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April 26, 2024

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East County Regional Office

See What's Happening in East County

...and Elsewhere in Montgomery County

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The East County Regional Office links Montgomery County government with citizens and businesses in the Eastern areas of the County that include:

Burtonsville, Briggs Chaney, Burnt Mills, Calverton, Colesville, Cloverly, Fairland, Hillandale, Ashton/Sandy Spring (pt.), Spencerville and White Oak.


East County Citizens Advisory Board (ECCAB)


The ECCAB is an eighteen-member board appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the Council to advise, advocate for and make recommendations to the Executive, Council and East County Regional Director on needs and issues impacting residents and communities of East County.



The Full Board and its Committees Meet Monthly Except in July and August at the

East County Regional Services Center, 3300 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904.


Please Note: The next ECCAB meeting will be on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 7:00 pm.

For questions about the board and full meeting agenda please contact-Eastco.citizens@montgomerycountymd.gov

240-777-8414

See Agenda

-East County News-


Neighborhood Events Matching Funds Grant Program

NEMF is established to promote community engagement, encourage capacity building, networking, and stimulate the local economy.


Eligible activities include those that are open to residents and create sustainable and lasting impacts for the neighborhood.


More details and application here

Montgomery College - Information Session

Monday, April 29, 2024

A message from the County Executive

Read the full message

Other County News

Montgomery County Council

to Hold Public Hearings on May 7, 2024

The County Council will hold public hearings to receive testimony on new items introduced to the Council as follows:


May 7, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.

Deadline to sign up to speak is May 6 at 2 p.m.

 

  • Amendment to the FY23-28 Capital Improvements Program and Supplemental Appropriation #24-78 to the FY24 Capital Budget, Montgomery County Government, AccelerateMC Regional Infrastructure Accelerator (502412), $2,000,000 (Source of Funds: Federal Aid)
  • Amendment to the FY23-28 Capital Improvements Program and Supplemental Appropriation #24-79 to the FY24 Capital Budget, Montgomery County Government, Department of Transportation, Boyds Transit Center (No. 501925), $45,000 (Source of Funds: State Aid)
  • Supplemental Appropriation #24-76 to the FY24 Operating Budget, Montgomery County Government, Department of Transportation, Transit Services, $14,398,933 (Source of Funds: Mass Transit Fund Undesignated Reserves, including restricted Transportation Services Improvement Fund)
  • Supplemental Appropriation #24-81 to the FY24 Capital Budget, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Relocatable Classrooms (No. 846540), $5,000,000 (Source of Funds: Current Revenue: General)

 

Public Hearing Sign Up

Montgomery County Office of Food Systems Resilience

Career Experience Opportunity

The OFSR is seeking interns for the summer (May-August 2024) and fall (September-December 2024) to support OFSR initiatives. This is a part-time professional development opportunity for Montgomery County residents who have previous experience and/or education related to food systems, including in policy, public health, agriculture, sustainability, and/or other related fields. This opportunity will offer exposure to a variety of unique experiences, including researching grant opportunities, best practices and models from other jurisdictions, and local impacts of state and federal policy shifts, while also directly engaging in policy development, data collection and analysis, and external communications. Interns must commit to 8 – 10 weeks during their selected season and a minimum of 20 hours per week. Interns will receive a $400 per week stipend, paid in two installments (at the mid-point of the internship and end of the internship). 

 

Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to ofsr@montgomerycountymd.gov. In the cover letter, applicants should describe their interest, skills, and qualifications related to this opportunity, as well as their perspective on strategies to: 1) engage the Montgomery County community in the local food system and 2) address local food system issues and challenges. The cover letter should indicate the desired internship dates. Full details here.

 

Deadline for Applications: Accepted on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of May 1 for Summer 2024 and July 15th for Fall 2024.

Important Announcement From Community Use of Public Facilities

May 1, Opening Day to Reserve School Facilities

Wednesday, May 1, is opening day to request use of school facilities for dates of use during the upcoming Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) 2024 Summer Break. 

