MoCo Archives - Page 314 of 614

Regency Taxi Launches Montgomery County’s First Hybrid Wheelchair-Accessible Taxi

Published May 18, 2023 at 4:07PM

Abdellatif Ouardi, an affiliate taxicab operator with Regency Taxi, is driving the first hybrid wheelchair-accessible taxi in Montgomery County.  The taxi, which was purchased by Mr. Ouardi, has been providing accessible service to residents who are disabled for the past few months.

“Being able to provide wheelchair-accessible transportation to residents who need that assistance is great,” said Mr. Ouardi. “As a micro-business owner, not having to worry as much about sudden spikes in the cost of gas, and reducing my environmental footprint are also things that can help my business grow”. Residents can reserve a trip with this vehicle by visiting the Regency Taxi’s website here or by calling 301-990-9000.

Montgomery County Announces a Call to Artists to Design the Official 2023 County Pride Decal

By Patrick Herron

Published May 18, 2023 at 2:45PM

Per Montgomery County: In preparation for Pride Month in June, the County’s Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Community Partnerships have announced a community-wide call to artists and designers to create the County’s official 2023 Montgomery County Pride decal. The winning design will be printed and distributed for use by businesses, nonprofit organizations, County Government and others to show their public support for LGBTQ+ communities in Montgomery County. The winning design from the youth/young adult category will be printed for use specifically at youth-serving establishments and schools.

All submissions are due by Wednesday, June 1 and should be submitted electronically on the MontgomeryCountyPride.org website. The County’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board will choose up to five final designs to be displayed at County Pride Month events and on social media for public voting.

Einstein High School Community Pushes Back Against Plan to Replace School’s Tennis Courts With Classroom Portables

By MCS Staff

Published May 18, 2023 at 2:23PM

A plan to replace the Einstein High School tennis courts with classroom portables does not seem to be a popular one for the Einstein community, as a petition against the plan, created two days ago, has already gained 600 signatures. The official Einstein High School football team twitter account has also asked MCPS about this move, “Day 1: Hey @MCPS why are you taking away facilities from our school and community for more portables? Putting portables on tennis courts? Please provide and explanation and cite your evidence as to how this is equitable to our students” The petition states the following:

“Plans are being made to replace the Einstein Tennis Courts with classroom portables. This would take away 3 courts and leave the Tennis Program to practice on just the 4 courts that belong to Newport Mill Middle School. This would leave 2 courts per team which would create cramped and unproductive practices. We also need all 7 courts for our games, and leaving the team with 4 would make our games last significantly longer.

Council President Evan Glass’ Statement on the FY24 Operating Budget and Amended FY23-28 Capital Improvements Program

By Patrick Herron

Published May 18, 2023 at 1:39PM

Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass made the following statement about the Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget and the Amended Fiscal Year 2023-2028 Capital Improvements Program. The Council’s final vote on the capital and operating budgets for Montgomery County is scheduled for May 25. Below is Council President Glass’ full statement:

“When I was first elected to serve as president, I promised to work collectively with this elected body – and to bring greater transparency. As an at-large councilmember, it has been my mission to uplift the needs of residents from every corner of our community. I believe we must build on our accomplishments to make Montgomery County a more fair and equitable place, where everyone can afford to work, live, raise a family, get the best education and age in place.

Montgomery County Joins ‘Capital Area Solar Switch’

By Patrick Herron

Published May 18, 2023 at 10:00AM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County is again joining the “Capital Area Solar Switch,” an innovative program that leverages the power of groups to help residents and businesses throughout the Washington metropolitan area learn about and install rooftop solar panels, battery storage and electric vehicle charging stations. This is the third year that Montgomery County has joined forces with Solar United Neighbors and other jurisdictions to create the opportunity for people living in and around the D.C. area. In addition to competitive pricing on solar panels, members of Capital Area Solar Switch receive a direct line to ask questions about the process and access to a team that vets qualified installers to compete for the group’s business.

