MoCo Archives - Page 329 of 629

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

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.

Mattresses and Box Springs Now Being Accepted for Recycling

By Patrick Herron

Published May 17, 2023 at 3:13PM

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is now accepting mattresses and box springs at the Shady Grove Transfer Station and Recycling Center in Derwood. The new recycling program provides an opportunity for community members to responsibly dispose of old mattresses and box springs and will greatly reduce waste.

Acceptable items in the new recycling program include mattresses and box springs such as, but not limited to:

Montgomery County Green Bank Appoints Stephen Morel as New Chief Executive Officer

By MCS Staff

Published May 16, 2023 at 4:28PM

The Montgomery County Green Bank (Green Bank) announced that Stephen Morel has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer. Stephen Morel, who has been serving as the Green Bank’s Chief Investment Officer since 2019, will succeed Tom Deyo, the Green Bank’s inaugural Chief Executive Officer. Deyo announced his resignation as the Green Bank’s CEO in March and will serve as the interim Chief Operations Officer until July 1, 2023.

Per the press release: Morel has a professional background in entrepreneurial leadership as well as in corporate and project finance, with a particular interest in public-private institutions and catalyzing investment into high impact sectors. Morel brings his proven skills in business management and investment structuring to the Montgomery County Green Bank with the intent to more rapidly make clean energy and climate-resilient solutions accessible to and affordable for all in Montgomery County. “Steve has a record of strong leadership as the Montgomery County Green Bank’s previous Chief Investment Officer and in his preceding roles,” says Bonnie Norman, Montgomery County Green Bank Board Chair. “His unique investment background combined with his commitment to the Green Bank’s mission makes Steve ideally suited for our ambitious next chapter of scale, scope and impact.”

Council Appoints New Planning Board Chair and Board Member

By Patrick Herron

Published May 16, 2023 at 3:14PM

Per Montgomery County: Today the Montgomery County Council appointed Artie L. Harris, Jr. as the new Montgomery County Planning Board chair and Josh Linden as a Planning Board member. The Planning Board serves as the County’s principal land use and planning advisor. Planning Board members also serve as commissioners of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

“The new Montgomery County Planning Board reflects Montgomery County’s diversity across backgrounds, experience and party affiliations,” said Council President Evan Glass. “The Council’s public selection process has led us to make twocritical appointments today. Artie Harris and Josh Linden have the combined experience, leadership and listening skills that are necessary to engage with community members and the Council about land use and planning issues. These individuals will play an integral role in establishing a vision for the future of our County.

‘The Man Behind the Stations on the Metropolitan Branch Railroad’ Presentation May 20 in Germantown

By Patrick Herron

Published May 15, 2023 at 12:23PM

Per the Germantown Historical Society: On Saturday, May 20 at 3pm at the Germantown Library Susan Cooke Soderberg will be giving a PowerPoint presentation on: The Man Behind the Stations on the Metropolitan Branch Railroad as part of the celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Metropolitan Branch of the B & O Railroad. 150 years ago on May 25, 1873 trains began running across Montgomery County. The coming of the railroad changed the agriculture, the economy and the society of the County. By 1893 the line had 18 stops between Washington D. C. and Point of Rocks.

Most of these stops had a station house for the ticket master and waiting passengers – some large and fancy, some small and plain. All but one of these station houses were designed by noted architect E. Francis Baldwin. Five of these buildings still exist and are preserved with historic designation on what is now known as the MARC Brunswick Line. The Architect E. Francs Baldwin is renown for designing many buildings in a variety of styles from the Catholic Cathedral in Savannah, Georgia to the Power House in Baltimore. His attention to detail extended even to the waiting shelters at the train stops. Free tickets available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-man-behind-the-stations-on-the-metropolitan-branch-railroad-tickets-628856475647, but Walk-ins are welcome.

Number of Montgomery County Residents Experiencing Homelessness Increased by 313 Since Last Year

By Patrick Herron

Published May 15, 2023 at 11:52AM

Per Montgomery County: The number of adults and children experiencing homelessness in Montgomery County increased by 313 people since last year, according to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) 2023 Point-in-Time (PIT) survey report released May 10. The PIT survey is part of an annual regional analysis and report that started in 2001. According to the 2023 report, all nine jurisdictions in the Metropolitan Washington area included in the survey recorded an increase in the number of persons experiencing homelessness when compared to the 2022 count.

Montgomery County’s PIT count was conducted on the night of Jan. 25, 2023, as part of the nationwide effort to count people experiencing homelessness, including:

MoCo Celebrates 76 Centenarians Including Two Who Turn 107 This Year

By MCS Staff

Published May 15, 2023 at 10:08AM

“We had a terrific time today celebrating our 76 centenarians in Montgomery County with two, in particular, turning 107 this year!” Montgomery County Recreation (MoCo Rec) shared via social media. The celebration involved any resident who is at least 100 years old (centenarian) and their families. MoCo Rec began its search for Montgomery County centenarians in January of this year. Photos below, courtesy of MoCo Rec, with a video of the event coming soon: