Taste of Wheaton Returns with Full Day of Food, Music and Activities on Sunday, June 12, in Downtown Wheaton

The Taste of Wheaton will return after a two-year hiatus with a full day of food, music and activities for all ages from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 12, at Marian Fryer Plaza in Downtown Wheaton. Kids rides and activities are free, with food and drinks available for purchase from local Wheaton restaurants.

Marian Fryer Plaza is located at 2424 Reedie Plaza adjacent to the Wheaton Triangle Business District.

Participating Wheaton restaurants in the Taste of Wheaton will include Frank's Burger Place, Green Plate Catering, Hollywood East Café, IHOP, Los Cobanos, Methi Indian Restaurant, Nando's Peri Peri, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Nut House Pizza and Terra Mare Restaurant.

Attendees can expect a full day of music and dance, rides, video games and children’s activities including face painting, caricature drawing, creation of balloon animals and arts and crafts.

Scheduled musical performances at the stage will include:

• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Rollex
• 1-2 p.m.: Chopteeth
• 2:30-3:30 p.m.: I&I Riddim
• 4-5 p.m. Rafael Ortiz and El Tumbao with Y2Salsa Production Dancers

Scheduled dance performances at the stage will include:

• 12:30-1 p.m.: Wheaton Studio of Dance
• 2-2:30 p.m.: Ameanspinn
• 3:30-4 p.m.: Urban Artistry

The festival will feature a beer and wine garden with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to the local food pantry Mid-County United Ministries.

Free COVID-19 testing and vaccinations will be available with no appointment required.

More information about Taste of Wheaton is available at www.wheatonmd.org.

12th Annual County Senior Safety Forum June 13-16 Will Offer Virtual and Live-Streamed Sessions on ‘Staying Connected Safely’

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and Maryland Protect Week, leaders of the Montgomery County Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Task Force will host the 12th Annual County Senior Safety Forum from June 13-16. This year's forum, which can be joined online or viewed on live stream at County senior centers, will be a series of informative and fun sessions discussing “Staying Connected Safely.”

According to data from the National Institute on Aging, loneliness and being disconnected can have adverse physical and mental impacts on seniors. In addition to this year’s Senior Safety Forum, the County has made an effort during the COVID-19 health crisis to reduce senior isolation. The County released a fact sheet and hosted a 2021 Commission on Aging forum on countering social isolation.

The multi-day event is sponsored by the County’s departments of Health and Human Services and Recreation; the Fire and Rescue Service; the offices of Consumer Protection, County Attorney and State's Attorney; ElderSAFE Charles E. Smith Life Communities; and the Family Justice Center Foundation.

Each session will include active audience participation through music, yoga, meditation and question and answer opportunities. Residents can participate in each session virtually or at in-person viewing parties hosted at County senior centers.

“We want to make sure that we are a community where people of all ages can thrive and learn,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We have a growing older adult population, and we are pleased to host our Senior Safety Forum to provide the tools residents need to stay safe. More than 3.5 million older adults are cheated out of more than $3 billion each year at an average loss of $34,200. This is unacceptable. I encourage older residents to attend the forum to help them learn to identify scams, protect their identity and learn how to report this predatory behavior. Prevention is paramount when it comes to protecting the lives of our older adult residents.”

The schedule of events for the Senior Safety Forum:

• Monday, June 13. 10-11:30 a.m. Opening music featuring music therapist Tom Sweitzer. “Recognizing Elder Abuse in an Increasingly Virtual World.” With Health and Human Services and the Office of Consumer Protection.
• Tuesday, June 14. 10-11:30 a.m. “Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships.” In Spanish with the County State's Attorney's Office and followed by yoga instructor Cheryl Kravitz.
• Tuesday, June 14. 12:30-1:45 p.m. “Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships.” In English with ElderSAFE and followed by yoga instructor Cheryl Kravitz.
• Thursday, June 16. 10-11:30 a.m. “Staying Connected Safely.” With State's Attorney's Office and Recreation Department.

To attend the forum virtually, sign up through Eventbrite.

Sign language interpreters and other auxiliary aids or services are available upon request, preferably at least three days before the event. For information or to request accommodations, call 240-777-1841 or MD Relay 711 or email WEAAD@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov.

For more information about programs and services for seniors, visit the County’s Senior Site online.

Free Electric Scooter Training and Safety Clinic for Those 18-and-Older Will Be Available on Saturday, June 11, in Rockville

Residents 18-and-older who are interested in electric scooter lessons will have the opportunity to attend a free clinic in Rockville on Saturday, June 11, sponsored by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT). Participants can take a test ride, learn safety tips and get details on basic scooter laws.

