Residents 18-and-older who are interested in electric scooter lessons will have the opportunity to attend a free clinic sponsored by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, at Montgomery College in Rockville. Participants will be able to take a test ride, learn safety tips and get details on basic scooter laws.
The clinic will be held in Parking Lot 13 at Montgomery College, which is located at 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville.
The clinic will run for two hours and e-scooters will be available. Those interested in e-scooters can stop in at any time during the clinic.
Participants must have a valid driver’s license or ID. No registration is required to attend a clinic and walk-ups are welcome. Check tinyurl.com/5n8adjaj for cancelations due to inclement weather.
The Gaithersburg Book Festival is marking its 15th anniversary with an art contest for high school students in Montgomery County. The winning artwork, which will be judged on originality, creativity and overall effect, will be featured on the cover of the 2024 Gaithersburg Book Festival program,
Students can submit original artwork on the theme of “celebrating 15 years of books, writers and literary excellence” by no later than noon on Friday, Dec. 1. The Gaithersburg Book Festival is an annual all-day celebration of books, writers and literary excellence. It is one of the premier literary events in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
The 2024 Gaithersburg Book Festival program will be available to festival goers, as well as more than 100 featured authors and illustrators from around the world. More than 2,500 festival programs will be distributed, with the winning artist being credited by name and title of the artwork anywhere the program cover image appears. The winning artist and their family will receive an invitation to the exclave author reception that precedes the festival.
“The Gaithersburg Book Festival is not only renowned for the authors it attracts, but also award-winning illustrators and artists who express stories in images they create,” said Jud Ashman, the festival founder and chair, who also serves as Mayor of the City of Gaithersburg. "As we prepare for our 15th festival, we are proud to give students in our County the opportunity to express their creativity as they bring the mission of our Festival to life with their artwork.”
The submission guidelines include:
Only one submission per artist.
At the time of submitting their entry, the artist must be a high school student in grades 9-12; at a public or private school or homeschooled; and enrolled in the 2023-24 school year.
The following, and their family members, are prohibited from participation in this contest: Employees of the City of Gaithersburg, City Councilmembers and all volunteers associated with the Gaithersburg Book Festival.
Up to 12 pieces of art will be selected as finalists. The finalists will have their artwork posted on the Gaithersburg Book Festival website prior to the festival and will be displayed at the 15th Gaithersburg Book Festival, which will take place on May 18 at Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm in Gaithersburg.
I hope you are keeping one of our Montgomery County Police Department leaders in your thoughts. Early Wednesday morning, Sgt. Patrick Kepp was on duty and trying to stop a dangerous driver going more than 100 miles per hour on I-270. Police say the driver of that car intentionally hit Sgt. Kepp as he was outside of his vehicle trying to get that vehicle to stop.
Sgt. Kepp lost use of both of his legs in this incident and his life has been forever changed. I extend my sympathies to this brave officer, his family and every member of the MCPD.
The 10-year MCPD veteran, seen above with Police Chief Marcus Jones, is a highly decorated officer and considered an expert in impaired driving prevention. The Washington Regional Alcohol Program awarded Kepp twice for his work. It said he made more than 120 DUI arrests in 2021. Friends he worked with in trying to take drunk drivers off the street say this incident is devastating.
I spoke to Maryland Governor Wes Moore on Wednesday, and he expressed his support and well wishes for Sgt. Kepp, his family and our entire police department. The Governor told me he also reached out to the Kepp family. I appreciated the Governor’s call and his concern for the welfare of all our police officers during this difficult time.
During that conversation, I mentioned to the Governor that the driver responsible for this had been stopped many times previously, leading to hundreds of citations and minor warnings, including the suspension of his driver’s license. When the charges pile up and behavior is not impacted, it means the penalties we have are not enough. Using an automobile as a dangerous weapon that threatens lives and puts the community in danger should be a criminal offense with serious consequences.
As we prepare for the upcoming General Assembly, I support legislation that would heavily penalize this kind of driving. Sgt. Kepp put his life in danger to prevent others from being hurt. It was a sacrifice he should not have been asked to make. But it is the sacrifice that every officer and first responder who works for this government is willing to do. What they encounter daily is unimaginable to the rest of us. The entire police family could use our support right now. Police look out for their own in every circumstance so it should come as no surprise that the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Officers Relief Fund is there to help any member of the police department injured on the job.
MCPD Officer Indicted for Allegations of Jan. 6 Involvement
I am very disappointed and quite frankly angry to learn that a suspended Montgomery County Police Department officer, Justin Lee, was indicted this week by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
At this moment, I have more questions than answers. As I understand from our police department, we had no previous knowledge about his activities. Throughout his interview, background, training and brief time as a sworn officer, we were not made aware that Federal investigators suspected his involvement in the insurrection. Lee was sworn in as a new officer in January of 2022.
When MCPD was made aware in July that Lee was being investigated by the DOJ, Chief Jones immediately and rightfully removed his police powers. Now that he has been indicted, Lee is currently suspended without pay pending termination.
On Jan. 6, the men and women of our police department responded bravely to assist law enforcement at the Capitol. To this day, we still have MCPD officers out on leave from injuries sustained on Jan. 6. It is shameful that Mr. Lee concealed his actions during the riot and attempted to work on the same side as officers that he allegedly attacked that day.
Moving forward, our police department is reviewing its background and polygraph procedures to ensure that the process and questions weed out anyone with insurrectionist ideology.
An officer’s trustworthiness is their most important asset, both with the community and their fellow officers. It is evident that Lee failed the standard of trust we expect from MCPD officers.
Local Impact from Hamas-Israel War
Over the past two weeks, I have had many conversations with members of the Jewish and Muslim communities and others with connections to the Middle East. While our diverse communities fear for the safety of their family and friends abroad, they also fear for themselves and their loved ones at home here in Montgomery County. They are worrying about what could occur here in their neighborhoods, synagogues and mosques. The recent murder of a 6-year-old in Chicago, as well as a rise in harassment and hateful rhetoric, has heightened concerns.
As a local government with significant Jewish and Muslim communities, we are committed to listening and engaging with our residents who are concerned and feeling attacked and vulnerable. People in our community are deeply impacted and suffering because of what is happening in Israel and Palestine. There are County employees who are Jewish and Muslim who have lost loved ones, and we have neighbors who are afraid to walk down the streets here in our community. We are determined that Montgomery County will remain a safe place for all.
I appreciate the County Council for supporting my supplemental request that I sent over last week, adding an additional $100,000 to the Nonprofit and Faith Communities Security Grant program for communities fearing for their safety and well-being. Montgomery County also has the Partnership Fund for Victims of Hate/Violence in our Office of Human Rights. It has been part of our community since 1987 to help provide partial compensation for property damage and help victims of racial, ethnic or religious based attacks. Individuals and private institutions may be eligible to receive financial assistance from the fund to repair or replace property if it has been damaged because of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability. Groups must apply for the assistance soon after through the Office of Human Rights. For more information on the Partnership Fund, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/humanrights.
Civilian deaths are horrifying, regardless of where they occur. The emotional impact on people from the deaths of loved ones who were simply trying to live their lives and harming no one is hard to accept. We will not tolerate acts of hate by anyone. I hope all of us can grieve as we need to, but that we can also restrain ourselves from lashing out at our neighbors and friends. What has happened abroad should not change how we interact with people here.
We need our schools to double down on anti-bullying resources for Muslim and Jewish students. Schools should be a safe place for students and should help students to process the hurt and rage they are feeling. We need to support our children who are struggling to make sense of this.
I recommend subscribing to our Faith Community Advisory Group newsletter, which updates the community on matters related to organized religious groups and community partners with ties to those groups. The latest newsletter had good information about County, State, Federal and nonprofit resources to help support communities during these challenging times. You can visit faithmcmd.org to sign up for newsletters or find resources that can help through tough times.
Honoring an Advocate During Homeless Resource Day
Our area’s yearly survey of the homeless population conducted in January showed that the number of people experiencing homelessness surpassed pre-pandemic levels in Montgomery County with 894 people counted. This total grew 54 percent compared to the 2022 survey. The comparison shows the last time we had numbers this high was in 2017. You can review and download many of the Homelessness in Metropolitan Washington reports compiled by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments by visiting their website. These findings are not a surprise because many people thought that COVID-19 would negatively impact efforts to eliminate homelessness. How we choose to respond says a lot about the kind of community we are and how much support our residents give to organizations that support aid efforts.
Montgomery County this week hosted the Nadim Khan Memorial Homeless Resource Day in Gaithersburg, a one-day event offering many services and resources to residents experiencing homelessness. The County Department of Transportation helped bus participants to Bohrer Park so they could attend. Among the offerings were health screenings, financial counseling, free legal advice, information about veterans benefits and job opportunities. Thank you to the more than 300 volunteers needed to host an event like this.
I also want to recognize the work of Gloria Huggins, a key member of the Services to End and Prevent Homelessness team in our Department of Health and Human Services. I was honored to present her with a certificate for her outstanding leadership through the years and her efforts specifically with Homeless Resource Day. This is the ninth year that we have been able bring together dozens of community partners and volunteers to help those in need. The original idea for Homeless Resource Day came from the late Nadim Khan, who was chief of DHHS’ Special Needs Housing (now called Services to End and Prevent Homelessness). The day was a success in large part because of Gloria’s efforts in organizing the event. She and many others made it a good day for those who came for help.
Producing, preserving and protecting affordable housing in this County is a top priority of my administration.
Our partner, Montgomery Housing Partnership, spent more than a year fully renovating this project. It was built in 1934 and years of disrepair needed to be addressed. A total of 96 units were redone. We celebrated the grand opening this week of the redesigned Colonnade at the Creek in Takoma Park. Our partner, Montgomery Housing Partners, spent more than a year fully renovating this property. A total of 96 units were redone. All available units will be rented to families making 60 percent of the area’s average median income (AMI) or less, including 13 units meant for families making 30 percent of AMI.
We are proud of this project, which is just one of many recent affordable housing accomplishments. Since July, we closed deals on six new projects that will generate 754 affordable units for Montgomery County residents. While each of these projects required different levels of funding, the overall cost to the County is a little over $58,000 per unit.
This is just a fraction of what we have been able to accomplish over the last few years in which we have provided record funding for affordable housing.
Over the last 18 months, Montgomery County has helped produce or preserve 1,729 affordable units. Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) Director Scott Bruton joined me on my weekly media briefing and said nine more projects will be complete by the end of 2023, producing an additional 607 affordable housing units.
Recently, we closed another big deal at the Falkland Chase complex in Silver Spring. The plan will convert 170 garden-style apartments into at least 1,250 units. We are investing $20 million dollars in this project and are excited to partner with Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing, which purchased the property for $36.5 million. We are making this investment not only so families can afford to stay in their homes, but to create brand-new, economical, low-cost housing opportunities for more working families. A successful project here may lead to future collaboration with APAH. The original plan, approved by Park and Planning, would have replaced these affordable units with high-end housing. That is why we are really grateful that APAH acquired this property with the goal of preserving and increasing affordable opportunities that we badly need in the County.
We cannot sit back and expect the development community to build us out of this affordable housing crisis. If we do nothing, we will watch our affordable housing stock dry up and be replaced with units that too many of our residents cannot afford.
Fortunately, we are in a position as a County to be creative and find partners who want to work with us as we strive for a better housing situation for everyone.
While we focus on producing and preserving affordable housing, we also most ensure that those living in affordable housing are treated with respect and dignity. On Thursday evening, I joined County Councilmembers Kristin Mink and Kate Stewart and Maryland State Delegate Lorig Charkoudian for a rally at the Enclave apartment buildings in White Oak. The Enclave has one of the worst records in the County when it comes to the number of complaints and housing code violations. I heard from many people who listed countless issues from unresolved bug and pest issues to security and safety concerns we expect management to address. One woman said she only moved in 18 days ago and already regretted the decision. We expect better treatment of people and families in this County.
I was proud to work with Councilmember Mink earlier this year on the passage of our historic rent stabilization bill. This is another measure we have implemented to ensure accountability and protections for our renters. After hearing about double-digital rent increases occurring throughout the County, we had to act to ensure that no one was going to be priced out of their home. Regulations for this bill are currently being finalized and I look forward to updating you upon its completion.
For more information about regarding all of our housing efforts and when spaces open up in our Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit program, visit the DHCA website.
Results of First LGBTQ+ Community Survey Released
October is LGBTQ+ History Month and I encourage everyone to take a moment to recognize the decades of oppression, struggles, and eventually, triumphs of this community to earn equal rights and protections.
It was only 50 years ago, in 1973—when I was in my early 20s—that the American Psychiatric Association (the largest psychiatric organization in the world) made history by issuing a resolution declaring that homosexuality was no longer a mental illness or sickness.
When I was on the Takoma Park City Council, we had to fight to make sure partners of patients in the hospital would be assured equal access to their loved ones. Literally, gay couples were not allowed to be at the bedside of their companions when they were sick, hurt or even dying. Since then, we have seen LGBTQ+ rights quickly expand.
Maryland was the first State to pass same-sex marriage by public referendum, and that was just a little over a decade ago in 2012. This was due to historical LGBTQ+ legislation originally sponsored by our current County Chief Administrative Officer Richard Madaleno when he was a State Senator.
Today, LGBTQ+ individuals are more welcomed, accepted and protected than ever before. But they continue to face challenges, discrimination and hate – even in a community as progressive, diverse and inclusive as Montgomery County.
To better help us understand and serve our LGBTQ+ residents, we conducted the County’s first-ever LGBTQ+ Community Survey last year. The results of the survey can be found at MontgomeryPride.org. There were more than 800 respondents to this survey. This was an incredible response, and I am grateful to all who took the time to share their thoughts.
The survey asked our LGBTQ+ community members whether they felt safe and welcomed in Montgomery County. It also asked about their experiences with housing, healthcare and interacting with law enforcement.
The good news is that three out of every four respondents consider Montgomery County a safe place to live openly as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. However, 45 percent of those surveyed said they experienced discrimination in at least one place over the past year. Nearly one in four respondents stated that they experienced this discrimination in a public space. These are shockingly high numbers.
It was also clear from this survey (and illustrated in the graphic above) that trans, gender expansive and questioning residents were experiencing more difficultly with housing stability and access to healthcare. They also had more negative interactions with law enforcement than our non- trans, gender expansive and questioning residents.
Since this survey was the first of its kind, these results are a baseline. They clearly show that we have work to do to better serve this community.
In this County, we are committed to making sure all LGBTQ+ residents are being heard. Just across the border in Virginia, that state’s Governor is leading the charge to tighten school restrictions that ostracize transgender students in public schools. These attacks are classified as “parents’ rights.” What they really do is fan the flames of those trying to deny gender identity and free expression. This is not acceptable.
We can, and are committed to, doing more in the coming years to increase resources and create opportunities for inclusion of our LGBTQ+ residents. I encourage you to read the report on the website MontgomeryCountyPride.org.
Health Update
All key metrics used to gauge the threat from COVID-19 are currently trending down. That means fewer week-to-week hospitalizations, diminishing case rates and lower test positivity percentages. This is good news, but as the weather gets colder, we often see cases spike.
And with holiday gatherings beginning just weeks from now, we must consider those who are most vulnerable to being infected, especially older adults and anyone with weakened immune systems.
Of the 54 new deaths across Maryland associated with COVID-19 over the last week, 69 percent of the victims were 70 or older. It is a reminder of how vitally important it is for family members to encourage seniors to follow the CDC recommendations. Cases in nursing homes and assisted living facilities dwarf other areas where cases are being traced back to.
At this point, nearly everyone ages six and older is encouraged to get a new booster shot. New vaccines are widely available at pharmacies and through doctors’ offices everywhere. Visit vaccines.gov to find a provider near you and schedule an appointment.
Fall Colors at their Peak
You'll find yourself in good company this weekend if you visit one of our many parks to see the changing fall leaves. The website visitmontgomery.com has highlighted a few options for leaf peepers. They include Brookside Gardens, Black Hill Regional Park and Rock Creek Regional Park but there are many more options maybe closer to your home to enjoy the wonderful weather and the colorful sights. We are in the peak of fall colors. According to experts with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, a majority of the leaves will lose their bright hue and start to fall just before Halloween. Enjoy the season however you choose to spend it.
