April 12, 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

-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 County Recreation’s Project Prom Dress Giveaway Event Taking Place this Saturday

Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  

Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center,

14906 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville 


Montgomery County Recreation will host the third annual “Project Prom Dress” giveaway this Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center in Burtonsville. 

Any high school student with their school I.D. can shop, try-on and receive a free dress or suit and shoes and accessories! The items were generously donated by members of the community in February and March.  

Grab & Go Distribution For This Saturday

Please be advised this distribution is for Montgomery County Residents ONLY! You must show your ID or license so we can verify the address!

Montgomery College

East County Education Center has Opened



The East County Education Center (ECEC) will bring the College’s unique services and academic programs to the residents of the East County to expand access in this region and to serve as an anchor institution in the community. It is located at 2221 Broadbirch Drive in

Silver Spring.....off Tech Road.

The ECEC will offer a few classes during the spring 2024 semester, with a more robust schedule launching in summer and fall 2024. Visit the website for more information.

You are invited!


RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

APRIL 20, 2024

Montgomery College invites you to celebrate 

the opening of the East County Education Center.

The center will bring the College’s unique services

and academic programs to the residents of East County. 


East County Education Center Ribbon Cutting

Saturday, April 20, 2024 (Rain or Shine)

10:30 a.m.

2221 Broadbirch Drive

Silver Spring, MD 20904

Parking: In the lot surrounding the building

For more information about the center, visit the East County Education Center website.

RSVP

Other County News

Your Voice Matters: Education Budget Forum

Tuesday, April 16

Montgomery Blair High School

51 University Boulevard East

Silver Spring, MD 20901 


Hosted by

Councilmember Will Jawando

Chair, Education & Culture Committee

Montgomery County Council


With guests:

Dr. Jermaine F. Williams

President, Montgomery College

Dr. Monique Felder

Interim Superintendent

Montgomery County Public Schools


Learn more about the education budget for the upcoming fiscal year and get your questions answered. Language services are available for Spanish, Amharic, and ASL.

Priority will be given to questions submitted in advance. Submit yours: cmjawando.link/mocoedforums


No RSVP is required, but if you are planning to attend, please click here to let us know (to help us plan for crowd size). Thank you!

Montgomery County Council

to Hold Public Hearings on April 16, 2024

April 16, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.

Deadline to sign up to speak is April 15 at 2 p.m.

 

  • The Council will receive testimony regarding the following projects under consideration by the County Council for inclusion in the FY25 Capital Budget and the FY25-30 Capital Improvements Program: Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) Conveyor System Upgrade (P852501), Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) Delivery Trucks Purchase (P852502), County Fleet Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (P362505), Early Care and Education Facility Fund (P602504), Fire Station Refurbishment (P452503), Life Sciences and Technology Centers (P789057), New Organics Processing Facility (P802508), Seven Locks Road Culvert Replacement (P502513), White Oak Commercial Area Improvements and Revitalization (P762501)


  • Resolution to set FY25 Property Tax Credit for Income Tax Offset
  • Supplemental Appropriation #24-70 to the FY24 Operating Budget, Montgomery County Public Schools, Employee Benefits Plan $5,000,000 (Source of Funds: MCPS Unappropriated Fund Balance)

  • Resolution to approve FY25 Transportation Fees, Charges, and Fares
  • Amendment to the FY23-28 Capital Improvements Program and Supplemental Appropriation #24-65 to the FY24 Capital Budget, Montgomery County Government, Department of General Services, Judicial Security Improvements (No. 362401), $500,000 (Source of Funds: GO Bonds)


  • Supplemental Appropriation #24-72 to the FY24 Operating Budget, Montgomery County Government, Department of Health and Human Services Shelter Services, Overflow, and Security Expansion $1,739,394 (Source of Funds: General Fund: Undesignated Reserves); and Amendment to FY24 Operating Budget Resolution 20-184, Section G, Designation of Entities for Non-Competitive Contract Award Status: The Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. and Interfaith Works, Inc.


  • Supplemental Appropriation #24-73 to the FY24 Operating Budget, Montgomery County Government, Department of Health and Human Services, MoCo Pride Center, Inc., $200,000 (Source of Funds: General Fund: Undesignated Reserves); and Amendment to the FY24 Operating Budget Resolution 20-184, Section G, FY24 Designation of Entities for Non-Competitive Contract Award Status: MoCo Pride Center, Inc.
  • 

Public Hearing Sign Up

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

April 23, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.

