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News You Can Use

Meet The Commissioners!

CFW

Get to know us! Over the next few days, our commissioners share with us how they best serve Montgomery County and what keeps them going.

Tune in daily on our social media to learn more!

#mococfw #MontgomeryCounty #CommissionForWomen #MeetTheCommissioners

COVID and Vaccine Information

Media Briefing
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Public Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles, and Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security Director Dr. Earl Stoddard held the weekly virtual media briefing on Wednesday, July 21, at 2 pm. The briefing provided updates on COVID-19 cases and vaccination numbers, regional transportation projects, and rental assistance programs.

County Executive Marc Elrich reported 41 new COVID-19 cases on July 21, and a test positivity rate of 1.22%. This week’s increase in both metrics continue to reflect a countywide increase in COVID-19 cases, up 173% in the past two weeks. The County Executive noted that he recently asked Dr. Travis Gayles and Dr. Earl Stoddard to create a contingency plan for public health guidelines, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of worsening case rates. As of Wednesday, 70% of all county residents and 82.5% of eligible (age 12 and older) residents were fully vaccinated, with Montgomery County continuing to lead the nation in vaccination rates for those ages 12 and up. Additionally, 90.3% of residents ages 12+ and 98.6% of residents ages 65+ had received at least one dose of the vaccine. Elrich characterized the county’s high vaccination rates as an important factor in reducing cases, severe illness, and death, imploring unvaccinated residents to consider getting vaccinated.

The County Executive expressed concern over Wednesday’s Transportation Planning Board (TPB) vote in favor of moving forward with Governor Larry Hogan’s I-270/I-495 toll lane project by approving a federally required air quality analysis. The TPB’s controversial vote reverses their June 2021 decision to exclude the project from a planned analysis, which would have effectively killed the proposal. Elrich reiterated his longstanding position on the project, warning that the Governor’s proposal would only provide traffic relief for residents who could afford to pay the tolls, and noting that his own reversible lane proposal would offer many of the same benefits at a lower cost.

Elrich also provided updates on COVID-19 rent relief for those facing eviction, reporting that Sheriffs were calling residents who received eviction orders and referring them to the proper channels for assistance. So far, the county has received over 7,000 unique applications for rent relief, distributing $26.2 million in funds to residents facing eviction. The program continues to hire additional staff to review applications and work with landlords to reduce evictions.

Public Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles echoed the County Executive’s concern over recent COVID-19 case increases, but noted that most new cases are concentrated among unvaccinated residents. He reported that experts are seeing more evidence of “breakthrough” cases among vaccinated residents, who are likely not symptomatic and are at extremely low risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or death. Dr. Gayles also said that the Delta variant is now the predominant strain of COVID-19 in Maryland, reminding residents to stay vigilant and get vaccinated.

Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Dr. Earl Stoddard briefly warned the public that unvaccinated residents are at high risk of severe illness and death if they contract COVID-19, pointing to Alabama’s low vaccination rates and the corresponding spikes in hospitalization and death.

County vaccination information can be found here.

Watch the media briefing here.

Face Coverings

vaccine

County Resources

Food Resources

This website provides a listing of all county food resources. It is regularly updated so be sure to check back often.

Resources to help the elderly become more tech-savvy

Some seniors are pretty tech-savvy, but many could use help just to get their electronics up and running, or they want to know how to use social media to stay connected with family and friends during the pandemic. Here are some organizations ready and willing to help:

Generations on Line, dedicated to enhancing communication among generations by promoting Internet access and literacy to elders. Those using digital devices for the first time can call 844-217-3057 and be coached over the phone until they’re comfortable pursuing online training.

Older Adults Technology Services (OATS), affiliated with AARP, engages, trains and supports older adults in using technology to improve their quality of life and enhance their social and civic engagement. Has a national hotline for people seeking technical support (920-666-1959).

Senior Planet Montgomery, offers free virtual classes for seniors 50 and older. (See the first article, above)

GetSetUp. Older adults teach skills to their peers in small, interactive classes. Also serve as tech counselors over the phone for older adults who have never used digital devices (888-559-1614).

For more information, click here.

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Updates

MCPS Meals Service Programs

MCPS will continue to partner with local non-profits, county government organizations, faith-based organizations, and others to provide food and other critical resources to the community. 7 Day Early Morning Bulk Boxes and 7 Day Meal Box Bus/ Mobile Distribution will still continue every Wednesday, 7 Day Summer Meal Distribution will resume on Fridays, beginning June 25, 2021.