Participants must have a valid driver’s license. No registration is required to attend and walk ups are welcome. The clinic generally will last about two hours and e-scooters will be available.

The clinic will be held at Montgomery College’s Rockville campus at 850 Hungerford Dr. in Rockville. (Parking Lot 13).

 Electric scooters can help bridge the "first-mile/last-mile" gap of public transportation to provide the flexibility to easily get to and from a user’s ultimate destination. Currently, Bird, Lime and Spin participate in the County’s Dockless Vehicle Pilot Program.

For more information about the e-scooter clinics, visit  www.montgomerycountymd.gov/commute or call 240-777-8380.

Classes will be canceled for inclement weather. For cancelation information, check the website here.

County to Offer Free Six-Week Diabetes Management Program Starting Wednesday, June 22, at Germantown Library

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with the Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence, will offer a free community-based Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) beginning Wednesday, June 22. The six-week series will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the Germantown Library.

The Germantown Library is located at l9840 Century Blvd. in Germantown.

The Diabetes Self-Management Program was created at Stanford University and is a nationally recognized diabetes prevention and management program. The program covers the physical aspect of managing diabetes, as well as the emotional aspect and is designed to improve an individual’s A1C and reduce complications associated with diabetes.

The program has demonstrated proven health benefits and complements the diabetic medical management services people receive from their providers. Participants will enhance their ability to maintain active and fulfilling lifestyles, improve problem-solving and decision-making skills and address the challenges of living with diabetes. Workshop topics include improving food choices, increasing physical activity and practicing coping skills to maintain nutrition and a healthy weight.

Individuals with diabetes or caregivers of persons with diabetes can register for the DSMP workshop online at https://forms.gle/khriEvVkb9AmD5qN7 or by calling T’Kia Pearson, the program manager of health promotion, at 240-777-1244.

Third Quarter Updates of Climate Action Plan Implementation Include Progress on More Than 70 Recommendations

Montgomery County has released the third-quarter updates of its Fiscal Year 2022 Climate Work Plan that highlights the progress to implement actions in the County’s Climate Action Plan. The County has continued to make progress on more than 70 actions to help reach the goals of the plan.

The Climate Action Plan (CAP), unveiled in 2021, is a strategic plan to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80 percent by 2027 and 100 percent by 2035. The plan also seeks to reduce climate-related risks to the County’s residents, businesses and the built and natural environment. The annual climate work plan describes the actions that the County is making progress on in the near term in support of the CAP.

“As showcased in the Quarter 3 updates, Montgomery County continues to make progress toward meeting our climate goals,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Addressing climate change supports and builds on the County’s efforts to improve quality-of-life and economic vitality in our community. I am proud of Montgomery County’s leadership on climate.”

Adriana Hochberg, the County’s climate change officer and acting director of the Department of Environmental Protection, said the County is moving swiftly to address recommendations made in the CAP.

“The Quarter 3 progress updates are a testament to the hard work of staff across County government, our residents, and businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to a changing climate,” said Ms. Hochberg. “Implementing the Climate Action Plan is continuing to produce results that provide tangible benefits to residents.”

Highlights of Quarter 3 progress include:

• Clean Energy: The Montgomery County Green Bank launched its low- and moderate-income solar program for homeowners earning under $97,500 in March 2022 in conjunction with the Solar Co-Op.
• Buildings: The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is involved in the Rocky Mountain Institute's 2022 electrify cohort in partnership with the City of Takoma Park, Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland and the County Green Bank to design a building electrification program.
• Transportation: Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) received 24 electric school buses.
• Transportation: The County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) and DEP launched the EV Purchasing Co-op Pilot and asked residents and local businesses to "make the pledge" to purchase an EV for their next vehicle.
• Transportation: MCDOT completed the MD355 Crossing Project, with an underpass providing a safe, efficient crossing for pedestrians and cyclists between the National Institutes of Health and Naval Support Activity Bethesda/Walter Reed, and directly connecting with the Metro station.
• Carbon Sequestration: DEP received $1.5 million in Federal grants through the FY22 Omnibus Appropriations bill for tree planting and green infrastructure with a focus on underrepresented communities.
• Carbon Sequestration: The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission acquired 472.78 acres of property to create the new Broad Run Conservation Park. Public ownership of this property will ensure long-term preservation and conservation of land that includes: 325 acres of forest, significant areas of contiguous forest and forest interior habitat, and 1.5 miles of Broad Run mainstream and headwater tributaries.
• Climate Adaptation: The Department of General Services has completed the design and construction phases of the Scotland Recreation Center Resilience Hub and it is anticipated to be operational in the summer of 2022.
• Governance: The Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO) conducted two training programs for about 50 departmental “climate ambassadors,” focusing on the science and impacts of climate change.
• Governance: County Bill 46-21 to expand the scope of the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing program was enacted on March 15 and will become effective on June 27.
• Public Engagement, Partnerships, and Education: The Latino Health Initiative of the Department of Health and Human Services conducted six virtual physical activity sessions (“Charlemos con Zumba” or “Let’s Chat with Zumba”) in Spanish, between February and March. Zumba sessions included a presentation and discussion with participants on various climate-related topics.
• Public Engagement, Partnerships, and Education: MCPS hosted the Youth Climate Summit on March 5. It was an event organized, planned, and led by students.

