“Sports is the largest participatory activity in Montgomery County and participants not only learn the value of teamwork and sportsmanship but involvement also leads to higher levels of physical fitness, confidence, self-esteem, and academic success,” said Robin Riley, director of Montgomery County Recreation. “This committee will advocate for enhanced sports opportunities and exceptional facilities ensuring youth have access to recreational sports programs. We look forward to working with community stakeholders and collaborators to develop a roadmap for identifying opportunities to expand programming.”


Per Montgomery County: The fourth phase of Montgomery County’s COVID-19 Rent Relief Program will close to new applications at midnight on Friday, Jan.13.  Phase Four of the Rent Relief Program will close because it is expected that the current pool of applicants will exhaust  the remaining funds available for the program, which provides financial assistance for tenants who have experienced a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 health crisis.

Furthermore, the County offers Emergency Eviction Prevention services.  Renters facing an immediate loss of housing should call 311 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. to be connected with the Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Housing Stabilization Services.


Montgomery County is hosting its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. tribute and celebration from 4–5:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16 at The Music Center at Strathmore. This free event, “We Are Martin,” will feature special guests, performing artists and a 200-student chorus from Spark M. Matsunaga Elementary School. The Montgomery County Volunteer Center is also hosting the main event for the annual MLK Day of Service from noon–3 p.m. on Jan. 16, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center at 5701 Marinelli Road in North Bethesda. There are also three partner sites hosting events on Jan. 16:

A full listing of local and remote opportunities to join an MLK Day of Service event is available here. Students can earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for attending and participating. Service will continue throughout the week with virtual, home-based and other on-site projects hosted by a variety of organizations.


MCPS is seeking employers in all career fields who would be willing to help prepare students for life after high school. Hosts could benefit by gaining extra help at a time when it is tough to find workers, and by building a future talent pipeline for the organization.

Since 2017, 2,400 students have participated in the program, gaining skills and connections with industry professionals. This year, the program is looking to serve 800 MCPS students in more than 60 industries.


The undefeated and defending National Champion Georgia Bulldogs (14-0) will take on the TCU Horned Frogs (13-1) on Monday night for the 2022 NCAA College Football National Championship. Each team will have one Montgomery County native representing the area, as Jacob Hardie (Good Counsel, Class of 2021), Georgia, and Johnny Hodges (Quince Orchard, Class of 2019), TCU, prepare for Monday night’s game.

Jacob Hardie, who played wide receiver and free safety at Good Counsel, walked on to the Georgia football team when coaches invited him for a workout after seeing him on film while evaluating another player. According to Hardie, older players in front of him and injuries kept him from getting major playing time while he was at Good Counsel, but he knew what he was capable of. The 5’9, 180 pound Olney native is now on the roster of the defending national champions as a running back.


Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee announces the selection of Bernice D. Mireku-­‐North to fill the unexpired term within the 14th General Assembly legislative district created by the resignation of outgoing Delegate Eric Luedtke. Luedtke resigned effective January 2 to join the incoming Moore-­‐Miller Administration as Chief Legislative Officer. The Committee’s selection serves as a recommendation to be delivered to Governor Hogan, who must confirm the appointment.

The MCDCC would like to thank all of the candidates who applied for the District 14 delegate seat. Their passion, desire and commitment to serve the district’s residents demonstrates the energy and dedication found throughout Montgomery County for public service. The Committee will be sending its recommendation to Governor Hogan tonight, January 3, and asks that the Governor confirm the nomination as expeditiously possible for the nominee to be sworn-­‐in in time for the upcoming legislative session to begin.


Four MCPS coaches have been named 2022 All-Met Coaches of the Year by The Washington Post– Peg Keiller, Kellie Redmond, Prasad Gerard, and Michelle Hunsicker-Blair. Additional information about each coach available below:

Peg Keiller, girls’ soccer coach at Quince Orchard High School, was named Coach of the Year. Coaching at Quince Orchard since 1999, Keiller’s teams have won two 4A state championships in five finals appearances.


Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County’s annual “Point-In-Time (PIT) Street Count is scheduled for the overnight hours of Wednesday, Jan. 25, and volunteers are needed to help survey unsheltered individuals and households. The County Continuum of Care, the County’s local planning body that coordinates housing, services and funding for homeless families and individuals, organizes the effort in partnership with service providers in the community.

Volunteers are needed to survey unhoused neighbors. Volunteers will receive training, be organized in teams and go out to designated locations where it is believed unsheltered persons may be located. Training will be provided to fully prepare volunteers to engage with people experiencing homelessness and administer the survey. To participate in the Point-in-Time County, register at 2023 Point in Time Count Volunteer Registration Survey (surveymonkey.com).


*An internet connection and a device (such as a smartphone, tablet or computer) are required for participation.

For more information about programs, contact Adrienne van Lare at [email protected]


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