October 31, 2013
End of Daylight Savings Time is Time for Pedestrians and Drivers to be Cautious
Because pedestrian collisions have typically spiked by nearly 40 percent in Montgomery County during October, November and December, pedestrians are asked to be extra cautious. The end of Daylight Savings Time -- on November 3 this year -- brings fewer daylight hours. According to federal safety officials, 70 percent of pedestrian fatalities happen during the night time hours.
This week, the regional Street Smart Campaign launched its fall outreach to raise awareness in drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists. Last year in the Washington region, 72 pedestrians and bicyclists died in traffic collisions. Montgomery County averages more than 400 pedestrian collisions a year.
See safety tips for drivers and pedestrians.
Annual Leaf Collections to Begin November 4
The Department of Transportation’s Division of Highway Services (DHS) will conduct its annual vacuum collection of leaves in the southern part of the County from November 4 through mid-December. DHS makes two collections on every street in the collection district during the fall.
Residents should look for signs posted along the streets announcing the collection dates in their neighborhoods. Green signs indicate the date of the first collection and red signs indicate the second collection.
The leaf vacuum collection district is bounded by I-495, I-270, the Rockville City limits, Norbeck, Bel Pre and Bonifant roads, Northwest Branch Park, and the District of Columbia and Prince George’s County lines.
Read more about putting out leaves for pickup.
Residents should look for signs posted along the streets announcing the collection dates in their neighborhoods. Green signs indicate the date of the first collection and red signs indicate the second collection.
The leaf vacuum collection district is bounded by I-495, I-270, the Rockville City limits, Norbeck, Bel Pre and Bonifant roads, Northwest Branch Park, and the District of Columbia and Prince George’s County lines.
Read more about putting out leaves for pickup.
Volunteers Needed for 100,000 Homes Campaign
Montgomery County is now a part of the national 100,000 Homes Campaign, a movement of more than 200 communities working to find permanent homes for 100,000 chronic and medically vulnerable homeless Americans. The local campaign will prioritize those most in need of permanent housing and improve access to permanent supportive housing and services for homeless individuals.
During the 100,000 Homes Campaign Registry Week -- November 3 to 7 -- 300 volunteers will be needed to help in various capacities. Most will conduct the surveys of homeless individuals. However, others are needed to prepare survey materials, assist at volunteer headquarters or serve on a campaign subcommittee.
Food and drinks will be provided to volunteers at the training session and during volunteer shifts. Volunteers under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For more information, email the campaign at 100khomesmc@gmail.com.
To support the campaign by donating or becoming a sponsor, contact Campaign Manager Herb Smith at hsmith@mcch.net or 301-917-6648.
Register to volunteer.
Homeless Resource Day Event
Individuals and families experiencing homelessness can access needed benefits, medical care and counseling, in addition to a variety of other community services at Homeless Resource Day 2013 to be held on Thursday, November 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 South Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg.
The event is co-sponsored by Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney A. Katz.
Get more information at montgomerycountymd.gov/hrd.
The event is co-sponsored by Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney A. Katz.
Get more information at montgomerycountymd.gov/hrd.
Amharic Language Materials Added to Silver Spring Library Collection
Amharic, a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia, is the second-most spoken Semitic language in the world after Arabic. According to the 2010 U.S. Census and 2011 American Community Survey, more than 58,000 of Montgomery County’s residents were born in Africa. Ethiopians make up the largest segment of the County’s African immigrants.
Read more.
Literary Contest and Visual Arts Show for Students Announced
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Committee is seeking entries for its literary arts contest and visual arts show in observance of the life of Dr. King. The contest is open to all elementary, middle and high school students in Montgomery County.
Entries must be received no later than Friday, December 6.
Ger more details from the news release or download the flyer (pdf).
Improve Your ‘Green Savvy’ Gardening Skills, Knowledge: Become a Master Gardener
County residents interested in learning environmentally sound gardening practices and sharing the information with others can apply now to join the 2014 Montgomery County Master Gardeners training program.
The course begins January 21, 2014, and continues through March 7 (depending on possible snow days). Classes meet Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of Maryland Extension, Montgomery County office, located at the Agricultural History Farm Park, 18410 Muncaster Rd., Derwood.
The training fee is $300 and includes a manual and other materials. Horticulture lectures cover ornamental plants, fruits, vegetables and herbs; identifying common pests and diseases; and proper fertilization and watering practices.
Registration deadline is December 31, 2013. Class size is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To be placed on the application list, or for more information, call 301-590-2836.
See news release.
County Offers Tax Incentive Program for Local Cybersecurity Sector
The County’s recently passed Cybersecurity Investment Incentive Tax Credit Supplement Program is aimed at spurring job and business growth in the ever-critical cybersecurity sector.
Local companies designated as a Qualified Maryland Cybersecurity Company that receive a final tax credit certificate for the Maryland cybersecurity investment tax credit are eligible for the local supplement the following year.
The County’s new tax incentive program takes effect in January 2014. Get additional information.
Read more in The Post article by Steven Overly.
Local companies designated as a Qualified Maryland Cybersecurity Company that receive a final tax credit certificate for the Maryland cybersecurity investment tax credit are eligible for the local supplement the following year.
The County’s new tax incentive program takes effect in January 2014. Get additional information.
Read more in The Post article by Steven Overly.
Everyday Heroes Recognized for Life-saving Actions
During the derecho in June 2012, Walter Lopez rescued a woman trapped in her car after a tree fell on it. She was bleeding profusely and could not lift her head due to the crushed roof of the vehicle. Lopez pulled her through the passenger side window and drove her to Suburban Hospital. He used towels and clothing to make a compress to slow the bleeding. The Bethesda resident survived and has since recovered from her head injuries.
In March of this year, Montgomery College (Rockville Campus) security officers Yasmel Rodriquez and Jeff Wilson arrived on scene to assist an unconscious student. They quickly assessed the situation and, using the Automatic External Defibrillator they had brought, immediately began CPR on the student who survived and is doing well today.
In July, a vehicle drove though the front of Sam’s Club in Gaithersburg striking two men who were in the food court. One suffered a severe leg wound. Uniformed Services University Ensign John Hunt and Second Lieutenant Wells Weymouth, who happened to be in the store, arrived to help. Using their belts to try and stop the bleeding, they stabilized the victim until paramedics arrived. Their quick actions were instrumental in the man’s survival.
See media coverage of the event by Channel 7; Channel 4; and WTOP.
Chief Administrative Officer Wins Visionary Leadership Award
Montgomery County’s Chief Administrative Officer, Timothy L. Firestine, has received the 2013 Visionary Leadership Award from the Institute for Regional Excellence (IRE). The prize recognizes top government officials for their outstanding contributions to metropolitan Washington and their home jurisdictions.
Firestine was also praised for his leadership at the national level. He has testified before Congress on numerous occasions on matters of critical importance to local governments, specifically in the areas of finance, taxation and municipal debt, and has provided guidance to legislators on the impact of the nation’s fiscal crisis and on regulatory matters. He currently is president of the national Government Finance Officers Association and has served as president of the Maryland Government Finance Officers Association.
Read more.
Firestine was also praised for his leadership at the national level. He has testified before Congress on numerous occasions on matters of critical importance to local governments, specifically in the areas of finance, taxation and municipal debt, and has provided guidance to legislators on the impact of the nation’s fiscal crisis and on regulatory matters. He currently is president of the national Government Finance Officers Association and has served as president of the Maryland Government Finance Officers Association.
Read more.
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