MoCo Archives - Page 325 of 605

$1.5 million Is Available Through Two Grant Programs for Nonprofits Working With ‘Underserved Communities’ in Montgomery County

Published February 16, 2023 at 5:08PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the Montgomery County Council today announced a total of $1.5 million will be available through two new grant programs for County nonprofit organizations that work with “underserved communities.” Both programs are intentionally very flexible to allow nonprofits to identify their own needs and new programs best suited to support their communities.

Eligible nonprofits can now apply for funds from the programs. Applications are due by 9 a.m. on Wednesday March 15. An online information session for the grant program will be held from 1:30-3 p.m. on Friday Feb. 17. To join the information session or see its recording, click here.

‘Forging Freedom: Endurance, Escape, and Rockville’s Underground Railroad’ Free Virtual Presentation

By MCS Staff

Published February 16, 2023 at 2:52PM

Forging Freedom: Endurance, Escape, and Rockville’s Underground Railroad is an exhibit on the story of Rockville in the era of the Underground Railroad, when slavery cast a shadow over life in this farming town, and separatist tensions steadily propelled the nation towards war. Come learn about the brave fugitives who fled slavery in Rockville, the abolitionist network that helped, and the endurance of the enslaved community.

This is an online presentation through Zoom on Wednesday, February 22z Upon registration, you will receive the link to the Zoom broadcast. If you, a friend, or family member are interested in the presentation but unable to use Zoom? Register for the presentation, then e-mail [email protected] or call 301-762-0096 and ask for the telephone number in the days before the start of the event. You can call and listen to the presentation, instead. (Telephone attendees will not be able to view the visual aspect of the presentation.)

Montgomery County Council Committee Meetings on February 16, 2023

By Patrick Herron

Published February 16, 2023 at 9:09AM

Per Montgomery County: Committee briefings on the County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan and tutoring interventions in public schools; review of FY23-28 CIP amendments for economic development, digital equity, technology services and County offices and FY23 Supplemental Appropriations and FY23-28 Capital Improvements Program Amendments for lactation rooms in County buildings, parking lot resurfacing, HVAC and electrical equipment replacement; and review of legislation related to the Board of Investment Trustees membership and a declaration of no further need in Burtonsville

The Economic Development (ECON) Committee will meet on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 9:30 a.m. to receive a briefing from the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) on the implementation of the Economic Development Strategic Plan. The committee will also review FY23-28 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) amendments for Economic Development and for Digital Equity – Montgomery Connects.

Animal Services and Adoption Center and FMCA Holding ‘More to Love’ Fee-Waived Adoptions for Dogs Over 40 Pounds Through February 24

By Patrick Herron

Published February 15, 2023 at 6:58PM | Updated February 15, 2023 at 8:37PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) is holding a fee-waived adoption event for dogs over 40 pounds starting Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, Feb. 14, and running through Friday, Feb. 24. The “More to Love” adoption event is sponsored by Friends of Montgomery County Animals (FMCA). While small dogs get adopted quickly, often within an hour of being made available for adoption, it is not uncommon for dogs over 40 pounds to wait a month or more for their new homes.

“Some people have misconceptions that bigger dogs are harder to train, require more exercise or need more space,” said Adoption Supervisor Faith Koleszar. “That all really depends on the personality of the dog. Some are hiking buddies and some are couch potatoes. Believe it or not, a big dog can be a great apartment dog—as long as they are getting the care and attention they need. If you come to the adoption center with an open mind, we can find you a great match.”

Montgomery Food Council Unveils 2023 ‘County Food and Beverage Guide’

By Patrick Herron

Published February 15, 2023 at 6:57PM

The Food Council is an independent nonprofit organization that connects businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and concerned residents to create a robust, sustainable and equitable local food system. In addition to the Food and Beverage Guide, the MoCo Made Program includes efforts to increase networking opportunities for farmers, wholesale and retail buyers and producers; provides educational resources for existing and aspiring food and beverage business owners on how to scale a business; connects small businesses to tools and resources; and provides overall facilitation and connections of small businesses to customers, capital and infrastructure.

