Emergent Biosolutions to Expand HQ in County; Maker of only FDA-licensed Vaccine to Protect Against Anthrax Disease

Thanks to a strategic collaboration among the Maryland, Montgomery County and City of Gaithersburg economic development offices, Emergent Biosolutions - maker of the only FDA-licensed vaccine to protect against anthrax disease - will expand its headquarters in Montgomery County.

The company will move 112 of its current employees to its new headquarters facility at 400 Professional Dr. in early 2015. As part of the tri-level support for Emergent, the State of Maryland contributed $2 million, Montgomery County, $750,000 and the City of Gaithersburg, $250,000. Emergent plans to purchase 400 Professional Dr., adjacent to its current research and development facility located at 300 Professional Drive in Gaithersburg.

In addition to its Anthrax vaccine, Emergent also develops products to combat tuberculosis, cancer and autoimmune disorders and employs some 900 employees at more than a dozen sites globally.

Read more.

New Traffic Laws Become Effective October 1; No Hand-Held Cell Phone Use, Seat Belts for All passengers

Residents are reminded that two new State traffic laws that will affect the general population of drivers will go into effect October 1.

First, a fully licensed driver will not be permitted to use a handheld cell phone while their vehicle is in motion. The new law also authorizes police to enforce these violations as primary traffic offenses, meaning that officers will be able to stop drivers for the sole offense of using a handheld cell phone while behind the wheel.

It is not against the law to attach and use a hands-free device such as a Bluetooth. But, officers encourage drivers to refrain from using a cell phone while driving so they can concentrate fully on their driving responsibilities. Texting while driving is already a primary offense.

The penalty for the first violation is $83, the second violation penalty is $140 and the fine for the third and subsequent offense is $160.

The other new law will require that every vehicle occupant use either a seat belt or child safety restraint. Anyone over the age of 16 riding in either the front or the back seat will be required to use a seat belt. Residents are also reminded that the number of passengers in a vehicle cannot exceed the number of seat belts in that vehicle, and no more than one person can be buckled in a single seat belt.

For more information, see Frequently Asked Questions.

Silver Spring GreenFest

More than 25 environmental experts and practitioners, 30 vendors of green products and services, local environmental non-profits, activities for adults and children, games, demonstrations and music will highlight the second annual GreenFest in Downtown Silver Spring on October 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nationally renowned speakers will address global environmental issues, followed by panel discussions highlighting local actions and solutions in a series of presentation to be held in the Civic Building at Veteran’s Plaza, beginning at 10 a.m.

Attendees can connect with selected businesses exhibiting green products and services.

Silver Spring Green is also collaborating with the Silver Spring Farmers Market and local food businesses with cooking demonstrations using locally grown produce.

The 2013 GreenFest is organized by Silver Spring Green in partnership with the Fenton Street Market, the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection and The Blairs of Silver Spring.

See more about GreenFest.



Watch a GreenFest video to see what goes on.

Edibles and Entertainment on the Menu at Taste of Bethesda

More than 50 restaurants and five stages of entertainment will take over the heart of Bethesda’s Woodmont Triangle on October 5 for the annual Taste of Bethesda. It’s all happening on Norfolk, Fairmont, St. Elmo, Cordell and Del Ray aves. from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Admission is free. Tickets will be sold onsite to “taste” different foods; tickets are $5 for four tickets and a serving costs one to four tickets.

The event is just three blocks from the Bethesda Metro station. Free parking is also available in downtown Bethesda’s public garages. Visitors can take the free Bethesda Circulator to and from the Bethesda Metro station and public garages.

The festival, produced by the Bethesda Urban Partnership, celebrates 24 years of diverse and delectable cuisine this year.

See more about the event.

County Sponsors Free Events on How the Affordable Care Act Affects Seniors

A series of free programs entitled “Dispelling Myths About the Affordable Care Act and Seniors" will be held on October 7, 8, 9, 10 and 15 at senior centers throughout the County. County Executive Ike Leggett and a representative from the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) will address the myths surrounding the effect the ACA will have on seniors. A brief presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session. Registration is not required.

Download a flyer (pdf) with the schedule of programs or view senior calendar.

For more information about the Affordable Care Act, go to www.marylandhealthconnection.gov.

For more information on senior issues, call the Senior Resource Line at 240-777-3000 or the County’s call center at 311 or visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior.

Help Available for Finding Quality Health Coverage within Personal Budget

The Affordable Care Act now requires legal residents between the ages of 18 and 64 to have health insurance coverage beginning January 1, 2014. Maryland Health Connection is the state’s new health insurance marketplace. Find out what plans are available and more information at www.marylandhealthconnection.gov.

Enrollment begins October 1 and there are three ways to enroll:

• Online at www.marylandhealthconnection.gov
• Call Maryland’s call center at 1-855-642-8572 (toll free) or 1-855-642-8573 (TTY)
• In Person –find out where to find in-person assistance on the calendar located on our website at www.capitalhealthconnection.org.

Changes in Entrances to Circuit Court Building in Rockville Coming September 30

The Maryland Ave. entrance to the Montgomery County Circuit Court in downtown Rockville is scheduled to re-open September 30.

However, due to continuing construction on the Circuit Court Annex project, the Monroe St. entrance into the Court is scheduled to close at the same time for about six months or more.

All Sheriff’s sales and other legal auctions will move back to the Maryland Ave. entrance. Attorney, law enforcement, juror, employee and all other pedestrian access to the Circuit Court will be through the Maryland Ave. or Montgomery County Executive Office Building cafeteria entrances only.

Metro Red Line Closures Coming October 4 through 6

During the October 4-6 weekend, Metro is preparing to do extensive work on a core section of the Red Line between Dupont Circle and NoMa-Gallaudet stations.

Beginning at 10 p.m. Friday, October 4, through system closing on Sunday, October 6, free shuttle buses will replace Red Line trains between the two stations to allow for major rebuilding work through the downtown area.

As a result, Farragut North, Judiciary Square and Union Station will be closed. Gallery Place will remain open for Yellow and Green line service only; Metro Center will remain open for Blue and Orange line service only.

During the weekend of October 4-6, Red Line trains will operate as follows:

Between Shady Grove and Dupont Circle - Every 10 minutes between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., and at regular weekend intervals (every 15-20 minutes) at other times.

Between Glenmont and NoMa-Gallaudet - Every 10 minutes between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., and at regular weekend intervals (every 15-20 minutes) at other times.

See more details about shuttle bus options and time-saving tips.

September 30 Deadline to Apply for Water Quality Protection Charge Credit in 2013

Residential and commercial property owners who install stormwater management techniques may be eligible to reduce their Water Quality Protection Charge (WQPC) by up to 50 percent. The credit is meant to help reduce stormwater pollution, and the amount of the credit is based on the number of gallons of stormwater diverted.

Applications to receive a credit in the 2013 tax year are due by September 30 and by October 31 for the 2014 tax year. Approved credits are valid for three years.

Eligible techniques include rain gardens, dry wells, green roofs, permeable pavement, conservation landscaping, rain barrels/cisterns, dry or wet ponds, sand filters, swales, infiltration trenches and underground stormwater storage.

Get more information about the Rainscapes program rebates and WQPC credits.

To apply for the WQPC credits or for questions about the WQPC credits program email WQPC.credits@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Historical Happenings and Things to Do this Fall

Once fall arrives, it seems we all like to get out and enjoy the colors and friendly climate that the season brings. If you’re looking for things to do close to home that can educate and entertain you, check out the Montgomery County Historical Society’s Calendar of Events in their fall newsletter.