tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13053593755479056652024-03-17T23:00:45.781-04:00Montgomery County UpdatesNews and Information from Montgomery County Government Public Information OfficeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4415125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-41506118452466308772024-03-15T15:12:00.080-04:002024-03-15T17:16:13.797-04:00Message from County Executive Marc Elrich<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sXQ-7LOQ9CM?si=xvIGls6BMh-HSvuK" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><br /><div>Dear Friends, <br /><br />I presented my recommended County Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Operating Budget to the County Council this week. In lieu of my weekly video, I wanted to share with you the video of our press conference from Thursday. I encourage you to watch and please share with your friends and neighbors. <br /><br />Understanding our budget decisions and choices is important. Every County resident, business and stakeholder is impacted by the County’s budget in some way. That is why your thoughts, ideas and suggestions were so valued during our budget forums last fall, and we encourage your continued participation as the County Council reviews our recommendations. <br /><br />This recommended $7.1 billion budget invests in our residents and communities, addresses the challenges we face and maintains fiscal discipline in a time of continued economic uncertainty. <br /><br />The recommended budget is highlighted by record funding for education, affordable housing and economic development. My recommended budget does not propose any tax rate increases and includes a reserve balance of 11.6 percent, $106.1 million above the 10 percent reserve target. <br /><br />Other highlights of the recommended FY25 Operating Budget include: <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Funds 98.2 percent of the request of Montgomery County Public Schools at $3.3 billion</li><li>$132 million above State’s Maintenance of Effort requirements</li><li>Fully funds Montgomery College’s request</li><li>Record funding of $365 million for climate change and environmental initiatives</li><li>Record $169 million in funding for affordable housing, including $65 million in new funds</li><li>Significant investment of $27 million for economic development, a 17 percent increase</li><li>Provides 3 percent inflationary adjustments to all County nonprofit partners</li></ul>A summary of the budget is available <a href="https://montgomerycountymd.gov/OMB/Resources/Files/omb/pdfs/fy25/psprec/FY25_BudgetinBrief.pdf">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3N9NtQv5Moy5DqlzIWQO4NU1uqRRE5AsUAuUmCQ5Wg3TNefie2s2mFqHjCvgguRfhmxKIZT0vWi67x5-ZoljIzzmyoaO0ScKd2sjal49M4W2KDlSqI321S0HDwOJL77j4QKzujT8BffVzefvlfMp1WhIxj3K_9E_qt4zz4PoPf8weHKnZ94_PaDDtPg/s1100/Picture1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1100" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3N9NtQv5Moy5DqlzIWQO4NU1uqRRE5AsUAuUmCQ5Wg3TNefie2s2mFqHjCvgguRfhmxKIZT0vWi67x5-ZoljIzzmyoaO0ScKd2sjal49M4W2KDlSqI321S0HDwOJL77j4QKzujT8BffVzefvlfMp1WhIxj3K_9E_qt4zz4PoPf8weHKnZ94_PaDDtPg/s320/Picture1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />Working within our current resources, my plan balances the needs of the community, economic forecasts and the growing cost of doing business. Looking to the future, we will need to have frank conversations about the structural imbalance that exists between the growing demands for County services and the revenue streams we currently have available. <br /><br />Our County’s current resources, while increasing, cannot fully support the growing needs of the community and demand for services. Consequently, I am not able to recommend funding for all requests for service enhancements I have received from stakeholders, community groups and County departments. <br /><br />To continue to thrive, we must be able to provide businesses with access to talented employees and good infrastructure; provide residents with access to quality education and employment opportunities, affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, and a transportation infrastructure system that works well; ensure that our most vulnerable neighbors remain housed and have access to services so they can live healthy and thriving lives; attract talent to County government to deliver the services residents demand most; and address climate change, which is a threat to our very existence. This budget addresses each of these challenges. <br /><br /></div><div>To access the entire recommended FY25 budget, click <a href="https://apps.montgomerycountymd.gov/BASISOPERATING/Common/Index.aspx">here</a>. To watch the FY25 recommended budget presentation, <a href="https://youtu.be/9LR6CLGp6tA?si=8QTps7_-389WC6pg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a>. <br /><br /><br /><b>$900,000 in Security Grants Awarded to 136 Nonprofit Organizations <br /></b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1AhoYX06XI1ISghqmq_Fkx2cjNKz-BeVc0qKfLAqIO07oT2bHWB84mfkz_1ZStlzuGt3O6OlxzGtH8x3wFiC7YMvFQxmnISK0gW1RqVJeSSKqW_d_hEk-9R0sUrZW-ED425F-3iHKOCpv2-dqMDPxAW1m_Emj-WtJEJFJ3Sp4q4zyJRXP1n9rSkCUd4/s1221/Picture3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="1221" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1AhoYX06XI1ISghqmq_Fkx2cjNKz-BeVc0qKfLAqIO07oT2bHWB84mfkz_1ZStlzuGt3O6OlxzGtH8x3wFiC7YMvFQxmnISK0gW1RqVJeSSKqW_d_hEk-9R0sUrZW-ED425F-3iHKOCpv2-dqMDPxAW1m_Emj-WtJEJFJ3Sp4q4zyJRXP1n9rSkCUd4/w400-h193/Picture3.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The County Council and I this week announced $900,000 in grants were awarded to 136 nonprofit organizations who are risk of, or who have, experienced hate crimes.<br /><br />The funding, through our Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, will be used to pay for measures such as security personnel, security planning, training or exercise measures or new security cameras. <br /><br />This is the second consecutive budget in which we have made security grant funding a priority, with $800,000 awarded in FY23 and a total of $1.2 million in the current fiscal year. In the budget package I introduced for FY25, I am recommending another $1.2 million for security grants. <br /><br />In January, there were <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/pol/Resources/Files/Bias-Summaries/2024/Copy%20of%20January%20Bias%20Summary.pdf">29 incidents</a> reported including six over the course of two days targeting the Black and Jewish communities. In February, police looked into <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/pol/Resources/Files/Bias-Summaries/2024/February%20Bias%20Summary%20(1).pdf">42 reported incidents</a>. <br /><br />We can also tell the need for this kind of help is rising by looking at requests for police support from our faith community. With the onset of the war between Israel and Hamas, concerns over vandalism and potential violence rose considerably both in Montgomery County and across the globe. <br /><br />We are doing all we can to respond to hateful acts and vandalism We also need to work to make sure that regardless of what happens abroad, we do not let it divide us here at home.We cannot allow hate to poison the diverse home we all share. We all deserve a safe and inclusive community. <br /><br />The County provides classes, assessments and training specifically designed for nonprofit organizations at risk of hate crimes. Our <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/oemhs/">Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security</a> (OEMHS) regularly offers training for local religious facilities. The next Securing Houses of Worship training will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, in Bethesda. Registration is required and can be completed <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZG9jcy5nb29nbGUuY29tL2Zvcm1zL2QvZS8xRkFJcFFMU2U3aE1TZ1NHU2V0Q1U0SXNPNEJMa1RUZmY1cHVnVkU3MTJYTklienFiRXhrS0dMZy92aWV3Zm9ybSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAzMTMuOTE3NTA2NTEifQ.d6OumfSoXpAQhCh4jYbXLAO_XukmOLSzt45_xSLKxI8%2Fs%2F3009957504%2Fbr%2F238762606662-l&data=05%7C02%7CJennifer.Garfinkel%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cb1e8b4772c2a466919af08dc438d48ca%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638459521304437117%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=02g9jPVi3pCmFnsmRtPYNwYUWhv69bT7K%2Bmph3A7V9E%3D&reserved=0">here</a>. For more information on upcoming Securing Houses of Worship trainings, contact OEMHS via <a href="mailto:emergency.management@montgomerycountymd.gov.">email</a>. <br /><br />The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) also holds trainings for community groups available for “Civilian Response to Active Shooters (CRASE),” as well as assistance with security assessments and plans. For information on CRASE trainings or facility assessment assistance, contact the MCPD Community Engagement Division via <a href="mailto:MCPD_Engaged@Montgomerycountymd.gov">email</a>. <br /><br /><b>Governor Moore/Lt. Governor Miller Administration Visits County</b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcjbFR4gsOthA1OabG1dDaxxI3IR9vhnud5DAJEMOYLoU48P9ZeCmRgzKB-R1sLx3g6QnZjPA1MLgYWvPw7M_NQNnWqZKxOnbJbJ4m-nfhXYbvmdZHigW0_V8wnClxQH0WEGrXb4pfqGzR5IuRf2WPa-k4cJc2tGs8PDvycB-fhv90wcj8p3H5gJv5ys/s417/Picture4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="417" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcjbFR4gsOthA1OabG1dDaxxI3IR9vhnud5DAJEMOYLoU48P9ZeCmRgzKB-R1sLx3g6QnZjPA1MLgYWvPw7M_NQNnWqZKxOnbJbJ4m-nfhXYbvmdZHigW0_V8wnClxQH0WEGrXb4pfqGzR5IuRf2WPa-k4cJc2tGs8PDvycB-fhv90wcj8p3H5gJv5ys/w400-h328/Picture4.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />I was proud to welcome <a href="https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press/pages/mooremiller-administration-continues-cabinet-road-tour-in-montgomery-county.aspx">Maryland Governor Wes Moore</a>, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller and their cabinet to Montgomery County last week. They held their Cabinet meeting at our beautiful Strathmore facility. After that, we had four different bus tours for Cabinet members to show them various highlights around our County, discussing public safety, economic development, housing and the environment. Here is a <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBh3uT">link</a> that will show you photos from that visit.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMmGU4UxKTi_xFM6Dsc_vUf5Tb27yxJvI2r9qPEN3OicZG1ZuHzXlSRY04XG90c0V3iwehuuPMukfjMA2k1k5T_xau2XPYrDMNmPIV_L8VDYddKVhP81GrtXuBbhByKBe8R-hx5jR7Iopz1RuZfHvDFpDK58MOvc2sYY9kjQSGtj75M_B2EV7Olc8sFQ/s624/Picture5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="624" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMmGU4UxKTi_xFM6Dsc_vUf5Tb27yxJvI2r9qPEN3OicZG1ZuHzXlSRY04XG90c0V3iwehuuPMukfjMA2k1k5T_xau2XPYrDMNmPIV_L8VDYddKVhP81GrtXuBbhByKBe8R-hx5jR7Iopz1RuZfHvDFpDK58MOvc2sYY9kjQSGtj75M_B2EV7Olc8sFQ/w400-h269/Picture5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I accompanied the Governor on a tour of the police department’s new “<a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/pol/howdoI/drone-as-first-responder.html">Drone as First Responder</a>” program. The pilot program started in Silver Spring and recently expended in Wheaton. Next, we will be expanding the program to Germantown/Gaithersburg and Bethesda.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzD-O1a3jPreY-fiQNyjQ-s-gpLTVEVRuLyMzS98Gk85pdZeO7W3ZEsMOEMMXEMp7WMreOF_5OAfcchD7C4DDg2ki4D8fdcWkIhIUxntzv6HtEtFPP-btrNg2BiI9egzc9ZVS8kPPABnPSZDuOqmxN-m8QRD1e72X0a4Xq8aRDeR8yhdyJrXA2Ugcsh4/s624/Picture6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="624" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzD-O1a3jPreY-fiQNyjQ-s-gpLTVEVRuLyMzS98Gk85pdZeO7W3ZEsMOEMMXEMp7WMreOF_5OAfcchD7C4DDg2ki4D8fdcWkIhIUxntzv6HtEtFPP-btrNg2BiI9egzc9ZVS8kPPABnPSZDuOqmxN-m8QRD1e72X0a4Xq8aRDeR8yhdyJrXA2Ugcsh4/w400-h170/Picture6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />We also visited with members of <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/frs-ql/operations/mdtf1/index.html">Urban Search and Rescue Maryland Task Force 1</a>. This group is a highly specialized team sponsored by the County’s Fire and Rescue Service whose services are often needed across the nation in the most desperate situations. They are one of just 28 Federally-funded Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces in the continental U.S. <br /><br />Another bus took Lt. Governor Miller and the secretaries of Commerce, Transportation and State to the newly opened <a href="https://www.ihc.umd.edu/">University of Maryland Institute for Health Computin</a>g (IHC) offices in North Bethesda that will help make Montgomery County the “<a href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/11/12/partnership-seeks-to-make-montgomery-county-the-silicon-valley-of-health-computing/">Silicon Valley of health care computing.</a>” <br /><br />The visitors were able to meet with University of Maryland leaders and learned about the IHC and how it will advance computing tools like artificial intelligence, machine learning and network medicine to improve the health and well-being of residents. The IHC has access to clinical trial data and de-identified electronic health records from 2 million patients in the University of Maryland Medical System. <br /><br />It will be a place where innovation and business come together and will be an important part of our vibrant life sciences industry.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTuvjUKydcIsRjzTEt-w5DE11xOWyrk7gNpYR2bo4a4ukkxyMB6H-2VQhMu1HaQwPYY0E6geHPiU-mb0dc4JyAZwGoDhw6Gdt4LOWkrBQfCPbvS4YM3WUKXOVRDY67QTheHZ9-aKZlC-LfaklJeX-4Vn4Zh2-uUdoKJEYMz9_qKErEL3x6o8DQaS_Lp8/s1320/Picture7.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1320" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTuvjUKydcIsRjzTEt-w5DE11xOWyrk7gNpYR2bo4a4ukkxyMB6H-2VQhMu1HaQwPYY0E6geHPiU-mb0dc4JyAZwGoDhw6Gdt4LOWkrBQfCPbvS4YM3WUKXOVRDY67QTheHZ9-aKZlC-LfaklJeX-4Vn4Zh2-uUdoKJEYMz9_qKErEL3x6o8DQaS_Lp8/w400-h208/Picture7.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />The Lt. Governor and cabinet secretaries also got to learn about our future <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/brt/">Bus Rapid Transit</a> plans on MD 355. They heard from the presidents of Montgomery College and the Universities of Shady Grove about their workforce development and training programs. They concluded their trip with a visit to <a href="https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/">GSK</a>—one of the County’s largest life science employers. <br /><br />This was a great opportunity to highlight to the Lt. Governor and cabinet members how Montgomery County is the epicenter of the <a href="https://www.cbre.com/insights/books/us-life-sciences-research-talent-2023">third-largest life science cluster in the nation</a>—and the potential for growth that this industry has for the State in terms of good paying jobs and incredible opportunities for business growth. <br /><br />The environment and housing secretaries visited our innovative <a href="https://youtu.be/w3RvLquH8lY?si=YsPMhAQAGH2tKOkO">Brookville Bus Depot and Microgrid</a> and stopped by the County’s <a href="https://youtu.be/_5MVnnNvMqs?si=GhzOOFqSiazdulM2">largest affordable housing project</a> under construction at Bushey Drive and Randolph Road. And the aging, juvenile services and social service secretaries visited our Mobile Crisis Team at the County’s Crisis Center with our HHS team. <br /><br />Unfortunately, we did not have the time nor capacity to show the Governor’s cabinet more of what we are doing here in the County, but we look forward to them returning soon. <br /><br /><b>Honoring Outstanding Work by a Ride On Bus Operator <br /></b><br />Maryland Gov. Wes Moore this week called Ride On bus operator Antonio Lucas to thank him for his heroic actions on March 1 in which he <a href="https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/ride-on-bus-driver-helps-find-missing-woman-with-alzheimers/65-8fb3db68-f51a-4a88-9400-2b9fdd1086d6">helped someone in need</a>. <br /><br />Mr. Lucas assisted a woman who had been reported missing. A call for help had been relayed through Montgomery County’s Ride On transit dispatch. From that description, Mr. Lucas identified the missing woman along his route. <br /><br />The bus operator spotted the missing woman, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, walking into the street and knocking on car doors. Mr. Lucas stopped his bus and helped the woman get onboard. Because it was his lunch break, he took her to a nearby restaurant and contacted authorities. <br /><br />He purchased a meal for her and waited with her until police arrived. His actions moved the woman out of the cold until she could be reunited with family. <br /><br />I want to thank Mr. Lucas for the compassion he showed helping one of our neighbors and her family through a trying time. I also appreciate Gov. Moore’s recognition of Mr. Lucas’ actions. I hope this story spreads because good deeds and positive role models deserve this kind of attention.<br /><br /><b>University Bus Lanes Dedication <br /></b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpP-0EmnQI2LFqHmlHrNasuWIK7KYLW-EdkXUUDC4snrMxKIsJ-enqcWnzsLzH8EyG04sB15j0Vz8D3WOpQT1kb8ghw_PAYmlh-yY85NAgjb2vwcXCILtLK1-5V2umdTEImtgpIRxWeejiECF4uRvb64xhS_fzozEwfQXtT_sYxWwEC8OdSZ_QhrVPNE/s1187/Picture8.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1187" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpP-0EmnQI2LFqHmlHrNasuWIK7KYLW-EdkXUUDC4snrMxKIsJ-enqcWnzsLzH8EyG04sB15j0Vz8D3WOpQT1kb8ghw_PAYmlh-yY85NAgjb2vwcXCILtLK1-5V2umdTEImtgpIRxWeejiECF4uRvb64xhS_fzozEwfQXtT_sYxWwEC8OdSZ_QhrVPNE/w400-h284/Picture8.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=44893">Dedicated bus lanes</a> are now open and part of the commute along University Boulevard in Wheaton. The bus lane serves several Ride On and WMATA Metrobus lines. The plan is to monitor the lanes as a pilot program for 12 months while evaluating its effectiveness. <br /><br />This project should help improve the daily commute for many of our regular bus riders, cutting down travel time significantly. That should help attract new riders to public transportation. <br /><br />Dedicated bus lanes are part of a larger MCDOT initiative the <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT/Projects/buspriority.html">Bus Priority Project</a>. This initiative aligns with the County's overall commitment to equitable, safe and eco-friendly transportation. The implementation of dedicated bus lanes is an effective strategy in reducing reliance on single-occupancy vehicle trips and increasing public transit use—part of our County’s Climate Action Plan. <br /><br />Enticing more people to use public transit can make a significant impact in lowering greenhouse gas emissions caused by transportation. The latest available data show that the transportation sector <a href="https://montgomerycountymd.gov/climate/Resources/Files/climate/climate-action-plan-transportation-fact-sheet.pdf">accounts for 42 percent of the County's greenhouse gas emissions</a>. <br /><br />The red bus lanes cover more than two miles of roadway in each direction, from Amherst Avenue to Dennis Avenue. They will help buses minimize traffic obstructions, providing faster and more reliable bus service along that congested corridor. <br /><br />The University bus lane corridor serves three Ride On and two Metrobus lines. The C2 and C4 Metrobus lines carry about 9,300 riders each weekday, the second-highest ridership route in the Washington, D.C., region. <br /><br />Apart from buses, these lanes will also allow for bikes and emergency vehicles. Additionally, the bus lanes will provide a buffer from high-speed traffic for people walking along the sidewalk on University Boulevard. Students from Northwood High School will benefit from the safer walking conditions. <br /><br />An efficient and reliable public transportation system is key to accommodating a growing population in an environmentally sustainable manner. We are dedicated to making climate conscious choices more attractive and, of course, efficient for our residents. Explore our transit service options <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-transit/routesandschedules/rideonroutes.html">here</a> and read the County’s Climate Action Plan <a href="https://montgomerycountymd.gov/climate/Resources/Files/climate/climate-action-plan.pdf">here</a>. <br /><br />If you would like to get a look at how dedicated bus lanes improve the bus ride or <a href="https://youtu.be/Vdx_cCbJTws?si=euq640GqpkeNAss3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">watch the full press event</a>, you can find those videos on <a href="http://youtube.com/@MCDOTNow">youtube.com/@MCDOTNow</a>. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fourth Anniversary Since First Case of COVID-19</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><b><br /></b><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzaD6lXy-6FnY0lmgtD_lch8PKgAG-FC50IURHYCKts9oWJeyd93ee4QI-y4XG7ND40t5FmMO-nzp7L0lV7VJLLRqpkAKAg6m2QKgFQOKYO8W1ok2pBbGyJ7ZHFXy9ObfWOYY1VxVFVTA2mDKXksgq90BINh6PZUONDU7UCoIxNGvjYt1CXRSFwHK_QkE/s1109/Picture9.