For more information on the Food and Beverage Guide, go to

‘Shop Maryland Energy Weekend’ Feb. 18-20 Will Provide Sales Tax Savings on Energy Star Appliances

By Patrick Herron

Published February 15, 2023 at 6:55PM

Per Montgomery County: Marylanders either needing or just contemplating replacing appliances could be motivated to shop from Feb. 18-20 when they can save on paying State sales tax on eligible Energy Star-rated appliances during “Shop Maryland Energy Weekend.”

During Presidents’ Day weekend, appliances bearing the Energy Star label, whether purchased in-store or online, will be exempt from the State’s six percent sales tax. Eligible appliances could include air conditioners, washers, dryers, standard-size refrigerators, furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, compact fluorescent light bulbs, dehumidifiers and programmable thermostats. Solar water heaters are tax-exempt year-round.

MCPS Athletics Teams Win County Championships

By MCS Staff

Published February 15, 2023 at 5:04PM

Congratulations to the following MCPS high schools that won recent athletics championships! The Sherwood boys’ wrestling team won the 4A North Regional Championship. The James Hubert Blake girls’ indoor track and field team are the 4A West regional champions. Swimming and diving division champs include:

And Northwood won the county championship in bocce for the first time in school history.

Wootton HS Basketball Team and Poms Squad Help Tutor First Graders at Fallsmead ES

By MCS Staff

Published February 15, 2023 at 4:37PM

When they are not playing basketball or performing at games, students from the Thomas S. Wootton High School Basketball team and the Poms Squad volunteer their time at Fallsmead Elementary School. Basketball coach Erick Graves started the Wootton Cares Reading and Mentoring program seven years ago to give his players a way to give back to their community. The poms squad also joined the effort this year.

“I think our guys get a lot out of it. They get to see, you know, the power of their presence, and how the power of a simple high five could change a kid’s day,” coach Graves said. The student-athletes visit the elementary school on Fridays after school about seven to eight times during the basketball season to tutor the students on reading and other subjects.

Councilmember Luedtke Introduces Bill to Improve Transparency of County Boards, Committees and Commissions

By Patrick Herron

Published February 15, 2023 at 11:51AM

Per Montgomery County: Councilmember Dawn Luedtke on Tuesday introduced legislation to address Open Meetings Act violations and inconsistencies found in Montgomery County government. Bill 8-23 would set clear and consistent deadlines for the more than 80 County government boards, committees and commissions that meet to inform the public and advise policymakers on critical issues impacting the community. The legislation would require the deadlines for groups to publish basic information critical to transparency, including meeting notices, agendas, minutes and recordings if a meeting was recorded.

In August 2022, the State Open Meetings Act Compliance Board found several County boards, committees and commissions violated existing State Open Meetings Act law by failing to provide reasonable advance notice of meetings, failing to provide information on how to access virtual meetings, failing to post minutes, and more.

Montgomery County Council Vice President Andrew Friedson Awarded the ‘Hiram Musgrove Memorial Award’ by the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad

By Patrick Herron

Published February 15, 2023 at 10:54AM

Per Montgomery County: On February 11, 2023, Montgomery County Council Vice President Andrew Friedson was awarded the Hiram Musgrove Memorial Award at the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad’s (BCCRS) 2023 Annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony. The Hiram Musgrove Memorial Award is given to a community member who has distinguished oneself as an outstanding champion of the BCCRS.

Every year, one award is given to someone in the community who has worked in an outstanding capacity to contribute to the philosophy, purpose, management, and operation of the Rescue Squad. A second award was given to Battalion Chief Leo Ruiz as an “internal” member for his outstanding contributions to the Squad, and his dedicated service since 1999. Nominations for this award are made by the General Membership and selected by the Board of Directors and reflects the Rescue Squad’s “Hall of Fame.”

MCPS High School Wrestling Tournament Preview

By MCS Staff

Published February 15, 2023 at 8:26AM

This preview has been written by a fan that would like to remain anonymous and provided to us by Germantown Wrestling. PDF images available below (formatting may have slightly altered the text.

MCPS tournament seeds were released this week and there will be some great action at the upcoming 60th annual MCPS Wrestling Tournament. This will be the first complete season since 2020 with no restrictions related to COVID-19. This year’s field of MCPS wrestlers are talented and are looking to prove that they represent some of the best in the state. There are potential state placers and champs in almost every weight class, which makes this year’s county tournament one of the most competitive in recent history. Several weight classes have multiple state ranked wrestlers and a few state #1’s in their division.