Per the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office: For most of us, the holidays are full of giving, getting and goodwill. But some bad actors use the holidays to take advantage of people’s generous spirits. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are quickly approaching and they are prime time for crooks looking to scam you out of money or personal financial information.
Holiday Shopping Scams
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich today applauded the selection six individuals—each with different backgrounds, but all of whom have made significant contributions to the County’s legacy—who will become the newest members of the County’s Human Rights Hall of Fame at induction ceremonies on Sunday, Nov. 20, in Germantown. The12th biennial event will see the inductions of Daryl Davis, Rev. Dr. Philip W. Davis Sr. (posthumously), Dr. Jeremiah Floyd, Janice Freeman, Willie Pearl Mackey King and Charles L. (Chuck) Short.
The Human Rights Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made great personal sacrifices in contributing to human and civil rights in Montgomery County, either as trailblazers of the past or as current light bearers in the struggle. This year’s honorees were selected among nominations made by community members. A committee of current Human Rights Hall of Fame members reviewed the nominations and selected the new members. The honorees will be recognized for their visionary leadership, outstanding achievements and altruism on the road to eliminating discrimination and advancing human rights in ceremonies starting at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts. The center is located at 12901 Town Commons Dr. in Germantown.
The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have schedule and program changes for Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, Nov. 24.
Below is this week’s message from County Executive Marc Elrich:
“Dear Friends,
Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have schedule and program changes for Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, Nov. 24.
Here are some safety tips from MCFRS on how to have a safe holiday:
Frying a turkey is an increasingly popular method to prepare the main fare of holiday dinners. However, cooking a tasty turkey in oil can also pose some dangers.
“We are grateful for the swift response by our first responders, including the more than 100 firefighters and first responders who responded to the scene, as well as the residents, building maintenance workers and community members who helped others to safety.
“Montgomery County agencies, including the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services, and community partners, such as the American Red Cross, are on scene to identify and assist residents who have been displaced.
Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Councilmember Craig Rice selected Malaika Wande from Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring as the winner of his Councilmember for a Day V.O.I.C.E.S (Virtual Online Innovative & Civically Engaged Storytelling) challenge. Councilmember Rice, who chairs the Council’s Education and Culture Committee, developed the annual Councilmember for a Day challenge in 2016 to engage youth to write about an issue they care about and connect with local government to enact change. Last year, in partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery College and others, the Council enhanced the challenge to include V.O.I.C.E.S, a free afterschool digital storytelling program for all students in grades 8 through 12. Participants were provided a loaner iPad and mentored by an instructor as they learned to create a short video highlighting an important public policy issue and ways to help address it.
Councilmember Rice announced the winner at a virtual showcase on Wednesday, Nov. 9, where six finalists also were recognized. Ms. Wande’s winning entry was a compelling video on affordable housing in Montgomery County. She joined the Council on the dais as an honorary “Councilmember for a Day” and was recognized with a proclamation and a presentation of her video.
Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Council voted today to pass Bill 39-21, Taxation – Public Safety Officers – Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialists – Property Tax Credit, which would establish a property tax credit for certain Montgomery County first responders. Councilmember Tom Hucker and Council President Gabe Albornoz sponsored the legislation. Council Vice President Evan Glass and Councilmembers Nancy Navarro, Sidney Katz, Andrew Friedson, Will Jawando and Craig Rice are cosponsors.
This legislation establishes an annual property tax credit of up to $2,500 for full-time sworn police officers, career firefighters, emergency medical technicians and public safety emergency communications specialists employed by the County. The goal of the bill is to increase the number of County employees in public safety who reside in the County and help recruit and retain these employees.
Earlier this afternoon, the Montgomery County Council unanimously confirmed the appointment of Dr. Kisha Davis as the new County Health Officer. County Executive Marc Elrich nominated Dr. David last month for the position. According to Council documents, the Health Officer position was extended to Dr. Davis for a salary of $200,000 plus benefits.
“Montgomery County has led the nation in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic thanks in large part to the leadership at our Department of Health and Human Services,” said County Executive Elrich when recommending Dr. Davis for the position. “With the nomination of Dr. Kisha Davis as our County’s next health officer, we have found a health expert and leader committed to innovation, equity, and access to healthcare. I want to thank Dr. Davis for accepting this position and I look forward to working with her, listening to her advice and following her guidance regarding the health issues and challenges facing Montgomery County.”
From the Office of Council President Albornoz: Today the Montgomery County Council unanimously voted to approved Bill 21-22, Weapons – Firearms In or Near Places of Public Assembly, sponsored by Council President Gabe Albornoz. This bill is cosponsored by the full Council.
The new law prohibits the possession of firearms in or near places of public assembly, with certain exemptions, and removes an exemption that allows individuals with certain handgun permits to possess handguns within 100 yards of a place of public assembly.