On May 1, individuals will also be able to request reservations for school auditoriums for dates of use during the upcoming 2024-25 MCPS School Year.

It all begins online at 6:30 a.m.


For more information see the blog posts at the Community Use Bridge.

You may contact our office at 240-777-2725, or by email at cupf@montgomerycountymd.gov.  In case of an emergency or to report a problem that significantly affects use, please contact the Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) after hours help line at: 240-490-CUPF (2873)


Information Available on:

Community Use Bridge or CUPF website

Registration Now Open for 2024

 Montgomery Can Code Summer Camp in July 2024

Registration is open for the summer camp starting on July 15th, 2024. See frequently asked questions here.


For more information, visit montgomerycancode.com or email montgomerycancode@mcpsmd.org.

Ride On Bus Schedule Changes on May 5, 2024

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will adjust seven Ride On bus route schedules starting Sunday, May 5, to improve efficiency and on-time performance. Although service levels are staying relatively the same, the changes reflect a shift of resources to allow for more reliable service where there is higher demand. The new schedules will be available at rideonbus.com and in print. 

Route changes include:

  • Seven routes have timetable changes: 5343976839798.
  • One route has a slight map change: 76.

Here are details of each route affected:

  • Route 5: Trip time adjustments for efficiency. Weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
  • Route 34: Trip time adjustments for efficiency. Weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
  • Route 39: Trip time adjustments for efficiency. Weekdays only.
  • Route 76: Crossvines stop removed for operational safety. Weekdays only.
  • Route 83: Trip time adjustments for efficiency. Weekdays only.
  • Route 97: Trip time adjustments for efficiency. Weekdays only.
  • Route 98: Trip time adjustments for efficiency. Weekdays only.

For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on TwitterFacebookYouTube, and Instagram. In addition, information is available at RideOnBus.com, by subscribing to receive email alerts at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/govdelivery, or texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311 to receive text alerts.

For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on  TwitterFacebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.


McKnew Local Park Renovation

 Virtual Community Meeting: May 7, 2024, 7 p.m.

Montgomery Parks will host a virtual community meeting about Phase 2 plans to renovate McKnew Local Park on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. The meeting will take place on Zoom. The park is located at 14901 Saddle Creek Drive, Burtonsville, Md., 20866

During the meeting, parks staff will discuss proposed renovations to the developed area of McKnew Local Park. The goal is to upgrade the aging amenities, resolve drainage issues, and improve the park’s usability and accessibility.

WHEN: May 7, 2024, 7 – 8:30 PM

WHERE: Zoom mocoparks.org/McKnewZoom

Registration for the meeting is optional but encouraged to stay current on future meetings and information about this project. Register at this link.

Montgomery County's Virtual Spring Forum


JOURNEY TO RECOVERY:

PATHWAYS TO HEALING FROM MENTAL HEALTH AND/OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

 

Thursday, May 9 from 6:00-8:00pm on Zoom


Please click on the link to register below- some of the questions are specific to youth attending the event, if you are an adult attending the event just answer no to those questions to complete your registration.  

 

Meeting Registration - Zoom

 

This year's event will feature 2 different tracks:

·                 A track for adults in the community including persons with lived experience, provider for youth and adults, and a provider for seniors. 

·                 A track for youth led by the Youth Ambassador program, with SSL credit for students who stay the full 2 hours

 

Please share this invitation widely throughout the Montgomery County community and neighboring counties with families, friends, clients, providers, and anyone else who may be interested in attending! 

 

If Interpreter services are needed or if you have any questions email 

diane.lininger@montgomerycountymd.gov

Montgomery County Board Vacancies

County Executive Marc Elrich is committed to representation on all of the County’s boards, committees, and commissions that is reflective of, and responsive to, our County’s residents. Public participation contributes to the work of County government and provides an important service to the community when a variety of issues, concerns, and viewpoints are presented.

 

You may access information regarding boards, committees, and commissions, including application instructions here. Please carefully read application instructions on that page. Then select View and Apply for Vacancies for all currently posted notices.