To view the Quarter 3 FY22 Climate Work Plan progress report, visit https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/green/Resources/Files/climate/fy22-climate-work-plan-q3-updates.pdf

For more information about the Climate Action Plan, visit https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/green/climate/index.html.

Members Sought for New Montgomery County ‘Building Performance Improvement Board,’ with Applications Due Friday, June 10

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection is looking to fill 15 vacancies on the County’s new “Building Performance Improvement Board.” The application deadline is Friday, June 10.

The board will advise on implementation of the Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS), which were proposed by County Executive Marc Elrich and recently approved by the County Council. The standards set the minimum threshold for energy performance at existing commercial buildings and multifamily residential buildings, such as apartment buildings and condominium communities.

“Passing BEPS was critical toward meeting our Climate Action Plan goals of reducing 100 percent of our greenhouse gas emissions by 2035,” said County Executive Elrich. “Our new Building Performance Improvement Board is important toward the implementation of this process. I encourage all residents who are eligible to please apply for this board.”

County Executive Elrich will appoint members to the board after July 31. Nominees must then be confirmed by the County Council. Applicants of diverse backgrounds, professions, genders, geography, abilities, ethnicities and ages are encouraged to apply.

To be eligible to serve on the board, applicants must be County residents or:

• Representatives of local electricity or natural gas utilities.
• Providers of energy efficiency, building resilience and/or renewable energy services or consulting.
• Owners or managers of affordable housing.
• Owners or managers of multifamily residential buildings containing market-rate units.
• Nonresidential building owners or managers.
• Nonprofit building owners or managers.
• Technical building design or operations professionals.
• Providers of facilities, mechanical or similar engineering services.
• Commercial or multifamily residential construction finance or investment professionals.
• Representatives of nonprofit organizations dedicated to climate action, resiliency, public health, green building, economic development or building decarbonization.
• Representatives of nonprofit organizations dedicated to racial equity or environmental justice.

To apply, click “Apply for Board” at the bottom of the board information page .

Energy use in the building sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the County, representing nearly 50 percent of emissions communitywide. To address the climate emergency, Montgomery County has set a goal of an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2027 and 100 percent by 2035.

The County is leading the way in the region and the nation in setting goals to combat climate change. It is among the first localities in the country to propose BEPS requirements on commercial and multifamily buildings. The program has caught the attention of President Biden’s Council on Environmental Quality, as well as environmental activists across the country. Other jurisdictions are looking at the County’s BEPS policy framework as a model.

To learn more about the county’s Building Energy Performance Standards, visit https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/green/energy/beps.html.

‘Crafting Queer Resistance: The Emergence of LGBTQIA+ Voices in Contemporary Craft’ Will Be Presented by Montgomery History on Monday, June 13

“Crafting Queer Resistance: The Emergence of LGBTQIA+ Voices in Contemporary Craft” will be presented online by Montgomery History at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 13. John-Duane Kingsley, an author and independent consultant on the intersection of design history and the queer experience, will lead the presentation.

Crafting Queer Resistance will explore the expanding world of queer makers within textiles, wood, ceramics and metal. The presentation will look at how queer makers' unique experiences challenge the histories, techniques and materiality of their mediums.

To learn more about the work of Mr. Kingsley, go to www.dandycraft.org.

To view the presentation, register at https://montgomeryhistory.org/.

Questions about accessing Montgomery History programs can be addressed to Matt Gagle, director of programs, at MGagle@MontgomeryHistory.org.

County to Host 25th Juneteenth Free Celebration on Saturday, June 18, with Events at BlackRock Center in Germantown

Montgomery County’s 25th Juneteenth Celebration will be held at the BlackRock Center for the Arts from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday, June 18. This will mark the first official observance of Juneteenth as both a national and County paid holiday.

The BlackRock Center is located at 12901 Town Commons Dr. in Germantown.

The celebration will be a free, family-friendly event, but an RSVP is encouraged to receive a day-of-event reminder email with the direct link to the event and any additional announcements. An RSVP can be made at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-juneteenth-journey-to-freedom-tickets-316992431897.