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="976" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzaD6lXy-6FnY0lmgtD_lch8PKgAG-FC50IURHYCKts9oWJeyd93ee4QI-y4XG7ND40t5FmMO-nzp7L0lV7VJLLRqpkAKAg6m2QKgFQOKYO8W1ok2pBbGyJ7ZHFXy9ObfWOYY1VxVFVTA2mDKXksgq90BINh6PZUONDU7UCoIxNGvjYt1CXRSFwHK_QkE/w353-h400/Picture9.png" width="353" /></a></div><br />This month marks four years since the first cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in Montgomery County—which were the first cases of the virus in Maryland. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Within a few days, schools and workplaces across the nation were closed. Our best defense from the virus at the time was social distancing. <br /><br />It was the beginning of the worst pandemic in the last 100 years. <br /><br />Two years later, in 2022, things looked much different. That year, we held a candlelight vigil at Marion Fryer Plaza in Wheaton to honor the nearly 2,000 Montgomery County residents who had been killed by COVID-19 to that point. You can watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGfR4b-zY9s">that ceremony here.</a> We had endured too much stress, worry and concern. The death of loved ones haunted us. So did the fact that we were not able to say goodbye the way we wanted too. <br /><br />There had been too much isolation. Too much heartbreak. And yet, still there were reasons to avoid gathering indoors in large groups. Remaining safe, healthy and alive were top priorities. <br /><br />We also took the opportunity that night to thank the first line of defense in the battle against COVID-19. I want to reiterate my appreciation for the nurses, doctors and medical community that worked countless hours and put their own safety at risk to save as many lives as possible. <br /><br />We did better than most every other community in the nation. When a vaccine was developed, more than 90 percent of Montgomery County residents got one. And at one point, the death rate from COVID in the County was only one-third the national death rate from this virus.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlnJ0Umig5aI9-c3W7QieZsN9SzM3YPkqUwv8Ch2ER9QbGMV-QJZFZ0CvioJLX5twcaa_Lm33h1WjW3JqNWgCgeQh-fZKQAL9ZnyEHjg78CC3OI8ar0DTtWhyphenhyphenxILYK94HaN4j7bJWQ4oFggklzmo_3vK3KQnEfN8NHXCJrxWVRahTISQVAbKgrLedEsw/s1620/Picture10.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1620" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlnJ0Umig5aI9-c3W7QieZsN9SzM3YPkqUwv8Ch2ER9QbGMV-QJZFZ0CvioJLX5twcaa_Lm33h1WjW3JqNWgCgeQh-fZKQAL9ZnyEHjg78CC3OI8ar0DTtWhyphenhyphenxILYK94HaN4j7bJWQ4oFggklzmo_3vK3KQnEfN8NHXCJrxWVRahTISQVAbKgrLedEsw/w400-h285/Picture10.png" width="400" /></a> </div><br />We are in a very different place today. As we mentioned last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has consolidated guidance across COVID-19, flu, and RSV. You can see from the chart above that it has been more than a year since we have gone above 100 cases per 100,000 residents. <br /><br />Although, we can now say we are clearly out of the woods, that does not mean COVID-19 is gone. We must still encourage vaccinations and boosters. <br /><br />I have heard the term “vaccination fatigue” as an explanation for lagging vaccination rates. There’s no excuse for not staying up to date on the latest shots. The numbers show they are making an impact. <br /><br />Since 2021, unvaccinated people account for almost all of hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10123459/">A study published last year</a> for the National Library of Medicine looked at preventable COVID-19-associated deaths due to non-vaccination in the United States. It estimated at least 232,000 deaths could have been prevented nationwide among unvaccinated adults during the previous 15 months had they received just the initial series of shots. <br /><br />In Montgomery County, we came together in ways that many other Counties in the nation were not able to do. We listened to the science, and it helped us save lives. The improvements we have seen over the last few years were only made possible by staying vaccinated. I think that is a point that is often overlooked. <br /><br />Let’s continue to honor the vow to keep people safe. The pandemic highlighted the need for help in our community. While the pandemic Federal assistance is going away, we understand that there is still great need for things like food assistance. The pandemic helped us better identify racial disparities in health care coverage and now we are putting our operating expenses into addressing these problems. <br /><br />I encourage everyone to stay up to date on their vaccines, stay home when they are sick and remain as vigilant now as we were then. Limiting the spread of COVID-19 moving forward decreases the chances of future variants. That helps protect the most vulnerable people in our community. <br /><br />Lives are still at stake. <br /><br /><b>St. Patrick’s Day Enforcement on the Roads</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEKVVti9klzf5RUmVuQDpa5WGjvn7v79ZYZpZZ6uKQQcV0LndaN59zqOK7TuwU7Kc89q3pX3yyWwq4GMFH2Msi__0G3iNSBe03L1GdNw39-C77-ZCrWVM6fV7QeCl79JDcmfPnn4-lJ9PiLGgG8qSZKJJCLlDSoXmVHxZ4Dd0BSvAZA7wFcnP5g_6yoE/s8597/Picture11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5682" data-original-width="8597" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEKVVti9klzf5RUmVuQDpa5WGjvn7v79ZYZpZZ6uKQQcV0LndaN59zqOK7TuwU7Kc89q3pX3yyWwq4GMFH2Msi__0G3iNSBe03L1GdNw39-C77-ZCrWVM6fV7QeCl79JDcmfPnn4-lJ9PiLGgG8qSZKJJCLlDSoXmVHxZ4Dd0BSvAZA7wFcnP5g_6yoE/w400-h264/Picture11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I want to encourage everyone to be safe this St. Patrick’s Day, which is Sunday, March 17. <br /><br />The Montgomery County Police Department and the County’s Department of Transportation are encouraging those who drink and need transportation to use the<a href="https://wrap.org/free-st-patricks-day-lyft-rides-offered-throughout-greater-washington-to-prevent-drunk-driving-3/"> SoberRide</a> program to get up to $15 dollars off a Lyft ride home from noon Sunday through midnight Monday. The offer is only good for a ride home and not to be used to go from bar to bar. <br /><br />There will be increased traffic enforcement over the weekend as well. Many police agencies in the County will participate in the initiative including MCPD, Maryland State Police, police of the Maryland Transportation Authority, the County’s Sheriff’s Department, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission police. <br /><br />Making our roads safer is daily priority. That means many things from improving road designs, educating people on the dangers of drinking and driving and enforcing traffic laws. Our commitment to <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/visionzero/">Vision Zero</a> includes reducing traffic collisions that lead to serious injuries and deaths to zero by 2030. <br /><br />Tragedies on our roads are preventable. The likelihood of a life-altering accident increases when someone gets behind the wheel or gets into a car with someone who has been drinking. Please share that message and encourage your audience to plan their weekend to ensure a safe ride home. <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/visionzero/saferide.html">Here is a link</a> to the Vision Zero webpage detailing how to make it home safely after drinking. <br /><br />Finally, this is a very important month for Muslims who call Montgomery home and many more all over the world. It is a time for deep reflection and self-sacrifice. I wish all those participating Ramadan Mubarak. <p class="MsoNormal">As always, my appreciation for all of you,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://montgomerycountymd.gov/exec/Resources/Images/Marc_Elrich_Signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="117" data-original-width="375" height="78" src="https://montgomerycountymd.gov/exec/Resources/Images/Marc_Elrich_Signature.png" width="250" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Marc Elrich</div><div><i>County Executive</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-35288446250747735422024-03-13T20:27:00.001-04:002024-03-14T12:54:52.538-04:00rio to Host Its 22nd St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, March 16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSRTQnwo5SyX0hhDbuLZ9vkRY_Qyl4mJjrmctfMLeciqnN3kZkLwBGKnEQOHKaCmUX7Cz9cgMpjIgHulXg_mEZqeYkgwmz-lyrnjZSIcRRWx8MrStbS23KSvNdILn5n2errTDeoHeDqnDIyrPxGBXd1QaK8PzIeRO2QYmLlv5MyWID-8Zl2t6rGMPt4Y/s985/638386799158430000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="985" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSRTQnwo5SyX0hhDbuLZ9vkRY_Qyl4mJjrmctfMLeciqnN3kZkLwBGKnEQOHKaCmUX7Cz9cgMpjIgHulXg_mEZqeYkgwmz-lyrnjZSIcRRWx8MrStbS23KSvNdILn5n2errTDeoHeDqnDIyrPxGBXd1QaK8PzIeRO2QYmLlv5MyWID-8Zl2t6rGMPt4Y/w640-h284/638386799158430000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The City of Gaithersburg, in partnership with The Peterson Companies and rio, will host its 22nd St. Patrick's Day Parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 16. Dozens of units will march in the parade, including Celtic dancers and bagpipe bands. <br /><br />The parade will meander down Grand Corner Avenue at rio, located near I-370 and Washingtonian Boulevard. Following the parade, there will be festive live music, specials and family fun throughout the rio lakefront. Free parking is available in three garages along Washingtonian Boulevard. <br /><br />The parade will include Celtic dancers, bagpipe bands, school groups, fire trucks, equestrian units, service organizations and characters of many types. John Bauer, chair of the Gaithersburg Planning Commission, will be this year’s grand marshal. <br /><br />For more information about the parade, contact the City of Gaithersburg Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture at 301-258-6350.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-36556747807571947612024-03-13T20:22:00.008-04:002024-03-15T15:18:24.356-04:00Roads to Have Increased Enforcement to Prevent Problems Caused by Impaired Drivers Around St. Patrick’s Day Weekend March 15-17; Safe Ride Alternatives Available<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6x4AdvkSrT0BRYW_1KcSNhDzNpapDOdfkIvWLMSTonbr5qWj5ybyAAravzycUEGQO0Mw53kVGyzs0JicUXjvRg2fbJBRWSn_KNjn7EP2RF3xB_Fhu8eTxHRnS6aCxzfUxJOF1VtLqEf06HaE7jknJIxqKQAsIu950hqfQXMO2-xFIEE_1TR4TLTP8dhw/s8597/Picture11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5682" data-original-width="8597" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6x4AdvkSrT0BRYW_1KcSNhDzNpapDOdfkIvWLMSTonbr5qWj5ybyAAravzycUEGQO0Mw53kVGyzs0JicUXjvRg2fbJBRWSn_KNjn7EP2RF3xB_Fhu8eTxHRnS6aCxzfUxJOF1VtLqEf06HaE7jknJIxqKQAsIu950hqfQXMO2-xFIEE_1TR4TLTP8dhw/w400-h264/Picture11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Montgomery County roads will have increased traffic enforcement in a combined effort of numerous police agencies on Friday-Sunday, March 15-17, to prevent problems caused by impaired drivers around St. Patrick’s Day Weekend. In addition, the County Department of Transportation is recommending ride options for those who will be drinking to help keep the roads safer. <br /><br />Many police agencies in the County will participate in the initiative including Montgomery County Police, Maryland State Police, police of the Maryland Transportation Authority, the County’s Sheriff’s Department, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission police. <br /><br />St. Patrick’s Day, which is March 17, and the days leading up to it will see an enforcement program that supports the County’s year-round Vision Zero Initiative to reduce traffic collisions that lead to serious injuries and deaths. Statistics from the <a href="https://wrap.org/free-st-patricks-day-lyft-rides-offered-throughout-greater-washington-to-prevent-drunk-driving-3/">National Highway Traffic Safety Administration</a> show that nearly half of all traffic deaths on St. Patrick’s Day involve drunk drivers. <br /><br />“Making our roads safer is a priority of our County on a daily basis—whether that means better road designs, educating people on the dangers of drinking and driving or stricter traffic enforcement,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “History shows us that certain times—such as the period around St. Patrick’s Day—lead to more people driving impaired. I am hopeful that this initiative will help keep our roads safer for all drivers.” <br /><br />The additional officers involved in the enforcement effort are partially funded by grants from the Maryland Highway Safety Office. <br /><br />In addition to the full County Alcohol Initiatives Unit, the special funding will provide overtime that will lead to additional officers working during the extra enforcement period. <br /><br />“If you plan to drink, do not drive,” said County Police Chief Marcus Jones. “Our officers will be conducting saturation patrols throughout the County and arresting intoxicated drivers. The tragedy that occurs when people get behind the wheel intoxicated is 100 percent preventable.” <br /><br />During the initiative, officers will be patrolling and enforcing all traffic laws, with a focus on impaired drivers. <br /><br />“The Vision Zero Initiative works across many departments throughout the year to identify ways we can make Montgomery County roads safer,” said Vision Zero Coordinator Wade Holland. “We know that more patrolling officers can make a great contribution to that. We appreciate the grant from the Maryland Highway Safety Office that is supporting local programs like this one and the work Montgomery County Police do throughout the year to get impaired drivers off the road.” <br /><br />A good plan for an evening out will help keep roads safer. <br /><br />“There are ample ride services that will get you home safety,” said County Department of Transportation Director Chris Conklin. “If you are choosing to celebrate with alcohol this St. Patrick’s Day, plan out your ride home ahead of time to keep our shared roadways safe for everyone.” <br /><br />Residents are encouraged to use of one the following transportation options: <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.wrap.org/soberride/">SoberRide</a>: The free ride home program is offered through the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) in partnership with Lyft. Promotional codes for Lyft will be posted online at 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 17, on SoberRide.com. The codes are valid for up to $15 off one ride home taken in Lyft’s Washington, D.C., coverage area from noon on Sunday, March 17, until midnight on Monday, March 18. The number of codes is limited, and participants must be 21 or older.</li><li>Use MCDOT’s Ride On bus: With fare of $1 on all County buses, there are currently 80 routes throughout the County that operate daily. Download the free, regional public transit app, <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-transit/trip-planner/">Ride On Trip Planner</a>, to plan your next trip. </li></ul> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
</ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-77621022272825326502024-03-13T20:21:00.009-04:002024-03-14T12:59:28.174-04:00Seniors Can Get Answers on Many Topics at Commission on Aging Presentation on Tuesday, March 19, at White Oak Community CenterThe Montgomery County Commission on Aging will host a presentation from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, at the White Oak Senior/Community Recreation Center that will have information on many questions important to seniors and to others who are concerned about seniors. <br /><br />White Oak Senior/Community Recreation Center is located at 1700 April Lane in Silver Spring. Parking will be available. Advance registration is not required to attend. <br /><br />Commission members will share insights on specific topics and will address concerns of residents. In addition to planned issues for discussion, questions on all types of subjects will be welcomed. <br /><br />For more information about the event, contact Beverly Rollins via email at <a href="mailto:GraftonWV@yahoo.com">GraftonWV@yahoo.com</a> or by calling 301-943-5387. <br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-90423825063483445432024-03-13T20:21:00.008-04:002024-03-13T20:28:47.087-04:00Murder at the Kentlands Mansion: Eat, Drink and Be Murdered on March 15-16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdhOTDgHP0OXKiZaEfkd0t20IEk2PEPbk9ZvQXC7xeOdDuQ5Qkz54cFg6k0v0EBktEJyC4WF9lXC6y_zWgwsSnYZdr5_Asfod7p6P_hi7PUWoJpsGPo_evNcoBpHmJeL6VcZWlKDCDX4dvptEeQbJzLlsdWLYjzd2v6CZF5Th1pH8avkcxdW3spfuibQ/s985/638397973496000000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="985" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdhOTDgHP0OXKiZaEfkd0t20IEk2PEPbk9ZvQXC7xeOdDuQ5Qkz54cFg6k0v0EBktEJyC4WF9lXC6y_zWgwsSnYZdr5_Asfod7p6P_hi7PUWoJpsGPo_evNcoBpHmJeL6VcZWlKDCDX4dvptEeQbJzLlsdWLYjzd2v6CZF5Th1pH8avkcxdW3spfuibQ/w640-h284/638397973496000000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Only one person knows the secret ingredient to Wild Irish Rose Whiskey: Grandma Rose O'Riley McFadden. Her failing health brings together the two feuding sides of her family, the McFaddens and the O'Rileys, to celebrate her 80th birthday. The rest is for the audience to figure out in “Murder at the Kentlands Mansion,” which will be presented Friday, March 15, and Saturday, March 16.<br /><br />The Kentlands Mansion is located at 320 Kent Square Rd. in Gaithersburg. Guests will enjoy an evening with a buffet of sweet treats. A cash bar will be available for those 21 and older. Photo ID will be required for alcohol sales. The show will be presented at 6 p.m. on March 15 and at 2 and 8 p.m. on March 16. Tickets are available at <a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/36508/production/1187651">AudienceView Professional (ovationtix.com)</a>.<br /><br />Murder at the Mansion: Eat, Drink and Be Murdered is recommended for ages 15 and up. Online ticket sales end one hour prior to performance. For more information, contact <a href="https://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/about-us/city-facilities/kentlands-mansion">Kentlands Mansion</a>.<br /><br />In this show, each clan hopes Grandma Rose will pass on the secret to the "proper" branch of the family. The whiskey-rich McFaddens need the secret to keep the family distillery in business, while the dirt poor O'Rileys want it to restore what is rightfully theirs. Of course, if Rose passes over before she passes on the secret, both sides will pass out.<br /><br />The show is presented in partnership with <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2F9ouy96oab.cc.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D001FUuQ5tJtH6ZEiO4hlFDw383cL40SLVqhw-9ALwpCoXxKv3MvnscBqj9nVJC_PLS9QE1R-WMXtp4Cb_LKPX4eusHG9bKjO7stcOke1At9Dmudxvww0J9oeOtkLBXowiPGQUrhiqfUAkd33NWIDXZC3nqHqp_Fqayq%26c%3DJOkWbbCsoLT4zLAC5pCOAb6SU0F_yPllpRiC7l7KVb2zydnPIcc3Zg%3D%3D%26ch%3DKpeAfVehv2plUmv_lJg3W9VH7utP1loEdtu8WPwlQiFFHYcAjUxANw%3D%3D&data=05%7C02%7CNeil.Greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cd587cf4e604440d5776d08dc3a299c78%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638449197612174427%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=f89IJLhl7TKrjyxeldgljAaFnEY8WrOdTk2ZrcdxXP4%3D&reserved=0">A Taste for Murder Productions</a>. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-22445173614284250532024-03-13T20:20:00.006-04:002024-03-13T20:29:53.070-04:00Rockville Civic Ballet to Present ‘Giselle’ on Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fscottfitzgerald.showare.com/uplimage/Giselle_official_ShoWare.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="300" height="197" src="https://fscottfitzgerald.showare.com/uplimage/Giselle_official_ShoWare.png" width="300" /></a></div>The Rockville Civic Ballet will present three performances of the classic “Giselle,” a romantic tale of betrayal and forgiveness, over Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17, at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre in Rockville. <br /><br />The F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre is located at 603 Edmonston Dr. in Rockville. The performances will be at 2 and 7:30 p.m. on March 16 and at 2 p.m. on March 17.<br /><br />Tickets are $17 for adults, $13 for seniors (60 and older) and children (12 and under). Tickets can be purchased by contacting the theatre box office at <a href="mailto:boxoffice@rockvillemd.gov">boxoffice@rockvillemd.gov</a> or by calling 240-314-8690. Tickets also can be purchased online at <a href="https://fscottfitzgerald.showare.com/">https://fscottfitzgerald.showare.com/</a>. <br /><br />In the ballet’s story, Giselle has fallen in love with Albrecht, Duke of Silesia, who, disguised as a peasant, courts her. Hilarion, a gamekeeper who is in love with Giselle, suspects the true identity of his rival and soon finds out that Albrecht is not the peasant he claims to be. <br /><br />Giselle reflects thematic concerns of 19th Century Romanticism, specifically the idealization of peasant life and the intersection of reality and the supernatural. The two themes give the ballet shape.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-44239258279688464312024-03-13T20:19:00.013-04:002024-03-14T13:06:56.675-04:00Seventh Annual ‘Women in the Arts Panel: Local Women Explore Creativity, Identity and Resilience’ Will Feature Many Talents on Friday, March 22, in Silver Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwGuxRc451pYP-r_PQcs-b6AbmAUOJKeQSPzobFFgOwO89x6x2zF4zJOb2CFhHuLGqs2SbvFSSKlGA5oueIhZ3M-O67zZddqD2JI45wLchuzcMVw4yhmi_clhHJ7vhVp66YuodZtxbBLmy9PThNJnGePq_A_t1jRAuerIYQvEJl5-EKKprTOksOnSE8I/s2000/women-art%20(2).