after year. I wish everyone a fun and safe time at the County Fair.
County Under Drought Watch
The latest information from the National Drought Mitigation Center shows that more than 96 percent of Montgomery County is under severe drought conditions. Last summer, we peaked at 89 percent of the County in extreme drought conditions before things improved. The last time we saw things this dry was nearly 20 years ago.
We ask all residents and businesses in Montgomery County to take voluntary measures to conserve water in order to reduce demand on the region's water supply. Drought conditions endanger crops and pastureland and could prompt water shortages or restrictions. Please follow suggestions from WSSC to use water wisely and hold off on activities like washing our cars. Here are some tips for wise water use.
Our lack of sustained rain poses another danger: flash flooding. Because the ground is parched, much of the rain we get can have a hard time absorbing into the dry and hardened soils. That can lead to lots of rainwater with nowhere to go.
When it rains, stormwater flows—and sometimes overflows. Most properties are privately owned, and we need more people to manage their yards in a way that will reduce runoff. Here are some ways you can help:
- Change your driveway to a permeable material.
- Install a rain barrel.
- Plant canopy trees.
- Design a stormwater garden, which can include adding a rain garden.
Installing a rain garden allows about 30 percent more water to soak into the ground than a conventional lawn. Both conservation landscapes and rain gardens reduce stream pollution from fertilizers, pet waste, pesticides and other pollutants.
Native plants are vital elements of landscapes. They have adapted to the local climate and are typically more drought-tolerant and pest-resistant than non-native plants. They are also important food and shelter sources for birds and beneficial insects, including butterflies, bees and ladybugs.
Rain barrels are often the starter project for those interested in reducing stormwater pollution and protecting our streams.
You can learn more about these projects by visiting rainscapes.org and visit treemontgomery.org to learn how to get a canopy tree.
We have engaged a company to analyze all the County watersheds to determine areas of vulnerability within our storm sewer system and then help us prioritize solutions.
We want to do what we need to protect communities and businesses at risk of flooding, but solutions will take time and likely be quite expensive.
The remnants of Debby threatened our area with strong winds and flooding. We have proactively responded to this potential danger by adding flood sensors to help alert us to elevated water levels in problem areas. We also increased our social media messaging encouraging people to be prepared for emergencies. Signing up for Alert Montgomery is an excellent way to receive information about potential dangers directly to your phone and other electronics.
New MCPS Superintendent Dr. Taylor Begins First School Year
This year, we embark on a new chapter for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), with new superintendent, Dr. Thomas Taylor, at the helm. I am glad he could join me for my weekly media briefing this week to discuss his vision for MCPS. You can watch that here.
Dr. Taylor’s focus on quality education, academic rigor, school safety and a commitment to inclusion is clear and inspiring. I am enjoying getting to know him – it may be a first that both the County Executive and the Superintendent of MCPS graduated from MCPS schools. I look forward to working with him, his leadership team, the Board of Education, the unions representing the principals, teachers and other school staff as well as the parent community this school year.
We are home to the largest school district in Maryland, one of the largest in the nation. More than 160,000 students were enrolled in MCPS schools last year, and MCPS employs close to 25,000 people.
Our schools are one of the most important community assets, and their continued success is the responsibility of not just the students and employees but all of us. Our support and involvement are crucial to the success of our economic development efforts and the quality of life in Montgomery County. People choose to live here, and businesses are attracted here because of our schools.
As we face the system's current challenges, strong leadership is crucial to keeping us among the country's most highly regarded school districts. Our high schools consistently rank among the top in the state when evaluated by U.S. News and World Report, but we are constantly striving to improve. Whether the challenges involve budgets, policies, staffing or programming, the focus remains on creating an environment where students can thrive, and teachers can teach.
In preparing for the upcoming school year, parents must ensure that their kids' vaccinations are up to date. In addition to going to private health care providers, the County also provides free back-to-school vaccinations at four locations in the County: the Dennis Avenue Health Center in Silver Spring, the Germantown Health Center, the Silver Spring Health Center, and the School Health Services Immunization Center in Rockville. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are available. Visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/immunizations for details on vaccination clinics.
The annual MCPS back-to-school fair will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Westfield Wheaton Mall. All MCPS families are encouraged to attend and enjoy activities, learn about services and programs tied to our schools, and take advantage of free health screenings.
Tax-Free Shopping Week Returns
Beginning Sunday, Aug. 11, families and teachers can take advantage of Tax-Free Week across Maryland to prepare for the school year. Many back-to-school essentials qualify for a tax break, including most clothing priced under $100 —jeans, shoes, and underwear, for example. The first $40 of a backpack purchase is also tax-exempt.
The Maryland Comptroller’s Office has a FAQ page to help answer your questions about Tax-Free Week.