 

Currently, there is a valuable opportunity to serve on the following:

 

 

The deadline for application is May 3, 2024. 

 

Please share this notice with anyone who may be interested.

 

Applicants of diverse backgrounds, professions, genders, geography, disabilities, ethnicities, and ages are encouraged to apply. Members of County boards, committees, and commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time. The County Executive’s appointments are generally subject to confirmation by the County Council. Members must complete training on the Maryland Open Meetings Act, Montgomery County Ethics Law, and basic parliamentary procedure. Members are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for in-person meetings attended. County boards, committees, and commissions may meet virtually by video and/or teleconference.

 

# # #

 

For Immediate Release: April 12, 2024

Application Deadline: May 3, 2024

 

Elrich Seeks Applicants for Housing Opportunities Commission

 

County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill four public member vacancies on the Housing Opportunities Commission. Two incumbents are eligible to apply for reappointment.

The seven-member commission is responsible for building, managing and financing housing for low and moderate income people. Members serve five-year terms without compensation, but are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for in-person meetings attended.

The Commission meets the first Wednesday of each month at 4:00 PM in Kensington. In addition, members are expected to attend regular committee meetings and property boards of directors to which they are assigned. Additional meetings are scheduled as needed. Members are required to attend at least 75 percent of the scheduled meetings.

 

Commissioners are required to file a public financial disclosure statement before County Executive appointment and annually thereafter, and are required to be sworn in by the Clerk of the Circuit Court before their first meeting.



Presidential Primary Election Information and Resources

Public Transit Available to Take Residents to Montgomery County's 14 Early Voting Centers During Presidential Primary Election, May 2-9

Early voting for the 2024 Presidential primary election will be held from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. from May 2 through May 9, including Saturday and Sunday. Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Ride On bus service has several routes available to transport voters to the early voting centers. 


Montgomery County Ride On and Metrobus routes that will serve early voting centers: 


  • Activity Center at Bohrer: Ride On route 59 (closest) 
  • Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center: Ride On route 48 
  • Damascus Community Recreation Center: Ride On route 90 
  • Executive Office Building: Ride On routes 44, 46, 47, 54, 56 
  • Germantown Community Recreation Center: Ride On route 98 
  • Jane E. Lawton Community Recreation Center: Ride On route 34 (closest) 
  • Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center: Metrobus routes Z6 andZ7 
  • Mid-County Community Recreation Center: Ride On routes 26, 39and49 
  • Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Rec. Center: Ride On route301 
  • Potomac Community Recreation Center: Ride On route 37 
  • Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Station: Ride On routes 52 and 53 / Metrobus routesY2 and Y8 
  • Silver Spring Civic Building: Ride On routes 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19 / Metrobus route F4 
  • Wheaton Library & Community Recreation Center: Ride on routes9and 31/ Ride On Flex / Metrobus routesY2Y7 and Y8 
  • White Oak Community Recreation Center: Ride on route 10 / Metrobus routes Z6andZ8 (closest) 

The Ride On Trip Planner app is a free regional public transportation planner that will find your fastest route.  

“Montgomery County’s public transportation system serves a vital role in ensuring that residents have reliable, affordable access to voting centers,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “The early voting centers expand the opportunity for registered voters to choose a party candidate for the upcoming presidential race, and I am proud that the Ride On bus system supports these efforts. I hope everyone who is eligible to vote will do so.” 

For information on the approved early voting centers and hours of operation, go to the early voting information page


Free Senior SmarTrip cards are available to Montgomery County adults 65 and over and allow residents to ride County Ride On buses at no cost. From May 2-9, the following recreational centers will distribute Senior SmarTrip cards for early voting access:

The cards are also available for free, year-round at all County libraries, the Silver Spring Transit Center and Mobile TRiPS stores, and the County Treasury office in Rockville. Residents must present proof of age (State ID, birth certificate or passport).


Ride On bus fare is only $1 and monthly passes are $22.50 using SmarTrip, cash or tokens. Seniors 65 or older, persons with disabilitiesand youth 18 and under ride free using specialized SmarTrip cards. 