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="2000" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwGuxRc451pYP-r_PQcs-b6AbmAUOJKeQSPzobFFgOwO89x6x2zF4zJOb2CFhHuLGqs2SbvFSSKlGA5oueIhZ3M-O67zZddqD2JI45wLchuzcMVw4yhmi_clhHJ7vhVp66YuodZtxbBLmy9PThNJnGePq_A_t1jRAuerIYQvEJl5-EKKprTOksOnSE8I/w640-h192/women-art%20(2).png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The Seventh Annual “Women in the Arts Panel: Local Women Explore Creativity, Identity and Resilience” will feature women of many talents during an evening at the Silver Spring Civic Building. The event, which will hosted by author and filmmaker Erica Greenberg, will be from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, March 22, at the Silver Spring Civic Building. <br /><br />The Silver Spring Civic Building is located at 1 Veterans Place in Silver Spring, close to the Silver Spring Metro Station. The event will be presented by Silver Spring Town Center, Inc. <br /><br />This year's panel will feature photographer and paper artist Nathalie Borozny, artist Kara Holman Kozimor, comic and artist, Davine Ker, artist Syahidah Osman, artist and printmaker Debbie Schindler, author Lorna Virgili and chef Beth Yohannes. <br /><br />The diverse array of women from the creative spectrum represent five countries. <br /><br />To reserve a spot at the event, contact Lisa Martin at <a href="mailto:lisa@silverspringtowncenter.com">lisa@silverspringtowncenter.com</a>. <br /><br />The featured women for the evening will include:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Artist Kara Kozimor Holman lives in Washington D.C. with her husband and son. Originally from Ohio, Kara studied art studio with a focus on graphic design along with a minor in art history at The University of Akron. She has spent the last several years taking life drawing/painting classes at Glen Echo’s Yellow Barn Studio. Her work has been juried into multiple exhibitions at Girls Who Paint, Windridge Winery, the Hill Center Galleries 2023 and 2024 Regional Juried Exhibition and the 2023 Martha Spak Gallery Art in Bloom Exhibition.</li></ul></div><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Nathalie Borozny grew up on a dairy farm in Vermont where she was allowed to roam freely and amassed an amazing collection of twigs, stones and birch bark. She attended the Rhode Island School of Design and the School of Design Architecture and Art at the University of Cincinnati. A few years ago, she found the paper and handmade books of artist Dandy Bernsteins at the West Tisbury Farmer's Market on Martha's Vineyard and started taking paper-making lessons in her studio every fall. In Philadelphia, she was a student and admirer of Winnie Radalon and continues to learn to make paper at Pyramid Atlantic in Hyattsville. She prints her own photographs on paper she makes.</li></ul><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Davine Ker is a trilingual stand-up comedian and multidisciplinary artist. Her art emerges from thought-provoking jokes, left-field concepts and unique storytelling that bridges culture, comedy and music. She headlines throughout the Washington area and also performs as a featured comedian in clubs and festivals nationwide.</li></ul><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Syahidah Osman is a self-taught, Southeast Asian artist who uses different mediums to capture the tragically beautiful and profoundly hidden aspects of the human condition. She aims to widen perceptions and embed a sense of wonder through art. She plans to instigate empathy, instill curiosity and use her artworks as a catalyst for community engagement.</li></ul><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Deborah Schindler grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from UCLA with a major in pictorial art and a minor in Latin American studies, where she was fortunate to work with artist Richard Diebenkorn. In the Washington area, Ms. Schindler quickly integrated into the art scene, joining the Printmakers Group of the Washington Women’s Art Center. That core group later founded the Washington Printmakers Gallery. Ms. Schindler has exhibited in numerous juried exhibitions, locally, nationally and internationally.</li></ul><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Lorna Virgilí was born and raised in Havana, Cuba, during the height of the cold war. In 1979, she emigrated to the United States. She attended high school and college in Miami. She began her communications career as a television news reporter and worked for Telemundo and Univision. In 1999, she became a national correspondent reporting from the United States Capitol and the White House. She works in public relations and published her first book, <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D001QnvPZBWvpX1aPDFuunu1n7JqaTgYZuT_lED7B7PjbaVRDsQjnjj_SslY_8fU4Id_KJMwAmwtHcwGjehLOD_IIOmZExlMXFR_wISj_Jf1KwwcOu3-IVGf7kf8mTrDCUeLwJoMlR0bI7j4uFav28C8fkBbUODa5-P8ALlR2bw8GSr-Msoo_vt92p7ZkKWqkK9uS7Jcx344sNG6bTR9AG3u5rkOq4E4XMAytU99fC4WA20YHgaYFSz2eVrb7MpCew8XhZNVtRecSALOjG4CgyR6d2gKpmR0o8rqwHM8G3lXb8HlyNpxFEZcmtGPfbzyGhBQ9cLKBFTz19VGEyttDRKQsKMgA4UWjXlUH6SDEM98zC6s1ieKJViTm0qSgw7mNMJKh9dHyC6NohLoG68suZ424NOEAaxZcpDGTj0uk2KMnwgUuekWIuFRkCaJaVBx8PLSr6L-rBm7lGo%3D%26c%3DIGmDaEdzYk-30WzzEckFBldOD9pbgVRfXYY_0O1QOVjQruJVGIax8g%3D%3D%26ch%3DThQaSnS6X7I6qEBvOtcgaDBvTZ3zCSiQWWpw6jI1RRDOAwVmUwSEjA%3D%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C161c8dcddcb34bb23a2908dc407295c2%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C1%7C638456108103387963%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C80000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=oV0%2Fsj%2Ff8nUPJE7v0BDIGL2Nxv%2FXKYB2GB7oCPY0niI%3D&reserved=0">Sinfonía Blanca/White Symphony</a>, in 2021. She is a highly regarded community leader with consistent radio and television appearances in the Washington, D.C. region. </li></ul><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Chef Beth Yohannes is an Ethiopian-born chef with a deep-rooted passion for cooking, influenced by her grandmother's culinary skills. Beth's journey took her from Ethiopia to the United Kingdom and eventually to the U.S. She has lived in New York City, Texas and Maryland. She co-owned an Ethiopian restaurant in London, appeared on a TV program and later owned a deli in Texas. In Maryland, Beth runs the Lemon Slice Cafe in Downtown Silver Spring, gaining local acclaim. Committed to her community, she sources locally, supports education through internships, and promotes healthy eating initiatives. </li></ul><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Host Erica Ginsberg has drawn on creativity in a variety of different roles: writer, documentary filmmaker, arts administrator and international exchanges program officer. After growing up in Silver Spring, she came back to her hometown to co-found the documentary film organization Docs In Progress and served as its founding executive director until 2019. She co-hosts "The D-Word," a peer-to-peer global community for documentary professionals. In addition to working in the arts, Erica has organized professional development study tours to the United States for mid-career professionals from around the world. She has a BA in international affairs and an MA in film and video.</li></ul> Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-52555449199722935392024-03-13T20:18:00.001-04:002024-03-13T20:18:05.632-04:00‘A Woman's War: Ladies' Aid in the Mid-Atlantic Region During the Civil War’ to be Explored by Peerless Rockville on Saturday, March 16During the Civil War, women were not allowed to enlist in the army or the navy (though some did serve by hiding their identities). Yet millions of women provided various support services to the military in various ways. The story of these women will be explored in a presentation by Peerless Rockville, the City’s historic preservation organization, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, at the Red Brick Courthouse in Rockville. <br /><br />The Red Brick Courthouse is located in Downtown Rockville at 29 Courthouse Square. <br /><br />“A Woman's War: Ladies' Aid in the Mid-Atlantic Region During the Civil War” is free, but space is limited. More information is available at <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-womans-war-ladies-aid-in-the-mid-atlantic-region-during-the-civil-war-tickets-856139314737">Peerless event</a>. <br /><br />For the event, Peerless Rockville will welcome U. S. Park Ranger Bryan A. Cheeseboro of the National Park Service's Civil War Defenses of Washington, D.C. Ranger Cheeseboro will have an illustrated presentation about several of these women and their stories. <br /><br />More information about Peerless Rockville is available at <a href="https://peerlessrockville.org/">https://peerlessrockville.org/</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-44581534207839957522024-03-13T19:50:00.000-04:002024-03-13T19:50:07.712-04:00Spring Break Programming of Montgomery Recreation Will Include Sports, Games, Arts, Magic and SkateboardingGames, arts and crafts, sports, basketball, skateboarding and performing magic will be among the many programs that Montgomery County Recreation will be offering for spring break during the week of March 25-29. Enjoy a variety of fun activities, sports and games for youth and teens at various recreation centers across the County. <br /><br />Those interested in the available camps can learn more and sign up <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbWRtb250Z29tZXJ5Y3R5d2ViLm15dnNjbG91ZC5jb20vd2VidHJhYy93ZWIvc2VhcmNoLmh0bWw_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.1LUOQoprMRYKSHLIUSV9Mx7b43vBu-tTMcwkpoTIFrs%2Fs%2F1845324703%2Fbr%2F238760794729-l&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C852601e62d4049231def08dc4387d5de%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638459497916297781%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=hkcUZs8nAEjPtw%2FMDhkNNynIdzLqdj%2BnaQlCAu7lVXI%3D&reserved=0">here</a>. <br /><br />“There is a variety of fun spring break programming offered by Montgomery County Recreation that provides a safe, out of school opportunity for our youth,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “I encourage families to sign their children up, and to get a sneak preview of all the great offerings that are coming with camps this summer.” <br /><br />The spring break programs will include the following: <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbWRtb250Z29tZXJ5Y3R5d2ViLm15dnNjbG91ZC5jb20vd2VidHJhYy93ZWIvc2VhcmNoLmh0bWw_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.5oI_PUEPU5tbUH6INft69Bl08ZffEX8H4xAXpUsGw24%2Fs%2F1845324703%2Fbr%2F238760794729-l&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C852601e62d4049231def08dc4387d5de%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638459497916315544%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=4UgM9y%2BEW8OLoiVUv%2BNHTSEXgMyRGI%2B%2FHGCm27%2FmCEE%3D&reserved=0">Coach Doug</a></li><li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbWRtb250Z29tZXJ5Y3R5d2ViLm15dnNjbG91ZC5jb20vd2VidHJhYy93ZWIvaXRlbWluZm8uaHRtbD9Nb2R1bGU9QVImRk1JRD0xOTI3NTA1MTAiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzEzLjkxNzQ3OTgxIn0.T8AyAP3MCwjCe6qnYSTGwAimnT4Po_HQ7RPWtdqlL2A%2Fs%2F1845324703%2Fbr%2F238760794729-l&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C852601e62d4049231def08dc4387d5de%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638459497916327860%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2BeVrsKrMPplcdZUWIxBMgnxxgBBPZ%2FQc1%2FzpBw0If4Q%3D&reserved=0">Jump Start Sports Camp</a></li><li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbWRtb250Z29tZXJ5Y3R5d2ViLm15dnNjbG91ZC5jb20vd2VidHJhYy93ZWIvaXRlbWluZm8uaHRtbD9Nb2R1bGU9QVImRk1JRD0xOTI3NTE3MTkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzEzLjkxNzQ3OTgxIn0.suMcEaOk8jBzJLQ09549iDjHdwOEbLePaPnSGCwt0_I%2Fs%2F1845324703%2Fbr%2F238760794729-l&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C852601e62d4049231def08dc4387d5de%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638459497916337337%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=TU%2B9VymPvTt3sonWfvqKJotzzjiBiiLZnpUFh5BbLrw%3D&reserved=0">Train Like a Pro Multi Sport Camps</a></li><li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbWRtb250Z29tZXJ5Y3R5d2ViLm15dnNjbG91ZC5jb20vd2VidHJhYy93ZWIvaXRlbWluZm8uaHRtbD9Nb2R1bGU9QVImRk1JRD0xOTI3NjcxNzciLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzEzLjkxNzQ3OTgxIn0.F3YV6uevyrUxXLcMLSBPeqKhhnmIpXjFmmegnaV3Rw4%2Fs%2F1845324703%2Fbr%2F238760794729-l&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C852601e62d4049231def08dc4387d5de%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638459497916346854%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=N%2FTTfoaOjXT24yrWxd5kB1gRkJivoEB2%2BLVFvmpjP5w%3D&reserved=0">Coach Parker Basketball Academy</a></li><li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbWRtb250Z29tZXJ5Y3R5d2ViLm15dnNjbG91ZC5jb20vd2VidHJhYy93ZWIvaXRlbWluZm8uaHRtbD9Nb2R1bGU9QVImRk1JRD0xOTc4OTQyNDkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzEzLjkxNzQ3OTgxIn0.mkcB37UcpF-KSUXdREO3Xz6nEkRMOWACazNyM8nla60%2Fs%2F1845324703%2Fbr%2F238760794729-l&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C852601e62d4049231def08dc4387d5de%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638459497916356314%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=6hNVd6bo9vXEhZzg585Tz3hWFlcdh3NXbBoBk4dYAoQ%3D&reserved=0">Magic Spring Break Camp</a></li></ul>Montgomery Recreation also will launch its first <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbWRtb250Z29tZXJ5Y3R5d2ViLm15dnNjbG91ZC5jb20vd2VidHJhYy93ZWIvaXRlbWluZm8uaHRtbD9Nb2R1bGU9QVImRk1JRD0xOTYzODMxNDgiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzEzLjkxNzQ3OTgxIn0.yQCRvW2flt5LFKUgUa_MZuSTj9iqlRvMerS4911qLMQ%2Fs%2F1845324703%2Fbr%2F238760794729-l&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C852601e62d4049231def08dc4387d5de%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638459497916364814%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=2mZ%2Bl3L2ZD14x9xay9xWZOKp3bf%2BtZPrWfAvku5EoHU%3D&reserved=0">Goats on Wheels Skateboarding Spring Break Camp</a>. Participants will learn how to push, ride and maneuver for just $25. Montgomery Recreation will provide a limited quantity of equipment. Participants are encouraged to bring their own. <br /><br />Another option for boys and girls ages 11-18 will be the Spring Break Basketball program at <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm1vbnRnb21lcnljb3VudHltZC5nb3YvcmVjL2ZhY2lsaXRpZXMvcmVjcmVhdGlvbmNlbnRlcnMvd2hpdGVvYWsuaHRtbCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAzMTMuOTE3NDc5ODEifQ.pAIDFrFdKymp6AxsMDTJT5kASINx_BEnEhf7y2f-QHk%2Fs%2F1845324703%2Fbr%2F238760794729-l&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C852601e62d4049231def08dc4387d5de%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638459497916372332%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0DSfHewC%2BK%2FXRs4zDf%2Fr4akzJDZYul9W41w9ELjx8FY%3D&reserved=0">White Oak Community Recreation Center </a>Tuesday, March 26, and Wednesday, March 27. To learn more and register for the free program contact your local community recreation center. <br /><br />Montgomery County Recreation is accepting applications for <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm1vbnRnb21lcnljb3VudHltZC5nb3YvcmVjL2hvd3RvL3JlY2Fzc2lzdC5odG1sIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDMxMy45MTc0Nzk4MSJ9.oABQYd6_BDsFmkwghG1MMWIPKu3L-HP2zwoq5GbR9P8%2Fs%2F1845324703%2Fbr%2F238760794729-l&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C852601e62d4049231def08dc4387d5de%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638459497916380050%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wF1nxgEVVzSvGH6bJNixDBmJPhV8Z%2B2Tq7vrqLqrTXA%3D&reserved=0">Rec Assist</a>, the department’s financial aid program. Rec Assist is available to residents who meet program requirements and can be used to supplement program costs. For 2024, the funding for Rec Assist increased to $400 per eligible applicant. <br /><br />For more information regarding spring break camps, visit the <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm1vbnRnb21lcnljb3VudHltZC5nb3YvcmVjL2hvd3RvL3JlZ2lzdHJhdGlvbmluZm9ybWF0aW9uLmh0bWwiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzEzLjkxNzQ3OTgxIn0._FGwA1n934DD3lAMrJywgcX5_kZNm3dcYZvZ_RC7V9I%2Fs%2F1845324703%2Fbr%2F238760794729-l&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C852601e62d4049231def08dc4387d5de%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638459497916387515%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=WgunyrYEfJ1GHmAQEk8FFSdQEYgGg9IRYkCjCszUbEM%3D&reserved=0">website</a> or call the customer service team at 240-777-6840.<br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-10241639013615225202024-03-13T19:23:00.010-04:002024-03-13T20:30:51.927-04:00Spring Break Special Programs March 25-31 Will Include Eye Spy Trains, Eco Board Games, History, Skating and Tennis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Eye-Spy-Trains-Spring-2023-social-media-ig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Eye-Spy-Trains-Spring-2023-social-media-ig.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Spring break is around the corner, and <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3j41lPt4g4GyCt54OzZhE30orjD_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDi5Sy1NdYcj1ag9MVeKd4VZ0HxXm2FOWknvmF1ywEEWeJVFL0GstP8LgbPraou7V7TybK-2F5hsq9NXKg0uTaTGqpm0D5LFDwNfCRWR1yiPsqAFDomnBLsM7-2BQ2-2BaxUsIDFvncexecAbsr8-2FY6pbFYcWh5ZbBpryNsO0yp380Vd8PbDh4Lz3P5-2F-2FzXyEPVI1y0u27Pr08D7k0t9lcCdoJCLeKkTfThcManvucdAKmlVH5Yr-2BGKSTK7nkrPbUiQcNEeQQ-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cd6b6a3dfff6d4ec15fd608dc3f9a9044%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455180283334771%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=S9VTi4bJqMYtnfidxb%2FZ90aMHKaZf1phi4b4chHCPsE%3D&reserved=0">Montgomery Parks</a> has a variety of activities to keep kids active and learning during the week of spring break March 25-31. The special events will include Eye Spy Trains at Cabin John and Wheaton regional parks, skating, tennis, eco board games (teen edition) and history tours. <br /><br />The spring break schedule of special programs will include:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Spring Eye Spy Train tickets on sale now: <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3jprTiEhmDAjJCcbniwn-2FVm8JE6_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDi5Sy1NdYcj1ag9MVeKd4VZ0HxXm2FOWknvmF1ywEEWeJVFL0GstP8LgbPraou7V7TybK-2F5hsq9NXKg0uTaTGqpm0D5LFDwNfCRWR1yiPsqA4AabgJmiebatwncbO7ONpMN-2F-2FRuhhBvbUrMtXGv2USSEDjQGDIfe02hFTPVl8Vn5FHSjbT4wOUfRYYfTY1gwzDRPElPgzFmuHpB6-2FORja5naEIeAA7UPWNDZuivNpqZ8CttJfw4-2FbD2GxfTj-2FiD4uA-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cd6b6a3dfff6d4ec15fd608dc3f9a9044%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455180283346616%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=RElux%2FoKF679%2FTCzaA7QiakI%2F4nmgzFz6Cq6LvlXAIs%3D&reserved=0">Eye Spy Trains</a> at Cabin John Regional Park and Wheaton Regional Park will be open daily from March 23–31, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Each rider is given a card with fun seasonal characters and items to look for hidden along the tracks during the ride. $5 per person. Children under 2 years of age ride for free accompanied by a paying adult.</li><li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3jxsXQo7Vj8x4Njmxg4FP9U1BjOALdeQkL3FwtgjJ0G3cNBiXf8GeIFdhuwKF-2FwxyWuyNzIEhDBfE0xnUzH9Ivsyg7Kt5cztkI5dCyip0DvvA-3D-3D22t9_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDi5Sy1NdYcj1ag9MVeKd4VZ0HxXm2FOWknvmF1ywEEWeJVFL0GstP8LgbPraou7V7TybK-2F5hsq9NXKg0uTaTGqpm0D5LFDwNfCRWR1yiPsqADYfevmq1YgMgqPImgZJvzAuWSek62Vr1SKR48mSNjXpv-2BnyFrKUnWjqyQc-2F-2BH-2FrarCm11N0nQhcyB04C-2BFZ74z4vZFtk2WMza6X3DVOGIwKep-2FbmtfiPzRS9px7tJOBv3onXxl7CiJSmOf3bEXXPlQ-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cd6b6a3dfff6d4ec15fd608dc3f9a9044%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455180283355406%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=L3CW7HXM%2FSmYktvLuAO8tycb4F1brgLAOJvB7jK2%2B3o%3D&reserved=0">Grossology: Nature is Downright Disgusting</a>. March 25–29. 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville. Educational but very gross camp chock full of experiments and facts to help campers get on nature’s nasty side. Campers will use their hands to explore bird barf, slip through the digestive system and eat bird-poop shaped snacks and much yuckiness more. Disclaimer: Camp not responsible for gross language or facts used at home. Ages 6–10. <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLTQAmQNy69-2BTEoz5ARuQArzVNmW50e8k4E52a0nAEMawlEz2kOsFExiifJutfQQ3LYY0Ky2G-2BgtTmSz3p1ztrf5eLDiUviCgDAZ9dBYW-2FNeD4UNaqjs7raKdxCy-2FFIPhA-3D-3DDW8K_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDi5Sy1NdYcj1ag9MVeKd4VZ0HxXm2FOWknvmF1ywEEWeJVFL0GstP8LgbPraou7V7TybK-2F5hsq9NXKg0uTaTGqpm0D5LFDwNfCRWR1yiPsqAxET61UMbk0YO1FfEaYGay9CI3xaNRzOudjyRVBzts9-2Bxf-2BNd9Xn6YpI9slFW84ihD94gRSVsJW3LSc-2BMJmNEr5eYnPt0VlGcPVn8dK62s7umvR-2F34LyfRuS0tqFbRkbSo7J2jZSstd8QBm-2FsroZzPg-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cd6b6a3dfff6d4ec15fd608dc3f9a9044%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455180283363349%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=76cHQXbh0lgteWcDV0UW2C7AQf1VNjwoLMRY8coEp0Y%3D&reserved=0">Registration required</a>. $325 per person.