To learn more about specific locations, please visit: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/reopening/meals/

Enrollment

Montgomery County Public Schools have opened their enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year. MCPS, as of now, plans to have schools fully operate in-person, five days a week, beginning August 30th. The three step process is offered on their website here.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community. Check out the opportunities available here.

volunteer

Employment

Montgomery County Minimum Wage Increased on July 1

The minimum wage increased in Montgomery County on Thursday, July 1. Sponsored by then-County Council member Marc Elrich and signed into legislation on Nov. 17, 2017, Bill 28-17 raises the minimum wage incrementally, each July 1, until it reaches $15 per hour in 2022.

More information about the county's minimum wage increase can be found here.

Other Employment News

The Maryland Department of Labor updates its website each day with news and FAQs regarding the impact of COVID-19 on employment. You can access this website here.

Need to find a job or have general employment questions? Check out Worksource Montgomery, which is currently offering virtual workshops.

Find out which establishments are currently hiring here.

Wheaton American Job Center is Open!

As of July 12, 2021, WorkSource Montgomery has reopened the American Job Center in Wheaton to the public. They are welcoming walk-ins or appointments.

Visit here for more information read about the reopening.

Community Events

Latino Conservation Week

LCW

Latino Conservation Week

Still a few more days left! Join Montgomery County Parks for a week of free, bilingual nature and conservation programs/events for the whole family to enjoy! These programs/events begin this Saturday, July 17, and end July 25. Various events are spread through the week at different Montgomery County Park locations.

Click here for specific information.

Boardwalk Bash

Westfield Montgomery Boardwalk Bash

Westfield Montgomery is hosting a Boardwalk Bash, featuring live music, movie nights, live arts, and other family fun activities. On Friday, July 23, and Saturday, July 24, from 8pm to 10:30pm, Westfield Montgomery will be showing Sherlock Jr. Bringing personal blankets and chairs are encouraged. On Friday, July 23, from 3pm to 5pm, the Driven to Clarity Band will perform. On Sunday, July 25, from 1pm to 2:30pm, Grayson Moon on Guitar will perform. For more information about the events, visit their website here.

Two People Dancing

Outdoor Family Fun Night!

Dancing, crafts, stories, and more! Family fun night is an hour of fun activities for kids of all ages on the Aspen Hill Library lawn. Starting Tuesday, July 27, from 6:30 pm to 7:30pm, read a story, do a fun activity, and enjoy a summer evening on the Aspen Hill Library lawn each week. Come ready to dance, do a craft, or play a game. Families are welcome to bring blankets to sit on.

Activities will be adaptable to be fun for kids from toddler through third grade.

For more information, click here.

Health & Wellness

Zumba on the Plaza with Jose

Free Zumba for the Community!

In partnership with Downtown Silver Spring, Rock Creek Sports Club is bringing a free Zumba class to Silver Spring's Plaza on Monday, July 26, from 7pm to 8pm. To ensure compliance with county and state executive social distancing orders, registration is required to attend this event. Masks required. Please arrive at least 5 minutes prior to the start of class and bring your water bottle. Spots that remain open will be given to participants on the standby.

To register for this free event, please click here.

Stay Cool!

The City of Rockville operates four cooling centers when the temperature hits 95-plus degrees, or when a code red air quality alert is issued for Montgomery County.

The centers are located at the following facilities:

Lincoln Park Community Center, 357 Frederick Ave.
Thomas Farm Community Center, 700 Fallsgrove Drive.
Twinbrook Community Recreation Center, 12920 Twinbrook Parkway.
Rockville Senior Center, 1150 Carnation Drive.

Community members using the cooling centers may stay in designated public areas for free. An adult must accompany children using the cooling centers. Those who want to use the amenities (i.e. fitness rooms, computer labs or drop-in programs) may do so after paying a daily admission fee.

Cooling centers will be open during normal hours of operation, which may be found by clicking on the name of the center.

Donations STILL Needed

There are many families in Montgomery County that need diapers and baby formula. The service hubs below continue to accept diapers and baby formula during the times indicated.

We would like to thank everyone who has donated! Your contributions have made a difference. Thank you in advance for donating to those in need.

They are still in need of diapers, especially sizes 3 and 4, as well as baby wipes.

diaper drive

Join Us!

Welcome to social media, @MoCoHTPC! The Montgomery County Human Trafficking Prevention Committee increases understanding of the issue in our county and develops interagency coordination of strategies for response and prevention. For important resources and information, follow them on social media and visit their website here.