National Night Out: A Testament to Community Engagement
On Tuesday night, Montgomery County hosted more than a dozen National Night Out gatherings supporting safe neighborhoods and law enforcement. I tried to attend as many celebrations as possible, including gatherings in Olney, East County, Aspen Hill and Rockville. We shared pictures from various locations, which you can see on the County’s Flickr page.
This was a great opportunity for our new Police Chief Marc Yamada and Fire Chief Corey Smedley to visit several communities throughout the evening.
After participating in many of these events over the years, I know that the relationships that are often forged during these activities build knowledge and confidence that go a long way toward improving our County. Your active participation in these events as families, law enforcement and other public safety personnel and County partners is a testament to the power of community involvement.
I encourage everyone to stay engaged with their neighbors and our public safety and health communities throughout the year by engaging, volunteering or assisting your local community groups, nonprofits or regional service centers. If you do not know how your skills could be best applied, visit the Montgomery County Volunteer Center to look around at the groups in need of help.
Downtown Silver Spring Safety Checks
This past weekend, in Downtown Silver Spring, the County spearheaded the latest business monitoring and enforcement walk. These efforts have been held on an ongoing basis over the last several years in response to complaints about businesses not complying with laws in place to protect public safety.
A task force comprised of inspection staff from our Department of Permitting Services, Alcohol Beverage Services, and Health and Human Services joined the Montgomery County Police Department to crack down on unlawful practices by businesses.
The group found multiple problems, including illegal hookah operations, businesses improperly setting cover charges and violations for improper alcohol and food sales. Fire and safety violations were also discovered.
These illegal practices are disturbing because they compromise public safety. We are committed to ensuring people can visit businesses and have fun in Montgomery County in a safe environment.
Owners of these businesses need to know that we will enforce and shut down businesses that continue to violate laws. Our commitment to enforcing these laws is unwavering, and we will continue to protect our community.
We will expand these efforts to address public concerns. I encourage anyone who knows of an issue that needs to be addressed to contact the police on our non-emergency number, 301-279-8000, or the appropriate County department.
MCFRS Respond to Hurricane Debby
This was a great opportunity for our new Police Chief Marc Yamada and Fire Chief Corey Smedley to visit several communities throughout the evening.
After participating in many of these events over the years, I know that the relationships that are often forged during these activities build knowledge and confidence that go a long way toward improving our County. Your active participation in these events as families, law enforcement and other public safety personnel and County partners is a testament to the power of community involvement.
I encourage everyone to stay engaged with their neighbors and our public safety and health communities throughout the year by engaging, volunteering or assisting your local community groups, nonprofits or regional service centers. If you do not know how your skills could be best applied, visit the Montgomery County Volunteer Center to look around at the groups in need of help.
Downtown Silver Spring Safety Checks
A task force comprised of inspection staff from our Department of Permitting Services, Alcohol Beverage Services, and Health and Human Services joined the Montgomery County Police Department to crack down on unlawful practices by businesses.
The group found multiple problems, including illegal hookah operations, businesses improperly setting cover charges and violations for improper alcohol and food sales. Fire and safety violations were also discovered.
These illegal practices are disturbing because they compromise public safety. We are committed to ensuring people can visit businesses and have fun in Montgomery County in a safe environment.
Owners of these businesses need to know that we will enforce and shut down businesses that continue to violate laws. Our commitment to enforcing these laws is unwavering, and we will continue to protect our community.
We will expand these efforts to address public concerns. I encourage anyone who knows of an issue that needs to be addressed to contact the police on our non-emergency number, 301-279-8000, or the appropriate County department.
MCFRS Respond to Hurricane Debby
Hurricane Debby made landfall in Florida as a category 1 storm. In anticipation of flooding in areas like South Carolina, the Federal Emergency Management Agency deployed approximately 45 personnel from the Maryland Task Force 1. The Task Force is headquartered in Montgomery County, though first responders from Howard, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Frederick Counties and the District of Columbia are also on the team.
Maryland and Virginia preemptively declared states of emergency based on the expected rain. Places along the storm’s path, like Charleston, South Carolina, have seen dozens of roads closed due to rain and storm surges. Areas that do not usually see flooding, like central North Carolina, also dealt with heavy rain and power outages.
Maryland Task Force 1 trains, prepares and is certified for this lifesaving job. They make Montgomery County proud when they selflessly risk their lives to help strangers escape danger.
Please be prepared for things like power outages or flooded streets near you. It may not happen, but having a plan puts you and your family in a better position than being caught unaware. Here is a link to help you plan for emergencies.
Business Center Launching Business Accelerator Aimed at Spanish Speakers
The Montgomery County Business Center has partnered with M&T Bank to recruit about 30 businesses into a new Multicultural Business Accelerator for Spanish speakers.
A launch event for the program will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14 in Rockville.