For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on XFacebookYouTube, and Instagram. In addition, information is available at RideOnBus.com, by subscribing to receive email alerts at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/govdelivery, or texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311 to receive text alerts.

For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on XFacebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.



Title VI: Montgomery County assures that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Civil Rights Act of 1987, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity.

Three Ways to Vote for the 2024 Presidential Primary Election

The Montgomery County Board of Elections shares important voting information for the 2024 Primary Election, including the three ways Montgomery County voters can cast their vote: mail-in voting, and two in-person options during early voting or on Primary Election Day, Tuesday, May 14, 2024.


Mail-In Voting: To request a mail-in ballot, text VBM to 77788, visit www.777vote.org, or contact the Montgomery County Board of Elections at 240-777-8550. Requests to receive a ballot via mail or fax must be received (not just mailed) by 8 PM or submitted online by 11:59 PM on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Requests to receive a ballot via email must be received by 5 p.m. or by 11:59 p.m. (if submitted online) on Friday, May 10, 2024. Mail-in ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by or before 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. If returned by hand, ballots must be dropped at a ballot drop box or taken to an Early Voting Center, a polling place, or Board of Elections by 8 p.m. on Primary Election Day, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Mail-in ballot information is also available in the Official Sample Ballot and Voters Guide mailed to every registered voter. To view your full, personalized sample ballot, text CHECK to 77788 or visit www.777vote.org.


Ballot Drop Boxes: Montgomery County has installed 58 ballot drop boxes. To identify the nearest drop box, or post office locator, text BOX plus a zip code (example: BOX 20879) to 77788, visit www.777vote.org, or contact the Montgomery County Board of Elections at 240-777-8500. Voters may submit their completed mail-in ballots at any official drop box until Primary Election Day, Tuesday, May 14th, at 8 p.m. Ballot drop boxes will be locked at 8 p.m. Ballot drop box information is also available in the Official Sample Ballot and Voters Guide mailed to every registered voter. To view your full, personalized sample ballot, text CHECK to 77788 or visit www.777vote.org.


Early Voting: In-person early voting begins Thursday, May 2, 2024, through Thursday, May 9, 2024. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters who are in line by 8 p.m. will be able to cast their vote. For a nearby early voting center, driving directions, and wait times, Montgomery County voters can text the letters EV plus a zip code (example: EV 20879) to 77788, visit www.777vote.org, or contact the Montgomery County Board of Elections at 240-777-8500. Early voting information is also available in the Official Sample Ballot and Voters Guide mailed to every registered voter. To view your full, personalized sample ballot, text CHECK to 77788 or visit www.777vote.org.


Primary Election Day: The final day to cast a vote is Primary Election Day, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters who are in line by 8 p.m. will be able to cast their vote. To identify your Election Day polling place, text CHECK to 77788, visit www.777vote.org, or contact the Montgomery County Board of Elections at 240-777-8500. Your assigned polling place is also printed on the back cover of the Official Sample Ballot and Voters Guide mailed to every registered voter. To view your full, personalized sample ballot, text CHECK to 77788 or visit www.777vote.org.


Montgomery County citizens, who missed the advanced voter registration deadline, can still register and vote during early voting Thursday, May 2 through Thursday, May 9, or on Election Day, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Make sure to bring a document that proves where you live when you visit your early voting center or your local polling place to register to vote.

For election information, call 240-777-8500, visit www.777vote.org, the Maryland State Board of Elections website at https://elections.maryland.gov, or follow the Montgomery County Board of Elections on Facebook, Instagram, and X.


Early Voting Begins May 2

Any person who is registered to vote can vote during early voting. Now individuals who are eligible but not yet registered can register and vote during early voting. 


Community Engagement for Racial Equity and Social Justice Report  

This report provides an overview of community engagement in the County and how the County’s efforts align with best practices for equitable community engagement that advance racial equity and social justice in governmental decision-making. 