One of the highlights of the fall season is watching the leaves on the trees change from the vibrant green of summer to an array of red, orange and yellow splendor. Visit Montgomery wants people to know that a trip to New England or through the Shenandoah Mountains is not necessary because a day trip around the County will provide a season’s worth of great sights.
Peak color in Montgomery County is traditionally estimated to be from now through the end of October and areas of the County are moving toward their full fall colors.
With more than 250 miles of trails throughout the County, it is easy to get outside and have an adventure at any skill level. Find more trails using the Moco Trail Guide and then grab a craft drink along the Tastemakers Trail.
Here are some of the best places in the County to explore fall foliage:
Rock Creek Regional Park: Stretching across 1,800 acres, the park includes the beautiful 75-acre Lake Needwood and the picturesque 55-acre Lake Frank. Trek across the park’s 13 miles of woodland trails or along the lake shores. The trails are perfect for walking, running, biking and rollerblading. Boat owners can get a full 360-degree view of all the foliage out on Lake Needwood.
Black Hill Regional Park: Located north of Germantown, Black Hill Regional Park offers more than 2,000 acres of outdoor recreation. It features the mostly hard-surface 4.3-mile Black Hill Trail, more than 10 miles of natural surface trails and a water trail on Little Seneca Lake. Stop for a picnic and enjoy spectacular views of the lake and oak and hickory forests. The park includes a half-acre dog park for canine companions.
The C&O Canal & Great Falls: The 184.5-mile Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal connects Georgetown in Washington, D.C., with Cumberland. Built along the Potomac River, the canal operated for nearly 100 years as a lifeline for local communities, transporting coal, lumber and agricultural products down the waterway to market. Today, it lives on as a pathway for discovering history and nature and is a top destination once the leaves start to change. Nearby, Great Falls Park overlooks a series of rapids and waterfalls on the Potomac River. Its trails, including the popular Billy Goat Trail, are a great way to spend a fall afternoon outdoors.
Brookside Gardens: The County’s award-winning 50-acre public display garden is situated within Wheaton Regional Park. As the leaves change colors, they provide a completely different backdrop to the gardens’ 20,000-plus plants. Within the gardens are several distinct areas: Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Style Garden, the Woodland Walk and more. Brookside Gardens also features two conservatories for year-round enjoyment.
Seneca Creek State Park: The park, comprised of 6,300 acres, extends along 14 scenic miles of Seneca Creek, as it winds its way to the Potomac River. The park, whose main entrance is on Clopper Road in Gaithersburg, offers Clopper Lake for boating and fishing and has trails for hiking, cycling and horseback riding. Adventurous hikers can take the 16.5-mile Seneca Creek Greenway Trail that follows the entire course of the creek. Hike the trail around the lake for fall views or drive to King Fisher’s viewpoint to get a breathtaking look at nearly the entire lake. The boathouse is another great spot for leaf viewing.
The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) is holding a fee-waived adoption event for dogs 40 pounds and over through Oct. 31. The “Find Your Boo” adoption event is sponsored by Friends of Montgomery County Animals (FMCA).
The shelter’s population of large dogs has increased. If more people do not adopt, the shelter will once more reach critical capacity, as it did over the summer. Adopters are urgently needed for medium and large dogs. If anyone is considering adding a pet to the family, now is the time. Adopting is easy and will be made even easier with no adoption fee during the special event.
“A lot of people think you need a fenced yard or a house to have a big dog, but they can be great apartment dogs,” said MCASAC Community Relations Manager Maria Anselmo. “We have all types, from couch potatoes to hiking or running buddies.”
The adoption process can be started online by filling out the adoption questionnaire and sending in the required documents. The questionnaire, required documents and more information on the adoption process can be found at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption/howtoadopt.html.
Adopters also can visit the adoption center during open hours from noon-7 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and from noon-5 p.m. on weekends. Adoptions are processed on a first-come, first-served basis by appointment. Walk-in appointments are subject to counselor availability. Adoptions are same-day, so people should be prepared to take home an animal on the day of their appointment.
The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC), which is operated by the Office of Animal Services, provides high standard sheltering and care to the 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 www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices.