Deadline to sign up to speak is April 22 at 2 p.m.


  • Amendment to the FY23-28 Capital Improvements Program and Supplemental Appropriation #24-64 to the FY24 Capital Budget, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Planned Life Cycle Asset Replacement: MCPS (P896586), $392,083 (Source of Funds: State Aid)
  • Bill 7-24, Landlord-Tenant Relations - Tenant Protection and Notification, would require a residential lease to include certain information related to renter’s insurance, automatic sprinkler system and emergency safety plan, require the 24-hour availability of a building representative during certain emergency situations, require notification of essential service disruptions in a rental building, require an emergency safety plan and approval of the plan by the Department of Housing and Community Affairs, and generally amend the law regarding landlord-tenant relations in the County.



Public Hearing Sign Up

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

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

Metro Red Line to Shut Down

from June Through August

The Red Line will be closed between Glenmont and Takoma from Saturday, June 1, through Saturday, August 31, 2024.


The closure will extend to Fort Totten through Saturday, June 29. Learn more on WMATA’s website here.

Montgomery County Launches Campaign to Publicize Child Care Assistance Program

Parents/guardians may qualify for the WPA program if they:


  • Are a Montgomery County resident.
  • Meet income guidelines.
  • Are a parent or guardian of a child from birth to age 13 (up to age 19 if the child has a disability and needs care).
  • Are pursuing child support through the court, voluntarily or claim a good cause.
  • Must be employed 25 hours or more per week or enrolled in a full-time undergraduate/vocational program or combination of both.


Immigration status is not a requirement for parents or children to participate in the WPA program. The selected child care provider must be licensed by the State of Maryland.

Visit the WPA program website to learn more about eligibility and to complete an application, or call 240-777-1177.

An In-Person Public Information Meeting Will be Held on the Norwood Road Shared Use Path Project in Silver Spring on Tuesday, April 16

On Tuesday, April 16, starting at 6:30 p.m., the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will hold an in-person public information meeting to discuss the project details of the Norwood Road Shared Use Path Project in Silver Spring. The public will have an opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions.  


The public information meeting will be held in the Cafeteria of the James Hubert Blake High School located at 300 Norwood Road in Silver Spring.  


The goal of this project is to build a shared-use path (SUP) on the west (southbound) side of Norwood Road, starting from New Hampshire Avenue (MD 650) and ending about 600 feet north of Eubie Blake. The total length of the path will be about 6,300 linear feet. The path will have a width of 10 feet in most places and 8 feet where there are obstacles. A grass buffer of 2 to 6 feet will separate the existing curb and the shared-use path where feasible. Some parts of the existing Norwood Road shoulder will be modified to reduce impacts to the businesses and property owners. 


The proposed shared use path will provide a safe, low-stress connection for pedestrians and bicyclists of all ages and abilities from neighborhood residences to shopping centers, nearby schools and places of worship. Extra protections will be implemented to preserve streams that provide habitats for diverse aquatic life. 


Online registration is required to attend. An email with a Zoom link will be sent to registrants via email. The public is encouraged to visit the project website and provide feedback via the online comment form or via email to the Project Manager, Khursheed Bilgrami at khursheed.bilgrami@montgomerycountymd.gov. All information provided, including questions and comments, will become a matter of public record. 



Interpreter services will be provided upon request with five business days advance notice by contacting Lori Main by email at lori.main@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-7271.  

Learn more about MCDOT’s engineering and construction projects by visiting montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-dte

Care, Be Aware: Teen Mental Health Week

Join the Montgomery County Public Libraries for a week dedicated to addressing the pressing mental health challenges facing teenagers in Montgomery County, Maryland, as they navigate the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.



From April 6th - April 13th, we invite teenagers, parents, educators, and community members to come together for a series of informative and empowering events designed to shed light on mental health issues and provide resources for support. Our aim is to create a safe and welcoming space where teens can openly discuss their struggles and find solidarity in knowing they are not alone. Learn More.

MCDOT Wants Your Input On Expanding Microtransit Service in the County

Ride On Flex service, currently operating in Wheaton/Glenmont and Downtown Rockville, allows users to request a vehicle to pick them up and drop them off within a specified zone. Expected wait times range between 10 to 20 minutes. Riders with disabilities are picked up at their homes and others at the nearest intersection. Flex connects to regional transit hubs and provides local connectivity for short trips. Fare is $1, as are all County buses.