</li><li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3jxsXQo7Vj8x4Njmxg4FP9UIz3ONBDhas-2BpV7KZ-2FvP9QWwnOZmhcCdLCbtRVPcet-2BZ2FG0cYlPjMwaC9PnsDX-2FseEld_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDi5Sy1NdYcj1ag9MVeKd4VZ0HxXm2FOWknvmF1ywEEWeJVFL0GstP8LgbPraou7V7TybK-2F5hsq9NXKg0uTaTGqpm0D5LFDwNfCRWR1yiPsqA3kiTeErBKmIZycYwtwkHEy6JIUxDNU4svpZlxxostvHziwRQybA3NEVXcNkjUnE0gpj08EBsRVASgRMHSomd5ySEIGYdRrt9loOSlW3fi20GFknG3l26jFtjoOvvUnKQOcFb-2BNE2sVJ6UoisgwUQaQ-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cd6b6a3dfff6d4ec15fd608dc3f9a9044%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455180283370850%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZXRybnVBPOScCOYqLLhweA2sbouoEq37PCJTfk3MyWc%3D&reserved=0">Spring Break Skate and STEAM Day</a>. March 25, 26, 27. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Wheaton Ice Arena, 11717 Orebaugh Avenue, Wheaton. The day starts with an off ice warm up, followed by two hours of skating instruction and fun. After lunch, skaters will join the public skating session until 2 p.m. and then end the day with a STEAM learning activity incorporating the ice rink, skating and science. Skaters will be ability grouped for the daily skating lessons. Ages 6-12. <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLTQAmQNy69-2BTEoz5ARuQArzVNmW50e8k4E52a0nAEMaDdhdR7x4J35DlOB9NTAeOPM9KO4lNKwp4zjGf22ZqsVJju0-2BLlUECWhy1nvsWA4s87bK2c3s89HlMRkikQTYgvZd0RpXyEJguVOq8ckuHG0upUetFFNt5Ny1axOCnpZveyYPAYCyZZmf4dZgq7wIJBsREJqAdj7m8gS2NB32hKorYQVonfNcjQCxCijKQhbaCU0y17fkvcBqB0lxQXS2qVtT4ZDYoyvAFk3RnL-2BWWsg2PJoXOMjBffzV39rTht3XhMTcN9nIFM5-2BQkXuHe7Sje2Lb0oWciZKTv-2F7fjCewfiXiachV2up01xvoXl5m55HMguwBl7dKQSUBvRqfw1GqZB-2FxEMWlMtSdLFF0ntl7rR35pcaHxCjvNo8p10DhZF-2FQ4kJ0TtqINjFZgi3xY6Xi-2BXGBVkrdRABJeD87d31GkPHEbui6gV5hdwTowhqTnnH1071CY-2Fcs9dMaBhqbEjUWbeH7RsFjdOUGA-2FNJpw1Vl7qGHxJ8qgcloJLNmM-2BVVf6GTaY7z-2Br0TgI9RfV0FrSSuOAV-2BZzpYEWV-2BDBNT9j2QYWz0-2FCSFOfBc3ISVGVUcxpfdwlx9nGZ0r2PIwsJr3aIw-3D-3DTeiq_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDi5Sy1NdYcj1ag9MVeKd4VZ0HxXm2FOWknvmF1ywEEWeJVFL0GstP8LgbPraou7V7TybK-2F5hsq9NXKg0uTaTGqpm0D5LFDwNfCRWR1yiPsqAiZyajzBZJ61o-2BKfK4DxEjooaoMfA1U2rNjFCYuWgD6p5FhTS28-2FbK4PZeGmU1Ze2E6ve8vr5A-2F4A-2BcqTmNgYGWE9yg4CCQOdWfcRW-2FziFRW2chUrmOV-2B0UqUznmPesTwKjeTBpqe7Qzb96kP2izJKw-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cd6b6a3dfff6d4ec15fd608dc3f9a9044%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455180283378230%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=sNChkL8%2B%2BM0CV9evoHv9dC0dXr78Kmw%2FKOP0FWiP1AA%3D&reserved=0">Registration required</a>. $65 per person, per day.</li><li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3jFSAlnhF-2Fj8xIVqV-2F3djCjsv-2BBYstu2F-2FQTvbjk4whW9b70GgXrK0-2BypMcLIAOagA-3Dyy1G_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDi5Sy1NdYcj1ag9MVeKd4VZ0HxXm2FOWknvmF1ywEEWeJVFL0GstP8LgbPraou7V7TybK-2F5hsq9NXKg0uTaTGqpm0D5LFDwNfCRWR1yiPsqAVPB6cIMpgD6ip6x7-2Bl0vDSM0omuwy0cG4M9b30rfskO5MKFYD0wONwUm6cbG1ZSM4HyRl52w5iA7ggBFB6fLeED5A-2FjwUlzZaT4CPdDVgKFQuKVaFEu-2BMODsy46Xq7znw8IeurGF-2FAJQ795ni40RZw-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cd6b6a3dfff6d4ec15fd608dc3f9a9044%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455180283386887%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2FrmZrtxh3BMLRf1CYiJStuofwFEMKwjG0Ga66P3tH84%3D&reserved=0">Eco Board Games Club: Teen Edition</a>. March 26. 9:30 a.m.–noon. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton. Play popular nature-based board games that have taken the hobby world by storm and are a great way to explore science topics. Practice cooperation, strategy and critical thinking skills and learn about the real-world inspirations for these games. <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLTQAmQNy69-2BTEoz5ARuQArzVNmW50e8k4E52a0nAEMawlEz2kOsFExiifJutfQQ3LYY0Ky2G-2BgtTmSz3p1ztreGy6jVEST82suAVVewNZ2Y8Ce2VbZCD08q4dOpYfTUmg-3D-3DrnB2_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDi5Sy1NdYcj1ag9MVeKd4VZ0HxXm2FOWknvmF1ywEEWeJVFL0GstP8LgbPraou7V7TybK-2F5hsq9NXKg0uTaTGqpm0D5LFDwNfCRWR1yiPsqA0dwLj1KNzXwYHPD4MU51FY7-2BxVrwh6OgWtS5an2zLbyR7TEwkCjmAaqYCMAg4XUo-2FUOrvYuVyY3GEQ0FPtNEAgECjHMBULS1Cw-2B1R17lbq5zO-2B7bEbQKZtwVHP1ndnggs1jhk-2Fp9dtXOyrEk-2Fri1ag-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cd6b6a3dfff6d4ec15fd608dc3f9a9044%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455180283394133%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5g7hrhZsIdABxglpCLShST24Bno0QM7cjVJUs7sUo%2FY%3D&reserved=0">Registration required</a>. Ages 11–16. $20 per person.</li><li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3jxsXQo7Vj8x4Njmxg4FP9Uc-2B88wZy-2BqHk7NsfLdM-2FNEEXoRvU7-2BAYWS0cm5BCY9s8-3Ds4Ma_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDi5Sy1NdYcj1ag9MVeKd4VZ0HxXm2FOWknvmF1ywEEWeJVFL0GstP8LgbPraou7V7TybK-2F5hsq9NXKg0uTaTGqpm0D5LFDwNfCRWR1yiPsqAXc2-2Bx103uj2FBCWTH0crIm4Yl8cWLcAjMyM0S42wInZfgQN3-2BysWb69fwzv0sazOqH9-2BvEp4lT3PXI3LM-2BXLponhUKt74FevaqcYRWvQbl8UQmpbSGBG72SKnm7vLtpCzgi1zdnOy0Too7QrPji-2BbA-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cd6b6a3dfff6d4ec15fd608dc3f9a9044%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455180283401795%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=xU9VOF6%2BHRmBCnDotzG3Yl4NQtRU6l5CWD59R2D74wU%3D&reserved=0">Spring Break for History</a>. March 27–28. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Josiah Henson Museum and Park, 11410 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda. The museum will be open special hours for self-guided tours and special hands-on activities available for families. Ages 4 and older. Admission: $5, adults; $4, children and seniors.</li><li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3hiIzowSwVDAvz1QB5nXcpf6h2sEj5v59vAfw7ZDiUZo3G-2F-2FJBH-2Bahi5RZ-2Bo1NzKYWFeGKftvp2tiHNiLSC9JArX7JK4TVt2p1W3o2ntfK-2F0A4IlGG6Cg-2B3tDvbHX2q4c8-3DarSP_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDi5Sy1NdYcj1ag9MVeKd4VZ0HxXm2FOWknvmF1ywEEWeJVFL0GstP8LgbPraou7V7TybK-2F5hsq9NXKg0uTaTGqpm0D5LFDwNfCRWR1yiPsqAwE9-2BgJ46PdUFdpui5tQUHjQenEeQi6OCKEiyP9ITTxz0wrTX6k-2F8eYFt16PUcdBH43IdLmpmzS9l1LU61Cr-2FHCHxgM-2BaIcJWCK-2BQFmqBZm9z6qTJBX1MqeYrkovzzN53OcOKbWZswqZofqGO-2BMvwPg-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cd6b6a3dfff6d4ec15fd608dc3f9a9044%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455180283408940%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=si2LCdPvc6N7QHolxSVs4qB%2F0OQufE%2BRzK%2BZY2yObZA%3D&reserved=0">Spring Break for History</a>. March 28–30. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Woodlawn Cultural Park, 16501 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring. Visit Woodlawn Museum and engage with interactive history lessons. Take the <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3hiIzowSwVDAvz1QB5nXcpf3y2LAUZcLXbhrKaHfebQkeiao-2B2p-2FV0Tt-2B7dtoy-2BTXaxNB0a7UDZT2DERVWKDH1Txkqnp18sbSCgAb9QqTwQQrWYEFADNHXZVRBAzYLejzw-3DiW_b_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDi5Sy1NdYcj1ag9MVeKd4VZ0HxXm2FOWknvmF1ywEEWeJVFL0GstP8LgbPraou7V7TybK-2F5hsq9NXKg0uTaTGqpm0D5LFDwNfCRWR1yiPsqAivm7Z6L1gqzsCa-2BO-2FtJXxlSKodM-2BoMJOmIr0SUcmvmmr5qBwmorNV0Ch6GE2SYVIhzIapHStlv3rxBX-2B30G25MMCsqItsv-2FZvI7rOGBowl6vgvM3UNbKYLoT-2BpgcBav-2FY5cwwMVZXTmRWu4fYLQE7g-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cd6b6a3dfff6d4ec15fd608dc3f9a9044%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455180283416325%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=4OyYmSkqLdfkPO9ig9R0DvQeT1FyFeB2Hc0uOUJ1AxA%3D&reserved=0">Underground Railroad Experience Trail Guided Hike</a>, available March 29–30, 10–11:30 a.m., and discover the techniques used by 19th-century freedom seekers for navigation, escaping detection and finding food and shelter on the dangerous journey. All ages. <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLTQAmQNy69-2BTEoz5ARuQArzVNmW50e8k4E52a0nAEMaDdhdR7x4J35DlOB9NTAeOPM9KO4lNKwp4zjGf22ZqsVJju0-2BLlUECWhy1nvsWA4swFzyZS25P-2BdKFFSDgezEyQ7aBvPVgoGh73zfF0fyIVcpoinu7ehPOXDPPzm62JeKCrxPNyimhm6-2FSIEd23-2BkTijoolXGooV2bOAUDmbqCDK1BItlFeaxQnqlG9zo2-2BI7N8xyu1-2Fg4r6lxWtfMqpcwoQigCDOvER2RuQjaPEZveS4djqR0b-2Ftrs-2FAZR5oq9JXB2jhlZF-2BeMngLb-2BVTTG6y886UBV3VbRfxvXOf1oh2WAI6GsymQpRzxkD3twoscbK-2BlwjvBKNcJ-2Bs6fEVRIhK-2B9EbBREPvsH4msa-2BnnmVs3SmQOVFa8sJmwDEUgyQwFLO0cq4lWWyNph7oE1EndL4Rky0LcWNxoyH-2FZUCRmEdsy1YrWIg4Sf7o45T4jOwq6ZYpMlCTFvqvO7aDxtBSL6Jb-2FpDrbBxB7EAobuqPi8WrcSJiH8g71U71ZUcj-2Fn2w-2BFMw7Tb38Vk2B6Zvuva1pKyqw-3D-3DRr7i_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDi5Sy1NdYcj1ag9MVeKd4VZ0HxXm2FOWknvmF1ywEEWeJVFL0GstP8LgbPraou7V7TybK-2F5hsq9NXKg0uTaTGqpm0D5LFDwNfCRWR1yiPsqAk9Her5TzH7iLDzgs7qMS70-2BLD9nL4tX79QyjO0I1KLJus-2B1lwACrPDnFk3xTaH0Tv932RxHNg6avwQbzOjr9zpluVrgV7Yv2c7pLcTP3zFhShHRDx7ZYAmimwpk-2BSs1j14tm4DVJJqUKxoa1AsLMUw-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cd6b6a3dfff6d4ec15fd608dc3f9a9044%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455180283423628%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OUpBHkqvop%2FkY26lPYEdi3842BsX1xEsIxfzhS%2B5HEQ%3D&reserved=0">Advance registration recommended for Underground Railroad Experience Trail</a>, $8 per person. Woodlawn Museum admission: $5, adults; $4, children ages 6-12 and seniors; Ages 5 and under, free.</li><li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3jxsXQo7Vj8x4Njmxg4FP9USvXVUdKxmWAXeolIt4yoaGF8Ui7sIWgVDY2VXbsBKVs-3D43kl_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDi5Sy1NdYcj1ag9MVeKd4VZ0HxXm2FOWknvmF1ywEEWeJVFL0GstP8LgbPraou7V7TybK-2F5hsq9NXKg0uTaTGqpm0D5LFDwNfCRWR1yiPsqAs-2ByqpSCOhV-2FYfmn2OSGhEx0ZppcLj-2FttNs-2FOOPpYdExXprLJicH70YbO3tmg12aaFuBpPUHU9WYE1-2BFSYaJLtXgghvxbnv5FC98N0rEl77pKI-2B06BieelxfE3n9UHFzCnL0UUKrGpEomBiOHX-2FOlEA-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cd6b6a3dfff6d4ec15fd608dc3f9a9044%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455180283432190%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=YjNldeiV60E9lkLSXGU3nx0uqWCgGA5jU8TvQRbitbI%3D&reserved=0">Spring Break Tennis Days</a>. March 25–29. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Wheaton Indoor Tennis, 11715 Orebaugh Avenue, Wheaton. Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center, 7801 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda. Take time over Spring Break to develop or improve your child’s tennis game. Register for one day or all five days for a memorable and productive week. Children will be grouped by age and experience. Ages 8-15. <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLTQAmQNy69-2BTEoz5ARuQArzVNmW50e8k4E52a0nAEMaDdhdR7x4J35DlOB9NTAeOPM9KO4lNKwp4zjGf22ZqsVJju0-2BLlUECWhy1nvsWA4sAg8mBTaLkBbPq-2FVwvnXvHsVWcTkgdUsE-2FuSSJO2fYLeWzT-2F2EyrvU0vW7I-2FrqLHLi3a3km5fvK79W3QIbISC7wQRHpprC81Pw-2B-2F0cAN5Z7jrR1L8n-2FQUIzodMgNBrseLKISeW56XlTWof7QRErPH-2BCpX3-2FWzgT6njH82e6aIyL-2FZuEtT50F-2FAioHnn2nm1vFemrOcnAWEeNItG7WojN2OJBb1Hq-2BTdAZCyABy0X5KVWI6htvZf3KSQAZ17x258bvHeT3NoBMMU34fJ0XnHF8LAIci32MHQMcA4-2BiVn8MLxVndKmgeEhbAVAk9GsYVnEqBH1kptcF3Bq2AQOm0IZR6f3h1I9VEzT0onvNN2fGRNKRpl6AHdm4REOywi9yytfgN2K85H-2F9wjPU85F8U-2BHTHa1DA-2BWdMzEHi6XZfUp-2FzjRhlgKNf0ZYIfd0R4bI3decVKKXxemHlX4kdrnadnL7fTLLhmb1adNL-2FUXvq4QiOejUzPzICKAUROmPismu7jzw3wnTP0eigOczjWK86SeTyA-3D-3DDK-E_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDi5Sy1NdYcj1ag9MVeKd4VZ0HxXm2FOWknvmF1ywEEWeJVFL0GstP8LgbPraou7V7TybK-2F5hsq9NXKg0uTaTGqpm0D5LFDwNfCRWR1yiPsqAJY96IVAz3UdO3iRJ3UsKM3sefWtZBEypnP6PBRDVlE-2BLeamXpiuOUlJRM6PCfCAroZ-2F-2FKVtW-2FQHZ4v7xoP4kUQoF2-2BG6KaHIz8n9Yp1Qj0ttdWWnVN0oBPz2UBdlnjF-2Bqu8SFnOwCQvve9ThZVyoqg-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cd6b6a3dfff6d4ec15fd608dc3f9a9044%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455180283439634%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XG5RNKTpCjxIYUZdpeRSzja2EN1wpbOE3hGWaqfHB7s%3D&reserved=0">Registration required</a>. $59 per person per day (Wheaton); $63 per person per day (Addie).</li></ul>Go to <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3h2PVVfd131RiDE18auFBf3_chw_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDi5Sy1NdYcj1ag9MVeKd4VZ0HxXm2FOWknvmF1ywEEWeJVFL0GstP8LgbPraou7V7TybK-2F5hsq9NXKg0uTaTGqpm0D5LFDwNfCRWR1yiPsqApB0-2FdczdB4XzepylqJJGewTWakPBxlewfJCoAT33nfY0J7rj8Zoz5MwMdjx0bu1L3Qadyswf3NoL-2F6tszPPp6HmtM6gWpSB7zFem62dAr2q7TR7hUlMOFvfNy-2FPy6qDfqXrmRJ2D3niWFC4h2qbpDw-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cd6b6a3dfff6d4ec15fd608dc3f9a9044%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455180283448383%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OMHu8zcIE%2B4mvDjU5mtHp7i6iaDlTpY9wcGgOjO6R6s%3D&reserved=0">Montgomery Parks event calendar</a> for a complete list of special events and programming and to learn how to sign up using <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssCRZB4j3Y7T78hQR-2BZtwgk5DIKHnC7tRRu-2BGIBYx-2FByC7FuC4bYR2xleee4NV3gFpXiaQ5xA2q-2Bq2Bl6EdketE6BSXaBQ2F758xf3YUa6-2BJ4CillP4ra9lEZMPPWApxezQ-3D-3DsaL3_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDi5Sy1NdYcj1ag9MVeKd4VZ0HxXm2FOWknvmF1ywEEWeJVFL0GstP8LgbPraou7V7TybK-2F5hsq9NXKg0uTaTGqpm0D5LFDwNfCRWR1yiPsqAgmk7oiDHPEIfWRTuJ-2BtcuHyS-2BtWeKqdPbLEXzAve1wRSaSrT2Wz81HrNL5XWeOiH6HldKj-2FbV7kyO5cl4fAil5wCjmODNcA-2FrQKXfPfu-2BZSOwwU5FACoA9R3JTL4xTvRP8eBiDEmOVjLm1w7GOIsJQ-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cd6b6a3dfff6d4ec15fd608dc3f9a9044%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455180283455507%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=e%2B1JTrWHVdyaIsssHXSUdhdNVSSbIpETIZ9hcZpJrwE%3D&reserved=0">ActiveMontgomery</a>. Visit the Spring 2024 <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3iZowzHSh0St-2BKRm9bkGUn38WLSYxR11LPmICqOUz3ulg-3D-3DoPDo_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDi5Sy1NdYcj1ag9MVeKd4VZ0HxXm2FOWknvmF1ywEEWeJVFL0GstP8LgbPraou7V7TybK-2F5hsq9NXKg0uTaTGqpm0D5LFDwNfCRWR1yiPsqANtiIMB-2BmOGvhjGoXu8TmKZVCFvy6CUkOBF64MT7e44ryOZjpBotFvriDf4wNyBMvujyCqHpHatXsvv4WDRKV2AqhSsoNVDh9HutX0pPBaRI6oK-2FDVHt7lRFfTHTHqs-2FSAfspew-2B3aYqGEP-2FMDxGXgQ-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cd6b6a3dfff6d4ec15fd608dc3f9a9044%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455180283462852%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=pZ8x%2FeCKz8MeZVhkSetjqeAK4RTwAZewGVHYt2lft8Y%3D&reserved=0">Montgomery Parks Program Guide</a>. <br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-23520904770585979502024-03-13T19:22:00.000-04:002024-03-13T19:22:09.320-04:00Libraries to Offer Free Animation Workshops for Teens and Tweens During MCPS Spring Break March 25-29<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3gTeABmL4ArFpt9CctrXhmmbgCNMr610RCbzNAWv21BoomGwVqqM4t9qkmPwnMGcJG_zkfnN9fmSSgoGpyF8FMzjNUAZ-fZpIIf1YqiHXvkFHSJEZkv2rxkuTchCMumPOQ6YYamPOFJGCbAaLYEBWl8PmwBSmCJ5TQa7jdGyAag3qbJpDpQgPXjHajU/s1080/2024%20Animation%2010+%20social%20media.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3gTeABmL4ArFpt9CctrXhmmbgCNMr610RCbzNAWv21BoomGwVqqM4t9qkmPwnMGcJG_zkfnN9fmSSgoGpyF8FMzjNUAZ-fZpIIf1YqiHXvkFHSJEZkv2rxkuTchCMumPOQ6YYamPOFJGCbAaLYEBWl8PmwBSmCJ5TQa7jdGyAag3qbJpDpQgPXjHajU/w640-h640/2024%20Animation%2010+%20social%20media.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Montgomery County Public Libraries will host animation workshops for children aged 10-15 during the week of March 25-29, coinciding with Montgomery County Public Schools’ spring break. Registration is required for each workshop.</div><br />The workshops will be led by <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fleilacabib.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Ca5bde95965d04bd84e5208dc3ebc37c8%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638454225312661944%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=scDEM4BL4T%2Bk97tv5V9ZvrDr7otUL5OtSAKE4u6BxB0%3D&reserved=0">Leila Cabib</a>, a seasoned cartoonist, illustrator and animator. With extensive experience, Ms. Cabib’s work spans newspapers, magazines, books and an environmental museum. She has authored and illustrated two nationally syndicated comic strips, collaborating with clients including Time-Life Books, <i>The Wall Street Journal</i> and <i>The Washington Post. </i>Ms. Cabib holds a B.A. in English from Bard College and an M.A. in illustration from Syracuse University. She is from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and is fluent in Spanish. <br /><br />“The arts play a pivotal role in fostering self-expression, individuality and emotional exploration,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “These animation workshops help equip our youth with invaluable skills, empowering them to creatively express themselves and explore their feelings.” <br /><br />Workshops dates, times and locations: <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Monday, March 25. 10:30-11:30 a.m. <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmontgomerycountymd.gov%2Flibrary%2Fbranches%2Fmorella.html&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Ca5bde95965d04bd84e5208dc3ebc37c8%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638454225312668715%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=QZz9XxuvnuoN6Of9HQ%2BRGZ%2FIXKi%2F4nXexid2fbJAxLQ%3D&reserved=0">Connie Morella Library</a>, 7400 Arlington Rd., Bethesda. Register at <a href="https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/10077727">https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/10077727</a>. </li><li>Tuesday, March 26. 2-3 p.m. <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmontgomerycountymd.gov%2Flibrary%2Fbranches%2Fgaithersburg.html&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Ca5bde95965d04bd84e5208dc3ebc37c8%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638454225312679118%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vzKWA3sqsKLWeDkb7kvMQjTJzdRevygm1vudr0YnMLA%3D&reserved=0">Gaithersburg Library</a>, 18330 Montgomery Village Ave., Gaithersburg. Register at <a href="https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/10074524">https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/10074524</a>. </li><li>Wednesday, March 27. 2-3 p.m. <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmontgomerycountymd.gov%2Flibrary%2Fbranches%2Ftwinbrook.html&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Ca5bde95965d04bd84e5208dc3ebc37c8%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638454225312689539%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5yeK3SBcNDonZAIu9tePSftAoNSVo%2Fr5PBsJNAxPLfo%3D&reserved=0">Twinbrook Library</a>, 202 Meadow Hall Dr., Rockville. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/10155310. </li><li>Thursday, March 28. 10:30-11:30 a.m. <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmontgomerycountymd.gov%2Flibrary%2Fbranches%2Frockville.html&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Ca5bde95965d04bd84e5208dc3ebc37c8%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638454225312701108%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=KCNYcQ9icr1b%2BEkiGedmFDwBmRNaBlr3RtDapbIXzCk%3D&reserved=0">Rockville Memorial Library</a>, 21 Maryland Ave., Rockville. Register at <a href="https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/10110153">https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/10110153</a>. </li><li>Friday, March 29. 