Coming Up in East-County

12th Annual White Oak Day

at White Oak Community Recreation Center

June 1st, 2024 - From 11AM - 4PM

Save The Date!

2024 Summer of Peace

Employment Opportunities

Visit www.WORK4MCG.com to see all job opportunities

The Gilchrist Center is Hiring Two Part-time Program Managers

The Gilchrist Center is Hiring!

 Deadline to apply is May 7

 

The Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center is hiring two part-time Program Managers I for the Wheaton and Gaithersburg sites. See information below:

 

  • For details about the Program Manager I position (IRC62579) in Wheaton, click HERE.

 

  • For details about the Program Manager I position (IRC62563) in Gaithersburg, click HERE.

 

To apply, visit the Montgomery County recruitment portal, search for the position and log in or create an account.

See the job application guide for step by step instructions on applying for employment with Montgomery County.

 


Business Resources
Find resources to grow your business in Montgomery County, MD

Montgomery County, Maryland Office of Procurement

 Active LSBRP Solicitations

FRS Mattress and Box Springs for Fire Stations/Worksites

Informal 1168612


Visit our website for the most updated due dates.

Information is subject to change. The website has the most updated information.


Remember to check our website for Open Solicitations! 


Montgomery County certified local businesses may receive price preference or points. Click here for more details on LBPP.


See Full List of Solicitations

Online Open House: PROjections/Upcoming Solicitations



Wednesday, May 15, 2024

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Zoom meeting: NEW LINK

Vendor Resources


Minority, Female and Disabled (MFD) Program

To be considered for participation in the MFD subcontracting program, a firm must be certified by one of the five agencies:

  • NEW! U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
  • Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council
  • City of Baltimore
  • Federal Small Business Administration
  • MD Dept. of Transportation
  • Women's Business Enterprise National Council


MDOT Certification Event


co-hosted with the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Montgomery County, MD

Monday, April 29, 2024

9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

RSVP today!


 

Save-the-date: Procurement Event Series


co-hosted with the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

All events in this series will be held in Rockville, MD. More details to come.

Who Do You Call to Get a Pot Hole Fixed?


MCDOT maintains more than 5,200 miles

of county roads in Montgomery County. 


Residents can report a pothole on a county road to the MC311 system – either online or by phone at 240-777-0311, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. or on the social media platform X.


The Maryland State Highway Administration (MSHA) fills potholes and maintains state roads which have numbers, such as Rockville Pike (355) and River Road (190). Report potholes on state roads directly to MSHA online or by calling 1-800-323-6742.


Municipalities such as the cities of Rockville, Gaithersburg and Takoma Park handle their own pothole repairs.

Montgomery County

Resources Available for Individuals and Families:

Housing:

Resources on Homelessness

Housing Opportunities Commission – Adult and Family Programs

Bethesda Help - Emergency Financial Assistance

Mental Health: 

Everymind – Mental Health

InfoMontgomery Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

Food:

211 – Food Providers in Maryland 

Montgomery County Food Providers

Applying for unemployment or SNAP benefits

Montgomery County Food Council Food Assistance Resource Map

Manna Food Center   

Food Distribution

Montgomery County has various food distribution events across the County this week, including in Rockville, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring and Olney. To find distribution events or food near you, click here. The website also has more information about food resources in multiple languages. For help with getting food, please call the Food Access Call Center at MC311.

 Links to Latest Information From: 

Department of Public Libraries https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library

Department of Recreation https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec

Department of Transportation https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot/index.html

Department of Permitting Services https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dps

Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center https://montgomerycountymd.gov/gilchrist/

Parks Department https://www.montgomeryparks.org/

Planning Department https://montgomeryplanning.org/

Department of Health and Human Services www.montgomerycountymd.gov/hhs

Social Media Directory https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/OPI/socialmedia.html

Montgomery County Government
Marc Elrich, County Executive

County Council:

Montgomery County Eastern Regional Office
3300 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904
240-777-8400/8411

Jewru Bandeh, Regional Director
240-777-8414
East County Citizens Advisory Board (ECCAB)
240-777-8414