MoCo Government Archives - Page 141 of 258

Additional Information on This Saturday’s Gun Buyback Event in Rockville

Published August 23, 2023 at 10:52PM

Per Montgomery County: The Rockville City Police Department (RCPD), in partnership with the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office and Montgomery County Public Schools, will hold a “gun buyback” event from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, (rain or shine) at RedGate Park in Rockville. The event is open to all and no ID is required. Gift cards of $100 or $200 will be presented to participants for functioning weapons, depending upon the type of weapon brought for exchange.

RedGate Park is located at 14500 Avery Road in Rockville. More than 300 firearms were voluntarily turned in by members of the community during a similar event last August. Community members will be able to voluntarily turn in their firearms and receive a $100 Visa gift card for functioning handguns, rifles and shotguns or $200 in Visa gift cards for functioning assault-style weapons and privately manufactured firearms (ghost guns). All firearms will be accepted with no identification needed and a no-questions-asked policy by law enforcement. RCPD will maintain the ultimate determination on the eligible firearms for gift card issuance.

Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center Remains at Critical Occupancy, Adoption Fees Waived Through August, 24

By Patrick Herron

Published August 23, 2023 at 1:20PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) in Derwood has reached a dangerous capacity for animals of all types. Despite the recent support in a campaign to have large dogs adopted, the over-population situation remains critical and has extended to all types of animals. To help inspire adoptions, the shelter is waiving adoption fees for the next 100 pets adopted by Thursday, Aug. 24.

The full capacity means the shelter will only be accepting animals who need immediate help. This policy is to help prevent euthanasia. Owners who must rehome a pet are encouraged to use rehoming websites. The shelter can list pets on the website for owners trying to rehome. Visit Surrender an Animal (montgomerycountymd.gov) for information on rehoming. Due to lack of space in the shelter, surrendering a pet now means it is at an increased risk for euthanasia.

Montgomery County Seeks Nominees for Inaugural Presentation of Its Early Care and Education Excellence Awards

By Patrick Herron

Published August 22, 2023 at 1:30PM

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Child Care Support Services (CCSS) is seeking nominees for its first-ever presentation of the Montgomery County Early Care and Education Excellence Awards. Nominations are due by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5. Self-nominations are encouraged. The awards were established by the County in partnership with all County early care and education associations to recognize and honor those dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that the County’s youngest children (ages birth to 5) receive the highest quality early care and education. Award selections will be made by a panel of child care organization representatives. Awardees will be honored at the Montgomery County Early Care and Education Fall Conference in October.

“We know that quality early education is critical to the development of a child and leads to lifelong benefits,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Those who receive positive guidance in their early years are more likely to pursue higher education, attain better jobs and live healthier lives. Educators who demonstrate exceptional service should be recognized, and I am glad that DHHS has created this awards program. I encourage everyone to participate in nominating their favorite early childhood educator.”

Councilmembers Call For “Truly Independent” Investigation Into MCPS Response to Allegations of Sexual Harassment, Bullying, and Retaliation

By Patrick Herron

Published August 22, 2023 at 1:19PM

On Monday, Councilmember Dawn Luedtke and County Council President Evan Glass sent a letter to State Inspector General for Education Richard Henry and Montgomery County Inspector General Megan Limarzi asking that they conduct a “truly independent” investigation into Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) response to allegations of sexual harassment, bullying, and retaliation that were uncovered in a recent Washington Post article. MCPS announced last week that it had “instigated an external, independent investigation with the law firm of Jackson Lewis.”

Glass tweeted the following on Tuesday morning: “As the new school year is about to begin, our educators, staff, students and families need to know that a truly independent investigation is being conducted into the allegations of sexual harassment, bullying and retaliation by one of the school system’s middle school principals. and I believe that the Maryland Inspector General for Education and the Montgomery County Inspector General are best positioned to conduct this important investigation.” Full letter below:

EDENS Expected to Receive $3.5 Million Grant For Burtonsville Crossing Renovations

By MCS Staff

Published August 18, 2023 at 3:51PM | Updated August 18, 2023 at 4:41PM

Last month we showed you some of the progress EDENS continues to make at Burtonsville Crossing. Sprouts, the first business announced as part of the renovated shopping center, is on track to open by the end of this year. Sprouts was the first to sign a lease for the renovated Burtonsville Crossing and will be opening the grocery chain’s first Montgomery County location in the shopping center. Now, EDENS is expected to receive a $3.5 million grant towards the renovations, according to a report by Maryland Newsletters. “The state Board of Public Works takes up the grant, aimed at renovating the Route 29 center that has lain dormant for years, this month. Edens first signed grocery store Sprouts for about 23,000 feet, then added T.J. Maxx and more recently, Domain Fitness & Performance, for 32,100 feet.”