As Veterans Day approaches on Saturday, Nov. 11, Montgomery County has joined the national “Operation Green Light” salute to veterans and the County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs is seeking additions to its virtual tribute to County veterans. For those who want to attend ceremonies on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, several will be held around the County.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the County Council are supporting Operation Green Light, a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties to honor those who have made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom. The program asks for displays of a green light, from Nov. 6-12, in a window of businesses or residences to honor veterans.
From Nov. 6-12, Montgomery County’s Memorial Plaza, which is located adjacent to the County Executive Building at 101 Monroe St. in Rockville, will be lit with green lights.
Veterans Day ceremonies will be held at several locations throughout the County. Among those ceremonies will be:
Saturday, Nov. 11. 10:45 a.m. Veterans Park, Bethesda. Corner of Norfolk Avenue and Woodmont Avenue. Sponsored by Montgomery County’s Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center Office, the Bethesda Urban Partnership, the Kiwanis Club of Bethesda and Daughters of the American Revolution. Navy Captain Alan Christian, NSA Bethesda will be the featured speaker. For more information, e-mail janetammerman@gmail.com.
Saturday, Nov. 11. 11 a.m. Veterans Park, at the intersection of MD Route 28 and Rockville Pike in Rockville. Rockville’s Mayor and Council will continue the city’s traditional ceremonies. American Legion Post 86 will lead the wreath-laying ceremony and its honor guard will present a 21-gun salute. Free parking will be available at Sandy Spring Bank, 611 Rockville Pike.
Saturday, Nov. 11. 11 a.m. The City of Gaithersburg’s annual Veterans Day Observance will take place at the City Hall Concert Pavilion. City officials and members of local veterans groups will honor those who have served in all branches of the military. Officials, veterans and community organizations will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony, followed by a reception inside City Hall. For more information, go to https://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation/special-events/veterans-day-observance.
Saturday, Nov. 11. 11 a.m. VFW Post 2562 and American Legion Post 268 host ceremonies at Wheaton Veterans Park, 11200 Amherst Ave. in Wheaton. For more information, contact vfwpost2562@comcast.net.
The County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs is continuing to pay tribute to County veterans through a virtual “Tribute to Montgomery County Veterans” website. As Veterans Day approaches, the commission wants to add tributes to the site. The website is open to all residents who have served in military service.
In addition, there will be Montgomery County veterans’ tributes during the month of November in the display cases at the Rockville Memorial Library and the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza.
Many people confuse Memorial Day in May and Veterans Day in November. Memorial Day honors military personnel who died in service, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, the upcoming holiday is set aside to honor all of those who served honorably in the military—in wartime or peacetime. Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans and acknowledge their contributions to national security.
The commission is seeking to expand the Tribute to Montgomery County Veterans website by adding information on more veterans whose information is supplied either by the veterans themselves, by family members or by friends.
A veteran can share their story, or someone can share the story of a friend or family member, by filling out the Commission’s Google form or filling out its PDF form. Questions can be directed to MCCVA@montgomerycountymd.gov.
The following information is needed on the forms:
Veteran's name.
Name of person submitting information and relationship to the individual.
Branch of service and rank.
Years of service.
Era served (WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Global War on Terror or peacetime/other).
Brief narrative of their service.
Connection to Montgomery County (where the individual currently lives, grew up, attended high school or college/university, etc.).
Photos (preferably one during their service and one present day).
By sending an e-mail to be included, the sender agrees to have the information shared on the County's website and in the Commission on Veterans Affairs social media.
Montgomery County’s Office of Grants Management is accepting applications from qualified nonprofit organizations providing direct services to or advocacy for County community members. An amount totaling $250,000 is available through the County’s Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Quarter 2 Community Projects Fund Grants Program. Applications can be submitted by eligible nonprofits until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
Nonprofit organizations with fewer than three employees and annual budgets of $250,000 or less are eligible to receive a grant. Nonprofits do not need to be based in Montgomery County to apply, but all projects must occur within the County or be exclusively focused on County residents. FY24 Community Project Fund award amounts will vary with a minimum award of $5,000 and a maximum award amount of $25,000 over a six-month performance period.