2-3 p.m. <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmontgomerycountymd.gov%2Flibrary%2Fbranches%2Faspenhill.html&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Ca5bde95965d04bd84e5208dc3ebc37c8%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638454225312714820%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=QAndQmqIUM8lfSdMaPpP69euRpeHS7qFSkitO%2BqDIwE%3D&reserved=0">Aspen Hill Library</a>, 4407 Aspen Hill Rd., Rockville. Register at <a href="https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/10116061">https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/10116061</a>. </li></ul>Participants will be provided art supplies for use during the workshops. <br /><br />The workshops are funded in part by an Arts in Education grant from the Maryland State Arts Council. <br /><br />For additional information about the animation workshops, contact Clotilde Puértolas via email at <a href="mailto:Clotilde.puertolas@montgomerycountymd.gov">clotilde.puertolas@montgomerycountymd.gov</a>. <br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-39330691447325438952024-03-13T19:20:00.009-04:002024-03-14T15:32:26.609-04:00BioTech and Life Sciences Business and Brad L. Stewart of Montgomery Economic Development Are Featured in Newest ‘What’s Happening MoCo’ Podcast<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YlGw0KUPUmw?si=7ym2ajy0TofwGWGm" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div><br /></div><div>Montgomery County’s Economic Develop Corporation’s (MCEDC) Senior Vice President Brad L. Stewart joined the latest episode of the What’s Happening MoCo podcast, which is now available. The episode centers on biotech and life sciences business in the County. <br /><br />Mr. Stewart shared his career journey and provide insight into the County’s biotech and life sciences industry and will talk about the growth of AstraZeneca and United Therapeutics in the region. <br /><br />To hear the interview and gain some tips for local entrepreneurs, listen to the <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/CCM/whats-happening-moco-podcast.html">What’s Happening MoCo podcast</a> via a podcast platform including <a href="https://bit.ly/whats-happening-moco">Apple Podcasts</a> Spotify, Amazon Music (ask Alexa to play the What’s Happening MoCo podcast), iHeartRadio, TuneIn and others. The video version of the podcast can be viewed on the What’s Happening MoCo <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast">Facebook page</a> or on County Cable Montgomery, Xfinity Channel 996, RCN 1056 or Verizon 30. <br /><br />Mr. Stewart is a serial biotech entrepreneur now working to grow Montgomery County’s economy, which approaches $100 billion per year and is the leading economic driver of Maryland. When asked about what attracts large businesses to set up in the County, he said, “Talent. You have to have a nexus with people with the skills necessary to work in those companies.” <br /><br />He went on to say the County’s proximity to the nation’s capital and major life sciences institutions also contribute to the value of doing business in Montgomery County. <br /><br />Residents and others interested in asking a question or suggesting a topic to be addressed in a future episode are encouraged to engage via the <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAxMjEuMzM3Mjc4NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWNlYm9vay5jb20vV2hhdHNIYXBwZW5pbmdNb0NvUG9kY2FzdCJ9.UCrtPV7CbHJiHfIlGDhPa4223UXcV2yXTqxlI8oB9kU%2Fs%2F209201612%2Fbr%2F93446025194-l&data=04%7C01%7CDerrick.Kenny%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cef5dabffa0f44a262b7608d8c7cbccfd%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C637479025418317900%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=vg6WpgcR%2BUyY2nIUbBWV12vYIpEAqNOa%2Fv7nJpj4EG0%3D&reserved=0">Facebook page</a>, group or via e-mail at <a href="mailto:derrick.kenny@montgomerycountymd.gov">derrick.kenny@montgomerycountymd.gov</a>. <br /><br />In past episodes, podcast host Derrick Kenny has addressed a wide variety of subjects. The show’s guests have included elected officials, Montgomery employees who specialize in specific aspects of government, business leaders and entertainers who live in the County. New podcasts are released twice a month. <br /><br />The What’s Happening MoCo podcast episode archives can be accessed by visiting the <a href="https://montgomerycountymd.gov/CCM/whats-happening-moco-podcast.html">podcast’s webpage</a>.<br /> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-80116452937701772472024-03-13T19:19:00.001-04:002024-03-13T19:19:51.464-04:00 Nature Center Programs in March Will Include St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Hunt and ‘Etch and Sip’ Wine Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_banners/102131865/1680785075/1500x500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="800" height="214" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_banners/102131865/1680785075/1500x500" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The nature centers of Montgomery Parks will have a lion-sized calendar of special events throughout March, including wildflower hikes, leprechaun hunts and even wine on a raptor deck from your own hand-etched wine glass. <br /><br />The March nature center programs will include:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3gPnKMI3gVfQaX9NTIIV5hyRB1BBxBHkWZox-2B4QQtzVkw-3D-3DjX_G_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDvtXMeKQzXLmgH6hJBg2SLDICUdETVfpaBgTSUKNXuZulJCpZTvfWTzfTXp32ER3-2Bz8HL3-2BdH3PPbqYEvGyFDhvgEpRcjJdohIB4BZFMResCrbMARd19XwNzu8EYzW8OO-2BoSdmiJqGYyzGqh8iGLXbuNylXNOAZ0npoAgVobAn6wBZrhe2VbnhP2x4B9F5Vp0-2BN0YoGL-2FFG0eVjG47ng4Bq989nZm0lpei4IyQyn9Xr-2BNHOboK1ArUonLuYchLLyiQ-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C9aaf03de493440f04d5808dc394d82e0%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638448252322022206%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ym%2BNYVPJnAIspvCMQvjwSxaX%2Frw%2Bg35Fk5SwUF4CE2o%3D&reserved=0">Upcycled Art: Paper</a>. Saturday, March 16. 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton. Help the environment through art. Recycle and repurpose old newspapers, magazines and other paper into a piece of beautiful art. Materials will be provided. <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLTQAmQNy69-2BTEoz5ARuQArzVNmW50e8k4E52a0nAEMawlEz2kOsFExiifJutfQQ3LYY0Ky2G-2BgtTmSz3p1ztrdQpud-2Fi-2Bw8Gi9XHaOsLI-2BNKADE6ICrKKbF5AL-2B8qC4hQ-3D-3D9B8A_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDvtXMeKQzXLmgH6hJBg2SLDICUdETVfpaBgTSUKNXuZulJCpZTvfWTzfTXp32ER3-2Bz8HL3-2BdH3PPbqYEvGyFDhvgEpRcjJdohIB4BZFMResCaxnswezm-2FV4RpRWvMiIZm96eFIK4uIAW3zf9eZ2L2MoskFz6Gv7YZT8MAzX25IbUkzxebjoQCVI-2BgR-2FmWIIWe-2BYpLgptXfKQbgG83sYCialpomIIa4q7ZSu0as9yCda6Duzgz-2FqHkvZp5dpUGs-2BRBQ-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C9aaf03de493440f04d5808dc394d82e0%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638448252322029373%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Csq1rljwfKHx2DKzsUbDiSyuQxNYiv%2FtmuQ1lJmWER4%3D&reserved=0">Registration required</a>. Ages 18 and older. $25 per person.</li><li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3hiIzowSwVDAvz1QB5nXcpf6h2sEj5v59vAfw7ZDiUZo7zEcB-2BkehwYokfDuVgAcb3lNy8rvjzQLhpxbAJcjjLFNard23TRYFN3hgt1LEcpncgEgXu-2FWroUfQkwSBnPjzw-3DFpqf_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDvtXMeKQzXLmgH6hJBg2SLDICUdETVfpaBgTSUKNXuZulJCpZTvfWTzfTXp32ER3-2Bz8HL3-2BdH3PPbqYEvGyFDhvgEpRcjJdohIB4BZFMResCIehm1yF3v067z1BamW201N1GRXugqwJk-2BCrVtWTkswbUrcMgm8UpJ4cfCOS9OvmTpdC7LKaskx46Y6Jate5CrpRtNLEXpKN2PnYpddIRuW5qgAaXYWIZyd5OL4We58kSzPVrTfmylvzECeplmFJzUQ-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C9aaf03de493440f04d5808dc394d82e0%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638448252322037009%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=x1SIiYqU%2BkPCGBrro6gEgUB720IZ62pqRTmgcXTC1eQ%3D&reserved=0">Fairy House Walk</a>. Sunday, March 17. 1–3:45 p.m. Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda. Visit the enchanted forest of Cabin John Kingdom. The fairies have agreed to make their village visible to humans. Walk along the trail to see their magical homes and build your own fairy habitat in the woods. <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLTQAmQNy69-2BTEoz5ARuQArzVNmW50e8k4E52a0nAEMaDdhdR7x4J35DlOB9NTAeOPM9KO4lNKwp4zjGf22ZqsVJju0-2BLlUECWhy1nvsWA4sFPVFjZDZ-2FPc0kHOBsPP0L6qQiucNkKLF2skA0LxVJrDqVP7AQVsMvrw8Q8o-2FNVvqHn-2BGa6erDbe-2FcY5mOtcF6qmkVgy2DLo9WFjjvyNh0PxFddxYpKVkQiRA0e7bwQbpdYP7O0fhl5ND-2BRQ6rllFdXfVHpO0M3h95OqZktkSwaLhbnd53lKw5niu9cK6hCsE00yPhF7x3K-2BaJdxDpDcTE2PzrseNL9uakLDbSeaEfoZOY7vo57R7s0IHUSvrXx5mQeoEDSGQRnuADnBopfFhwWupkg-2FVeghN7Zh9s-2FC57JmF0UfhsVbEVBRoW2On4giiPqqVxCN7fbJyWbI46zHbRhzMrST7U6oTW9TRnMlk-2FeBaBoB2J5GZw5C1OYoKeZ-2F7-2BIsFs0ctj9KWpE-2B9AXCz22yFyoU8Kqa210mPmSv7yHDh-2BWapGpOiaGu-2FOtQVe8f2lmyKm-2BUxL3cLHN4lsh102y1KWzCHDMqsTJQGY-2BvwCU-2Br8Lji3wfs3hd3F-2Bw0oRxCFMT4il4WL0Lf-2FbyvA6WKGQ-3D-3Ds0ws_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDvtXMeKQzXLmgH6hJBg2SLDICUdETVfpaBgTSUKNXuZulJCpZTvfWTzfTXp32ER3-2Bz8HL3-2BdH3PPbqYEvGyFDhvgEpRcjJdohIB4BZFMResC9CzZmFMC7KxCIhXy9q2oimDB86pWmFW8notJCxxrupTQW390twWQbk5mf1fdUTfJyUWKz6gFnCehteViei0eeGT8K3bLkdvY5h3-2FAJ8AlFikK5lqEgxr1YTpNPheX06drhHF-2BCrqbcC3SE0eS-2FbJdQ-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C9aaf03de493440f04d5808dc394d82e0%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638448252322044818%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=JDPPvCp2i%2FL70qwymQANHgVgt7T0Q0PJaDq1QOIlKGc%3D&reserved=0">Registration required</a>. All ages (ages 2 and older must register). $3 per person. (Ticket times start every 15 minutes in 30-minute increments.)</li><li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3jxsXQo7Vj8x4Njmxg4FP9U7fsUZsbe7v7c-2Bt-2Bv0dGsOw-3D-3D8Mzd_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDvtXMeKQzXLmgH6hJBg2SLDICUdETVfpaBgTSUKNXuZulJCpZTvfWTzfTXp32ER3-2Bz8HL3-2BdH3PPbqYEvGyFDhvgEpRcjJdohIB4BZFMResCH-2Ftp-2FQjIT8OXqie-2BuTRTbY1NeqqXhvAc-2BvUyhpnTQyj14yZFlFnTLDTyezlWVQoTkfJqW4i4xuyiK8o-2F77R-2FHTrZPgs6CXXWGVswpdGDvZbja8qUSzTWNUPX9Bw4HW3FgNzBJ-2F3pzqGTA-2FeD8Q1EXA-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C9aaf03de493440f04d5808dc394d82e0%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638448252322053753%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=uBOvlvqtOcVjK2msW0YXDI%2Fx8VpOeuvfL5b0Y8k9Bsw%3D&reserved=0">Spring Equinox Guided Labyrinth Walk and Campfire</a>. March 17. 6–8 p.m. Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda. Celebrate the start of spring by taking time in nature to restore and recharge. Choose a guided activity in the mediation labyrinth, then warm up by the fire and roast a marshmallow. <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLTQAmQNy69-2BTEoz5ARuQArzVNmW50e8k4E52a0nAEMawlEz2kOsFExiifJutfQQ3LYY0Ky2G-2BgtTmSz3p1ztreqmsUq8J8zamFkRMFtOPgcq9r9YJ8S7EDRlHXSSm84mw-3D-3Dmogi_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDvtXMeKQzXLmgH6hJBg2SLDICUdETVfpaBgTSUKNXuZulJCpZTvfWTzfTXp32ER3-2Bz8HL3-2BdH3PPbqYEvGyFDhvgEpRcjJdohIB4BZFMResCwyfLtGIk5JJsWxfsksTow9gG4Q0ihFuzDHLmC8ku2vbmI4H2pFTiTlPh38YosTau07KXtev96XRPXnNVElVFgwCnsBqNjd6Obc8ln8WnOkP0SlCgsvnGmiV3uqQaTMsDV8371bMY3BB5lmxJck0NUQ-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C9aaf03de493440f04d5808dc394d82e0%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638448252322062419%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1MmgU5Y2I6qwuvwN3JkZktZH06j59HUI81bREf%2BClu4%3D&reserved=0">Registration required</a>. All ages (ages 5 and older must register). $6 per person.</li><li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3ie7y4LqeaB4eVxFiqo9xtYTrgaBqKVDlG8I5ZrEYKd5QyT7nI-2FkoyM2tac49flK4Y-3DuaT1_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDvtXMeKQzXLmgH6hJBg2SLDICUdETVfpaBgTSUKNXuZulJCpZTvfWTzfTXp32ER3-2Bz8HL3-2BdH3PPbqYEvGyFDhvgEpRcjJdohIB4BZFMResCItLT4Z7qSMYrH1IRvOgYP3Efqaky2-2FHDOrH5zv15gf3jvEVP4mW-2BsVF3jpuwGrYBYp-2F-2FWgfy5ukRmvE7LcF7nhh7ECd9XlnjLCFId9r2NNwl-2B7BL7Irmbu8kvCGzSZ2U8cBExdkLQh-2BEyFSnKLl68g-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C9aaf03de493440f04d5808dc394d82e0%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638448252322069954%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=bg5Da7epcTd9pW%2F%2BgKH0NEelQiq30cOEpYIT7Ec1gVY%3D&reserved=0">Etch and Sip Wine Night</a>. Saturday, March 23. 4–6 p.m. Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville. Create a personalized wine glass and then use it to enjoy a glass of wine afterward. Materials and stencils for chemical glass etching will be provided. Ages 21 and older. <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLTQAmQNy69-2BTEoz5ARuQArzVNmW50e8k4E52a0nAEMawlEz2kOsFExiifJutfQQ3LYY0Ky2G-2BgtTmSz3p1ztreqmsUq8J8zamFkRMFtOPgcuD9bNLg64I4RBXPf8cZbDw-3D-3DTZV9_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDvtXMeKQzXLmgH6hJBg2SLDICUdETVfpaBgTSUKNXuZulJCpZTvfWTzfTXp32ER3-2Bz8HL3-2BdH3PPbqYEvGyFDhvgEpRcjJdohIB4BZFMResCOKmRgd-2B-2FZZaw432Iqr6E-2BsjeDJqMdFpntccEppUPzQn9sfjxyc1nurqWWRNWIh4Z28KRtRzN9OwMC5-2B5hXR8rLO0Lq9eZB7eUEFNFU2121QVJoQLY7y86Tps-2BYR3dyKQAmtpAwJ15UItoT2v35a5LA-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C9aaf03de493440f04d5808dc394d82e0%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638448252322077805%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=hnEDbB5zXRcO29bfGCWG0vv0Ic%2B%2FvH7Q678UDcV075A%3D&reserved=0">Registration required</a>. $20 per person.</li><li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3jxsXQo7Vj8x4Njmxg4FP9Uuo3cRi4v4HFK5Xp3E-2B-2BxrFPPlr4Ua3PZMfwmIEdXG5c-3DeFVV_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDvtXMeKQzXLmgH6hJBg2SLDICUdETVfpaBgTSUKNXuZulJCpZTvfWTzfTXp32ER3-2Bz8HL3-2BdH3PPbqYEvGyFDhvgEpRcjJdohIB4BZFMResCOeGUvn3VHps-2F1lzD5afKhJZSRqp1X-2FRwdZBAoqVwiE7O2UCjpkzASuSqTNf9UHdDWXBtAphyr7s-2BUHB78kFS9u4kSOZH-2F-2FO9QRqTEINUAqBUKC3tRRbqb4dgmWuSLfBNclAl9SXBxHZa-2B1yYdCnEsw-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C9aaf03de493440f04d5808dc394d82e0%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638448252322085413%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2FRrYmP%2BU2pOO1J5i%2FjUiXsoz%2BxttDt4OVszwCsMBdNs%3D&reserved=0">Spring Wildflower Walk</a>. Sunday, March 24. 10–11:30 a.m. Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda. For a few short weeks in spring, the forest floor is blanketed in beautiful woodland wildflowers. Take a stroll through the park guided by a master naturalist to enjoy this spectacular short-lived seasonal display. <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLTQAmQNy69-2BTEoz5ARuQArzVNmW50e8k4E52a0nAEMawlEz2kOsFExiifJutfQQ3LYY0Ky2G-2BgtTmSz3p1ztreqmsUq8J8zamFkRMFtOPgcZczdf1dbzODZ62mmEZp5ag-3D-3D3PQ-_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDvtXMeKQzXLmgH6hJBg2SLDICUdETVfpaBgTSUKNXuZulJCpZTvfWTzfTXp32ER3-2Bz8HL3-2BdH3PPbqYEvGyFDhvgEpRcjJdohIB4BZFMResC9lD-2BnjRIEOQ4TXTBT0pakCIzW78dNdOsUYVxERfJJnCHo2nEyj2tKjHGV2dUjkJYfUQ-2F0OMWLvU6uiUk8NdFC04vEmlPujhBmLbqYRUtu3LxTwPmFktE1xzOz9hukEiqp6SryMDa9Kf-2FVUv6AGqpNQ-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C9aaf03de493440f04d5808dc394d82e0%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638448252322092929%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2F36eZY87dWRe%2BaPVSBFpjOR25umrV0UWORCurvPrvto%3D&reserved=0">Registration required</a>. Ages 16 and older. $7 per person.</li><li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3hemerJuukgynNkAxvavQfgESgqJf92XJlaVUkMmGCxiUnPU-2BPQ6i5ve6GzrHTJ06k-3DrUbx_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDvtXMeKQzXLmgH6hJBg2SLDICUdETVfpaBgTSUKNXuZulJCpZTvfWTzfTXp32ER3-2Bz8HL3-2BdH3PPbqYEvGyFDhvgEpRcjJdohIB4BZFMResCxrLQ3OuehXDLWxgACQOkboKcW8kYvTxY9S1VSjXA5oJQimO3Hjg1Ur76vOjQ44EjQYQmI4rwnTr56KN2p7-2BNXiI-2BwJULl2HgEh5OIOvvxEgPPB80l7TwlM-2Fp4jkq75dsEzBddiqGaEDqQ13hvO7E9Q-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C9aaf03de493440f04d5808dc394d82e0%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638448252322100826%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=w3zTatC0bmAAGxnfxCYLJMEabh5a18brSEM8v2ac5gg%3D&reserved=0">Nature Center Pop-up</a>. Sunday, March 24. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Martin Luther King Recreational Park, 1100 Jackson Road, White Oak. Visit the Nature on Wheels vehicle and meet a naturalist to learn about the park, explore some natural objects, ask questions and do biology-themed activities. <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLTQAmQNy69-2BTEoz5ARuQArzVNmW50e8k4E52a0nAEMawlEz2kOsFExiifJutfQQ3LYY0Ky2G-2BgtTmSz3p1ztreqmsUq8J8zamFkRMFtOPgc5SRe-2BUNxCkKM5CB3XqH7mQ-3D-3DHRmR_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDvtXMeKQzXLmgH6hJBg2SLDICUdETVfpaBgTSUKNXuZulJCpZTvfWTzfTXp32ER3-2Bz8HL3-2BdH3PPbqYEvGyFDhvgEpRcjJdohIB4BZFMResCDSyyJy-2FmwKJr3CjOJNdw13MAO1hUAbfS4dfuHpt72I-2BOzqGKFSeDw-2B6bPGJXK-2FCWlTI2aX-2BF7p5HYM5xZfWMeubcRPYlEi9UCZKKcSEb-2FsP54-2FN24XpJHif4-2BF19SepDrB-2FgzRLVm9EYau2RkQ19rQ-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C9aaf03de493440f04d5808dc394d82e0%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638448252322108313%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Pl2YwHeC1hMlSNFJ5U6CYE67G6oSv6SMdoapb%2BwShdw%3D&reserved=0">Registration optional</a>. All ages. Free.</li><li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3jG9OcwuC9XGLNFpskDTKsuq3kELmgFkJKoDBc1Y3Vr1CR-2BV7OyO1l11DfwyT3u3afr41d-2F5GQyF7c2fxVpuDcNuSuH_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDvtXMeKQzXLmgH6hJBg2SLDICUdETVfpaBgTSUKNXuZulJCpZTvfWTzfTXp32ER3-2Bz8HL3-2BdH3PPbqYEvGyFDhvgEpRcjJdohIB4BZFMResC-2FiQ32oSdbqKZCSvbSJf8WIl-2Fc89Quw4uUY7ERxyarhZiA60CEggEErvdYeyo3qUA4bddxmQwYV-2BBHFMCZ8cg8WtTcaOq0lgkZ4xhysEuCny2Dqv60P1Hw-2Bbs1Zpp3CCE3a11UIVh-2Fgef34K-2BKg6gJQ-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C9aaf03de493440f04d5808dc394d82e0%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638448252322115755%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3yEHcwtfb75qx2WMAD61VR0zpnn%2F2xVcqEV57p6UQD4%3D&reserved=0">Hike at Middle Patuxent Environmental Area</a>. Tuesday, March 26. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Black Hill Discovery Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds. Travel by van to the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area in Howard County and hike the South Wind Trail through upland and hardwood forest, fields, wetlands and riparian habitats. Ages 18 and older. <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLTQAmQNy69-2BTEoz5ARuQArzVNmW50e8k4E52a0nAEMawlEz2kOsFExiifJutfQQ3LYY0Ky2G-2BgtTmSz3p1ztrfTvcrIWBQZmVUPQmamQ-2BzMaHNmV9sifY-2Fo-2FYmWVHw-2FUw-3D-3DDLxX_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDvtXMeKQzXLmgH6hJBg2SLDICUdETVfpaBgTSUKNXuZulJCpZTvfWTzfTXp32ER3-2Bz8HL3-2BdH3PPbqYEvGyFDhvgEpRcjJdohIB4BZFMResCxNjCUu6ROLcDzk7Zn3KRCON3OJvHIU64dphcacRhukodjIMPPtm9ZQjDqTIcV7MjrMvNvelUe-2FrViBJF-2F1ljZrBiRPLk3O94tHNU32orbiUE-2BCNDM1QQO86jR-2Fx7xYRjZ4NuRKXTmG6iVzMzQGrx7g-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C9aaf03de493440f04d5808dc394d82e0%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638448252322123777%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FbM3MrEpRw2To52k5IGhnnFRF7CUtIaOxrtyNwX06TY%3D&reserved=0">Registration required</a>. $35 ($33 for members of Friends of Black Hill).</li><li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3hVdLgTYmnmTSLEDmjYYTAz3Q2ltTD2Icqy7jh8oEBMKfnBDP2GItOH2CDcZr708-2B0-3DTOUf_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDvtXMeKQzXLmgH6hJBg2SLDICUdETVfpaBgTSUKNXuZulJCpZTvfWTzfTXp32ER3-2Bz8HL3-2BdH3PPbqYEvGyFDhvgEpRcjJdohIB4BZFMResCdGRjXoZJDEGcTnvqKWOfDOWayZNyfo7c5OA-2FTBh4dGtsjqXaT9joPPlRoSB8pTjyce7pSf2lSROLqqF6D3oN-2FhJXkppPiqd3tXQcbvzc4UFn6A8jaGxuzVvBtrb99YnpyDBBeE9BoRHtH3iibqSL7w-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C9aaf03de493440f04d5808dc394d82e0%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638448252322131495%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8go5YQBQ3RSvmUSqFg0mX1O7z6ILGHOMjBn3Fbk0HVo%3D&reserved=0">Herp Hunt at Rachel Carson</a>. Friday, March 29. 3–5 p.m. Rachel Carson Conservation Park, 22201 Zion Road, Olney. Search for herps (reptiles and amphibians) in vernal pools at Rachel Carson Conservation Park. Find tadpoles, frogs, salamanders and maybe a snake or two. Ages 6-12. <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLTQAmQNy69-2BTEoz5ARuQArzVNmW50e8k4E52a0nAEMawlEz2kOsFExiifJutfQQ3LYY0Ky2G-2BgtTmSz3p1ztrfTvcrIWBQZmVUPQmamQ-2BzM4pmU0R-2FaUgUh2aAeimP6Ug-3D-3DZeH8_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDvtXMeKQzXLmgH6hJBg2SLDICUdETVfpaBgTSUKNXuZulJCpZTvfWTzfTXp32ER3-2Bz8HL3-2BdH3PPbqYEvGyFDhvgEpRcjJdohIB4BZFMResCO6iptIhgjkd3uixRnnodakrt-2FN7v5WLoq9kMY0U5KeLxNpHZTBPdKVLpPkYtSrmhw41C2yxxlqBs5MtzXBebER9wKsXrVQwoksAyL9dkmPG6kh1QfxH-2BIm9ANAt7Zs0ViRXwhTi9vN67rRiA9BrHqA-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C9aaf03de493440f04d5808dc394d82e0%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638448252322138766%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=D31YDvKE9IO1Wu88T3Y1FokIAweSl7yGNPvA0n6D1Y8%3D&reserved=0">Registration required</a>. $7 per person ($6-Friends of Black Hill).</li></ul>Go to <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3iFbMNkF3mIZYd1UbWp4mbNxV8l_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDvtXMeKQzXLmgH6hJBg2SLDICUdETVfpaBgTSUKNXuZulJCpZTvfWTzfTXp32ER3-2Bz8HL3-2BdH3PPbqYEvGyFDhvgEpRcjJdohIB4BZFMResC-2BwNvm9vq4JrbBtfZK-2FDY2DArdwYOWFaRFpccVCOrblW8jAZunEUZNhhXAeCchrh61-2FyJrdkzDs5QZab1l7GfZudqUzJO548DuzoXJB-2BjF-2BRXV99PTgkLooUmHOymsShyRn7xYlDOHFXTJkxQU02EEg-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C9aaf03de493440f04d5808dc394d82e0%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638448252322146205%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=76%2BTg4cJCCEfZuTxLoTBOXZ5zf4yqDwLFw61rOh8Ino%3D&reserved=0">Montgomery Parks event calendar</a> for a complete list of special events and programming and to learn how to sign up using <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssCRZB4j3Y7T78hQR-2BZtwgk5DIKHnC7tRRu-2BGIBYx-2FByC7FuC4bYR2xleee4NV3gFpXiaQ5xA2q-2Bq2Bl6EdketE6BSXaBQ2F758xf3YUa6-2BJ4CillP4ra9lEZMPPWApxezQ-3D-3DdstS_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDvtXMeKQzXLmgH6hJBg2SLDICUdETVfpaBgTSUKNXuZulJCpZTvfWTzfTXp32ER3-2Bz8HL3-2BdH3PPbqYEvGyFDhvgEpRcjJdohIB4BZFMResCG-2F9jXeKCD-2BAVYaG97gjiah57CTIZTZPK7u2bG31LgAgI3KnY3jPzV-2FuROJkwjOEa-2FVYcOEv3hoxhRpG4JnRv4Lz02FPrt0cSWxGoe2ilM2MqXxmimM10sU2DH70Z5Jo33cLLpJbcdDqklC8HuhlJ9w-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C9aaf03de493440f04d5808dc394d82e0%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638448252322153884%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8kn53PeVRQbmVwkIZM0Jc6DU4Hq2a2EOMNp%2FSybBmD8%3D&reserved=0">ActiveMontgomery</a>. Visit the Spring 2024 <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3iZowzHSh0St-2BKRm9bkGUn38WLSYxR11LPmICqOUz3ulg-3D-3DLEEx_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDvtXMeKQzXLmgH6hJBg2SLDICUdETVfpaBgTSUKNXuZulJCpZTvfWTzfTXp32ER3-2Bz8HL3-2BdH3PPbqYEvGyFDhvgEpRcjJdohIB4BZFMResCl3-2FZzCseOK6-2Fynx1Z59y-2FkZemQta-2BopRncEtaDWlM43FzUqDyywX49AC6mYETbIeeuuBjf96x8KR-2Fh2Lzg8Bvbzg7uTXWtiEGVlMdIyrRxoG8y0VqefB1OIVVFDgzQs2vTtkqcMsdgyI6ZIfP2O64A-3D-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C9aaf03de493440f04d5808dc394d82e0%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638448252322161589%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2BFpcsN9Pz7ZhDPi2j81iTHaun9fhAts%2FzW4gz7mHWWI%3D&reserved=0">Montgomery Parks Program Guide</a>.<br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-61239469625891212892024-03-13T19:17:00.001-04:002024-03-13T19:17:36.529-04:00Commission for Women and Montgomery Women to Hold Free Virtual Career Seminar for Middle and High School Females on Thursday, March 21<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctcOqprz0pGd3X-arnPm6NATyW43n35hwq#/registration" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="583" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6S7IgiyPH9bNYRAF4nwm2Dqx2t7b_CbaC1Waibszl0gA8aDE7irZbFHMEjqoJ5V7mtcn1Fz3jzqgGKgo616oY0pyzahDAxKVsLDdq2nXzoB5DNOQlaQGI_-hSIY14m_8NZy6dW16uJhvLFo3LoQXpeNGDSZOO33YuypVLO0XaMU1kOEEY9TLy_XuLjc/w496-h640/march21event_original.png" width="496" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal">The Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery
Women will host a free virtual career guidance session for middle and high
school female students, “A Virtual Career Exploration for Her,” from 7-8:30
p.m. Thursday, March 21. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Zoom event is free, but registration is required. <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctcOqprz0pGd3X-arnPm6NATyW43n35hwq#/registration" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Register here</a>.
Students completing a brief survey at the event's conclusion can earn two hours
of Student Service-Learning Hours (SSL). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Panel discussions will look at careers ranging from fire
services, STEM careers, the law and entrepreneurship. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It will give students the opportunity to hear from
professional women who will share their experiences, knowledge and education. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For more information about this event, contact Ijeoma Enendu
at <a href="mailto:ijeoma.enendu@montgomerycountymd.gov">ijeoma.enendu@montgomerycountymd.gov</a>
or Carmen Kaarid at <a href="mailto:carmen.kaarid@montgomerycountymd.gov">carmen.kaarid@montgomerycountymd.gov</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><o:p></o:p></p></div>Clark Testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325095445143413931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-29836764437840208942024-03-13T19:16:00.004-04:002024-03-15T10:23:22.482-04:00Home Projects: When Do You Need a Permit?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_Dveka_1xy5CkdP-KqfhQqu6UIcJcJAp4itw6BkDk0yxa9PGjH5r0gXTE3EtunSArF9RZypSuw35WpJ-tlxW0ts5vRas_uvyHJIkpW8-yS6KlWBIliJ1VfFHUnS_ZQP0GF6K7HqUAGRtZ4p8iCTlqw9ype-F5tPRh_DXVdHR6ckSyUEy3WEKEoW-NIg/s11879/permit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5106" data-original-width="11879" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_Dveka_1xy5CkdP-KqfhQqu6UIcJcJAp4itw6BkDk0yxa9PGjH5r0gXTE3EtunSArF9RZypSuw35WpJ-tlxW0ts5vRas_uvyHJIkpW8-yS6KlWBIliJ1VfFHUnS_ZQP0GF6K7HqUAGRtZ4p8iCTlqw9ype-F5tPRh_DXVdHR6ckSyUEy3WEKEoW-NIg/w400-h173/permit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Spring is in the air, and many homeowners may be planning home improvements and renovations in the coming weeks and months. <br /><br />Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) staff members are available to answer questions about when a permit is needed and when you do not need a permit for home projects. <br /><br />In Montgomery County, a permit is not required for caulking, painting, wallpapering, replacing a faucet, installing countertops, installing flooring, replacing siding, replacing the roof covering, and replacing window screens. <br /><br />A permit is generally required prior to reconstruction or renovation to an existing structure other than a repair. For example, permits are required when installing an accessory structure, deck, fence (unless it replaces a permitted fence in the same location, is the same height and same materials), gazebo, swimming pool and shed. <br /><br />DPS also provides guidance on its <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm1vbnRnb21lcnljb3VudHltZC5nb3YvRFBTL1Byb2Nlc3MvcmNpL3Jlc2lkZW50aWFsLWFsdGVyYXRpb25zLmh0bWwiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzA3LjkxNDYyMDIxIn0.qACI6Hu-L9Ms2nCCzJInHAf4R4ZFMGq7ofhLbeLsPuQ%2Fs%2F1845324703%2Fbr%2F238445961642-l&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C2061934e738e43788c8508dc3eeb868c%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638454428537682974%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=U8Reef59TUtczF5%2Fb%2Fkukej2rEeo5QFql9aYsE%2F8jNw%3D&reserved=0">Residential Alterations webpage</a> to help customers know when they may need a permit. Other resources to check online are posted on the <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm1vbnRnb21lcnljb3VudHltZC5nb3YvRFBTL2hvbWVvd25lcnMvaW5kZXguaHRtbCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAzMDcuOTE0NjIwMjEifQ.ysg8G3ijbEvIsmjmVRtlHzXKVhbC1K5sElnEn8ciS6E%2Fs%2F1845324703%2Fbr%2F238445961642-l&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C2061934e738e43788c8508dc3eeb868c%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638454428537699667%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=6ot7tEbGhfIZTh71XlRsydeWk9ZlxGi2zzQX4ADhmBQ%3D&reserved=0">DPS Homeowners webpage</a>. If you live in a municipality or homeowners association, be sure and check the specific bylaws and regulations.<div><br /></div><div>DPS staff members are available to answer questions about when a permit is needed and when one is not necessary. Questions can be directed by calling the County's call center at 311 (if outside the County, call 240-777-0311). The call center can make connections with DPS staff. Residents or business representatives also can stop by DPS offices at 2425 Reedie Drive (seventh floor) in Wheaton from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. No appointment is necessary. <br /><br /><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-81223773488822780322024-03-13T19:14:00.008-04:002024-03-14T15:40:27.107-04:00Nomination Period Open for 2024 ‘Montgomery Serves Awards’<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwie7FDcGWhX4ixZELN2aRK1sIdvIBZgKoVennaBU4sDmqlm0HOT4NtdDn7UuzMK63GoplhFTICEuxBZmMr9zw0QwpFvp2P-1tBYhKMc84x11klDN4tB2r2QOKQa8xs1bNoeGXmJr1YmC7TKpKF38IN9lGQOL_Jtz_okWdXN8U8Hu4SB7L3GRG1pe5zs/s334/mcserves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="334" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwie7FDcGWhX4ixZELN2aRK1sIdvIBZgKoVennaBU4sDmqlm0HOT4NtdDn7UuzMK63GoplhFTICEuxBZmMr9zw0QwpFvp2P-1tBYhKMc84x11klDN4tB2r2QOKQa8xs1bNoeGXmJr1YmC7TKpKF38IN9lGQOL_Jtz_okWdXN8U8Hu4SB7L3GRG1pe5zs/w400-h233/mcserves.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The nomination period for the 2024 “Montgomery Serves Awards is now open. The awards are the County's highest honors for volunteerism and are awarded annually. <br /><br />Nominations can be submitted through March 29 for individuals, businesses or groups that went above and beyond to serve the community in 2023, as well as people 60 years and older who have performed a lifetime of volunteer service.<br /><br />Awards will be given for: <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Volunteer of the Year: for an individual, in recognition of volunteer service performed in 2023.</li><li>Youth Volunteer of the Year: for a volunteer aged 18 or younger for service in 2023.</li><li>Volunteer Group of the Year: for a group or team of two or more people who volunteered together on the same project(s) in 2023.</li><li>Business Volunteer of the Year: for community service by a corporation in 2023.</li><li>Neal Potter Path of Achievement Award: presented to two residents, aged 60 and up, in honor of their lifetime of volunteer service.</li></ul>For details and guidelines for the awards program and submit a nomination, go to <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteercenter/awards/index--with-nomination-links.html">Montgomery Serves Awards - Montgomery County Maryland (montgomerycountymd.gov)</a>. <br /><br />A panel will review the nominations submitted and select the honorees, who will be honored at an awards ceremony on June 25. <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteercenter/awards/">Click here</a> to check out the honorees from 2023! <br /><br />For more information about the program, email <a href="mailto:serviceawards@montgomerycountymd.gov">serviceawards@montgomerycountymd.gov</a> or call the Montgomery County Volunteer Center at 240-777-2600.<br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 450.6pt;" valign="top" width="601"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-74575407814460417722024-03-13T19:10:00.000-04:002024-03-14T10:53:04.624-04:00Department of Environmental Protection and Bethesda Green Relaunch Green Business Certification Program<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlv_cFNHp0FrYSRhBzie0fLDlFSu9kWPYS7yAclidX6BajlYkYLRpRcJihWc7SIVaInlfBc5sFdr7gaG_rOBoOgBaTZNVoptaUU0keUOHNWyU4wIi-dmcZSn-AFuLkyFsJbPzR53gVUREAUQVmu9fAUpp5yjakK_a6LevuOoPrm6JRt6sqzNPJ89-7P4/s765/2023+Green+Biz+Logo+Official.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="761" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlv_cFNHp0FrYSRhBzie0fLDlFSu9kWPYS7yAclidX6BajlYkYLRpRcJihWc7SIVaInlfBc5sFdr7gaG_rOBoOgBaTZNVoptaUU0keUOHNWyU4wIi-dmcZSn-AFuLkyFsJbPzR53gVUREAUQVmu9fAUpp5yjakK_a6LevuOoPrm6JRt6sqzNPJ89-7P4/w199-h200/2023+Green+Biz+Logo+Official.png" width="199" /></a></div>Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has relaunched its <a href="https://www.mcgreenbiz.org/">Green Business Certification Program</a>, a voluntary recognition program designed to encourage businesses and other organizations to take steps to reduce their environmental footprint. <br /><br />This program is a continuous sustainable journey where businesses achieve recognition through tiers, such as Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, by implementing and documenting their green practices. The program is now managed by <a href="https://bethesdagreen.org/">Bethesda Green</a>, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable business and living practices. <br /><br />“Through the Montgomery County Green Business Certification Program, we are empowering local businesses to embrace sustainability demonstrating that economic success and environmental stewardship go hand in hand,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Bethesda Green’s experience with helping eco-entrepreneurs develop and grow for-profit businesses makes them uniquely positioned to manage the Green Business Certification Program and take it to the next level.” <br /><br />The mission of the Green Business Certification Program is to:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Empower businesses to green their operations through the provision of tools, incentives, inspirational ideas, collaboration and leadership opportunities. </li><li>Encourage local consumers and other businesses to consider Certified Green Businesses when making purchasing decisions.</li><li>Create a supportive community of business leaders to share best practices and learn from each other.</li><li>Provide equitable access to all businesses seeking certification.</li></ul>The Green Business Certification Program, originally established to recognize and support businesses committed to environmental sustainability, has been revitalized to better serve the evolving needs of the County’s business community. <br /><br />“The Green Business Certification Program is designed to empower and inspire small businesses across Montgomery County to embrace sustainability and drive positive change,” said County DEP Director Jon Monger. “It’s exciting to be leveraging Bethesda Green’s expertise and resources to relaunch this terrific program.” <br /><br />The program will offer enhanced resources, support, and recognition to businesses striving to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future. <br /><br />“We are honored to collaborate with Montgomery County DEP and the Green Business Benchmark to build upon the legacy of promoting sustainability in Montgomery County,” said Bethesda Green Executive Director Dave Feldman. “The Green Business Benchmark is a sustainability management platform that helps businesses integrate and accelerate sustainability practices. Together, we look forward to supporting businesses in their journey to a greener, more prosperous future.” <br /><br />Businesses interested in obtaining Green Business Certification can learn more and apply through the Green Business Certification <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dep/green-business-certification.html">website</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-61239894616992001522024-03-13T19:09:00.005-04:002024-03-14T15:44:17.936-04:00Adult Bike and E-Scooter Classes to be Offered in April, May and June<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHD77vSX2zxlKPtibjJZXUIpM1yufNAamNTpZlQnMS_oAnZ8N4XzXoNl9D_mjqypLb8p8ZRUO4H0GDnnVtbFEW8hJW5-6d39Kukwk4Ns6aZcBwY106rh2HilKCxRdcfThA-GkJ7osu8MxUskj1-kMUOqdlXmJbC0LCvsI7QI9JslD9Iz3-7Kb_ovyNLq4/s2147/bike-class.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="2147" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHD77vSX2zxlKPtibjJZXUIpM1yufNAamNTpZlQnMS_oAnZ8N4XzXoNl9D_mjqypLb8p8ZRUO4H0GDnnVtbFEW8hJW5-6d39Kukwk4Ns6aZcBwY106rh2HilKCxRdcfThA-GkJ7osu8MxUskj1-kMUOqdlXmJbC0LCvsI7QI9JslD9Iz3-7Kb_ovyNLq4/w640-h346/bike-class.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will be offering low-cost adult bike classes in April, May and June. The classes will include Learn to Ride and Basic Skills classes. MCDOT also will offer four free, walk-up electric scooter classes following select bike classes. <br /><br />Advance registration is required to participate in the bicycle classes, with a cost of $10 for Montgomery County residents. There is no charge for Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) or <a href="https://capitalbikeshare.com/pricing/for-all">Capital Bikeshare For All</a> members. However, registration is still required. <br /><br />Bicycles and helmets will be provided at no charge for the adult Learn to Ride class participants and can be rented from WABA, if needed, for the Basic Skills class participants. E-scooter classes are free of charge. <br /><br />“More people are riding bikes for recreation, exercise, or as a form of transportation,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Biking is a lot of fun, a great family activity and good for the environment as an alternative to using a motor vehicle. However, it is important to learn how to bike safely and responsibly. I encourage residents to take advantage of these low-cost bike classes and appreciate MCDOT’s efforts to offer them.” <br /><br />Participants in the Learn to Ride bicycle classes will learn how to start and stop, balance, glide, pedal and steer a bike. Each student will progress at their own pace. Students in the Basic Skills class should be able to ride a bicycle and will continue to practice basic biking skills. The classes will be led by experienced WABA instructors. <br /><br />The classes are open to residents 18 and over, are limited to 25 people and fill up quickly. <br /><br /><a href="https://waba.org/">Online registration</a> is currently open for April classes on the WABA website under the Classes tab. Registration for May classes will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, March. 25, and June class registration will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 29. <br /><br />Adult Learn to Ride Bike class schedule: <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/learn-to-ride-tickets-850873554707">Saturday, April 6</a>. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. White Oak Recreation Center, <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/White+Oak+Community+Recreation+Center/@39.0458661,-76.9779389,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b7c5062ddeacb5:0xf668db371e4814f1!8m2!3d39.045862!4d-76.975364!16s%2Fg%2F11bbt4b5dh?entry=ttu">1700 April Lane</a>, Silver Spring. (NOTE: Class filled).</li><li><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/learn-to-ride-and-scooter-training-tickets-850933985457">Sunday, April 21</a>. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Upper County Recreation Center, <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Upper+County+Community+Center/@39.1500042,-77.1695159,17.26z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b7d31edd326d37:0x4490766d88e79a26!8m2!3d39.1500878!4d-77.1671161!16s%2Fg%2F1wnf1ymp?entry=ttu">8201 Emory Grove Rd</a>., Gaithersburg. *Free e-scooter class to follow. </li><li><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/learn-to-ride-tickets-851612234117">Saturday, May 11</a>. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Takoma Park Silver Spring Co-Op, <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Takoma+Park-Silver+Spring+Food+Co-op/@38.9778486,-77.0085163,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b7c6268d9fae6f:0xd25e2b55699b9d15!8m2!3d38.9778445!4d-77.0059414!16s%2Fg%2F1tdf27lk?entry=ttu">201 Ethan Allen Ave</a>., Takoma Park. </li><li><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/learn-to-ride-and-scooter-training-tickets-851653838557">Saturday, May 18</a>. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Montgomery College (parking lot 13), <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/850+Hungerford+Dr,+Rockville,+MD+20850/@39.0947689,-77.1607132,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b7cd7a9ac4236f:0xa8b963949d2b5746!8m2!3d39.0947689!4d-77.1581329!16s%2Fg%2F11bw3z7ssp?entry=ttu">850 Hungerford Dr.</a>, Rockville. *Free e-scooter class to follow. </li><li><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/learn-to-ride-tickets-851662915707">Sunday, June 9</a>. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Davis Construction at the Twinbrook Metro Center I, <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/12530+Parklawn+Dr,+Rockville,+MD+20852/@39.061139,-77.1204454,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b7cdccf1b5ca85:0xeeea22b321ac93d7!8m2!3d39.0611349!4d-77.1178705!16s%2Fg%2F11bw3xccsh?entry=ttu">12530 Parklawn Dr</a>., Rockville. </li><li><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/learn-to-ride-tickets-851669104217">Saturday, June 15</a>. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. GEICO Chevy Chase Building, <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/4250+Willard+Ave,+Chevy+Chase,+MD+20815/@38.9617009,-77.0905518,18.03z/data=!4m15!1m8!3m7!1s0x89b7c990351fd667:0x932f6fe8816474da!2s5260+Western+Ave,+Chevy+Chase,+MD+20815!3b1!8m2!3d38.9611751!4d-77.0897108!16s%2Fg%2F11kf3qy7f5!3m5!1s0x89b7c99023b86fbd:0xe395b55a5402425b!8m2!3d38.9613117!4d-77.0898068!16s%2Fg%2F11cs9cncfj?entry=ttu">5260 Western Ave</a>., Chevy Chase.</li></ul>Adult Basic Skills Bike Class schedule: <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/basic-skills-clinic-and-scooter-training-tickets-851714219157">Sunday, May 5</a>. 10 a.m.-noon, Westfield Montgomery Mall (former Sears parking lot), <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/7101+Democracy+Blvd,+Bethesda,+MD+20817/@39.0243818,-77.1493823,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b7cc7e26d7fb45:0xf17dad821586ec99!8m2!3d39.0241378!4d-77.1459998!16s%2Fg%2F11csk4bw_d?entry=ttu">7101 Democracy Blvd.</a>, Bethesda. *Free scooter class to follow. </li><li><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/basic-skills-clinic-tickets-851748772507">Saturday, June 1</a>. 11 a.m,-1 p.m. Bethesda Rescue Squad parking lot, <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bethesda-Chevy+Chase+Rescue+Squad/@38.9905319,-77.1033193,18.26z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b7cbd8ad8a35a9:0x190ae36e31c2948!8m2!3d38.9906004!4d-77.10267!16s%2Fg%2F1hc1l2y9f?entry=ttu">5020 Battery Ln.</a>, Bethesda. </li><li><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/basic-skills-clinic-and-scooter-training-tickets-851728000377">Sunday, June 23</a>.10 a.m.-noon. Wheaton Ice Arena (back parking lot), <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/11717+Orebaugh+Ave,+Wheaton,+MD+20902/@39.0492974,-77.0364426,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b7cf0aaeadf7d7:0xdb7ba0316f177e57!8m2!3d39.0492933!4d-77.0338677!16s%2Fg%2F11c43x8zrt?entry=ttu">11711 Orebaugh Dr</a>., Wheaton. *Free scooter class to follow.</li></ul>Rain dates for all the adult bike and e-scooter classes will be one week after the original class date and time, except for the April 6 class (that rain date will be April 20). <br /><br />Free two-hour adult e-scooter classes are being offered on a drop-in basis on four select days immediately following the bike classes on April 21, May 5, May 18 and June 23. E-scooter classes do not require pre-registration. Anyone 18 or over with a valid driver’s license or ID can join. E-scooters are provided. <br /><br />Montgomery County features a total of 112 miles of bike lanes, bike-friendly road shoulders and separated bike lanes, also known as cycle tracks, for bike riders to enjoy countywide. MCDOT installed the first eight miles of the County’s separated bike lanes in 2014 and is continuing to build more throughout the County. Multiple <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-dte/bikeways/index.html">protected bike lane projects</a> are currently in the planning and construction phases. <br /><br />“We have seen a great demand for adult bike classes,” said Chris Conklin, director of MCDOT. “Over the past year, we have added four additional bike classes at two new locations. Since 2021, more than 680 residents have registered for these trainings. We expect this interest to continue to grow. We are actively expanding our protected bike lanes in Bethesda and Downtown Silver Spring that seamlessly connect these two locations. We are also working to expand the separated bike lane network in North Bethesda, with projects that will improve access to Metro and other destinations.” <br /><br />To register for the bike classes, visit <a href="https://waba.org/classes/">waba.org/classes</a>. For more information, and to view any future inclement weather cancellations, visit MCDOT’s website <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-DIR/commuter/bikewalk/index.html">here</a> or call 240-777-8380.