MCDOT is seeking to expand the Ride On Flex on-demand bus service to Germantown, Poolesville, Aspen Hill, and other areas. The County is asking residents to fill out this survey to provide feedback on the Ride On Flex service and expansion. The survey will be available until Friday, April 12.

Montgomery County GreenFest

Saturday, April 27 2024

The Montgomery County GreenFest is being hosted on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 11am to 4pm at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown. 

Leap into action this 2024 and join us at GreenFest 2024 where people of all ages come together to celebrate, learn, and start or continue their journey to improving our community and the environment! Follow us on social #MCGreenFest for details on GreenFest and visit the Montgomery County GreenFest website for updates.

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 BOARD OF ELECTIONS LAUNCHES RECRUITMENT FOR ITS AWARD-WINNING "FUTURE VOTE" PROGRAM FOR THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION

The Montgomery County Board of Elections is inviting school-age students, grades 6-12, to participate in its “Future Vote” Program. Interested students can choose to serve as Future Vote Ambassadors during early voting (May 2-9, 2024) and/or on Primary Election Day to be held on May 14, 2024. Students who are 16 years of age can also choose to serve as Election Workers.


Election Day Ambassadors:

The Future Vote Program is available to all Montgomery County students grades 6-12. U.S. citizenship is not a pre-requisite, but students must be able to speak, read, and write the English language. Students with bilingual and American Sign Language skills are encouraged to apply. This initiative combines civic participation and the opportunity to observe democracy in action. Volunteers will earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for their service. Training is required for both students and guardians. Details and volunteer expectations are provided at the training.

Interested guardians may register their child(ren) by April 21, 2024. To apply, text FV to 77788 or, visit www.777vote.org and then select the Future Vote tab, then select Future Vote FAQs.


Election Poll Workers:

Students 16 years or older are eligible to register to vote and serve as election poll workers. Each minor must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Maryland State Board of Elections, that they meet all qualifications for voter registration in the State. Each student will earn a minimum $250 stipend or up to 25 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours per full day of service. Individuals who served at the polling places or early voting in previous elections will receive a $100 bonus per full day served ($50 for half-day shifts). To apply, text SERVE to 77788, or visit the Board of Elections website at www.777vote.org, then select Election Worker tab, then select High School Poll Workers tab.


To serve in this paid volunteer position election workers must be U.S. citizens, registered to vote in the State of Maryland, able to speak, read, and write the English language, and cannot hold, or be a candidate for, public or party office. In addition, election workers may not serve as campaign managers for candidates or as treasurer for any campaign finance entity.

Training is required and will be provided to election workers. This includes an online quiz and in-person classroom training. Volunteers will be paid for completing training and working during Early Voting and/or on Election Day. We offer several different positions, full-day, and part-day. Information is available at www.777vote.org, then select the Election Workers tab, then select the Position Description/Payment tab.

For election related 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, or X.

Community Health Info Sessions to Prioritize Significant Health Needs

Employment Opportunities

MCDOT is Hiring



JOIN OUR TEAM! Our positions offer applicants a competitive benefits package and a fun, supportive atmosphere, with ongoing professional development opportunities. Search “Transportation” on Montgomery County's career website here.

Visit www.WORK4MCG.com to see all job opportunities

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

Montgomery County, Maryland Office of Procurement

 Active LSBRP Solicitations

Microtransit Shared Ride "FLEX" Software Requirements

Pre-Submission Conference:( Apr 1 2024 2:30PM )

Microsoft Teams Meeting (See Solicitation for Details)

RFP # 1161754


AIR COMPRESSOR – MAINTENANCE, REPLACEMENT, REPAIR, AND INSPECTION

Informal 1168444


Montgomery County Public Schools Report Catalog Gap Analysis

Informal 1168656


Korean Social Services

Informal 1167788


Trauma Services Case Managment System Services

Informal 1167503


Multilingual Text Messaging Services

Informal 1168779


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

Vendor Connection Summit


Thursday, April 25, 2024

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



RSVP today!


Online Open House: General Session


Wednesday, April 17, 2024

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



Zoom meeting: NEW LINK

Office of Procurement Events

How to Do Business with Montgomery County

co-hosted with the Maryland Women's Business Center

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

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

RSVP today!



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