This current cycle also will include an additional $100,000 in funding from the Department of Health and Human Services for the “FY24 Fentanyl Use, Overdose and Death Reduction Grant Program,” which aims to reduce the number of persons using, overdosing and dying from the use of fentanyl in the County. Four one-time awards are anticipated at $25,000, each with a period of performance for up to a year with a goal of supporting new as well as existing programs.
“It is important to acknowledge the vital contributions of small and emerging nonprofits in tackling the challenges that impact our community,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “The grants we are offering through the Community Projects Fund Grant Program empower these essential organizations to make a tangible difference in our fight against fentanyl and the impact it is having on our community. I have said before that government can’t do everything, which is why it is so important for us to partner with nonprofits. They have the experience and expertise, but often don’t have the financial resources needed to have a greater impact. Together we can make a real difference in people’s lives.”
The County received 54 applications during the first FY24 Community Projects Fund solicitation round. These applications are currently in the final round of reviews with awarding decisions anticipated later this month. Applicants who submitted an application under Quarter 1 also can submit an application for consideration in this round.
Applicants with questions about the application process should contact Olga Kravets in the Office of Grants Management by calling 240-773-3344 or by email at grants@montgomerycountymd.gov.
The Community Projects Fund is intentionally flexible to allow nonprofits to identify their own needs and new programming best suited to support their communities. The full program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the online application, a link to a recorded online information session, links to additional training events and other resources are available on the Montgomery County Office of Grants Management—Grant Application Platform. The Community Project Fund will reopen for new proposals on Jan. 1 and April 1, 2024.
"I am pleased to see that funding has been allocated to combat fentanyl addiction as opioids continue to be the most common drugs involved in overdoses. When grant funds can help people dealing with addiction at the grassroots level, it helps the community at large," said County Council President Evan Glass. "I encourage our small and emerging nonprofit partners to apply for this latest round of community project funding that can be used to help improve the lives of Montgomery County residents.”
Grant applications will be reviewed by an independent committee organized by the Office of Grants Management. The committee will include neutral, qualified individuals from Montgomery County Government who are selected for their experiences in the Community Grant program’s subject area, grants administration or project management. The panel members will review and score applicant proposals on a 100-point scale based on the criteria and priorities established in the Community Grant program, with cumulative ranking informing the final awards.
The U.S. government will continue to make COVID-19 tests available to uninsured individuals and underserved communities through existing outreach programs. Contact a HRSA health center, Test to Treat site or ICATT location to learn how to access low- or no-cost COVID-19 tests provided by the Federal Government.
Most Montgomery County Public Libraries also are distributing free test kits provided by the County. Check with your local library to see if it has test kits available.
Whether to provide lights on two ballpark diamond fields and a future rectangular field at Damascus Regional Park will be the focus of a meeting Montgomery Parks will be holding at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Hallie Wells Middle School in Clarksburg. The meeting also will be available virtually.
Hallie Wells Middle School is located at 11701 Little Seneca Parkway in Clarksburg. To join the meeting virtually, go to MoCoParks.org/DRPLights.
Anyone who may be attending in person or virtually is asked to register in advance at mocoparks.org/DRPMeeting. Registration is optional.
Montgomery Parks states that planning guidance, minimal lighted field supply in parks system and community group requests indicate the need for lighted fields, especially in Upcounty areas. Parks staff will share details at the meeting, while also gathering input from residents.
Tickets are now on sale for the annual winter “Garden of Lights” display at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton. Garden of Lights is a half-mile, walk-through, outdoor exhibit featuring more than a million twinkling lights formed into tunnels, flowers, animals and other natural elements.
Brookside Gardens is located at 1800 Glenallan Ave. in Wheaton. Tickets are $10 per person and are required for everyone age 5 and over. The gardens are open rain or shine and no refunds are given. Tickets, which are sold online only, can be purchased at the Garden of Lights website.
Tickets are timed entry with a specific day and entrance time for arrival. Ticketholders must arrive within 30 minutes of the ticketed time slot.
The Garden of Lights opens on Friday, Nov. 17, and runs every evening through the end of the year. The display is closed Nov. 20-23 and Dec. 24-25.
The Garden of Lights turns the rose garden into a winter wonderland filled with white lights with more than 20 large sculptures and falling snow.
Visitors also can enjoy an elaborate model train display.
Hot chocolate and light snacks are sold at the event.
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