The program will conduct a reverse auction with qualified installers on June 21 to secure a competitively priced solar package. After the auction, personal recommendations will be prepared and sent to all registered residents by July 25. Capital Area Solar Switch’s auction is expected to save residents an average of $4,000 on a standard-sized system. The IRA Federal solar tax credit could further reduce costs by an additional 30 percent.

Montgomery County Offers Tick Protection Tips as Weather Heats Up

By Patrick Herron

Published May 18, 2023 at 9:56AM

Lyme disease is the most reported tickborne disease in Maryland. In 2021, more than 900 cases of Lyme disease were reported in Maryland. Symptoms of Lyme disease include:

If left untreated, the disease may spread to the joints and nervous system. Contact your health care provider if any of these symptoms develop after a known tick bite or after spending time in a tick habitat. Most cases can be cured with antibiotics.

Montgomery County Partners with LGBTQ+-Led Arts and Culture Group to Sponsor Third Annual ‘Pride in the Plaza’ on Sunday, June 25, in Silver Spring

By Patrick Herron

Published May 18, 2023 at 9:53AM

Per Montgomery County: In honor of Pride Month, Montgomery County will partner with Live in Your Truth Programs, a local LGBTQ+ arts and culture organization, to host its third annual “Pride in the Plaza” event from noon-8 p.m. on Sunday, June 25. Pride in the Plaza is an outdoor LGBTQ+ pride festival at Downtown Silver Spring’s Veterans Plaza.

Pride in the Plaza will feature an LGBTQ+ focused resource and vendor fair, a bilingual Drag Story Hour and the championship finale of “Live in Your Truth Program’s Drag Duels” series. The day will conclude with the third annual Pride in the Plaza Mini-Ball, a free voguing competition with cash prizes. The mini-ball competition, sponsored in partnership with the Capitol Ballroom Council, will begin at 5 p.m.

MoCo Outdoor Pools Open on May 27; Full Schedule Begins June 17

By MCS Staff

Published May 18, 2023 at 7:31AM

Montgomery County Outdoor pools are open for weekends and Memorial Day beginning May 27. The full schedule begins June 17.

“Summertime is all about making memories at the outdoor pool. Seven outdoor swimming pools are conveniently located in communities around Montgomery County for easy access to summer fun and fitness. The outdoor pools are kid-friendly, and they also offer adults the opportunity to swim laps.” Choose an outdoor pool that suits your needs, view all seven outdoor pool location below:

Commission on Veterans Affairs Honors County’s Fallen Heroes from Military Action Dating Back to World War I With Online Tributes of Bios and Photos

By Patrick Herron

Published May 17, 2023 at 4:06PM

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs is honoring many “Fallen Hometown Heroes” with County connections dating back to World War I with detailed tributes displayed on a special website created by the commission. The tribute is especially notable as the County prepares to commemorate Memorial Day on Monday, May 29.

To learn more about the Montgomery Commission on Veterans Affairs, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cva.

Wheaton Will Host ‘Spring Fling’ at Marian Fryer Town Plaza on Sunday, May 21, with Free Activities, Food and Drinks

By Patrick Herron

Published May 17, 2023 at 4:05PM

Per Montgomery County: Warm weather is settling in and Wheaton is ready to welcome it. From noon-4 p.m. on Sunday, May 21, the Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Downtown Wheaton will turn into a ”Spring Fling” free community picnic scene with music, food and drinks from local merchants, lawn games and arts and crafts. Marian Fryer Town Plaza is located at 2424 Reedie Dr. in Wheaton. It is close to the Wheaton Metro Station and there is significant nearby parking.

MCASAC to Hold Fee-Waived Adoption Event for All Dogs May 18-28

By Patrick Herron

Published May 17, 2023 at 3:22PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) will hold a fee-waived adoption event for all dogs starting Thursday, May 18, and running through Sunday, May 28. The “Love is Blooming” adoption event is sponsored by Friends of Montgomery County Animals (FMCA).

Through adoptions, education and outreach, MCASAC serves as a critical community resource to promote and advocate for responsible pet care. Animal Services officers are available seven days a week, 24 hours each day, to investigate complaints and respond to animal emergencies.