Juneteenth commemorates the 157th anniversary of the events of June 19, 1865. On that day, Union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 Federal troops arrived in Galveston, Tex., to take possession of the state and enforce the emancipation of its enslaved persons. The anniversary today is known as Juneteenth and is celebrated widely across the United States.

The County event will feature traditional events including an award recognition ceremony and Juneteenth-inspired food. This year’s “Journey to Freedom,” will hold a theme of “Memorialize the Struggle, Celebrate the Successes and Secure Justice.” The celebration is designed to recognize equality through education, art, dance, music and honoring elders.

New this year, the festivities will include “Trail of Knowledge” educational passport activities—a historical journey of African American Music and artistic entertainment and food trucks. All activities are designed for the whole family and will take place throughout the BlackRock Center campus. Additional activities are scheduled for the nearby Germantown Library. Special Guest Rare Essence will perform, along with other musical and artistic surprises.

“Juneteenth is a chance to gather with our community, celebrate our diversity, and remember our history," said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. "We reaffirm that we are stronger as a County because of our diversity. This year’s Juneteenth activities are designed to engage and educate, as well as entertain, because this holiday is a reminder that we can’t take freedom for granted. We look to the future with great hope and with a renewed commitment to pursuing justice. I urge our residents and visitors to join us for this year’s Juneteenth celebration and spend time learning more about this important national holiday.”

The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights, the Human Rights Commission, Friends of the Human Rights Commission and the County Executive’s African American Advisory Group are coordinating the program. Program partners include the BlackRock Center for the Arts, the City of Rockville and numerous County departments and services.

County Executive Elrich will again host the African American Living Legend Awards on Friday, June 17, to honor distinguished individuals who have helped shape the cultural heritage of the African American community. The honorees have dedicated their lives to service and excellence, with accomplishments in areas including business, health, media, sports, education, law, ministry, community organizations, medicine and politics.

“The end of slavery not only meant freedom for a people, it meant freedom for a nation,” said Office of Human Rights Director James Stowe. “However, nothing is guaranteed—as we see efforts at voter suppression nationwide, confrontation with law enforcement and excessive force issues for Black and Brown people, social justice crisis and an attempted insurrection and end of our democracy. This is a must attend program for every freedom-loving member of our community. As we still have COVID-19 concerns, we will be observing all County-required safety measures that may be in place at that time. So come on out and bring your entire family for a full day of education, fun, good food, music, art and entertainment.”

Additional information also is available on the Office of Human Rights website or by calling the Office of Human Rights at 240-888-5502.

Three County Departments to Cohost ‘CDL Job Fair’ on Saturday, June 11

A job fair for holders of Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL licenses) and for individuals who would like to pursue earning a CDL license to get jobs with Montgomery County will be held from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, at the County Executive Office Building in Rockville. The job fair will offer details on CDL-related jobs, and other positions, with the County’s Department of Transportation, the Department of Alcohol Beverage Services and the Department of General Services.

The Executive Office Building is located at 101 Monroe Street in Rockville. The job fair will be held on the lobby level.

At the job fair, attendees will meet knowledgeable staff who will answer questions, discuss CDL permit and license requirements and provide assistance in applying for available positions.

Details will be available about positions as mechanics, truck drivers, warehouse workers, transit bus operators and equipment operators. Positions available include Ride On bus operators and highway safety equipment operators with the Department of Transportation, Alcohol Beverage Services delivery drivers and Department of General Services equipment operators

Free parking is available for the event in the nearby “Jury Parking Lot” located on the corner of East Jefferson Street and Fleet Street.

For additional information about the job fair, contact Robin Golden at robin.golden@montgomerycountymd.org.

Free Online Workshops for Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs Available in June

Free online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers and entrepreneurs will be available in June. All workshops are free and offered virtually. The workshops are sponsored by Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL).

An internet connection and a device (such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer) are required for participation.

The workshop schedule will include:

• Throughout June – Every Monday: 9:30-11:30 a.m. H.I.R.E. (Helping Individuals Reach Employment) Sessions. Meet virtually/confidentially one-on-one with a career counselor for advice and assistance with your job search. To register, go to:
• Monday, June 13: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/6540234
• Monday, June 20: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/6540235
• Monday, June 27: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/6540236
• Tuesday/Thursday, June 14 and 16: 5:30-8 p.m. LinkedIn Boot Camp for 45-and-over Job Seekers (Sessions I and II). Two-session/two-day workshop focuses on both the mechanics and strategy of using LinkedIn as a tool to conduct a successful job search. Register at: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5959901.
• Wednesday, June 15: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. How to Apply for Jobs with Montgomery County Government. Learn about applying for jobs with Montgomery County Government. Register at: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5822376.

For more information about any workshop, contact Adrienne Van Lare at adrienne.vanlare@montgomerycountymd.gov.