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-60064900945126957862024-03-13T19:04:00.005-04:002024-03-13T19:04:59.568-04:00Montgomery Parks Starts ‘Open Parkways’ Schedule for Spring and Summer on Beach Drive and Sligo Creek Parkway<div><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3j41lPt4g4GyCt54OzZhE305X6b_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDk3ukjr3sNJHWeHYyrAkZjsZZ9S45-2FaVyDj-2BF5G4BZFK9eIsmz8W0YuoZxmvbcyW6koPQ6DYjq87jwDoSAjlAoO-2BTSxOPf160ff-2B1ot0U3ciH8P2SKCzweTWWhiAQHbZbzjvJcsV1RXDEMXXeVz207Le-2Bq4YjefYasmhuxGcUKPodfnwdRJFRvYxMssgWa8TBEZZP-2B37XexAYD-2Fz-2B0ZZhDwcJPw6s9Y0srNpoIpxQtshyiE5Bpnba06LTY3OyNuyAnO3O59LyFgPRDekthpyM7c-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C6ce790bbde464d78d76508dc3f84cd12%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455086824558721%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FIl6evt4oaG4tCJzXMJOtbiWWhoi0tLeU3AhJxVHmi0%3D&reserved=0"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3j41lPt4g4GyCt54OzZhE305X6b_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDk3ukjr3sNJHWeHYyrAkZjsZZ9S45-2FaVyDj-2BF5G4BZFK9eIsmz8W0YuoZxmvbcyW6koPQ6DYjq87jwDoSAjlAoO-2BTSxOPf160ff-2B1ot0U3ciH8P2SKCzweTWWhiAQHbZbzjvJcsV1RXDEMXXeVz207Le-2Bq4YjefYasmhuxGcUKPodfnwdRJFRvYxMssgWa8TBEZZP-2B37XexAYD-2Fz-2B0ZZhDwcJPw6s9Y0srNpoIpxQtshyiE5Bpnba06LTY3OyNuyAnO3O59LyFgPRDekthpyM7c-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C6ce790bbde464d78d76508dc3f84cd12%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455086824558721%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FIl6evt4oaG4tCJzXMJOtbiWWhoi0tLeU3AhJxVHmi0%3D&reserved=0"></a><a href="https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Beach-Dr-Open-Parkways-Spring-2020-Bikers-2-e1707503849498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="800" height="221" src="https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Beach-Dr-Open-Parkways-Spring-2020-Bikers-2-e1707503849498.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Montgomery Parks has started its spring and summer hours for its “<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssLQlglYlZgGK1K6qgyIEx3ihS1EHVUgNkDubccrEza74D8Y9Xlm8Tw7DnRTWZRWfEA-3D-3DeZ5S_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDk3ukjr3sNJHWeHYyrAkZjsZZ9S45-2FaVyDj-2BF5G4BZFK9eIsmz8W0YuoZxmvbcyW6koPQ6DYjq87jwDoSAjlAoO-2BTSxOPf160ff-2B1ot0U3ci9lc6-2Fjq6Jp77AvzAo5xYyPFXxqHQyndt-2FyaTEP-2BHCVssAB00-2F-2BxyTaGAq-2Fj2UWanisuNRwz-2Br0PV3LRwSet4JsxLhZRZrwfIFra9Gnl5jKLnauU1NI49Ka31xYTxASY-2FBdXHwT1d4F1vB-2BZIPtJzIj0svPdjLfzDVE718v8ePl0-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C6ce790bbde464d78d76508dc3f84cd12%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455086824574173%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zjanO1KcRW%2FJQxTtyLuAIecAfyvpF8VxSua%2F27%2F%2Fpj0%3D&reserved=0">Open Parkways</a>” program on Beach Drive and Sligo Creek Parkway.</div><br />In 2020, Montgomery Parks initiated the Open Parkways Program, which closed portions of Sligo Creek Parkway and Beach Drive to vehicles during the weekends, to provide additional outdoor recreational space during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program expanded on the intended recreational use of the parkways and proved incredibly popular.<br /><br />When closed to vehicles, the parkways are a welcoming venue to walkers, joggers, cyclists, rollerbladers and people participating in various other forms of recreation.<br /><br />The Open Parkways schedule of closing parkways to vehicles during specific periods includes:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Beach Drive between Connecticut and Knowles Avenue: Saturdays at 7 a.m. through Sundays at 6 p.m. </li><li>Sligo Creek Parkway between Old Carroll Avenue and Piney Branch Road and between Forest Glen Road and University Boulevard West: Friday at 9 a.m. through Sundays at 6 p.m.</li></ul>Gate closures are intended to be completed by the times listed above. The re-opening of the parkways begins at the times listed above. However, this process may take up to 30 minutes to complete. These hours may change on federal holidays. Please visit our website for details.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-72447201736236699962024-03-08T14:09:00.008-05:002024-03-08T15:37:47.682-05:00Message from County Executive Marc Elrich<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bAnufYS-I9k?si=mzDpZponh7kSHu2Z" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Dear Friends,</p>I had a chance to testify before the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis this week on behalf of three different pieces of legislation that would bring greater budgetary accountability to public schools, curb reckless and irresponsible driving and crack down on fentanyl. I also joined other county executives and a coalition of more than 50 organizations to call for more progressive tax structures.<p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzpyR75ciBZdiPFXFI4c7KCa_oSO-9dVBb6DS_6E7TtfYymXtdgN6OiTbjWi-LK16mhRELzGo9uf2SiKroRmtqHCP6eWwzxm5eCjBFNmi9Yy7WYB74tNt6MMTDhmxI8-jv_VEJmvbceWuwdCHnzVBKXjUdoEwClfDBJWagU1O264zC7cm0BtE3o6OkGY/s1430/fair-for-all.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="1430" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzpyR75ciBZdiPFXFI4c7KCa_oSO-9dVBb6DS_6E7TtfYymXtdgN6OiTbjWi-LK16mhRELzGo9uf2SiKroRmtqHCP6eWwzxm5eCjBFNmi9Yy7WYB74tNt6MMTDhmxI8-jv_VEJmvbceWuwdCHnzVBKXjUdoEwClfDBJWagU1O264zC7cm0BtE3o6OkGY/w400-h300/fair-for-all.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />On Wednesday in Annapolis, I joined the State coalition behind <a href="https://fairsharemaryland.org/">Fair Share Maryland</a> to advocate for changes to our tax system. You can watch that press conference <a href="https://fb.watch/qEy5yndx0-/">here</a>. There is no good reason to continue tax structures that favor large corporations over small businesses and residents. It is time to eliminate loopholes for corporations and to implement a progressive tax structure so that the very wealthiest pay a more fair share. At the end of the day, every dollar not paid by them is a tax on middle-class and working-class residents and small businesses. That is simply not fair. With a fairer structure, the State might be able to better address the budget situation without having to impose additional burdens on our residents: If they would simply make those who do not pay, pay.<br /><br />I also joined several county leaders from around Maryland in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/hog3hkG6eqw?si=zF2wccJWWXFd94LV">asking the Senate Education Energy Environment Committee</a> to require school districts to bring clarity to their budgets. <br /><br />Last year, I supported an increase on property taxes to be used specifically for education because it is necessary to make teacher pay in Montgomery County competitive. We also need to understand how education money is being spent in Montgomery County, especially considering that funding for MCPS is about half of the total County operating budget. We need to understand which programs are working and which are not. We all want our schools to provide the best outcomes for our families. <a href="https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB1026">Senate Bill 1026</a>, the “Transparency in Education Spending Act,” would help us better understand and assess how education funding is used.<div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Change to Help Police Recruitment</h3><div><br /></div>I am happy to report another development that will help us bring more qualified and interested candidates for the <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/pol/index.html">police department</a>. <br /><br />Cannabis use was approved by Maryland voters, and lawmakers established the regulations that last year brought the industry to market. What has not been addressed is how we deal with this new reality from an employer standpoint. <br /><br />We discovered that our police hiring practices needed revision. If adults are now allowed to legally buy and use marijuana, past use of the drug should not be an inhibitor to getting a job. <br /><br />To date, police applicants who have used cannabis in the previous year before submitting their application have been disqualified from becoming police officers based on criteria from the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission. Recently, we received a report from the Maryland Attorney General clarifying that we do not need to consider past cannabis use in certification of new officers. <br /><br />We will now use this opinion to ask the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission to adjust their standards accordingly. <br /><br />The law still requires current academy trainees and officers to be drug free. That will not change. <br /><br />Recruiting officers is a challenge for police departments across the nation. This adjustment will allow us to expand the applicant pool, possibly catch up on low staffing levels and make us more competitive with nearby departments like those in the District of Columbia and Virginia. <br /><br />If you think this change will impact your decision to apply with the Montgomery County Police Department or if you know of someone who could benefit, visit the police department website focused on career opportunities, which <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/pol/join-our-team.html">you can find here</a>. <br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Expanding Opportunities for Affordable Housing—Right of First Refusal Bill Signing </h3><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPwLVi5lq8enzlD2jyp78g1epONnTvvTFQCn9QkLncEONytfncSCoDNk0LLxTCbkmPT8fIRLYw7jDH2CtltknWwWcQbUR8XsTOkV3eYPlAahfIPT_09olQazlWPlRkbDDFL7Xw8FmI7Q-htc5q7uJYtKtxOWT3V-fP7LdwnSVbeCcXX6EMlCiqdQ8kJ4/s624/housingbill.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="624" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPwLVi5lq8enzlD2jyp78g1epONnTvvTFQCn9QkLncEONytfncSCoDNk0LLxTCbkmPT8fIRLYw7jDH2CtltknWwWcQbUR8XsTOkV3eYPlAahfIPT_09olQazlWPlRkbDDFL7Xw8FmI7Q-htc5q7uJYtKtxOWT3V-fP7LdwnSVbeCcXX6EMlCiqdQ8kJ4/w400-h284/housingbill.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I signed the “<a href="https://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Media_Detail.aspx?NaID=5774">Right of First Refusal</a> Bill” into law last week. <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBg99f">You can see pictures from that event here</a>. I want to thank the County Council for its unanimous support of this retooled law. It will help smooth the acquisition process for affordable housing properties that we are helping to preserve. <br /><br />Last summer, we celebrated a victory for more than 345 families at the <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2023/06/26/aspen-hill-apartments-affordable-first-refusal.html">Westchester West Apartments in Silver Spring</a>, where naturally occurring affordable housing was in danger. The County was able to use the Right of First Refusal law to partner with nonprofit organizations to prevent families from being priced out of their homes. <br /><br />At that time, the County had to come up with the full amount at settlement and then go through a second settlement with the nonprofit to transfer the property to them. We would get paid back, but we had to set aside large amounts of money that we could not use for other worthwhile efforts. <br /><br />By allowing the County to assign the rights to the nonprofit pre-sale, this bill means that there is only one settlement between the seller and the nonprofit. This saves everyone money. <br /><br />The bill also limits the amount of money that the County has to come up with as earnest money—again saving us cash. It should facilitate more and easier acquisitions of affordable housing. <br /><br />In a world of rising real estate costs and rising rents, protecting rental properties that are already affordable helps longtime residents live where they want to live, including staying right where they are. <br /><br />We have to use everything in our toolbox, including improvements to our right of first refusal process, to protect our community from becoming unaffordable. <br /><br />For more information about our efforts to produce, preserve and protect affordable housing, visit <a href="https://montgomerycountymd.gov/dhca/">montgomerycountymd.gov/dhca</a>. <br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Purple Line Opening Delayed Until 2027 </h3><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio55yN_jvoJSzRdlpMqETmz5LLo51bmDKOMMEIiXDJQpDWS2JnXgjdwH4kZokyqpdlOUp_Onjrneo95rqguMQ0GesZpJv5amSDiXdGFM1V7FRKQBio3bQN59vYoVUPkiEVzJ0zBwfF4W0WImjO64GZVzxfqo-Ryr7vMqXT3VRVBgpvaASadL-lPITeGYw/s624/purpleline.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="624" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio55yN_jvoJSzRdlpMqETmz5LLo51bmDKOMMEIiXDJQpDWS2JnXgjdwH4kZokyqpdlOUp_Onjrneo95rqguMQ0GesZpJv5amSDiXdGFM1V7FRKQBio3bQN59vYoVUPkiEVzJ0zBwfF4W0WImjO64GZVzxfqo-Ryr7vMqXT3VRVBgpvaASadL-lPITeGYw/w400-h266/purpleline.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />There has been another frustrating <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/03/04/purple-line-delay-425-million/">update in the saga of the Purple Line mass transit project</a>. We learned this week that the project needs another $425 million in <a href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2024/03/01/cost-of-purple-line-increases-yet-again-completion-pushed-back/">“relief payments” related to d</a>elays. The new estimated opening has also been pushed back to 2027. <br /><br />The State’s Board of Public Works will vote on the request next week. Even though this is something that Governor Wes Moore must now deal with, this project truly went off the tracks under the leadership of former Governor Larry Hogan. <br /><br />Unfortunately, this project was mis-designed and mis-managed, and for years, I have tried to explain how to build a more efficient, more cost-effective transit system. The original Metro was intended to help Washington area businesses with their workforce. It does not address mobility within Montgomery County. While I hope <a href="https://www.purplelinemd.com/">the Purple Line</a> will eventually help some with east-west mobility, it is not nearly as efficient or effective as a well-run <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/brt/">Bus Rapid Transit</a> (BRT) system would be. BRT does not need tracks in the ground, wires overhead and trees removed from near its path. BRT can provide the same transit service as a light rail line, which is the current design for the Purple Line. <br /><br />This is not Governor Moore’s fault. Construction began on the Purple Line in 2017—six years before he took office. <br /><br />There is still a lot of potential for new business, growth, amenities and homes to be built around the Purple Line. Let’s hope we start to see that come into focus sooner rather than later. <br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">COVID-19 Guidelines Changing </h3><br /><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p0301-respiratory-virus.html">The Centers for Disease Control has announced new guidelines for COVID-19</a>. <br /><br />There is a more detailed look at the new recommendations later in this newsletter. We are in a much better place than we were for the first several years of COVID-19. Just like the flu and RSV occur every year, so will COVID-19. We will likely see spikes at different times of the year, but more than 98 percent of the U.S. population now has some protective immunity, either from vaccination, prior infection or both.<br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Read Across America</h3><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLu08Aoi5LEVrWiKJbtQgDCMSR5fvcXcHYwuHlIyphhWU1LEFfRI3y29BxdZANtxtbOl_zOJaH7mnEEMZnuku8WzyN18x4pTuCP389PVSMx-O8ott0Ha8orB6qHbU9qqc4g_ODJnzoR9hrnMsp5M2ssBJxhLVOEWPKA2We6NgqP49DCMgLLKL7dMt4xc/s1430/readacross.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1430" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLu08Aoi5LEVrWiKJbtQgDCMSR5fvcXcHYwuHlIyphhWU1LEFfRI3y29BxdZANtxtbOl_zOJaH7mnEEMZnuku8WzyN18x4pTuCP389PVSMx-O8ott0Ha8orB6qHbU9qqc4g_ODJnzoR9hrnMsp5M2ssBJxhLVOEWPKA2We6NgqP49DCMgLLKL7dMt4xc/w400-h239/readacross.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I stopped by the White Oak and Wheaton libraires last weekend to participate in Read Across America Day and kick off a week-long celebration of literacy. <br /><br />These events were a collaboration between Montgomery County Public Libraries and the <a href="https://accessjca.org/interages/">Jewish Council for the Aging Heyman Interages Center</a>. <br /><br />The program is a one-on-one reading program that pairs a JCA volunteer with a child between kindergarten and third grade. Volunteers are recruited, vetted and trained about intergenerational communication by the JCA. <br /><br />We also encouraged older kids to read to younger ones during these visits to help promote reading and encourages children to read more. <br /><br />I am always glad to be able to participate in Read Across America events. This weekend took me back to the years I spent teaching fourth and fifth graders at Rolling Terrace Elementary in Takoma Park. <br /><br />When I ran for county executive in 2018, I stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to address student needs inside and outside of the classroom. The pandemic highlighted even more this importance. Students need to master reading because it really is the gateway to the knowledge they need—and it can even just be fun. <br /><br />I want to thank the teachers, librarians, family members, JCA volunteers and everyone who helps make it easier for others to enjoy reading. <br /><br />JCA’s Interages Program connects seniors with school-age children for mentoring opportunities. This is a year-round program and is open to more participation on both ends of the spectrum. Visit <a href="https://accessjca.org/interages/">accessjca.org/interages</a> for more information. <br /><br />Our libraries also host reading programs across our County to help kids strengthen their reading skills including Family Story Time, the After School Reading Club and the Read to a Dog program. Learn more about these programs at <a href="https://montgomerycountymd.gov/library/index.html">montgomerycountymd.gov/library</a>. <br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">‘Sweet Release’: Department of Correction and Rehabilitation Bakery Program</h3><div><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfRffOQeYgUbr9K0aX0EwoampMkXjl5co0FS8eV2neY8oJzxOK3Jz-BOsWMnYAGEEhBMkekz1wrbc_PjaXuCW_FGSP_Flr5UDcG-1ABh_x6oHuv3INd0vapfNPWmKOVudy9XC7QjPt-MFsEzcsRMcukf1g6TxuczYUTawiKjWdv1gCKdclRZn3_au_3w/s624/baking.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="624" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfRffOQeYgUbr9K0aX0EwoampMkXjl5co0FS8eV2neY8oJzxOK3Jz-BOsWMnYAGEEhBMkekz1wrbc_PjaXuCW_FGSP_Flr5UDcG-1ABh_x6oHuv3INd0vapfNPWmKOVudy9XC7QjPt-MFsEzcsRMcukf1g6TxuczYUTawiKjWdv1gCKdclRZn3_au_3w/w400-h224/baking.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Montgomery County has reintroduced the bakery program at our <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cor/">Department of Correction and Rehabilitation</a>. I recently visited this bakery, met the participants and sampled some of their baked goods. <br /><br />The food was great (even if it did not fit in my diet), but it was worth making an exception. It was evident that these participants were learning a useful skill that will help them find employment once their time is served. <br /><br />Before the program was discontinued some years ago, its graduates went on to good jobs that were available because of the skills they developed. I know this program is going to build on that success. <br /><br />This is what we want people doing while they are serving time in our detention center. Our goal is to make sure they do not ever come back. By giving them this opportunity and training, we will be reducing recidivism rates. <br /><br />Please watch the video at the top of this newsletter so I can introduce you to some of the participants and you can learn more about the program that has the potential to help a great number of people in Montgomery County.<br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Education Sessions Announced for 11th Annual Energy Summit </h3><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtw_Y_DlLNAMjjyviFREmyfeIaLadFkUWIi0MoisSKaN5EZxeij1fN8ZFNuOY1oUZ1_hty6zVQsLXooeeC1gA_2CQyL1fYKEjcxP5z19c3L7mGVMEhRs94lzy7rbNWwfBmuzh0Cj_eog68S47XaddSjscKuW9_gcFf-GiB1Kd00DLPMrO0is_YKpy78Ek/s1430/energy.