To participate, businesses must be located in Montgomery County and relatively new (five years or less). The business must also be in good standing with the State of Maryland. Fluency in Spanish is required for this class.
I am proud of the direct assistance provided by the County’s Business Center to businesses of all sizes. All too often, businesses are shuttled from one department or organization to another to resolve an issue. With the Montgomery County Business Center, businesses receive a dedicated County staff member who works with them through the different State and local agencies, departments and organizations as the problem or concern is resolved.
Accelerators are a way to help small business leaders looking to learn our local economy, grow their operations or partner with other small businesses to find efficiencies. Catering to specific groups like Spanish speakers helps us ensure that everyone can make inroads and find success in Montgomery County.
We ran a similar business assistance program last year to great success. The program will last seven weeks. If you want to RSVP for next week's event, click here. You can also contact Naddia Clute (202-934-1288) or Julio Roque (240-481-3047) with any questions.
‘Right From the Start’ Addresses Maternal Health
I want to encourage all expectant mothers to attend a free event on Saturday, Aug. 10. The “Right from the Start” maternal health resource fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring.
There is a direct correlation between prenatal care and a healthy pregnancy. Without proper prenatal care, infants are three times more likely to be born with low birth weight and five times more likely to die in their first year.
In recent years, Montgomery County has seen Black women experience 35 percent of all infant deaths and fetal losses while only making up 21 percent of all births in the County. Montgomery County is making headway in reducing health disparities faced by Black mothers, but maternal health remains a concern. I hope this event and other year-round efforts help raise awareness and advocacy within our communities so that we can address these life-threatening challenges.
Though the event is free, online registration is required. If you have questions about the topic, you can also email BBH@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-3118.
Our Department of Health and Human Services’ Babies Born Healthy program organized the event. It also gives mothers a chance to become familiar with the County’s Early Childhood-Child Care Support Services, which works to support and build a successful childcare delivery system through coaching, consultation, professional development and one-on-one support.
“Just for the Record - A Vinyl Day’’ this Saturday in Silver Spring
There is a direct correlation between prenatal care and a healthy pregnancy. Without proper prenatal care, infants are three times more likely to be born with low birth weight and five times more likely to die in their first year.
In recent years, Montgomery County has seen Black women experience 35 percent of all infant deaths and fetal losses while only making up 21 percent of all births in the County. Montgomery County is making headway in reducing health disparities faced by Black mothers, but maternal health remains a concern. I hope this event and other year-round efforts help raise awareness and advocacy within our communities so that we can address these life-threatening challenges.
Though the event is free, online registration is required. If you have questions about the topic, you can also email BBH@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-3118.
Our Department of Health and Human Services’ Babies Born Healthy program organized the event. It also gives mothers a chance to become familiar with the County’s Early Childhood-Child Care Support Services, which works to support and build a successful childcare delivery system through coaching, consultation, professional development and one-on-one support.
“Just for the Record - A Vinyl Day’’ this Saturday in Silver Spring
As our Montgomery County Public Libraries begins the final stretch of its Summer Reading Challenge, we have come to another 'A Vinyl Day' celebration.
The Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library in Silver Spring will host the free celebration of record and DJ culture on Saturday, Aug. 10, starting at 10 a.m. The family-friendly event includes turntable sets, lessons on audio, DJ lessons for all ages, art projects and songwriting workshops.
I encourage anyone with a budding musician in the family to visit the library in Downtown Silver Spring and participate in the event.
Finally, I also want to remind you that COVID-19 continues to get people sick in Montgomery County. COVID transmissions continued to rise during this year’s summer wave, and we are now seeing significant increases in more serious illnesses resulting in hospitalizations. Seniors and those with underlying health conditions continue to be the most vulnerable populations.
I continue to encourage you to stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations. If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with people, especially those who are vulnerable to becoming very ill, like older adults and those who are already suffering from health conditions.
As always, my appreciation for all of you,
Marc Elrich
The Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library in Silver Spring will host the free celebration of record and DJ culture on Saturday, Aug. 10, starting at 10 a.m. The family-friendly event includes turntable sets, lessons on audio, DJ lessons for all ages, art projects and songwriting workshops.
I encourage anyone with a budding musician in the family to visit the library in Downtown Silver Spring and participate in the event.
Finally, I also want to remind you that COVID-19 continues to get people sick in Montgomery County. COVID transmissions continued to rise during this year’s summer wave, and we are now seeing significant increases in more serious illnesses resulting in hospitalizations. Seniors and those with underlying health conditions continue to be the most vulnerable populations.
I continue to encourage you to stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations. If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with people, especially those who are vulnerable to becoming very ill, like older adults and those who are already suffering from health conditions.
As always, my appreciation for all of you,
Marc Elrich
County Executive