Former NBA player Jason Miskiri is part of a group that will be opening Domain Fitness & Performance, a new fitness center that has signed on to open in the shopping center and will be located adjacent to Sprouts. Miskiri also owns several restaurants in Silver Spring, including the Angry Jerk, The Breakfast Club, and Society Restaurant & Lounge. A representative from EDENS also confirmed to us that TJ Maxx will be opening a location in the shopping center in 2024. In addition to TJ Maxx, Creative Outlets Arts Center has announced that they’ll be moving into the shopping center from their previous Montgomery Mall location that closed in Bethesda last month. Ulta has also recently signed on to become the newest tenant at the shopping center. Progress video from last month can be seen below.

Reggae of ‘Jah Works’ Will Conclude Wheaton TGIF Free Friday Summer Concert Series on Aug. 25

By Patrick Herron

Published August 16, 2023 at 5:56PM

Per Montgomery County: The reggae music of Jah Works will conclude the Wheaton TGIF Friday summer concert series on Friday, Aug. 25, at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza, adjacent to the Wheaton Business Triangle and near the Wheaton Metro Station.

The event will feature live artist demonstrations and beverages from Twin Valley Distillers. The TGIF party will begin on the plaza at 5 p.m. with a DJ set followed by a live concert at 6 p.m. The after-party will rotate to nearby local bars from 8-9 p.m. Parking is available in the building at 2425 Reedie Dr.

DHCA: Unprecedented Three-Pronged Approach to Funding Neighborhood Revitalization Launched With $3.7 Million for White Oak Façade Improvement Initiative

By Patrick Herron

Published August 16, 2023 at 5:53PM

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) has launched a unique, three-pronged approach to neighborhood revitalization by combining State and County funding, along with a financial commitment from local businesses and property owners, to kick-off a community improvement initiative in White Oak.

The White Oak Façade Improvement Initiative is public-private partnership that will combine an estimated $3.7 million to enhance and modernize an aging commercial area along a stretch of Lockwood Drive at New Hampshire Avenue. The goal of the project is to make highly visible improvements that will address physical and economic decline in the area to attract more consumers and foster economic growth.

Maryland Sales Tax Holiday Continues Through Saturday, Aug. 19

By Patrick Herron

Published August 16, 2023 at 5:44PM

Per Montgomery County: Shoppers in Maryland can continue to save by not paying the State sales tax of six percent on qualifying clothing and footwear priced $100 or less through midnight on Saturday, Aug. 19. The first $40 of back/bookbag sales also qualify.

“Clothing or footwear” means an article of apparel designed to be worn on or about the human body, states the definition from the Office of the Maryland Comptroller. “Accessory items” include, but are not limited to, jewelry, watches, watchbands, handbags, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, scarves, ties, headbands and belt buckles.

16th Annual ‘Bluegrass on the Farm’ Festival in Derwood Will Feature Great Music at a Farm Setting on Saturday, Sept. 9

By Patrick Herron

Published August 16, 2023 at 5:40PM

Per Montgomery County: The 16th Annual “Bluegrass on the Farm” festival on Saturday, Sept. 9, will feature a hayride full of top entertainers at the Montgomery County Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood. Top performers scheduled include Big Howdy, the Red Line Ramblers and Karen Collins and the BackRoads Band.

The scenic 455-acre park offers lots of lawn seating. Concert attendees should bring their own chairs or blankets for seating and can bring their own food. There will be food available for purchase on site. Attendees also can bring their own instruments to jam before the show or between acts. Parking is free and leashed pets are welcome.

Department of Permitting Services Will Enforce Changes to Law Regarding Demolition Work Starting Monday, Aug. 21

By Patrick Herron

Published August 16, 2023 at 4:25PM | Updated September 8, 2026 at 6:01PM

Per Montgomery County: An amendment to Montgomery County Code Chapter 8-27 regarding the demolition or removal of buildings will go into effect on Monday, Aug. 21, to ensure that when a residential building is demolished or substantially demolished, a demolition permit will be required. The law also will require any new home rebuilt on that site have a new home building permit. The County’s Department of Permitting Services (DPS) issues the permits.

The amended legislation redefines the term demolition to include removal of two-thirds (67 percent) of first story exterior walls of a single-family or two-family dwelling (duplex or townhouse) or if less than one-third of existing first-floor exterior walls (enclosing a habitable space of a house) are left in place above the basement or foundation.

Americorps Seeking Recent High School Graduates to Serve in ‘Project Change’ to Help Them Confidently Advance to Next Steps in Life

By Patrick Herron

Published August 16, 2023 at 4:23PM

Per Montgomery County: Americorps, which has been helping recent high school graduates build confidence and skills to advance to their next steps in life, is seeking to recruit recent graduates who are wondering about their future. As part of “Project Change,” Americorps volunteers would be placed in a variety of positions, earning stipends for their work.

Applications are now being accepted for positions that will be filled soon.