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1430" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtw_Y_DlLNAMjjyviFREmyfeIaLadFkUWIi0MoisSKaN5EZxeij1fN8ZFNuOY1oUZ1_hty6zVQsLXooeeC1gA_2CQyL1fYKEjcxP5z19c3L7mGVMEhRs94lzy7rbNWwfBmuzh0Cj_eog68S47XaddSjscKuW9_gcFf-GiB1Kd00DLPMrO0is_YKpy78Ek/w400-h224/energy.png" width="400" /></a></p><br />The 2024 Montgomery County Energy Summit has released the education session schedule for its 11th annual gathering for commercial building professionals, scheduled for April 15-16 at the Silver Spring Civic Building. <br /><br />To view and register for education sessions, visit <a href="https://mcenergysummit.org/">Montgomery County Energy Summit</a>. <br /><br /><h3>Sneak Preview on Economic Development Initiatives in Upcoming Operating Budget </h3><div><br /></div>I will be sending my recommended Fiscal Year 2025 operating budget next week to the County Council for its review. I wanted to highlight $27 million for economic development initiatives that will be included in the budget. Economic development is an important element of a thriving county.<br /><br />One of the things we have done is to look at our strengths and weaknesses as a life science center. Currently, we are in the center of the nation’s third-ranked biohealth cluster. We are particularly focused on what other centers have that we do not. This budget will have funding to address those issues, so that we do not have companies say things like, “ . . . but for 'x,' we would have come there."<br /><br />Some of the major initiatives in the $27 million for economic development will include expanded and improved incubators that include increased innovation, technical assistance and increased programming and capacity. It also will add a BioHub in conjunction with the State that will create a state-of-the-art life sciences training facility to help fill jobs in a key County industry sector. It will be complementary to programs at the Universities at Shady Grove and Montgomery College. There will be assistance for small businesses in high-growth fields. We also fund the work of the County’s business center, which will expand its outreach to businesses around the county.<br /><br />Next week, we will have many more details about my recommended budget.<br /><br />As always, my appreciation for all of you, <br /><br /> <a href="https://montgomerycountymd.gov/exec/Resources/Images/Marc_Elrich_Signature.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="117" data-original-width="375" height="60" src="https://montgomerycountymd.gov/exec/Resources/Images/Marc_Elrich_Signature.png" width="193" /></a><br /><br />Marc Elrich<br /><i>County Executive</i><p></p><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-5995445703488126202024-03-08T14:09:00.005-05:002024-03-08T14:33:48.325-05:00Dedicated Bus Lanes Project Completed on University Boulevard in Wheaton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/PortalImages/Infocentral/PressRelease/32/2024/univblvdribboncutting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="800" height="285" src="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/PortalImages/Infocentral/PressRelease/32/2024/univblvdribboncutting.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Andrew Friedson on March 8 gathered at Wheaton Forest Local Park to celebrate completion of the dedicated bus lane project on University Boulevard (MD 193) between Amherst Avenue and Dennis Avenue in Wheaton. <br /><br />Also joining the event were Councilmember and Transportation and Environment Committee Chair Evan Glass, Councilmembers Gabe Albornoz and Natali Fani-González, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Senior Vice President for Bus Services Leroy Jones, Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administrator Will Pines and Montgomery County Department of Transportation Director Chris Conklin. <br /><br />The brightly painted red dedicated bus lanes run along the park border on University Boulevard and were opened for use on late February. The dedicated bus lanes along the more than two-mile section of roadway will allow buses to travel with minimal motor vehicle traffic obstruction along one of the area’s busiest and most congested corridors.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/PortalImages/Infocentral/PressRelease/32/2024/univbuslanes34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="225" height="300" src="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/PortalImages/Infocentral/PressRelease/32/2024/univbuslanes34.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br />The dedicated bus lanes on University Boulevard are part of a larger MCDOT program, the <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.montgomerycountymd.gov%2FDOT%2FProjects%2Fbuspriority.html&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cb26221f5cae7403abc2d08dc3f947f33%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455154225939475%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=2CapLJ6YHiR4mX4qm5LQuI75KgmeCrMYKXmJI0jtRF8%3D&reserved=0">Bus Priority Project</a>, that will advance similar bus-only lanes. The bus lanes will provide faster, more reliable service along a route with critical service connections to MetroRail, Ride On, Metro buses and the Silver Spring Transit Center. The lanes are designated with solid red paint and “Bus Only” text. <br /><br />"We are redesigning our approach to transit, to prioritize transportation options that are equitable and climate-friendly," said County Executive Elrich. "The University Boulevard dedicated bus lanes will improve the daily commute for thousands of workers, students and residents along this corridor who depend on public transportation. Additionally, these new bus lanes will also attract new riders to Metrobus and Ride-On services as a more convenient, safe and cost-effective option as compared to using automobiles. I appreciate the work of MCDOT and our partnership with Metro and Maryland State Highway to make commuting via bus better throughout Montgomery County." <br /><br />The University bus lane corridor serves three Ride On bus lines (Route 7, Route 8 and Route 9) and WMATA’s C2 and C4 Metrobus lines. The C2 and C4 Metrobus lines carry about 9,300 riders each weekday, the second-highest ridership route in the Washington, D.C., region. <br /><br />"I want to thank MCDOT for their efforts to create a better bus experience for our customers," said Metro Senior Vice President Jones. "Frequent, reliable bus service provides pathways to opportunity for riders by connecting them to jobs, education, healthcare and vital services across the region. Our region as a whole will benefit from these improvements to our bus service by spurring economic development, reducing traffic congestion and improving health outcomes through the increase in physical activity and reduction in air pollution. Better bus service builds better communities." <br /><br />MCDOT will monitor the effectiveness and safety of the bus lanes as a pilot program for 12 months. An evaluation will be done in December 2025 to confirm that the bus lanes are beneficial on this corridor. <br /><br />"The new bus lanes allow us to improve service for thousands of riders with minimal impact on drivers," said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. "A previous study conducted by the Maryland Department of Transportation showed that the lanes added, on average, fifteen seconds to vehicle commute times during rush hour. WMATA bus speed data showed that bus lanes will benefit transit operations and bus customers. Additionally, if we can make bus service more appealing by increasing speed and reliability, more people will choose bus service over driving. These lanes will move more people, faster." <br /><br />WMATA partnered with MCDOT to seek approval for the project from the <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmdot.maryland.gov%2Fpages%2Fhome.aspx&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cb26221f5cae7403abc2d08dc3f947f33%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455154225947167%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=f%2BxRVm06m1k3cC2nISp1sd8jpki6foQ8kiSWTCV8Ru4%3D&reserved=0">Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT/SHA),</a> which maintains jurisdiction over the State road. <br /><br />"We are grateful for MCDOT advancing this project to improve Maryland's multimodal transportation system," said State Highway Administrator Will Pines. "Efforts such as these benefit the region by providing better transit connections to life’s opportunities. This project serves as a model for the importance of state and county partnership in Montgomery County and across the state." <br /><br />The new bus lanes will allow use by emergency vehicles and bicycles. Cars can only enter and utilize the bus lane approximately 100 feet prior to making a right turn, as indicated by striped, red lines. <br /><br />Details about the dedicated bus lane project on University Boulevard can be found on MCDOT’s <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.montgomerycountymd.gov%2FDOT%2FProjects%2Fbuspriority%2Funiversity.html&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7Cb26221f5cae7403abc2d08dc3f947f33%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638455154225953791%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gOYYnrKhg29Jotmv%2FKWtvA1cTDOehO4IF3nV6oIUAUE%3D&reserved=0">University Boulevard Dedicated Bus Lane</a> project page. <br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-76312663216930363692024-03-06T09:18:00.004-05:002024-03-06T09:18:36.903-05:00Animal Services and Adoption Center Celebrating 10 Years of Service with $10 Adoption Fees through March 10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/Resources/Images/10%20year%20banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="800" height="281" src="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/Resources/Images/10%20year%20banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) is celebrating its 10 years of service by reducing adoption fees to $10 for new pet owners through Sunday, March 10. The event is sponsored by Friends of Montgomery County Animals. <br /><br />The MCASAC is located at 7315 Muncaster Mill Road in Derwood. <br /><br />"Adopting an animal from our shelter can provide families with years of joy and unconditional love,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I want to thank the Friends of Montgomery County Animals for sponsoring this event and helping us celebrate 10 years of success and progress in improving the lives of animals in our community. If you are considering adding a pet to your family, please visit our shelter and have our staff help you find a furry friend for your home." <br /><br />Adoptions are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and no appointment is required. Adoptions are same day. Potential owners should be prepared to take home an animal by bringing a leash and collar for dogs or a carrier for cats and small animals. <br /><br />Community members can fill the adoption questionnaire <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchU9JQfUQnd8497HbFlo-0GXZJGr5VCv3Fr2ajexHHY7t6OQ/viewform">here</a> or fill out a copy when they arrive. <br /><br />More information on the adoption process can be found on the MCASAC <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption/howtoadopt.html">website</a>. <br /><br />Adoptable animals can be viewed <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption/index.html">here</a> or visit the facility which is open for adoptions seven days a week. Shelter hours vary and can be found on the MCASAC <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/about/location.html">website</a>. <br /><br />“Reflecting over the last 10 years, I am incredibly proud of how far we have come,” said Spencer Kelly, shelter operations manager. “Thanks to the support of staff, volunteers, fosters, partners and the entire community, we have made tremendous strides to better the lives of animals. While we celebrate this milestone with an adoption event, I am looking forward to MCASAC making an even greater impact in our community and further strengthening the human-animal bond over the next 10 years.” <br /><br />The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC), operated by the Office of Animal Services, provides high standard sheltering and care to homeless, abused and neglected animals. It is the County’s only open-admission, municipal shelter. Through adoptions, education, outreach and more, MCASAC serves as a critical community resource to promote and advocate for responsible pet care. Animal Services Officers are available seven days a week to investigate complaints and respond to animal emergencies 24 hours a day. For more information visit <a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices">www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices</a>. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-22308530292240503062024-03-06T09:16:00.005-05:002024-03-07T13:36:01.635-05:00‘Acoustic and Ales’ Outdoor Happy Hour Returns with Irish-Themed Celebration in Silver Spring on Saturday, March 9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GHXmuIkW4AAAVok?format=jpg&name=900x900" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="800" height="458" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GHXmuIkW4AAAVok?format=jpg&name=900x900" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The popular “Acoustics and Ales” outdoor happy series sponsored by Montgomery Parks will debut for 2024 with an Irish-themed celebration at North Four Corners Local Park from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, March 9. <br /><br />The event will feature music by Celtic-rock band The Barleyjuice Trio and a performance by the Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance. <br /><br />North Four Corners Local Park is located at 315 University Blvd. in Silver Spring. <br /><br />Food and drink will be available for purchase from McGinty’s Public House, Catalyst Hot Dogs, Two Story Chimney Ciderworks, Third Hill Brewing Co. and Silver Branch Brewing. <br /><br />Future events of the Acoustics and Ales series will include: <br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>April 6. Elm Street Urban Park, 4600 Elm Street, Bethesda.</li><li>May 23. Flower Avenue Urban Park, 8746 Flower Avenue, Silver Spring. </li></ul><br />In the event of inclement weather, check <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssFW0rC9j46nIN0Png8NeKTXexabWgzEYkTBVHyZOYhEiLFYors3sJodn-2BuMFzOWJdA-3D-3D37RA_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDmc7DfDr9VHvbEFB8GEjKs4hV9mhtrjqO2sJHpz-2FUdVhuNMv8D0uj0ejsu-2FQbTOo2ype0JiqR47goDUnMVaxcuBVRWq1gz7MKLN4tRCwYFTpmxc7DboS-2Fxyms7kEFSNYwdv-2FyOk8K081wL9PzqxPZAX3-2BLLdgxwmpZMgc7QtPBDen5ZDaLkYxKq4jEKMOrfqJ-2BdIlBNaMEo8U8KzvmPpfBs1OjfW5fHPw5O5yLDf6hRNTRecpJNqCtMzclHFwo-2B7iVZ-2FhNMO-2BE26OsfrEvyn40Y-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C04ea06cf16104d57646108dc3c750c4f%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638451720617341348%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2Bg5KOz5jhDHsD5ODgVSBD8l4YVYjcSFPwzSYyWSPclc%3D&reserved=0">Montgomery Parks' Facebook page</a> or <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.15TIUBGnXnGeUoWcr6KssH9NK2J8NGW6a6u5IIDoeVGtUVVotj6V98Gab4qTc3TTUQKz_FyAaYA3Fu6OuT13cBaUIM3fTtnGxKycWtuuIHONtB0bo6-2BymxKvHy57mdF-2FCMx6Ur4qKNEjtLyRCqriYgVL0k8-2BhVgKiIeaUITU5uoYaMtOpESNgRzK2GccXHh6bE-2FeeIMEFZsulRojAj1hGjZIEDmc7DfDr9VHvbEFB8GEjKs4hV9mhtrjqO2sJHpz-2FUdVhuNMv8D0uj0ejsu-2FQbTOo2ype0JiqR47goDUnMVaxcuBVRWq1gz7MKLN4tRCwYFTpboaQPWITBhYyh6dqdMiNeJ3Y3DmiIC9xBTm07lnXejdYeGrFDdGta7PGqOCRbTrBwj717fJpluEkBNEItEyeBhrG7RzGKPsHqI-2BIluj5de7XUX0ugzPrENiSG-2By2AW6EDl99shIZvbAVYyfDmH3yQA0MTDBSukfadkLP5eQ4eps-3D&data=05%7C02%7Cneil.greenberger%40montgomerycountymd.gov%7C04ea06cf16104d57646108dc3c750c4f%7C6e01b1f9b1e54073ac97778069a0ad64%7C0%7C0%7C638451720617349731%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=30r8Gkj7%2FflasE9wA0wx1nek6tkP01%2BFWJUcS%2FoZmIw%3D&reserved=0">X, formerly known as Twitter</a> to confirm if the program is still taking place. <br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-20481788413897124772024-03-06T09:15:00.008-05:002024-03-06T09:22:57.712-05:00‘Past, Present and Future of Bethesda Meeting House—the Church that Named Bethesda’ Will Be Focus of Free Online Presentation on Thursday, March 14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkApFtwPQ6C6i7dOpftBPw3utxGv_iez0hKIloXTYsNPButnJJZMPBZ35DdG7AiKPQ-18G8bEUpzaeNFaljALvEZrcaBdV57wOmNdLxH5tHbKZo1rvQjAVJQ0HcC_f07B9g7w4OHME5PSKY7V2Llbsq9Lq3WNUinTnlgFQ4372KzJfSqqTxvGFP6lQQwc/s493/meetinghouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="493" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkApFtwPQ6C6i7dOpftBPw3utxGv_iez0hKIloXTYsNPButnJJZMPBZ35DdG7AiKPQ-18G8bEUpzaeNFaljALvEZrcaBdV57wOmNdLxH5tHbKZo1rvQjAVJQ0HcC_f07B9g7w4OHME5PSKY7V2Llbsq9Lq3WNUinTnlgFQ4372KzJfSqqTxvGFP6lQQwc/w640-h360/meetinghouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>“The Past, Present and Future of Bethesda Meeting House—the Church that Named Bethesda” will be the focus of a free online presentation of Montgomery History starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 14. Hank Levine, president of the Bethesda Meeting House Foundation, will lead the event. <br /><br />Despite being among the community’s most storied buildings, the Bethesda Meeting House was vacant and deteriorating when acquired last year by the Bethesda Historical Society. Constructed in 1820 (and rebuilt in 1850 after a fire), it features a rare “slave gallery,” was the town’s first Post Office and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the Montgomery County Master Plan for Historic Preservation. <br /><br />Tradition has it that Abraham Lincoln worshipped there, and it was occupied by Confederate cavalry during Jubal Early’s Civil War raid on Washington in July 1864. Mr. Levine will present an illustrated tour of this iconic building’s history, architecture and significance. <br /><br />The event will be presented via Zoom. To register to view it, go to <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6k91BNPkR16qBMfafGoq9w#/registration">Webinar Registration - Zoom</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-75857743961501894802024-03-06T09:14:00.013-05:002024-03-09T00:35:24.691-05:00CDC Issues New Guidance for COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Illness Prevention<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/downloads/RVG-Summary-Graphic-508.pdf" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="635" height="352" src="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/images/RVG-summary-graphic-medium.png?_=52149" width="640" /></a></div><br />The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new guidance on protection for common respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, flu and RSV. <br /><br />The nation is in a better place than it was in the early months of the COVID-19 health crisis. There are effective vaccines and new treatment options that lessen the severity of illness. More than 98 percent of the U.S. population now has some protective immunity from vaccination, prior infection or both. <br /><br />With vaccines and treatment options, the nation is entering a new phase for COVID-19. It continues to circulate in the community, but hospitalization and death rates have decreased. <br /><br />The CDC is now recommending the following prevention strategies for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses such as flu and RSV:<div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Stay
up to date on vaccinations, including an annual flu shot, RSV vaccine for certain age groups and the latest COVID-19 shots.</li><li>Practice good hygiene habits, including regular hand washing and covering a cough.</li><li>If you do test positive for COVID-19 or flu, get treatment that will lessen the duration and severity of illness.</li><li>If sick, stay home and away from others. This goes for COVID-19, as well as other respiratory viruses. Stay home and isolate from others until symptoms are getting better and you are fever-free for 24 hours (without taking fever-reducing medication).</li><li>When leaving isolation, resume normal activities, but continue taking precautions for the next five days when around others indoors. This includes:</li><ul><li>Masking</li><li>Physical distancing</li><li>Take steps for cleaner air such as opening a window</li><li>Testing</li></ul><li>If you test positive for a respiratory illness such as COVID-19, but do not have any symptoms, take precautions for the next five days.</li></ul>The prevention strategies can be especially helpful if respiratory viruses are causing a lot of illness in the community. <br /><br />Montgomery County libraries are receiving new supplies of COVID-19 test kits over the next few weeks that will be available for free to residents.<br /><br /><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">Visit the <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/respiratory-virus-guidance.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">County’s COVID-19website</a> </span>for additional information and for links to more detailed information from the CDC.<div><br /> </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com